Author Archives:

Disaster prep essentials

News Progress Posted on by


•March 25, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Living in tornado alley poses its own unique set of challenges. Thunderstorms, hail, high winds, flooding, and of course, tornadoes. Preparation is also a vital component of personal safety, particularly in relation to natural disasters. Knowledge of storms and weather-related events can be lifesaving, and various government agencies encourage adults and children alike to learn what they can do to stay safe should a storm strike. But it’s equally vital to personal safety to assemble a disaster supplies kit. Ready.gov, the official website of the United States Department of Homeland Security, recommends individuals gather and maintain the following items as part of a basic emergency supply kit, which should be stored in your family’s designated safe place. The following items are highly recommended to have in case disaster strikes;

Read More

Drought lawncare: conservation

News Progress Posted on by


•March 25, 2026•

by DM Williamee

With increasing instances of drought and water shortages affecting communities across the country, and now with a formal declaration here in Sullivan, homeowners are faced with the challenge of maintaining their lawns while adhering to water usage restrictions and avoiding costly fines. Below are some strategies to keep your lawn as healthy and sustainable as possible.

Choose a drought-resistant seed variety. Select and plant grass species that are naturally more drought-tolerant. Varieties such as Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, and Zoysia grass are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions with minimal water. 

Read More

Illinois spring trout season opens April 4th

News Progress Posted on by


•March 25, 2026•

The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 4th, at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – opened Saturday, March 21. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season, beginning April 4th. The daily harvest limit for each angler is five trout.

Read More

Dementia-Friendly: A Moultrie County designation

News Progress Posted on by


•March 25, 2026•

By Angela Hogan

Administrator of the MCHD

What does Dementia Friendly Moultrie County mean to our residents, communities, and our county? Being designated as a dementia-friendly county is more than just a title. It means our communities, businesses, organizations, and residents support an environment where individuals experiencing cognitive decline can live with dignity, connection, and purpose. 

Characteristics of a dementia-friendly community: The following two key characteristics are typical of a dementia-friendly community: awareness and understanding. Community members need to know what dementia is, recognize its signs, and respond with patience and respect. In Moultrie County, training sessions are available for businesses, churches, public workers, and the general population.

Read More

Obituaries 3-25-2026: Roger Daily

News Progress Posted on by

Roger Daily

Roger Daily, 85, of Sullivan, passed away 9:26 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026 at Willow Breeze Hospice House, Mattoon.

There will be no services or visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan First Christian Church. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Read More

Sullivan HS scholarship blood drive

News Progress Posted on by


•March 25, 2026•

On Wednesday, April 1st, Sullivan High School will be sponsoring a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Sullivan American Legion, 8 East Strain Street, in Sullivan. For an appointment, call 1 (800) RED-CROSS (733-2767), or visit RedCrossBlood.org. You can save fifteen minutes when you donate blood by using RapidPass. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass for more information. By donating blood at this blood drive, you are helping one or more graduating seniors earn a scholarship.
[/s2If]

Remembering Who We Are…….102

News Progress Posted on by

The First Sermon in Moultrie County


•March 25, 2026•

by Janey Roney

The year 2028 will be the two-hundredth anniversary of the first Christian sermon preached in Moultrie County. It was delivered at the cabin of Samuel Washington Lindley by Rev. Miles Hart, a Methodist.

Lindley had come with his father-in-law, John Whitley, in the fall of 1826, a part of the first pioneer settlement in Moultrie County. While most of the Whitleys built their cabins along Whitley Creek, Lindley settled a mile south on Linn Creek along the ancient Kaskaskia-Detroit Road (a short distance northeast of the jog in the present Western Avenue Road, four miles east of Illinois Route 32).

Read More

A Look Back…3-25-2026

News Progress Posted on by

2016

Sullivan students should enjoy leak-free roofs and better climate inside, following Sullivan Community Unit District #300 school Board action. At that meeting, the board approved bids to replace the roofs and HVAC systems for the elementary, middle, and high schools.

A non-profit organization called Christian Aid Ministries, CAM, had a small operating branch right here in Sullivan. Ray Miller, a Mennonite from the community of Bourbon, was assisting with the donations for the past five years.

Nearly 50 weather warnings were issued across the northern half of Illinois, including 19 tornado warnings. Several tornado touchdowns were reported, resulting in damage to dozens of structures. Fortunately, it appeared no serious injuries or deaths resulted from the storms.

Read More