Monthly Brain Training Classes Offered in Sullivan

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•June 22, 2016• There is increasing evidence that brain health is directly related to body health.  However, most people think more about keeping their bodies fit or their hearts healthy than working at maintaining a healthy brain. Cheri Burcham, Family Life Educator for the University of Illinois Extension, will offer “Wits Fitness: Brain Exercise Classes” at Mid-Illinois Senior Services (Senior Center) in Sullivan 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, June 27. There is no cost to attend.  … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Face to face with Bud Thompson

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•June 22, 2016• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist I am giving readers a break from my rants about the destructive state budget impasse. In that regard, I am hearing from savvy observers that the next real full-year budget may not come until after the 2018(!) gubernatorial and legislative elections. Those contests will equate to a political Armageddon (a final battle between Good and Evil, depending upon your point of view). Such a delay in budgeting, the fundamental responsibility of those we elect, would be unforgivable. Instead, I want to focus on the importance of face-to-face conversation in a world … Read More

New Sidewalks for Lovington Park

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•June 22, 2016• Lovington Village Board met Monday, June 13 taking action on new sidewalks for the park. Paul Heppe provided the low bid of $4000, over a $4500 Quick and Easy Concrete bid. The bid for labor includes 250 feet of five foot wide sidewalk for the park. The motion was approved unanimously. During the April meeting Sue Gordon asked to step down as animal control officer and recommended discontinuing the village spay and neuter program upon her departure. Trustee Doug Smith noted that during Gordon’s time as animal control officer she accomplished getting the village feral cat population … Read More

Obituaries 6-22-2016: Bea Cummings

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Bea Cummings Clarabelle E. “Bea” Cummings, 88, of Mattoon, formerly of Windsor, passed away at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2016 in Mattoon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. Bea was born July 27, 1927 in Lovington, a daughter of James and Leta Bell Miller. She married Carl K. Cummings December 13, 1941 in St. Louis, Mo., and he preceded her in death August 19, 1992. Bea owned and managed the Bea Hive in Windsor. She was a member of the … Read More

Millikin Students Win Prestigious Biology Research Awards

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•June 22, 2016• Students and alumni from Millikin University’s Biology Department received various accolades at the biennial Tri-Beta National Convention held this year at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., from June 2-4.Millikin University was represented by five students at the convention; two of which are recent graduates: Elizabeth Wrobel ‘15, from Tinley Park, Ill., and Spencer Hudson ‘15, from Wilmington, Del. Because they won 1st Place at the 2015 Tri-Beta District Convention, Wrobel and Hudson each received a travel stipend from the Tri-Beta national office for the national convention which is held every other year. Hudson recently completed his … Read More

George Garden Tools Started 70 years ago

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•June 22, 2016• What began as a small garden tool company in 1946 became the seeds for Agri-Fab of Sullivan today. On Saturday, July 2 Agri-Fab will open the doors at 303 West Raymond St. to observe the 70th anniversary of George Garden Tools. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Agri-Fab is dedicating a building to display their historic collection of the George Garden Tools line from the Sullivan factory that employed as many as 450 people during the mid-1960s. The Church of Christ on S. Hamilton St. started three industries in the present Agri-Fab location; Felicity Fashions, Lucy Ellen … Read More

ALAH H.S. Principal Resigns; Board President Steps Down

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•June 22, 2016• By Ariana Cherry For the News Progress Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School District has recently experienced some changes in both its staff and board of education. After a closed session meeting at the last ALAH school board meeting, a motion was made to approve the resignation of ALAH principal, Buck Condill. Presently, the position has not yet been filled. ALAH school board president Steffanie Seegmiller stepped down June 1, which left vice-president Jake Kamm to fill her shoes. Seegmiller served on the board for seven and a half years. “I leave the board in good hands as they are dedicated … Read More

Yost Waives Jury Trial

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•June 22, 2016• Michael S. Yost, 43, waived his right to a jury trial in Moultrie County Circuit Court  June 21. Public Defender Brad Rau presented the waiver to Chief Judge Dan L. Flannell with State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey explaining the trial could take up to four days without juror selection. Before setting the 9 a.m. September 12 court date, Judge Flannell read the four counts of murder with which Yost has been charged. The most serious of the first degree murder charges could carry a 20 years to natural life sentence and up to a $25,000 fine. Flannell explained … Read More

Obituaries 6-22-2016: Lucille Tessier

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Lucille Tessier  Lucille M. Tessier passed away at 2:05 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2016 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 27 in Marrowbone Township Cemetery in Bethany with Deacon John O’Brien officiating. Arrangements are by Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan. Lucille was born May 22, 1923 in Spruce, Wisconsin, a daughter of Louis T. and Ann G. Massard Tessier. She was a homemaker but returned to school at the age of 50 and received a degree in computers. She then went to work for Colorado National Bank and then retired in … Read More