Obituaries 11-25-2015: Stanley Emel

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Stanley Emel Robert Stanley Emel, 83, of Sullivan, passed away at 12:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at home surrounded by his family. A reception for family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 27 in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan. Private family services will be at a later date. Born July 27, 1932, Stanley was the son of Ralph and Lena Emel. He married Charlotte Pierce December 9, 1951. He is survived by his loving wife. Their extraordinary marriage has always been and will always be an inspiration to all of their family. … Read More

Lady Knights Win in Shelbyville

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•November 25, 2015• Arthur-L/Atwood-Hammond Lady Knights traveled to Shelbyville November 23 winning 56-26. Three ALAH team members scored in double figures during a game that had Janette Comstock leading ALAH with five field goals and four points from the free stripe for 14 points. Megan Fifer had four field goals and a three pointer along with a 2-2 trip to the free throw line for 13 points. … Read More

Remember When? 11-25-2015

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Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens 25 Years Ago This Week As quickly as former Sullivan resident Brandon Mitchell paints a portrait these days, it’s sold. The Chicago-area resident, who is a 1984 graduate of Sullivan High School, has sold more than 200 paintings this year after his work captured the attention of of an art agent who noticed some of his pieces while visiting in the home of Mitchell’s cousin. Ten Moultrie County 4-H’ers are working on applications for state 4-H awards. Those competing include Leslie Seelow and Rachel Casteel, both of Lovington; Lindsay Patrick and Stacey Wise, both of Bethany; Amy … Read More

Obituaries 11-25-2015: Corby Phelps

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Corby Phelps Corby Aaron Phelps, 41, of Sullivan passed away at 1:28 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2015 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. Monday, November 23 in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Private memorial graveside services will be held at a later date. Corby was born September 23, 1974 in Fresno, Calif., a son of Kurt A. and Cristy A. Brown Phelps Sr. Corby was a loving son, brother and Uncle “Barbie”. Corby was a strong fighter and battled with cancer since he was 19 years old.  … Read More

A Good Night for Camping and Reading

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at Sullivan Elementary School •November 25, 2015• By Mike Brothers Family Reading Night became a camping adventure at Sullivan Elementary School on November 19. With around 200 parents and students roaming from one indoor campsite to another from 6-7p.m. the Illinois Secretary of State sponsored event got families involved. School librarian Leah Fleming coordinated the annual family reading night with the help of teachers who volunteered time as readers for the event. “This is a way to encourage families to get out together,” Fleming said of the statewide initiative. “It’s a fun night with the family reading together instead of … Read More

Lady Redskins Defeat Arcola

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•November 25, 2015• The Lady Redskins defeated Arcola 42-33 at home November 23 picking up their second win of the season. “I thought we came out and played a solid first quarter scoring 13 points and holding them to five,” coach Sheri McCain said. “Although it was a win, we still have a lot to learn fundamentally,” she continued, pointing out Lizzie Green had a good night holding Arcola’s Rylee Fishel to two points. “Tatum Ellis stepped up for us, scoring nine points and grabbing nine rebounds.” said McCain, noting the team improved from 42% to 78% in free throw … Read More

ALAH FFA Learns About Dairy

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•November 25, 2015• ALAH FFA Members attended the Section 17 Dairy Products CDE & Agronomy CDE November 10. FFA members had to determine whether milk samples were salty or garlicky at the Section 17 Dairy Foods CDE, held at Parkland College in Champaign. At this CDE, FFA members including Josiah Kinert, Zane Crist, Katie Gingrich, Jordan Jent, and Isaac Ashenfelter of Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School had to taste and grade milk samples, identify various types of cheese, identify whether a sample was a real or an artificial dairy product and take a written test about the dairy industry. … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Stemming the Population, Wealth drain from Downstate

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•November 25, 2015• By Jim Nowlan NP Guest Columnist How do we stem the erosion of population and wealth from downstate Illinois? Illinois lost 50,000 persons between 2010 and 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There has been an even sharper net out-migration during the period (more people moving out than moving in), which has been covered up largely by high birth rates among Hispanics in the state. The libertarian (very small government) Illinois Policy Institute has been blaming this all on high taxes. The IPI fails to note, however, that nearby Minnesota, with its much higher income taxes … Read More