Joyce Henderson
Joyce Ann Henderson, 85, of Springfield went to her heavenly home on Friday, January 23rd, 2026.
Read MoreObituaries 1-28-2026: Joyce Henderson
webmaster
Obituaries 1-28-2026
Leslie ‘Ray’ Cottrell
Leslie ‘Ray’ Cottrell, 85, of Mattoon, passed away at 6:43 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in his home.
Read MoreLetter to the Editor 1-28-2026
The News Progress
Following recent discussion of water supply and infrastructure concerns in Sullivan, it is important to address another issue: the reliability and capacity of the town’s electrical system.
I want to be clear, I am not personally affected by this issue. My electrical service is supplied by Coles Moultrie Electric. I am raising this concern not out of self-interest, but because it reflects a broader pattern of poor governance, and because the consequences are very real for many in this community.
Residents have been told that available electrical capacity is tightening, that local generators may need to run more frequently during high demand, and that brownouts have been discussed as a contingency. These are acknowledgments of strain and reduced safety margins.
Read MoreA Look Back…1-28-2026
2016
Dick’s Pharmacy, a well-known establishment on Vine Street in Arthur, recently came under the ownership of Cindi Reed, who owns the Oakwood Apothecary in Sullivan. It’s part of an expansion of her business, Reed Pharmacies, LLC. “We closed on it on November 2nd,” Reed said.” In June of last year, I got wind that Dick’s was on the market again.”
Objections to presidential candidates’ petitions will delay official general primary ballot release past the first day of voting in Illinois, February 4th. Moultrie County Clerk, Georgia England, announced the presidential candidates’ petition objections to the State Board of Elections are not anticipated to be resolved before the first day of voting in the general primary election, since the names on the questioned petitions will have to undergo individual review.
Read MoreVote by mail disrupted, USPS changes impact widespread
•January 28, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On December 24th, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) officially implemented new procedures for dating mail—reflecting when it is processed at a Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC) rather than when it is dropped off at a local post office. Ballots also will no longer be automatically considered priority mail, increasing the amount of time it will take to deliver them. These changes are part of the “Delivering for America” (DFA) plan to consolidate processing into regional hubs, which began implementing service standard refinements on April 1st, 2025. The new rule, which updates Section 608.11 of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), became effective December 24th, 2025. Sweeping changes to regionalized, automated postmarking is part of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s 10-year modernization plan.
Read MoreBethany American Legion donates to Danville VA
On December 15th, Sam Scott, representing Bethany American Legion Post 507, donated an Infinity game board with an anti-blue light filter, gift cards to local restaurants, and several packages of t-shirts to the Danville Veterans Administration. Pictured is Sam Scott with Margie Hamilton, Volunteer Services. “This is something that we have done for many years to help out Illinois Veterans and provide for their needs.”
Frostbite: risks and tips for prevention
•January 28, 2026•
by Angela Hogan
Moultrie County Health Administrator
Winter brings plenty of challenges to Central Illinois, including the risk of frostbite. It can develop quickly, even during routine activities like walking the dog, shoveling snow, or commuting to work. Frostbite can cause lasting tissue damage and often strikes before a person realizes they’re in danger. The time necessary for frostbite to occur depends heavily on the temperature, wind chill, and how long the skin is exposed. Understanding how it happens and how to prevent it is essential. This article offers practical steps to stay safe, protect vulnerable loved ones, and make informed decisions during harsh winter weather.
What is frostbite? Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. It typically affects body parts farthest from the heart, such as fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks, and chin. Reduced blood flow to these areas allows ice crystals to form in the tissue. Frostbite results in tissue damage that ranges from mildly uncomfortable to permanent tissue death. Early recognition and prevention are key.
Read MoreFebruary Happenings for ETML
•January 28, 2026•
Story times: Every Wednesday, Feb 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th at 10:00 a.m. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft.
Every Monday at 9:00 a.m., we host a Memory Café. This is a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Get helpful information and support from others who also have loved ones who struggle with memory loss.
February 5th and 19th: Homeschoolers: If you have a homeschooled student, check out the class we have. It meets twice a month on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. The group will explore fun, hands-on STEAM activities designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking. Join us for exciting learning and connection with fellow homeschoolers! Please register online at https://forms.gle/sgWh9isvnEY6uWV36 or call us at (21) 728-7221.
Crochet Group: Tuesdays, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Join fellow crafters to learn new stitches and patterns in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Beginners and experienced crochet artists are welcome. Those interested in learning how to crochet should contact Michelle or Laura in advance.
February 9, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Make Your Own Valentine. Need a Valentine’s card? Use our materials to create a handmade card for teachers, parents, or grandparents. Homemade gifts are always a hit! Bring your creativity—we’ll provide the supplies and handle the cleanup.
Feb 2nd and 16th after school at 3:45 p.m. Crafty Crew: This group has fun creating new crafty things. If you’re interested, you can sign up online at www.sullivanlibrary.org or give us a call, or come in to the library.
The Mobile DMV will not be here this month. They will be back in April. In the event of bad weather, please call the library to confirm it is open. (217) 728-7221
Senior Sweetheart Breakfast
•January 28, 2026•
On February 12th from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., for those 65 years of age and older, Heritage Woods of Sullivan, located at 20 Courtyard Boulevard, will be hosting a ‘Senior Sweetheart Breakfast’ in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The breakfast will be a cozy morning filled with good food, friendly faces, and a little Valentine cheer. RSVP to (217) 728-4300 before February 5th to attend.
Recent Obituaries: Leslie ‘Ray’ Cottrell
Leslie ‘Ray’ Cottrell, 85, of Mattoon, passed away at 6:43 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in his home.
Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 in the St. Isidore Cemetery, rural Bethany conducted by Fr. Rafal Pyrchla. Military honors will be conducted by the Bethany American Legion Post #507. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Ray was born May 12, 1940 in Granite City, Illinois, the son of Glover Rex and Nancy Marie Stroud Cottrell. He retired from Northfork-Western Railroad as a railroad engineer. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Ray married Diane C. Wachter on October 20, 1962 in Granite City, Illinois.
Survivors include his wife Diane; son Greg (Cindy) Cottrell of Bethany and Laurie (Scott) Glenn-Upton of Farmer City, Illinois; grandchildren Shelby (Steven) Rogers of Lake City, Illinois, Cody Cottrell and significant other Jessica Iberg of Decatur, Ashley (Bill) Chapman of Macon, Illinois, Katie Glenn of Bloomington, Illinois Summer Glenn of Chicago, Miles Upton of Urbana, Illinois, Austin (Amanda) Upton of St. Joseph, Illinois and Justin (Julian) Upton of Philo; great grandchildren Carman Chapman, Mason Green, River Upton, Steven Rogers, Samuel Rogers and baby Rogers due in June and a brother Kenneth Cottrell of southern Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters.