Photo by R.R. Best
On Sunday, December 14th, Harper Standerfer enjoys her sledding adventure on Cemetery Hill, Sullivan, despite a frigid temperature of only 2 degrees.
Cold weather temps do not dampen winter fun
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Free Christmas Dinner
•December 17, 2025•
On December 25th, beginning at noon, Countryside Blessings will be serving a free Christmas dinner at 232 New Hope Road in Bethany. Anyone alone for the holidays, as well as the public, is welcome to join for fun, food, and meaningful fellowship. Reservations are appreciated. Call (217) 855-3933 by December 19th.
Breakfast with Santa
•December 17, 2025•
On December 20th, between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. at the Family Life Center, 232 W State St, Lovington, the Lovington Park Board will be sponsoring ‘Breakfast with Santa’. Donuts will be provided by Casey’s General Store, and there will be pancakes, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, bacon, milk, orange juice, and coffee. This event is open to the Lovington community, free of charge.
NP closed for Christmas and New Years
•December 17, 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.
Santa’s Little Helper Workshop
Photos by R.R. Best
On Friday, December 5th, Dove, Inc., in collaboration with East Central Illinois ROSC, held a free “Santa’s Little Workshop” event at Mid-Illinois Senior Services in Sullivan. With free food, crafts, activities, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and warm holiday cheers, the event was enjoyed by many locals. Santa was also present, happily hearing the Christmas list requests of children of all ages.
Findlay lighted Christmas parade
•December 10, 2025•
On December 13th, the Clarence Bixler American Legion Post #409 will be hosting a lighted Christmas parade. The public is invited to decorate their golf carts, ATVs, jeeps, or any vehicle and join in the parade. Line-up is at 4:00 p.m. in the middle school parking lot, with the parade kicking off at 5:00 p.m. with Santa and Mrs. Claus. All proceeds will be donated to the firehouse. After the parade, everyone is invited to gather at the American Legion at 216 E South 2nd St, Findlay, for coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies. Bring your family and join everyone, including our special guest from the North Pole, Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Read MoreElder care fraud: financial abuse
•December 10, 2025•
by DM Williamee
Nursing and care home fraud is a growing problem that affects vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. It encompasses a diverse range of activities that exploit residents, their families, and the healthcare system. There are multiple types of nursing and care home fraud perpetrated. Here are the most common.
Billing fraud is when providers charge for services that were never rendered or overbill for services actually provided. This is the most common form of fraud in nursing homes, accounting for approximately 30% of reported cases. Kickbacks are when homes engage in illegal arrangements that involve receiving kickbacks for patient referrals or service agreements.
This type of fraud is less common but still significant, representing about 20% of cases. Next, we have resident abuse and neglect. Some caregivers exploit residents through physical, emotional, or financial abuse, which can include stealing personal belongings or financial assets. This form of fraud is responsible for approximately 25% of reported fraud incidents.
Read MoreEmbrace winter: indoor activities to boost well-being
•December 10, 2025•
by DM Williamee
As the chill of winter sets in and the selection of outdoor activities dwindles, many find themselves searching for ways to stave off boredom while maintaining mental, physical, and emotional health during the chillier winter months. Believe it or not, winter provides an opportunity to explore indoor activities that can both bust boredom and enhance well-being. From creative pursuits to physical fitness, there are options other than binge-watching television that can enhance the season.
Get crafty and unleash your creative side. Winter is the perfect time to dive into arts and crafts, for example. Engaging in creative activities not only provides a productive outlet for stress but also enhances mood and reduces that stress. Painting and/or drawing are simple examples. Experiment with watercolors, acrylics, sketching, or even just doodling. You don’t need to be a professional artist—just let your imagination take over. You can also create handmade gifts, decorations, or upcycle old items into something new. Knitting or crocheting is not only therapeutic but also functional. Both can result in cozy accessories such as scarves, hats, slippers, and lap-blankets, perfect for this chillier season.
Read MoreLWWC grant recipients: Mo-Do Mavericks 4-H Club
•December 10, 2025•
Submitted
The LWWC of Lovington has announced the 2024 LWWC Community Grant recipient: the Mo-Do Mavericks 4-H Club, for their Mavericks Meals of Hope project. This youth-led initiative will expand the Backpack Program by providing weekend and holiday meal packs—including food, hygiene items, and treats—to local students facing food insecurity. Club members will work with schools to identify needs, purchase supplies, and organize volunteer “packing nights” for assembling and discreetly delivering care bags.
Read MoreLetter to the Editor 12-10-2025
A heartfelt thank you to our valued community partner
Moultrie County Dove Inc. Domestic Violence Services extends its deepest gratitude to Mid-Illinois Senior Services for their outstanding partnership and commitment to supporting our clients and the wider community. Your generosity is essential to our mission, particularly during difficult times.
For yet another year, your support ensures our annual Santa’s Little Helper workshop is a success by consistently providing us with a warm, welcoming space to host and hold this important event. This partnership ensures our clients, their children, and the entire community can experience the joy of the holiday season.
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