•November 30, 2016• Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 54,452 deer during the first weekend of the Illinois Firearm Deer Season Nov. 18-20. Hunters took 57,870 deer during the first firearm weekend in 2015. Illinois’ seven-day Firearm Deer Season will conclude Dec. 1-4. Other deer hunting opportunities in the weeks ahead include: • Muzzleloader-Only Deer Season Dec. 9-11; … Read More
Research partnership on diabetes, obesity also approved •November 30, 2016• The University of Illinois System signed an agreement that will bring doctoral students funded by Mexico to U of I System universities and approved a partnership for diabetes and obesity research during a visit to Mexico last week by President Tim Killeen and a delegation of senior leaders. Agreements also were signed that will provide a foundation for new academic and research partnerships with Mexico’s largest university and the country’s leading research institute. The four-day trip, from Nov. 14-17, was arranged to explore new educational and research collaborations in Mexico, … Read More
Janet Mitchell A funeral service for Janet R. Mitchell, 81, of Champaign was held at noon November 26 in Mackey-Wright Funeral Home in Monticello. Interment was in Monticello Township Cemetery. She died at 7:32 a.m. November 20, 2016 in McKinley Court in Decatur. … Read More
Cecil Burgess Cecil R. Burgess, 95, of Sullivan passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family at 11:01 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016. Celebration of Life services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Don Lusk and Pastor Fred Hauck officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today (Wednesday). Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan with military rites conducted by Sullivan American Legion Post #68. The family suggests casual attire. … Read More
•November 30, 2016• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Chamber of Commerce executive director Laurrie Minor welcomed me into her office and introduced me to her new intern, Melinda Calhoun-Hurt who was just completing her fifth day on the job. Calhoun-Hurt is from Memphis, Tennessee and is a senior at Lake Land College majoring in administrative executive assistantship. She learned about the position from her sister Amy who works at Moultrie County Counseling. Minor said “I have had other interns from high school, but Melinda is the first one working on a degree in this job category so we … Read More
•November 30, 2016• The Coles County Barbershop Chorus will present their 42nd Annual Christmas Benefit Concert(s) Sunday, Dec. 4. The 3 p.m. concert will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston, and the 7 p.m. program will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Mattoon. The concert lasts one hour and is free to the public. A free will offering is taken, and annually more than $5,000 is generated for area food pantry and homeless shelter programs. … Read More
•November 23, 2016• In seasons past the Okaw Valley baseball team has beaten teams 18-0. The same could be said for the softball team and SOV football. But to start the 2016-17 boys’ basketball tenure, the ‘Wolves were on the wrong end of that margin after a quarter. The first bucket of the season came with 5:09 to go in the first half when Garrett Fritz took to the lane and lifted up a floater that wasn’t sent back by one of the St. Anthony post players. … Read More
•November 23, 2016• By Jerry L. Ginther NP Columnist Tradition has significance for most seniors, I believe, especially during the autumn and winter holidays. I mean, what would Thanksgiving Day be without the traditional turkey dinner with pumpkin pie, stuffing, cranberry sauce and the many other treats associated with the day? The aroma from the kitchen created anticipation for all who waited for the feast to be served. Who would think of dining out at a restaurant on this occasion unless one had no family with which to share the day? There was always excitement in the preparations, too. And, … Read More
Training and Traveling with the Farm Bureau •November 23, 2016• By Annaleah Emm Illinois Farm Bureau Manager Trainee My name is Annaleah Emm, and I am a manager trainee with Illinois Farm Bureau. I have been training in the county for the past two weeks. The training program is a unique program that allows me to train and travel with Farm Bureau managers from around the state. I have currently trained in Livingston, Bureau, Knox, Cass- Morgan, Lawrence, Piatt and Douglas-Moultrie counties. The holiday season is among us. While most are preparing for the holiday festivities, farmers are still hoping for … Read More
•November 23, 2016• Lovington Village board met November 14 approving a request from Amanda Kreher to help with Breakfast for Santa Saturday, December 17. Kreher told the board that the breakfast is from 9-11 a.m. in New Life Community Building. She requested the village donate $500 toward the event’s food and treat bags for the children. At the October village board meeting David Bowers reported on drainage district progress. … Read More