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March 17, 2026 Election Results

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Is your data secure?

News Progress Posted on April 8, 2026 by webmasterApril 7, 2026


•April 8, 2026•

by DM Williamee

In 2024, the FBI estimated that over two thousand cyberattacks were reported daily in the U.S., roughly one attack every 40 seconds, costing over $16 billion dollars in reported losses. The vast majority of these were automated, such as phishing and malware, rather than targeted breaches. As AI advances, so does the speed of the bad actors using tech for nefarious purposes. 

Malware, phishing, ransomware, MITM, DDoS, and social engineering are the most common types of cyber attacks. Many people have heard these terms, less are vaguely aware of how these threats work, and most people do not know or consistently use best practices (hygiene) to keep their data safe. For bad actors, a big payday can be like shooting fish in a barrel. It’s not just individual consumers who are at risk; large corporations have been found to have holes in their security as well. To view some of the cyber attacks in 2026 thus far, visit https://tech.co/news/data-breaches-updated-list. Cyber threats and criminals are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, on a larger scale, and far more quickly than threats can be identified and neutralized. 

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It’s called the ‘net for a reason

News Progress Posted on April 8, 2026 by webmasterApril 7, 2026


•April 8, 2026•

Op Ed by DM Williamee

With the advent of dial-up in the everyday household, youth and adults alike were quickly obsessed with what this new ‘magic box’ was capable of. The cosmic excitement before this was when the graphics, player options, and newer stylized game controllers for video games like Halo and Grand Theft Auto became more pixelated. I, however, was the mean mom. Having used the internet in the workplace, I quickly became aware that now you could literally strike a few keys and click a mouse and have the world at your feet, whether via instant messaging (with people you had to trust were who they said they were), Ask Jeeves, or email. And that was the problem. 

My economics professor told my class that if something was either 100% free or too easy to obtain, we were likely either the bait or the end product. How true, so many years later in this AI age, that his words of advice have proven to be true. As the mean mom, I had a 30-30-30 rule in my home. 30 minutes reading, 30 minutes gameplay or television (pick one), and 30 minutes on the computer, placed in the dining room so I could keep an eye on who was doing what, and when. Reading was not optional. No reading, no magic box time. My teen and ‘tween daughters let me know how cruel and unfair I was frequently, loudly, and even argued that I was stunting their tech growth and education. I reminded them that an hour of interfacing with something non-human each day was my hard line. Take it or leave it, my house, my rules. They, of course, took it.

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Posted in News

Spring cleaning tips and tricks

News Progress Posted on April 8, 2026 by webmasterApril 7, 2026


•April 8, 2026•

by DM Willaimee

Spring is a time of year when change is in the air. Trees are budding, plants are flowering, and homes laden with dark or heavy fabrics and clutter could use some lightening up. Winter was long, with spring comes mud, and many people find their moods lifted in clean and uncluttered spaces.

Spring is an excellent time to take inventory of your living space. By decluttering, cleaning, and organizing, you can create better home comfort as well as efficiency. Some people find the prospect of getting organized overwhelming, but it can be a cathartic effort that is rewarding. Here are some ideas that can help make your spring cleaning efforts less difficult and daunting.

Have a plan of attack with some bright-line objectives. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned-they likely require more attention, and more attention equates to more time. 

Assemble your cleaning supplies. Spring cleaning can be slowed down if you don’t have everything you need at hand. Basic items to have are an all-purpose cleaner, a concentrated cleaner, microfiber cloths, old newspaper, paper towels, rags, a mop, a vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Also, having degreasers, melamine foam ‘erasers’, scrub brushes, buckets, polishes, and other items on hand helps prevent a trip to the store before you move on to another task.

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Posted in News

Easter ham donation

News Progress Posted on April 1, 2026 by webmasterApril 1, 2026

Kirby Foods employees delivered Easter hams to the Moultrie County Food Pantry Monday, March 30th, made possible due to a generous anonymous donation. These hams will provide a delicious, healthy and much-needed entrée for many Easter dinners this holiday. Pictured left to right: Jake Golden, new Sullivan store manager, Cameron Eccles, and Shawn Eccles.

Posted in Standalone Photo

MC ROSC holds Narcan training

News Progress Posted on April 1, 2026 by webmasterApril 1, 2026


•April 1, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Monday, March 23rd, Moultrie County Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) coordinator, Josh Forbes, was at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, providing free Narcan use training. In addition to demonstrating to those in attendance how it is used and when, Josh also shared valuable information on Narcan and opiates, as well as providing free Narcan for those in attendance. 

