Understanding Illinois: Justice Stark County Style: A Lesson in the Legal System
•April 12, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist There are saving graces in rural venues like Stark County, Illinois (pop. 5,900, 1,000th that of Cook County). I am filling in at the courthouse for my ace reporter (my only reporter, for that matter), who is recovering from surgery. Here is the scene at the stately Greek Revival courthouse, where Lincoln and Douglas spoke on back-to-back days in 1858: A former federal prosecutor, Judge Thomas Keith presides, looking like your favorite uncle, twinkly blue eyes and a broad face looking for every opportunity to break out into a warm smile. To … Read More
Annual Rabies Clinic at LFD
•April 12, 2017• Graham Veterinary Clinic will sponsor their annual rabies clinic at the Lovington Fire Department from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Vaccinations include those for rabies, bordetella, feline leukemia, and other viruses. There is a fee for the vaccinations. At the clinic, pet owners also have the opportunity to purchase county tags which are required for dogs. In addition, the option to microchip a pet is offered. Contact Lisa Clark at 217-521-6274 with questions. … Read More
Schools Spruce up Findlay
•April 12, 2017• Okaw Valley and Shelbyville Middle School students helped spruce up the village of Findlay April 7. Jody McCormick, Findlay trustee and economic development coordinator, came up with community projects to help prepare the village park and downtown planters for spring activity, while also cleaning up around the village. “This is a great opportunity to get together different communities and work hand in hand to complete projects where the kids can see it to completion,” McCormick said, noting she hopes to get involved when the co-op exchange goes to Shelbyville for a similar project in the future. The … Read More
Three Win Weekend for Okaw Valley Timberwolves
•April 12, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports The Okaw Valley baseball team picked up three more wins and improved its record to 10-1 overall and 2-0 in the Little Okaw Valley Conference. this past week. The Timberwolves defeated Argenta Oreana Monday, Greenfield Saturday and Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond Friday. Against ALAH, OV busted the game open early, scoring seven runs in the top of the first inning. The Timberwolves added a run in the third inning, two in the fourth, and two more in the fifth for the final 12-0 score. Tanner Coleman got the win. He pitched three innings and gave … Read More
Retired Teachers Learn About 100 Women
•April 12, 2017• The Moultrie Co Retired Teachers met April 5 in Sullivan United Methodist Church. Stepheny McMahon spoke to the group about 100 Women Who Care. Brunch and a business meeting followed the presentation. … Read More
Top Finishes for Five Knights at Invite
•April 12, 2017• Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond boys’ track team hosted the 15-team ALAH Boys Invite April 7. Five Knights finished in the top three spots. Logan Hall won the 1,600 meter run with a time of 4:21.26, and Austin Romine followed in second at 4:49.44. … Read More
SOV Girls Get Top Three Finishes
•April 12, 2017• The SOV girls’ track and field team competed in two meets in Shelbyville this week. SOV scored eight points at the Shelbyville Girls’ Invite April 7. Top finishers included Natalie Drury who took third place in the high jump at 4’10” and Laine Cameron with a fifth place finish in the 300 hurdles with a time of 53.09. SOV also competed in the Shelbyville Quad Meet last Tuesday. … Read More
Players Drive Program for New Varsity Football Coach
•April 12, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports Sullivan-Okaw Valley announced that Andy Kerley has been hired as the new head varsity football coach. “Sullivan is a community I’ve always had great experiences with as a visiting coach,” said Kerley. “From the other sideline the support levels have always seemed good. The town, the administration, everyone seems to support the programs of the school, and that is a great positive when looking at a place as a potential working environment. The infrastructure is mostly in place already to allow the program to blossom.” Kerley spent seven years as the Cerro … Read More
Obituaries 4-12-2017: James Whitacre
James Whitacre James B. Whitacre, 80, of Maroa died Saturday, April 8, 2017 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be 11 a.m-1 p.m. Thursday in Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur followed by a graveside service in Maroa Cemetery. … Read More