Titus Opera House-Sullivan’s Musical Past

News Progress Posted on by

•March 8, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Long before Guy Little, Jr. had a vision for The Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan enjoyed a storied musical past with the Titus Opera House. It was Sullivan’s cultural center from 1871 to 1910. Joseph Titus moved to Sullivan with his wife, Louise, and their talented daughter, Winifred. Mrs. Titus sang and played piano, sharing that love of music with the community. Mr. and Mrs. Titus became patrons of the arts and built the opera house in 1871 for $30,000. Located on the northeast corner of the square where … Read More

IDNR Biodiversity Field Trip Grants Include SES

News Progress Posted on by

•March 8, 2017• The Sullivan Elementary School first grade has received an $840 IDNR grant for a field trip to Ballard Nature Center in Altamont. Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Wayne Rosenthal announced the awarding of more than $98,000 in donated funds from the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program. More than 8,300 students will visit Illinois state parks, museums and other natural resources sites this year to learn about nature and conservation, thanks to grant funding through the 102 field trip grants. “We are pleased to support learning outside the classroom with these grants. This program allows … Read More

Obituaries 3-8-2017: Bill LaCost

News Progress Posted on by

Bill LaCost William “Bill” Everett LaCost, 91, of Bethany, passed away February 26, 2017 in Beaumont, Tex. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday March 11, in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Bethany. Visitation will be held an hour before the service at the funeral home in Bethany.  … Read More

Trustee Donates to Senior Center

News Progress Posted on by

•March 8, 2017• On Thursday, March 2, Tyler Graven, Sullivan Township Trustee, presented the Mid-Illinois Senior Center with a $500 donation – his salary for the year. Graven said, “I made the decision to return my salary to the taxpayers, specifically to four charities in Sullivan. The first one I thought of was the Senior Center because of all the services they provide to seniors.” In addition to presenting the check Tyler spent some time in the center answering questions about his job and the work of the township. He explained that the trustees are basically auditors and make sure … Read More

NAMI Learns About Stress Related Disorders

News Progress Posted on by

•March 8, 2017• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Effingham County held its monthly support group meeting featuring Dr., Monica Uddin. Dr. Uddin is a U of I professor of psychology who spoke on her research into stress related mental health disorders with an emphasis on PTSD. … Read More

New Aerial Photographs Offered County Municipalities

News Progress Posted on by

•March 8, 2017• Aerial photographs taken for property tax assessment and e911 will be shared with county municipalities if a recommendation from the Moultrie County GIS streering committee receives county board approval. Committee chair Kevin McReynolds reported Sullivan, Dalton City, Arthur and Allenville had partial ownership with the county of original aerial photos taken in 2002 for the supervisor of assessment’s office. “Sullivan has used the GIS, but the other communities have gotten little use,” McReynolds said, noting any changes in the past required each village’s approval. … Read More

Letters to the Editor 3-8-2015

News Progress Posted on by

Concerned About Equality Among Extracurricular Activities Dear Editor, I completely agree that we should be proud of the rich history of our show choirs, our girls’ basketball teams, our state champion swimmer, and our track champions, amongst others. I am bothered, however, that people still believe that show choir should be treated differently and get special attention. In this school year alone we had a golfer advance to state, our cross country team advance to sectionals, and our scholastic bowl team went undefeated in regular season and conference tournament play. I seriously doubt that we had any school administrators on hand for … Read More

Understanding Illinois: A Simple Pill To Say Goodbye

News Progress Posted on by

•March 8, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist The topic for the week is only a little less depressing than the Illinois budget impasse—the end of life. My hometown friend Archie, 90, has been a widower for decades. One of his two daughters lives a million miles away; the other passed away some years ago. I sometimes bump into Archie at the nearby McDonald’s at lunch, alone, chewing absent-mindedly on a hamburger, looking forlornly out the window. To add injury to insult, at present Archie is suffering a bedeviling case of eczema over much of his body. “I’m ready … Read More

CIPT is Making Sure No One is Left Behind

News Progress Posted on by

Grant Helps Cover Costs •March 8, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Central Illinois Public Transit (CIPT) has received a $1,000 grant from the Moultrie County Interagency Group. This returning grant will be used to help cover transportation costs for seniors over 60 and people with disabilities. Kathi Shackles, Exec. Dir. of the Senior Center, is surveying seniors for suggestions on trips or other services they need. Some ideas include a trip to Moonshine, Scovill Zoo, or Effingham for a performance. Jennifer Moore, Mobility Manager of CIPT, emphasized that transportation services are not just for the elderly and … Read More