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Posted in News

Community shows for #AveryStrong

News Progress Posted on April 1, 2026 by webmasterApril 1, 2026


•April 1, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Photo by DM Williamee
Pictured L-R, back row: Zak Hunnicutt, Joyce Bell, Clayton Mudd, Kelly Lane, Avery Willoughby, Landon Willoughby, Kathy Smith, Leland Willoughby, and Jo Willoughby.
Front: (kneeling) Brandon Babb, Austin Babb, Alice Moore, Lucy Shepard, and Tracy Willoughby.

On Saturday, March 28th, at the Sullivan American Legion, the community showed its support for local Avery Willoughby, who is currently battling metastatic carcinoma. Metastatic carcinoma is a cancer that originated in epithelial tissues (carcinoma) and has migrated, most commonly to the bones, liver, or lungs. Despite the grueling treatments and long road ahead, Avery keeps his spirits high, always with a ready smile for anyone.

Wearing custom T-shirts with #AveryStrong, locals supported Avery and his family through T-shirt sales, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle, while enjoying a pulled pork and spaghetti dinner. All proceeds will go directly toward Avery’s medical expenses, travel for treatments, and recovery care. As Tracy shared, “Family Strong backed by surrounding communities; we will win this Fight.”

Posted in News

April Dine with a Doc Tuesday, April 7

News Progress Posted on April 1, 2026 by webmasterApril 1, 2026


•April 1, 2026•

Senior Education Ministries, Inc., in partnership with the Sullivan community, has announced the upcoming Dine with a Doc® program on Tuesday, April 7th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Moultrie County Senior Center (Mid-Illinois Senior Services Inc.), located at 113 E. Jefferson St., Sullivan. This event is free, and for those wanting to attend, call (217) 728-8521 to reserve your seat.

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Eight years on – housing project takes shape in Sullivan

News Progress Posted on April 1, 2026 by webmasterApril 1, 2026

by Sharon Barricklow

If there is one thing Sullivan Economic Development Director Laurrie Minor knows, it is that the best projects sometimes take the longest to fruition. So Minor was happy to be at the Sullivan City Council on Monday, March 23, to share an update to an eight year long housing development designed to bring affordable housing to the community. 

“This process started eight years ago in 2018,” Minor told the council. “We began identifying uninhabitable houses in the community.”

Minor told the council she and others had entered abandoned homes, researched records and ultimately identified 30 properties in the city limits targeted for demolition and new construction. The properties were purchased in partnership with a developer and the lots cleared for new construction. The project then stalled out after a grant application was denied in 2020. 

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Posted in News

Easter Marketplace draws crowds

News Progress Posted on April 1, 2026 by webmasterApril 1, 2026


•April 1, 2026•

Photo by DM Williamee

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, April 28th, at building 1225, the annual Easter Marketplace was packed to the rafters with consumers taking advantage of the shopping and socialization opportunity while enjoying the peppy pop music piped throughout. There was a clear sense of community as one walked throughout the market, watching friends and neighbors ask each other for advice on a purchase, chat together, and exchange hugs.

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Posted in Top Stories

Wiley an FFA STAR

News Progress Posted on March 25, 2026 by webmasterMarch 25, 2026
On March 21st, Sullivan High School student and FFA member Kolton Wiley competed at the State Awards Day at Mt. Zion, showcasing his skills in Agriculture Mechanics Repair and Maintenance, Entrepreneurship, as well as STAR in Agribusiness. Kolton earned the title of State Winner in his proficiency area and will be recognized at the State Convention.
Posted in Standalone Photo

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Poppies to honor those who gave all



News Progress


On Friday, May 22nd, Ruth Keown, Vice-President of the Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit 68, greeted the public at the entrance to the local Post Office, distributing Memorial Poppies. Each year, millions of Americans wear these Memorial Poppies in memory of American service members who lost their lives in war while serving their country, and to assist those Veterans who are now hospitalized or in rehabilitation, suffering from wounds and illnesses. Memorial Day poppies distributed by the American Legion symbolize the ultimate sacrifice made by service members and are a tribute to those who lost their lives in war. Wearing the poppy is a way to honor the fallen and ensure their bravery is never forgotten.


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