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CONSOLIDATED ELECTION RESULTS FOR 4/1/2025
Results will be updated as they come in.

Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

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Recent Obituaries: Dennis ‘Denny’ Ferguson

News Progress Posted on May 6, 2025 by webmasterMay 6, 2025

Dennis ‘Denny’ Ferguson

Dennis M. ‘Denny’ Ferguson, 76 of Bethany, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025 in his home.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Tom Hoskins officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the Bethany American Legion Post #507 will be in the Marrowbone Twp. Cemetery, Bethany. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie - Douglas 4-H or the Bethany Peace Meal. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Denny was born on January 26, 1949 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Warren G. and Luzetta J. Gaston Ferguson. Denny graduated from Bethany High School in the class of 1967. He took agricultural courses through Lake Land College. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1969.  Denny was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer his entire life in the Bethany area.  He spent a lot of hours on the road hauling livestock for Two Mile Commission company. He was a member of the Lincolnland Carriage Club and the Illinois Draft Horse and Mule Association.
Denny showed mules along side of his father which became a family highlight for his kids and grandchildren. He appreciated a good team of mules. He raised, handled and showed several grand champion mules in state and county fairs. He also judged several state and county mule shows over the years. He enjoyed driving mules in parades and taking rides throughout the countryside.
He looked forward in going to the livestock sales at Shelbyville Sale Barn and Two Mile Commission each week. It was a highlight to eat at the Bethany Diner visiting the guys at the liar’s table. He also enjoyed spending time with his high school friends eating lunch out monthly.
Survivors include his children Michael ‘Mick” Ferguson of Findlay, Dawn Redfern of Bethany and Alison Freeland of Hot Springs, Arkansas; grandchildren Janette (Canon) West of Japan and Garrett Ferguson of Bethany; brother in law Dean Craig of Sullivan and a niece and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janet and a son-in-law T.G. Redfern.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Wayne M. Brown

News Progress Posted on April 29, 2025 by webmasterApril 29, 2025

Wayne M. Brown, 87, of Lovington, passed away 7:10 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.           

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.


Wayne was born October 23, 1937; the son of Homer and Tressie (Dunning) Brown. He served in the National Guard. Wayne married Rosemary Lee Rainey on April 8, 1971, in Lovington; she survives. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling and dancing all over the world with his wife. Wayne was a good cook and many people enjoyed his Fish Frys.


He is survived by his wife, Rosemary of Lovington; sons, Eric (Lisa) Brown of Dalton, GA, and Tony Brown of Lovington; daughters, Tina (Jeff) Stovall of Charleston and Terri (John) Hilgers of Arizona; sisters, Betty Bolsen of Sullivan and Renae Lothman of Arkansas; grandchildren, Tony (Stephani) Brown, Nick Brown, Dakota Ostler and Madison (Jordan) Chamberlain; great-grandchildren, Quinn Brown, Rowan Brown and Evan Chamberlain.


He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Geneva Cross and Ruth Childress.


Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Harold E. Renfro

News Progress Posted on April 28, 2025 by webmasterApril 28, 2025

Harold E. Renfro

Harold E. Renfro, 91 of Lovington, went to be with the Lord and his beloved wife and son at 2:28 AM Friday, April 25, 2025, at Eastview Terrace, Sullivan.
Services to celebrate Harold’s life will be held at 11 am Monday, April 28, 2025, at the First Church of God in Lovington. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.  Memorials are suggested to the First Church of God in Lovington. 
Harold was born on March 11, 1934, in St. Louis, MO, a son of Earnest W. and Vera E. (Atkinson) Renfro. He was a retired supervisor for Caterpillar. Harold was an active dedicated member of the First Church of God where he served s a Deacon. He also took great pride in maintaining and scheduling the church’s community building that he helped build. Harold was always busy, ready to drive a group to dinner, going boating, mushrooms hunting and he loved to garden. He also had many rental properties and grew very close to the families he took care of. Harold also served on the Village Board for several years. Harold married Donette A. Grabow on July 3, 1954, in Hillsboro. They celebrate 60 years of marriage before she passed away on January 25, 2015. 
Surviving are sons Skip and his wife Debbie Renfro, Bob and his wife Marylisa Renfro, daughter Bev and her husband Scott Connelly, and daughter-in-law Diane Renfro all of Lovington, brother John (Jane) Renfro of Lovington, sister- Vicki (David) Stadge of Delaware, OH,  and brother Hiram (Rose) Renfro of Donnellson, brother in  law Walter and his wife Mary Grabow of Normal, 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. 
Harold was greeted in Heaven by Jesus, his beloved wife Donette and his son, Gerald “Jerry” Renfro, his parents, brother, Robert “Bob” Renfro and sister, Lydia Collins. 
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com. 

