Author Archives:

‘National Newspaper’ week: Oct. 5th through 11th

News Progress Posted on by


•October 8, 2025•

by DM WIlliamee

As the leaves begin to turn color and fall, crops are being harvested, and homes are being buttoned down in (great) anticipation of cooler temps, it’s time to appreciate an institution that has been around longer than home internet: National Newspaper Week (NNW), which is celebrated and observed October 5th through 11th.  Established in 1940, this week serves as a reminder of the vital role newspapers play in both our local communities and society, regardless of size or location. Newspapers are much like a good cup of coffee on a Monday morning - essential, invigorating, and even a little bitter.

Read More

ROSC “Step into Purple”recovery walk, inspiration in motion

News Progress Posted on by


•October 8, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee Pictured is Skylar Miller, who organized and led the Recovery Walk.

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, September 27th in Sullivan’s Wyman Park, ROSC held their “Step into Purple” recovery walk to celebrate National Recovery Month and to remember those who lost their battle with addiction, those still fighting for their recovery, and those celebrating their recovery, as well as the recovery of friends and loved ones.

Participants walked around the pond and bridges at the park while sharing their stories and their reasons for participation. The atmosphere overall was hopeful and upbeat, with many feeling rejuvenated in being able to share their stories with each other, from their successes and losses to their strategies for sobriety and the issues many still face once achieving sobriety. One area of great concern echoed by those on the Recovery Walk was the lack of substance use disorder treatment options in Moultrie County, with many having to travel 30 or more minutes to obtain access to necessary recovery tools and resources. Despite numerous barriers, many have found a path to recovery and continue on this arduous journey. The support and camaraderie shared on the Recovery Walk were both encouraging and inspirational.

Read More

ROSC wellness education group

News Progress Posted on by


•October 8, 2025•

Every Monday in October, Kandis will be at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, leading her informative yet informal recovery conversations from 11:00 a.m. until noon. For more information, contact Kandis Mills, Recovery Navigator, at KandisM@hourhouserecovery.org or call (217) 549-6751.

Okaw Valley HS Homecoming Parade

News Progress Posted on by


•October 8, 2025•

The Okaw Valley High School Student Council will be hosting the upcoming Homecoming Parade on October 17th at 1:00 pm. All local and surrounding businesses and social club entries are welcome to participate. No registration is required. Parade lineup is at 12:15 at the high school in Bethany, and the theme is “Hollywood Movie Premiere”.

SAIL health screening testing

News Progress Posted on by


•October 8, 2025•

SAIL (Soyland Access to Independent Living) is having a ‘Health Screening and Testing Fair’ on Friday, October 10th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Shelby County Senior Center located at 325 E. North 9th Street in Shelbyville. This event is open to the public.

The fair will provide various types of testing such as balance testing, eye pressure testing, pulse oximetry, and blood pressure testing, etc. Different screenings are available for depression screening, indicators of substance abuse screening, Narcan screening, and sleep apnea screening. The fair also offers flu shots and Pneumonia shots. The Shelby County Health Department can bill Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance for the shots. Health screening and testing are free unless a cost is listed. For information call Betty Watkins, SAIL Rural Outreach Coordinator, at (217) 774-4322.

Bethany Senior Potluck

News Progress Posted on by


•October 8, 2025•

The Bethany Senior Citizen Potluck will be held on Wednesday, October 15th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany library, located at 216 W Main Street. Soup and sandwiches will be provided. All are welcome.

Harvest to Home returns October 10–11

News Progress Posted on by


•October 1, 2025•

The Illinois Amish Heritage Center invites you to celebrate the richness of the harvest season at Harvest to Home: A Fall Harvest Experience, held Friday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 11 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., just off Route 133 in Arthur, Illinois.

This immersive two-day event offers a rare opportunity to step into the past and experience farming the way it once was - powered by steam, gas, horses, and hard work. It’s a celebration of rural heritage, agricultural roots, and the community spirit that defined the harvest season for generations.

Read More

SFD Pancake breakfast is a big hit with the community

News Progress Posted on by


•October 1, 2025•


Photos by DM Williamee

The Sullivan Fire Protection District held its annual ‘Pancake and Sausage’ breakfast on the morning of Saturday, the 27th.  Last year’s turnout was around 600, and this year was even better, serving 735 at the firehouse plus 140 to go orders. With something for everyone, much laughter and compliments to the chef could be heard as community members caught up on current events as they enjoyed their breakfasts.

Homecoming Parade delights

News Progress Posted on by

by DM Williamee 

With the theme, “Rio” this year, the Homecoming Parade in Sullivan last Friday had a wide variety of floats with their interpretation of the theme, as well as the homecoming court hopefuls. The weather helped facilitate a large turnout, with children lining the streets to get candy and proud parents taking photos. Both community and school spirit were tangible.


Photos by DM Williamee

Read More

Bethany Safe Trick or Treat

News Progress Posted on by


•October 1, 2025•

by DM Williamee 

BASO, in conjunction with the Okaw Valley PTO, is sponsoring a “Safe Trick or Treat’ for Bethany residents on October 25th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Trick or treating will be done in downtown Bethany. There will be a costume parade as well as judging for this event, so be sure to wear your best if you plan to compete. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the Okaw Valley Elementary School. Call (217) 665-3232 with any questions.