USDA Invests in Rural Electric Infrastructure

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•June 24, 2020• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Illinois State Director Douglas A. Wilson today announced that USDA is investing $10 million in a joint project to build or improve rural electric infrastructure in Wisconsin’s Scenic River Co-op. “Rural Development has a history of bringing areas together, whether with electricity, telecommunication, or broadband. Wilson said. This venture will expand services in two states. Another example of Rural Development bridging the gap to improve rural America.” USDA is providing loans and loan guarantees to rural electric cooperatives and utilities through the Electric Loan Program throughout the United States. The … Read More

Obituaries 6-24-2020: Billy Park

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Billy Park Billy Park, 81, of Sullivan passed away at 8:54 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in his residence. Celebration of Life Services were noon Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. … Read More

Fourth of July Will Be Celebrated in Sullivan

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•June 24, 2020• By Fiery Works for the News Progress It’s the Fourth of July, why wouldn’t we be there,” American Legion Post 68 Fundraising Chair Mike Keown said of the club’s commitment to Fourth of July celebration for Sullivan. Keown told Sullivan’s City Council that the parade and fireworks show will happen on the Fourth. “The Color Guard, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles will be in the parade,” Keown said, noting safe distance guidelines would be observed. … Read More

Conversation with a Local WW II Veteran Johnnie Green

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•June 24, 2020• By Joe Pound for the News Progress Today I sat down with John Junior Green (Johnnie Green), who is being cared for by Lulubelle (Logue) Morris, my next door neighbor to the south. John is 94 years of age (born in 1926) and has a home elsewhere in Sullivan. He is the son of Earl Lucion Green & Mildred Moran. Their children are Dorothy, John J., Robert, Billy, Jimmy and Inius, who died at birth. John’s children are Linda (Robinson) & John S. John’s health is fragile and his hearing is minimal even with hearing aids, but … Read More

Sullivan School Board Approves Self-operated Food Service

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Selects New Elementary Principal •June 24, 2020• By Ariana Cherry for the news Progress During the 2020-2021 school year, the Sullivan School district plans to move to a self-operated food service program. A Food Service Director will be needed to operate the program. The job description of a food service director is explained as follows: “ The food service director plans, directs and coordinates the activities of the district’s food service program. They shall be responsible for the completion of all obligations specified by county, state and federal laws and regulations, as well as other duties as specified by the … Read More

Election Precincts Change

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•June 24, 2020• Upon an agreement between Democratic Chair Tim Singer and Republican Chair Dave McCabe, the Moultrie County Board voted unanimously to Consolidate Sullivan 1 and Sullivan 6 precincts into one precinct, to be called Sullivan 1 precinct; and to Consolidate Sullivan 2 and Sullivan 5 precincts into one precinct, to be called Sullivan 2 precinct. The Polling Location for both precincts will be the First United Methodist Church of Sullivan. Board Chairman Dave McCabe stated that from a political standpoint he is opposed to consolidating precincts. However, from a practical and financial standpoint it is something that needs … Read More

Letters to the Editor 6-24-2020

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The Great Daylight Comet Answers Photo Mystery Thank you for publishing the 1910 comet photograph in the May 20 issue. The publication of a photograph of such a notable event, from a time when photography was still relatively new, was not only fascinating, but also it launched me and my family into some illuminating historical research that makes a great story. My family loves both history and outer space, so I was excited to show the photograph to my husband and our children over breakfast one morning. I asked them to guess what it was. Their first guess was the … Read More

Okaw Valley’s Wesley Wise Receives Award

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•June 24, 2020• Lake Land College will present Wesley Wise, Bethany, with the 2020 Alumnus Achievement Award. Wise is also nominated to receive the 2020 ICCTA Distinguished Alumnus Award. Wise was recognized at the college’s Virtual Commencement Ceremony on June 18. The Lake Land College Board of Trustees annually presents an Alumnus Achievement Award to an individual who has achieved outstanding success in his or her field of endeavor, has gained favorable statewide or national recognition or has performed services proven beneficial to society. This year’s recipient, Wesley Wise, received the National Partnership Award from the United States Army Corps … Read More

Mitchell Esslinger Launches Campaign for District 102 Seat

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Mobilizing for Real Change •June 24, 2020• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress On June 17 Mitchell Esslinger announced his Democratic candidacy for the Illinois House of Representatives District 102 seat with a speech outside the Moultrie County Courthouse. Born in Champaign and raised in Strasburg, Mitchell attended Stewardson-Strasburg High School, Lake Land College, and the University of Illinois. At the University of Illinois, he worked with local law enforcement to protect student safety. As a property renovator, Mitchell started at age 12 working for his family’s rental properties. As a tutor, he saw how important it is that … Read More