webmaster – News Progress

Sullivan approves well, park invoices

Posted on October 28, 2026 by webmasterOctober 28, 2026

•October 28, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Work being done for Sullivan baseball fields and to rehabilitate an existing water well were approved Monday, October 12 by the Sullivan City Council.

The invoice from Richter Landscaping in the amount of $36,447.79 for fencing and foul pole installation is being paid for by an Open Spaces Land Acquisition and Development grant the city has been using to update the facilities. The water well rehab payment to Geotechnical Construction was in the amount of $18,500.

Okaw Valley Royalty

Posted on October 28, 2026 by webmasterOctober 28, 2026

Parker O’Dell and Kaya Forlines were crowned 2026 Okaw Valley Homecoming King and Queen.

Upcoming Windsor Storm Library events

Posted on October 28, 2026 by webmasterOctober 28, 2026

•October 28, 2026•

Saturday, October 31, 3:00-6:00 p.m.: Trunk or Treat Family Festival at the city park, featuring more than 20 trunks, three food trucks and several activities.

November

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6:00 p.m.: Yeast Bread and Rolls Class. $10 admission. Space is limited; call to reserve a spot.

November programs at the Lovington Public Library

Posted on October 28, 2026 by webmasterOctober 28, 2026

•October 28, 2026•

2nd & 16th - Needle Night from 5-7 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew we have people that can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out come join us.

3rd - Story time from 10-10:30 a.m. Bring the little ones in for a story and a craft.

6th - Kids game time from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This month we will be playing floor Tic-Tac-Toe.

9th - Craft Club from 5-7 p.m. Bring whatever craft you are working on and join us.

10th - Tyke Time will be from 10-10:30 a.m. We will have a letter matching activity.

Sullivan prepares for playoff game; Will face Havana Ducks

Posted on October 28, 2026 by webmasterOctober 28, 2026

•October 28, 2026•

by E. Scott England

In the new playoff format, the Sullivan Redskins drew a first-round bye with their 8-1 record. They were also given a number four seed for the playoffs. They also just barely made the Class 1A cutoff. Sullivan Athletic Director, Cole Huber, knew the class ranking could go either way. “We had been seeing projections of us being the largest 1A school or us being the smallest 2A school, so I wasn’t going to be surprised either way.”

Being in Class 1A doesn’t equate to easier competition though. “If we win our Round 1 matchup, the next two rounds we are poised to play teams that got top 2 in state the last few years. So 1A isn’t necessarily an easier road,” said Huber. Head coach John Bertetto is pleased either way. “We are proud of our guys for having a great year so far and happy that we earned the chance to play another game on Victory Field.” He shared similar thoughts to Huber on drawing a Class 1A ranking. “You are going to see some really tough teams no matter where you end up, so you just have to wait and see what the IHSA puts together and go out and play your best to hopefully keep advancing.”

Sullivan AMBUCS Halloween Parade returns to the square Oct. 31

Posted on October 28, 2026 by webmasterOctober 28, 2026

•October 28, 2026•

The Sullivan AMBUCS invite families from all over Central Illinois to the Sullivan Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 31, on the Square in downtown Sullivan. Line-up begins at 5:00 p.m., and the parade steps off at 5:15 p.m.

The Halloween parade has been a Sullivan tradition since 1928, and it has always been a big draw for families from across the area.

Remembering Who We Are….

Posted on October 28, 2026 by webmasterOctober 28, 2026

Taming the “Swamp Monster” in Dora

•October 28, 2026•

by Janet Roney

“You are doing a great job, Roger!” Those were Paul Tueth’s frequent encouraging words during my husband’s visits with him in Paul’s shady front yard across the road from the “Tueth eighty” up in Dora Township. He not only encouraged Roger, who was fairly new at this farming business back in the sixties, but Paul shared stories about the folks of “Little Ireland” with him.

One story was about his father who used to tell Paul, “If you are ever going to do anything in this world, you better do it while you are livin!” Dora’s pioneer dirt farmers who lie at peace in the church yard at St. Isadore Catholic Church must have followed that sage advice, for the prairie they first tilled continues to be among the best, most productive land in Moultrie County. This amazing productivity began to reveal itself when Edward Bresnan showed up in Dora Township from Ireland in 1858.

Don and Betty Book became family to those in their care

Posted on October 28, 2026 by webmasterOctober 28, 2026

•October 28, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

For some Sullivan families, Donald G. and Betty Ruth Book started as daycare providers. Years after the children had outgrown daycare, the Books were still showing up for birthday parties, school activities and sporting events, checking in on families and finding ways to help.

Nichole and Craig Hendry and Angie and James Bailey describe relationships with the Books that continued well beyond the years their children spent in the couple’s care.

The Baileys met Don and Betty through church about 23 years ago while looking for a daycare provider. Angie Bailey said the families quickly became friends, and her children, Ryan and Joshua, loved going to the Books’ home.

“They have always been a big part of my kids’ birthday parties and always at school activities,” Bailey said. “I will always consider them a part of our family.”

The Hendrys had a similar experience.