Richard Davis
Richard Wayne Davis known to friends and family as Rick ran to the arms of Jesus 11:55 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon.
Read MoreObituaries 12-10-2025: Richard Davis
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A Look Back…12-10-2025
2015
Moultrie County’s updated Animal Control Ordinance will allow easier enforcement of violations. State’s Attorney Jeremy Richey presented the changes to the Public Health and Safety Committee, explaining that the changes clarify what procedures the sheriff’s department must follow to issue citations.
State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) voted in support of Senate Bill 2039 on December 7th, legislation that releases the state’s portion of the motor fuel tax (MFT) money and included funding for 911 call centers, fire prevention, veterans’ homes, lottery winners, utility bills, and other programs.
Read MoreHoliday safety: tips to keep your season merry and bright
Practical tips to protect your home, family, and holiday spirit this season.
•December 10, 2025•
By Angela Hogan
As we enter the Christmas season, our lives fill with the excitement of decorations, traditions, delicious food, and long-awaited gatherings and events. However, the holidays also bring a faster pace, extra expectations and stress, and more than a few perils we often overlook. As a result, the rate of accidents and injuries typically increases during this time of year.
Let’s consider how a nod to safety in our homes, kitchens, and during holiday travel can help support our holiday cheer.
Make home safety a priority
Walkways: Clear exterior walkways of snow and ice. Secure loose rugs and electrical cords, and keep interior pathways free of holiday clutter, and keep all walkways and stairways well-lit.
Read MoreSweet reward for braving temps
Photo by R.R. Best
On Friday, December 5th, at Sullivan’s Christmas parade on the Square, 1st Community Bank of Moultrie County, handed out candy to attendees. Pictured L-R: Aeriana Bacon, Kim Smith, Diane Waggoner, and Cindy Richardson.
Sparrows receives 1K grant received from Heart of Illinois Community Foundation
•December 10, 2025•
Lovington residents saw a familiar story of kindness continue the weekend before Thanksgiving as Sparrows Unlimited delivered 173 fruit boxes to seniors throughout the community. The effort came on the same day the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation presented the organization with a one-thousand-dollar grant to support its ongoing work.
The gift was part of a larger celebration within the Foundation. As the Foundation surpassed 5,000 followers on social media, $5,000 in grants were awarded across Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt counties. Sparrows Unlimited was selected as the Moultrie County recipient in recognition of its long-standing commitment to meeting needs within the Lovington area.
Read MoreChristmas Eve service in Allenville
•December 10, 2025•
On December 24th at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Christmas Eve service at the Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street in Allenville. They will be portraying the Christmas Story as well as serving communion. All are welcome to attend. For further information, contact Pastor Bob Vail (217) 254-3433.
Christmas Dinner
•December 10, 2025•
Solid Rock Chapel, located at 1213 E. Jackson Street in Sullivan, will be providing a free Christmas Dinner to all who are interested on December 25th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This meal is available to be eaten at the church or for pickup/delivery between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. for residents of Sullivan. The meal is ham, green beans, scalloped potatoes, a roll with cinnamon butter, and a dessert. RSVP’s are requested by calling (217) 259-6736 by December 19th.
Bethany 2025 Christmas Light Contest
•December 10, 2025•
The Village of Bethany is continuing their tradition of the Christmas Light Contest. For those who would like to participate, visit the Village Hall at 201 W Main St, Bethany, or call the Village Hall at (217) 665-3351 to get your name on the list
From the time you sign up until December 25th, make sure your Christmas light display is on from dusk until 9:00 p.m. The judges will come by at some point in that time frame to judge all the displays and will choose the winners
This year’s prizes are: 1st Place: $100 Utility Credit; 2nd Place: $50 Utility Credit; 3rd Place: $50 Utility Credit; and (4) Honorable Mentions $25 Utility Credit.
NP Closed for Christmas, New Years
•December 10, 2025•
The Sullivan News Progress offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24th, Thursday the 25th, Wednesday the 31st, and January 1st for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Due dates for submission for the weekly December 24th edition are as follows: advertising and article submissions, Friday, December 19th at noon; Obituaries, Sunday, December 21st by 5:00 p.m. The weekly edition of the News Progress will be delivered on Tuesday, December 23rd. Submission due dates for the New Year’s holiday are as follows: advertising and article submissions, Friday, December 26th at noon; Obituaries, Sunday, December 28th by 5:00 p.m. The News Progress will be delivered Tuesday, December 30th.
Recent Obituaries: Eric Gabbard
Eric Michael Gabbard, 36, of Sullivan, peacefully passed away at 7:15 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025 in his residence.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Mackville Cemetery in Atwood. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Eric was born October 12, 1989 in Decatur, the son of Michael Gabbard and Debra Creek. He was a woodworker for Monarch Manufacturing in Sullivan. Eric graduated from Oakland High School
Eric’s hobbies and passions included spending as much time as he could with his kids and his dogs. Eric had a huge heart of gold that loved deeply, and everybody that knew him well, felt the love he gave. That favor was returned by many, as he was greatly loved by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and his presence will be remembered forever.
Surviving are his lifetime partner Haylee Polk of Sullivan; children Giselle Randall, Tristyn Gabbard, Saveah Gabbard and Ari Gabbard, all of Sullivan; mother Debra (Tony) Creek of Sullivan; father Michael Gabbard of Arthur; grandmother Darlene Phillips of Atwood; grandfather Robert Gabbard of Camargo; brothers Steven Hutchcraft (Sarah Chain) of Peoria, Chris Creek (Devanne Lawson) of Charleston, Ethan (Amy) Gilbert of Sullivan; sisters Samantha Gabbard of Arthur, Anglea Gilbert of Portage, Indiana and Jessica (Cory) Gibson of Tuscola.
Eric was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandfather, uncle Bill and cousin Darcy.