News Progress – More news about the people of Moultrie County than any other newspaper in the world

Prairieland Frontiersman: reveling in and reliving the past

•March 18, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Where to shop for the person who has everything? On Friday, March 13th and 14th, the Prairieland Frontiersmen held their 37th annual Historic Arts and Crafts show at the Sullivan American Legion. The Legion Hall was packed wall to wall with traders and artisans representing the colonial, fur trade, and Civil War eras, with their multitude of hand-made goods and wares on offer. Many men and women dressed in historical attire, spanning the different eras represented. From beautiful maple-stocked muzzle-loading rifles, all manner of loading gear, rattlesnake vertebrae earrings, fur accessories of all types, books and manuals, and beaded necklaces to leatherworks tanned and tooled, period pieces of clothing and camaraderie, the craft show was a step into the past.

Sullivan City Council hears water update

•March 18, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Water issues continued to be on the agenda for the Sullivan City Council at their March 9 meeting, with how to find it and how to pay for it on the City Council’s mind.

Council member Chuck Woodworth, who oversees the water department, said a test well dug at the city’s well field had yielded good results. The city is waiting for approval of the water quality before moving any further ahead. And, Woodworth said, the drought that has caused the water shortage could be easing.

“They’ve downgraded the drought from extreme to severe,” Woodworth said. “I guess that’s good news.”

Salary increases discussed at Moultrie board meeting

•March 18, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

How much to pay Moultrie County’s elected officials was on the agenda for the Moultrie County board at their March 12 meeting.

The board has until 180 days before the election to vote on changes for officials like the County Clerk, County Circuit Clerk, Supervisor of Assessments and Treasurer. At Thursday night’s meeting, the board was asked to consider raising the Clerk and Treasurer, both on the fall ballot, to $70,000 with $1500 annual increases for the length of the terms.

Actor Shawn Woods speaks on ‘Loving Yourself’

•February 25, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Friday, February 20th, actor Shawn Woods, known for his roles in Charlie’s Angels and Sons of Anarchy, made a special speaking appearance at the invitation of Moultrie County’s ROSC and Dove programs at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center. The theme was ‘Loving yourself.’ This free, family-friendly event also included treats, as well as provided an opportunity for those in attendance to make their own valentines to themselves, as an expression of self-love. Mr. Woods also provided photo opportunities as well as autographs.

OVHS hosts grand opening of Career Exploration Center

•February 18, 2026•

L-R: Olivia King, Jill Snearly, Shari Bryun, Brad Ackers, Gina Atchison, Matthew Shoaff, Grant Wade, Bonnie Scott, Kate Stauder, Kent Stauder, Andrea Gerhard, Andrew Fultz, Manny Guzman, Jenna Doty, and Sarah McDowell.

Okaw Valley Community Unit School District #302 celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Okaw Valley High School Career Exploration Center on Thursday, February 12th, marking an exciting milestone for students, families, and the broader community. While the Center has been serving students throughout the school year, the ceremony marked its official grand opening.

The Career Exploration Center was made possible through a generous $13,000 grant from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, helping bring the space to life under the leadership of Jena Atchison, Bonnie Scott, and Matthew Shoaff. Representatives Grant Wade and Andrea Gerhard attended on behalf of the Foundation and joined students, educators, and community leaders as the doors officially opened.

Second round of Sullivan Athletic HoF inducted

•February 25, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Sullivan High School has started a new athletic Hall of Fame this year to honor the athletes who have thrilled fans on courts, fields, and pools over the years. During the first round of inductees, Roger Beavers, Seth Dunscomb, and Luke Standerfer were recognized. As promised, a second wave of inductees were honored a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday before the Sullivan Lady Redskins game.

Stacy McLaughlin

Stacy McLaughlin (Class of 1982) was one of the first Sullivan lady athletes to make an impact on the court and track. Title IX of the 1972 Civil Rights Act prohibited the discrimination based on sex in schools. This landmark federal legislation opened the doors to women’s sports in schools. Less than 10 years later, Stacy showed why it was important to have women’s sports.

SBD: State championship meet

•March 18, 2026•

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins recently finished their championship meets. The Dolphins had a strong showing at the Winter Regional Championships and were able to send nine swimmers to the State Championships.

Redskins compete at power lifting meet

The Redskin football athletes have been working hard in the weightroom this offseason, and last Saturday twelve of them competed at the Maroa-Forsyth Power Lifting Meet. The athletes competed within their weight classes in the bench press, squat, and power clean, as well as the vertical jump and timed flying 10 yard runs. Redskin competitors had a successful meet, setting 20 new personal records and earning several medals in their respective weight classes.
Earning medals were: Collin Shain- 1st Squat 320 pounds, 3rd Bench 235 pounds, Noah Bryant- 3rd Bench 280 pounds, Chet Ray- 3rd Squat 415 pounds, Braden Lucas- 1st 10 yard fly 19.9 mph, 3rd Clean 250 pounds and Keegan Newberry- 1st Squat 450 pounds, 2nd Bench 285.

Obituaries 3-18-2026: Bensyn Linder

Bensyn Linder

Bensyn Ellis Lea Linder, infant daughter of Gary and Sophia Linder of Altamont, IL, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, in St. Louis Children’s Hospital.