A Trip Worth Taking

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August 6, 2014 Sullivan students embark on biennial science trip to Florida by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com From snorkeling with manatees and feeding giraffes, to dissecting sharks and kayaking on barrier reefs, there’s a trip Sullivan students have taken every other year for the last five years that completely immerses them in a world of science and marine biology over just three days. Near the beginning of June, 16 Sullivan students from both the eighth and ninth grade classes travelled to Tampa, Fla. and experienced nonstop hands-on science, first beginning with a trip north of Tampa to the Crystal Springs Preserve. There … Read More

Understanding Illinois: Common Core is Here in Illinois

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August 6, 2014 by Jim Nowlan Outside Columnist After five years in the works, the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for American education are here. Near the end of the 2014-2015 school year, students in Illinois and 40 other states will be tested according to new learning standards. The standards are about what K-12 students should know in English and mathematics at the end of each grade. By eighth grade, for example, students will be able to do linear algebra and linear functions. Based on talking with teachers in my locale, I sense that some are confident while others … Read More

Red Apple Fire Investigation Still Ongoing

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According to Sullivan fire chief Mike Piper, the investigation into the cause of a fire that destroyed the Red Apple Family Restaurant last Tuesday is ongoing. SFD investigator Kenny Graven is conducting an in-house investigation on the fire in addition to the state fire marshal. Piper said that both investigations hope to wrap up by the end of this week. … Read More

Blue Dolphin Tryouts Aug. 23

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The Sullivan Blue Dolphins will hold tryouts at 9 a.m. Saturday, August 23  at the Civic Center. Swimmers who plan to tryout should bring a suit and towel. The tryouts are open to those ages 5-18. A parent information table will also be set up during tryouts. For more information contact Kim Drury at 246-2861. … Read More

Sparrows to Celebrate 20 Years Sat.

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August 6, 2014 Lovington-based outreach group to host public extravaganza by Florence Hallford Lovington Reporter Sparrows Unlimited, a non-profit organization, will be celebrating 20 years of service to the Lovington community this Saturday, August 9 in downtown Lovington. The celebration will begin at noon and feature a car and bike show, inflatables for the kids, a DJ, hamburgers and hot dogs and a bags tournament with signups starting at 12:30 at Jerry’s East End. … Read More

LLC Offering Free Certificate or Degree Tuition

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August 6, 2014 Lake Land College is offering the opportunity of a lifetime with its Work and Learn program. With Work and Learn, the college will provide a complete tuition waiver opportunity to adults who are currently unemployed or underemployed in order for them to earn a career certificate or associate degree. … Read More

July is Tie for Coolest on Record in Illinois

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August 6, 2014 The statewide average temperature for July was 70.3 degrees in Illinois, which ties the record for the coolest July set back in 2009, according to the Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel at the Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois. July 1936 (82.8 degrees) was the warmest July on record, followed closely by July 2012 (81.8 degrees). In just six years, Illinoisans have experienced the second warmest and twice the coldest July on record. … Read More

Customers Angered Over Flag Pole Removal at Hardee’s

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August 6, 2014 Unkept flags spurs removal out of respect, says LeVecke by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com The removal of flag poles recently at the Sullivan Hardee’s has spawned outrage from local customers. According to Regional Vice President Dave Becker, three flag poles were removed last week. Sullivan Hardee’s, franchise owner Jason LeVecke explained to the News Progress that upon a recent trip to the Sullivan location and seeing both the flags and poles in disrepair, the flag poles were removed. “Nothing upsets or makes me mad more than when I see one of our flags tattered or dirty,” said LeVecke. … Read More