Winter Weather Get it Together

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•November 30, 2016• As snow and ice season looms over Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois Tollway are teaming up to remind motorists to be prepared and remember: “Winter Weather – Get it Together.” By taking steps to prepare for wintry driving conditions, the motoring public can do their part to make this a safe and successful winter driving season. “Winter driving in Illinois comes with challenges that can be met if you are prepared,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Our snow and ice teams, as always, are ready for the … Read More

Family Movie Night

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•November 30, 2016• Family movie night is Friday, December 2 at the Sullivan Church of God. Beginning at 6 p.m. the family is invited to enjoy a free movie with food and beverages also offered. The Sullivan Church of God is located at 321 N. West St. in Sullivan. … Read More

Mattoon Arts Council Accepts Quilts for Show

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•November 30, 2016• The Mattoon Arts Council is now accepting entries for its 2017 quilt show with the theme of “Stitches of the Seasons.” Quilts, wall hangings, table runners, pillows and garments are eligible for exhibition. This is not a juried quilt show, and all ages of quilters are accepted. The MAC wishes to showcase the talents of area artists and quilters alike. … Read More

Following the Chamber Elves Around Sullivan Businesses

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•November 30, 2016• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Christmas is coming and never mind about that fat goose. It is time for the annual trek to find unique and original gifts and stocking stuffers – but where? Enter the Find the Elf contest sponsored by the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development agency. I visited seven participating stores and was amazed at what beautiful and whimsical gifts may be found right here in Sullivan and at very reasonable prices, thanks to remarkable entrepreneurs. First stop – Astoria (204 W. Harrison) housed in an old mansion where I once stayed … Read More

New City Administrator is a Familiar Face

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•November 30, 2016• By Mike Brothers When Dan Flannell becomes Sullivan city administrator January 16, 2017 he leaves a 28 year career as Moultrie County Circuit Judge to walk across the street for a new challenge. On November 21 the Sullivan City Council ended a long search for a city administrator when they chose retiring Judge Flannell to coordinate the city’s day to day operations. “I knew when I stepped down from the bench, I didn’t want to retire,” Flannell said, noting when he learned of the city’s search for an administrator in the spring it interested him. Appointed Chief … Read More

Gypsy Soul is Full of Eye Candy

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•November 30, 2016• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Gypsy Soul Revival, next to Thrifty Boutique is just full of beautiful eye candy. Colorful blouses and tees, an entire rack of pastel, plaid, flannel shirts, turquoise handmade jewelry and two comfy chairs in front of a table of goodies for that shopping-weary hubby. The mother/daughter owners are Sheri Seabaugh and Darby Harden, and they started their store almost four years ago. They had been doing a runway show which was closing down, and they felt like gypsies with nowhere to go, and thus was the inspiration for their store … Read More

Obituaries 11-30-2016: John Marquis

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John Marquis John G. Marquis, Jr. 81, of Lovington passed away at 1:28 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016 in Mason Point in Sullivan. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, December 1 in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service in the funeral home in Lovington. Burial with military rites by Lovington American Legion Post #429 will be in Keller Cemetery in Lovington.  … Read More

Remember When? 11-30-2016

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Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens 25 Years Ago This Week The Lovington High School junior varsity volleyball team finished the 1991 season at 18-0 to become the first LHS athletic team in at least 20 years to complete a season undefeated. The team members include Michelle Geiling, Tara Traxler, manager, Heather Stoerger, Jamie Coon, Shanon Phillips, Christy Franklin, Kara Bolsen, Jenny Uphoff, statistician Kristy Minor, Lynette Eads, Tracy Mancha, Leslie Mosier, Michelle Smith, Casee Mechling and Alyssa Gilmore. Lovington junior Brisyn Morrison was chosen to be a member of the All-Meridian Conference volleyball squad during recent voting of conference coaches. Junior Jill … Read More

IASB Upholds School Polling Place Policy

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•November 30, 2016• A proposal that would have prohibited school buildings from being used as polling places did not gain sufficient support to change a position held by the Illinois Association of School Boards since 2007. Representatives from 357 school boards considered resolutions on a variety of public school issues at the Association’s annual Delegate Assembly. The assembly was held Nov. 19 in conjunction with the 2016 Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. IASB’s existing position statement supports legislation that allows school districts the right to refuse the use of their school buildings as polling places. The resolution that would have … Read More