Raymond Binder Funeral services for Raymond Charles “Lum” or “BoBo” Binder, 94, of Lovington were held at 11 a.m. Monday in the United Methodist Church in Lovington. Burial with military rites by Lovington American Legion Post # 429 was in Keller Cemetery in Lovington. Arrangements were made by McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington. … Read More
December 31, 2014 The First Church of God Community Building will be the site of a blood drive January 13. The building is located at 232 W. State Street in Lovington, and the blood drive will be held from 3-7 p.m. For an appointment call Larry Williams at 358-4947 or Harold Renfro at 873-4332. The blood drive is sponsored by the American Legion. Those planning to donate are asked to eat a healthy meal and drink an extra 16 oz. of water and fluids before giving blood. A photo ID or blood donor card or two other forms of ID … Read More
December 31, 2014 by William C Bailey Professor, Western Illinois University There is growing consumer preference in the US for local foods. Defining local foods is a little elusive, but the key concept seems to be a desire to bring farmers and consumers closer together. In the process, the importance of food manufacturers, shippers, and retailers is reduced. This concept was addressed here five years ago when I mentioned the disinterest of major food processors, such as Bear Naked Cereal, to interact with consumers. In contrast, Kewanee based Country Morning Coffee, says, on its website, “We love to hear from … Read More
December 31, 2014 First holiday championship appearance in over 10 years By Matt Kracht NP Sport Reporter The Sullivan Redskins boys’ basketball team came up one win shy of a tournament championship, falling instead to host St Teresa in the final game 40-26. Alec Ballinger and Ty Molzen received all tourney team honors leading the Redskins to wins over Cerro Gordo, Okaw Valley, and Riverton. Coming into Monday night’s championship contest, Sullivan head coach Chester Reeder knew what the Redskins were up against. ”We’re going to have to defend and rebound. St. T always plays physical, and they execute their … Read More
December 26, 2014 Rebounding and free throws go in favor of Redskins by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com For Sullivan and Okaw Valley, Tuesday evening’s second round game of the Team Soy Holiday Tournament in Decatur was a familiar one. It was a rematch from December 9 when the Redskins edged the Timberwolves 50-44 in Findlay. But this time around, not only did Sullivan nab the victory, but did so in a more convincing fashion and ultimately 54-44. Sullivan held a strong lead throughout the night, doubling up the Timberwolves several times in both the first and second quarters, and at the … Read More
December 26, 2014 Take tourney crown for first time since 2004 By Matt Kracht NP Sport Reporter Christmas arrived on Tuesday night for Okaw Valley basketball fans as the Lady Timberwolves secured their first holiday tournament championship since 2004. Amanda McClain had a double double sporting an impressive 12 point and 14 rebound line, while Megan Dash had her best performance of the season adding 10 points, six of which came in the fourth quarter to go along with nine rebounds. With the three tournament wins the Lady Timberwolves are now 11-2 on season. All-tourney selection Amy Orris has what … Read More
December 24, 2014 It’s been 117 years since Virginia O’Hanlon sought the truth about Santa from the New York Sun. In over a century, the lives of children — and their parents—have increased in complexity by a factor of ten. Man landed on the moon, communism rose and fell, countries changed names and borders, Elvis begat Jagger, who in turn led to “gangsta rap”. The kidnap and murder of children, which made world headlines for the Lindbergh family, now touches the lives of hundreds of families annually. Children begin learning at ages two and three about “stranger danger,” AIDS and … Read More
December 24, 2014 Camera system estimated around $800 by Derek Pope Bethany Reporter At this month’s regular meeting, Bethany village council members decided to delay a vote on the implementation of police body cameras until it is clear whether the state of Illinois itself will act on new legislation concerning them. Since October, lawmakers have been actively engaged in creating legislation that would govern police use of body cameras, citing an Illinois Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that struck down the state’s current “eavesdropping” law as one of the major hurdles in drafting such legislation. On December 15, however, … Read More
Bill Honn Funeral services for William D. “Bill” Honn, 81, of Tuscola were held Friday in the Arthur United Methodist Church. Burial with military rites by Arthur American Legion Post 479 was in Arthur Cemetery. Edwards Funeral Home in Arcola assisted with arrangements. … Read More
December 24, 2014 Play Heyworth Tuesday night By Matthew Kracht & Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com Entering their holiday tournament Saturday as the no. 1 seed, Okaw Valley lived up to it, as they defeated Oakwood Saturday and then Shelbyville Monday to earn a ticket to the championship Tuesday night against Heyworth. In the opening round, the Timberwolves were winners over Oakwood by nine points in what turned out to be a competitive contest. The victory came behind a strong shooting performance from Amanda McClain who scored six points in the fourth quarter to ensure the victory. Mclain lead all scorers with … Read More