A Minor Message for High School Graduates

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June 11, 2014 by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com You’ve donned an awkward gown, perhaps tossed an even more odd-shaped cap, and you’ve been given a piece of paper. You’ve graduated high school. And in keeping with the line of customary traditions, I bequeath upon you a bit more wisdom–that is in addition to whatever your parents, grandparents, teachers, valedictorian, salutatorian, and the rest of the world has already heaved upon you: if you must leave, do so without cursing the place in which you grew up. … Read More

Sullivan Board Votes to Place County School Facilities Sales Tax on Nov. Ballot

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Submitted by the Sullivan School District On May 12, the Sullivan Community Unit School District Board of Education passed a resolution to place a County School Facilities Sales Tax on the November 2014 ballot. Because District 300 enrolls more than half the students in Moultrie County, this vote means that the proposal will appear on the November ballot. Other county districts are expected to pass similar resolutions showing their support for giving voters the opportunity to vote on this important proposal. … Read More

Obituaries 6-11-2014: Pam Harris

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Pam Harris Pamela Ann Harris, 66, of Sullivan passed away at 12:40 p.m., Thursday, June 5, 2014 in her residence. The family will gather for a time of visitation 5-7 p.m. Thursday June 12 in Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home in Mt. Zion. … Read More

Obituaries 6-11-2014: Helen Creek

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Helen Creek Funeral services for Helen E. Creek, 81, of Bethany were held at 11 a.m. Saturday in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Bethany. Burial was in Marrowbone Township Cemetery in Bethany. She passed away at 6:49 p.m. Wednesday June 4, 2014 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Helen was born Nov. 14, 1932 in Moweaqua, the daughter of Rose Carlyle. She married Albert Edward Creek June 18, 1955 in Bellwood, and he preceded her in death July 4, 2003. Helen will be loved and missed by all. … Read More

19th Legion District Elects Officers 

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The 19th District of The American Legion Department of Illinois recently elected officers for the membership year 2014-2015. They include Sr. Vice Commander Paul Garrett Tuscola Post 27, Commander Bill Reed Charleston Post 93, and Jr. Vice Commander Rude Laufhutte Champaign Post 24. … Read More

Obituaries 6-11-2014: Beverly Hutchcraft

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Beverly Hutchcraft Funeral services for Beverly L. Hutchcraft, 79, of Sullivan were held at 3 p.m. Saturday in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. She passed away at 3:10 a.m. June 5, 2014 in her home in Sullivan. … Read More

Lending a Helping Hand or Glove

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June 11, 2014 Baseball athletes assist special needs children with skills by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com At the beginning of May on a cool temperamental overcast afternoon, Sullivan High School baseball players and special needs students in Christine Grohler’s class came together for a little pitch and catch. The afternoon practice was meant to gear the children up for a baseball game held that next Sunday at Courtyard Estates–an idea that originated between teachers Christine Grohler and Kurt Friese. … Read More

Obituaries 6-11-2014: Mary Ann Hutchcraft

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Mary Ann Hutchcraft Funeral services for Mary Ann Hutchcraft, 78, of Bethany were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday in McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Bethany. Burial was in Marrowbone Township Cemetery in Bethany. She passed away at 11:15 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2014 in her home in Bethany. … Read More

What’s in a Name?

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by William C. Bailey School of Agriculture Western Illinois University A recent column on quinoa prompted a reader to alert me to a similar grain, which is grown in Illinois, named amaranth. I did some research and learned a lot about amaranth, which has been in the food chain for a long time. It was important to the Aztecs and can today be purchased at our local grocery store, under the name “Bob’s Red Mill Organic Amaranth”. I also learned it is referred to, in some circles, as ‘pig weed’, since it apparently has been fed to pigs. Given the choice, … Read More