News Progress

•October 14, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

At 100 years old, Jerry B. Kuhns can look back on a lifetime that has included farming, raising seven children, traveling to 48 states and continuing to work until just a few months before his 100th birthday.

Kuhns, of Arthur, recently celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family. His daughter, Carol Miller, said staying active has been an important part of her father’s life, particularly after he retired from farming.

When asked what has contributed to his longevity, Kuhns has a simple answer.

“Just keep breathing!” he tells his family.

•October 14, 2026•

by E. Scott England

Loyalty to a sports team often comes with a price for some. Generations came and went without ever seeing the Cubs win a World Series until the win in 2016 ended the drought. For some, they are still waiting for their team to make it to the big game. 

The loyalty is often passed down through the family. But not for Curt Richardson. He came from a family that did not watch a lot of sports, nor did they have a dedication to one particular team. So for a young Richardson at around eight years old, the decision to support a team rested solely on him.

He chose the Cowboys, a team affectionately known as “America’s Team.” His selection of the Cowboys did not come from that moniker though, “I loved the Tom Landry poker face,” says Richardson. The year was 1971 when Richardson made his determination. Landry was in his eleventh season as head coach of what would become a twenty-nine year tenure at the top spot. That first year of Richardson’s new found dedication to the Cowboys, they won Super Bowl VI. Six years later, Landry led them to another win in Super Bowl XII. 

•October 7, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

The Sullivan City Council voted September 14 to continue the plan of two nights of Halloween trick or treating, setting the hours between 6 and 9 pm on both Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31.

The vote was just one on a busy agenda that included approving an agreement with Interim Solutions LLC for an Interim City Manager for a cost of $16,000 a month while the firm leads the search for a permanent city manager. Mayor Mike Mossman said Sullivan’s plan is to get a permanent hire as soon as possible, recognizing that Sullivan, while owning its city utilities, is in a unique job position.

Immunizations lower your risk of severe respiratory illness

•October 7, 2026•

by Angela Hogan

Respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause serious health problems. Complications from these illnesses are especially hazardous for infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic health conditions and compromised immune systems.

Recommended immunizations against these viruses can lower your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and other complications. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released new vaccine guidance to help Illinois residents protect themselves and their families during the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season.

Let’s review the vaccines most likely to help protect you and your loved ones from viruses expected to circulate this fall season.

Flu Vaccination Recommended for Almost Everyone

IDPH recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older.

Flu viruses change over time, and protection from a previous vaccination gradually decreases. Receiving the current seasonal vaccine helps prepare the immune system to fight the flu viruses expected to circulate this season.