Author Archives:

Put student safety first as school buses return

News Progress Posted on by


•August 12, 2026•

As another school year begins across the region, Regional Office of Education #11 Regional Superintendent Kyle Thompson is reminding motorists, parents, and students that back-to-school season also marks the return of thousands of children traveling on school buses each day.

With buses back on city streets, county roads and rural highways, Thompson said every driver has a responsibility to slow down, eliminate distractions and remain alert for children boarding and exiting school buses.

Read More

Mid-Illinois Senior Services to host Senior Expo September 4

News Progress Posted on by


•August 12, 2026•

The 2025 Expo was very well attended by area residents

by Jamie Crosier

Older adults, caregivers and individuals with disabilities from throughout the area will have an opportunity to learn about services available during the Mid-Illinois Senior Services Senior Expo on Friday, September 4.

The free event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mid-Illinois Senior Services, 113 E. Jefferson St., Sullivan. Organizers expect between 150 and 200 participants and encourage anyone planning to attend to register by Aug. 21 to receive a free sack lunch.

The expo has been a community tradition for more than two decades. Executive Director Kathi Garvey said the event was created to bring organizations that serve older adults and people with disabilities together in one place.

Read More

Personal Assistant Training class

News Progress Posted on by


•August 12, 2026•

Soyland Access to Independent Living, SAIL, will hold a Personal Assistant Training for people interested in working as a Personal Assistant on Thursday, August 20, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, 2 Water Street, Sullivan. Personal Assistants are employed by people with disabilities to perform household chores and personal care tasks in their homes and are paid by the State of Illinois through the Department of Rehabilitation Program. 

A reservation is needed to attend the Personal Assistant Training. For more information about the Personal Assistant Training or to reserve your seat, contact Emily Dobson at 217-876-8888 or 800-358-8080 or email edobson@decatursail.com.  

“Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66”

News Progress Posted on by


•August 12, 2026•

Join the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society for a fascinating presentation exploring the history of the “Mother Road” and the everyday people who lived, worked, and traveled along it. Drawing from 100 newly compiled oral histories, Amanda Bryden, Registrar of History for the Illinois State Museum, will share what it was really like to eat, sleep, and drive the iconic highway. 

Celebrate a century of America’s most famous highway on Thursday, August 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the Moultrie County History Center, 1303 South Hamilton, Sullivan. 

For more information, contact the History Center at (217) 728-4085 or mocohgs@gmail.com. This program is free and open to the public.

MCHGS genealogy workshop series

News Progress Posted on by


•August 12, 2026•

The next genealogy workshop at the Moultrie County History Center will be at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18th at 1303 South Hamilton, Sullivan. This month’s free class will continue touring useful websites and databases for genealogy. Included will be FamilySearch, USGenWeb, a growing list of governmental databases, and other lesser known sites that can aid family history research. 

Bringing a laptop/tablet is highly recommended, though not required. Call (217) 728-4085 or email mocohgs@gmail.com for more information.

Recent Obituaries: Richard Probus

News Progress Posted on by

Richard Allan Probus, 69, of Sullivan, passed away 8:43 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at his home with his family by his side.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. The family requests casual attire, with an emphasis on racing shirts. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made in care of the family or to the donor’s choice.

Richard was born April 19, 1957; in Decatur; the son of J L and Audrey Josephine (Benton) Probus. He married Linda Burgess on March 18, 1978, in Sullivan; she survives. In his younger years, Richard enjoyed fishing and trains while he was working for the Rail Road. He was an avid Dirt Track Racing fan and also a fan of NASCAR. Richard loved spending time with his friends and family, especially going out to eat on Friday nights. Another past time of his was taking Boston and Buddy on golf cart rides around town.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Probus of Sullivan; siblings, Cathy (Tom) Strohl of Neoga, Becky (Greg) Hill of Lovington, Lisa (Harold) Garmon of Lovington and Jeff (Monica) Probus of Decatur; sisters-in-law, Shirley Lindley of Sullivan and Susie Burgess of Sullivan; uncle, John Cain of La Place; aunt, Nancy Metzger of Georgia; special fur baby, Buddy. Richard is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, son, Richie Probus; 2 brothers, Mike and Robert Probus; brothers-in-law, Ron Burgess and Bill Lindley; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cecil and Darlene Burgess.

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

“Together, We Give Back to School”

News Progress Posted on by

Photo Submitted

“Together, We Give Back to School”

Sullivan Elementary School recently received 60 backpacks filled with school supplies through Amazon’s “Together, We Give Back to School” campaign. End of the Line Tackle & Bait, an Amazon delivery partner, nominated Sullivan Elementary for the program, and the school’s submission was selected to receive the donation. Pictured (left to right) are Cameron Martin, Taylor Lilly, James Martin, Marla Martin and Angela McRill following the July 27 delivery.

August is National Wellness Month: 

News Progress Posted on by

10 everyday habits that secretly increase stress
•August 5, 2026•

by Lauren Edwards

Community Outreach Coordinator at Virginia Recovery Centers

August is National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing healthy habits and finding ways to improve overall well-being. While many people associate stress with major life events, such as work pressures, financial challenges, or personal struggles, everyday habits can also quietly contribute to feelings of tension, exhaustion, and burnout.

The good news is that small changes can make a meaningful difference. By recognizing common behaviors that may be increasing stress levels, it becomes easier to replace them with healthier routines that support mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Here are 10 everyday habits that may be adding unnecessary stress to your life (and what you can do instead).

1. Using alcohol to relax after a long day

Read More

Moultrie County August Quarter Madness

News Progress Posted on by


•August 5, 2026•

Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold its August Quarter Auction on Wednesday, August 12. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Eastview Healthcare & Senior Living Activity Department is the organization of the month.

The home accommodates up to 59 residents and is dedicated exclusively to individuals living with cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Approximately 60 staff members are employed to provide compassionate, high-quality care and support for the residents. The activity department offers a variety of engaging programs, including arts and crafts, cooking club, and games of all kinds. Their goal is to provide two activities each day, along with snacks and beverages, to encourage social interaction, mental stimulation, and enjoyment. Funding for the activity department is raised independently through donations and fundraising efforts, as there is no designated operating budget for this program.

Read More

Back-to-school prayer walk planned in Sullivan

News Progress Posted on by


•August 5, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Just days before students return to the classroom, the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association is inviting the community to gather for a Back-to-School Prayer Walk on Monday, Aug. 10.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the concession stand area at Victory Field at Sullivan High School in Sullivan. Organizers have planned a brief welcome, two worship songs and instructions before community members are sent out to walk the school grounds.

Read More