Author Archives:

Home fire pit safety 

News Progress Posted on by


•May 20, 2026•

by DM Williamee

With winter finally in the rear-view mirror, the allure of crackling flames and the cozy ambiance of backyard fire pits are growing increasingly more popular for both renters and homeowners alike. Whether creating an expanded indoor/outdoor space aesthetic or simply wanting to enjoy the campfire without traveling to a campground, more individuals are embracing fire pits in their back yards. Regardless of the motivation, constructing a fire pit should be thoughtfully planned out, with adhering to safety guidelines and local ordinances. 

Read More

Why childhood vaccination rates matter

News Progress Posted on by


•May 20, 2026•

by Angela Hogan

R.N., MSPH Administrator, MCHD 

Parents want their children to stay healthy, in school, and ready to learn. One of the most effective ways to protect them and our communities is through routine childhood vaccinations. A recent update from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) shows encouraging news: Most Illinois children are up to date on their required school vaccinations. In fact, nearly all reported immunization rates met or exceeded the state’s 95% coverage goal. “Across Illinois, families, schools, and public health partners are working together to keep children protected from preventable illnesses,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. 

Read More

21-year record breaker

News Progress Posted on by

On Thursday, May 14th, Khiry Campbell took down the 5th-grade Sullivan Elementary School’s Annual Track Meet record for the 400m held by Tanner Typer from 2005.

Remembering who we are….110

News Progress Posted on by

“The Immortal Thirty-two”


•May 20, 2026•

by Janet Roney

It’s been one hundred and ninety years since March 6, 1836, when Moultrie County’s Jonathan Lindley became the only Illinois man to die at the Alamo.

At age twenty-two, Jonathan had everything to live for. After coming to Texas in 1833 from Moultrie County, Illinois, with his father, Samuel Washington Lindley, he owned 80 acres of land, a small herd of cattle, some pigs, and a cozy little cabin near Gonzales where he and his sweetheart, Sarah, would soon start their married life. What more could a young man ask for? But Jonathan had been born with a strong sense of right and wrong, like his Whitley and Lindley grandfathers.

Texians were outraged when the Mexican “Napoleon of the West,” Santa Anna, jailed Stephen Austin after refusing his request to make Texas an independent Mexican state. He also stopped legal American immigrants and seized their weapons, even though he had been inviting them to settle in the land of “smiling prairies” for the previous decade. Soon, ready or not, the Texians wanted complete independence from Mexico.

Read More

Students get head start with dual credit CDL course

News Progress Posted on by


•May 20, 2026•

Neoga senior Ayden White has yet to earn his high school diploma, but he’s already built the foundation of a high-demand career. Thanks to a unique partnership with Lake Land College, Ayden is turning his last semester of high school into a pathway toward earning a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL). 

Ayden is one of several local students enrolled this semester in Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Theory, a dual credit course designed to equip high schoolers with the career-ready skills to operate tractor-trailers, flatbeds, livestock carriers, and other heavy-duty vehicles. Held in the Lake Land College Effingham Technology Center, the course is available to high schoolers through a partnership with Creating Opportunities for Regional Employment (CORE), which provides free career exploration classes for students across 16 local high schools. “My grandpa owns a trucking business in Decatur, and I want to work for him when I graduate, so I was pretty excited to learn about this class,” Ayden explained. “You learn a lot about the road rules, and you realize just how much different it all is from driving a car.”

Read More

Lady Redskins narrowly miss winning Sectional; Several qualify for State

News Progress Posted on by


•May 20, 2026•

by E. Scott England

The IHSA Class 1A girl’s track sectional was held last Wednesday (May 13). Sullivan had the lead going into the final event where they were edged out by Shelbyville, 122 points to 118.5 points. But along the way, Sullivan picked up ten qualifiers for the Class 1A State Finals to be held in Charleston this week.

One of those state qualifiers, Addie Patterson, also reset her own record in the 100m hurdles. Her time was 15.36. Patterson also qualified for state in the 300m hurdles as well. Emma Drake also qualified for state in the 100m hurdles.

Read More

A botanical evening 

News Progress Posted on by


•May 20, 2026•

A botanical evening  Master Gardeners have announced a ‘Botanical Evening in the Garden’, Thursday, June 18th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The event will be held in the Idea Garden at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital.  Participants are invited to stroll through the garden and learn about the plants, design, and care behind this special space from the Master Gardeners who tend it and enjoy samples of botanical teas and garden-inspired snacks—infused with herbs, fruits, and edible flowers grown right in the garden. See what’s new in the garden; even if you joined us last year, you’ll notice some exciting changes. Some of the spaces have been redesigned with new features and fresh ideas to inspire, making this year’s experience not to be missed. Whether a plant enthusiast, casual gardener, or looking for a peaceful way to spend your evening, this event offers a perfect blend of education, flavor, and community. The Idea Garden is located near the emergency department entrance on the west side of the hospital, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon. Register for this free event at https://go.illinois.edu/BotanicalEvening by June 12th.

Read More

Obituaries 5-20-2026: Brenda Meritt

News Progress Posted on by

Brenda Meritt

Brenda J. Meritt, 83, of Sullivan, Illinois died Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m at Sullivan Rehab & Health Care. Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Kennedy & Sons Funeral Home, Pana, Illinois with Pastor Rodney Briscoe officiating. Visitation will also be Friday, May 22, 2026, at Kennedy & Sons beginning at 12:00 Noon until time of service. Burial will be in Myers Cemetery, Herrick Township, Shelby County, Illinois.

Read More