↓
 

News Progress

More news about the people of Moultrie County than any other newspaper in the world

  • Home
  • News
    • News Briefs
    • Jail Report
    • Mo. Co. Most Wanted
    • Obituaries
  • Feature Stories
  • Sports
  • Editorials
  • Social
    • Video Archive
    • Poll Archive
  • Links
    • News Progress Staff
    • History of the News Progress
    • RR's Portfolio
  • Email Us
  • General News Submissions
  • Subscription
    • Members Area
    • Current Issue
    • Manage Your Profile
  • Login

Submit a news item, obituary, or legal notice to advertise@newsprogress.com

March 17, 2026 Election Results

Author Archives: webmaster

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

ETML tile art psychedelic

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026


•June 24, 2026•

On Tuesday, June 16th, the YA group came together at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library to create tile coasters. Using Sharpies, isopropyl alcohol, air, and fire, the YA group had a blast watching how their colored designs on the tile transformed each step of the project. From the original Sharpie colored designs on the tiles to the placement of the alcohol, using air to direct the colors, to the firing, each piece transformed in beautifully unpredictable ways. There were smiles, laughter, and excited exchanges of ideas as the YA group worked together, each trying to predict what their final tile coaster would look like. Once ‘fired’, all of the tiles were sprayed with a durable sealant, making them ready to serve as coasters, making great gifts and keepsakes. The project was a resounding success, thoroughly enjoyed by all. To stay current with the many events offered at ETML for all age groups (of which there are many), visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082637979457.

Posted in News

Like dominoes 

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026

Photo by R.R. Best

On Route 133 between Lovington and Arthur, power poles fell as a result of the storm systems that hit central Illinois in two waves on Wednesday, June 17th. These storms left many without power and caused widespread damage throughout the area, including confirmed tornado touchdowns in nearby counties.

Posted in Standalone Photo

250 fireballs to honor America’s 250th Birthday at Arthur Freedom Celebration 

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026


•June 24, 2026•

The Arthur Rotary Club and the entire Arthur community are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors on Saturday, June 27, for the annual Arthur Freedom Celebration featuring a downtown parade and one of the largest fireworks displays in central Illinois.

This year’s celebration carries the patriotic theme, “Celebrating 250 Years…One Nation, One Community,” in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Festivities begin with the annual Freedom Celebration Parade, which steps off promptly at 2:00 p.m. on East Progress Street. Parade line-up begins at 12:30 p.m. at the former Progress Industries property on the north side of the street.

Read More
Posted in News

Sullivan approves utility software

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026


•June 24, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

A $400,000 purchase of software for the city’s electrical plant was approved without going through the bid process at the Sullivan City Council’s June 6 meeting.

Commissioner Mike Kirk, who oversees the city power plant said the  software was an upgrade only available through ViPower LLC and is necessary for the city’s transmission of electrical power.

“We have to have it,” Kirk said. “And there’s no one else who provides it.”

Read More
Posted in Top Stories

Celebrating 250 years of freedom

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026


•June 24, 2026•

The Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library has some free, fun, and family-friendly events planned to help the community commemorate and celebrate America’s 250 years of freedom. On June 29th at 3:00 p.m., the ETML will be hosting an event where attendees can learn about and celebrate our nation’s colors and on July 1st at 3:00 p.m., join them in celebrating the United States’ 250th year of freedom with friends, family, and the community at the ETML 4th of July party.

To sign up, register at https://forms.gle/6TCpH8vsPntVDPmb8, or visit the ETML Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082637979457 and use the QR code on the flyer. If you have any questions, call the library at (217) 728-7221.

Posted in free news stories

Library to host TOPS

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026


•June 24, 2026•

Cheryl Avitts, the Facilitator for the TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), has announced that the public is invited to attend their meetings in Sullivan, to be held at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, 2 W. Water Street, in Sullivan, in the Conference Room. TOPS generates positive awareness for weight loss by encouraging a healthy lifestyle through support, education, and accountability. TOPS will meet once a week on Tuesdays, with weigh-ins at 9:30 a.m. and a lesson from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Posted in free news stories

Sullivan 4th of July fun

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026


•June 24, 2026•

The 4th of July parade in Sullivan will begin at 12:00 p.m. this year, beginning at Sullivan High School following its annual route, so don’t forget to get your chairs, blankets, and candy bags for the kids, and set up your spot early for what promises to be as entertaining as always. Food and lemonade vendors will be in the American Legion parking lot from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Park Games will begin at Wyman Park at approximately 2:00 p.m., and the turtle races, watermelon eating contest, and sack races that have become a holiday staple will begin for all to participate in and enjoy. If the weather this year is anything like last year’s, you will want to pack your sunscreen and insect repellent as well as cold beverages.

Posted in free news stories

Bethany Celebration 2026

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026
Posted in News

Recent Obituaries: Greg Dirks

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026

Greg A. Dirks, 65, of Sullivan, passed away 2:57 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2026 in his home.

Celebration of Life services will be 12:00 Noon Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Sullivan Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor Justin Cullen officiating. Burial will be in the Zoar Cemetery, rural Mattoon. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan Faith Lutheran Church for youth activities. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Greg was born May 29, 1961 at Lincoln, Illinois, the son of Ronald and Dorothy Baker Dirks. He retired after 40 years as a journeyman toolmaker for Precision Tool & Die Company in Decatur.

Greg was a member of the Sullivan Faith Lutheran Church and Sons of the Sullivan American Legion. Greg enjoyed playing golf, grilling out for family and friends, camping at Timberlake Campground and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Greg married Janet E. Elder on April 25, 1980 at Windsor.

Survivors include his wife Janet; daughters Chelsey (Mark Palahniuk) Dirks of Sullivan and Samantha (Eric) Dippel of Buckley, Illinois; granddaughters Gabriella Dippel and Kinsley Dippel to be born in October; mother Dorothy Dirks of Sullivan; sisters Diana Renfrow of Lovington and Debbie (Cary) Suhl of Sullivan; brother Kevin (Michelle) Dirks of Hampton, Georgia and a sister-in-law Jeannine Blythe of Atlanta.

He was preceded in death by his father Ronald, grandson Keaton, father and mother-in-law James and Shirley Elder and brother-in-law Kevin Blythe.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Alison Fort

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026

Alison S. Fort, 66, of Decatur, formerly of Sullivan, passed away at 4:10 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.

Celebration of Life services will be 1:00 pm. Sunday, June 28, 2026 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be from noon until service time. Memorials are suggested to Paw Print Ministries, 2555 East Federal Drive, Decatur, IL 62526. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Alison was born April 1, 1960 in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Doris Stine Russell. Alison had worked at the Illinois Masonic Home in Sullivan and was an associate at Hobby Lobby in Decatur. She married Russell Fort on November 23, 1985 in Sullivan.

Surviving are her husband Russell of Decatur; son Matthew Fort of Lebanon, New Hampshire; sisters Luann (Brenda Sanner) Karr of Ponder, Texas and Shelly (Steve) Mathis of Shilo, Illinois; mother-in-law Sharron Fort of Cedar Falls, Iowa; brother-in-law Lou Fort of Holland, Indiana and six nieces and nephews..

She was preceded in death by her mother.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Post navigation

← Older posts
Newer posts →

 

Knee High by the 4th of July



News Progress


Photo Submitted

There is corn well above knee high by the Fourth of July in Moultrie County as the patriotic Lisa Shuman and Nancy Moore shows us. The photo was taken in a field east of Sullivan.


© 2024 - News Progress
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

100 W. Monroe St., Sullivan, IL 61951 Phone: 217-728-7381 | Open: Hours Vary

↑