Understanding Illinois: Nowlan Riles Readers with Rauner Piece

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•January 4, 2017• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist Several readers sharply disagreed with my recent column that took Gov. Bruce Rauner to task for his budget strategy, even criticism from a savvy, insider Chicago Democrat who said I was too tough on the governor. I have apparently failed to differentiate for readers between Rauner’s objectives, which I support, and his strategy, which I believe has failed. I subscribe to the old Will Rogers adage: “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.” I wish now I could have taken back that column before I sent it out, because … Read More

Obituaries 12-28-2016: James Tipsword

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James Tipsword James Lee Tipsword, 83, of Bethany passed away at 10:45 a.m. Monday, December 26, 2016 in Aspen Creek in Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 29 in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Bethany. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Bethany. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery in Bethany.  … Read More

Obituaries 12-28-2016: Mike Grose

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Mike Grose Michael Stuart Grose, 77, of Sullivan passed away at 1:25 p.m. Sunday, December 25, 2016 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Celebration of Life services will be noon Friday in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Charliam Renner officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan with military rites conducted by Sullivan American Legion Post# 68.  … Read More

A Festive Christmas Celebration at the Senior Center

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•December 28, 2016• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Nearly 50 senior citizens filed into the Senior Center Thursday, Dec. 23 for the 14th annual Christmas party. First stop was the treat table which was laden with delicious, decorated Christmas cookies, fudge, snack mix, cheese balls and crackers, fruit tray and other temptations. No sugar plums, however! Games were next in order, and a Christmas word scramble was completed in about three minutes. The next game required one person with a pair of dice to try and throw doubles while another person put on heavy oven mitts and tried … Read More

Okaw Valley Girls Place Third in Holiday Action

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•December 28, 2016• By Jason Lee Brown NP Sports Editor The Okaw Valley girls’ basketball finished a busy week of action at home, playing four games in four days. For the second straight year, the Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team placed third in the Okaw Valley girls’ basketball Holiday Tournament with a 3-1 record. The Lady Timberwolves defeated Blue Ridge Monday, lost to Unity on Tuesday and beat Altamont Wednesday. The Lady Timberwolves carried that tournament momentum into their game Thursday at home and defeated Tuscola, 40-32. OV took a five-point lead into the second quarter, but Tuscola came back … Read More

With the new year comes new changes

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•December 28, 2016• Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will see a slight increase in 2017. Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $127,200 from $118,500. Of the estimated 173 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2017, about 12 million will pay more because of the increase in the taxable maximum. Thresholds for benefits will change slightly next year including the Substantial … Read More

ALAH Girls Basketball Come Back for Championship

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•December 28, 2016• By Jason Lee Brown News Progress Sports Editor Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond girls’ basketball team defended its Knights Classic Holiday Tournament by sweeping through its pool play then defeating Tri-County 52-47 in the championship game in Arthur Friday night. To take home the championship trophy, ALAH had to come back from an early 13-point deficit against Tri-County. The Lady Titans pressed early to take a 12-2 lead and extended that lead to 20-7 at the end of the first quarter. “We weren’t playing sharp at the time,” said ALAH coach Craig Moffett. “It’s just one of those deals where the … Read More

Family Tradition Reflects Giving Season

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•December 28, 2016• By Mike Brothers “Our parents have always made sure we knew the real meaning of Christmas, and I am glad my brother carries on the tradition,” Amanda Scroggins. The spirit of Christmas giving lives on with the French family, as they gave two bicycles to Lovington elementary students for Christmas. Joc French is a Lovington alumnus who continues a tradition started by his parents more than 25 years ago. On Wednesday, Dec. 21 the French family tradition continued at the school he once attended. “When this started, it was meant to help make sure every child has … Read More