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Bettye Dawson

News Progress Posted on April 16, 2025 by webmasterApril 16, 2025

Bettye Dawson

Bettye Katherine Dawson, 100, of Ankeny, IA, formerly of Lovington, Decatur and Tuscola, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025, Rock Creek Senior Living, Ankeny, IA.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, in Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, Lovington.

Bettye was born on March 6, 1925, in Decatur; the daughter of Durward and Frances (Massengill) Dillow. She spent a lot of time with her only living grandparents. She married Kent E. Dawson in 1949; he preceded her in death on September 1, 2017, they raised 3 sons. Bettye graduated from Millikin University and went on to receive her Masters in Education from Eastern Illinois University. She was a teacher at Atwood-Hammond School for 27 years. Bettye enjoyed dancing, traveling around the world and teaching children. She was a member of the Lovington First Christian Church and National Education Association.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Dawson of Carmel, IN, and Mitchell (Teresa) Dawson of Ankeny, IA. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 1 son, Mark, 2 sisters and 1 brother.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Jacqueline Thomas Grace

News Progress Posted on March 24, 2025 by webmasterMarch 24, 2025

Jacqueline Thomas Grace

Jacqueline Thomas Grace, 94 of Sullivan, formerly of Decatur, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, in the Arthur Home.
Services to celebrate Jacqueline’s life will be held at 11 am Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown. Memorial are suggested to the donor’s choice. 
Jacqueline was born on July 11, 1930, in Decatur, the daughter of Herschel “Jack” and Ruth (Kerns) Sattley. Jacqueline married Charles “Loren” Thomas on November 20, 1948. He passed away in 1982. She later married Jerald Eugene Grace on May 2, 1987. He passed away in 2002. Jacqueline owned Sattley’s Office Machines for many years. She went on to work in housewares at True Value and later at the Sun ‘N Fun Swim Club. She was a former member of Cresthaven Country Club and Sun ‘N Fun Swim Club.  
Surviving are her children: Cheryl Rich of Sullivan, and Jack (Cindy) Thomas of Decatur, grandchildren: Steven (Shannon) Phillips and Shannon (Kevin) McGregor, Lindsey Thomas, Shaun (Savana) Thomas, Amanda (John) Pizarek and Eric (Katrina) Robinson.  Great grandchildren: Kylee Phillips, Jake Thomas, Avery Robinson and Landyn Robinson.  
Jacqueline was greeted in Heaven by her parents, husbands, infant brother and son-in-law Bill Rich.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.  Jacqueline Thomas Grace, 94 of Sullivan, formerly of Decatur, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, in the Arthur Home.
Services to celebrate Jacqueline’s life will be held at 11 am Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown. Memorial are suggested to the donor’s choice. 
Jacqueline was born on July 11, 1930, in Decatur, the daughter of Herschel “Jack” and Ruth (Kerns) Sattley. Jacqueline married Charles “Loren” Thomas on November 20, 1948. He passed away in 1982. She later married Jerald Eugene Grace on May 2, 1987. He passed away in 2002. Jacqueline owned Sattley’s Office Machines for many years. She went on to work in housewares at True Value and later at the Sun ‘N Fun Swim Club. She was a former member of Cresthaven Country Club and Sun ‘N Fun Swim Club.  
Surviving are her children: Cheryl Rich of Sullivan, and Jack (Cindy) Thomas of Decatur, grandchildren: Steven (Shannon) Phillips and Shannon (Kevin) McGregor, Lindsey Thomas, Shaun (Savana) Thomas, Amanda (John) Pizarek and Eric (Katrina) Robinson.  Great grandchildren: Kylee Phillips, Jake Thomas, Avery Robinson and Landyn Robinson.  
Jacqueline was greeted in Heaven by her parents, husbands, infant brother and son-in-law Bill Rich.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com. 

