•August 7, 2019•
August is National Immunization Month. To celebrate, come to the Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) for Back-to-School Immunization needs and receive a choice of coupons for a delicious treat.
For those students who have already completed their 2019 immunizations at the health department, stop by and choose a coupon.
“If your student is aged between three and 23 years old, they may need immunizations. There are many reasons to get your vaccinations fulfilled at the health department,” MCHD Administrator Angela Hogan said. Read More
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Moultrie Relay for Life Saturday
•August 7, 2019•
Moultrie County Relay for Life is from 3-10 p.m. Saturday, August 10 on the Sullivan High School football field.
Events begin with the Firemen Water Fight at 3 p.m. The dunk tanks opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 8:45 p.m.
From 4-6 p.m. Wreckless Whiskey Band performs.
In addition to scheduled events surrounding the Relay there are inflatables for the kids, a silent auction and a host of vendors.
Obituaries 8-7-2019: Barbara Dial
Barbara Dial
Barbara Dial, 74, of Kingman, Ariz. passed away at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 3, 2019 in Kingman Regional Medical Center in Kingman, Ariz. Arrangements are incomplete at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan.
New Spanish Club Mural Provides 21 Country Tour

Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan High School Spanish Club has a new mural to display after Spanish instructor Señora King (left) encouraged third year Spanish student and artist Zoe Walton to spend her summer traveling Latin America without leaving home.
Spanish is Worldwide
•August 7, 2019•
By Maria Elena
for the News Progress
The Sullivan High School Spanish Club has a new source of inspiration to start the school year.
A mural representing 21 Spanish speaking countries in Latin America will be displayed in the Commons area, and it’s the result of a summer long project for junior Spanish III student Zoe Walton.
Walton’s artistic abilities were discovered by Spanish instructor Patricia King, and they began laying out the club mural during the final two months of the last school year. Read More
Bratton Plays To Benefit Church Mission Trip
•August 7, 2019•
Sullivan pianist David Bratton performs a benefit concert at the First United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Sunday, August 18.
Folks from Sullivan Methodist Church appreciate Bratton’s music before and after the 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday.
Bratton explained the success of his February concert prompted him to play this free concert allowing the audience to donate to the Honduras Mission Trip.
Bratton listened to country piano players such as Floyd Cramer and later expanded into gospel music and began playing for surrounding churches.
Bratton’s mother Bertha was a big influence, and she played in a popular area pre World War II band. She went on to become a member of the Illinois State Fiddle Players Hall of Fame.
“You know I learned over the years it isn’t necessarily the size of the audience that matters, but the amount of enjoyment” Bratton said of playing.
“When I play and look out there to see smiles, that’s true enjoyment for me.”
The 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug 18 free concert is Bratton’s way to show his appreciation for 57 years of smiling audiences.
Cardinal Plate Unveiled for Illinois Drivers
•August 7, 2019•
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that a new St. Louis Cardinals permanent Illinois license plate will be coming soon and available for purchase after Labor Day.
The license plate which features the Cardinals iconic ‘Birds on Bat’ logo was unveiled by White at Busch Stadium prior to the Cardinals game. Vicki Bryant, vice president of Event Services and Merchandising for the St. Louis Cardinals, joined White for the unveiling.
“As someone born in Alton, I am proud of the legacy the St. Louis Cardinals have built in the Metro East and throughout Illinois,” said White. “This is an exciting opportunity for fans to express pride for their team, while supporting public education in Illinois. It is my pleasure to have the St. Louis Cardinals organization take part in this meaningful program.” Read More
First Sullivan V.F.W. Jeep Crawl Unleashes Generosity

Droneography R.R. Best
Jeep Crawl participants gathered at the Sullivan V.F.W. preparing for the first ever Crawl for the Veterans Assistance Fund. More than 80 vehicles and 250 people crawled to Mattoon and Shelbyvile V.F.W. clubs before returning to Sullivan following a stop at The Publisher in Bethany.
•August 7, 2019•
By Willys Liberty
for the News Progress
The first ever Sullivan VFW Jeep Crawl held Saturday, August 3 was great fun and a huge success!
The Sullivan V.F.W. lot was filled with 81 jeeps and approximately 250 people who over the course of the event raised $16,600 for the V.F.W. Veterans Fund which supports Sullivan area veterans. Read More
Recent Obituaries: James Dycus
James Dycus
James Bryan “Jim” Dycus, 54, of Arthur, passed away 5:19 a.m. Saturday, August 3, 2019, at his home in Arthur.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in Arthur Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Gastric Cancer Foundation: 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513
Jim was born September 13, 1964, in Jacksonville, NC; the son of Jerry R. and Carol A. (Maris) Dycus. He married Melissa K. Schmidt; she preceded him in death on December 8, 2005. He married Sarah C. Sharber on January 17, 2007; she survives. Jim was retired from Master Brand Cabinets after working there for thirty-three years. He was an avid sports fan with his favorite teams being the Chicago Cubs and the University of Illinois Basketball and Football teams, he also enjoyed NASCAR. Jim cherished spending time with his family and deeply loved his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah C. Dycus of Arthur; mother, Carol A. Dycus of Sullivan; sons, Stephen Romine of Champaign and Jameson (Kristen) Dycus of Arthur; daughters, Cassidy (Kody Beck) Dycus of Arthur and Kaitlyn Creswell of Arthur; brothers, Jason W. (Tracie) Dycus of Plainfield and Jeffery S. (Anne) Dycus of Naperville; sister, Crissy D. Dycus of Sullivan; grandchildren, Sophia and Tynley Beck. He is also survived by one nephew and five nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
Recent Obituaries: Marcus Primmer
Marcus Primmer
Marcus “Marc” Harlan Primmer, 66, of Sullivan, IL, formerly of Moweaqua, IL, passed away at 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Mason Point in Sullivan, IL with his loved ones by his side.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Lockart-Green Funeral Home, 301 East North First Street, Findlay, IL with Pastor David Dolan officiating. Burial will take place in Locust Grove Cemetery in rural Assumption. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Findlay. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Marc was born February 23, 1953, in Mt. Clemens, MI, the son of Robert and Emma Lou (Morris) Primmer. He was a 1971 graduate of Findlay High School and obtained his associates degree from Lake land College in Mattoon, IL. Marc farmed in the Findlay and Moweaqua area and worked as a welder at Caterpillar in Decatur, IL. He enjoyed working on his 1968 Camaro, following NASCAR or any type of racing and woodworking. He was a lifetime NRA member and enjoyed collecting and shooting.
Surviving are his wife, Sara Primmer of Sullivan, IL; father, Robert H. Primmer of Findlay, IL; daughter, Melissa (Nicolas) Lenz of Bloomington, IL; siblings: Scott (Martha) Primmer of Cerro Gordo, IL; Susan (Danny) Boehm of Shelbyville, IL and Patty (Randy) Evans of Indianapolis, IN and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Lou Primmer and brother, Allen Primmer.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mason Point for taking great care of Marc.
Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story in Marc’s honor at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.
How Cool is That?

Photo by R.R. Best
How Cool is That?
The Sullivan Fire District provided a water soaked end to the eight week Sullivan Summer Parks and Recreation program July 26. Firefighting volunteers gave the 155 kids some good water related fun at Wyman Park last Friday, then shed their fire helmets and coats for tongs and aprons, cooking for and serving the whole gang. The cooperative program between Sullivan Park District and the Civic Center is directed by Jake and Melissa Haegen.