•March 4, 2020• Voters may prefer to cast their ballots early rather than risk health issues related to concerns over COVID-19. “With the big “C” virus we want to encourage early voting,” Moultrie County Clerk Georgia England urged. “Many people want to avoid large crowds or places where a lot of people pass through…the answer: Early Vote!” she emphasized. … Read More
•March 4, 2020• By Ellen Ferrera for The News Progress Growing up in Sullivan Earl Jeffers had a rare opportunity to apprentice to his father who had an automotive repair business. In addition to learning about automotive repairs, maintaining tools, welding, and brake repairing he watched his father teach himself woodworking. Wayne Jeffers, Earl’s father, made violins for all of his children and they are cherished family possessions today. Earl earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Southern Illinois University. He taught in elementary schools, worked for some years in … Read More
•March 4, 2020• The Sullivan Art Club will kick off its 2020 season with a workshop on Saturday, March 21 at the St. Columcille Church hall located on the east end of the church at the corner of West Jackson and McClellan Streets. There is a dedicated entrance to the hall adjacent to the parking lot. The workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with an hour break for lunch. Participants may bring a sack lunch or dine at one of the area restaurants. … Read More
•March 4, 2020• The 8th annual Sullivan FFA / Sullivan FFA Alumni Auction is Saturday, March 7th at the Sullivan High School Gym. A complimentary meal provided by the FFA Alumni and Terry Warren Catering starts at 4:30 p.m. The Raffle auction begins at 4:30 p.m. and live auction starts at 6:00 with the auction conducted by Rudy Huber. … Read More
•March 4, 2020• By Ted Walk, Supt. Sullivan CUSD #300 Sophomores at Sullivan High School recently had the opportunity to sign up for the free Rotary Athletic Heart Screening Program. This event, sponsored by Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, will take place on Saturday, March 28. The screening is intended to detect undiagnosed heart problems. The program includes collecting health history and performing a physical specifically targeted to detect at-risk athletes, as well as an electrocardiogram. … Read More
•March 4, 2020• After 59 years, the News-Progress has New Owners. Bob and Kathy Best last week sold the paper their family has owned since 1961 to Paddock Publications, an employee-owned newspaper company based in Arlington Heights, Ill. Paddock will continue to publish the News-Progress. “As we have in other communities, our goal is to continue to honor the legacy of the former longtime owners by doing what we do best: local coverage of the people and institutions that call Sullivan and Moultrie County home,” said Stefanie Anderson, senior vice president/general manager of the community newspapers division for Paddock. The … Read More
•March 4, 2020• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor The Okaw Valley boys’ basketball team won two games to reach the Class 1A Bethany Regional championship, but came up short against Casey-Westfield. In the championship game, OV fell behind by double digits in the first half but kept the score within striking distance. In the fourth quarter, the Timberwolves made their move. Down by 16 in the fourth quarter, OV battled back to cut the lead to six with seven minutes remaining. But the Warriors’ defense, which helped OV to 14-of-44 (.318) shooting from the field, including 1-of-11 (.090) from … Read More
25 Years Ago This Week Lois Shuman’s kindergarten class at Powers School in Sullivan told the story of Stone Soup—A Rock Opera. Cast members included: Cody Ohm, Samantha Armer, Carrie Kuhns, Savannah Reeves, Shaylee Walker, Casey McClain, Shera Byers, Paige Schoonover, Ashley Danford, Curtis Bushert, Craig Black, Blake Whitkanack, Sam Nunn, Andy Woolen, Ryan Irvin, Andy Morgason and Ashlie Wilson. Chris Oglesby and David Montague, members of the Sullivan FFA chapter attended the National FFA Convention Made For Excellence conference in Springfield. Christine Claytor of Bethany is one of three area Millikin University students who are members of he Big … Read More
Thomas Houser Thomas M. ‘Tommy’ Houser, 52, passed away 6:37 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur. Celebration of Life services were held at 4 p.m. Sunday at Sullivan First United Methodist Church with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan was in charge of arrangements. … Read More