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A Look Back…5-20-2026

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2016

National Nursing Home Week brought a variety of activities to area facilities. The sounds of laughter arrived when Mason Point residents in Sullivan met Deborah Joy Hart. Hart, a laughter therapist, was part of the World Laughter Tour and stopped by Mason Point for you guessed it, a few laughs.

After experiencing rising costs in services with Aramark, ALAH questioned the possibility of finding alternatives. The new 2016-17 contract with a 2.6% increase due to cost of living was brought to the table at the last ALAH Board meeting. “With new regulations and menus that came in over the last few years, it would have been a huge undertaking to find other companies”, commented Superintendent Kenny Schwengel.

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By George!

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Photo by R.R. Best

Cooper Atchison, dressed as King George, gave attendees a history lesson while wearing full historical regalia on Thursday, May 14th, at Sullivan Elementary School as part of the school’s yearly fourth-grade Wax Museum event.

Sullivan plans future projects

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•May 20, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Money and future projects were up for discussion at the Sullivan City Council meeting with a side discussion about stray cats.

The council heard the first reading of a $54 million appropriations ordinance. “This is different from the budget ordinance, Mayor Mike Mossman said. “This is larger than the budget but it does not reflect what we’re going to spend but gives us some room beyond the budget if we need to spend.” 

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May: mental health awareness

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•May 20, 2026•

by Dave Cole

Executive Director Moultrie Counseling

May is recognized as “Mental health Awareness” month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting resources for mental and emotional well-being. Established in 1949, it emphasizes that ‘no one struggles alone’ and encourages self-care and support for those with mental health conditions.

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OVES: new book vending machine from HICF

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•May 20, 2026•

Thanks to a generous grant from the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, students at Okaw Valley Elementary will soon have an exciting new way to celebrate positive behavior and academic success. Funding provided through the foundation made it possible for the school to purchase a book vending machine as well as 230 books. Best of all, the school will be able to keep the machine for years to come.

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ETML summer workshops

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•May 20, 2026•

The first in a series of Summer Workshops at Elizabeth Titus memorial library this summer will be “DIY Rain barrel” on July 7th at 6:00 p.m. Random participants will receive the demonstration rain barrel. This workshop is for those aged sixteen and over, and all of the materials will be included. Registration is required at https://sullivanil.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/rain-barrel-workshop. Contact the library with any questions at (217) 728-7221.

Allenville church concert series

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•May 20, 2026•

Allenville Christian Church will host a concert featuring Pam Fisher of Springfield, Illinois on June 13th at 6:00 p.m. at the Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street in Allenville. Snacks and fellowship time will follow this family-friendly gospel series concert. A free Will offering will be taken. For more information, contact Pastor Bob Vail at (217) 254-3433.

Memorial Day closure

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•May 20, 2026•

The Moultrie County News Progress will be closed on Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. All advertising and news items will need to be submitted no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, the 22nd, for the next week’s publication.

Recent Obituaries: Gary Wayne Newberry

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Gary Wayne Newberry

Gary Wayne Newberry, 66, of Lovington, passed away 7:10 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the Lovington First Church of God. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Gary was born on July 22, 1959, in Decatur; the son of Glenn E. and Joan R. (Randol) Newberry. He was an impressive artist and enjoyed doing art projects for many people. Gary loved collecting rocks and especially loved collecting arrow heads.

Gary is survived by his father, Glenn E. Newberry of Lovington; brothers, Keith (Rhonda) Newberry of Sullivan and Vernon Newberry of Lovington; nephews, Ryan Newberry and Nick Newberry; great-niece and great-nephews, Keegan, Leah and Jackson Newberry.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Joan.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Allied donates to Sullivan MISS

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On Wednesday, May 6th, April Daily, Office Manager and Closer for Allied Capital, right, presented a $300 donation to Kathi Garvey of the Mid-Illinois Senior Center in response to a request from MISS for financial assistance for roof repairs. “Every quarter, Allied Captial donates $300 to a local non-profit,” shared April Daily.