News Progress

•April 29, 2026•

On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Mid Illinois Senior Services center in Sullivan held their annual ‘Spring Fling’ fashion show, highlighting some of the wardrobe selections from their Thrift Store located on the square. This year’s models were from Sullivan High School’s FCCLA program as well as the CEFS RSVP program. There was sass, class, and brass on the runway, from animal prints, florals and pastels, to fashionable shades, leathers, bling, and bomber jackets. The models strutted their stuff down the runway, showing off some of the finest fashion and accessories available for purchase at the thrift store, which supports MISS directly. 

MISS’ 2025’s year in review was equally impressive in reflecting how many seniors were served in the area, which reflects the ongoing support and wide variety of services offered for seniors. By no means all-inclusive, a quick snapshot of what MISS contributed to the senior population in 2025:

2016

David Bowers spent the better part of his life in Lovington, reaching out to touch someone. Even though he retired from family-owned Moultrie Independent Telephone Company at the end of March, he wasn’t going to stop being involved. “When you live a full life, life is fulfilling,” Bowers said, noting his retirement as vice president and plant supervisor gave him time to concentrate on other community needs.

Country Financial Representative Elizabeth Houser of Sullivan earned a position on the Insurance group’s Distinguished All-American team. Houser was among a select group of top Country Financial agency managers and financial representatives who qualified for the award.

•April 22, 2026•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is updating the public access to Ken Kenney’s at Lake Shelbyville, commonly labeled as Site #46 on USACE hunting and fishing maps. The roadway leading to the site is privately owned and is not a designated public access route.

•April 22, 2026•

Desserts are a welcome treat after a delicious main course. Homemade desserts can be particularly flavorful, and that freshness can make the final course something to really look forward to.

Those tasked with prepared a homemade dessert have plenty of options to consider, including this recipe for “Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes With a Ginger Cookie Base” from Lines+Angles. 

Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes With a 

Ginger Cookie Base

•April 22, 2026•

The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide effort to record conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Recorded conversations will be preserved at the U.S. Library of Congress. The initiative is led by the Illinois America 250 Commission in partnership with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios. Illinois Voices 250 is the most expansive effort yet to ensure Illinois’ commemoration of the nation’s birthday is inclusive, accessible, and statewide. People can participate in public community recording events happening around the state or use the do-it-yourself option online at il250.org/il-voices. There is no fee to participate. “The story of America isn’t complete without the story of Illinois. Our people’s diverse perspectives, reflections, and personal narratives deserve to be shared and preserved for generations to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I encourage Illinoisans of all backgrounds to tell their unique stories as the nation marks 250 years of history and resilience.”