Understanding Illinois: Can Illinois be salvaged?

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•May 11, 2016• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist A reader asked: “Can Illinois be salvaged?” I take it he wonders if our state can stem its population out-flow, return to an economic growth rate comparable to that of the nation, and get a handle on our huge state debt and pension albatross. To this, I think the answer is Yes, but it will take a number of years and concerted effort by leaders of both parties. If he meant, can Illinois return to the old days of good-paying factory jobs for all who want them, the answer is clearly … Read More

Fruchtl Shuts Out Arcola for Timberwolves’ Seventh Win

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•May 11, 2016• By Matt Kracht News Progress Sports Okaw Valley won their ninth straight contest Friday beating the Purple Riders 9-0.  Senior Drew Fruchtl tossed a complete game gem to stay a perfect 7-0—the best record in the area. Now 18-2 overall the Timberwolves have a week of conference contests to decide who sits atop the Little Okaw Valley Northwest.  Head coach Andrew Hagerman commented the team was just happy to be playing again after a wet start to May, “It’s 75 and sunny; these kids wanted to come out and swing today. We haven’t played a lot of … Read More

Holocaust Survivor Shares His Story

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•May 11, 2016• Eleven people hidden in a hole under a barn in Poland lived in fear of death for 22 months during World War II. Jerry Koenig, Holocaust survivor of that ordeal, told Sullivan students what life of a persecuted group was like under the Nazi reign of terror. Only 10 percent of the Jewish population in Poland survived the Holocaust. Sunday, May 1 was Yom Hashoah (Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust), making Koenig’s presence historically significant for those gathered in the Sullivan High School gymnasium. “After Germany took over Poland in 1939, they forced Jewish people to … Read More

Maroons Edge Redskins at Home in Final At-Bat

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•May 11, 2016• By Matt Kracht News Progress Sports Sullivan baseball took a disappointing 5-3 loss at home versus Clinton Thursday. Brett Tuttle pitched four strong innings and departed with a one run lead in the fifth. Zach Sowers looked dominant in relief of Tuttle until the top of the seventh when Clinton managed three runs. Head coach Troy Rogers said the team right now is battling. “We just got to get some confidence back. We owe Pana for last year so we got some fuel there. But we need to remember to play this game with intensity and let … Read More

Stamp Out Hunger

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•May 11, 2016• On Saturday, May 14 the United States Postal Workers are collecting for the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Residents are encouraged to fill a bag to help feed families in need. Donations collected by Sullivan Postal Workers help the Moultrie County Food Pantry. Collect and bag nonpershisable foods like canned meats, fish, soup, juice, vegetables, pasta, cereal, peanut butter and rice. Place the bagged goods by your mailbox.The letter carrier will pick up for delivery to the food pantry. The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is sponsored  by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Also … Read More

Responsible Driving Makes for Safe Graduation Season

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•May 11, 2016• Illinois State Police (ISP) District 10 officials are reminding young drivers to think responsibly as they celebrate during the upcoming prom and graduation season. Our primary safety message is in the word prom which asks teens to “Please Return On Monday.” During the next several months, Illinois State Police District 10 troopers will be conducting high visibility patrols with aggressive enforcement of the fatal four violations: DUI, speeding, seat belt, and distracted driving, with a focus on DUI violations.  … Read More

Knights Softball Show Strong Stats for Season

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•May 11, 2016• Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond Knights softball program has a 12-7 overall record as of last week with one player, Mycaela Miller hitting .600. Pitching for the Knights has Macy Hollingsworth with a 4.22 ERA after pitching 58 innings. Macy has 13 strikeouts, allowing 94 hits and 57 runs for a 5-4 record. Shelby Frederick has a 3.99 ERA, pitching 47.33 innings with 41 strike outs. She allowed 57 hits with 32 runs for a 5-3 record. Miller leads hitting with 36 hits for 23 runs and 36 RBIs. She has four home runs, five triples, and 12 doubles in 60 … Read More