Above-Average Temperatures for April in Illinois

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May 6, 2015 Although April had a few cold stretches, the statewide average temperature for the month was 54.1 degrees, 1.7 degrees above average, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.Precipitation in Illinois for April was more complicated. April precipitation ranged from 2 to 4 inches in northern and central Illinois to 4 to 7 inches in southern Illinois. As a result, the northern two-thirds of the state was slightly below average, while the southern third was up to 2 inches above average.Fort Massac State Park reported the highest monthly precipitation total of … Read More

Frerichs to Field for Kaskaskia in the Fall

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Receives baseball scholarship May 6, 2015 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com Not Tyler, not Chad, but Nick. The youngest of three, the current Sullivan senior is following in his older brothers’ footsteps–sort of. Earlier this year Nick Frerichs signed papers committing to play baseball at Kaskaskia College come this fall. His two older brothers also went on to play baseball collegiately; however they each went to Lincoln Land College. “I really like their campus, and I know a couple of the guys going already,” said Nick. “Kaskaskia has all been pretty successful the past couple years so I figured it was … Read More

OV Blood Drive May 15

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May 6, 2015 A blood drive will be held Friday, May 15 in the Okaw Valley High School gym in Bethany.  Any healthy individual, age 16 through 75, who meets weight requirements may donate blood.  Donors should eat a moderate meal before donating and must bring identification showing a picture and a signature.  All blood types are needed, especially Types 0- and 0+. The drive will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and is sponsored by the Okaw Valley High School Student Council. For more information regarding the blood drive or to make an appointment, please contact the Okaw Valley High … Read More

Blood Drive May 12 at Legion

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May 6, 2015 Sullivan American Legion Post #68 and The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive at the American Legion at 8 West Strain in Sullivan May 12 from noon to 6 pm.   Blood collection is very critical during the summer vacation months.  For every unit of blood collected, up to three people can be helped.  Every type of blood is needed.  If you have tried before and were unable to donate, please come back and try again.  Many of the rules for donating have changed.  For an appointment, please call Jeri Davis at 273-9456.  Walk ins … Read More

Obituaries 5-6-2015: Cletus Hudson

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Cletus Hudson A graveside service for Cletus Hudson, 91, of Centralia, Mo. was held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Paris, Mo. Agnew Funeral Home in Paris handled arrangements. He passed away Wednesday April 28, 205 in Boone County Hospital in Columbia, Mo. with his family by his side. … Read More

Obituaries 5-6-2015: Jean Frantz

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Jean Frantz Jean Ellen Frantz, 87, of Lovington passed away Saturday May 2, 2015, in Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. A private funeral service will be held for her children and grandchildren at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington. Public graveside services were held at 2:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) in Keller Cemetery in Lovington. … Read More

May is Here and So Are Hopes for a Great Gardening Year

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May 6, 2015 by Kim Riedel N•P Columnist At my annual plant exchange that took place this past weekend was a fellow garden enthusiast from Neoga who was full of gardening experience and information that was so interesting to me. I could have sat there for hours and just listened with thoughts going through my head of what I would love to accomplish in my own garden. Another fellow master gardener (from Coles) was also a participant and heard from one of her friends (an MG from Douglas) that there was a master gardener in Sullivan who dealt with raising … Read More

LTE: Re: Mr Nowlan’s April 22, 2015, item about “Is America Becoming a Dependent Society?”

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May 6, 2015 I have observed over the years that when one political party wants to curb these kinds of abuses by getting a handle on this out-of-control spending and trying effect legislation to help in this area, we see something happen. This political party gets severely demonized not only by the opposing political party, but by the media, Hollywood, and academia, all jumping in to call those trying to bring about positive change as heartless and haters of the poor and minorities, and on and on the heated rhetoric goes. Many people and families do need necessary help, and … Read More

Commissioner LeCrone Makes One Last Council Appearance Before Johnson Steps In

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Sullivan Police Department also given go-ahead to purchase new squad car May 6, 2015 by Ariana Cherry & Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com At the regular city council meeting last week, streets and public improvements commissioner Monty LeCrone announced that it would be his last time attending. “Thanks for all of your cooperation,” he said. “I hope we got everything in good shape in the last four years.” LeCrone did not seek re-election earlier this year. He is to be replaced by former county board member Ken Johnson who ran unopposed. LeCrone noted that one of the things he felt still need … Read More