Author Archives:

IAHC holds groundbreaking

News Progress Posted on by

New Visitor Center and Museum expected to open in 2026

On Friday, April 25th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Society held a groundbreaking event for their new Visitor Center and Museum, which drew a sizable crowd. The mission is to respect the heritage, preserve the culture, and promote the understanding of the Illinois Amish. The vision is to be the gateway for experiencing Amish history and culture. Pictured are a horse and plough team at work, and the IAHC board, shovels in hand, performing the groundbreaking ceremony.

SAIL holding career event

News Progress Posted on by

•May 7, 2025•

Soyland Access to Independent Living, SAIL, will hold a Personal Assistant Training for people interested in working as a Personal Assistant on Thursday, May 15th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Shelbyville SAIL office, located at 1604 West Main Street, Suite 100 in Shelbyville. 

Assistants are employed by people with disabilities to perform household chores and personal care tasks in their homes. Personal Assistants are paid for their work by the State of Illinois through the Department of Rehabilitation (DORS) program. A reservation is needed to attend the training. 

For more information about the Personal Assistant training or to make a reservation, contact Emily Dobson at 217-876-8888 or 800-358-8080 or email edobson@decatursail.com. 

Church to host Rick King

News Progress Posted on by

•May 7, 2025•

On Saturday, May 10th, at 6:00 p.m., renowned Gospel singer Rick Allen King will be performing at the Allenville Christian Church, 201 S. Allen Street in Allenville. Rick began his musical journey singing with his mother at age six. Still a young boy of twelve, he started singing professionally and has shared the stage with many leading artists in Gospel Music. Even now, Rick sings his songs for concerts, churches, banquets- any event where good Gospel Music is appreciated. For more information, visit his website at http://rickalanking.com. 

Fellowship and light refreshments will follow after the concert, with love offerings welcomed. 

Recent Obituaries: Dennis ‘Denny’ Ferguson

News Progress Posted on by

Dennis ‘Denny’ Ferguson

Dennis M. ‘Denny’ Ferguson, 76 of Bethany, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025 in his home.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Tom Hoskins officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the Bethany American Legion Post #507 will be in the Marrowbone Twp. Cemetery, Bethany. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie - Douglas 4-H or the Bethany Peace Meal. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Denny was born on January 26, 1949 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Warren G. and Luzetta J. Gaston Ferguson. Denny graduated from Bethany High School in the class of 1967. He took agricultural courses through Lake Land College. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1969.  Denny was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer his entire life in the Bethany area.  He spent a lot of hours on the road hauling livestock for Two Mile Commission company. He was a member of the Lincolnland Carriage Club and the Illinois Draft Horse and Mule Association.
Denny showed mules along side of his father which became a family highlight for his kids and grandchildren. He appreciated a good team of mules. He raised, handled and showed several grand champion mules in state and county fairs. He also judged several state and county mule shows over the years. He enjoyed driving mules in parades and taking rides throughout the countryside.
He looked forward in going to the livestock sales at Shelbyville Sale Barn and Two Mile Commission each week. It was a highlight to eat at the Bethany Diner visiting the guys at the liar’s table. He also enjoyed spending time with his high school friends eating lunch out monthly.
Survivors include his children Michael ‘Mick” Ferguson of Findlay, Dawn Redfern of Bethany and Alison Freeland of Hot Springs, Arkansas; grandchildren Janette (Canon) West of Japan and Garrett Ferguson of Bethany; brother in law Dean Craig of Sullivan and a niece and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janet and a son-in-law T.G. Redfern.

Prairieland Frontiersmen “Spring Rendezvous”

News Progress Posted on by
Claire Mihlbachler, 10, throws a tomahawk at her target, with dead-center results. This past weekend, beginning April 25th and wrapping up on the 27th, the Prairieland Frontiersmen held their 49th annual “Spring Rendezvous”. A number of matches were held, including hike and knife woods walk, pistol match, ladies’ woods walk, novelty shoot, and traditional bow shoot. At least 100 people set up camp, dressed in the period and competed in this 3-day event.

Heritage Woods “Easter Eggstravaganza”

News Progress Posted on by
Pictured is Avery Matheson, 2, as she races from the start line with her peers to fill her Easter basket at the “Easter Eggstravaganza”, held on Saturday, April 26th, hosted by Heritage Woods. Originally scheduled for the prior weekend but moved due to poor weather, there was still a large turnout for not only the egg hunt, but also the animals (including “Humphry”, a camel), pony and horse rides, bouncy houses and inflatables, food trucks, bike and adult basket giveaways, local first responder presence as well as other attractions.

Windsor’s Prom Court: A night in Paradise

News Progress Posted on by
Windsor’s Class of 2026 will be hosting Prom at the Event Center in Gays on Saturday, May 3rd at 8:00 p.m. The theme for the evening will be “A Night in Paradise.” Windsor Jr./Sr. High School Prom Court Pictured: Back Row: (L to R) King Candidates Blayke Brownlee, Anthony Harris, and Tyler Pearcy. Front Row: (L to R) Queen Candidates Avery Starwalt, Chiara Campanelli, and Aubrey Carter.

Tips for driving safely during planting season

News Progress Posted on by

Driving tips are critical for farmers and all drivers

•April 30, 2025•

by Angie Hogan

The spring planting season has arrived. As farmers approach the 2025 crop season, drivers across rural communities are reminded of their role in making 2025 a safe and successful year in American agriculture. Large agricultural machinery, rural roadways, and unpredictable spring weather can create dangerous driving conditions. Staying alert and respectful can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe this season.

More farm equipment on the road: Spring planting brings early mornings, long days, and an increased number of slow-moving vehicles on the road. While these machines are essential to help farmers produce America’s food supply, they often travel at speeds under 25 mph. Additionally, modern farm equipment may span across lanes and require wide turns into fields and driveways. Awareness and patience among all drivers are key to avoiding dangerous situations.

Read More

Dine with a Doc

News Progress Posted on by

•April 30, 2025•

The Mid-Illinois Senior Services Center is hosting a free lunch with Jacob Lehr, Senior Program Manager for the Illinois Alzheimer’s Association Chapter, on May 6th from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. During this luncheon, attendees can listen and ask the doctor questions, receive door prizes, and enjoy fellowship with their peers. 

Read More