Obituaries 11-20-2019: Mildred Smith

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Mildred Smith Mildred (Millie) Durchholz Smith, 98, a longtime resident of Lovington and Hammond, IL, and Mt. Dora, FL, died Friday, October 4, 2019, at Mason Point Nursing Home in Sullivan, IL. Born January 18, 1921, in Latham, IL, she lived on a farm until graduating from Latham High School at the age of 16. Her dream was to become a nurse, but because she could not start nurses training until the age of 18, she went to Millikin University for two years. … Read More

Coach Ruscin’s Long History With Lions Turkey Bingo

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And the Beginning of Life with Anna •November 20, 2019• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress John Ruscin has probably never undertaken any assignment for the short haul. He was a teacher/coach at Sullivan Elementary School for 37 years, then an IGA employee for 19 years and on November 8 he announced that he would be retiring after 68 years of volunteer service to the Lion Club’s Turkey Bingo. “I came to Sullivan as a geography teacher and coach in 1951,” John recalled. ”Then Principal, Russell Ashbrook, actively recruited every male teacher to membership in the Lion’s Club. I … Read More

Estate Planning

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•November 20, 2019• A free estate planning seminar will be offered from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at the First United methodist Church on Jefferson St. Sullivan. Sponsored by BRE LAW (Bolin Robinson & Ellis LLP) of Sulivan with Steven K. Wood, Steven W. Mayberry, Jon D.Robinson and Shane M. Mendenhall presenting. Those interested in attending should call (217) 728-7369 or email kalexander@bredlaw.com, no later than noon December 10. … Read More

Shelby Craft Fair

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•November 20, 2019• Shelby Christian Church is holding a Christmas Vendor and Craft Fair in Shelbyville from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Over 25 vendors will be at the Hickory Street Church along with a Silent Auction with many items, a bake sale with a lot of goodies. Rork’s Pork Barbecue will start serving lunch at 11 a.m. The proceeds from entry fees, bake sale, & silent auction will go to Shelby Christian Church Mission Trip. … Read More

Young Roster Fires Okaw Valley Basketball Team’s Future Season

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•November 20, 2019• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor The Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team returned only one senior: Kate Jeffers. At the same time, OV returned other Timberwolves who earned quality varsity playing time last season. “We return a lot of varsity minutes, both in the back court and front court, more than last year in that respect,” said OV head coach Brad Ackers. “The girls know what is in front of them and what to expect this year, that will pay off when we face adversity this season too.” Ackers will have to count on several young players … Read More

Obituaries 11-20-2019: Jenna R. Protz

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Jenna R. Protz Jenna R. Protz, 14, of Vandalia, Illinois, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2019 in an auto accident, near Hillsboro. Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 23, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, Vandalia with Chaplains Scottie Wilson and Lee Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, November 22, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, Vandalia and from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday prior to the service at the church. … Read More

Sullivan Girls Basketball Team Seeks Deep Playoff Run

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•November 20, 2019• By Jason Brown NP Sports Editor For the last two seasons, the Sullivan girls’ basketball team has earned trips to the Sweet 16. This season, the Redskins are eager for a chance to go deeper in the state tournament. Sullivan head coach Sheri McCain believes her team should contend for a Central Illinois Conference championship, but her real goal each year is making deep runs in the playoff. “Our ultimate goal is to be ready for post-season play and bring home another regional title,” McCain said. “These girls have experienced a lot of success over the past … Read More

Santa Letters

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•November 20, 2019• The Moultrie County News Progress is offering a chance to send letters to Santa. Santa’s North Pole drop box will be placed in front of the Monroe Street office this week. Plans are to publish all letters in The News Progress on Wednesday, December 18 to give Santa Claus time to figure out who has been naughty or nice. Letters may also be sent to santa@newsprogress.com or by mailing to Santa Claus c/o News Progress PO Box 290, Sullivan 61951. Letters should be received no later than Friday, December 13. … Read More

Obituaries 11-20-2019: Michael Calvin

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Michael Calvin Michael Calvin, 66, of Gaithersburg, Maryland went to be with his father and brother on Saturday morning, surrounded by his family. Mike was born in Charleston, Illinois to Robert and June Calvin. He was an All-State quarterback at Sullivan High School where he played for his father. He also excelled on the basketball court and as an all-around athlete in track and field. He then went on to play football and high jump at Eastern Illinois University. Mike met the love of his life, Patricia Wells Calvin, while they were in high school. They both attended Eastern Illinois … Read More

Superintendent-Y Stuff: A Walk with Mr. Walk

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•November 20, 2019• By Ted Walk, Supt. Sullivan CUSD #300 Sullivan Schools recently received the results of the Illinois Science Assessment. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) is a new and innovative assessment that is based on the Next Generation Science Standards. … Read More