Category Archives: free news stories

Operation Enduring Support

News Progress Posted on by

•October 11, 2023•

Do you have a loved one serving overseas in the military, please send us their APO/FPO mailing address as donations are now being accepted for the Christmas Care Packages that will be mailed to our Deployed Military on December 5th. Many of the deployed men and women no longer have access to Post Exchanges. They really appreciate receiving the Christmas packages. These packages represent love gifts from the families back home.

This is the 20th Christmas Operation Enduring Support has sent Christmas Care Packages with your support.

Suggested items include protein bars, cheese and cracker packs, Beef Slim Jims/jerky, individual instant coffee, powdered drink packages, puzzle books and playing cards, personal care items including eye drops, lip balm, 5 blade razors. Small American Flags.

Also needed are letters from school and Sunday school children, individually wrapped hard candy, Candy Canes, Gum, Gorilla Tape/Duct Tape, Body wash/shampoo, cotton swabs and alcohol-free wet wipes, 2024 calendars and New Christmas Cards.

All contacts should be made with Ann Irwin at ann4dar@att.net or by calling (217) 428-5936. You may also contact Grace Methodist Church at (217) 429-5374. Donations may be delivered to Grace Methodist Church at 901 N Main St in Decatur, IL 62521 between 8:30 and 4:00 pm Monday thru Thursday until November 16th. Monetary donations are always welcome as our postage is now $21.20 per box. We sent 140 boxes last Christmas. Your support is appreciated.

The Era of the Golden Mustangs

News Progress Posted on by

•October 11, 2023•

The Era of the Golden Mustangs will be presented by Marge Overlot of Bethany at 7 p.m. at the Thursday, October 19th meeting of the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society at their History Center, 1303 S. Hamilton, Sullivan, Il. Mrs. Overlot, one of Bethany’s most enthusiastic supporters, will share her memories of Bethany High School’s sports history from the mid 1960’s through the 1980’s, a time of outstanding community spirit and accomplishment. The public is invited to attend. More programs featuring outstanding athletes and sports activities from other communities are being planned for the future.

Blood Drive in Lovington

News Progress Posted on by

•October 11, 2023•

The Lovington First Christian Church is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 17 from 12:30-5:30pm. Donors are being asked to enter the north basement door to the Fellowship Hall.

Pre-registration is suggested for donors to get a reserved time. However, walk-ins are also welcome. To pre-register online visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code Lovington. Contact Darlene Barlow at 217-873-4984 with any questions.

Monthly Quarter Auction

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

Moultrie County Monthly Quarter Madness will hold their September Quarter Auction on Wednesday, October 11. The event will be held at the Sullivan American Legion. The charity of the month is the Widows Sons.  They are an international charitable organization who are freemasons who also enjoy riding motorcycles. This chapter is a 501c3 non-profit organization and covers most of Central Illinois. Most of their fundraising goes to individuals and families in the community, but they also donate to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and IMOS.  Every penny they raise is spent on helping others. At the October Quarter Madness, vendors could include: direct sales such as Avon, Plunder Jewelry, Scentsy, JBloom Jewelry, Tastefully Simple, pawTree, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One plus different craft vendors, hair bows, laser engraved designs and more. Come shop 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. Food will be available for purchase from the Lucks in the legion kitchen. Drink purchases can be made through the Legion as well.  For more information visit “Mo Co Monthly Quarter Madness” Facebook page.

Safe Trick or Treat

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

The Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development organization will celebrate Halloween with the Annual Safe Trick Or Treat Event. Scheduled for Tuesday, October 31st from 4 to 6 pm. The Ambucs will kick off the costume parade at 6:30 around the Square. SCED member businesses participate for free as part of their membership. Businesses and organizations that are not yet SCED members are encouraged to join or can pay the $25 event registration fee to participate. Registration deadline is October 15.  Participating businesses and organizations may hand out treats from their location or represent themselves by setting up a treat station around the square. There is no cost for Trick or Treaters to join in the fun.

Courtyard Estates 15 Year Anniversary

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

Courtyard Estates of Sullivan is celebrating their 15 year anniversary this month. On Saturday, October 14 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm the public is invited to the CYE campus for food, music, and fun. Included in the activities are inflatables & games, Bessie Bingo, a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, along with a DJ. A free lunch will be served. The celebration will be held outdoors at 20 Courtyard Blvd., weather permitting. To purchase a Bessie Bingo ticket or for any more information, please call the facility at 217-728-4300.

Burgers and Brats Fundraiser

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

There will be a Burgers and Brats fundraiser on Friday, October 6 from 10 am til sold out at the Methodist Church parking lot, 216 W. Jefferson St. in Sullivan. Carry out. Funds will go towards the Methodist Church outdoor electric message board.

Pancake and Sausage Breakfast

News Progress Posted on by

•October 4, 2023•

Sullivan Fire Protection District will have a pancake and sausage breakfast on Saturday, October 7 from 6 to 10 am at the firehouse. Cost for the breakfast is donations of $7 for adults, $4 for kids ages 6-12 and free for kids 5 and under. The breakfast is all you care to eat and carry out is also available. The Sullivan Fire House is located at 115 W. Harrison St. in Sullivan.

Sullivan Women’s Civic Club Chili Supper

News Progress Posted on by

•September 27, 2023•

The Sullivan Women’s Civic Club will hold its annual Chili Supper on Friday, October 6 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm at the Sullivan American Legion. Proceeds from the chili supper go to Sullivan High School scholarships. The Civic Club was formed in 1976 by Maxine Davis and Mary Lou Kidwell. The first chili supper was held at the Masonic Temple. With the kitchen being limited, the ladies borrowed trays and pans from Sullivan School cooks, Maxine Barrett and Phyllis Hughes. After a while the event grew and the meal was moved to Sullivan High School and later to the American Legion where it remains. Now the chili and potato soup was always delicious but people came for the homemade pies. In the past, Oleta Lane baked some mouth-watering cream pies, but due to more recent regulations the bakers are only allowed to serve fruit pies. The pies still seem to be a big hit. The Civic Club is still going strong after 47 years. Over those 47 years, the civic club has given more than $65,000 in scholarships. They are always welcoming new members. If you’re interested, they meet the second Monday at the Moultrie County Senior Center. Join them after this year’s Homecoming parade to help them support the graduating class of 2024.