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Healthy fats: choosing what’s beneficial to your health

News Progress Posted on by


•February 11, 2026•

Angie Hogan

Moultrie County Health Administrator

Foods containing fat were often blamed for weight gain and heart disease. As a result, many people tried to eat “low-fat” foods whenever possible. Today, health experts understand something important: Some fats are not only healthy, but they’re also essential and have a positive impact on overall health. 

Why do healthy fats matter? Fat plays several important roles in the body. It provides energy, protects organs, and helps your body absorb certain vitamins. For example, vitamins A, D, E, and K require fat for proper absorption. Without enough healthy fat, your body may not get the full benefit from nutritious foods. Healthy fats also help you feel full after eating. This can reduce overeating and help with weight management.

What types of healthy fats should you include in your diet? The healthiest fats are called unsaturated fats. These fats are usually liquid at room temperature and come from plants and fish. Monounsaturated fats, when used in place of saturated fats, can help our bodies lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and support heart health. High blood levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in artery walls, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. 

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Sullivan 4‑H member Bushue earns scholarship

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•February 11, 2026•

Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H has announced that Kate Bushue, of Sullivan, is the recipient of the 2026 Illinois 4‑H Gardening, Agriculture & Food Access Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4‑H Foundation. This prestigious award includes a $1,250 scholarship, which Kate will receive at the Illinois 4‑H Celebration of Excellence Awards Banquet on April 10 at the I‑Hotel in Champaign.

Kate is a sophomore at Sullivan High School, a 10‑year 4‑H member, and an active participant in the Moultrie County Shining Stars 4‑H Club in Sullivan. Her 4‑H leader is Erica Lehman. She is the daughter of Jill and Josh Bushue, both of Sullivan.

Her dedication, leadership, and long‑standing commitment to 4‑H have made her a standout among youth across the state.

Sullivan seniors ‘Dine with a Doc’: Alzheimer’s

News Progress Posted on by


•February 11, 2026•

Photo by DM Williamee
Jake Lehr, Senior Program Manager for the Central Illinois Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter.

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, February 3rd, the Mid-Illinois Senior Services hosted their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc.’ Their guest speaker was Jake Lehr, Senior Program Manager for the Central Illinois Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter. This highly engaging guest informed attendees about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, from early detection and warning signs, therapies, and other forms of support, to healthy brain habits. Lehr clarified that dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, including the following: Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, others, such as Huntington’s, and mixed dementia, which may have more than one cause. Lehr shared that everyone experiences Alzheimer’s differently and that Illinois is the first state in the nation to enact legislation mandating both state-regulated and private insurance plans to cover FDA-approved treatments, medications, and necessary diagnostic testing for Alzheimer’s disease. 

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Habitat application deadline

News Progress Posted on by


•February 11, 2026•

Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for their 2026 house build.

Applications can be picked up at the MCHFH Office located at 8 South Washington Street, Suite 102 in Sullivan, or during operating hours at the Habitat ReStore located at 401 South Hamilton Street also in Sullivan, during operating hours. 

Applicants must be in need of safe, affordable housing, have the ability to pay an affordable monthly mortgage payment, and be willing to partner with Habitat, providing “sweat equity” hours during the building of the home. The application deadline is March 15th, 2026. For more information, call (217) 728-7386.

Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Together, we build homes, communities, and hope.

Shrove Tuesday pancake feast

News Progress Posted on by


•February 11, 2026•

All are invited to enjoy festive music and delicious pancakes with sausage, free of charge, at the Sullivan First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, February 17th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church, located directly across the street from the Sullivan fire station, in their annual celebration of Shrove Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 17th, is the final day of Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday. Historically, Shrove Tuesday, also referred to as ‘Pancake Day’, is the final day before Lent (Ash Wednesday on the 18th). Lent is a Christian period of fasting and reflection leading to Easter, where people confess sins (“shrive”) and use up rich ingredients like eggs, sugar, and butter to make pancakes before the 40 days of Lent begin. Celebrated globally with traditions like pancake feasts, it’s a day of indulgence and preparation for spiritual renewal. 

Scholarship open house

News Progress Posted on by


•February 11, 2026•

On Thursday, February 12th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., the OVHS Career Exploration Center will be holding a Scholarship Open House in their new Career Exploration Center. This event is open to high school seniors and juniors, looking to get a jump start on the scholarship application process. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend. Available scholarships and important deadlines will be shared, as well as tips on how to prepare for the scholarship application process. For more information, contact Bonnie Scott at acott@okawvalley.org.

Recent Obituaries: Janette McReynolds

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Janette Kay (Beals) McReynolds, 81, of Bethany, passed away 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Heritage Woods of Sullivan.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 15, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Bethany Cumberland Presbyterian Church: 219 S. Lincoln St. Bethany, IL, 61914 or to Heritage Woods of Sullivan Activity Fund.

Jan was born on February 2, 1945, in Coles County; the daughter of Hubert Vanus and Zola Grace (Thomas) England. Adopted by George F. and Kathryn (Thomas) Beals. She married Walter Dean McReynolds on May 24, 1969, in Charleston; he preceded her in death on September 21, 2024.

She graduated from Sullivan High and went on to graduate with a teaching degree and Masters of Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. She loved teaching in the area schools and was a member of the Bethany Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was a church camp director and past president of the CPWM, traveling across the United States, Colombia, Japan and China.

Jan is survived by her children, Adam (Leslie) McReynolds of Trilla, Alisha McReynolds of Castro Valley, CA, and Aaron (Candace) McReynolds of Sullivan; grandchildren, Holly McReynolds of Charleston, Avery McReynolds of Oakland, CA, and Burton McReynolds of Sullivan; brother, Duane Beals of Decatur; twin sister, Joan (David) Richardson of Yuma, AZ. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters, Mary Jane, Nola Mae and Clara Mae; brothers, Duane V., Gene Calvin, Darrell Hubert, Dale and Dean.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Recent Obituaries: Betty Born

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Betty Born

Betty J. Born, 99, of Lovington, passed away 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Bridle Brook Assisted Living & Memory Care Community in Mahomet.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Lovington. Burial will be in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to Lovington First Christian Church.

Betty was born on October 1, 1926, in Lovington; the daughter of Glen and Mary (Snyder) Gladville. She married William Delton Born on February 24, 1946, in the Lovington First Christian Church; he preceded her in death on August 29, 1978. Betty worked for many years as a secretary for the Lovington Schools. She was a member of the Lovington First Christian Church. Betty enjoyed reading, watching the Wheel of Fortune and traveling. She loved spending time with her family and was known for her “Flying 20s” as she always wanted to pay for their sweet treats, and the $20 bills would fly out of her purse as she went to pay.

Betty is survived by her children, W. Stan (Linda) Born of Mahomet and Lori (John) Nale of Panama City Beach, FL; sister, Kay (Jim) Gilbert of Brentwood, CA; grandchildren, Ashley (Jon) Hentrich of Albany, NY, Angela (Matt) Peckham of Chicago and Bri (Jamie) Grubbs of Charleston. She is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Groundhog Day 2026: six more weeks of winter

News Progress Posted on by


•February 4, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2nd, 2026, predicting six more weeks of winter. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club confirmed that the groundhog saw his shadow at 7:25 a.m. EST in Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, signaling a continuation of cold weather. 

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City declares water emergency 

News Progress Posted on by


•February 4, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Sullivan residents are restricted in some areas of water usage through February after the Sullivan City Council declared a Water Emergency at their January 26th meeting. A water emergency means non-essential water usage, specifically turf irrigation, filling swimming pools, and personal car washing during the emergency are punishable by a $750 fine. 

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