Deer Farming Interest Grows With Upcoming Tours

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Animal Crackers Treat the Herd •August 3, 2016• By Stu D. Baker For the News Progress Travis Phelps Moultrie County Monsters Deer Farm northwest of Sullivan is anything but scary. To prove his point Phelps scooped a cup full of animal crackers up and headed in to the eight foot high corral that’s home to five young deer. As the yearling does and bucks gathered around the cups of animal crackers, Phelps pointed out one of the his favorite benefits of deer farming. “It doesn’t matter how rough work has been,” Phelps, a veteran Illinois Department of Corrections employee, said, … Read More

Ballistic Vests Donated to State Police K-9s

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•August 3, 2016• Illinois State Police District 10 Captain Louis Kink is announcing the arrival of new ballistic vests for the two canines (K-9) in District 10. A couple from Champaign County, who would like to remain anonymous, purchased new body armor specially made for each canine. Each one was fitted for his new protective gear which includes a removable reflective ID panel for enhanced visibility. K-9 Yadi is a four year old Dutch Shepherd. K-9 Edo is a two year old Belgian Malinois. They are two very talented resources in District 10’s Team of Troopers. Both Yadi and Edo … Read More

Letters to the Editor: 8-3-2016

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The News Progress Editor, Mr. Nowlan’s July 20 column states he now thinks there might be a way to properly fund state pensions, but why were they not funded before? Well, let’s see. I’ve been following Jim Nowlan’s column for a long time and finally emailed him awhile back as to what I see the problem is in Springfield (as well as in D.C.). Just two words explain it all, it’s very simple, “Vote Buying.” One party likes to buy votes by handing out massive taxpayer dollars, free gratis, and the other party wants to get government run-away spending under … Read More

Dental Health Fair Offers School Dental Exams

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•August 3, 2016• Parents and children are invited to a Community Dental Health Fair, co-sponsored by Sarah Bush Lincoln Dental Services and Seventh Day Adventist Church, from 4:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, August 9, in the Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 2120 DeWitt Ave. in Mattoon. The event is free and open to the public. … Read More

St. Columcille Church Welcomes a New Era

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Father Sohm is Pastor Emeritus •August 3, 2016• By Mike Brothers Father John Sohm spent years bicycling around town while serving the 100 families at St. Columcille Parish in Sullivan over the past 20 years. Father Sohm takes on a new role at St. Columcille as Pastor Emertis. He still resides in the rectory but has scaled back daily duties. “I am thankful to Bishop (Thomas John) Paprocki for this appointment which allows me to reside in the Sullivan  rectory,” Father Sohm said. The 84 year old pastor has been hindered by health issues over the past few years, limiting … Read More

Expanded Cheer Squad Prepares for the New School Year

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•August 3, 2016• By Brynna Sentel For The News Progress Sullivan Okaw Valley cheerleading squad is expanding thanks to the generosity of a local business. The ability to offer positions to more students trying out was made possible in June thanks to the donation which could allow the squad to expand from 16 to 21 cheerleaders this school year. That donor covered additional costs in uniforms, equipment and transportation, enabling the cooperative venture between Okaw Valley and Sullivan school districts to expand with no additional school expense. The additional cheerleaders present new challenges for coach Marsha Kirby. The second year … Read More

Registration Reminders Are Back!

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•August 3, 2016• Secretary of State Jesse White announced that his office has reinstated the mailing of vehicle registration reminder notices to Illinois drivers. To offset the cost of the mailings, White is drafting legislation allowing his office to offer advertising space on the mailings. In addition, White is urging the public to sign-up for email notices to further reduce mailing costs. The Secretary of State’s office discontinued mailing reminders in October 2015 due to the lack of funding as a direct result of the state budget impasse. The stop-gap budget recently passed by the legislature and signed into law … Read More

New First-Mid Loans Officer

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•August 3, 2016• Stepheny McMahon has joined First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust as a Commercial Loan Officer and will provide a full range of commercial lending services to Sullivan and the surrounding areas. In her position, McMahon will assist business customers in achieving their financial goals, from short-term financing to long-term real estate loans. “Stepheny is a great addition to our staff,” said Larry Stenger, First Mid Sullivan Regional Senior Vice President.  “With her vast knowledge of central Illinois business relationships and her involvement in the community, she is a natural fit for First Mid.” McMahon earned a Bachelor of … Read More