•August 20, 2025•

On Saturday, August 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Woods Lake West entrance (CR 1000 East in Sullivan), the 3rd annual “Big Jim” memorial fishing derby will be held, with the Sullivan AMBUCS Chapter making it possible. This is a free event for children with special needs. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m.

The derby will have ADA/Wheelchair access at the fishing pier, live bait will be available, rods and reels, and food and drinks provided. A new rod and reel will be awarded to the following categories: largest bass, largest crappie, largest catfish, and most fish caught.

To register, call or text Brock Bales at (217) 737-9383.

•August 20, 2025•

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 in November.

Please submit your recipes to rtipsword@newsprogress.com.

•August 13, 2025•

The Bethany Senior Citizen Potluck will be held on Wednesday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany library, located at 216 W Main Street. Hamburgers and hot dogs provided. All are wel-come.

•August 13, 2025•

The 31st Annual Sparrow’s “Christmas for the Kids” Auction will be held on August 23rd at 120 E State Street, Lovington (tent outside) with the silent auction beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the live auction beginning at 4:00 p.m. Live music featuring Cash Hale, 50/50, mini duck derby, and pork chops on a stick, provided by Sons of the American Legion, can all be enjoyed at the event.

For those unfamiliar with Sparrows Unlimited, Inc., it began over thirty years ago when a group of people got together at Jerry’s East End in Lovington to hold a live auction and just have a good time. A good time was had, and Sparrows Unlimited Inc. was born. Originally, Sparrow’s Unlimited Inc., a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, was to benefit families in need at Christmas in Lovington. While that is still the primary focus, Sparrow’s Unlimited has evolved into a vital tool within the Lovington community. 

Along with providing Christmas to families in need and delivering fruit baskets to the elderly for Thanksgiving, Sparrow’s acts as a resource and support system for many organizations.

If you wish to donate items for auction or have any questions, contact Pam at (217) 201-0062, Jessica at (217) 620-7579, or Barry Morgan at (217) 433-6123, or follow Sparrows on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SparrowsUnlimited.For more information or make a monetary donation, visit the website at https://www.sparrows-unlimited.com.

•August 6, 2025•

On September 6th at the Sullivan VFW, the “Warrior Wheels” fundraiser for the Warrior Fund will hold their ‘Warrior Wheels’ Jeep run.  Sign-up begins at 10:015 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The registration fee is $10.00 per person. Departure will be at noon from the Sullivan VFW. All vehicles welcome, but Jeeps will take the lead. 

The run begins at the Sullivan VFW and includes the Shelbyville VFW, Bethany American Legion, and Lovington American Legion, with the end of the run being the return to the Sullivan VFW.  Food will be available at the stops for purchase or donation, depending on location, including BBQ sandwiches, a taco bar, chips, and cookies. Donations are encouraged. There will be meat boards and a 50/50 raffle. All donations will go to the Warrior fund.