Letters to the Editor 5-3-2017

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The Crime in Tabor Park Letter to the Editor, It was a “holocaust”, thousands died, their beautiful bodies lay where fallen curled in horrible disfigurement, young and vibrant, now ugly and decaying. It was a crime “against nature”, a vicious chemical attack on the innocent. If this was Syria, we would have to order a punishing missile attack. There is nothing to be solved in this case, the evidence is obvious, Sherlock Holmes are Dr. Watson are not needed, chemicals were used. … Read More

Organ/Tissue Donor Registry Could Expand in Future

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•May 3, 2017• Secretary of State Jesse White’s legislation that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to register for the state’s First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry when they receive their driver’s license or identification card passed the Illinois Senate today. SB Bill 868, sponsored by state Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) passed the Senate 56 to zero. It now goes to the House for consideration. “Our goal is always to save lives,” White said. “Thousands of Illinoisans are waiting for an organ. Many of those who wait are someone’s mother, father, daughter or son. This legislation, which the vast majority of … Read More

Make A Difference–Volunteer for Natural Resources Conservation Service

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•May 3, 2017• What have you done lately to make a difference in your town? Your county? Here’s your chance. Consider setting aside a block of time to join the work of others and have a positive, local impact you can feel good about. How? Become a volunteer! Join USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and celebrate National Volunteer Week, April 23-29, 2017. This week NRCS is saying “Thank you!” by honoring its Earth Team volunteers for their service to conservation. “I’d also challenge everyone to make a difference right where you are. Look for opportunities—places and organizations near you—where … Read More

ALAH Board Uses Sales Tax Funds to Improve Elementary School

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New Members Join Board •May 3, 2017• By Ariana Cherry for the News Progress Superintendent, Kenny Schwengel told Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond board membersat the last meeting that the negative balance in the transportation fund will require a transfer from the education fund. The school district has not received any categorical payments, but the superintendent is hopeful a payment will arrive by June. He explained the district should get the total owed by the state after July 1 (the beginning of the next fiscal year). The total of all funds currently is $4,390,299.64. At the May meeting a tentative budget will be presented, … Read More

SOV Girls’ Track Captures Top Six Spots at Lady Sage Invite

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•May 3, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The Sullivan-Okaw Valley girls’ track and field team competed in two meets despite the rainy weather this week. Thursday at the 18-team Monticello Lady Sages Invitational, Sullivan had four athletes place in the top six spots. Alaya Bolin tossed the shot put 32 feet 9.5 inches for fourth place, and Esther Miller high jumped 4 foot 8 inches for fourth place. Natalie Drury followed with a high jump of 4 foot 4 inches for sixth place, and Laine Cameron placed sixth in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 52.72. The Redskins … Read More

OVHS Student Awarded Shuman Memorial Scholarship

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•May 3, 2017• Kristina Burford of Bethany has been named recipient of the 2017 Charles B. Shuman Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the Moultrie County Farm Bureau. Ms. Burford is the daughter of Paul Burford and Elizabeth Burford. Kristina is currently a senior at Okaw Valley High School. Kristina plans to attend Lake Land College and then transfer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She plans to study Ag Education.  … Read More

Okaw Valley Wins Big Over Broncos

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•May 3, 2017• The Okaw Valley baseball team defeated Cerro Gordo-Bement but lost its first game in more than five weeks to Morrisonville. Against the Broncos Monday night, the Timberwolves ended the game in the third inning with a 15-0 lead. OV scored seven runs in the first inning and eight runs in the second. The offense totaled 10 hits, and the defense played errorless in the field. Taylor Coleman, Hayden Francisco and Garrett Fritz each recorded two hits. Fritz also had a game-high five RBIs. Sam Hagerman and Hutson Dickens each had three RBIs. Coleman pitched a one-hit shutout … Read More

What You Can Teach Your Grandchild About Social Security

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•May 3, 2017• By Gerald Tilley Social Security District Manager One of the greatest gifts you can give a grandchild is the gift of financial literacy. Helping them save money early in life and showing them how to make wise spending decisions goes a long way toward a bright financial future. As they get older, they may want to save for special purchases or their college education. You can encourage them when they get their first job to begin saving for the future, including their retirement. Planning for the Future with my Social Security … Read More