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

Little Theatre’s How to Succeed….Terrific

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•June 22, 2016• The Little Theatre production of my favorite musical comedy, How to Succeed in Business (Without Really Trying), was terrific! The principal performers — Corbin Williams, Jordan Cyphert, Sydney Troxler, Gus Gordon and Sarah Philabaum — are all remarkably strong and funny. The dance numbers dazzle. Corbin and Sydney’s innocent faces perfectly belie their relentless guile as Finch and Rosemary, and the villainous Jordan never wastes a half-second that could be filled with style and wit.  … Read More

SBL Nurse Residency Program Begins

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•June 22, 2016• Thirty-four registered nurse graduates joined the first Nurse Residency Program at Sarah Bush Lincoln. The Nurse Residency Program helps new nurses transition from nursing graduates to competent, confident and compassionate nurses. Sarah Bush Lincoln Nursing Leader Mindi O’Rourke, BSN, explained that for new nurses, there is so much to learn in the first year that sometimes it can be overwhelming. This program helps them adjust through additional classroom education, hands-on simulation, online learning modules and guest presenters. They also will be working with a mentor.” A big plus is that the nurses will develop lasting relationships with … Read More

Smyser Hosts Picnic at Windsor Park

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•June 22, 2016• Smyser Christian Church is hosting “Picnic In the Park” at the Windsor Park. Any one may come for the meal and activities. It will be a time to come together as neighboring communities to meet people and enjoy a meal. There will be activities for kids fifth grade and under at Kidz Corner. Area junior and senior high students are invited to stay after “Picnic In the Park” for XLR8 from 6:30-8, for a time of worship, Bible study, activities and fun times with friends. … Read More

Obituaries 6-22-2016: Dorothy Dinger

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Dorothy Dinger Dorothy Ilene Dinger, 85, of Johnson City, Tenn. passed away Thursday, June 2, 2016 in Johnson City. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 3 in Oak Grove Cemetery in Sullivan with lunch for those attending served after the service. … Read More

Clearing Needed at Sullivan Utility Distribution Locations

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Overgrowth Creates Hazard •June 22, 2016• By Ariana Cherry For the News Progress An issue with the Sullivan utility department electrical sectionalizers were brought to attention at the last city council meeting. Many of them are close to 40 years old which has left time for trees, plants and weeds to grow around them. When these sectionalizes, which distribute 7200 volts of electricity, have overgrowth around them, they overheat and do not perform at their highest quality. Recently, there was a power outage which lasted an hour and a half because utility workers were having problems getting to a sectionalizer. … Read More

Working Together to Secure Today and Tomorrow

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•June 22, 2016• By Gerald Tilley Social Security District Manager in Decatur Your first job is a landmark occasion. You’re meeting new people, making professional connections and probably cashing that first paycheck. You might be a little surprised when you see a portion of your earnings go to a tax called “FICA” for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. This deduction goes to Social Security and is your way of helping us secure you today and tomorrow. It’s our job to keep the safety net of Social Security strong through your incremental contributions. Understanding how important your contribution is takes some of … Read More