Understanding Illinois: Why Democrats are Losing Ground

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January 7, 2015 By Jim Nowlan Outside Columnist As a self-proclaimed moderate, I try to look both Left and Right objectively. I have often mused about why the Democrats, the party of “the little guy,” do not dominate Republicans, the party of “the big guy,” as there are so many more of the former. Recently my tennis buddies Tom and Flora gave me some clues. Tom worked his way up at Caterpillar, from the line, where he became a union steward, to foreman. Flora is a barber (and the best tennis player in our group). Both are quite thoughtful and … Read More

Growing up in Sullivan: School Field Trips

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January 7, 2015 by Jerry Ginther NP Columnist Mostly what I remember, and liked, about school field trips is that they got us out of the classroom for part of the day, and they were always interesting. On one such trip we walked to Wyman Park from Powers School to observe a mother opossum with young in a hollow tree. The mother must not have known we were coming to visit because she remained at home. Had she known that there would be two or three classrooms of children peering into her privacy she would more than likely have departed … Read More

All-around Effort Pushes Lady Timberwolves Past Decatur Christian

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January 7, 2015 OV closes out with defensive prowess By Matt Kracht NP Sports Reporter In the Lady Timberwolves first game of the New Year Amanda McClain scored 14 points and added seven rebounds to lead her team to a 63-32 victory over the Lady Warriors from Decatur Christian. Coming off a big holiday tournament championship the Lady Timberwolves jumped out to a 6-0 lead on 3-pointers by Paige Harlin and Amy Orrris. It looked as though the rout was on, but Decatur Christian decided they had come to play. Behind a strong performance from their center Danielle Popis no. … Read More

County Consolidates Pay Schedules into One

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January 7, 2015 Some employees receive extra check by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com At their November meeting, the county board unanimously approved consolidating the county’s three different payrolls into one, a move that saw an immediate cost, but one that looks to provide a net savings down the road. Citing cumbersome payroll processing for each of the county’s three payrolls, board chairman Dave McCabe explained that the consolidation will make for more efficiency in the county clerk’s office. “You may remember some time ago we made the decision to delay the pay period so that we’d have time when someone left … Read More

Obituaries 1-7-2015: Rosanne Nettles

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Rosanne Nettles Services to celebrate the life of Rosanne Nettles, 71, of Lovington were held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Lovington United Methodist Church conducted by Pastor Larry Bricker. Private interment was in Keller Cemetery in Lovington. The family was served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home in Decatur. She passed away at 2:10 p.m. Monday Dec. 29, 2014 in her home surrounded by her loving family. … Read More

Blood Drive in Sullivan Jan. 10

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The American Red Cross and Sullivan Church of God will sponsor a blood drive 8 a.m.-1 p.m. January 10 at the Sullivan Church of God located at 321 N. West Street (behind Neal Tire). During the holiday season, blood supplies are desperately needed. One unit of blood can help up to three people in need. For an appointment, call Jeri Davis, Drive Coordinator, at 273-9456. Walk-ins are welcome, but an appointment will ensure adequate staffing is available and wait time is reduced. … Read More

Obituaries 1-7-2015: June Trabue

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June Trabue Funeral services for June Evelyn Trabue, 95, of Arthur were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Shrader Funeral Home in Arthur with the Rev. Leroy Allison officiating.  Burial followed in Arthur Cemetery. She died at 9 p. m. Thursday, January 1, 2015 in Mason Point in rural Sullivan. … Read More

Second Annual Basketball League in Sullivan

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January 7, 2015 The second annual SHS Future Redskins Basketball League will begin this month. Sponsored by the SHS boys’ basketball program, the league will run on Saturday mornings in January, February, and March, followed by a tournament in the SHS gym. Teams will be coached by SHS JV/Varsity boys’ basketball players. Registration is due by January 7, but walk-ins on the first day of the league will be accepted. … Read More

Sullivan Fends Off Mattoon in First Win of New Year

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January 7, 2015 Boyer’s 32 points and 19 rebounds crucial in victory by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com Up until halfway through the third quarter, the largest lead either team possessed was five points. And after four lead changes, the game was still either Sullivan or Mattoon’s. But halfway through the third, the Lady Green Wave managed three 3-pointers in under three minutes, the last of which coming at the buzzer, to take a 41-37 lead into the final period. “When Sam (Thompson) hit that half court shot you could see it was kind of like a dagger, but I was thankful … Read More