News Progress

•March 25, 2026•

by DM Williamee

With increasing instances of drought and water shortages affecting communities across the country, and now with a formal declaration here in Sullivan, homeowners are faced with the challenge of maintaining their lawns while adhering to water usage restrictions and avoiding costly fines. Below are some strategies to keep your lawn as healthy and sustainable as possible.

Choose a drought-resistant seed variety. Select and plant grass species that are naturally more drought-tolerant. Varieties such as Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, and Zoysia grass are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions with minimal water. 

•March 25, 2026•

The community is invited to celebrate the season at the upcoming Easter Market on Saturday, March 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Building 1225, located at 1225 S. Hamilton St., Sullivan, IL. Hosted by Building 1225 and local organizers, this free indoor event offers a vibrant, family-friendly experience centered around supporting local businesses and bringing the community together.

•March 18, 2026•

by Sharon Barricklow

Water issues continued to be on the agenda for the Sullivan City Council at their March 9 meeting, with how to find it and how to pay for it on the City Council’s mind.

Council member Chuck Woodworth, who oversees the water department, said a test well dug at the city’s well field had yielded good results. The city is waiting for approval of the water quality before moving any further ahead. And, Woodworth said, the drought that has caused the water shortage could be easing.

“They’ve downgraded the drought from extreme to severe,” Woodworth said. “I guess that’s good news.” 

•March 18, 2026•

The Divas of Deliciousness are hard at work again, preparing custom-ordered and delightfully delicious confectionery Easter Eggs, as they have done for over twenty years. Funds raised from the sales of these delights is donated by the church to several local groups, including DOVE, CEFS food pantry, Sullivan’s Habitat for Humanity, the Sullivan Area Ministerial Association, Mary’s Weekend Food Bags, Kali’s Closet (high school), and overdue lunch accounts (high school), as well as the Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana and Lessie Bates Neighborhood House in East St. Louis. The hard work of the hands that prepare these confectionaries benefit locals twice; first, in savoring the delicious confectioneries, and secondly, by providing vital financial support to local causes that give back to the local community, as well as adjacent programs. 

•March 18, 2026•

by DM Williamee

New Medicaid rules arising from the hotly debated, often criticized H.R. 1 (the 2025 federal budget reconciliation law) require that beginning January 1st, 2027, the majority of adults aged 19 to 64 who receive Medicaid also work or participate in ‘community engagement activities’ such as paid work, volunteering with a non-profit, enrollment in higher education or trade schools, and approved forms of training for at least 80 hours per month to maintain coverage.