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March 17, 2026 Election Results

Author Archives: webmaster

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Remembering Who We Are……….98

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026

Parties on the prairie #3


•February 25, 2026•

by Janet Roney

In the mid-1820s, when white settlers first began arriving in Moultrie, they found most of the county covered with swampy tall grass prairie, which was too wet to farm and almost impossible to travel across except on a few trails. However, the southern part of the county was different. It was covered with a much drier prairie because from Whitley Creek south, the elevation of the land gradually rises towards the Shelbyville Moraine that runs along the south boundary with Shelby County. 

Along the south side of the moraine in Shelby County, there were several groves of trees with freshwater springs feeding little creeks flowing south. The largest was Cochran’s Grove (located a mile or two southeast of the present Shelby County town of Windsor), where Samuel Little settled in the fall of 1825. (Please note. Samuel Little was not John Whitley’s son-in-law, as I wrongly stated a couple of weeks ago. Two of Samuel Little’s sisters were married to two of John S. Whitley’s sons, Mills and Sharp Whitley, making Samuel Little their brother-in-law. Sorry for the error.)

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Singers season continues, set to host Sullivan Singers Invitational

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026


•February 25, 2026•

On Friday, February 20th the Singers Jr competed at the El Paso-Gridley Show Choir Showdown and had Maverick Foster take home the honor of Best Performer. Then on Saturday, February 21st, the Sullivan Singers danced their way to a 1st runner up finish in their division, as well as winning Best Choreography. Will Miller was awarded Best Performer. 

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Shrove Tuesday pancake fest draws in community

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026
Photo by DM Williamee
The hard-working crew behind the festivities, from pancakes and sausage to cupcakes and music: L-R: Ann Wheeler, Yvonne Workman, Lisa Hagan, Lois Shuman, Ron Weaver, Susan Connor, Ray Burris, and Teresa Lane.

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, February 17th, locals flocked to the Sullivan First United Methodist Church to enjoy the church’s annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper feast. With live music, festive decorations, and fabulously fluffy pancakes of multiple varieties, accompanied by sausage, the warm and joyous atmosphere was a wonderful display of community at its finest. Even before the doors officially opened, community members made their way in to enjoy the feast. 

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OVHS senior night

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026


•February 25, 2026•

Okay Valley held the 2026 boys basketball senior night on Friday, February 13 hosting the Argenta-Oreana Bombers.  

Recognized on the night were basketball seniors including manager Tyler Schwartz, Brady McQuilling, Wyatt Hildebrandt, Tucker Montgomery and Braden Montgomery.

Also recognized were cheerleader seniors Adriana Morell and Kate Stauder. The Timberwolves came away with a 82-70 victory on the night.

Posted in Sports

Redskins finish out regular season 19-10

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026


•February 25, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Head coach Spencer Plank has got to be proud of his team. After going on a tear late in the season, the boys entered last week on a five game win streak. Playing at home in front of a large crowd for senior night, the boys looked to extend that streak before taking to the road to close out the regular season in Warrensburg.

Heritage

The Heritage Hawks are having an okay season. Nothing great, nothing terrible. Though their record was 12-15, they were 5-5 in the Lincoln Prairie Conference. In other words, the Redskins needed to be wary of this potential sleeper team prowling their home court.

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Redskins’ season comes to a close in Monticello

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026


•February 25, 2026•

by E. Scott England

The #9 Sullivan Redskins travelled to Monticello Monday to face off against the #8 ranked Sages. These two teams faced off against each other back in December with Monticello emerging victorious by a 35-point margin. The Redskins have grown a lot since then, so they entered the game with hopes of advancing to the regional semifinals.

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Obituaries 2-25-2026: Donna Cochran

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026

Donna Cochran

Donna Jean Cochran, 87, of Lovington, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at The Loft in Decatur.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Burial was in Keller Cemetery, Lovington.

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Obituaries 2-25-2026: Pastor Jack Adwell

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026

Pastor Jack Adwell

Pastor Jack P. Adwell, 76, of Decatur, passed away at 7:28 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Shelbyville Manor Memory Care.

Celebration of Life services were held Monday, February 23, 2026, in the Life Foursquare Church in Decatur. Graveside services were also held Monday, February 23, 2026, in the Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials are suggested to the Life Foursquare Church in Decatur, the Alzheimer’s Association or to Shelbyville Manor Memory Care. Online condolence may be sent to reedfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan.

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March programs at the Lovington Public Library

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026


•February 25, 2026•

3rd - Story Time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. We will have Dr. Seuss-themed stories and a craft.

6th - Kids Craft Time from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.-We will be making a Dr. Seuss-themed craft.

9th and 23rd - Needle Night from 5 to 7:00 p.m.-If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew, we have people who can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out, come join us.

10th - Tyke Time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.-We will have a color-matching activity.

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A Look Back…2-25-2026

News Progress Posted on February 25, 2026 by webmasterFebruary 25, 2026

2016

Thomas Addison Florey was a leap year child, and February 29th, 2016, was his 21st birthday. That’s correct; the Bethany native was born February 29th, 1932, and he was technically not old enough to drink until now. 

All funds were in the black, but the transportation fund was a concern, Superintendent Kenny Schwengel told board members at the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond meeting. “We spend about $80,000.00 a month. I think we will get at least one more mandated payment. We have only received one so far,” informed Schwengel.

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OVHS 2026 Prom Court



News Progress


Front row: (L to R) Katelin Livingston, Reese Bruns, Aubree McBride, and Ava Harshman. Back Row: (L to R) Brady McQuilling, Ames Drollinger, Tucker Montgomery, and Wyatt Hildebrandt. This year’s Prom will be held on April 25th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Convention Center.


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