Beverly Perrine
Beverly A. Perrine, 96, of Sullivan, passed away at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026 in Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville.
Read MoreObituaries 1-28-2026: Beverly Perrine
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Obituaries 1-28-2026: Mayme Knox
Mayme Knox
Mayme Belle Knox, 93, of Allenville, passed away at 12:40 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026 in Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.
Read MoreObituaries 1-28-2026: Phyllis Hendrix
Phyllis Hendrix
Phyllis Genean Hendrix, 86, of Sullivan, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Sullivan Healthcare and Senior Living.
Read MoreObituaries 1-28-2026: Joyce Henderson
Joyce Henderson
Joyce Ann Henderson, 85, of Springfield went to her heavenly home on Friday, January 23rd, 2026.
Read MoreObituaries 1-28-2026
Leslie ‘Ray’ Cottrell
Leslie ‘Ray’ Cottrell, 85, of Mattoon, passed away at 6:43 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in his home.
Read MoreLetter to the Editor 1-28-2026
The News Progress
Following recent discussion of water supply and infrastructure concerns in Sullivan, it is important to address another issue: the reliability and capacity of the town’s electrical system.
I want to be clear, I am not personally affected by this issue. My electrical service is supplied by Coles Moultrie Electric. I am raising this concern not out of self-interest, but because it reflects a broader pattern of poor governance, and because the consequences are very real for many in this community.
Residents have been told that available electrical capacity is tightening, that local generators may need to run more frequently during high demand, and that brownouts have been discussed as a contingency. These are acknowledgments of strain and reduced safety margins.
Read MoreA Look Back…1-28-2026
2016
Dick’s Pharmacy, a well-known establishment on Vine Street in Arthur, recently came under the ownership of Cindi Reed, who owns the Oakwood Apothecary in Sullivan. It’s part of an expansion of her business, Reed Pharmacies, LLC. “We closed on it on November 2nd,” Reed said.” In June of last year, I got wind that Dick’s was on the market again.”
Objections to presidential candidates’ petitions will delay official general primary ballot release past the first day of voting in Illinois, February 4th. Moultrie County Clerk, Georgia England, announced the presidential candidates’ petition objections to the State Board of Elections are not anticipated to be resolved before the first day of voting in the general primary election, since the names on the questioned petitions will have to undergo individual review.
Read MoreVote by mail disrupted, USPS changes impact widespread
•January 28, 2026•
by DM Williamee
On December 24th, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) officially implemented new procedures for dating mail—reflecting when it is processed at a Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC) rather than when it is dropped off at a local post office. Ballots also will no longer be automatically considered priority mail, increasing the amount of time it will take to deliver them. These changes are part of the “Delivering for America” (DFA) plan to consolidate processing into regional hubs, which began implementing service standard refinements on April 1st, 2025. The new rule, which updates Section 608.11 of the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), became effective December 24th, 2025. Sweeping changes to regionalized, automated postmarking is part of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s 10-year modernization plan.
Read MoreBethany American Legion donates to Danville VA
On December 15th, Sam Scott, representing Bethany American Legion Post 507, donated an Infinity game board with an anti-blue light filter, gift cards to local restaurants, and several packages of t-shirts to the Danville Veterans Administration. Pictured is Sam Scott with Margie Hamilton, Volunteer Services. “This is something that we have done for many years to help out Illinois Veterans and provide for their needs.”
Frostbite: risks and tips for prevention
•January 28, 2026•
by Angela Hogan
Moultrie County Health Administrator
Winter brings plenty of challenges to Central Illinois, including the risk of frostbite. It can develop quickly, even during routine activities like walking the dog, shoveling snow, or commuting to work. Frostbite can cause lasting tissue damage and often strikes before a person realizes they’re in danger. The time necessary for frostbite to occur depends heavily on the temperature, wind chill, and how long the skin is exposed. Understanding how it happens and how to prevent it is essential. This article offers practical steps to stay safe, protect vulnerable loved ones, and make informed decisions during harsh winter weather.
What is frostbite? Frostbite occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. It typically affects body parts farthest from the heart, such as fingers, toes, ears, nose, cheeks, and chin. Reduced blood flow to these areas allows ice crystals to form in the tissue. Frostbite results in tissue damage that ranges from mildly uncomfortable to permanent tissue death. Early recognition and prevention are key.
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