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Sullivan ReStore Christmas Open House turns year round donations into support for home builds

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•October 7, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

For most shoppers, Christmas decorations may still be packed away in early October. Inside the Sullivan ReStore, however, preparations for Christmas begin six weeks before the doors open for one of the store’s biggest events of the year.

The Sullivan ReStore Habitat for Humanity will hold its eighth annual Christmas Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. The two-hour event features Christmas décor donated throughout the year, with proceeds helping fund a future Habitat for Humanity home in Moultrie County.

ReStore Manager Tara Reed started the event eight years ago shortly after taking over as manager. When she looked through the inventory stored in the warehouse, she discovered Christmas merchandise occupied about half of the space.

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Twenty-nine inducted into NEHS

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Twenty-nine inducted into NEHS

Sullivan High School held their annual National English Honor Society Inductions on Wednesday, September 23rd. This year, twenty-nine new members were inducted, which is the largest induction to date. Inductees were (alphabetically): Kinlee Agney, Lyla Bear, Logan Booker, Owen Brush, Tenley Campbell, Grace Crothers, Luke Cummings, Emma Drake, Landon Elder, Sage England, Gavin Finn, Asher Hendry, Owen Hooten, Austin Kelley, Jett Kinder, Ellie Lehman, Addyson Martinez, Reagan McKinney, Mali Roe, Ryder Saul, Collin Shain, Tenley Stollard, Karen Szachnitowski, Hannah Taylor, Wren Wall, Elin Watkins, Easton Wickline, Jillian Woods, and Lyla Wright.

Monthly Quarter Madness  

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•October 7, 2026•

Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold their October Quarter Auction on Wednesday, October 14. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. Sullivan Lions Club will be the organization of the month. Since 1941, Sullivan Lions Club, an affiliate of Lions International, has been committed to helping residents with vision and hearing services, hunger, and youth needs. Their club is known for their annual Turkey Party held in November (this year on Friday, November 13). Funds raised during this event and others are given back in the community in various ways.

Come shop the many vendors and stay for the Quarter Auction. Bring your quarters for charity items and extra bidding. All-In-Paddle will be $20. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the Quarter Auction begins at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend. Highway Heartburn will have food for sale in the parking lot. There will also be a Bake Sale to benefit the Lions Club. Drink purchases can be made through the Legion as well. For more information visit “Mo Co Monthly Quarter Madness” Facebook page.

Fright Nights 

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•October 7, 2026•

The Sullivan Show Choirs Booster Club will present the second annual Fright Nights on October 30th and 31st at the Sullivan Middle School. A kids lighted hour, a less-scary, lighted experience for younger children, will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and then the lights go down and the scares come out from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Advanced ticket can be purchased at the SES or SMS office for $6.00, tickets at the door are $8.00.

Share your family favorite recipes 

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•October 7, 2026•

It’s that time of year again - we are asking for readers to submit their favorite recipe for our annual “Family Favorites” cookbook publication. Whether it’s an old family favorite passed down through generations, a recipe you created yourself when being creative, or something new that you love, we are interested in what tickles your palate and brings you joy to put on the table. The “Family Favorites” cookbook will be published late November or early December. Please submit your recipes to rtipsword@newsprogress. com.

Recent Obituaries: Phyllis J. Lane

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Phyllis J. Lane

Phyllis J. Lane, 90, of Houston, Texas, formerly of Sullivan, passed away at 3:41 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Ella Springs Senior Living in Houston, Texas.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2026 in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan, with Pastor Justin Cullen officiating. There will not be a visitation. Arrangements by Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Phyllis was born July 31, 1936 in Mattoon, the daughter of Duard and Murle Scroggins Reider. She was a member of Sullivan Faith Lutheran Church. She had worked as a secretary in the insurance business. Phyllis married Donald ‘Wayne’ Lane on December 7, 1956 in Mattoon and he preceded her in death on January 15, 2004.

Surviving are her daughters Kimberly (Larry) Rushing of Kingwood, Texas, Sandra (Victor) Zujewski of Cary, Illinois and Nancy Lane of San Diego, California and son Donald (Cathy) Lane of Des Plaines, Illinois; grandchildren Victor Zujewski, Daniel Zujewski, Robbie Rushing, Kristen Rushing, Robert Rushing and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

October Mid-Illinois Senior Services calendar 

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•September 30, 2026•

1: Caregiver Support Group 12:30, Relatives/Grandparents Raising Children Support Group 2:00

2: Pool Tourney 1:00

5: Sewing/Quilting Group 1:00-3:00

6: Dine with a Doc: Peace Meal director Barbra Wylie, Guest speaker 11:00-1:00

7: Bridge 1:00, Hand and Foot 2:00

8: Exercise class 10:00, Amber Clark of the V.A. Suicide Awareness and V.A. Services 1:00 

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October programs at the Lovington Public Library 

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•September 30, 2026•

2nd - Pumpkin bowling activity for kids from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

5th & 19th - Needle Night from 5-7 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or even how to sew we have people that can help teach you. If you already know how and just want to hang out come join us.

6th - Story time from 10-10:30 a.m. Bring the little ones in for a story and a craft. 

9th - Halloween themed games from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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