Category Archives: News Section

POW/MIA Honor Chair

News Progress Posted on by


•June 3, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, June 6th at 1:00 p.m., Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 will be placing a POW/MIA Chair of Honor at the Sullivan American Legion Post 68, located at 8 East Strain Street 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 designed to remind the public that even though missing soldiers are absent, there is always a reserved space waiting for them upon their return, and these chairs symbolize a steadfast vow that America will never stop searching for those who have not returned. Rolling Thunder, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of U.S. Prisoners of War (POWs) and Missing in Action (MIA), and supporting veterans and their families. Rolling Thunder is not a motorcycle gang; rather, they are a veterans’ advocacy group. Membership does not require you to own a motorcycle or be a veteran.

ETML summer reading kickoff 

News Progress Posted on by


•June 3, 2026•

Photo by DM Williamee
Lilah Wiltse with her colorful butterfly enjoys her snow cone in the shade.

On May 29th, the Elizabeth Memorial Library kicked off its annual Summer Reading Program, and it was the place to be, where droves of community members, both large and small, were eager to sign up and partake of the opening festivities. On offer were free snow cones and cotton candy, bounce houses, a croquet match-up game with prizes, the ever-popular face painting, and the actual sign-up, which will reward readers with prizes for their summer reading accomplishments. The event was high-energy and filled with kiddos, from tots to teens, enjoying all of the sweet treats and activities, with many leaving with armfuls of books to get their reading off to a stellar start. Inside, many were taking advantage of the computers, games, and play area, with clusters of youngsters passing through all genres and reading sections, especially the new releases.

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American Legion Memorial Day ceremony

News Progress Posted on by


•May 27, 2026•

by DM Williamee 

In the early morning hours of Monday, May 25th, the Sullivan American Legion Post 68 held a Memorial Day ceremony at Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan, as well as at their Legion Hall, available for all to attend. The Legion’s Color Guard, Firing Squad, Chaplain, as well as Scouting America Troop number 39, somberly marched down East Water Street toward the cemetery, with police escort. The ceremony was solemn and reverent, which brought to the forefront that Memorial Day is a tribute; that it represents national unity, and the ceremony, as well as the day itself, is a tribute to the over one million U.S. service members who have died in the line of duty since the Revolutionary War. 

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Burgers and Brats

News Progress Posted on by


•May 27, 2026•

by DM Williamee 

On Saturday, May 23rd, Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church held its annual ‘Burgers and Brats’ event, and Elvis was in the building! Just kidding, it was Dennise Ozier playing the king of rock-n-roll for the entertainment of locals driving by, and many a horn was honked in humorous recognition. Chip Hagen and Ellowyn Hagen were also at the roadside waving signage and wearing their delightful hotdog hats, enticing locals to stop and enjoy the goodies. Last year, this event helped raise funds that enabled the church to assist 56 children and eighteen families in Moultrie County who were facing food insecurity, and enjoy a holiday meal with a gift certificate from Sullivan’s local Kirby’s grocery store.

Poppies to honor those who gave all

News Progress Posted on by

On Friday, May 22nd, Ruth Keown, Vice-President of the Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit 68, greeted the public at the entrance to the local Post Office, distributing Memorial Poppies. Each year, millions of Americans wear these Memorial Poppies in memory of American service members who lost their lives in war while serving their country, and to assist those Veterans who are now hospitalized or in rehabilitation, suffering from wounds and illnesses. Memorial Day poppies distributed by the American Legion symbolize the ultimate sacrifice made by service members and are a tribute to those who lost their lives in war. Wearing the poppy is a way to honor the fallen and ensure their bravery is never forgotten.

2026 SES Track Meet: placements and records

News Progress Posted on by

by DM Williamee

Last Thursday, May 15th, Sullivan Elementary School held its annual Track and Field event, with parents, family, friends, and community members coming together to watch the elementary students give it their all. They competed in multiple events and enjoyed a wonderfully sunny late afternoon. As promised last week, the finish times, as well as historical record data, have been compiled for the students who competed this year, showing some love to our younger athletes.

2026 Placements

Kindergarten

Softball throw, Boys: Oliver Manuel, 1st, Bennett Daily, 2nd, Ollie Carpenter, 3rd

Kainan Weaver, 4th, Shane Artis, 5th. 

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Poppies and truck

News Progress Posted on by

by DM Williamee 

On Saturday, May 23rd, Sullivan American Legion Commander Rick Read, accompanied by his lovely bride Ronda Read, was at the corner of Hamilton and Jackson Streets with Post 68’s American Legion 1937 American LaFrance firetruck, distributing Poppies for Memorial Day. American Legion fire trucks are restored antique or modified fire engines owned by local Legion posts, serving as powerful symbols of community connection, veteran camaraderie, and patriotic service. Across the country, these trucks act as rolling tributes.

IAHC’s “All about horses” day June 13

News Progress Posted on by


•May 27, 2026•

On Saturday, June 13th, the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC) will be holding a fun, all-day, and family-friendly event titled “All About Horses.”

There will be three demonstrations on equine therapy by the Trinity Horsemanship Foundation with horses, a link up with one of their therapy horses, and demonstrations and explanations of why they do what they do, as well as the numerous proven benefits of equine therapy. They will demonstrate the link-up ---a small round pen with the horse, using the horse’s natural instincts to make a connection that allows the horse to select that person as the leader of the interaction.

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Property tax time: a guide 

News Progress Posted on by


•May 27, 2026•

While not everyone’s favorite time of year or bill, Moultrie County Treasurer Stephanie Helmuth and her office are keen to keep residents well-informed. As everyone begins to receive their property tax bills over the next few days, the office has released a guide to help residents better understand the bills, as this year they will have a new format, and the stubs are different as well. What Mrs. Helmuth has to say about this change is, “We made these updates in order to make the information on the back of the tax bill more visible and user-friendly, and easier to navigate so our taxpayers can get the most out of the information we provide.” There is plenty of helpful and well-organized information on the back of your bill this year. 

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