Category Archives: News Section

Moultrie County man arrested on charges of child pornography

News Progress Posted on by

Moultrie County Board member; Special Prosecutor assigned


•July 2, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, Scott L. Buxton, 58, of Bethany, was charged in Moultrie County for Possession of Child Pornography. Illinois State Police (ISP) received a CyberTip related to suspicious internet activity linked to a Gmail account. Upon further investigation, ISP connected the Gmail email account and associated IP address to Buxton. Within online accounts, multiple images depicting child pornography were discovered. ISP learned that Buxton and Tyler Scott, age 26, formerly of Dalton City, engaged in communications that included requests for and transmission of images and videos containing child pornography. Investigation by ISP is ongoing. Tyler Scott was arrested by ISP on June 25, 2025, for offenses including Child Pornography and Grooming. He is being held in custody after a detention hearing conducted on June 26, 2025. He next appeared in court on June 30, 2025, for a preliminary hearing. Due to a conflict of interest arising from Mr. Buxton serving on the Moultrie County Board, the Moultrie County State’s Attorney’s Office recused itself. Jesse Danley, Coles County State’s Attorney, was appointed as a Special Prosecutor to oversee the prosecution of Buxton. 

Read More

ETML hosts MC Ag: “This Little Piggy Went to the Library”

News Progress Posted on by
Photo by DM Williamee A very delighted and giggly Edie Gibbons, 9, holds piglet ‘Rosie’ at the ETML “Ag in the Classroom” event.

Summer Reading Fun with a Farming Twist


•July 2, 2025•

by Linda Henry

On Wednesday the 18th the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library hosted the Moultrie County “Agriculture in the Classroom” Literacy Coordinator, Linda Henry, who provided a fun as well as educational workshop to a group of very excited children about pigs, bringing a small piglet with her which the children were allowed to pet and hold. With summer reading programs in full swing across Moultrie County, last week brought an extra special visitor to two local libraries — a piglet named Rosie!

Mrs. Henry, with Moultrie County Ag in the Classroom, visited the Marrowbone Public Library in Bethany and the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan, delivering an engaging and educational program that delighted young readers. As part of the program, children learned about life on a pig farm through a lively storytime, complete with a real piglet for students to observe up close.

Read More

Knee High by the 4th of July

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by R.R. Best These Ladies of the 80’s are showing off their patriotic colors near the cornfield owned by Terry Warren. Featured is Christine Grohler, Angela Ernst, Lori Fultz, Sonya Best, Samantha Berner, Melanie Byers, and Bobbi Campbell. These ladies will be celebrating their 40th class reunion this homecoming weekend.

Bethany Celebration does not disappoint

News Progress Posted on by

Great turnout despite record heat and humidity


•June 25, 2025•

This year’s “Bethany Celebration” on Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st offered something for everyone of all ages. On Friday, after Opening Ceremonies, there was a “Touch a Truck” event, “Kids Craft Corner”, a Sullivan Dance Studio Showcase, and “Tot Rod Pulls”. Later, the Battle Creek Band entertained on the main stage, and the “Brushville Band” entertained in the beer tent.

Read More

Sullivan Splash Pad reopens

News Progress Posted on by
Photo by DM Williamee
Many people, especially children, have been wondering when the Splash Pad at Wyman Park would reopen this summer. To everyone’s delight, it reopened on Friday the 20th, to the delight of many. This summer, the Splash Pad will be operating on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The splash pad will only be open on weekends during these hours, so plan your visit accordingly.

Sullivan High School construction update

News Progress Posted on by


•June 25, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee Overhead image of the new gymnasium (with contractor in red on floor level for scale), which will have built-in retractable bleachers as well as a walking track on the upper deck.

by DM Williamee

Progress is continuing on the new Sullivan High School building. As this two-year construction project wraps up, the following projects are in process, per Dr. Walk:

The new flooring material is in despite a few delivery delays. Flooring for the second-floor classrooms is nearing completion. Once finished, work will begin on the cabinetry for the science lab classrooms.

The exterior windows are almost completely installed. There is still an unfinished window space on the second floor of the gymnasium, which is being used to deliver materials to the interior of the building.

The classroom portion of the new building is anticipated to wrap up by the end of July, with classrooms ready for use at the start of the school year. This is the most critical step, as it allows the 6th-grade students and staff to move back into the Sullivan Middle School Building, relocate the four teachers from the media center to classrooms, and eliminate the sharing of classrooms by a number of high school teachers.

Read More

Heartland Mini-Hoofs

News Progress Posted on by

Local Seniors enjoy equestrian visitors


•June 25, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Photo by Tawnya Marshall Carolyn Doss, 87, enjoys her visit with 14-year-old Jasper. A former farm girl, she said, “It takes me down memory lane, makes me happy” about her time with Jasper. Her brother was a great horseman, and she cared for his horses while he was serving his country in Vietnam.

On Tuesday, June 17th, Andra and Bill Ebert of Taylorville, who own “Heartland Mini-Hoofs,” brought their American Miniature horses to the Mid-Illinois Senior Services in Sullivan. Accompanying them were 14-year-old Jasper and 4-year-old Ollie. Andra advised the group they visit day cares, nursing homes, children’s hospitals, homes for the blind, and have an anti-bullying program that they take to schools, free of charge. Jasper has had well over 1,300 visits under his reins and is one of the top service horses in the country. 

Read More

Native Mike Keown selected as 4th of July Parade Grand Master

News Progress Posted on by


•June 25, 2025•

American Legion Post 68 has selected Sullivan Native and United States Military Veteran Mike Keown as this year’s 4th of July Parade Grand Master. Mr. Keown has been a member of the American Legion for 56 years, becoming a member in 1971 and becoming active in 1978, and began moving through the Chain of Command in 1980-1981, serving as Commander. Mr. Keown has served on the Honor Guard since 1978 and is active in funeral military rights for veterans. Mr. Keown has also headed the Fireworks fundraiser since 2014, began managing the American Legion’s scholarships in 2007, was elected to the board in 2013 and has served since that time, continuously, as a board member, and is also very active in multiple local community activities as well as his duties with the American Legion. Mr. Keown considers his most important work to be that of the rights of Military Veterans.

Read More

Scott State Bank 25th

News Progress Posted on by


•June 18, 2025•

Photo by DM Williamee

On Thursday, June 12th, Scott State Bank in Sullivan celebrated its appreciation for their clients and customers, grateful for their patronage in the community for the past 25 years. Locals turned out en masse, enjoying a free lunch, beverages, and the sense of community shared at the event.