News Progress

•August 20, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

Residents of Sullivan will have a new way to receive community notifications and report problems, including non-working streetlights and water main breaks, with a new community “app” the council approved Monday night.

City Treasurer Kassie Waggoner brought the proposal to sign a contract with textMyGov.com to provide services to the city for three years for $5,000, with a $2,500 setup cost. Waggoner learned of the program at a meeting of Illinois Municipal League treasurers earlier this year. Considering the problems facing area communities after the recent Lake Mattoon algae bloom, Waggoner said the app, which allows up to 50,000 text messages each year, could allow the city to reach a majority of citizens very quickly in a similar emergency, and also provide an outlet for them to report issues to the city.

•August 20, 2025•

by DM Williamee

The City of Sullivan Animal Code requires that not only dogs, but cats as well, must be kept under the control of the owner and not be let to roam free, unsupervised, or unrestrained. Due to the growing number of feral cats in Sullivan and the growing number of complaints because of them, live traps, which are humane, have been deployed to capture feral cats, which are then released to farmers who are more than happy to rehome them on their property. 

•August 20, 2025•

by Sharon Barricklow

Aone percent grocery items tax the state has been collecting will be collected next year by Moultrie County after the county board approved the change at the meeting Thursday night.

The Grocery Service Occupation Tax has been collected by Illinois and passed back to local governments. After the state legislature voted to end the tax beginning January 1st, area communities and counties are voting on keeping it in place for themselves. Moultrie County’s tax will only apply to food sellers in the unincorporated areas of the county. 

by Ariana R Cherry

Color, creativity, and community spirit will fill the Fellowship Hall of the Arthur United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the bustling Arthur Cheese Festival.

Photos by DM Williamee

Last Saturday, Jonathan Creek Christian Church held a ‘Back to School Bash’ for all students in the Sullivan and surrounding communities who are returning to school this week. Kids enjoyed a waterslide, bounce house, and cornhole amongst other festivities, and a grilled lunch was provided free of charge to all who attended. As can be seen, this last bash of summer was pursued with great enthusiasm by those who attended.