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Lynnette Hermann

News Progress Posted on March 14, 2025 by webmasterMarch 14, 2025

Lynnette Hermann

Lynnette Hermann, 80, of Sullivan, passed away at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in her home surrounded by family.
Visitation will be Monday, March 17, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Reed Funeral Home Sullivan, IL. followed by a Celebration of Life from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Sullivan VFW (1132 Illinois Rt. 32 South). Casual attire is requested. Graveside services will be Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL.  
Lynnette was born on October 31, 1944 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Roy McLaughlin and Helen ‘Jerry’ Lewis. Lynnette married Ronald H. Hermann on October 2, 1965 in Decatur, Illinois. She was an LPN, a wholesale manager for Emel’s Bait Shop in rural Sullivan and was also a licensed realtor/broker and owner of Hermann Construction Company. She was a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Illinois Realtors Association, the Central Illinois Board of Realtors and the Decatur Landlord Association.  
Lynn loved to travel and socialize, she loved drives in her Corvette around the lake, watching home improvement and cooking shows, she enjoyed supporting her grandchildren during their extracurricular activities, and enjoyed taking drives around her property in her golf cart.
Survivors include her husband, Ronald; sons Douglas Hermann (Missy Mines) of Decatur, IL and Michael Hermann (Kimberly) of Warrensburg, IL ; daughter in law Mindy Hermann of Lusby, Maryland; grandchildren Christoper Hermann, Alexus Mines, Caleb Hermann, Orion Brown, Delaney Hermann, Haley Hermann, and several nieces and nephews, as well as her favorite companion Morgan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Robert Hermann, grandson Austin Hermann, sister Victoria Devereaux and brothers Jack Lewis and Jeff Lewis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Moultrie County PAWS, 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, Illinois 61951 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Jodi Phelps

News Progress Posted on March 3, 2025 by webmasterMarch 3, 2025

Jodi K. Phelps

Jodi K. Phelps, 55, of Sullivan, passed away at 4:43 p.m. Wednesday February 26, 2025 surrounded by her family.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday March 3, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Doug Fultz officiating. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to The Christmas Crew- The Giving Place. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Jodi was born January 25, 1970 in Decatur, the daughter of Ray and Paula Holmes Loy. She had worked at the Sullivan IGA and the Sullivan and Windsor Post Office. She was a member of the Solid Rock Chapel in Sullivan. Jodi enjoyed celebrating Christmas all year long, Disney World, cooking, her family and especially her grandchildren. She married Travis Phelps on November 11, 1995 in Sullivan.
Surviving are her husband Travis of Sullivan: daughters Cheyenne (Brett) Ellis of Bethany and Beretta (Sam) Black of Sullivan; son Winchester (Makyla) Phelps of Florida; father Ray Loy of Sullivan; sister Hope Shaffer of Sullivan and grandchildren Abel Ellis, Slade Ellis, Octavia Ellis, Jayla Black, Kinsley Black and Zane Black.
She was preceded in death by her mother Paula and son Ruger. 

