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Open house at Sweet Vail Café

News Progress Posted on by

•February 26, 2025•

The Sullivan Area Ministerial Alliance (SAMA) invites the entire community to a special Open House at Sweet Vail Café on Monday, March 3, from 5-7 p.m.

This gathering is an opportunity for neighbors to come together, enjoy light snacks, and connect in a spirit of faith and fellowship. Whether you are new to the area or a longtime resident, SAMA welcomes you to stop by, meet local Pastors, and learn more about how we can strengthen our community together.

“We believe that building a strong, compassionate community starts with meaningful connections,” said a SAMA representative. “This event is a simple way to bring people together in a warm and welcoming space.”

All are encouraged to attend and be part of this time of fellowship and encouragement. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome.

Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast

News Progress Posted on by

•February 26, 2025•

Tuesday, March 4th is the final day of Mardi Gras, also known as Shrove Tuesday, and the Sullivan First United Methodist Church is throwing a free party.

Historically, Shrove Tuesday is a day to feast on pancakes before the Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. 

You are invited to enjoy the festive music and delicious pancakes with sausage-free of charge- from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on March 4th at the church, located across the street from the Sullivan fire station. 

LWWC community event

News Progress Posted on by

•February 26, 2025•

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation will have guest speaker, Natalie Beck, sharing the mission of the organization and its resources on March 4th at 6:00 p.m. in the Lovington Community Building, with a free dinner included. 

The event, brought to the community by the Lovington Working Women’s Collective, will provide resources to improve the quality of life for all residents of the Lovington community.

For more information, contact Jamie Franklin at (217) 972-2001.

Recent Obituaries: Ted King

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Ted G. King

Ted G. King, 91, of Sullivan, passed away 3:35 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. 
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. No visitation will be held. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Ted was born on May 31, 1933, in Sullivan; the son of Paul J. and Velma Fern (Messmore) King. He attended Smyser Schools. Ted worked on the farm with his father and brother. He later went to work at the Moultrie County Beacon.
He is survived by his brother, Gary King of Mattoon. Ted is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Ted was proceeded in death by his parents and 1 sister Retha Bauer.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Recent Obituaries: Raymond “Red” Reynolds

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Raymond “Red” Reynolds

Raymond H. “Red” Reynolds, 89, of Kirksville, stepped into the presence of his Savior 3:31 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. 
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will take place in the Moultrie County Memorial Park, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to Community Home Care: 107 E Jefferson, Sullivan, IL 61951 or to the Sullivan Senior Center.
Red was born March 10, 1935; the son of Robert G. and Bertha (Brown) Reynolds. He married Ann L. Woodworth on June 1, 1963, in Bethany; she survives. Red was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church. He ran a welding and repair shop for over 60 years. Red enjoyed spending time with his family and a multitude of friends
Red is survived by his wife, Ann of Kirksville; son, Micky (Lisa) Reynolds of Sweetwater, TN; grandchildren, Savanna (Josh) Eckel of Sweetwater, TN, Ross (Hali) Reynolds of Niota, TN, and Mykala Reynolds of Lenoir City, TN; sister, Shirley (Jake) Frederick of Mattoon. He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren.
Red was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son Harold, 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Singers continue to shine

News Progress Posted on by

•February 19, 2025•

Photo provided

The Sullivan Singers and Singers Jr both finished 2nd runner up in their respective divisions at the Manteno Main Event last Friday and Saturday. Their next on competition is this weekend at the El Paso-Gridley Show Choir Showdown in El Paso, IL. 

The groups will also be performing at their spaghetti supper on February 27th at Sullivan High School. The show choirs supper will be served from 4:30-6:30 with the performance beginning at 6:30.

SBL introduces self-scheduling service

News Progress Posted on by

•February 19, 2025•

A new Sarah Bush Lincoln self-scheduling service is available to the public, allowing people to schedule appointments with their primary care providers.

SBL Specialty Clinic Director April Clark explained, “Self-scheduling is easy to use and it’s available whenever people have the time to schedule an appointment, even when the office is closed.”

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How to help kids lose weight safely

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•February 19, 2025•

Many people struggle with weight over the course of their lifetime. A study noted in a report in the Wall Street Journal indicates the obesity epidemic is global. Around 2.1 billion people across the globe, or roughly one-quarter of the global population, is obese. Although overweight and obesity are issues for adults, they also affect children. 

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Should I eat breakfast when I’m not hungry

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Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension                      

I am definitely not one to usually eat breakfast, only because I don’t like most breakfast foods. I found this article written by Illinois Extension Educator Jenna Smith very interesting and helpful and wanted to share it you. Jenna says: While some people wouldn’t dream of skipping breakfast in the morning, others just aren’t breakfast eaters. There are three common reasons as to why breakfast may be overlooked: “I don’t have time,” “I don’t like breakfast food,” and “I’m not hungry.” It’s the “I’m not hungry” excuse that most people have a hard time understanding. After all, you’ve probably heard many health professionals tell you to listen to your body’s cues and only eat when hungry. 

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Slow-cooked beef stew makes an ideal cold weather comfort food

News Progress Posted on by

•February 19, 2025•

The term “comfort food” can be used in reference to a host of dishes. Some see Mom’s homecooking as the ultimate comfort food, while others may insist hearty dishes that fill the belly are the only true comfort foods.

Regardless of one’s definition of comfort food, one characteristic many might agree about is that foods must provide more than mere sustenance to qualify for entry into this wide-ranging category. Beef stew certainly fits that criteria, as many feel nothing is more comforting on a cold winter day than a warm bowl of slow-cooked stew. As winter settles in, those looking for some slow-cooked comfort can try this recipe for “Crockpot Beef Stew With Potatoes and Peas” from Lines+Angles.

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