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Sullivan Lions Club marks 85 years of service in Sullivan

News Progress Posted on by


•October 14, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Sullivan Lions Club members recognized 2026 scholarship recipients during a club meeting. Sullivan Lions Club Scholarship recipients Kate Bushue, Emily Crosier and Mae Dawkins are pictured with club members. Coach John Ruscin Memorial Scholarship recipient Logan Fleenor is not pictured.

For 85 years, the Sullivan Lions Club has served the community through projects ranging from vision and hearing assistance to improvements at Wyman Park, scholarships for Sullivan High School students and support for local food programs.

The club, an affiliate of Lions International, has been part of Sullivan since 1941 and recognized its 85th year in April. Its work has centered on serving local residents and supporting community needs, with money raised locally directed back into charitable causes in the community.

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MCHGS genealogy workshop series

News Progress Posted on by


•October 14, 2026•

The next genealogy workshop at the Moultrie County History Center will be at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20th at 1303 South Hamilton, Sullivan. This month’s free class will focus on using cemeteries to advance your family history research. Led by MCHGS Genealogist Larry Oathout, this session will explore the history of cemeteries, look at the intriguing designs of tombstones, and discuss the clues and family tree information that cemeteries can reveal. Bringing a laptop/table is highly recommended, but not required. Call (217) 728-4085 for more information.

BASO Safe Trick or Treat

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•October 14, 2026•

The Bethany Advocates and Support Organization (BASO) will host Safe Trick or Treat on Main Street in Bethany Saturday, October 31. The Halloween adventure for the whole family will feature treat station, mini games and the OV PTO costume parade from 4:00-6:00 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to the OV Elementary School.

Heartland CASA after hours

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•October 14, 2026•

An after hours with Heartland CASA and Moultrie County DOVE, Inc. event will be held on Wednesday, October 21 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Jet’s Diner in Sullivan. The event will give community members an opportunity to learn a little more about Heartland CASA and Moultrie County DOVE and the work being done right here in our community, while also promoting the upcoming Moultrie County CASA training classes.

OV Veterans Day event

News Progress Posted on by


•October 14, 2026•

Okaw Valley Community Unit School District invites all Veterans and their family members to a Veterans Day program at Okaw Valley High School in Bethany on Wednesday, November 11th. A breakfast will be provided to all who attend beginning at 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria and a short assembly will follow at 9:15 a.m. The assembly will feature the Okaw Valley School District band and chorus students, and keynote speaker. 

The students and staff at Okaw Valley thank all Veterans for their acts of courage and devotion to the ideals that have served to guide our nation. We would be honored if you could join us to pay tribute to all the brave men and women who have admirably served our country. 

If you will be able to attend, call 665-3232 for a reservation. 

Peace Meal October menu

News Progress Posted on by


•October 7, 2026•

For Peace Meal Reservations at the Sullivan Mid-Illinois Senior Center call (217) 728-8521.

8: Chicken parmesan over spaghetti, broccoli, corn, grapes

9: Meatloaf, creamed peas & potatoes, stewed tomatoes, apricots, roll or bread

12: Chili & peanut butter sandwich, coleslaw, peaches, whole grain bread

13: Goulash, golden buttered hominy, seasoned green beans, 5 cup salad

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Sullivan rolls to Homecoming win over Tri-County

News Progress Posted on by


•October 7, 2026•

Photo by R.R. Best

by E. Scott England

Homecoming is always a joyous time in the Sullivan community. Windows painted across town on businesses. Pep rallies to get the student body energized. A festive parade sporting floats built by the four classes of the high school. The annual chili supper that’s been a staple of the tradition for decades. And the culminating event, a packed house at Victory Field to cheer the Redskins to victory.

Sullivan welcomed the Tri-County Titans, a winless team without a strong passing game that has struggled all year. But every team that faces a home team on their homecoming has a little more motivation to come out and prove their worth. That’s exactly what the Titans did on their opening play. With the ball deep in their own territory, the Titans ran their first play up the middle for 70 yards and the first touchdown of the game. Just like that, they assumed a 0-6 lead.

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City of Sullivan sets trick or treat nights

News Progress Posted on by


•October 7, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council voted September 14 to continue the plan of two nights of Halloween trick or treating, setting the hours between 6 and 9 pm on both Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31.

The vote was just one on a busy agenda that included approving an agreement with Interim Solutions LLC for an Interim City Manager for a cost of $16,000 a month while the firm leads the search for a permanent city manager. Mayor Mike Mossman said Sullivan’s plan is to get a permanent hire as soon as possible, recognizing that Sullivan, while owning its city utilities, is in a unique job position.

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Sullivan couple finds friendship, laughter through 71 years of marriage

News Progress Posted on by


•October 7, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

At the SBL-sponsored Peace Meal (a senior nutrition program which serves balanced meals daily) held at the Mid-Illinois Senior Center in Sullivan, Ralph and Evelyn Kidwell have found that lunch is about more than what is on the plate.

For about 15 years, the Sullivan couple has regularly attended the meal program, where they enjoy a nutritious lunch without having to prepare it themselves. Just as important are the people around the table.

Staff at Mid-Illinois Senior Services have described the Kidwells as a regular source of laughter at Peace Meal — kind, honest and witty, and remaining curious about the people and world around them.

Their companionship around the lunch table is part of a relationship that began more than seven decades ago.

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