News Progress

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, November 11th, Sullivan High School held its annual Veterans Day celebration at the Sullivan Middle School gymnasium. The event began with a brunch for Veterans, followed by the assembly celebration. 

The celebration included the Sullivan American Legion Color Guard, performances of branch songs by the SMS choir and Singers Jr., a reading of the winning Veteran’s Writing Contest held by the American Legion, a performance of TAPS followed by a reverent moment of silence, and a speech by Principal Dan Allen. In his speech, Mr. Allen’s topic focused on how to show appreciation to our veterans, and paralleling the popular movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” he shared the pivotal two words from the movie: Earn This. Mr. Allen continued to emphasize this point by sharing what that meant: thanking Veterans, being a patriot, respecting the rights of others, serving others and not just ones self, being productive and working hard, being grateful, learn how to disagree respectfully, and last but most importantly, not to take freedom for granted- to earn it. 

Photos by DM Williamee

•November 12, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On November 3rd, the Sullivan Fire Protection District, after receiving a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for half of the funding for a TurboDraft Fire Educator device, was presented with the remaining half of that funding from the Thomas Houser Memorial Scholarship Fund, with Elizabeth Houser and her family presenting on behalf of the Fund.

•November 12, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On Friday, October 31st, Heritage Woods held a Halloween party for all residents and their families. While some residents preferred simple and subdued costumes, others went all-in. Scarecrows, train engineers, Red Hat Society members, inmates, teeny-boppers in bobby socks and poodle skirts, Mardi Gras/masquerade, and maps are just the beginning of the variety found at the party. 

Holiday-themed refreshments were served, and there were smiles to be found at each table, with many taking great interest in each other’s costumes and talking of the many Halloweens they had celebrated before.

•November 5, 2025•

by DM Williamee

With the holidays fast approaching, the protracted government shutdown (including SNAP benefits holds beginning November 1st as a result, unless Congress passes a budget by then), increased utility costs, and many already living on the precipice of a paycheck-to-paycheck existence, the Illinois Department of Human Services has published a page of helpful websites to direct those in need to their area Foodbanks.