Author Archives:

Obituaries 10-28-2026: Keith Richardson

News Progress Posted on by

Keith Richardson

Keith Richardson, 91, of Sullivan, formerly of Bethany, passed away peacefully at his home at Heritage Woods “Courtyard Estates” of Sullivan on October 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Memorial services were held Sunday, October 25, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. A private burial was in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany, with Military Rites by the Bethany American Legion Post #507. Memorials may be made to the Bethany Veterans Service Organization Post #507.

Read More

A Look Back…10-28-2026

News Progress Posted on by

1966

4 Packages of Betty Crocker cake mixes was $1 at Ken’s Food Stores in Sullivan. 10 cans of Campbell’s Tomato Soup was $1.

At Dunscomb’s Furniture in Sullivan, 3-room, 32 sq. yards of wall-to-wall 501 nylon carpeting over sponge rubber was $288.

Specialist Fourth Class Charles K. Steck of Arthur, was awarded the 10th annual Chicago Tribune outstanding achievement medal for proficient service in Army Reserves or Army National Guard. Spec. Steck was among selected Fifth Army area soldiers who received the award from John H. Thompson, military editor of the Tribune, at the studios of WGN TV, Chicago. Spec. Steck was a clerk typist in Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 33rd Infantry Divison’s 2nd Brigade in Sullivan. Spec. Steck was a 1956 graduate of Arthur High School.

Read More

Moultrie County Board addresses budget, employee costs and assessment concerns

News Progress Posted on by


•October 28, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

The Moultrie County Board approved several financial and personnel measures during its Oct. 15 meeting, including employee health insurance expenses, adjustments to the proposed county budget and additional compensation for certified Assessment Office employees. Board members discussed a proposed timekeeping system, while a resident raised concerns about property assessments and requested changes ahead of the county’s 2027 reassessment.

County budget and 

insurance

During the meeting, officials described the health insurance renewal as an increase of just under 12%, citing changes in fixed costs and maximum liability. The board approved $828,055 for health insurance expenses.

The county’s health insurance plan covers 48 members. The approved renewal maintains the existing HealthLink network and uses a $35,000 specific deductible, which determines how much the county is responsible for on an individual claim before stop-loss insurance applies.

Read More

Sullivan Elementary students meet author and his famous dog Gobi

News Progress Posted on by


•October 28, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Students at Sullivan Elementary School welcomed author and extreme runner Dion Leonard, his wife, Lucja, and their dog, Gobi, for a special visit Friday, Oct. 16.

Kindergarten through second-grade students greeted the visitors with a familiar tune adapted for their four-legged guest, singing, “G-O-B-I, G-O-B-I, G-O-B-I and Gobi was his name-o!”

Read More

MISS Veteran’s Day event 

News Progress Posted on by


•October 28, 2026•

On Friday, November 13th, Mid-Illinois Senior Services will be holding a special event to honor our Veteran’s and their families. At 10:00 a.m., the Sullivan American Legion Post #68 Color Guard will present colors, at 10:30 Rebecca Lawson will be the guest speaker, followed by the serving of our Seniors Peace Meal, and at noon, ‘One Duo’ will be performing live. Cake will be also be served for all to enjoy.

OV Veterans Day event 

News Progress Posted on by


•October 28, 2026•

Okaw Valley Community Unit School District invites all Veterans and their family members to a Veterans Day program at Okaw Valley High School in Bethany on Wednesday, November 11th. A breakfast will be provided to all who attend beginning at 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria and a short assembly will follow at 9:15 a.m. The assembly will feature the Okaw Valley School District band and chorus students, and keynote speaker. 

The students and staff at Okaw Valley thank all Veterans for their acts of courage and devotion to the ideals that have served to guide our nation. We would be honored if you could join us to pay tribute to all the brave men and women who have admirably served our country. 

If you will be able to attend, call 665-3232 for a reservation. 

19th District Membership Caravan

News Progress Posted on by


•October 28, 2026•

The 19th District American Legion Family Membership Caravan will be held Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8.

Local Saturday stops will be Sullivan Post 68 - 8:30 a.m., Bethany Post 507 - 9:00 a.m., Arthur Post 479 - 9:30 a.m., Findlay Post 409 - 9:45 a.m., Shelbyville Post 81 - 10:30 a.m., Oconee Post 839 - 11:15 a.m., Herrick Post 839 - 12:00 noon, Stewardson Post 611 - 1:15 p.m., Sigel Post 1134 - 1:45 p.m., Strasburg Post 289 - 2:45 p.m., Windsor Post 725 - 3:15 p.m. Sunday stops will include Lovington Post 429 - 12:15 p.m.

Each Post, Unit and Squadron is encouraged to attend a local stop to turn in membership cards.

19th District Membership Caravan

News Progress Posted on by


•October 28, 2026•

The 19th District American Legion Family Membership Caravan will be held Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8.

Local Saturday stops will be Sullivan Post 68 - 8:30 a.m., Bethany Post 507 - 9:00 a.m., Arthur Post 479 - 9:30 a.m., Findlay Post 409 - 9:45 a.m., Shelbyville Post 81 - 10:30 a.m., Oconee Post 839 - 11:15 a.m., Herrick Post 839 - 12:00 noon, Stewardson Post 611 - 1:15 p.m., Sigel Post 1134 - 1:45 p.m., Strasburg Post 289 - 2:45 p.m., Windsor Post 725 - 3:15 p.m. Sunday stops will include Lovington Post 429 - 12:15 p.m.

Each Post, Unit and Squadron is encouraged to attend a local stop to turn in membership cards.

Recent Obituaries: Bridget A. Van Hook

News Progress Posted on by

Bridget A. Van Hook, 80, of Sullivan, passed away 12:11 a.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Green Gardens Memory Care, Sullivan.

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Sunday, October 25, 2026 at the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ, Sullivan with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating.  Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning at the church.  Memorials are suggested to the Elim Springs Church of Christ or Habitat for Humanity.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Bridget was born April 2, 1946 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of James and Patricia Young Galligan.  Bridget married Stanley Van Hook on May 21, 1969 in Sullivan and he preceded her in death on February 22, 2011.  She had been an administrative assistant for Agri-Fab in Sullivan and Parke Warehouses in Decatur.  Bridget had been a member of the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ where she was very active in church activities, Tuesday morning social and Vacation Bible School.  Bridget took pride in her home and always had an open door.  She enjoyed hosting her family and friends for all occasions.  

Survivors include her daughter Emilie (Nathan) Beagle of Sullivan; granddaughter Elinore Beagle of Sullivan; sisters Mary Catherine (John) Camper of Chicago, Patti (Mark) Stieren of Springfield, Illinois; brothers Jim (Amy) Galligan of Sullivan, Phil (Terri) Galligan of Decatur and Mick (Natalie) Galligan of Monteverde, Florida; five nieces and five nephews and a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and nephew Matt Galligan.

Emilie would like to extend a special thank you to the aides at Green Gardens who took such loving care of my mother.