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March 17, 2026 Election Results

Category Archives: free news stories

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Bethany Chili cook-off

News Progress Posted on January 7, 2026 by webmasterJanuary 7, 2026


•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. 

Posted in free news stories

“Tiaras and Ties”

News Progress Posted on January 7, 2026 by webmasterJanuary 7, 2026


•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 

Posted in free news stories

Happenings for ETML in January

News Progress Posted on December 30, 2025 by webmasterDecember 29, 2025


•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. 

Posted in free news stories

4-ingredient peanut butter drop cookies

News Progress Posted on December 23, 2025 by webmasterDecember 23, 2025


•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.

Posted in free news stories

Christmas Eve service in Allenville

News Progress Posted on December 23, 2025 by webmasterDecember 23, 2025


•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.

Posted in free news stories

NP closed for Christmas and New Years

News Progress Posted on December 23, 2025 by webmasterDecember 23, 2025


•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.

Posted in free news stories

Free Christmas Dinner 

News Progress Posted on December 17, 2025 by webmasterDecember 17, 2025


•December 17, 2025•

On December 25th, beginning at noon, Countryside Blessings will be serving a free Christmas dinner at 232 New Hope Road in Bethany. Anyone alone for the holidays, as well as the public, is welcome to join for fun, food, and meaningful fellowship. Reservations are appreciated. Call (217) 855-3933 by December 19th.

Posted in free news stories

Breakfast with Santa

News Progress Posted on December 17, 2025 by webmasterDecember 17, 2025


•December 17, 2025•

On December 20th, between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. at the Family Life Center, 232 W State St, Lovington, the Lovington Park Board will be sponsoring ‘Breakfast with Santa’. Donuts will be provided by Casey’s General Store, and there will be pancakes, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, bacon, milk, orange juice, and coffee. This event is open to the Lovington community, free of charge.

Posted in free news stories

NP closed for Christmas and New Years 

News Progress Posted on December 17, 2025 by webmasterDecember 17, 2025


•December 17, 2025•
The Sullivan News Progress offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24th, Thursday the 25th, Wednesday the 31st, and January 1st for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Due dates for submission for the weekly December 24th edition are as follows: advertising and article submissions, Friday, December 19th at noon; Obituaries, Sunday, December 21st by 5:00 p.m. The weekly edition of the News Progress will be delivered on Tuesday, December 23rd. 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. The News Progress will be delivered Tuesday, December 30th.

Posted in free news stories

Christmas Eve service in Allenville

News Progress Posted on December 10, 2025 by webmasterDecember 10, 2025


•December 10, 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.

Posted in free news stories

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New Arthur-Atwood Lions officers inducted



News Progress


At their June 18 meeting, the Arthur-Atwood Lions Club inducted officers for 2026-2027. Past District Governor Lion Butch Guennewig performed the induction and was assisted by his wife and District Cookie Lady, Connie Guennewig. Pictured are Lion Stan Harris, President and Membership Chair; Lion Jim Fleming, Tail Twister; Lion Linda Kay Cain, Secretary & Food Chair; Lion Sharon Mellor, Director & Easter Egg Hunt Chair; Lion Doug Beachy, Director; Lion Arlone Doan, Director; PDG Butch Guennewig; Lion Jennifer Perrine, Treasurer & Publicity Chair; Lion Ammon Miller, Second Vice President; Lion Kevin Conlin, First Vice President; and Connie Guennewig. Not pictured are Lion Moe Chupp, Director, and Lion Marty Jones, Lion Tamer.


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