Schools Struggle Without Regular State Funding

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•December 14, 2016• By Mike Brothers School funding approved by the state before the election has yet to produce results in Sullivan. Superintendent Brad Tuttle explained Sullivan Unit #300 has not yet received a categorical payment from the state. “If the state makes one payment instead of the three it committed to, it is going to hurt the district,” Tuttle said, noting the September voucher is still pending comptroller payment. “It is unfortunate our state is inconsistent to the point we can’t count on it,” he continued, noting the consequence could be a loss of $500,000 in state aid. The … Read More

Strong First Half Not Enough for Lady Timberwolves

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•December 14, 2016• Kirk Whitaker NP Sports Paige Robinson absolutely went off for Okaw Valley in the first half in Altamont Thursday. The junior smoothly took a rebound coast-to-coast before draining three 3-pointers, two on back-to-back, to help the Lady Timberwolves race out to a 15-5 lead after the first quarter. “That first quarter, and really first half, was one of the better halves of basketball we have had in my year and a half here,” Timberwolves head coach Brad Akers complimented. “I have never questioned the competitive spirit of these girls.” Jesse Robinson added an offensive rebound put-back to … Read More

Obituaries 12-14-2016: Sandra Linn

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Sandra Linn Sandra L. Linn, 78, of Sullivan, died at 12:01 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2016 in her residence. Family will receive friends at Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ in rural Sullivan from 4-6 p.m. Thursday evening. Reed Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Linn was born September 29, 1938 in Granite City, the daughter of John James and Dorothy Grey McCain. Sandra was an LPN at Fields Wright Medical Center in Sullivan and a member of Pana American Legion Auxiliary and Pana VFW Auxiliary. She married Gerald L. Cohan, Sr. in 1955, and he preceded her … Read More

Health Dept. Tightens Belt to Weather Budget

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•December 14, 2016• Moultrie County Public Health and Safety committee learned the County Health Dept. survived  state funding shortages last year by tightening their belts. Moultrie County Health Dept. executive director Angie Hogan pointed out last year state budget crisis proved a challenge financially for county’s health service agency. “Last year state budget grants stalled,” Hogan said of the major revenue short fall. “We had one nurse resign, and although it made it harder on our already limited staff, we didn’t replace her.” That was the formula for the health dept. making it through the fiscal year $17,000 in the … Read More

Sullivan High School Announces Illinois State Scholars

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•December 14, 2016• Principal Erik Young has announced that seven Sullivan High School students from the graduating class of 2017 have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state agency committed to helping make college accessible and affordable for Illinois families, confers this prestigious recognition annually to top Illinois high school students. This year, approximately 19,300 exceptional honorees join the other top state students honored for their academic achievements since the designation was first introduced in 1958.  … Read More

Timberwolves Fight Back to Take Down Titans

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•December 14, 2016• By Kirk Whitaker NP Sports Connor Cloyd, Garrett Fritz and Ty Nichols would not be stopped from getting Okaw Valley its third win on the young season against Tri-County in a home game Dec. 9. Cloyd and Fritz were forces down low, combining for 28 in the second half. It was Nichols who added seven points at crucial times for the ‘Wolves in their 59-52 win over the Titans. “Connor is normally our main source of offense,” Okaw Valley head coach Brooks Inman explained. “Garret played well too, but I think Ty’s drives were the points that … Read More

Windsor FFA Chapter Attends Convention

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•December 14, 2016• The Windsor FFA Chapter, along with 63, 000 other FFA members and guests, invaded downtown Indianapolis Oct. 19-21. Ten members of the Windsor FFA Chapter attended the 89th Annual National FFA Convention & Expo. There they listened to guest speakers give motivational life stories in the convention hall and explored the many booths in the career show.  … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Teacher Shortages Reflect Turmoil In Education

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By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist The teacher shortages popping up around the country, especially in poor rural as well as troubled urban districts, probably reflect the consequences of turmoil that has beset education since the scathing “A Nation at Risk” report in 1983 that declared American public schools were failing. A recent survey by the Illinois association of regional education superintendents found that 60 percent of reporting school districts had staffing difficulties this past year and 16 percent had to cancel classes due to shortages of qualified teachers. My rural district has had a deuce of a time finding … Read More