Category Archives: free news stories

“Recovery Month Matters”

News Progress Posted on by


•September 9, 2026•

The Moultrie County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) Council, a program of Hour House, is launching its “Recovery Month Matters” social media awareness initiative throughout September. This initiative aligns with the ROSC Council’s mission to reduce stigma, promote recovery, and strengthen the health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities through education and community engagement.

The campaign encourages community members to support Recovery Month by learning more about substance use and mental health, using respectful and nonjudgmental language, and offering support to friends and loved ones. You can also share messages of hope, attend local Recovery Month events, and advocate for access to treatment, recovery services, and mental health care.

Community members are encouraged to follow the Moultrie County ROSC Council on social media, share the educational infographic, and help spread positive messages that promote wellness, recovery, and hope.

Hour House provides compassionate, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment and recovery support for individuals, families, and the community. For over 50 years, it has offered a continuum of care including treatment services for adults and adolescents, recovery housing for men, women and women with children, and community programs focused on education, prevention, and outreach.

Blood Drive Sept. 19

News Progress Posted on by


•September 2, 2026•

A Blood Drive in honor of Riley Machine will be held at the Sullivan American Legion on September 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org (Enter Sponsor Code SULLIVAN) .

In March 2026, Riley survived an accident that left him fighting for his life. Blood was prepared for him at every step, giving his family comfort they desperately needed, even though he never ultimately needed a transfusion. Now, his family is hosting a blood drive to pay that gift forward. Join them to honor Riley’s resilience and give hope to others. 

The Sullivan American Legion is located at 8 East Strain, Sullivan.

Allenville concert series 

News Progress Posted on by


•September 2, 2026•

Allenville Christian Church will host a concert featuring Still Waters on September 12th at 6:00 p.m. at the Allenville Christian Church, located at 201 Allen Street in Allenville. Snacks and fellowship time will follow this family-friendly gospel series concert. 

Still Waters it is a mixed quartet from Lovington and Atwood consisting of Sara Rawlins, Shari Schable, Dennis Garmon and Bill Schable. The quartet comes together to reach out to people thru music to tell of the love, grace, hope and forgiveness of God

A love offering will be taken. For more information, contact Pastor Bob Vail at (217) 254-3433.

Office closed on Labor Day 

News Progress Posted on by


•September 2, 2026•

The Moultrie County News Progress will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of the Labor Day holiday weekend. All advertising and news items are due by noon on the previous Thursday (September 3rd).

Lehman Scholarship fundraiser

News Progress Posted on by


•August 26, 2026•

Sullivan Kirby Foods will host the Kyle Lehman Honorary Scholarship fundraising cookout on Saturday, August 29 from 10:30a.m.-1:30p.m. All profits from the cookout go towards funding scholarships given to a graduating senior working at Sullivan Kirby Foods.

Established in 2023, the Lehman family has awarded scholarships to 11 deserving students. The menu includes ribeye sandwiches and tenderized pork chops.

Candlelight Vigil

News Progress Posted on by


•August 26, 2026•

The Moultrie County ROSC Council will host a Candlelight Vigil for overdose awareness on Friday, August 28 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wyman Park (near the pond) in Sullivan. Tea lights will be provided and purple light bulbs will be handed out to participants to display in their lamp or porch light to celebrate September as National Recovery Month. Moultrie County ROSC Council invites community members to join them to remember loved ones, raise awareness and support recovery.

Walk Out Ceremony set

News Progress Posted on by


•August 26, 2026•

The Sullivan Fire Protection District will hold a Retirement Walk Out Ceremony for Kaleb Randol on Thursday, August 27. An open house with refreshments at the SFPD, 115 W. Harrison St., Sullivan, will start at 1:00 p.m. with the ceremony to follow at 2:00 p.m.

Office closed on Labor Day 

News Progress Posted on by


•August 26, 2026•

The Moultrie County News Progress will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of the Labor Day holiday weekend. All advertising and news items are due by noon on the previous Thursday (September 3rd).

Scams workshop

News Progress Posted on by


•August 19, 2026•

SAIL, Soyland Access to Independent Living, will host a workshop introducing Social Media, Communication, Sweetheart & Texting Scams on Wednesday, August 26th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Shelby County Senior Center, 325 E. North 9th, Shelbyville, IL. The presenter is Heather Calcara, Outreach Liaison, State of Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

The workshop is free; reservations are not required. For more information call Betty Watkins, SAIL Rural Outreach Coordinator, at 217-876-8888, extension# 310.

Dine with a Doc® 

News Progress Posted on by


•August 19, 2026•

Looking for a little more energy, a little more encouragement and a good reason to get out of the house? 

Senior Education Ministries, Inc. invites area seniors, veterans, caregivers and community members to pull up a chair for the next Dine with a Doc® program on Tuesday, September 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Moultrie County Senior Center in Sullivan. 

This free community gathering offers much more than lunch. It is an opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new neighbors, share a few laughs and hear practical information that may help guests feel better, live healthier and approach everyday life with renewed confidence. 

Featured speaker Larry Wetnight, a retired Military Major and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, will bring his “Major Wellness” message to Sullivan with an energetic, down-to-earth conversation about reclaiming energy, strengthening healthy habits and making everyday choices that support long-term well-being. 

Wetnight’s approach focuses on helping people better understand the connection between nutrition, consistency, stress management, physical health and emotional wellness. His goal is to give participants practical tools they can use in everyday life while encouraging them to become active participants in their own health. 

After all, when a Major starts talking about wellness, there may be a few marching orders for better health involved. 

Guests can expect an informative and encouraging program designed to inspire rather than overwhelm - with plenty of common sense, conversation and perhaps a little humor along the way. 

To RSVP, call (217) 728-8521.