•September 30, 2015• Former State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) announced his candidacy Thursday for State Representative in the 102nd District. “My service in the Illinois House of Representatives was the highlight of my public service. I’m looking forward to serving again and helping to turn Illinois around.” Halbrook served as State Representative from 2012 until 2015. … Read More
•September 30, 2015• Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond high school students are spending this week celebrating homecoming. It’s a week that ends with the a dance on Saturday, Oct. 3 with the coronation ceremony at 9 p.m. Friday starts with red, gold and black styles showing team support. By 10:30 a.m. students will be participating in the homecoming games. Parade lineup begins at 1:15 p.m. Oct. 2 with the parade in Arthur kicking off at 2 p.m. Coronation practice follows the parade in the old gym, all leading up to the 7 p.m. football game between the Cerro Gordo Broncos and ALAH Knights. … Read More
Harvest time •September 30, 2015• By Nick Fiala Reporting from Lovington To everything there is a season…A time to plant, and a time to harvest – Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 A sunny sky looks down on a yard full of beautiful plant life, a kind of raw oasis in the middle of endless squares of concrete road running through the town of Lovington. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, all fly around in a symphony of colorful motion and calming ambience. The habits of each of these creatures are well known to the man who runs the garden they enjoy so. “They go clear … Read More
Teachers Learn to Rock •September 30, 2015• By Mike Brothers In a world of cut school budgets, unpredictable evaluations and a questionable pension plan it isn’t easy being a school teacher these days. Sullivan Unit 300 administration and teachers are trying a proactive approach at improving morale. Morale Matters was implemented by the Sullivan Education Association at the beginning of the school year. “So many of the causes for lack of morale are simply out of our control,” SEA president Don Lockwood said of education. Teachers don’t control the state budget; they cannot control the changing times of how students … Read More
Roy Barker Funeral services for Roy C. Barker, 56, of Mattoon, formerly of Sullivan, were held at 1 p.m. Saturday in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial will be at a later date. He passed away at 9:54 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2015 in his home in Mattoon. Roy was born November 7, 1958 in Decatur, the son of Cecil and Lillian England Barker. He married Barbara S. Fugate August 3, 1997 in Allenville. Roy worked for Kull Lumber in Mattoon for 32 years. Roy’s family meant the world to him. He enjoyed cookouts, sitting around the yard, his grandchildren … Read More
•September 30, 2015• Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond Knights volleyball team travelled to Decatur Lutheran School Association (LSA) Sept. 24 winning both games 25-17 and 25-19. This brings the varsity Knight record to 8-5 and 1-0 in conference play. The Knights action included Makayla Brown with one kill; Chelsey Chupp one kill and one dig; Hannah Leal provided one kill and three digs. … Read More
•September 30, 2015• People from all over the country were going medieval on each other at Wolf Creek State Park the weekend of Sept. 17-20. For the past six years AMTGARD, a medieval combat and role playing organization has staged fantasy combat events at Wolf Creek. This year’s Keep on the Borderlands theme included the battle for Ravenloff and the ultimate tournament prize — the Hammer of God Cup. Best described as a video game stuck in the real world about 750 participated in this year’s event at Wolf Creek. There are AMTGARD chapters in all 50 states with medieval … Read More
•September 30, 2015• Sullivan/Okaw Valley’s cross country team competed Saturday September 26 at the Spartan Classic in St. Joseph-Ogden. The top seven runners from both the boys’ and girls’ teams participated. … Read More
•September 30, 2015• The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond Knights traveled to the Arcola Invitational Saturday, Sept 26 placing fifth. The volleyball team has a 9-7 overall record and is 1-0 in the conference. The Knights first faced Central A&M who won 13-25 and 20-25. In the second match Robinson dominated 17-25 and 26-28. By the third round ALAH Knights were on their game beating Altamont 25-13 and 25-23. The ALAH team took the match with Tri-County 25-18 and 25-23. … Read More
•September 30, 2015• Okaw Valley’s volleyball team traveled to Niantic losing to Sangamon Valley Storm Thursday, Sept. 24. Okaw Valley lost 14-25 and 19-25, leaving the team with a 9-6-0 record. … Read More