Times are Changing for Secret Santa in Sullivan
•September 9, 2015• With the closing of ShopKo Police Chief John Love explained shopping for children in need who are older than seven is a challenge. “We try to shop locally, but we don’t have a way to buy clothes and boots for older kids,” Love said, noting that Dollar General in town has been great for children six to seven years old. ”We’re taking Secret Santa back to its roots,” he continued. “We will seek out those in need throughout the year and help the best way we can.” For the past few years people receiving Secret Santa help … Read More
Wildlife Park Goes to Rockome Gardens
•September 9, 2015• A wildlife park rejected by Moultrie County in June found new life at the former Rockome Gardens site south of Arcola. James Aikman’s dream of a drive through wildlife park, a walk through petting zoo and aviary got a second wind with a $506,794 loan from the city of Arcola to help get things rolling. “The Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development is thrilled to hear that Aikman Wildlife Park will be located within our region and that the Rockome site will be repurposed,” said Stepheny McMahon of the Sullivan Chamber. “We wish the Aikman’s much success.” … Read More
Remember When? 9-9-2015
Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens 25 Years Ago This Week Cameron Parrott and Susan Ozier of Moultrie County were each named a recipient of a CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp. Community Services Block Grant scholarship Aug. 2 at the agency’s annual board of directors meeting. Parrott is the son of Robert and Suzanne Parrott of Lovington and is attending Eastern Illinois University. Ozier is the daughter of Bobby and Linda Book of Bethany and is enrolled in the pre-law program at the University of Illinois. With seven of ten letter winners returning, a little more hard work and a lot of dedication may … Read More
A Little Trim Now Helps Keep the Lights on Later
•September 2, 2015• By Mike Brothers “I love my trees so I understand why people get upset,” Mayor Ann Short said of recent tree trimming in the city. “But when there is a bad storm and trees take down power lines, everyone suffers.” In order to gain some control over the branches hanging over power lines the city is trying to be proactive and Short explained the existing crew in the electric dept. can’t keep up. That led the city to contract with Nelson Tree Service, arborists that trim for Ameren, for the project. Shannon Risley is in charge of … Read More
A Good Day For a Walk in Wyman Park
A century old gift to the city •September 2, 2015• By Mike Brothers It’s a good day to take a walk in the park. And for the people of Sullivan Wyman Park is the best place to take that stroll. On Sept 1, 2015 the 45 acre Wyman Park at the north edge of the city turned 100 years old. It was the vision of German immigrant and shoemaker Albert Wyman, a frugal man who took five mile walks every day. Local resident and Wyman historian Joe Pound got interested in the shoemaker’s life after he and wife Joan returned … Read More
A Different Chapter-Same Life
Oh Brother… •September 2, 2015• by Mike Brothers NP Managing Editor It seems like a hundred years ago when I sat down at the old Underwood manual typewriter at the Harrisburg Daily Register and cranked out my first story as a reporter. Here I am some three decades later sitting down to a MacBook to crank out another story. This is a different chapter of the same life. A life where the road less traveled brought me out of southern Illinois to the great prairie to tend a batch of community newspapers for about 15 years. Then I took a … Read More
Opportunistic Redskins Defeat Hoopeston 56-3
•September 2, 2015• By Matt Kracht NP sports reporter In their season opener Sullivan Okaw-Valley rushed out to a 42-0 halftime lead thanks in part to a strong defensive effort. Ty Molzen was sharp in limited action hitting on four of seven passing for three touchdowns and 110 yards in the first half. Head coach Gerald Temples thought overall it was a good start to the season. “We got some details we need to work on, but our defense played hard. We did not tackle exceptionally well so we got to get that corrected, but for the first ball game … Read More
Home-Safe-Home
The electric feeling doesn’t wear off •September 2, 2015• By Colleen Callahan USDA Rural Housing Service Administrator Tony Hernandez & USDA IL Rural Development Director Some say the electric feeling of buying and moving into your own home never wears off. When you own the floors you’re standing on, the walls surrounding you and the roof over your head, you also own great satisfaction from the hard work that resulted in your home becoming yours. Yet, just as it was hard work to achieve the American Dream of homeownership, being responsible for maintaining and, inevitably, repairing your own home can … Read More
Remember When? 9-2-2015
Compiled by Bekki Ferguson-Stevens 25 Years Ago This Week Seven Moultrie County 4-H’ers received superior awards for their entries Monday at the 1990 Illinois State Fair. Superior award winners from Sullivan were Amy R. Bishop, Ross A. Haverstock and Krystal L. Horsman, Sarah E. Shasteen and Carrie L. Wildman. Lovington superior award winners were Wesley J. Bolsen and Ryan D. Nettles. The Illinois State Fair open show Grand Champion Barrow became a family project for the DeOrnellases of Sullivan, who brought home the winning ribbon, silver bowl and a prize check for approximately $800. Ron Deornellas of Sullivan showed his sister’s … Read More