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Powering up local generosity, community leaders launch new giving circle

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Submitted by Natalie Beck, HICF CEO

Three area community leaders, in partnership with the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, announce the launch of the Impact Giving Circle. Linda Carlton-Huber, Susie Inman, and Grant Wade are inviting the community to join them in this new giving circle to fuel lasting change. 

The Impact Giving Circle invites community-minded men and women to pool their donations and decide together how to best invest in programs that support and empower education and social service agencies in Moultrie County and the surrounding area.

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Moultrie County approves grocery tax

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•August 20, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

Aone percent grocery items tax the state has been collecting will be collected next year by Moultrie County after the county board approved the change at the meeting Thursday night.

The Grocery Service Occupation Tax has been collected by Illinois and passed back to local governments. After the state legislature voted to end the tax beginning January 1st, area communities and counties are voting on keeping it in place for themselves. Moultrie County’s tax will only apply to food sellers in the unincorporated areas of the county. 

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Community turns out for Kyle Lehman cookout

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•August 20, 2025•

Photo DM Williamee
Back: Seth Cobb, Gage Simmons, Pat Stinson, Jamie Leham, Front: Rhett Lehman, Kathy Booker, Rachel Walton, Briggs Walton, Kay Lehman, Cindy Guin, Esther McDebitt, and Emmy McDebbitt

On Saturday, August 16th, the Sullivan community enjoyed ribeye sandwiches and tenderized pork chops at the Kyle Lehman Honorary Scholarship Fundraising Cookout, sponsored by and held at Kirby Foods IGA in Sullivan. The scholarship, established in 2023, honors Kyle Lehman’s contribution to the Sullivan community and raises funds for the scholarship’s continuation, with all profits funding scholarships awarded to high school seniors working at Kirby Foods. Since its inception, the scholarship has awarded scholarships to eight deserving students.

“Big Jim” memorial fishing derby

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•August 20, 2025•

On Saturday, August 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Woods Lake West entrance (CR 1000 East in Sullivan), the 3rd annual “Big Jim” memorial fishing derby will be held, with the Sullivan AMBUCS Chapter making it possible. This is a free event for children with special needs. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m.

The derby will have ADA/Wheelchair access at the fishing pier, live bait will be available, rods and reels, and food and drinks provided. A new rod and reel will be awarded to the following categories: largest bass, largest crappie, largest catfish, and most fish caught.

To register, call or text Brock Bales at (217) 737-9383.

“Cruise Night” on the Square

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•August 20, 2025•

On Saturday, August 30th, the Sullivan Street Machine Association will be celebrating their “Cruise Night” on the Sullivan Square, beginning at 3:00 p.m. All makes, models, and years welcome. Dash plaques for the first 100 registered. The registration fee is $20.00. Over $1,500.00 in door prizes will be awarded at 6:00 p.m., with free popcorn as well. Live music by Shovelhead, and there will be a goodie-bag cruise route. Entree fee is $15.00.

Registration is at 10:00 a.m., the car show is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and at 2:00 p.m., awards will be given. For more information, call (217) 728-7848, (217) 273-8487, or visit Facebook at facebook.com/SullivanSMA.

Share your family favorite recipes

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•August 20, 2025•

It’s that time of year again - we are asking for readers to submit their favorite recipe for our annual “Family Favorites” cookbook publication. Whether it’s an old family favorite passed down through generations, a recipe you created yourself when being creative, or something new that you love, we are interested in what tickles your palate and brings you joy to put on the table.

The “Family Favorites” cookbook will be published in November.

Please submit your recipes to rtipsword@newsprogress.com.

Recent Obituaries: Carolyn Yvonne Doss

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Carolyn Yvonne Doss, 87, of Sullivan, passed away 1:24 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 22, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial will take place in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Bethany. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Moultrie County PAWs: 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, IL 61951.

Carolyn was born July 4, 1938, in Dunn; the daughter of Virgil and Mary Mildred (England) Shipman. She married James E. “Smokey” Doss on July 28, 1957, in Dunn. Smokey preceded her in death on October 21, 2011. She was a member of the Southern Baptist Church in Sullivan. Carolyn worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years. She enjoyed traveling, her flowers and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Carolyn had a soft spot for her cat Nana and various other outdoor critters, including a squirrel.

She is survived by her son, James LeRoy Doss of Sullivan; grandchildren, Danielle Doss of Mattoon, Clayton Doss of Sullivan and Synthea Doss of Sullivan; aunts, Wilma Wiley and Marilyn England.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and one great-granddaughter, Harper.

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

MCH&GS “Artifact Roadshow”

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•August 13, 2025•

by Tonya Frevert and Randy Fair

On August 9th, the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society hosted the “2nd Native American Artifacts Roadshow” at 1303 S. Hamilton Street in Sullivan. The community was invited to bring Native American artifacts to the History Center for assessment and evaluation by Randy Fair of Sullivan and Tommy Bryden of Springfield, two longtime collectors and consultants with over 70 years combined experience. 

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Outhouse Festival in Gays draws crowds

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•August 13, 2025•

Photos by DM Williamee

The Outhouse Festival held last Saturday in Gays drew crowds, both young and old, and there was certainly something for everyone. Among the favorites for children were the ‘corn pit’, a live Mermaid and Pirate Show, a live and interactive Dino show, multiple inflatables, a petting zoo, and glitter tattoos. 

For parents, there was a car show, live band performances, multiple vendor booths offering a wide array of wares, food and beverage trucks, and for all, the legendary 2-story out-house itself, which saw many visitors. Parking was free, and despite warmer temps, the shows were much enjoyed, and smiles abounded.