webmaster – Page 37 – News Progress

One Book/One Sullivan has a record turnout

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 14, 2026

•April 15, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Thursday, April 9th, One Book, One Sullivan (OBOS) experienced a record turnout of 130 people from the community, the largest turnout in nineteen years, for their annual student-led book reading. This year’s title, “The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn,” by Sally J. Pla, drew both insightful and some rave reviews from those who read it. Rikki Ray, who began the OBOS program, shared that her students are especially passionate about OBOS, with three students sharing their experiences and perspectives.

Said SHS Emma Drake, a student participant of OBOS, “I signed up for OBOS at the suggestion of my elementary school librarian, Mrs. Fleming. I joined my 5th-grade year, and I have participated in OBOS since then. OBOS has helped me with so many life skills through middle school and high school. I’ve learned how to look at situations from new perspectives. I’ve also gained confidence in my leadership skills, trying to be the best role model I can, especially as a high schooler. I would encourage younger students to join and become involved. You always have strengths to add to a group, even if you don’t think you do. And if OBOS is not for you, get involved in something and find out what you are passionate about.”

Lovington blood drive

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 14, 2026

•April 15, 2026•

On Thursday, May 14th, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Lovington Church of God and Family Life Center, located at 301 West State Street, Lovington, the American Red Cross will be on site for their “Spring into Life” blood drive. For an appointment, contact Shelley Martina at (217) 855-4953 or 1 (800) RED CROSS, or visit redcrossblood.org.

Windsor Storm special events

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 14, 2026

•April 15, 2026•

With the ‘Project Next Generation’ grant, the Windsor Storm Memorial Library will be having an after-school program for 5th through 8th-grade students. April showers, rain, and weather experiments and activities will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, at 3:30 at the library.

On Saturday, April 25th at 10:00 a.m., the library will welcome WAND-TV meteorologist Alivia Colon for a special weather program. Colon will read a weather-themed story, lead a fun, hands-on weather experiment, and talk with children about the fascinating world of weather forecasting. The event will also feature the exciting introduction of the library’s brand new mascot. All programs are free and open to the public.

For more information about these programs, please contact Windsor Storm Library at (217) 459-2498 or visit our Facebook page at Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576623628273.

MISS Spring Fashion Show

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 14, 2026

•April 15, 2026•

On Wednesday, April 22nd, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., the Mid Illinois Senior Services will be presenting a Spring Fashion Show at 113 E Jefferson Street in Sullivan. Join MISS, RSVP, and Mrs. Voegel’s FCS class as they showcase spring fashions from MISS’s Thrifty Boutique. The Thrifty boutique provides a wide array of items for sale, from clothing and cookware to shoes and household goods for sale, with all proceeds used to help fund Mid Illinois Senior Center.

DEA ‘Take Back’ day is Saturday, April 25th

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 15, 2026

•April 15, 2026•

by DM Williamee

The DEA’s National ‘Prescription Drug Take Back Day,’ held twice yearly (April and October), offers a safe, anonymous way to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications. This spring, Saturday, April 25th, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day began in September of 2010 to combat the growing opioid crisis and reduce prescription drug misuse. The initiative was launched to provide a safe, convenient, and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications, preventing them from being stolen, abused, or harming individuals and the environment. It was created as a critical component of the White House’s strategy to address the nation’s rising prescription drug abuse crisis and accidental poisoning rates.

Dine with a Doc: nutrition power

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 15, 2026

•April 15, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, April 7th, Mid Illinois Senior Services of Sullivan’s monthly ‘Dine with a Doc’ presented an information-rich session titled, “Discover the Power of Nutrition” to those in attendance for the well-attended educational luncheon. Led by Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Denise Bloemer, a graduate of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Leadership Academy and member of the SBL Workforce Engagement team, the presentation provided current dietary guidelines and suggestions for eating healthily and living better through the power of nutrition.

Saul commits to Quincy University

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 15, 2026

Photo by DM Williamee

On April 8th, Sullivan High School student Caden Saul signed his letter of intent to attend Quincy University and pursue his baseball career, which he selected after visiting the campus and community. He is most looking forward to immersing himself in the college experience and all that entails. Caden plans to study Marketing, and his advice to his peers and those who come after was simple, “Enjoy and make the most out of it, and the rest will follow.” Pictured L-R: father Brian Saul, Caden Saul, and mother, Amber Saul.

Redskins best three other teams for quad meet win

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 15, 2026

•April 15, 2026•

by E. Scott England

The Sullivan Redskins have dominated track the last several years. This year is no different. They went to a quad meet in Shelbyville and left with another victory. The win was thanks to many athletes who scored points on their way to a 106 point victory.

Recent Lewis University commit, Johnny Iacobazzi, continues to show both dominance and versatileness in various events. He finished second in the 3200m but captured the win in the 400m. He also ran two relays. For the 4x400, he was joined by Colt Wilson, Karson Ragsdale, and James Feldkamp. Iacobazzi and Ragsdale teamed up with Landon Jesse and Grant Martin for the 4x800. Both relays were first place finishers.

Remembering Who We Are………..105

Posted on April 15, 2026 by webmasterApril 15, 2026

Revolutionary War Connections

•April 15, 2026•

by Janet Roney

I’m sure you all know that this year is the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence. Even though the first white settlers did not come into our county until 1826, fifty years after the United States began, we have at least three Revolutionary War veterans buried in Moultrie County. They are John S. Howell, Isaac Waggoner, and James Patterson. I’ll tell you more about them soon.

Besides these patriots, many of our early settlers were children and grandchildren of Revolutionary War veterans. One of those grandchildren was Samuel Washington Lindley.

You may remember from a previous article that Lindley was the son-in-law of John S. Whitley, the first settler in Moultrie County. He brought his family with Whitley in 1826 and settled along the Kaskaskia-Detroit Road in Whitley Township. The first sermon delivered in Moultrie County was at Lindley’s cabin in 1828.

Although Lindley was born after the Revolutionary War in 1788, he had very interesting Revolutionary War connections through his grandfathers, Dr. John Pyle and Thomas Lindley, who were neighbors in North Carolina before the war.