Creating Safety Plans

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•August 26, 2015• by Althea Pendergast Executive Director HOPE of East Central Ill. A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe, whether you are in an abusive relationship, planning to leave, or have left that relationship. If you are currently living with your abuser, think of safe places in your home to escape to if an argument occurs. Avoid rooms with no exits or rooms where weapons might be available. Stay out of the bathroom and kitchen areas, if possible. If an argument occurs, try to move to those safer areas of your home. … Read More

Rep Shimkus Holds Office Hours Sept. 2 in Sullivan

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•August 26, 2015• Congressman John Shimkus (R-Illinois) will hold open office hours from 11am – 12:30 Wednesday, Sept 2 in the Sullivan City Building, 2 West Harrison. To schedule an appointment call his Effingham office at (217) 347-7947. Those who cannot attend may contact by mail: 101 North Fourth Street, Suite 303, Effingham, IL 62401. … Read More

From Summer Camp to Macy’s Parade

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•August 26, 2015• By Mike Brothers   Summer camp changed Ben Berner’s life and Sullivan High School’s history at the same time. The B-flat clarinet player from the Sullivan High School band will march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade with the Great American Honor Band. Ben attended summer band camp at Eastern Illinois University where Camp Director Barry Houser encouraged him to apply for the Honor Band. “It was a pleasant surprise,” Berner said of his acceptance. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to go as the first kid from Sullivan.” Clarinets are in the Berner family … Read More

Sparrows Unlimited Helps Families Throughout the Year

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•August 26, 2015• By Ariana Cherry Reporting from Lovington In 1994, a group of people saw a need within their community and wanted to help others who were less fortunate than they. After holding an auction for the very first time at Jerry’s East End that December, it became an annual tradition. “I have personally been involved with Sparrows for 15 years, and the generosity of the people, not just in our community, but the surrounding towns, never ceases to amaze me,” said Jessica Mercer, a member of the Sparrows group in Lovington. Sparrows Unlimited is a non-profit organization that … Read More

Sullivan Council Approves New Culvert Policy

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•August 26, 2015• By Ariana Cherry Reporting in Sullivan The need for a culvert policy prompted action by the Sullivan City Council at the August 17 session. After some heavy rains and flooding, it became clear that some culverts and drainage ditches would need to be repaired and installed. During that discussion, the question of who was responsible for payment of the culverts was brought to the table -the homeowner or the city? Commissioner Ken Johnson presented a new culvert policy that answered that question. In section one of the policy it states: “The cost of purchasing the initial driveway … Read More

Area Golf Teams Get Underway

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•August 26, 2015• by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com Both this and last week Sullivan, Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond/Arcola, and Okaw Valley golf teams began regular season play. For the Redskins, as reported in last week’s paper, they began the season in Windsor at the St. Anthony Invite where they finished ninth out of 12 teams, shooting more than 65 strokes better than this time last year. Sullivan then travelled back to Windsor last Wednesday where they took first out of five teams. … Read More

New Athletic Director Takes Over with Some Help From Friends

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•August 26, 2015• By Mike Brothers Ryan Aikman is Sullivan Schools athletic and activities director and is getting into the new job with a little help from some friends. “One my best resources has been Charlie Brown” Aikman said of former Sullivan athletic director , now A&M principal. Another advisor is Mt. Zion athletic director Mike Mose. “When your head is spinning like a tornado, seasoned veterans such as Mose and Brown are a big help,” he reflected. As athletic and activities director Aikman schedules all sports for junior high and high school teams in addition to other extra curricular … Read More

Tractor Games and Show Highlight Ag Events at Arthur Cheese Festival Sept. 5-7

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•August 26, 2015• Tractor Games and Vintage Tractors will highlight agricultural activities at the 43rd Annual Arthur Cheese Festival September 5-7 in downtown Arthur. A mix of new and old farm and lawn and garden tractors and equipment will be on display at the corner of West Progress and North Walnut Streets throughout the festival.  … Read More

Huber Named Agent of the Month

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•August 26, 2015• Linda Huber, an owner of C F & H Insurance Agency, Inc., in Sullivan has been named Pekin Life Insurance Company’s Health Agent of the Month for July 2015. She earned this honor by going Beyond the expected  in the field of health insurance sales to make sure her clients are protected. … Read More

Moultrie Moment of the Week: Lovington Mule Skinners

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•August 26, 2015• Coal mining was once a leading industry in Moultrie County, and Lovington was the hub of that industry. The Lovington Coal Mine began operation in 1910 and closed in 1924 due to flooding issues. There were more than 300 employed by the mine at its closing. With the discovery of a nine foot vein of coal some 900 feet below the land surface outside Lovington, the Lovington Coal Mining Company began by selling stock for $25 per share. The company owned 114 acres of surface land and leased 5000 of coal rights. Once the funds were raised … Read More