Author Archives:

A Look Back…10-4-2023

News Progress Posted on by

2013 

Bridget Watkins, a Lovington alumna, was at the Lovington Public Library for a book signing. She shared about her life growing up in Sullivan and Lovington and the inspiration for her book. The book “Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones but Words Will Never Hurt Me..or Will They?” identifies how both fellow children and parents can be cruel and how through her experiences, she came to rely on faith to handle rejection and other problems in life. 

Competing at home and in recognition of their seniors the SOV cross country team hosted Shelbyville, Tuscola, and Arthur/Lovington for their final meet at Tabor Park for the season. SOV’s girls finished six in the top ten to take first place, while the boys finished in second place. Seniors recognized were Reagan Miller, Patrick Hogan, Devin Mosier, Noah Workman, Adam Davis, Sam Harshman, Abigail Weybright, Brooke Mitchell, Mollie Bowman, Liz Priest, Maggie Plank and Tori Floyd.  Read More

Sullivan Jazzercise has New Owners and New Location

News Progress Posted on by

photo by Crystal Reed
New Sullivan Jazzercise owners CJ Yoder and Jena Atchison hang a banner at their new location at 2 W. Harrison in Sullivan. They purchased the business from Jenny Moore.

•October 4, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

On Saturday, September 30, Sullivan Jazzercise participants celebrated the new ownership of the franchise and a new location in Sullivan. After class finished that morning participants, the new owners and others walked to the new location holding a Jazzercise banner which the new owners hung on the wall at the new location when they arrived there. The new owners are Jena Atchison and CJ Yoder, they purchased it from Jenny Moore.  Read More

ALAH School District Technology Department Presents Three-year Plan to Help Stretch “Technology Dollars”

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

by Ariana R. Cherry

Grants have been an important way of acquiring specific technology items needed in the Arthur #305 School District. Technology Director Amanda Romine provided a three-year Technology Plan for the district. In 2027, there are many Chromebooks that will need to be replaced with their “end of life dates” (Chromebooks have specified dates where the system will no longer make security or other necessary app updates) approaching. Since that time isn’t too far away, the technology department has a plan to help stretch their dollars.

With Google extending the “end of life dates,” on some of the current devices, they will be able to last longer. Some of those dates have been extended through 2029. Each Chromebook also carries Accidental Insurance (in case they are dropped, etc). If each one is taken care of adequately, the Chromebooks should last up to nine years.  

The ESEF Grant helped purchase 140 Chromebooks, and last year, all new Promethean Boards were purchased for all the buildings using ESSOR Funds. Also, this school year, every desktop computer was able to be replaced in the district. Desktop computers can last five to seven years at a time. Read More

Sullivan Alumna and Daughter Hold Book Signing at Library

News Progress Posted on by

photo by Crystal Reed
Shoni Anderson and her mother Becky Clayton-Anderson with their book Warrior Princess at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library on Wednesday, September 27. There was a book signing for their book that afternoon at the library.

•October 4, 2023•

by Crystal Reed

Shoni Anderson is a warrior princess, a nickname that she got from family members during her fight with leukemia. She was diagnosed with leukemia February 1, 2021, and on June 7 of this year she rang the bell symbolizing that she was in remission. Shoni had two parties in honor of being in remission, one at the hospital and one at home on July 3 where those in attendance brought toys donated to the children at the hospital. Read More

Monthly Quarter Auction

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold their September Quarter Auction on Wednesday, October 11. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. The charity of the month is the Widows Sons.  They are an international charitable organization who are freemasons who also enjoy riding motorcycles. This chapter is a 501c3 non-profit organization and covers most of Central Illinois. Most of their fundraising goes to individuals and families in the community, but they also donate to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and IMOS.  Every penny they raise is spent on helping others. At the October Quarter Madness, vendors could include: direct sales such as Avon, Plunder Jewelry, Scentsy, JBloom Jewelry, Tastefully Simple, pawTree, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One plus different craft vendors, hair bows, laser engraved designs and more. Come shop the vendors and stay for the Quarter Auction. Bring your quarters for charity items and extra bidding. All-In-Paddle will be $20. Doors open at 6:00 and the Quarter Auction begins at 6:30. All ages are welcome to attend. Food will be available for purchase from the Lucks in the legion kitchen. Drink purchases can be made through the Legion as well.  For more information visit “Mo Co Monthly Quarter Madness” Facebook page.

Safe Trick or Treat

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development organization will celebrate Halloween with the Annual Safe Trick Or Treat Event. Scheduled for Tuesday, October 31st from 4 to 6 pm. The Ambucs will kick off the costume parade at 6:30 around the Square. SCED member businesses participate for free as part of their membership. Businesses and organizations that are not yet SCED members are encouraged to join or can pay the $25 event registration fee to participate. Registration deadline is October 15.  Participating businesses and organizations may hand out treats from their location or represent themselves by setting up a treat station around the square. There is no cost for Trick or Treaters to join in the fun.

Courtyard Estates 15 Year Anniversary

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

Courtyard Estates of Sullivan is celebrating their 15 year anniversary this month. On Saturday, October 14 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm the public is invited to the CYE campus for food, music, and fun. Included in the activities are inflatables & games, Bessie Bingo, a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, along with a DJ. A free lunch will be served. The celebration will be held outdoors at 20 Courtyard Blvd., weather permitting. To purchase a Bessie Bingo ticket or for any more information, please call the facility at 217-728-4300.

Burgers and Brats Fundraiser

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

There will be a Burgers and Brats fundraiser on Friday, October 6 from 10 am til sold out at the Methodist Church parking lot, 216 W. Jefferson St. in Sullivan. Carry out. Funds will go towards the Methodist Church outdoor electric message board.

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

Sullivan Fire Protection District will have a pancake and sausage breakfast on Saturday, October 7 from 6 to 10 am at the firehouse. Cost for the breakfast is donations of $7 for adults, $4 for kids ages 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under. The breakfast is all you care to eat and carry out is also available. The Sullivan Fire House is located at 115 W. Harrison St. in Sullivan.

Recent Obituaries: David L. Kinert

News Progress Posted on by
David L. Kinert
David L. Kinert, 65, of Lovington, passed away 9:28 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 2, 2023, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Burial will be in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. The family requests casual attire for the services. Memorials may be made to the Lovington Fire Department.

Dave was born on February 7, 1958, in Decatur; the son of Mervin and Kathryn (Travis) Kinert. He married Julie Boyd on July 2, 1994, in Lovington; she survives. Dave worked for IDOT as a Highway Maintainer, a farmer for many years and was everybody’s favorite mechanic. He was a member of The Passion Community Church in Mt. Zion. He was retired from the Lovington Fire Department after serving the community for numerous years. Dave enjoyed NASCAR Racing, NHRA and tractor pulls. Dave loved his ‘69 Camaro, his Queenie girl and taking her for golf cart rides around the property.

He is survived by his mother-in-law, Rochelle Boyd of Arthur; wife, Julie Kinert of Lovington; children, Lauren (Craig Elder) Kinert of Lovington, Wyatt (Amanda) Ciszkowski of Canada and Josiah (Bailee) Kinert of Hammond; grandchildren, Griffin Hilton, Landon Elder, Kaitlin Ciszkowski and Maddie Ciszkowski; siblings, Jim (Jane) Kinert of Ozark, MO, Gail (Phil) Pignon of Poulsbo, WA, and Robin (Rich) Fierce of Greer, SC. Dave is also survived by his dog Queenie and granddogs Rigley and Rowdy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Mildred Kinert and father-in-law, Richard “Ike” Boyd.

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