Author Archives:

A Look Back…3-11-2026

News Progress Posted on by

2016

One Book One Sullivan members filled the First United Methodist Church community room to discuss the latest community/school-based book selection. Sponsored by the Sullivan Rotary Club, One Book One Sullivan released the new read on November 25th, distributing copies of Michael Vey’s “The Prison of Cell 25” to students and those interested in the community.

To promote safety in the workplace, Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) Director Hugo Chaviano joined employers and employees at the 25th Annual Downstate Illinois Occupational Safety and Health (DIOSH) Day Conference. OSHA, along with many industry groups, sponsored this event to provide expert occupational safety and health management resources for employers of all sizes and industries.

Read More

4-H youth build confidence and communication skills 

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

Pictured: Ellie Hensley, Bria Hershberger, Aubrie Stenger, and Regan Hershberger rubbing Lincoln’s nose for good luck, at Lincoln Hall.

Nearly 75% of individuals report a fear of public speaking, but 22 courageous 4-H youth from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties chose to face that fear head-on during the recent Confident Communicators Workshop hosted at the University of Illinois. Twelve participants were from Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H, including Aubrie Stenger, Bria Hershberger, Raegan Hershberger, Roxy Clark, Ben Stutzman, Sophia Horst, Perla Juarez, Lola Fifield, Emma Hostetler, Ellie Hensley, Jenna Welsh, and Gabby Welsh. The hands-on workshop was led by Dr. Laura Stengrim and two University of Illinois Speech Communication students. Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to strengthen public speaking skills, boost self-confidence, and enhance message delivery.

Read More

Lovington Grade School teachers awarded education grants

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

On Monday, February 23rd, Grant Wade, HICF Philanthropic Advisor for Moultrie County, surprised three exceptional teachers with continuing education grants. Mrs. Morrow, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Moffett are among the first recipients of our 2026 Teacher Development Grant program. Each will attend the 2026 Pump-Up Primary Conference to gain fresh strategies and bring new energy and ideas back to their classrooms.

Read More

Watch election results

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

www.libertysystemsllc.com

www.newsprogress.com

Election Information

www. elections.il.gov 

www.moultriecountyil.gov 

(Elections tab)

Are you registered?

To Verify your registration, call the County Clerk’s office at 217-728-4389 or, check online at one of the following:

www.elections.il.gov 

www.moultriecountyil.gov

Election tab - Voter Information - Am I registered to Vote?”

ETML book club

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

Sullivan’s Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library is exploring local interest in starting a monthly Adult Book Club and is seeking feedback from potential participants. The book club is seeking those who enjoy reading and thoughtful conversation in a welcoming space at the ETML to connect with other readers in our community, whether they are already avid readers or just getting back into reading books. The goal is to read one book each month, with participants helping to choose future titles.

The first book selection and meeting time will be announced once the interest level is determined. Time and date to be announced thereafter, but will be held in the evenings, based upon availability.

Book clubs provide numerous benefits, such as improved mental well-being and a sense of connection, with over 90% feeling more connected to others. Book clubs have also been found to be an important tool in helping to combat loneliness. Most will find themselves enjoying reading more, and their stress levels will reduce, as book clubs have been recognized as providing a sort of ‘mental refuge’. They also increase confidence and social skills, with nearly 80% of participants finding themselves more open to trying new things. The cognitive and emotional growth found in a book club can also lead to personal growth and improve critical thinking skills (who doesn’t need a bit more neuroplasticity in their lives?).

For those interested, call (217)728-7221 or stop by the circulation desk to sign up.

Windsor Jr/Sr vendor fair/raffle

News Progress Posted on by


•March 11, 2026•

On Saturday, March 21st, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Windsor Junior/Senior High School in Windsor, the public is invited to attend their Vendor Fair. This event is hosted by the Class of 2027 (Juniors), and funds raised are used to pay expenses for their senior trip.

Participating vendors are donating items to raffle, with tickets priced at $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. Each donated item will have its own raffle. 

Currently, there are fifty-three (53) vendors signed up. Items include baked goods, such as macaroons, cupcakes, cookies, bread (including sourdough), mini-makes, and fudge. Other items up for raffle are crafted items such as permanent jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, crocheted items, coasters, wreaths, candles, wax melts, clay and pottery wares, birdhouses, fidget toys, stationery and journaling accessories, and keychains.

The list goes on to include the following: customized items such as hats, T-Shirts, beaded pens, tumblers, and other items, like tie-dye clothing and accessories, plants, car diffusers/freshies, Easter baskets, cosmetic bags, and purses. There will be something for everyone. There will also be four food trucks at the event: La Luna Mexican Restaurant, Hilltop Barr-B-Q, Deep Dish Cookie Guys, and The Caffinator. 

For more information or if interested in being a vendor, contact Nik Brandenburg at nbrandenburg@windsorcusd.org

Dawkins NEHS submission wows 

News Progress Posted on by
Mae Dawkins, a Sullivan High School senior and member of the National English Honor Society, was recently informed that she is a national winner of the NEHS Intellectual Freedom Challenge, a prestigious competition that encourages NEHS members to craft compelling arguments defending texts that have faced challenges and bans. Her essay scored among some of the best submissions in the nation by university professors. May was awarded a certificate and a $150 dollar prize.

Findlay Fire Protection District grain bin training

News Progress Posted on by


•March 4, 2026•

by DM Williamee

The Findlay Fire Protection District will be hosting a grain bin technical rescue class on March 6th through 8th, continuing on March 13th through 15th, for a complete and highly specialized 40-hour class. This training opportunity has been realized as a result of a multi-year process to implement all components: training, equipment, and manpower. Approximately two years ago, David Winans, Captain of the Findlay Fire Department, was able to purchase a set of grain rescue tubes through a local grain bin dealer who works with GSI (Grain Systems out of Assumption), with the cost being shared equally between the Findlay Fire Protection District, GSI, and Bins247.

Read More

City extends water emergency

News Progress Posted on by


•March 4, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Residents of Sullivan will still be able to fill their water glasses and do their laundry despite the city extending their water emergency while they search for water alternatives, the city council said at their February 23rd meeting. “You can have a glass of water and wash your clothes,” Mayor Mike Mossman said. “We’re just asking people to be careful.” 

Read More