Knights Hang Tough Against Arcola Friday

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February 18, 2015 2-pt third quarter nearly upends ALAH senior night by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com While the Knights may have had a dismal two-point third quarter, at least they chose to score at the buzzer to help swing a bit of the momentum back to their bench heading into the final period where they would hold off the Purple Riders to win 46-40. “I think the bucket at the end of the third was a huge one,” said Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond head coach Dale Schuring. “It toned them down just a little bit. I think big picture we just didn’t shoot the … Read More

LTE: 2.18.15

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No Zoo In Moultrie County Currently there are 11 zoo/wildlife parks in Illinois, not including major zoos in St. Louis and Indianapolis. Three are within easy driving distance from Moultrie County, including Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield, Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington and Scoville Zoo in Decatur. Is the proposed 140 acre zoo a want, need or necessity, or is it human hubris? A small group of people want to build a zoo one mile east of Cadwell and ¾ mile west of the Pumpkin Patch. This is where I have lived for almost 40 years. Many of the adjoining … Read More

Hydro-Gear Makes Changes to Attract Workers

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February 18, 2015 New hiring practices, training and promotion opportunities by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com Like many manufacturers today, Hydro-Gear in Sullivan is finding it difficult to recruit quality workers. But the Sullivan based company has taken a hard look at its own shortcomings and as a result, recently made internal changes to hiring practices, is applying new training and promotional opportunities, and taken a more active seat at the discussion table when it comes to the perception of manufacturing in today’s day and age, all in an effort to show they mean business when it comes to valuing their workforce. … Read More

Council to Move Forward on Al Fresco Dining

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February 18, 2015 TNT requests outdoor bistro-like area by Ariana Cherry Arthur/Sullivan Reporter The Sullivan City Council looks poised to vote on an ordinance in the near future after a local business owner came forward at their last meeting requesting al fresco dining for his restaurant. Tim Rose of TNT Pizzeria approached the council about the possibility of outdoor dining at his restaurant during the regular meeting February 9. “I would like to have it during The Little Theatre season for intermission or after the shows,” explained Rose. “It would be a small bistro type area and for those looking … Read More

Obituaries 2-18-2015: Bob Stortzum

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Bob Stortzum Robert L. “Bob” Stortzum, Jr., 70, of Sullivan passed away at 11:14 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 11, 2015 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. No formal visitation or funeral is planned, but a golf outing and service of remembrance will be held by family and friends at a later date. Reed Funeral Home is assisting the family. … Read More

Godfrey to Speak About First Novel March 2

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February 18, 2015 Former Arthur Junior High English and high school speech teacher Judy Godfrey will be in Sullivan Monday, March 2 for the Fortnightly Book Club’s special event as a guest speaker. Godfrey will talk about her first novel titled “Finding Rose”. The event will be held at the Sullivan Elizabeth Titus Library from 6-8 p.m. and will include a book signing. Godfrey, who currently lives in Branson, Mo., will also have a book signing at the Arthur Public Library 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 5. The public is invited to both events. … Read More

Sullivan Seniors Send Stew-Stras Packing

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February 18, 2015 Defense the key in final home game victory by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com Sullivan’s offense may have been a bit ugly Tuesday night, but their defense was downright nasty–and in a good way. The Redskins ran a tough man defense against the Comets, forcing many of their 19 turnovers thanks in large part to 15 steals, six coming from senior Nick Frerichs, and which helped them to a 52-38 victory. “We played pretty well defensively,” said head coach Chester Reeder. “It just wasn’t a very good shooting night for us. We had really good looks and they just … Read More

Will state court address fiscal “death spiral”?

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February 18, 2015 By Jim Nowlan Outside Columnist A columnist for Forbes magazine declared in 2012 that Illinois, among several states, is in a fiscal “death spiral” that results from high taxation combined with population and business flight. Other observers have picked up the term. In March, the Illinois Supreme Court hears an appeal by the state attorney general and several business-oriented groups to a decision last year that struck down an act that would reduce the growth in pension payments to government retirees. The ultimate state high court decision will affect the state’s fiscal well-being for decades to come. … Read More

Obituaries 2-18-2015: Richard Stewart

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Richard Stewart Richard F. Stewart, 75, of Sullivan, formerly of Hodgkins, Illinois, passed away at 8:45 a.m. Saturday February 14, 2015 in Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Celebration of Life services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Al Rennert officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Sullivan with honor guard ceremony provided by the Hodgkins Police Dept. … Read More