Little Theatre Bridges Generations With “All Shook Up”

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•July 20, 2016• By Cheryl Murphy NP Columnist If you’re a true Elvis fan, you’ll have fun. Even if you’re not, as several patrons expressed, you’ll still have fun as this is NOT a showcase for an Elvis impersonator. True, “All Shook up” is inspired by and features the songs of Elvis Presley; it’s a jukebox musical full of 50’s and 60’s hit songs from ballads to blues to rockabilly. Some of Presley’s biggest hits are performed such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and the title’s song. But you’ll find quite a diverse group, too; these … Read More

Seegmiller Keeps Rolling at Millikin

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All in, All Out, All the Time •July 20, 2016• Kirk Whitaker NP Sports Reporter 2012 and 2013 were special years for Arthur-Lovington volleyball. In those two seasons, the Lancers won the last two of their three consecutive regional crowns and advanced to the Sweet 16; ousted by Tri-County and eventual state runner-up Stewardson-Strasburg respectively. A key cog of those two teams was 2015 graduate Emily Seegmiller. Before Seegmiller took her talents to Millikin University, she was the best server the Lancers had and one of the most feared hitters in the area.  … Read More

ALAH Budget Looking Up, but Still Room for Improvement

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•July 20, 2016• By Ariana Cherry, For the News Progress “All funds are in the black,” noted Superintendent Kenny Schwengel at the last Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board meeting. “There is $1,669, 501.91 in the education fund balance. We are still short $240,000 from the incentive money that we did not receive.” Schwengel also stated that the district was expecting around $670,000 in incentive funding for the 2016-2017 school year. “Things are still looking up from a budget standpoint, but there is still room to improve,” he said. Other matters that were discussed or voted upon: • The athletic department wanted to … Read More

Caring Women Form Group

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•July 20, 2016• A new group called “100 Women Who Care” is starting in Sullivan, and all women are invited to participate. The group is neither a for-profit nor a non-profit organization. It is not affiliated with any other entity in town. It does not have a board of directors, a staff or even a budget but has the possibility of making a substantial impact in the Sullivan area. Sullivan has more than 50 organizations that are consistently fundraising to create programs for almost every demographic of the town. A combined contribution from 100 Women Who Care could allow a … Read More

Noise Concerns Bring Visitors to County Board

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Dog Kennel Questioned •July 20, 2016• By Mike Brothers Concerns over the noise level of a dog kennel brought an audience to the Moultrie County Board meeting July 14. When planning and land use committee chair Todd Maxedon presented the motion for a special use permit allowing Duane Schrock to operate a dog kennel in rural Arthur, neighbors voiced concerns. Bill Crane spoke for a number of neighbors explaining the prior owner had a puppy mill in the location, and the noise was unbearable. “There are a lot of people living within 400 feet of the area,” Crane pointed out, … Read More

Sullivan Summer Recreation Program Keeps Growing

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•July 20, 2016• By Brynna Sentel For the News Progress One hundred fifteen kids, numerous donations, and a little heart have let the summer park program flourish in Sullivan. Jake and Melissa Haegen have worked hard to improve Sullivan’s park rec program. An over 50-year-old program has evolved from 30-40 kids to 115, from two supervisors to multiple teenage volunteers who have been through the program and from a quick lunch break to a provided food program. The program grew so rapidly in the past few years that the Haegens had to specify the requirements to participate. This free program … Read More

Tabor Park Draws Crowd to Garden Tractor Pull

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•July 20, 2016• Christian County Tractor Pulling Association held the second annual Sullivan Garden Tractor Pull in Tabor Park Sunday, July 17. Prizes were awarded the top four finishers in seven different classes. 950# 12HP Stock Single Class: First Rob Matthews on Little Legend – 295.92 ft., second Randy Long on Red Baron-294.06 ft., third Dylan Dirks on Cloey’s Ride-293.21 ft., fourth Terry Norville on Steiger Cub-289.87 ft. 1050# 14HP Stock Single Class: first Jake Bolen on Ole Blue-229.80 ft., second Vance Steward on Layin’ Tracks-212.48 ft., third Dave Beasley on Ole Crow-208.07 ft., fourth Kristin Johnson on Slow Ride-207.25 … Read More

Lovington Selects Animal Control Officer, Purchases Police Vehicle

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Community Garden Grows •July 20, 2016• By Stu D. Baker For the News Progress During the June meeting of the Lovington village board a new animal control officer was appointed and a new police car purchased. Lisa Clark was selected as animal control officer for the village at a $20 per hour rate. Clark was approved for a 30 day trial period. A motion to purchase a 2017 Ford Explorer police vehicle from Wright Automotive for $26,310 was approved. Trustee Anklam noted the village received $11,000 from the Timm Foundation to add to the $15,000 budgeted for a new vehicle. … Read More