•November 19, 2025•
The Sullivan News Progress offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27th, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Due dates for submission for the weekly November 26th edition are as follows: advertising, November 21st at noon; article submissions, November 23rd by noon; Obituaries, November 23rd at 5:00 p.m. The weekly edition of the News Progress will be delivered on Tuesday, November 25th.
by DM Williamee
On Tuesday, November 11th, Sullivan High School held its annual Veterans Day celebration at the Sullivan Middle School gymnasium. The event began with a brunch for Veterans, followed by the assembly celebration.
The celebration included the Sullivan American Legion Color Guard, performances of branch songs by the SMS choir and Singers Jr., a reading of the winning Veteran’s Writing Contest held by the American Legion, a performance of TAPS followed by a reverent moment of silence, and a speech by Principal Dan Allen. In his speech, Mr. Allen’s topic focused on how to show appreciation to our veterans, and paralleling the popular movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” he shared the pivotal two words from the movie: Earn This. Mr. Allen continued to emphasize this point by sharing what that meant: thanking Veterans, being a patriot, respecting the rights of others, serving others and not just ones self, being productive and working hard, being grateful, learn how to disagree respectfully, and last but most importantly, not to take freedom for granted- to earn it.
Photos by DM Williamee
•November 12, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Tuesday, November 4th, the Mid-Illinois Senior Services hosted their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc.’ Their guest speaker was Asad Sohail, MPH, DPM, with Decatur Orthopedic Center. This highly engaging and accredited guest informed diners about the importance of proper foot care, covering a wide variety of issues such as neuropathy and other common maladies, selection and wearing of proper footwear, medications, effective over-the-counter remedies, and the tremendous advancements in surgical procedures with much quicker healing times, less scarring, and better end results.
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•November 12, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On November 3rd, the Sullivan Fire Protection District, after receiving a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for half of the funding for a TurboDraft Fire Educator device, was presented with the remaining half of that funding from the Thomas Houser Memorial Scholarship Fund, with Elizabeth Houser and her family presenting on behalf of the Fund.
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•November 12, 2025•
The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development has announced that it’s almost time for one of Sullivan’s favorite holiday traditions - the Lights On Parade. Businesses, organizations, and community members are invited to be part of this magical night by entering a lighted float or display. The goal is to make Sullivan sparkle together and kick off the holiday season in style. Entrants are encouraged to be creative, have fun, and help spread holiday cheer all through downtown. The annual lighted parade will be held on Friday, December 5th, at 6:00 p.m. This year, the route has been shortened, with the line-up starting at the parking lot of the Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development, 112 N. Main St. (across from McDonald’s). For more information, contact staceyuphoff@gmail.com.
The Sullivan ‘Hometown Holiday Lighted Parade’ sign-up form can be found here: https://forms.gle/oVHp5rkEmsPs9axe6.
•November 12, 2025•
Staley Credit Union management and staff came together on CU Kind Day to honor the memory of their longtime colleague and friend, Doug Dehority, by spreading kindness throughout the community he cared deeply about.
In Doug’s honor, Staley Credit Union management organized deliveries of bottled water, soft drinks, and SCU koozies to staff at several local schools. The gesture served as a small way to thank teachers and school employees for their continued dedication to students and families in the Decatur area.
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•November 12, 2025•
Amid federal health care changes negatively impacting Americans, Get Covered Illinois is here to help. Get Covered Illinois kicked off 2026 open enrollment and launched its “Here to Help” campaign across the state. Open enrollment, which began on November 1st and runs through January 15th, is the annual opportunity for Illinoisans to enroll in, renew, or change their health insurance plans. Nearly 466,000 Illinoisans purchased health coverage through Get Covered Illinois during open enrollment last year, a 17% increase from the previous year.
This year, Illinoisans will experience a new marketplace. Enrollees will apply for and enroll directly on GetCoveredIllinois.gov now that Illinois has officially transitioned to a state-based marketplace. They will also have access to increased support that is more tailored to their needs.
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•November 12, 2025•
by DM Williamee
“The IDPH is recommending that parents and caregivers pause use of certain ‘ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula’ while a federal investigation is underway. The following lots have been recalled by the manufacturer: Lot #206VABP/251261P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”) and Lot #206VABP/251131P2 (“Use by 01 Dec 2026”).
What to Do: stop using these recalled lots and return or dispose of the product. Clean any bottles or surfaces that may have come into contact with the formula. If your infant has consumed this product and isn’t feeling well, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.”
Additionally, the following information was located regarding the above IDPH recall and public safety alert:
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•November 12, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Friday, October 31st, Heritage Woods held a Halloween party for all residents and their families. While some residents preferred simple and subdued costumes, others went all-in. Scarecrows, train engineers, Red Hat Society members, inmates, teeny-boppers in bobby socks and poodle skirts, Mardi Gras/masquerade, and maps are just the beginning of the variety found at the party.
Holiday-themed refreshments were served, and there were smiles to be found at each table, with many taking great interest in each other’s costumes and talking of the many Halloweens they had celebrated before.
•November 12, 2025•
Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) is a go-to resource for teachers wanting to help students grow connections to agriculture. This week, local programs received funding to continue classroom lessons thanks to IAA Foundation grants. Eighty ag literacy coalitions serving 89 Illinois counties were awarded $668,150 in grant dollars, which can be used for materials, training, educational lessons, and activities taking place during the 2025-2026 school year. “Providing these grants ensures teachers have a local connection and access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their classrooms,” said Kevin Daugherty, IAITC education director.
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