•July 7, 2021•
Bags Tournament winners: Adam and Bailey Matheson
Greased Pig: Bailey Matheson Read More
•July 7, 2021•
Bags Tournament winners: Adam and Bailey Matheson
Greased Pig: Bailey Matheson Read More
•July 7, 2021•
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced the recipients of the 2021 Small Equipment Grant Program. Dora Township Fire Protection District received a grant in the amount of $24,830 and Sullivan Fire Protection District received a grant in the amount of $26,000. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The OSFM received 448 applications, requesting around $10.5 million in funding for this grant period.
“First responders put their lives on the line every single day to do the critical work of protecting Illinois’ communities. I am pleased to award $3.3 million in small equipment grants to 149 fire departments and EMS providers throughout the state, providing critical funding that will enable the purchase of new firefighting and ambulance equipment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “On behalf of all Illinois residents, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to first responders for the work they do and their ongoing efforts to maintain the safety of our families and communities.” Read More
25 Years Ago This Week
Fern Mathias Schwartz of Sullivan Living Center, formerly of Bethany, was celebrating her 100th Birthday. She was born July 15, 1896, and was the eldest daughter in a family of ten. She had four sons, 21 grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren, according to relatives. Her birthday was celebrated with an open house at the Living Center.
The News Progress was the host site for a new and fully operational internet access service called Sullivan-Online. CU-Online based in Champaign, was offering the local internet access through the News Progress. Read More
Dear Editor,
Years ago, the Sullivan Community Education Foundation was created to support educational efforts within our community. We have awarded thousands of dollars to teachers in Sullivan Schools and to other organizations that educate area residents. For years we have held an appreciation banquet for teachers and staff in the Sullivan school district at which we have awarded grants to those whose applications were approved.
Sadly, last year and this year - just when people in our school system deserved to know even more how much their Herculean efforts are appreciated - we have not been able to hold this banquet due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Instead, we are writing this letter to share the amazing work done by Sullivan Schools during one of the most challenging times in the history of education in America. Read More

Photo furnished
Moultrie County Retired Teachers
Association 2021 Scholarship Recipient
Carlie Towle, is the high school scholarship recipient for 2021 of the Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship. She plans to attend college to major in Elementary Education this fall. Pictured is Carlie Towle (left) with Karen Edwards.
•June 30, 2021•
The Moultrie County Retired Teachers Association met June 2, at the First Christian Church in Sullivan. President Jane McKown opened the meeting by welcoming members both in person and via Zoom, as well as guests. She asked the members a few humorous questions about the time they spent at home during the Pandemic. She also read selections from the book, Apples of Gold, and the book of Psalms. She then led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Karen Edwards introduced Carlie Towle, the high school scholarship recipient for 2021, who spoke to the members about her plans to attend college and to major in Elementary Education this fall.
LaVonne Chaney spoke to members about several current topics of interest. The IRTA is now in partnership with the Illinois Principals Association. The Area 5 Conference will be held virtually. The recent state budget fully funds the pension fund. Primary elections are being moved, and Moultrie County may be affected by recent redistricti Read More
•June 30, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
My recent column on my summer vacation to the South touched off a few conversations.
“As a former teacher I look forward to your column every Sunday,” wrote Christine Bohlmann. “I enjoyed today’s column referencing the correct pronunciation of ‘Appalachian.’ My question is in regard to the pronunciation of Pierre, South Dakota. I’ve always pronounced it like my French relatives do; however I’ve noticed Tom Skilling’s pronunciation of the capital city is ‘PEER.’ Did I lead my former fourth-grade students astray?” Read More
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
July 5 - Closed for Independence Day
July 6 - Spaghetti w/Meaty Sauce, Corn, Seasoned Green Beans, Roll, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
July 7 - Saucy Ham Loaf, Sweet Potatoes, Seasoned Peas, Cornbread, Overnight Fruit Salad
July 8 - BBQ Meatballs, Scalloped Potatoes, Spinach, Texas Toast, Chunky Applesauce
July 9 - Baked Chicken, Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Harvard Beets, Whole Grain Wheat, Tropical Fruit
July 12 - Beef and Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Greens, Whole Grain Wheat, Fruit or Juice
July 13 - Brat, Baked Corn, Seasoned Steamed Cabbage, Bun , Pears
July 14 - Chicken Salad, Cheesy Broccoli Soup, Summer Salad, Assorted Crackers, Watermelon
July 15 - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Lyonnaise Carrots, Whole Grain Wheat, Pineapple Cheese Salad
July 16 - Steak Burger, Baked Beans, Creamed Peas, Bun, Melon Salad
•June 23, 2021•
Lake Land College updated its IT-Graphic Design and IT-Web Design programs to provide more opportunities for students interested in these career fields. IT Web Technology Instructor/Program Coordinator James Munger and Business Instructor/Program Coordinator for Desktop Publishing and Graphic Design Marcy Satterwhite collaborated to make each of the programs as accessible and versatile as possible.
“I was able to split everything into a software development, web development track for people who want to program and build software, and that left me with a handful of web design courses,” Munger said. “Marcy and I worked together and filled in the gaps with her design courses, so now the students have the opportunity to learn where the world is in developing websites and web apps.” Read More
•June 23, 2021•
The Lake Land College Center for Business and Industry will be hosting Camp Invention’s 2021 children’s camp program “Recharge!” July 12 through 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The program offers children entering grades kindergarten through sixth grade the opportunity to experience innovative and hands-on STEM activities. Read More
•June 23, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Education
Extension Educator Chelsey Byers recently wrote a great article on how art can be beneficial, and I wanted to share it with all of you. Chelsey says: when I hear someone sing beautifully or see beautiful art, I am mesmerized as these are not gifts that I feel I possess. Though, I still sing in my car and my home. No matter how I sound, it brings me much joy. However, painting wasn’t something that I engaged in for fear of disaster. Anyone else have that same fear? During this past year, I stopped playing sports due to the pandemic and decided to try my hand at <gasp> painting as a new stress outlet. There have been the good, the bad, and the ugly – yet, I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. There are so many benefits to engaging in the arts, and we are never too old to start. Read More