America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders launches in Illinois

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November 12, 2014 Program promotes careers in agriculture across 40 states America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders is now launching in 40 states, with more than $500,000 worth of scholarships available. Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the program provides $1,500 college scholarships to students pursuing a degree related to agriculture. Starting Nov. 15, high school seniors and college students in Illinois and other eligible states can apply for this opportunity. … Read More

Full-Length New Book On Illinois in the Civil War

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November 12, 2014 A new, full-length book on Illinois in the Civil War covers a crucial period in the state’s history with an easy-to-read, fast-moving style. The Civil War in Illinois is a fully-documented, illustrated softcover work of 184 pages by acclaimed historian Tom Emery of Carlinville, a contributor to multiple Illinois newspapers, including the News Progress, who has lectured on his research to audiences statewide. … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Gambling Preys on Poor for “Success”

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November 12, 2014 by Jim Nowlan Outside Columnist A state agency recently reported that gambling revenues in Illinois were up more than seven percent in the past year. This gives me the opportunity for my annual rant about how the state almost shoves gambling down our throats. The big losers are the poor, as I show below. The state generates more than $2 billion in annual revenue (which are actually taxpayer losses) from seven forms of gambling. And still gambling proponents want more. … Read More

The Challenge of Creating Interest in a School Assignment

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November 12, 2014 World-record lesson a hit with sixth graders by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com What was destined to become tomorrow’s trash was in fact yesterday’s school lesson for Megan Holt’s sixth grade language arts students. The Sullivan Middle School teacher recently had her students complete one of the last segments of a multi-project lesson involving the organization and tracking of world record breaking attempts. Well, Sullivan Middle School record attempts that is. Such feats as how long to hula hoop, how many stairs climbed, and how far one could throw a medicine ball. … Read More

Obituaries 11-12-2014: Chad Loy

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Chad Loy Justin Chad Loy, 45, of Kingman, Ariz. died Oct. 8, 2014 in Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Ariz. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at the VFW in Sullivan. Chad was born Nov. 15, 1968 in Decatur, a son of Ron Loy and Anne Emel Loy. … Read More

Obituaries 11-12-2014: Russell Loveall

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Russell Loveall Russell Glen Loveall, 57, of Raritan Township, N.J., formerly of Sullivan, died Saturday, October 25, 2014, in the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township. Funeral services and interment will be private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street in Flemington, N.J. … Read More

Getting Hairy for Cancer

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November 12, 2014 Sullivan PD takes on ‘No Shave’ fundraiser by Ariana Cherry Arthur/Sullivan Reporter Things are a little hairy at the Sullivan Police Department- but it’s all for a good cause. Through the month of November, the Sullivan Police Department is holding a “No-Shave Fundraiser” to raise money for the American Cancer Society. “November 1-30, police who participate will be allowed to grow a beard, but it must be neat and trimmed-It won’t be like Duck Dynasty!” said Sullivan Police Chief Johnny Love. “Each officer who participates will be making a donation to the American Cancer Society.” … Read More

ALAH Marching Band Completes First Season of Competition

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November 5, 2014 Sights already set on next year by Ariana Cherry Arthur/Sullivan Reporter About two months ago, students from multiple communities came together to form the first marching band in five years at Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School. While many had been accustomed to playing different tunes, in the end, it all became a melody that created a musical masterpiece. “The students from the four communities all came together to work toward a common goal that resulted in a real sense of camaraderie,” noted Richard Moma, the ALAH High School band director. “The memories that were created from competing were those … Read More