Obituaries 5-6-2015: June Bennett

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June Bennett A funeral service honoring the life of Daisy “June” Bennett, 97, was held Sunday, May 3, at Joines Funeral Home in Newman with Pastor Ben Williamson officiating. Burial was in Fairfield Cemetery north of Newman. She passed away Thursday April 30, 2015 in Newman Rehabilitation and Health Care Center with family at her side. June Bennett was born June 12, 1917 in Brocton, a daughter of Wilbur and Nellie Burrell Howe. She married Dale Bennett March 15, 1944, and he preceded her in death. … Read More

Stewart Signs with Parkland Softball

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Sullivan senior will play as Cobra beginning this fall May 6, 2015 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com Amy Stewart still recalls one of her daughter’s earliest tests on the ball diamond. Just five years old at the time, Elissa Stewart was participating in an instructional league in her hometown of Hoopeston when she was on the receiving end of the ball. “She got hit, and you could tell she was hurt, but she picked up the ball and made the out,” recalled her mother Amy. “She didn’t cry. She made the play and went on.” These days, the Sullivan shortstop is, … Read More

Understanding Illinois: What’s Brewing Under the State Capitol Dome?

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May 6, 2015 By Jim Nowlan Outside Columnist As the physical symbol of a state that contributed A. Lincoln, 285,000 soldiers (35,000 died) and immense provender for the triumphant Union cause, the Illinois Capitol was built to generate “shock and awe” among visitors, as state archivist David Joens puts it. And it does to this day. Started in 1867 and completed two decades later, the capitol’s dome rises 361 feet, higher than the U.S. Capitol. The inner dome soars 233 feet above the first floor. Visitors risk vertigo as they crane their necks upward toward the 9,000 pieces of stained … Read More

Area Special Olympics Athletes to Compete in 2015 Spring Games

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May 6, 2015 Families, volunteers and spectators will be cheering on men and women, boys and girls – all Special Olympics athletes – as they compete in the largest area event of the year for Special Olympics Illinois Central/Area 10. The annual Spring Games take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9 at Warrensburg-Latham High School in Warrensburg. The public is invited to watch the competition and experience the joy of achievement by Special Olympics athletes. Central/Area 10 is composed of Christian, Logan, Mason and Moultrie counties. … Read More

Suspicious Fire Damages Abandoned House in Bethany

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Ongoing investigation into cause May 6, 2015 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com A fire that took place Friday evening caused extensive exterior and interior damage to an abandoned house in Bethany. According to Bethany fire chief Jim McMahan, his department received a call at 9:08 p.m. Friday about a fire at 409 N. Washington. His department was on scene five minutes later. McMahan, who lives near the property, says he could see the fire from his house. “Flames were shooting up about 30 feet above the house,” he said. … Read More

Obituaries 5-6-2015: Vera Smith

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Vera Smith Mass of Christian burial for Vera Mae Smith, 99, of Lovington was celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Isidore Catholic Church in Bethany. Burial was in St. Isidore Cemetery in Bethany. McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington assisted with arrangements. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at 6:15 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2015 in Tuscola Health Care Center. … Read More

Neuhauser’s Next Net: Lake Land College

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Sullivan senior to become Lady Laker this fall May 6, 2015 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com There really is something to be said for love of the game. And gained. Just ask Emily Neuhauser. The Sullivan senior hoopster last month signed her letter of intent, committing to join Lake Land College’s women’s basketball team come this fall. “It’s going to be a lot different because it’s the collegiate level,” acknowledged Neuhauser. “I’m excited to see where he (Dave Johnson) puts me on that court. I’ll do whatever he says. I’m ready to see what he has in store for me.” Neuhauser’s … Read More

ALAH Wins Business, Computer Contest

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May 6, 2015 Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School placed first overall in the annual Business and Computer Contest sponsored by the Lake Land College Business Division and Club IT. Students from area high schools competed in the following categories: accounting, desktop publishing, general business and current events, Internet treasure hunt, keyboard timings, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, proofreading, and web page design. Depending on the category, students either completed a written test or a hands-on test on the computer. First place winners of each contest received a 3-credit-hour tuition waiver from Lake Land College. … Read More

Sullivan Softball Edges OV 5-4 in Battle of Aces

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Clements ends game with walk-off May 6, 2015 By Matt Kracht NP Sports Reporter Two of the area’s top prep softball teams went to battle on Saturday for bragging rights on Sullivan’s north diamond. Amanda McClain and Heidi Clements, both all-conference pitchers, dueled it out for seven innings before Clements took matters into her own hands with a walk off game winner. Sullivan head coach Ben Richter said he was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. “I am just still trying to figure out how we pulled this one out,” he admitted. “That was a great team that hits the ball … Read More

Knights Defeat Marshall Tue.

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May 6, 2015 More than a week away from the field didn’t seem to affect the Knights, as they returned to action and defeated Marshall 6-1 Tuesday. ALAH was led by both Brad Miller and Marcus Vanausdoll who each had two hits a piece. Ross Ryan, meanwhile, worked all seven innings from the mound, allowing six hits, one run, and one walk while striking out five. … Read More