•June 25, 2025•
The Moultrie County News Progress will be closed on July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. This will not impact due dates for advertising and news item submittals.
Category Archives: free news stories
VBS at Smyser Christian Church
•June 18, 2025•
Smyser Christian Church will conduct their Vacation Bible School (VBS) June 29th through July 2nd, from 6:00 to 8:20 p.m., at 1521 Whitley Point Road in Gays.
Come to make new friends, perform experiments, play games, enjoy snacks, go on surprise adventures and enjoy music.
For more information, call (217) 752-6896.
Free weekly music, dancing in Arthur
•June 18, 2025•
Every Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at Penn Station, located at 122 E Progress Street in Arthur, free live music and dancing (including line dancing) are available for the public to come out and enjoy. This alcohol, drug, and smoke-free event is family-friendly. The air-conditioned venue also serves a variety of food items, such as brats and dogs, and beverages, as well as homemade pie. The performers take music requests when they can. This is a weekly free event, with donations accepted. For more information, call (314) 200-5272.
Dementia Friends training
•June 18, 2025•
The Moultrie County Health Department, in conjunction with The Haven of Care & Dementia Friendly Moultrie County, will be holding a “Dementia Friends” training session for caregivers of persons living with Dementia and interested community members on June 25th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This training will take place at the Otto Center, 2058 N CR 1800 E in Arthur. Training will help participants learn the symptoms of dementia and how to best communicate with a person living with dementia, as well as support their caregiver(s). Refreshments will be served, and there is no charge for this event.
SES 2025/2026 registration
•June 11, 2025•
Online registration opens July 17th. In-person registration opens July 23rd, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kindergarten and new family registration events will be held on July 23rd at 5:30 p.m., July 24th at 3:00 p.m., and July 25th from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Fish for free June 13-14
•June 11, 2025•
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has set June 13 through 16 as Illinois free fishing days for 2025. During these four days, anglers can fish without purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp, or inland trout stamp in Illinois. The goal is for non-anglers to discover or rediscover the fun of fishing and to introduce children to the activity.
Groups and organizations that need fishing equipment and educational materials can complete the online form and IDNR will furnish materials while supplies last.
Outside of the free fishing days, Illinois requires anyone over the age of 16 to have a fishing license to fish. Exclusions apply to active-duty military and people with disabilities. Standard fishing licenses can be purchased for $15 at vendors throughout Illinois or online. Learn more about fishing in Illinois at ifishillinois.org.
Bethany senior potluck
•June 11, 2025•
The Bethany Senior Citizen Potluck will be held on Wednesday, June 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany library, located at 216 W Main Street. Meatloaf will be furnished. All are welcome.
“Bingocize” fall prevention exercise program for seniors
•June 4, 2025•
“Bingocize”, an evidence-based program that combines bingo with exercise, has announced its upcoming fall prevention exercise classes for people 60+, running through July 2nd. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services in Moultrie County.
The program aims to enhance physical activity, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls in a fun and engaging environment. Participants will enjoy a unique blend of exercise and social interaction, all the while playing Bingo.
Read more: “Bingocize” fall prevention exercise program for seniorsDrive-through dinner
•June 4, 2025•
On Monday, June 7th, the Bethany Fire and Ambulance volunteers will be serving a “Drive-Thru Dinner” from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Menu includes pulled pork sandwiches smoked on hickory and applewood, baked beans, corn bread and chips. No tickets are needed for this $10.00 meal, but there are only 300 of them. Additionally, there will be free delivery for village residents. This dinner is to support the local fire and ambulance department, in recognition of their contribution to the community. For more information, call (217) 665-3726.
Gospel Series: King performance
•June 4, 2025•
On Sunday, June 8th, at 6:00 p.m., renowned Gospel singer Rick Allen King will be performing at the Allenville Christian Church, 201 S. Allen Street in Allenville. Rick began his musical journey singing with his mother at age six. Still a young boy of twelve, he started singing professionally and has shared the stage with many leading artists in Gospel Music. Even now, Rick sings his songs for concerts, churches, banquets - any event where good Gospel Music is appreciated. For more information, visit his website at http://rickalanking.com.
Fellowship and light refreshments will follow after the concert, with love offerings welcomed.