Soil Moisture Continues to Decline in Illinois

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Soil moisture continued to decline across Illinois with levels at two inches, 27 percent lower on August 15 than those from July 15, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program Manager at the Prairie Research Institute, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois. Soil moisture in the state averaged 0.17 water fraction by volume (wfv) at depths of two inches on August 15, which is significantly lower than the historical average of 0.25 wfv. Levels dropped throughout the state with central Illinois having the lowest numbers, averaging 0.14 wfv or just at the wilting point for … Read More

SES Teacher Takes to YouTube to Introduce Students in Creative Fashion

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So successful, England receives video response by Jake Dilley Reporting in Sullivan Monday marked a big week for area students. In what for some children can be a scary or intimidating first week of school, one local educator has decided to dispel those fears in exchange for some lighthearted and welcoming karaoke via YouTube. Sullivan Elementary’s Scott England let his first graders know that this year was going to be a fun one by making a video and parody of Carly Rae Jepsen’s popular song “Call Me Maybe” all while welcoming his students to his first grade class in style. … Read More

Moving It Out of Moultrie

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ICC approval of transmission line, denial of parts, likely to be appealed by Keith Stewart keith@newsprogress.com In its expected order Tuesday morning, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the Illinois Rivers Transmission Project, including the Mt. Zion to Kansas segment that largely detours around Moultrie. The approval came in the form of issuing a certificate of public convenience and necessity, but not without condemning the 150-day expedited procedure, though legally taken by Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois to complete this process. At the open meeting held in Chicago, the commission voted 3-1 in favor of granting the certificate to ATXI, with … Read More

Afternoon Spent Pampered Like a Princess

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Inaugural princess ball pampers area girls by Mallory Murphy Lovington Reporter The Lovington Sparrows Unlimited treated 50 young girls from Lovington and Arthur this past Saturday to a royal afternoon with the organization’s first Princess Ball. Area girls ranging from two years of age to those entering the sixth grade were invited to enjoy a day of manicures, pedicures, hair styling, dancing, coloring, cookies, and punch. The Sparrows Unlimited is a non-for-profit organization whose main mission is to provide Christmas to Lovington families in need. The Sparrows have expanded to help Lovington in other charitable ways including hosting food drives … Read More

Taking Action in the Name of Hunger

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Stadler Nominated to National Magazine’s Action Heroes to Promote Event by Christina Whitford Sullivan Reporter Longtime Sullivan resident Anna Stadler has always enjoyed being active and helping others. So when she saw an advertisement to be nominated as a Women’s Health Action Hero in the national magazine she knew it something she was being called to do. “I saw the Call to Action ad in the Women’s Health Magazine and thought it sounded perfect for me!” said Stadler. Throughout her life, Stadler has enjoyed maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. In high school she was part of the Sullivan Blue … Read More