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Ted King

News Progress Posted on February 24, 2025 by webmasterFebruary 24, 2025

Ted G. King

Ted G. King, 91, of Sullivan, passed away 3:35 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. 
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. No visitation will be held. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Ted was born on May 31, 1933, in Sullivan; the son of Paul J. and Velma Fern (Messmore) King. He attended Smyser Schools. Ted worked on the farm with his father and brother. He later went to work at the Moultrie County Beacon.
He is survived by his brother, Gary King of Mattoon. Ted is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Ted was proceeded in death by his parents and 1 sister Retha Bauer.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Raymond “Red” Reynolds

News Progress Posted on February 20, 2025 by webmasterFebruary 20, 2025

Raymond “Red” Reynolds

Raymond H. “Red” Reynolds, 89, of Kirksville, stepped into the presence of his Savior 3:31 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. 
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will take place in the Moultrie County Memorial Park, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to Community Home Care: 107 E Jefferson, Sullivan, IL 61951 or to the Sullivan Senior Center.
Red was born March 10, 1935; the son of Robert G. and Bertha (Brown) Reynolds. He married Ann L. Woodworth on June 1, 1963, in Bethany; she survives. Red was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church. He ran a welding and repair shop for over 60 years. Red enjoyed spending time with his family and a multitude of friends
Red is survived by his wife, Ann of Kirksville; son, Micky (Lisa) Reynolds of Sweetwater, TN; grandchildren, Savanna (Josh) Eckel of Sweetwater, TN, Ross (Hali) Reynolds of Niota, TN, and Mykala Reynolds of Lenoir City, TN; sister, Shirley (Jake) Frederick of Mattoon. He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren.
Red was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son Harold, 2 brothers and 1 sister.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Ronald James Fortner

News Progress Posted on February 17, 2025 by webmasterFebruary 17, 2025

Ronald James Fortner

Ronald James Fortner, 85, of Tower Hill, formerly of Sullivan, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his home in Shelbyville, surrounded by his loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Southern Baptist Church in Sullivan, with Pastor Don Lusk officiating. The family requests casual attire. Memorials may be made to the Moultrie County Beacon.

Ronald and Donald were born November 19, 1939, to Archie and Luella (Ramseyer) Fortner of Decatur. They later moved to Kirksville where Ron graduated from Sullivan High School in the Class of 1958. He married Sondra Hunter in 1959 in Sullivan. Ron was a mechanic at a few places before going to work at Caterpillar in Decatur. They had 3 children, Jim, Lori and Debbie. They moved to Tower Hill in 1974 where they raised their family for 50 years. He was a mechanic part time, teaching his son to work on cars. Ron retired from Caterpillar after 30 years. He and Sandy worked for the Corp. of Engineers as gate attendants at campgrounds on Lake Shelbyville. He loved camping, fishing, family and mushroom hunting. They also volunteered for the disaster relief crew at their church; Sullivan Southern Baptist Church. They became winter Texans until his health stopped them from going. They traveled and enjoyed life visiting 48 of the 50 States. Ron had a great life, helped anyone and everyone loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter, Lori Steers of Shelbyville, Debbie Lape and friend Kent of Pana; daughter-in-law, Haydie Fortner and friend Ryan of Tower Hill; grandchildren, Erika Oktayana and friend John of Shelbyville, Amber Erwin of Boody, Brett Smith and friend Holley of Indianapolis, IN, Sara Kirkpatrick and friend Brad of Mattoon, Sadie Fortner of Shelbyville, Braxton Lape of Mattoon, Xander Strohl of Shelbyville, and Andrea Fortner and friend Chase of Tower Hill; great-grandchildren, Reyna, Ronnie, Elliote Grace, Sawyer Ann, Evelyn, Teddy, Carson, Brantlee and Charlotte; sister, Janet Becker of Moweaqua; very special friends, Randy Smith and Jimmy Strohl.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers 1 being his twin brother, his son James Fortner, son-in-law Gene Steers and great-grandson Owen Sims.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

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SES Preschool carnival a hit



News Progress


On Thursday, May 15th SES and PTO sponsored a Preschool Carnival that included lunch, face painting, bounce houses, snow cone truck, playground activities, and games set up by sponsoring attendees. Pictured is Jasper Rhodes, age 5, who actively enjoyed everything on offer, including chasing bubbles.


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