“Swing!” Hits the Stage at a Furious Pace

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July 1, 2015 By Dan Hagen NP Theatre Critic The scene: an urban night club during World War II, and if the atmosphere is particularly realistic, that’s because the bricks and the loading dock are the actual back wall of the Little Theatre, cunningly incorporated into the scenery. More than Jen Price-Fick’s set is cunningly done in this musical, Swing!, directed and choreographed by Amber Mak and Todd Rhoades. Unencumbered by plot in any but the most abstract sense, Swing! swings from bebop to scat singing to torch songs at a brisk pace that never flags. Sound problems lost us … Read More

Some Tax Bills Rejected by USPS

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July 1, 2015 The Moultrie County treasurer’s office has reported several real estate tax bills being returned to their office despite having the correct address on file. Treasurer Marcy Thompson is encouraging all county property owners that if they have not received their tax bill by now, that he or she should contact the treasurer’s office at 728-4032. … Read More

Sullivan Man Arrested for Child Pornography

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FBI make arrest last Thursday July 1, 2015 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com A 30-year-old Sullivan man was arrested last week after a federal investigation into claims of child pornography. Justen W. Troxell, 30, of Sullivan was arrested by federal investigators and with the assistance of Sullivan police last Thursday. According to an affidavit filed with the United States District Court in Urbana, the investigation began on June 21 when a 23-year-old woman in Douglas County contacted the Tuscola Police Department in regard to a child pornography complaint. The woman told police that she had received a pornographic image on her … Read More

ALAH School Board Approves Amended Budget

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Influx of money helps, but still short July 1, 2015 by Ariana Cherry Arthur/Sullivan Reporter The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond School Board approved an amended budget for 2014-2015 at their last regular board meeting after receiving an unexpected payment of $285,000 from the state. “We are definitely excited about the additional revenue,” said superintendent Kenny Schwengel. The district received $121,000 for transportation, $122,900 for special education services and $42,000 from the “adequacy grant.” Although the board received the unexpected funding, the state is still short, sending the district about $225,000 due to the 89% proration (11% cut). “Had we not received that money, … Read More

BREAKING: Sullivan Teacher Struck by Vehicle While Jogging Tuesday

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Woman in critical condition July 1, 2015 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com A Sullivan elementary school teacher is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening. Shortly before 7:13 p.m. Tuesday, Christina Sanders, 30, of Sullivan was struck by an automobile while jogging in rural Sullivan according to a press release from the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department. The release further adds that the automobile was being driven by Kali Forsyth, 18, of Sullivan. … Read More

Fourth of July Carnival and Celebration 2015

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July 1, 2015 The Sullivan Area Merchants and Sullivan American Legion Post No. 68 will be sponsoring this year’s Fourth of July Celebration in Sullivan. The activities began Tuesday, June 30 with the carnival opening. Hours for the carnival will be 5-10 p.m. through Friday July 3. On Saturday, July 4, the celebration will begin with the parade at noon followed by turtle races at 2 p.m. and the watermelon eating contest and sack races at 3 p.m. The carnival will also open early, immediately after the parade’s conclusion. The celebration will culminate Saturday night with the fireworks display scheduled … Read More

Lovington Man Stabbed by Son Sunday Night

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Taken to St. Mary’s, man in fair condition June 24, 2015 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com A 24-year old man was arrested after he allegedly stabbed his father at a home in Lovington Sunday night. Matthew Archer-Newberry, 24, of Lovington was arrested after he stabbed his father Randy Newberry, 54, twice according to a probable cause affidavit by Lovington police officer Jay Clark. The affidavit explains that Randy Newberry was transported to St. Mary’s hospital for a stab wound to the chest and cuts to his left arm. According to Clark’s statements, Newberry told the Lovington officer that he and his … Read More

Obituaries 6-24-2015: Ellen Thomas

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Ellen Thomas Funeral services for Ellen Dawson Thomas, 90, were held at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, June 24) in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington with Jerry Reeder officiating. Burial was in Keller Cemetery in Lovington. She passed away Sunday, June 21, 2015, in the Arthur Home in Arthur. … Read More

Local Residents Attend Rally for LIHEAP

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June 24, 2015 Four area residents recently attended an Action Day in Springfield for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Jean Landers, Shirley Cochran, Nylene Hughes and Deb Groendal, Executive Director of the Mid-Illinois Senior Service of Sullivan attended the Action Day on May 26 sponsored by the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies (IACAA). The day started with a rally at the Statehouse Inn followed by a march to the Capitol where participants were able to meet with legislators and their staff to enlist their support of the LIHEAP program. Of particular concern for the group is … Read More

Thinking About Health: If You Knew How Many Calories in That Sandwich, Would You Still Eat It?

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June 24, 2015 By Trudy Lieberman Rural Health News Service Not long ago my husband showed up with a sandwich for lunch that he bought at a local supermarket. I thought it was going to be our usual: turkey and provolone with lettuce on a hard roll, always plenty for both of us.  At $6.50, how could you go wrong? This time the sandwich was different. It now cost $9.50 and was piled high with turkey and cheese on a roll that was much bigger than what we were used to. In short, it was awful—enough meat and cheese for … Read More