News Progress

•June 24, 2026•

The class of 2026 Farm Credit agriculture scholars was recognized during a scholarship luncheon at Carriage House Event Center in Altamont, Thursday, May 21st. A total of $75,000 of scholarships was awarded to 30 high school seniors. Each scholar receives $2,500 from FCI to pursue a degree within the field of agriculture. 25 of the students attended the recognition program. This marks the 22nd year of the Farm Credit Agriculture Scholarship Program, which has awarded over $938,500 to 566 students in central and southern Illinois since 2004. Scholarship selections are based on participation and leadership contributions within school and community organizations, a genuine passion for farming and/or agriculture, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career.

Who Was General Sullivan?
•June 24, 2026•

by Janet Roney

Sometimes the less we know about the past, the better off we are. That may be the case with General John Sullivan from New Hampshire, our county seat’s namesake according to John A. Freeland. Freeland suggested his name back in 1844 when they were locating and naming the new county seat. So, what’s my problem with General Sullivan?

•June 24, 2026•

Do you want to honor an American hero for the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America?

The Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary and the East Central Illinois Red Cross Club will be selling “American Hero” yard signs for $20. The signs have an American Flag, the words “American Hero” and “America’s 250th Anniversary,” and space for personalization. A stand will also be provided.

The signs are currently available at the Sullivan American Legion or may be reserved by emailing Becky Lawson (missrebeccalawson64@gmail.com) or Tina Bolsen (tmbcookielee@gmail.com ). People who purchase signs which they personalize to honor military veterans, current members of the military, and/or first responders may participate with members of the Sullivan Auxiliary in Sullivan’s 4th of July parade. Email Lawson or Bolsen for further details.

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The ALAH School District experienced some changes in both its staff and Board of Education. After a closed session meeting at the ALAH School Board meeting, a motion was made to approve the resignation of ALAH Principal Buck Condill.

More photos and memorabilia from local veterans were on display at the Bethany celebration at Crowder Park. The American Legion of Bethany sponsored this event to honor veterans in the area. Terry Muzzy assembled uniforms, weapons, photos, and a variety of items loaned by families of Bethany Area Veterans. 

An issue with the Sullivan Utility Department electrical sectionalizers was brought to the attention at the City Council meeting. Many of them are close to 40 years old, which has left time for trees, plants, and weeds to grow around them. When these sectionalizers, which distribute 7200 volts of electricity, have overgrowth around them, they overheat and do not perform at their highest quality.

•June 17, 2026•

by Angela Hogan, R.N., 

MSPH, Administrator MCHD

Bats are a vital part of our ecosystem. They eat disease-carrying mosquitoes and crop-consuming insects. Unfortunately, bats also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Bats are the leading cause of human rabies deaths in the United States. According to the CDC, at least 7 out of 10 Americans who died from rabies in the U.S. were exposed to infected bats.

Bats are nocturnal creatures that typically avoid humans. Bats exhibiting unusual behavior, such as being active during the day, unable to fly, or easily approached, could be sick or rabid. You can’t tell whether a bat has rabies by looking at it. Avoid contact with bats, as any direct encounter could result in scratches or bites.

What should I do if I encounter a bat? In essence, any direct contact with a bat should be considered a possible rabies exposure. Infants, young children, and people with reduced mental function are at higher risk for unknown bat exposure. This is because they may not know or be able to tell others if they were bitten or scratched. Bat scratches and bites can be very small and extremely difficult to see. Regardless, these injuries can still spread rabies.