•December 3, 2025•
The News Progress will be printing Letters to Santa in our December 17th issue. If your child would like to write a letter to Santa, it can be e-mailed to santa@newsprogress.com. It must be received by noon on Wednesday, December 10th.
•November 26, 2025•
The W.H.A.T. civic group invites everyone to celebrate the season at Windsor Wonderland, happening Saturday, December 6th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This much-anticipated holiday tradition is packed with festive activities and free fun for all ages.
The evening begins with the Golf Cart and ATV Lighted Parade, a vibrant spectacle of illuminated vehicles spreading holiday cheer. Parade participants will line up at the Windsor High School parking lot at 4:30 p.m., with the parade kicking off at 4:45 p.m. The procession will culminate at the Community Christmas Tree, where the tree lighting ceremony will officially launch the evening’s festivities at 5:00 p.m.
Santa Claus will make his grand arrival as part of the parade and will be available for visits at the Windsor Library until 6:30 p.m. Families can take photos and share their holiday wishes with Santa. Adding to the magic of the evening, Windsor CUSD will serve a free chili and hot dog dinner, ensuring everyone stays warm and well-fed. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, including: live reindeer for an up-close holiday experience, cookie decorating for all ages, a mini cake walk with tasty treats to win, and a cozy hot cocoa bar to warm your hands and hearts.
These activities, planned by community groups, churches, and local businesses, are completely free of charge. For more information about the parade, please contact Josh Hartman at (217) 259-1340. Don’t miss this evening of festive fun and community spirit. Bring your family, friends, and holiday cheer to Windsor Wonderland and make lasting memories.
•November 26, 2025•
On Saturday, December 13th, Mo-Do 4-H will be holding a “Greenery and Glitter” event at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E Illinois Street in Arthur, at 10:30 a.m., running until noon. All are invited to attend, whether 4-H or not. This event is for children aged Pre-K to 18.
Activities include making a holiday greenery centerpiece (floriculture project related). Also available are the following make-and-take stations: clay snowman, pine cone decorating, nature craft, numerous ornament painting options, chemistry fun with bath bomb making, and a choose-your-own 4-H-themed ornament to take home.
There will also be a snack station with Christmas cookies and Grinch hot chocolate. Feel free to wear comfy holiday gear. This event is made possible thanks to Dr. Christina Edmonds Berhend, Darla Chouinard, the Moultrie-Douglas Emerging Leaders 4-H Club, and financial support from the Moultrie-Douglas Foundation.
Pre-registration is required by December 1st at: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/moultrie-douglas-4-h-holiday-party
•November 26, 2025•
On December 5th, Sullivan’s “Christmas Traditions” event downtown begins at 4:00 p.m. Santa will be in his house near the pavilion on the square, and the Sullivan Hometown Holiday Lighted Parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. The parade route has been shortened this year and will begin at the SCED office parking lot, 112 N. Main St., across from McDonald’s. Those wishing to sign up go to: https://forms.gle/DqsykuA74QzZ8LFFA.
•November 19, 2025•
Mid State Tank to host blood drive Mid State Tank will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 1357 Jonathan Creek Road, inside ImpactLife Donor Bus To donate, contact ImpactLife Urbana at (800) 747 5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 71293 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested.
Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo ID is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747 5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before October 7th are eligible to give at this drive.
•November 19, 2025•
DOVE, Inc., in collaboration with East Central Illinois ROSC, will be holding a “Santa’s Little Workshop’ on December 5th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Mid-Illinois Senior Services, 113 E Jefferson Street in Sullivan. There will be food, crafts, hot chocolate, and cookie decorating. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted, payable to DOVE, Inc.’s Domestic Violence Program.
•November 19, 2025•
The Sullivan News Progress offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27th, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Due dates for submission for the weekly November 26th edition are as follows: advertising, November 21st at noon; article submissions, November 23rd by noon; Obituaries, November 23rd at 5:00 p.m. The weekly edition of the News Progress will be delivered on Tuesday, November 25th.
•November 12, 2025•
Heritage Woods of Sullivan is partnering with Sullivan CEFS to help bring joy to families in the Sullivan community this Christmas season. From November 12th to December 12th, they will be collecting new toys for children ages birth to 17.
The drop-off location is at Heritage Woods of Sullivan, 20 Courtyard Blvd.
Every donation, big or small, helps brighten a child’s holiday. Help spread kindness and cheer this holiday season.
•November 12, 2025•
The Bethany Senior Citizen Potluck will be held on Wednesday, November 19th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethany library, located at 216 W Main Street. A turkey meal will be furnished. All are welcome.
•November 12, 2025•
On November 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Lovington American Legion Post 429 Women’s Auxiliary will be holding a luncheon at 1985 State Highway 32, Lovington. The menu is goulash, bread, and butter. The cost for the meal is a donation. For more information, call (217) 873-4465.