State Behind on Transportation and Special Education Payments

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ALAH district still in the black, for now March 18, 2015 by Ariana Cherry Arthur/Sullivan Reporter Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond superintendent Kenny Schwengel informed the board at its regular meeting last Wednesday that the state was behind on several payments to the transportation and special education funds. The transportation fund has been prorated at 71 percent and on top of that has received just one payment of $126,000. The amount includes one regular payment and a special education payment for Arthur-Lovington and Atwood-Hammond. Payments are still being made to Atwood-Hammond since the state was previously behind on them. The district has received only … Read More

UPS Honors Haycraft

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March 18, 2015 UPS recently announced 86 elite drivers from Illinois are among 1,445 newly inducted worldwide into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving. UPS driver David Haycraft of Dalton City, was one of the 86 recognized. … Read More

LTE: 3.18.15

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Enjoying “Romance of Railroading” I’m pleased to see Jerry Ginther has written an additional article about the railroad (per his facebook post). Until his first article I wasn’t aware of the “ins and outs” of railroading. However, I did find the information quite interesting. How many of us just sit and watch those huge trains go by in a blur? Now, I find myself reflecting on some of the information I learned by reading the first of Mr. Ginther’s accounting of his railroad career. … Read More

Public Notices Must Stay in the Sun

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By Jim Zachary March 18, 2015 As we recognize Sunshine Week, the public’s right to know is under assault throughout the United States. State lawmakers are whittling away at Sunshine Laws in multiple ways, not the least of which is the effort to remove requirements to publish public notices in the place where communities are most likely to find important information they want and need to know — in the local newspaper. Efforts to allow local governments the option of placing required public notices on government websites, or on third party sites that bury the information is poor, ill-advised legislation … Read More

Delta Dental Foundation Accepting Applications for Wisdom Tooth Award

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March 18, 2015 Eligible Moultrie County organizations encouraged to apply by May 13 The Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Delta Dental of Illinois, is accepting applications for its annual Wisdom Tooth Award. The $100,000 annual award recognizes one Illinois nonprofit organization that has made a significant impact on improving the oral health of Illinois children. Eligible organizations must have an established program that provides oral health education and/or access to oral health resources and care. … Read More

USDA Rural Development Speaks to the Importance of Local, Regional Foods

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March 18, 2015 The local food movement is becoming an established part of the overall marketplace, and beyond healthy benefits for human nutrition, provides increased economic health and strength to participating communities. A local food conference held in Godfrey, Ill. on March 31 is designed to help area producers, entrepreneurs, communities and consumers explore the many ways to participate in the movement. “Expanding access to local and regional foods is a priority for USDA, and it is reflected in the investment programs that we bring to the table,” said Colleen Callahan, IL Rural Development Director. “As opportunities for people to … Read More

Candidates’ Forum Next Tuesday

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March 18, 2015 The News•Progress along with the Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development office will be sponsoring a candidates’ forum next Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Sullivan High School commons. The majority of Sullivan school board candidates are expected to attend and answer a series of questions. The public is invited to attend, but if you aren’t able to make it in person, the forum will be streamed live by visiting www.newsprogress.com. … Read More

Lady Redskins Take Third at EIU Indoor Meet Saturday

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March 18, 2015 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com ALAH settles for 34th The Sullivan-Okaw Valley girls’ track and field team competed in their second indoor meet of the year Saturday at Eastern Illinois University and came away with third place while nearby Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond, participating in their first meet of the season, finished 34th. SOV was led by the 4×200 relay consisting of seniors Amanda McClain and Emily Neuhauser, sophomore Ashlynd Risley, and freshman Bailey Turnbaugh. The relay finished first with a time of 1 minute, 52.17 seconds. “The 4 x 2 knocked a second and a half off of last weekend’s … Read More