Yost Gets 75 Years for Randall Murder

News Progress Posted on by

Victim Statements Show Impact on Family •October 26, 2016• By Mike Brothers All the kids are afraid,” were the words of Sheri Randall’s nine year old son Donovan read by grandfather Terry Standerfer in open court prior to Michael S. Yost’s  sentencing Oct. 21. Yost was sentenced to 75 years in prison for the death of Randall. First degree murder requires an offender to serve 100% of the sentence. He will be 117 years old when the sentence is completed. Judge Dan L. Flannell explained Randall’s brutal 2015 murder reflected the boy’s concerns and indicated the death affected the community. … Read More

Soil Temperatures Running Above Normal

News Progress Posted on by

•October 26, 2016• Soil temperatures in Illinois were one to two degrees above normal in mid-October, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois. Soil temperatures declined during the first two weeks of October but remained above normal. Statewide temperatures at depths of four inches under bare soil declined eight degrees during that time period to an average of 57.7 degrees F on October 14. Daily highs for that day rose into the 60s for most of the state, while lows were in the … Read More

Auto Sales and Detailing Business Opens

News Progress Posted on by

•October 26, 2016• Cole Auto Sales opened at 317 W Jackson in Sullivan offering a good selection of affordable transportation and auto buyers a new shopping location. Andrew Cole has brought his experience from working at local dealerships to start the new auto sales and detailing business. “I always wanted my own business so when this place came open it became a good opportunity,” he said, noting he also offers complete car detailing at the Jackson Street location. “Integrity matters,” Amanda Cole continued, explaining that the vehicles offered at Cole Auto Sales have been checked out by a reputable mechanic … Read More

Knights Refuse to Quit on Senior Knight

News Progress Posted on by

•October 26, 2016• By Matt Kracht NP Sports Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond took a tough 50-20 home loss to cap off the regular season Friday. The Knights’ defense was unable to stay with the vertical threats of the Blue Devils in a high scoring contest. ALAH head coach Dale Schuring commented that his seniors gave all they had in the contest. “These kids have dedicated themselves all season, doing what they had to do to be competitive.” The Knights went three and out on their first possession. ALAH’s defense responded by forcing a crucial turnover on downs on 4th and four from the … Read More

Letter to the Editor 10-26-2016

News Progress Posted on by

Energy Assistance Can Help Those in Need Financial insecurities are a reality for over 300,000 families in Illinois. Every day, these families are faced with hard decisions on how to stretch their limited incomes to cover life’s most basic necessities: food, housing, medicines, and utilities. Seniors, for example, will often opt to not purchase medicine or only take half of the prescribed amount so they will have enough money to pay all of their monthly bills. It is a harsh reality that, today, many families really do have to decide between heating and eating. … Read More

Obituaries 10-26-2016: Iryis Walker

News Progress Posted on by

Iryis Walker Iryis “Faye” Pritts Walker of Morton, Ill. died Tuesday, July 19, 2016 in Evanston. Cremation has been accorded, and a celebration of her life will be held in her home in Morton (907 Sunset Rd) Saturday, Nov. 5 with an open house 2-5 p.m. and a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. … Read More

Hanson Seeks State’s Attorneys Seat

News Progress Posted on by

•October 26, 2016• Marvin L. Hanson is the Democrat challenger to Moultrie County State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey in the November 8 election. Hanson served as Moultrie County State’s Attorney from 2004 through 2012. He first came to Sullivan as assistant state’s attorney in1993 and also served eight years as Moultrie County public defender. For the past four years Hanson has been assistant state’s attorney in Shelby County with a caseload twice that in Moultrie County. With the cooperation of the county probation office Hanson has developed a diversion program allowing 18-21 year olds with misdemeanor offenses a chance to keep … Read More

ALAH School District’s 2016 Financial Audit

News Progress Posted on by

“Things look good for now…” •October 26, 2016• By Ariana Cherry for the News Progress The 2016 budget was presented and audited by McGuire, Yuhas and Buckley P.C. at the most recent Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board meeting. They noted that the budget is looking better than it did a year ago. Revenues exceeded expenditures, and none of the fund balances had deficits. Some of the recommendations that were made included trying to increase internal controls. The activity fund needs more than one signature when people are counting cash. Invoices or receipts also need to be turned in when using debit/credit cards. … Read More