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March 17, 2026 Election Results

Category Archives: News Section

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Growth, cashflow, and graves: Discussion at City Council

News Progress Posted on March 26, 2025 by webmasterMarch 26, 2025

•March 26, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

"When is a good thing too much of a good thing?” was on the minds of the Sullivan City Council Monday night. 

Rapid growth, including new apartments and businesses, has caused the city to worry about the cash flow of different city departments. That concern led Accounts and Finance Commissioner Abby Sherwood to urge the city departments to consider budget cuts. “With all the projects going on, we have a cash flow problem,” she said.

Commissioner Mike Kirk said departments like electrical services and water have little room to make cuts, especially in personnel. “These are skilled workers with certifications and licenses,” he said. “There’s nothing we can do to reduce those costs.” Kirk said the impact of Covid-era price jumps is still being felt for electrical department purchases. “Things went up 20, 50, even 100 percent,” he said. “And they never went back down.”

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Empower Academy breaks ground

News Progress Posted on March 26, 2025 by webmasterMarch 26, 2025

New facility will expand studio and local childcare

•March 26, 2025•

by DM Williamee

Empower Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, March 21st. Owners Ryan and Melissa Krieger are planning to build 20,000+ square foot building that will expand Sullivan Dance Studio’s operations, as well as provide 126 licensed childcare spots in the future. The studio and facility will be licensed and accepting childcare assistance funding.

The new name was inspired by Melissa’s passion of empowering our community’s youth. The facility will house multiple dance spaces, tumbling, childcare, and parties/events as well as the childcare spots. Ryan and Melissa experienced first-hand the local childcare crisis when looking for care for their 3 daughters. The frustrations of lack of availability and non-conducive operating hours inspired Melissa towards change. 

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Free breakfast draws crowd, elicits smiles

News Progress Posted on March 19, 2025 by webmasterMarch 19, 2025
Pictured (L-R) Susan Conner, Lisa Haggen, Kyler Smith, and Yvonne Workman spent the entire day cooking and serving the crowd that arrived for the much-anticipated breakfast.

by D.M. Williamee

The free Shrove Tuesday Breakfast at Sullivan’s First United Methodist Church drew a good crowd despite the uncooperative weather. This was their first pancake breakfast since the pandemic. Along with traditional fare, there was a “Crazy Cake” station manned by Allison Haggen which included cinnamon roll pancakes and just about any topping or concoction you could ask for.

Posted in News

Sullivan School Board discusses budget, updates building status

News Progress Posted on March 19, 2025 by webmasterMarch 19, 2025

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The Sullivan CUSD #300 school board held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 10th, beginning with updates from the National English Honor Society (NEHS) and the National Honor Society (NHS). NEHS has a few more weeks remaining with their pen pal letters at the elementary schools. They will finish this project with an in-person event to meet their pen pals. Also discussed was re-opening the donation box on the square, and adding food items again as the weather improves. They also plan to do their annual drive for donations. 

The NHS discussed performing service work by packing food boxes at CEFS and helping with cleanup after Fall volleyball games. The NHS also shared: the intent to present cards of appreciation to K-12 staff members as well as non-certified staff, serve a Q3 “Breakfast of Champions” to students who have been recognized throughout the school year, develop a beautification project on the school premises (in the past they have done clean-up/litter removal), and they reported a successful turnout for their annual pork chop dinner.

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SHS February students and teacher of the month

News Progress Posted on March 19, 2025 by webmasterMarch 19, 2025
Pictured top, l-r: Will Miller, Ellie Lehman, and Addison Minor, lower l: Madi Shonkwiler and lower r: Mr. Becker.
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SAMA hosts Open House

News Progress Posted on March 19, 2025 by webmasterMarch 19, 2025
Pictured: Laura Elder, on the left, is a member of First United Methodist and attended representing the congregation, and Jamie Crosier on the right is the Admin Pastor at The Vineyard Church. 

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The Sullivan Area Ministerial Association (SAMA), formed over 15 years ago, held an Open House on Monday, March 3rd in Sullivan at Sweet Vail Café, giving community members an opportunity to see how local area churches and their leadership work together for the betterment of their community through service. This is the second open meeting held, with the previous one held in February 2024. Community interest will determine how frequent these Open House meetings will be held in the future.

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Measles: What you need to know

News Progress Posted on March 19, 2025 by webmasterMarch 19, 2025

What is measles, and why are we concerned about the illness and its spread?

•March 19, 2025•

by Angela Hogan

Why are we talking about measles? Recently, the CDC and several states have reported measles cases, with many news stories focusing on the outbreak in Texas. Let’s consider what you need to know about measles and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

What is measles, and how is it dangerous? Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. It typically causes a cough, red eyes, high fever, and rash. However, measles can also lead to more severe health problems, including pneumonia, encephalitis, brain damage, and pregnancy complications. Below are some additional facts currently associated with measles.

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Celebrate Recovery: it’s more than you think

News Progress Posted on March 19, 2025 by webmasterMarch 19, 2025

Local program provides free services for the community

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

You’ve likely seen the billboards and flyers about Celebrate Recovery, but may not be aware of the vast array of services offered, free of charge, to the Sullivan and surrounding communities.

Director Rebecca Wilhelm said that since the Sullivan chapter’s opening pre-pandemic, and revamp/re-opening in the summer of 2021, Celebrate Recovery offers more services than before to the Sullivan and surrounding communities. “Celebrate Recovery is a place for healing, to be cared for, to learn, grow and become strong again.” She also shared, “Regardless of your faith status or denominational beliefs, it’s a place for community and people to find freedom from their issues and struggles that are controlling their lives. It’s a place to find help and hope.”

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Lovington Working Women’s Collective holds open house

News Progress Posted on March 19, 2025 by webmasterMarch 19, 2025
L-R: Andrea Wardrip, Stephanie Leinard, Tracy Garmon, Natalie Beck, Sage Hale, Brittany Bates, Jamie Franklin

Local group works to help launch local community members’ business aspirations

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

On March 4th, the Lovington Working Women’s Collective (LWWC) held its quarterly Open House in Lovington, with guest speaker Nathalie Beck, CEO of the Heart of Illinois Foundation, who spoke about how her foundation provides resources to improve the quality of life for residents of the communities served. Natalie, “believes in philanthropy’s unique ability to deliver “innovation capital” while leveraging partnerships.” The soup and freshly baked sourdough bread were provided by Hanna Heady with “Hanna’s Sourdough & Signs” and enjoyed by all in attendance.

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Sullivan Fire Department: free smoke detectors for homeowners

News Progress Posted on March 12, 2025 by webmasterMarch 12, 2025

•March 12, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The City of Sullivan Fire Department will provide free smoke detectors and install them for local homeowners in their fire district. They will also provide free smoke detectors to renters if the landlord contacts the fire department on behalf of the tenant. Landlords are required to have both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in rental units. Sullivan Fire Chief Chris Wright stated, “natural gas detectors are also a great idea if you have natural gas appliances in the home, as people can become “nose blind” to the smell over time.”

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Poppies to honor those who gave all



News Progress


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.


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