First Christian Church-Sullivan Celebrates 175 Years

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•November 4, 2015• Twenty-one years before the outbreak of the War Between the States 14 residents of the Asa Creek area organized the Christian Church of Asa Creek in what is now Sullivan. Later with the changes in population the name changed to First Christian Church. In 1840 the first church meeting was held at the log cabin home of evangelist Levi Patterson. The organizer Levi Fleming served as first minister. Asa Creek area was part of Shelby County. For the next 12 years the church remained very much the same until in 1853 a revival meeting in the Methodist … Read More

Peace Meal is Still Delivering

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•November 4, 2015• Despite funding delays in senior nutrition programs, Peace Meal will continue to provide meals to its clients Monday through Friday throughout its service region. Peace Meal Director Barbra Wylie said, “We are fortunate that Sarah Bush Lincoln believes in the Peace Meal mission and helps support the program despite budgetary delays.” Peace Meal offers home-delivered meals Monday through Friday and also offers noontime meals at congregate sites throughout the region, in which participants may enjoy fellowship, receive education and enjoy a hearty meal. For more information, contact Peace Meal at 1-800-543-1770 or (217) 345-1800. … Read More

Obituaries 11-4-2015: Wanda Vaughan

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Wanda Vaughan Wanda L. Vaughan, 80, of Springfield died at 7:05 a.m. Friday Oct. 30, 2015 in St. John’s Hospice in Springfield. Cremation will be accorded by Lincoln Land Cremation Society Center. She was born Oct. 2, 1935 in Coles County, a daughter of William C. and Edith E. Wellbaum Rowland.  … Read More

Obituaries 11-4-2015: Jody Statzer

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Jody Statzer Jody Deanne Statzer, age 52, of Decatur, died peacefully Sunday Nov. 1, 2015. A family-led visitation and memorial service celebrating Jody’s life will be Thursday, November 5 in Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 219 S. Lincoln St. in Bethany. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. with a service to follow. Pastor Bret Bone and Adam McReynolds will officiate. Tanzyus Logan Funeral Service and Care is assisting the family. Jody was born June 5, 1963 in Peoria, a daughter of Wayne and Sandra Barnes McReynolds. Jody graduated from MacArthur High School, Giodano School of Dance and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She … Read More

ALAH Volleyball Team Falls to Tuscola at Regionals

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•November 4, 2015• The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond Knights volleyball team faced Tuscola at home during regional tournament action Tuesday, October 27. A spirited first game ended with Tuscola ahead 25-23. In the second game Tuscola won 25-13 to end the season for the Knights. ALAH varsity finished 12-15 overall and 3-4 in conference play. … Read More

Lovington Halloween Costume Winners 2015

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Photos by Darian Hays Lovington Halloween winners are left to right: Cambie Smith, Dalilah Mendoza, Krystina Meyers, Meriem Garrett, and Samantha Fowler. Below left to right, Cannon Doggett, Norma Mendoza, and Lila Sutton. There were seven divisions from infant to eighth grade with each being judged with first, second, and third place prizes. The park recreation board sponsored the contest, and a meal was provided by the Lovington Communtiy Club. The grand prize winner was Blaine Hill, 2, who was dressed as a pilot with a hot balloon. … Read More

Funding Clarity

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•November 4, 2015• Mid Illinois Senior Services in Sullivan receives only 59 percent of its funding from state and federal sources. According to Deb Groendal, Executive Director, the remainder of the funding is locally generated from a $62,000 property tax levy and income from the Thrift Store. … Read More

Habitat ReStore Welcomes New Manager

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•November 4, 2015• By Mike Brothers When Jan Courtright became manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Sullivan it was a natural fit. An open house was held to from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 31. “I worked in Arthur and lived in Findlay so I drove by every day,” Jan began. “I began stopping and getting things for my house and just shopping.” Courtright began to look at the ReStore as a daily American Pickers adventure, as he looked through shelves filled with everything from building supplies to vinyl albums and cassette tapes to rows of … Read More

Sullivan City Council Changes Cart Limits

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•November 4, 2015• By Ariana Cherry For the NewsProgress The Sullivan City Council met Monday, October 26 to cover a few issues that were on hand. Commissioner Bill Hagen discussed the time frame for when golf carts used as transportation should be allowed in the streets. “Golf carts must have proper tail and headlights,” he stated. “There really shouldn’t be any out between 12 and 1 a.m.,” Hagen informed the council. Police chief John Love suggested that there shouldn’t be any golf carts after 10 p.m.  The new ordinance was changed to reflect the time change. Hagen also discussed the … Read More

Rural Illinois Benefits from USDA Economic Development Funding Awards

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•November 4, 2015• Two regions of rural Illinois will see projects focused on business growth move forward, thanks to a total of $550,000 in low interest loans provided by USDA Rural Development through the local electric cooperatives. Jo-Carroll Energy Inc., serving several counties in northwest Illinois, received a $447,155 loan to finance the construction of a potato handling facility that will support an estimated 45 jobs. Norris Electric Cooperative, serving multiple counties in south central Illinois, received a $102,845 loan to finance the construction of an office and warehouse for a seed and chemical sales business. Building the 9,600-square-foot facility … Read More