“Big Jim” memorial fishing derby

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•August 20, 2025• On Saturday, August 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Woods Lake West entrance (CR 1000 East in Sullivan), the 3rd annual “Big Jim” memorial fishing derby will be held, with the Sullivan AMBUCS Chapter making it possible. This is a free event for children with special needs. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. The derby will have ADA/Wheelchair access at the fishing pier, live bait will be available, rods and reels, and food and drinks provided. A new rod and reel will be awarded to the following categories: largest bass, largest crappie, largest catfish, and most … Read More

“Cruise Night” on the Square

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•August 20, 2025• On Saturday, August 30th, the Sullivan Street Machine Association will be celebrating their “Cruise Night” on the Sullivan Square, beginning at 3:00 p.m. All makes, models, and years welcome. Dash plaques for the first 100 registered. The registration fee is $20.00. Over $1,500.00 in door prizes will be awarded at 6:00 p.m., with free popcorn as well. Live music by Shovelhead, and there will be a goodie-bag cruise route. Entree fee is $15.00. Registration is at 10:00 a.m., the car show is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and at 2:00 p.m., awards will be given. For … Read More

Share your family favorite recipes

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•August 20, 2025• It’s that time of year again – we are asking for readers to submit their favorite recipe for our annual “Family Favorites” cookbook publication. Whether it’s an old family favorite passed down through generations, a recipe you created yourself when being creative, or something new that you love, we are interested in what tickles your palate and brings you joy to put on the table. The “Family Favorites” cookbook will be published in November. Please submit your recipes to rtipsword@newsprogress.com. … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Carolyn Yvonne Doss

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Carolyn Yvonne Doss, 87, of Sullivan, passed away 1:24 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 22, 2025, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial will take place in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Bethany. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Moultrie County PAWs: 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, IL 61951. … Read More

MCH&GS “Artifact Roadshow”

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•August 13, 2025• by Tonya Frevert and Randy Fair On August 9th, the Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society hosted the “2nd Native American Artifacts Roadshow” at 1303 S. Hamilton Street in Sullivan. The community was invited to bring Native American artifacts to the History Center for assessment and evaluation by Randy Fair of Sullivan and Tommy Bryden of Springfield, two longtime collectors and consultants with over 70 years combined experience.  … Read More

Outhouse Festival in Gays draws crowds

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•August 13, 2025• Photos by DM Williamee The Outhouse Festival held last Saturday in Gays drew crowds, both young and old, and there was certainly something for everyone. Among the favorites for children were the ‘corn pit’, a live Mermaid and Pirate Show, a live and interactive Dino show, multiple inflatables, a petting zoo, and glitter tattoos.  For parents, there was a car show, live band performances, multiple vendor booths offering a wide array of wares, food and beverage trucks, and for all, the legendary 2-story out-house itself, which saw many visitors. Parking was free, and despite warmer temps, the … Read More

SBL “Hospice Binga” set for September 9th

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•August 13, 2025• The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation will host its 18th annual SBL Hospice Binga on Tuesday, September 9th, at the Mattoon Eagles Club, 1917 Oak Avenue. Net proceeds support an endowment for SBL Willow Breeze Hospice House. Contributions to Hospice Binga directly impact people throughout East Central and Southern Illinois by helping those with limited resources pay for their stay at Willow Breeze. “Willow Breeze has already impacted many families in the region,” SBL Special Events Officer Kim Lockart said. “Proceeds from Hospice Binga will support the endowment and ensure that we can continue to help families … Read More

‘Back to School Bash’ a blast at JCCC

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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. … Read More

SHS seniors express themselves in parking space design 

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Last Wednesday afternoon, SHS seniors showcased their creativity and flair as they painted their parking spaces at the school. Some tented over their spaces to beat the heat, used stencils, and even recruited friends and family to help, but what was most obvious to all was how much thought had gone into planning the designs and text.  … Read More