Category Archives: News Section

Council hears cat complaints 

News Progress Posted on by


•September 17, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council had almost an hour of public comment at their Monday, September 8 meeting, most of it discussing the problem of stray and feral cats in the city. Members of Moultrie County PAWS were asking the city to do a better job of capturing stray and feral cats and relocating them to area farms and also to Macon County Animal Control. Advocates said the cats are not properly acclimated to their new homes and often run away or are killed by predators. “It’s not their fault,” said one person about the stray cats.

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Community United: launch of the ‘Impact Giving Circle’

News Progress Posted on by


•September 17, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee L-R: Andrea Gerhard, Chasity Casey, Susie Inman, Grant Wade, Linda Huber, Kaitlyn Farrar, Natalie Beck.

Submitted by Rev. Grant Wade

A new effort to strengthen local nonprofits took root last week, on September 9th, as residents gathered under a tent in downtown Sullivan for the launch of the Impact Giving Circle. The initiative, sponsored through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, is designed to pool community resources and direct them toward organizations serving Moultrie County.

The event celebrated its beginning by awarding two inaugural grants totaling $5,000 to local groups. More than the funding itself, however, attendees remarked on the spirit of unity that marked the gathering. One participant reflected, “This feels like a chance to remember what community is supposed to be, not arguing about what divides us, but working together on what matters most.”

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Honor Flight

News Progress Posted on by

Photo courtesy Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Mike Daily, as well as nearly 100 veterans and their guardians, attended the 75th Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, held in Washington, D.C., on September 9th. Those in red represent Vietnam War era Veterans, and those in Yellow represent Korean War Veterans. Said Mike of the event, “It was a great honor and privilege to fly out to Washington, D.C. with the other Veterans. It was a tremendous bonding experience for my grandson Colby Taylor and me. When they told me I would need a guardian for this event, Colby was my first choice.”

Grandparents Day celebration

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by DM Williamee

sundaes and smiles

This past Sunday, Heritage Woods held a Grandparents Day celebration, with friends and family of residents coming to celebrate with their loved ones. The sundaes bar was a hit, but even more was the quality time that families spent together catching up, taking photos, and generously dishing out the hugs and kisses. 

Moultrie County Animal Control in need of donations

News Progress Posted on by


•September 10, 2025•

With the recent influx of dogs at the Moultrie County Animal Control facility, they are going through supplies faster than ever. Currently, they are in need of the following: MARS Pedigree Adult Roasted Chicken Flavor dog food, and Max & Neo leashes and collars. Their current inventory is very low, and the food is flying off their shelves quickly. Every donation helps them continue to provide the best care possible for these dogs until they find their forever homes. 

Donations can be made directly via this link: https://www.maxandneo.com/collections/buy-a-donation-box-for-a-rescue, or can also be left in their drop box in front of their facility if no one is around.

Maker’s Market 2025: food, fun and friendship

News Progress Posted on by


•September 10, 2025•

Photos by DM Williamee

Submitted

This past Saturday in Sullivan, Building 1225 welcomed the community to its annual Makers Market, drawing about 55 local vendors and a lively crowd of shoppers for a day of creativity, connection, and fun. Building 1225 is owned and operated by the Vineyard Church in Sullivan, whose mission is for everyone in the community - and those who visit - to experience the love of God, be transformed by Jesus, and extend the miraculous. Events like the Makers Market embody that vision.

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Local youth alerts SFD to alarm

News Progress Posted on by


•September 10, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee

by DM Williamee

Sullivan ten-year-old 5th grader Matthew “Matty” Gudenrath heard his neighbors smoke alarm going off and when he was unable to reach his neighbor, he immediately hopped on his bike and rode directly to the Sullivan Fire Department to alert them to the situation. Offered a ride on the fire truck to show them where the address was, Matty opted to hop back onto his bike and lead them nearly 2 miles to residence address, where the call out was quickly resolved. 

On Friday the 5th, Sullivan Fire Department Captain Kenny Graven awarded him a plaque of recognition, “for his courage and quick thinking alerting the fire department of a smoke alarm activation on August 15th, 2025.” A very surprised Matty accepted it humbly. Said Captain Graven of Matty with a handshake, “that was quick and smart-thinking.”

Cruise Night: autos, music, and fun for all

News Progress Posted on by


•September 3, 2025•

by DM Williamee

The turnout for Saturday the 30th’s “Cruise Night on the Square” held in Sullivan found autos of all makes and models - new and old, of all colors and styles (classic to modern): original, restored, boosted, lifted, and otherwise modified for both personal tastes, brand aesthetics, and speed.

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Sullivan approves subdivision TIF 

News Progress Posted on by


•September 3, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council approved a Tax Increment Financing agreement with a development company for a new subdivision. Central Properties and Investments, LLC will develop the Willow Brooke estates as part of the agreement. The plan goes along with the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Committee 2020 goal of 100 new homes in a ten year period. 

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