Local Financing for School Bonds

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•April 13, 2016• Sullivan schools moved to finance health life safety approved projects, issuing $2,140,400 in bonds from school funds and another $2,140,400 sold as general obligation bonds. Keeping it all in the district First Mid-Illinois Bank of Sullivan purchased the general obligation bonds at a 2.84 percent tax exempt rate. District financial advisor Tim King told board members at the April 11 meeting that rates were better than expected, enabling the school district a 14 year payback plan. By financing part of the HVAC and roofing projects for the elementary, middle school and high school with district funds, the … Read More

Attorney Fee Increase Applied to LAP

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•April 13, 2016• The Illinois Supreme Court announced that the annual registration fee for attorneys practicing in Illinois will increase by $3 next year. The increased funds will be directed to the Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP), a not-for-profit organization that helps attorneys, judges, and law students get confidential assistance with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues. Under amended Supreme Court Rule 756, the annual registration fee will increase from $382 to $385 in 2017 for attorneys who have been in active status for three years or longer. Attorneys in active status for less than three years, inactive status attorneys, … Read More

Deadline Approaches for Annual High School Art Contest

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•April 13, 2016• Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is accepting entries for the 2016 Congressional Art Competition through Friday, April 15. The contest is open to high school students in the 15th Congressional District. “The winning artwork from my district will be displayed in Washington, DC, in a tunnel that connects the Cannon House Office Building to the Capitol, Shimkus said. “Hundreds of staff and visitors will see the artwork each day.” … Read More

Two Wins For Sullivan at Tuscola Showcase

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•April 13, 2016• Sullivan baseball team’s trip to the Tuscola Showcase let the Redskins showcase some talent. Sullivan came away April 8 with a big 11-1 win over Danville Schlarman and followed up Saturday evening with an 8-4 win over Salt Fork. Dylan Liddiard pitched the five inning game for the Redskins, giving up four hits, throwing 39 of 65 strikes with eight strikeouts. Liddiard gave up one run and four walks in the game. Depmatt and Rongy split pitching duties for the Hilltoppers. Depmatt gave up nine runs on four hits in 2.1 innings while getting three strikeouts. Rongy … Read More

Obituaries 4-13-2016: Virginia Cornwell

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Virginia Cornwell Virginia Kathryn Cornwell, 89, of Arthur, died at 5:25 a.m. Friday, April 8, 2016 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 in Shrader Funeral Home in Arthur with the Rev. Bruce Weiman officiating. Burial followed in Arthur Cemetery.   … Read More

Diary of The Trip to Cuba

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•April 13, 2016• By Jose Pound For the News Progress Sunday, 13 March – Day 1. Now I’ll relate some of our daily activities in Cuba beginning with our arrival at Jose Marti Airport in Havana via a chartered Aruba Airline flight (both going to and coming home from Cuba). Jose Marti is a national hero, poet of the Cuban people emphasizing “freedom” and godfather of current Cuban political life. His is the main statue in Revolutionary Square in center of Havana, where both Pope Francis and President Obama spoke to huge crowds of Cubans. It reminded me of a … Read More

Shelby County Art Show Recognizes Area Artists

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•April 13, 2016• Varied skies and cooler temperatures prevailed as visitors attended the 50th annual Shelby County Art Show, held April 9th and 10th at the Lake Shelbyville Visitors Center. Those in attendance viewed displayed artwork created by surrounding area youth and adult artists among the 202 adult entries and 535 junior entries and a special exhibit featuring the work of Jack West, as well as exciting demonstrations by various artists. Children enjoyed receiving balloon art and face paintings. A special quilt was created and made available for visitors and participants to sign. The following is a list of results, … Read More

IEMA Highlights Role of Volunteers in Disasters

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Volunteers assist with preparedness, response and recovery  •April 13, 2016• As several Illinois communities continue to recover from tornadoes, flooding and severe storms in 2015, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies are highlighting the critical roles volunteers play in disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts as part of a month-long focus on volunteers in disasters. “Volunteers play a key role in disaster preparedness, response and recovery,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. “Before disaster strikes, volunteers can encourage personal preparedness to help people stay safe during emergencies. When a disaster strikes, voluntary organizations spring into … Read More

Seventh Inning Runs Bring Win Home for Redskins

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•April 13, 2016• Sullivan’s 9-3 win over St. Teresa Thursday came with a blast of runs during the seventh inning. “A lead off walk followed by a great bunt Blake Stewart turned into a hit,” coach Troy Rogers said started the six-run seventh inning. “Then a ground ball by Ballinger, followed by Tuttle putting one in a perfect spot to prevent a play and score a run,” Rogers continued. Zach Hrvol walked, then Bryce Farris lined a single to score two. “We just finally put a good inning together,” he said. It was a battle of pitchers for most of … Read More