↓
 

News Progress

More news about the people of Moultrie County than any other newspaper in the world

  • Home
  • News
    • News Briefs
    • Jail Report
    • Mo. Co. Most Wanted
    • Obituaries
  • Feature Stories
  • Sports
  • Editorials
  • Social
    • Video Archive
    • Poll Archive
  • Links
    • News Progress Staff
    • History of the News Progress
    • RR's Portfolio
  • Email Us
  • General News Submissions
  • Subscription
    • Members Area
    • Current Issue
    • Manage Your Profile
  • Login

Submit a news item, obituary, or legal notice to advertise@newsprogress.com

March 17, 2026 Election Results

Category Archives: News

Post navigation

← Older posts

Deer population surges around lake

News Progress Posted on July 1, 2026 by webmasterJuly 1, 2026


•July 1, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

A doe and her fawn are regulars near Lake Shelbyville.

Is your shrubbery looking jagged? Is your garden not producing? Are their hoof prints in the mud and something on the ground bigger than any dog business? If so, you may have been visited by Moultrie County’s resident deer.

Believe it or not, in 1900 the white tail deer population in Illinois was virtually extinct. Obviously, in the last 126 years that has changed, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources estimating the state’s deer population at 660,000 in 2025. Moultrie County doesn’t have the largest deer population, that honor goes to Joe Davies County, but in 344 square mile Moultrie County, more than 700 are harvested annually during hunting season.

Read More
Posted in News

Work begins on new city well

News Progress Posted on July 1, 2026 by webmasterJuly 1, 2026


•July 1, 2026•

Construction began on a new water well for Sullivan last week.

by Sharon Barricklow

A new addition to Sullivan’s well field is under construction last week after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a drilling permit.

Sullivan has been under water restrictions since earlier this year due to low water levels in the aquifer that supplies the city with water. City council members said the new well will not entirely alleviate the water shortage but is a step forward. 

Read More
Posted in News

A variety of programs offered at the Moultrie County History Center

News Progress Posted on July 1, 2026 by webmasterJuly 1, 2026


•July 1, 2026•

Submitted by Tonya Frevert

MCHGS Publicity Chair

Have you been to the Moultrie County History Center yet? Founded in 1973, the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society is a nonprofit volunteer organization that strives to bring together people of all ages interested in the history and genealogy of Moultrie County and central Illinois. In addition to our library and museum, we host monthly public programs to illustrate the history of the area and its people. Our programs showcase the variety of stories and lived experiences that our diverse community has to share with one another. 

Most recently, our June program showcased the history of local radio in Moultrie County. Moultrie County natives Larry Oathout and Scot England recounted the creation of Sullivan radio station WFWA in 1974, tracing its journey through multiple owners and name changes over the years. While recalling some of the notable on-air radio personalities—such as Gerald “Griz” England—Scot and Larry shared humorous recollections of their own journeys working in small-town radio and highlighted the rewards and challenges, both past and present.

Read More
Posted in News

Arthur Freedom Celebration 2026

News Progress Posted on July 1, 2026 by webmasterJuly 1, 2026
Posted in News

ETML tile art psychedelic

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026


•June 24, 2026•

On Tuesday, June 16th, the YA group came together at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library to create tile coasters. Using Sharpies, isopropyl alcohol, air, and fire, the YA group had a blast watching how their colored designs on the tile transformed each step of the project. From the original Sharpie colored designs on the tiles to the placement of the alcohol, using air to direct the colors, to the firing, each piece transformed in beautifully unpredictable ways. There were smiles, laughter, and excited exchanges of ideas as the YA group worked together, each trying to predict what their final tile coaster would look like. Once ‘fired’, all of the tiles were sprayed with a durable sealant, making them ready to serve as coasters, making great gifts and keepsakes. The project was a resounding success, thoroughly enjoyed by all. To stay current with the many events offered at ETML for all age groups (of which there are many), visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082637979457.

Posted in News

250 fireballs to honor America’s 250th Birthday at Arthur Freedom Celebration 

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026


•June 24, 2026•

The Arthur Rotary Club and the entire Arthur community are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors on Saturday, June 27, for the annual Arthur Freedom Celebration featuring a downtown parade and one of the largest fireworks displays in central Illinois.

This year’s celebration carries the patriotic theme, “Celebrating 250 Years…One Nation, One Community,” in honor of America’s 250th birthday.

Festivities begin with the annual Freedom Celebration Parade, which steps off promptly at 2:00 p.m. on East Progress Street. Parade line-up begins at 12:30 p.m. at the former Progress Industries property on the north side of the street.

Read More
Posted in News

Bethany Celebration 2026

News Progress Posted on June 24, 2026 by webmasterJune 24, 2026
Posted in News

All about horses; event informs-entertains

News Progress Posted on June 17, 2026 by webmasterJune 17, 2026


•June 17, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, June 13th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Society (IAHC) held its “All About Horses” event, and both horse-lovers as well as those newly introduced were in for a treat. People came from near and far, with some traveling in their motor homes and others carpooling to attend the event from surrounding communities, as well as upstate and out of state. Many had questions which were happily answered with a tinge of good-natured country humor, and most importantly, everyone left with newly acquired knowledge and having been entertained in the process. From shoeing horses with farrier craft, adorable puppies to fawn over (as many did, with one young girl asking her mom why puppy breath was the ‘best smell ever’), to an equine therapy and horsemanship demonstration, the IAHC was bustling with activity and craftsmanship, all deeply steeped in their own distinctive histories.

Read More
Posted in News

Dash, Bash and Splash for St. Jude’s

News Progress Posted on June 17, 2026 by webmasterJune 17, 2026

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, June 13th, from the parking lot of the Sullivan American Legion to the far end of Wyman Park, one could find something in motion: from the early 5k run, raffles, bake sales, car show, to the Kids Korner (with some impressive, well-used, and appreciated bounce houses), kids pedal pulls, food on offer from vendors, live music and the new dunk tank, there was not a dull corner to be found. When the dunk tank opened to a line of waiting kiddos, Mrs. Becker got in, ready to be dunked for a good cause. The first ball thrown was by Jasper Rhodes, 6, who hit the mark and dunked Mrs. Becker right at the start, and then two more times before throwing all six. This set the tone moving forward, with a surprising number of hits/dunks from the youngsters, and a good-natured Mrs. Becker laughingly said, “It’s all for a good cause!” All proceeds raised at the 2-day event will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Last year, $32,338 was donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Photos by DM Williamee

Read More
Posted in News

POW/MIA Honor Chair placement

News Progress Posted on June 17, 2026 by webmasterJune 17, 2026


•June 17, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Photo by DM Williamee

On Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 p.m., Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 placed a POW/MIA Chair of Honor prominently beneath the flags at the Sullivan American Legion Post No. 68 in Sullivan. POW/MIA Chairs of Honor are perpetually empty seats placed in public spaces to solemnly commemorate the tens of thousands of American service members who are Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) and have not yet returned home. The empty space is to remind the public that even though missing soldiers are absent, there is always a reserved space waiting for them upon their return; these chairs symbolize a steadfast vow that America will never stop searching for those who have not returned. 

Read More
Posted in News

Post navigation

← Older posts

 

Knee High by the 4th of July



News Progress


Photo Submitted

There is corn well above knee high by the Fourth of July in Moultrie County as the patriotic Lisa Shuman and Nancy Moore shows us. The photo was taken in a field east of Sullivan.


© 2024 - News Progress
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

100 W. Monroe St., Sullivan, IL 61951 Phone: 217-728-7381 | Open: Hours Vary

↑