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March 17, 2026 Election Results

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Obituaries 7-8-2026: June Foreman

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026

June Foreman

June Foreman, former resident of Sullivan, passed away June 20, 2026 in Luverne, Alabama. She was 96 years old.

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Posted in Obituaries

Obituaries 7-8-2026: Donna Bunfill

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026

Donna Bunfill

Donna Rose Bunfill, age 98, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 8:32 p.m. in the home of her daughter in Sullivan, Illinois.

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Obituaries 7-8-2026: Thomas Brown

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026

Thomas Brown

Thomas “Tom” Lee Brown, 80, of Lovington, passed away 7:31 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.

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Obituaries 7-8-2026: Dawn Becker

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026

Dawn Becker

Dawn L. Becker, 69, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed from this life to life eternal at 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois.

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Posted in Obituaries

A Look Back…7-8-2026

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026

2016

As the 60th anniversary of the Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan approached, motion pictures returned. “This theater opened to silent movies in 1928, so adding movies to the live performances schedule brings us back to our heritage,” said John Stevens, Little Theater Executive Director. 

Nine Moultrie partner agencies with the United Way received $37,965 for programs helping people in Moultrie County. Stan Parks, Resource Development Associate for United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, was Moultrie County’s representative and emphasized that all the money raised in Moultrie County stays in Moultrie County.

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Posted in News Briefs

Sullivan celebrates America’s 250th

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026


Photo by R.R. Best

The annual Fourth of July parade kicked off a fun filled day of celebration hosted by the Sullivan American Legion Saturday.  Wyman Park was the next destination for the always entertaining watermelon eating contest, turtle races and sack races. At dusk, an amazing fireworks display capped off the festivities. More photos can be found on page 12.

Posted in Standalone Photo

Sullivan School Board approves track project, property purchase and balanced budget

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026


•July 8, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier 

The Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education approved several major financial and facility decisions Monday night, June 29, including a balanced amended budget, a contract for the district’s long-awaited track replacement project and the purchase of property that could support future transportation needs. 

The board unanimously approved the district’s amended fiscal year 2026 budget following a public hearing. Superintendent Dr. Walk reported the district finished the year with a budget surplus of approximately $111,900 while maintaining a balanced operating budget. 

Walk said the district experienced its first year in nearly a decade in which state and federal funding declined from the previous year. Transportation funding was particularly affected after the state reduced reimbursement payments. 

Even with those reductions, Walk said the district remains in stable financial condition. 

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Posted in News

Arthur Freedom Celebration shatters attendance records for America’s 250th Milestone

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 14, 2026


•July 8, 2026•

by Ariana R. Cherry

Despite steamy temperatures and heavy July humidity, thousands of visitors poured into Arthur on Saturday, June 27, transforming Jurgens Park into a sea of lawn chairs and patriotic pride for the community’s annual Freedom Celebration. According to members of the Arthur Rotary, the event appeared to draw a record-breaking crowd, as residents and tourists alike gathered for what has become one of Central Illinois’ premier Independence Day traditions.

This year’s celebration carried extraordinary significance as Arthur joined the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The semiquincentennial milestone was woven into every aspect of the day, from the flags lining the boulevards to the community-wide “Fly Our Flag for Freedom” initiative. The sense of hometown hospitality was palpable as local merchants and neighbors welcomed the influx of visitors with the warmth Arthur is known for.

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Posted in Top Stories

Allenville church concert series

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026


•July 8, 2026•

The Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street, will present Riven on Saturday, July 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Riven is a newly formed Southern Gospel ministry from the St. Louis area. Riven came together as four puzzle pieces of God’s plan, fit together in perfect harmony. The mission of Riven is to preach the Gospel through song and to share our faith experiences with audiences young and old. What does riven mean? Jesus as He was on the cross was riven, pierced in His side. The blood and water flowed from His side. When He took His last breath and it was finished a new covenant was formed. The new church as we know it was established.

Refreshments will be available, a free Will offering will be taken. For more information, contact Pastor Bob Vail at (217) 254-3433.

Posted in free news stories

MCHGS presents local barn tour

News Progress Posted on July 8, 2026 by webmasterJuly 8, 2026


•July 8, 2026•

As you travel through the southeast corner of Bethany, a beautiful red round barn is likely to catch your eye. If you’d like to see more of this unique structure and learn about its design conception, please join the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society for a free tour of George Bone’s Round Barn on Thursday, July 16th. A long labor of love, George Bone’s Round Barn is a testament to the power of perseverance. 

Attendees are welcome to meet at the History Center to carpool or drive themselves directly. If carpooling: meet at the History Center in Sullivan, 1303 South Hamilton, to depart by 6:10 p.m. If driving directly: turn south off IL-121 across from Callahan Construction - barn is visible - watch for dedicated parking signs. The tour will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. 

For more information, follow us on Facebook for the latest details or contact the History Center at (217) 728-4085 or mocohgs@gmail.com for more information.

Posted in free news stories

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Moultrie-Douglas Contestants



News Progress


New royalty to be crowned
The Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Pageant will be held Monday, July 27th at 6:00 p.m. for Little Miss Fair Queen and 7:00 p.m. for Miss and Junior Miss Fair Queen located at the south track on the Mo-Do Fairgrounds. Vying for the title of Miss Moultrie Douglas Fair Queen are: Abigail Meyer of Tuscola, Addee Mulligan of Arcola, Sarah Rogers of Atwood, Ava Whitson of Tuscola, Addisyn Wilson of Villa Grove, Emma Spillman of Tuscola, Aymara Leal of Arcola and Katilyn Kirby of Sullivan.

Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas contestants
Vying for the title of Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas are: Harper Hale of Arthur, Brooklyn Bates of Sullivan, Sofie Reifsteck of Tuscola, Sophia Wilson of Arcola, Miley Rennels of Tuscola, Ava Warren of Sullivan, Tatum Faust of Pesotum, Maggie Meyer of Tuscola and Audrey Warren of Sullivan, pictured 2025 Jr Miss Moultrie-Douglas Quinn Chapman of Villa Grove.
Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas contestants
Vying for the title of Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas are: Everleigh Allen of Tuscola, Emelia Shelmadine of Tuscola, Arabella Butterick of Arthur, Josslyn Leigh Brown of Sullivan, Athalia Juliet Sanchez of Arcola, Myla Ro Oye of Arthur, Sophie Elliott of Sullivan, Rosie Smith of Villa Grove, Tinley Eads of Arthur, Alayna Guadiana of Arcola and Alexandria Brackemyre of Lovington, pictured with 2025 Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas Joslynn Steffens of Tuscola.


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