•January 14, 2026•
The Lovington Community Ambulance annual board meeting will be held Thursday, January 15, 7:30 p.m., at the ambulance house in Lovington.
Category Archives: free news stories
Sparrow’s Unlimited bfast
•January 14, 2026•
Sparrow’s Unlimited will host a breakfast at Church of God Family Life Center in Lovington on Saturday, January 17 from 7:00-10:00 a.m. Delivery is available for Lovington residents 60 and older by calling 217-201-0662. The menu will consist of biscuits and gravy, hash brown casserole, sausage patties, cinnamon rolls and pancakes. Meal is by donation.
Music bingo fundraiser
•January 7, 2026•
The Empower Academy Competition Team, parents, and the 5678 Booster Club will be hosting a music bingo fundraiser on Saturday, January 10, at Willow Ridge Winery. With help from the Prairie Fire DJ Service, the event will start at 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from participating dance team parents. The event is 18 years of age and over only. Tables for 8 can be purchased for $200, or individual seats for $30. For more information, contact Ginger Voegel at (217) 549-3877 or email sdsboosterclub@gmail.com.
MoCo Quarter Madness
•January 7, 2026•
Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold its first 2026 Quarter Auction on Wednesday, January 14th. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. Sullivan Legion Riders is the organization of the month. They are not a motorcycle club. Instead, they are a group of like-minded people who love riding motorcycles and are an extension of the American Legion. Their mission and values are keeping with the American Legion values, to serve their fellow veterans and their community. All of their fundraising efforts are donated back to help in any way they can.
At the January Quarter Madness, vendors could include: Burdick Farm Stand, jBloom Jewelry, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Holley’s Hobbies, Color Street, Pampered Chef, Plunder Jewelry, and Avon plus different craft and food vendors with tumblers, t-shirts, wreaths, earrings, wind spinners, potholders, signs, garden stakes, décor, freeze dried candies, meat bundles, and more. Come shop with the 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, and the Quarter Auction begins at 6:30. All ages are welcome to attend. GRIFFINS’ Catering will have food for sale in the kitchen. There will also be a Bake Sale. Drink purchases can be made through the Legion as well. For more information, visit the “Mo Co Monthly Quarter Madness” Facebook page.
Bethany Chili cook-off
•January 7, 2026•
On Saturday, January 17th, at the Bethany American Legion Post No. 507, located at 112 IL-121, Bethany Celebration will be hosting a chili cook-off, which will be open to the public. The evening promises to be a fun-filled one, with bold flavors and friendly competition.
The categories for the chilis are traditional, spicy, and unique. The entry fee is $10 per chili category entry. Judging will be done by a panel of three judges between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 7:45 p.m. Doors open to the public at 7:00 p.m., and chili options are a $3 fee to sample or $5 for a bowl.
Attendees are invited to stay post competition to enjoy entertainment by Larry Daniels/LD Entertainment.
Pre-registration is preferred. Contact Cassandra Lambdin at (217) 259-9953 with any questions or to sign up to compete. Sign-up may also be done in person at the American Legion.
“Tiaras and Ties”
•January 7, 2026•
Empower Academy is hosting its ‘Tiaras and Ties Dance’ on January 31st, from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. at the new Empower Academy location at 16 East Empower Road in Sullivan. This event is recommended for princesses aged three 3 and above, accompanied by the special guy in their life, whether that is dad, grandpa, an uncle, brother, or another meaningful male role model.
Dancing, a photographer, crafts, and refreshments are part of the fun. A VIP Experience is available, including a catered dinner, a princess gift, a VIP dessert, early entry seating, and more. VIP registration closes on January 16th. The VIP Experience doors open at 4:45 p.m., and general admission doors open at 5:45 p.m. Tiaras & Ties is open to the public and welcomes all families looking to celebrate the unique bond between a princess and her special guy.
Register online at https://www.myempoweracademy.com/tiaras-ties. For more information, call (217) 728-9111
Happenings for ETML in January
•December 31, 2025•
The library will be closed on December 31st and January 1st in observance of the holidays.
Story times will be every Wednesday- January 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 10:00 a.m. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft times.
Every Monday at 9:00 a.m., the ETML hosts a Memory Cafe. This is a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The Memory Café is helpful by providing information and support from others who also have loved ones who struggle with memory loss.
Homeschoolers: January 8th and 22nd. If you have a homeschooled student, check out the class at the ETML. It meets twice a month on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. This group will explore fun, hands-on STEAM activities designed to inspire creativity and critical thinking. Join others for exciting learning and connection opportunities with fellow homeschoolers. Register online at https://forms.gle/sgWh9isvnEY6uWV36, or call the library at (217) 728-7221.
Crochet Group: Tuesdays 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This group is a great way to connect with other crafters in the community and learning new stitches and patterns. This class is for both novices and experts. If you would like to learn how to crochet, contact either Michelle or Laura in advance of the class to get started.
The knitting class will be held on the following Saturdays: January 10th and 17th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On the 10th, learn how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off. On the 17th, knit a hat with your new skills. The class held on the 17th is the makeup class for the December class that was postponed due to the weather. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required, and these classes, valued at $60.00, fill fast. Call the library at (217) 728-7221 to register for the class.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s ‘Mobile DMV’ program will not be at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library again until the program resumes in April.
4-ingredient peanut butter drop cookies
•December 24, 2025•
Ingredients: Peanut butter and sugar in equal parts, 1 egg to bind, and chocolate kisses.
Combine all ingredients, roll the dough into balls, put a dent in the middle with your thumb making a well, and bake just until the edges are firm. Add a chocolate kiss, and remove from pan to cool on a rack.
Prep Time: 15 mins. Cook Time: 10 mins. Total Time: 25 mins. Servings: 24. Yield: 2 dozen cookies.
Christmas Eve service in Allenville
•December 24, 2025•
On December 24th at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Christmas Eve service at the Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street in Allenville. They will be portraying the Christmas Story as well as serving communion. All are welcome to attend. For further information, contact Pastor Bob Vail (217) 254-3433.
NP closed for Christmas and New Years
•December 24, 2025•
The Sullivan News Progress offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24th, Thursday the 25th, and Wednesday the 31st and January 1st for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. 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.