News Progress

•July 18, 2018• By Ellen Ferrera for The News Progress In a regular meeting on July 12 the Bethany Village Board voted unanimously to raise the rates 4% each for water, sewer, electric and gas services. The board also approved a minimum wage ordinance and an ordinance adding 50 cents to utility bills for recycling. In other business, Police Chief Chris Nichols reported that a $13,000 grant had been received toward the purchase of a new Ford SUV police car. The village, however, will have to pay for equipping the car with items such as a computer and video camera. … Read More

•July 18, 2018• By Ellen Ferrera for the News Progress Virgil Roy Hampton, V-Roy, was born in Lake City in 1906, but his family soon moved to a 42-acre farm in Bethany. He became enchanted with magic at an early age and was earning such a good living from legerdemain that he quit high school just before graduating. He felt the diploma would not help him in his career. By the end of that career he was considered the new Harry Houdini, but he actually patterned his act after Ed Reno whom he considered the best. At just 20 years … Read More

•July 18, 2018• By Ariana Cherry for the News Progress A comment pertaining to an erosion problem at Sullivan Tabor Park opened the last meeting of the Sullivan City Council. By showing some photographic evidence, it was brought to the attention of the council that about 39 trees are possibly being affected by erosion in the park. Concerned council members noted that they would be looking into the situation. The East Central Illinois Development Corporation gave a presentation about tax credit housing that could create new housing development for families with lower income. Tax credit housing is also ideal for … Read More