News Progress

•October 1, 2025•

‘Letters to the Editor,’ written by Cami Badman‘s Honors English III students at Sullivan High School, explored controversial subjects with inquisitive minds and logic as well as emotion-based arguments. Badman opened the school year by challenging the 15 students to present well-rounded arguments for student-selected controversial subjects in the format of a ‘Letter to the Editor’. These are those letters

Dear Editor, 

In recent years, many have questioned how to increase focus and mood among high schoolers. Research suggests that the answer may be as simple as getting more sleep. If schools establish later start times, students would improve their mood, academic success, and focus throughout the school day. According to Anayat Durrani, a journalist for U.S News and World Report, “math scores for eighth graders would increase as much as 8 points if schools started one hour later, which many experts say is equivalent to almost a full grade-level increase”. Getting proper sleep will benefit students’ focus and problem solving skills, hence improving their academic success at the same time. Students could see an increase in their grades by almost a whole letter if schools started later. 

Photo Submitted

Sullivan High School hosted its annual NEHS Induction on September 17th. This year, the organization inducted eighteen new members: sophomores - Weslee Allen, Madeline Anderson, Madelyn Atteberry, Piper Conlin, David Eaton, Jude Eckel, Alex Fultz, Rhesa Isaacs, Emmersyn Jiannoni, Brynner Johnson, Kent Lehman, Will Miller, Miles Monroe (not pictured), Avery Renfro, Daisy Richardson, Carmyn Thurston, and Colt Wilson; and junior, Claire Kursell. 

•September 24, 2025•

Submitted

The Sullivan Fire Department is currently seeking to fill one full-time position, with applications being accepted until October 6th. This opportunity offers a career for those seeking to work in a fire department with a small-town feel and in a career where no two days are alike. With frequent opportunities for not only advancement, but also continuous and ongoing training.  From meeting people on what could be the worst day of their lives and making a difference to knowing you are making a positive impact within your community of friends and neighbors, this opportunity appeals to a broad range of individuals. Many also find the 24 on, 48 off schedule attractive, leaving time to pursue family and recreation activities. This career opportunity has great health insurance, a state pension plan, and a generous and flexible leave policy. For those who are seeking an opportunity to help others, make a difference, constantly learn new skills, and not have “just another day at the office,” this is a career worth exploring. Application packets can be downloaded at https://www.sullfire.org/sullfire/__Home__.html by clicking on the packet icon.

•September 24, 2025•

Submitted

What is Head Start? Head Start is a federally funded program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children through educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services. Head Start’s services and resources are designed to foster stable family relationships, enhance children’s physical and emotional well-being, and establish an environment to develop strong cognitive skills. 

Head Start views school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and later in life. C.E.F.S. Head Start 0-5 Program enrolls all year round, and there is no cost to families to participate in our program. If interested, call/text 217-663-7822.

•September 24, 2025•

Chili Cookoff: “Fall in Love with Lovington” Farmer’s Market will be hosting a Chili cook-off on Saturday, September 27th, at the Thomas L. Conn Park in Lovington. Chili entries for judging must be dropped off by 11:00 a.m. Entry fee is $10.00. There will be a People’s Choice award. Chili tasting will be by donation.

Movie in the Park: On Friday, September 26th, the Lovington Park Board will be hosting a ‘Movie in the Park’ night at the Thomas L. Conn Community Park, 355 Maple St, Lovington. Concessions open at 7:00 p.m., and the movie, “Lili and Stitch,” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Children under thirteen must be accompanied by an adult, and remind children during the movie that there is no playing on the park equipment, and that they are there to enjoy the movie. “Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”