Author Archives:

February Happenings for ETML

News Progress Posted on by


•January 28, 2026•

Story times: Every Wednesday, Feb 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th at 10:00 a.m. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft. 

Every Monday at 9:00 a.m., we host a Memory Café. This is a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Get helpful information and support from others who also have loved ones who struggle with memory loss. 

February 5th and 19th: Homeschoolers: If you have a homeschooled student, check out the class we have. It meets twice a month on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. The group will explore fun, hands-on STEAM activities designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking. Join us for exciting learning and connection with fellow homeschoolers! Please register online at https://forms.gle/sgWh9isvnEY6uWV36 or call us at (21) 728-7221.

Crochet Group: Tuesdays, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Join fellow crafters to learn new stitches and patterns in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Beginners and experienced crochet artists are welcome. Those interested in learning how to crochet should contact Michelle or Laura in advance.

February 9, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Make Your Own Valentine. Need a Valentine’s card? Use our materials to create a handmade card for teachers, parents, or grandparents. Homemade gifts are always a hit! Bring your creativity—we’ll provide the supplies and handle the cleanup.  

Feb 2nd and 16th after school at 3:45 p.m. Crafty Crew: This group has fun creating new crafty things. If you’re interested, you can sign up online at www.sullivanlibrary.org or give us a call, or come in to the library. 

The Mobile DMV will not be here this month. They will be back in April. In the event of bad weather, please call the library to confirm it is open. (217) 728-7221

Senior Sweetheart Breakfast

News Progress Posted on by


•January 28, 2026•

On February 12th from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., for those 65 years of age and older, Heritage Woods of Sullivan, located at 20 Courtyard Boulevard, will be hosting a ‘Senior Sweetheart Breakfast’ in celebration of Valentine’s Day. The breakfast will be a cozy morning filled with good food, friendly faces, and a little Valentine cheer. RSVP to (217) 728-4300 before February 5th to attend.

Recent Obituaries: Leslie ‘Ray’ Cottrell

News Progress Posted on by

Leslie ‘Ray’ Cottrell, 85, of Mattoon, passed away at 6:43 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in his home.

Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 in the St. Isidore Cemetery, rural Bethany conducted by Fr. Rafal Pyrchla. Military honors will be conducted by the Bethany American Legion Post #507. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Ray was born May 12, 1940 in Granite City, Illinois, the son of Glover Rex and Nancy Marie Stroud Cottrell. He retired from Northfork-Western Railroad as a railroad engineer. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Ray married Diane C. Wachter on October 20, 1962 in Granite City, Illinois.

Survivors include his wife Diane; son Greg (Cindy) Cottrell of Bethany and Laurie (Scott) Glenn-Upton of Farmer City, Illinois; grandchildren Shelby (Steven) Rogers of Lake City, Illinois, Cody Cottrell and significant other Jessica Iberg of Decatur, Ashley (Bill) Chapman of Macon, Illinois, Katie Glenn of Bloomington, Illinois Summer Glenn of Chicago, Miles Upton of Urbana, Illinois, Austin (Amanda) Upton of St. Joseph, Illinois and Justin (Julian) Upton of Philo; great grandchildren Carman Chapman, Mason Green, River Upton, Steven Rogers, Samuel Rogers and baby Rogers due in June and a brother Kenneth Cottrell of southern Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters.

SBD strong showing in Mid-Winter Classic

News Progress Posted on by

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins had a strong showing at the Mid-Winter Classic in Champaign on January 16th through 18th. The boys earned 2nd place with 1111.5 points. The girls took 4th with 1358.5 points. SBD had 22 swimmers make it into the finals on Saturday night. It was a strong showing, and now 20 Dolphins are gearing up for the Circle City Classic Invitational the weekend of January 23rd through 25th. Pictured are  the 11 and over group and the 10 and under group.

LLC hosting high school students

News Progress Posted on by


•January 21, 2026•

On Friday, February 6th, Lake Land will host local high school students for the first-ever Laker Academic Invitational, a competitive event designed to challenge and recognize academic excellence. During the event, more than 300 students across 17 local high schools will compete in a series of multiple-choice exams, demonstrating their knowledge in biology, chemistry, computer science, software applications, English, mathematics, and physics. Through these experiences, the event fosters curiosity and confidence as students challenge themselves in a supportive environment and explore future college and career pathways.

Read More

SB 8: lock up your guns

News Progress Posted on by


•January 21, 2026•

A new law requiring guns to be locked up in Illinois’ homes and mandating lost or stolen firearms be reported within 48 hours took effect January 1, 2026. Signed by the Illinois Governor in July 2025, this law mandates secure storage unless the firearm is under the owner’s direct control, aiming to prevent accidental shootings, suicides, and intentional harm. 

Read More

My funny bone is the one that doesn’t hurt

News Progress Posted on by


•January 21, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Below is a compilation of what I have heard people say and/or what I have read in the past year that I have found both funny and ironic. These gave me a chuckle, and I think we all could use one about right now.

When one door closes, and another opens, you are probably in prison.

60 may be the new 40, but 9:00 p.m. is the new midnight.

When I say, “The other day,” I might actually be referring to something that happened yesterday or 20 years ago. That whole millennium thing really throws me for a loop. 

Read More

SHS’s Marshall Robison signs with Greenville University

News Progress Posted on by

On January 15th, Marshall Robison signed his letter of intent to continue his football career and education at Greenville University this Fall. Said Robison, “I am really looking forward to winning with a new team and accomplishing big things at the next level.” Robison currently plays nose guard, and his goal is to play as a powerful defensive tackle. Robison will be studying Criminal Justice. 

Pictured L-R seated: Mother, Tosha Robison, Marshall Robison, and Father, Cory Robison. 

Unique words for everyday things

News Progress Posted on by


•January 21, 2026•

by DM Williamee

There is a name for nearly everything. Who names what and how it is used (or abused) is often a mystery- sometimes it’s Latin in origin, or at times a word wholly created by an author that goes mainstream. Other words sound so offensive as to border on obscene, yet are innocuous in meaning. No matter how you stir your alphabet soup, words are rarely dull. Below are the names of a few of the whatchamacallit thingmajigs that you may or may not have ever wondered about (and may score you points in your next Scrabble game).

Agraffe: the wire cage that keeps the cork in place on a champagne bottle.

Anglet: the small plastic or metal tip on a shoelace.

Read More