Category Archives: free news stories

Senior Expo

News Progress Posted on by

•August 16, 2023•

Mid-Illinois Senior Services, Inc. will hold their Senior Expo on Friday, September 22 at the Sullivan American Legion. Doors open at 9:30 am and food will be served at 10:00 am. There will be a free brunch catered by Griffin’s BBQ Crew and Catering Service, LLC. The brunch is sponsored by Agri-Fab, Inc. and Hydro-Gear. This year’s event will be held in person and will be the first in person Expo since 2019. To reserve your meal and have your name entered into the drawings from various businesses and service organizations from Sullivan and the surrounding communities call 217-728-8521 Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Those interested must call by Friday, September 8.

Oakland Garage Sales

News Progress Posted on by

•August 16, 2023•

The Oakland Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 40th Annual Fall City Wide Yard Sales in Oakland on Saturday, August 26 from 8 am to ? In conjunction with this the Hindsboro community, 6 miles west on Rt. 133 is also having city wide yard sales. Maps will be available at McQueen Lumber in Oakland.

Candlelight Vigil

News Progress Posted on by

•August 16, 2023•

Moultrie/Shelby County ROSC invites those in the community to light a candle in memory of those lost to substance use disorder. The vigil will be held on National Overdose Awareness Day, August 31 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Chautauqua Auditorium, E. North 9th Street in Shelbyville. There will be testimonies and music from the Celebrate Recovery choir. Free Narcan training and Narcan materials available. Bring a picture of your loved one or send one to skylark@hourhouserecovery.org. For more information e-mail tessm@hourhouserecovery.org.

Field Day of Learning

News Progress Posted on by

•July 12, 2023•

Local Master Naturalists want to inspire you to appreciate Illinois’ natural beauty and learn some interesting facts along the way. Join us for our third annual Field Day of Learning on Saturday, July 29, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at Douglas-Hart Nature Center & Warbler Ridge Conservation Area.

We will offer opportunities to learn about a variety of topics throughout the day including bees and wasps and their importance, the lifecycle and behaviors of monarchs and black swallowtails, and the unique flora of Warbler Ridge Conservation Area. There will be a mix of indoor and outdoor learning. Participants will need to be able to hike moderate trails.
Check-in and welcome will begin at 8:30 am at Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 Dewitt Ave. E, Mattoon. A light breakfast and water will be offered in the morning. Lunch will be on your own; we encourage you to bring a sack lunch. Be prepared to travel to Warbler Ridge Conservation Area for a guided nature walk at 1 PM.
Workshop participation is limited to twenty individuals and spots fill up quickly. To register go to go.illinois.edu/FLDay or call the Mattoon Extension office at 217-345-7034. The cost is $12.00 and includes handouts. Please bring drinking water for the outdoor sessions and wear proper clothing. Insect repellant is recommended. This opportunity is open to the public and recommended for adult learners. If you will need an accommodation in order to participate, please email uie-ccdms@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Donnelley Gathering

News Progress Posted on by

•July 12, 2023•

There will be a Donnelley get together on Sunday, July 23 at 3 pm at the Mattoon Moose Lodge 803. Food and snacks will be provided, feel free to bring a covered dish.

Spaghetti Dinner

News Progress Posted on by

•July 12, 2023•

Sullivan Dance Studio Competition Team will hold a Spaghetti Dinner at the Sullivan American Legion on Friday, July 21. Meal includes: spaghetti, side, garlic bread and tea or lemonade. Pick-up at Sullivan American Legion from 5-7pm. Tickets are pre-sale and deadline to purchase is July 19. They will also have limited walk in meals. Contact a SDS Competition Team Member or Kayla Dowds-Kdowds.bowlmoramf@gmail.com or 217-294-1101. Consider supporting our dancers in this fundraiser.

Audubon Society Meeting

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•July 12, 2023•

The Decatur Audubon Society invites Audubon members and other interested persons to its second summer meeting at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, at the Dam and Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center on the east side of the lake on IL Hwy 16. A brief meeting with announcements will precede a tour of the center led by a member of the Lake Shelbyville Volunteer Association. Attendees may then optionally enjoy a meal at a restaurant of their choice in Shelbyville.

Tractor Drive

News Progress Posted on by

•July 12, 2023•

Findlay Fire Department will be having a tractor drive on Saturday, July 22. Registration is 7 to 8 am and the drive starts at 8 am. Lineup is on the south side of the fire station. The drive is donation only, with proceeds going to the Findlay Fire and Ambulance Association scholarships. Tractors must be capable of running 12 mph. Side by sides are welcome. Parking and unloading will be at the elevator. The ride will end at Tailwinds for anyone that would like to eat together, you will be responsible for your own meal. Call Ed Voltenburg 217-259-9781 or David Winans (217) 808-0312 with questions.

Community Blood Drive

News Progress Posted on by

•July 5, 2023•

Monarch Cabinetry will host a community blood drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals, on Tuesday, July 18 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at 1157 State Hwy 32, inside Showroom Building. To donate, please contact Ashley Vail at 217-728-2552 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 71346.