Redskins’ Varsity Start Strong Against Warriors

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•January 11, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor The Sullivan boys’ varsity basketball team dropped its Central Illinois Conference opener 50-46 when it traveled to Tuscola Friday night. “(We) played three really good quarters,” said Sullivan coach Chester Reeder. “Unfortunately, we play basketball and not hockey.” Sullivan jumped out to a 19-10 first-quarter lead, but Tuscola battled back in the second quarter to take the lead 26-23 at half. The Warriors extended that lead to six heading into the fourth quarter. … Read More

Obituaries 1-11-2017: Alson Kelly

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Alson Kelly Alson J. Kelly, 76, of Effingham, formerly of Bethany and Dalton City, died at 5 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2017 in Effingham. Celebration of Life services will be 10 a.m. Thursday in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Rick Catt officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today (Wednesday). Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Bethany.  … Read More

Correction 1-11-2017

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•January 11, 2017• There is an error in  the Bethany library story in the January 4  issue of the News Progress.  It is the collection of yearbooks that have been digitalized – not the class pictures.  Any Bethany high school graduate may now go to the website and view their yearbook. We regret the error. … Read More

Okaw Valley Girls Score Double Wins

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•January 11, 2017• The Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team took care of two more non-conference teams Thursday and Monday. Thursday, the Timberwolves knocked off Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg 63-52 with a balanced offensive attack. OV took an early 10-point lead in the first quarter and kept that lead through the rest of the game. Windsor cut the lead to 48-40 in the third quarter but couldn’t come any closer. … Read More

Letter to the Editor: 1-11-2017

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January 4 Was One of the Best Dear Editor, January 4, 2017 was one of the best newspapers I have read. I always enjoy Trudy Lieberman and Jim Nowlan’s columns, but this week the story on the Bethany library was very good. I was glad to read that Bethany High School class yearbooks are digitally available. … Read More

Sullivan Schools Approve Sales Tax Question

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•January 11, 2017• Sullivan Community Unit District 300 school board is hoping that collecting a 1% sales tax could ease the property tax funding burden in Moultrie County. David Pistorius of First Midstate, Inc. explained the request would be placed on the April 4, 2017 ballot. Sales tax revenue generated could be used toward facility use and or construction. Not eligible are operational costs, salaries, moveable equipment, or computers. Pistorius noted the Regional Supt. of Schools office must certify the ballot question by January 26, 2017 to the Moultrie County Clerk’s office. The revenue up to 1% could be collected … Read More

A Sweet Morning That Starts in the Middle of the Night

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•January 11, 2017• By Ellen Ferrera for there News Progress We’ve all been to the local IGA to shop. We enter, turn right and amble toward the deli section and then, in the corner of our eye, there it is. That hulking white case with the slanted shelves filled with THEM. Some are round and glazed or with sprinkles, some are square or twisted and sugar coated. You salivate at the sight of those that ooze of vanilla pudding that mingles with haunting dark chocolate in every bite, and Lord have mercy! Some are even drenched in maple glaze and … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Illinois Social Services Under Fire for Neglecting Those in Need

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•January 11, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist A recent Chicago Tribune series reveals more than a thousand possible cases of abuse and neglect at certain group homes in Illinois since 2011, some resulting in deaths of those served. What’s new? I have been reading of exposés about poor care of our infirm populations by the state of Illinois rather regularly over the half-century that I have been observing Illinois public life. It will probably always be thus—because of the constant tension between cost and care, the complexities of serving folks such as the developmentally disabled and the inability … Read More

ALAH Girls’ Basketball Team Overcomes Tuscola

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•January 11, 2017• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond girls’ basketball team picked up a non-conference win at home against Tuscola Monday night. Liz Shipman scored a game-high 19 points to help the Knights overcome Tuscola 55-50. Hannah Wallen followed with 11 points, including two 3-pointers, and Megan Fifer hit double-digits with 10 points. Fifer also made 3-of-4 from the free throw line. … Read More