News Progress

•June 11, 2025• Photo submitted Natasha Deters, SBL Regional Cancer Center Director, accepts the donation from Sullivan Fast Stop Manager Cheryl Coddington. The Sarah Bush Lincoln Regional Cancer Center recently received a donation from Sullivan Fast Stop, a division of South Central FS.  Cheryl Coddington, the manager of Sullivan Fast Stop, said that during October, the gas station donated a penny for every gallon of gas bought. “A lot of our customers rely on the Regional Cancer Center, so we want to be able to give back to the community and help in any way,” Coddington said.  The donation will … Read More

Reads for June and beyond •June 11, 2025• Fiction: The Children of Eve (Charlie Parker series #22) by John Connolly; Cliffs, Clues, & Conspiracies (Camper & Criminals series #40) by Tonya Kappes; Cold Dead Cash (Shotgun Johnny series #3) by William W. Johnstone & J. A. Johnstone; Dismal Trail by Ron Schwab; Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen; Going Home in the Dark by Dean Koontz; Heartwood by Amity Gaige; Never Lie by Freida McFadden; Last Supper (Chase Adams FBI series #18) by Patrick Logan; Locked Door by Freida McFadden ; The Marriage Pact (Amish of Marigold series #3) by Kathleen … Read More

•June 11, 2025• L to R: Marty Jones, Arthur Legion Auxiliary #479, Bentley Parsons, Kyndall Crist, Kelsey Lust, Beth Jones, Atwood Legion Auxiliary #770 (all Atwood Jr. High). Students from Arthur Christian School, ALAH High School, and Atwood-Hammond Grade School recently showcased their patriotism and writing skills in the 2025 Americanism Essay Contest. Sponsored by the Arthur Legion Auxiliary #479, the Atwood Legion Auxiliary #770, and the Lovington Legion Auxiliary #429, the contest encouraged students to reflect on the thought-provoking question: “What is My Favorite National Memorial or Monument?” 119 essays were submitted across three grade-level divisions. To ensure a … Read More

•June 11, 2025• Heartland Mini Hoofs will be at the Mid-Illinois Senior Services building on June 17th at noon.  Heartland Mini Hoofs is a mini-equine therapy visitation program that is dedicated to brining mini-horses to visit and interact with those of all ages. Equine therapy helps build self-esteem, improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety/stress, and foster trust and connection. For more information, call (217) 728-8521. … Read More

The Panther’s Scream •June 11, 2025• by Janet Roney “It’s time to quit and go home when I start seeing things!” Roger hung his jacket on the hook and stood there with a puzzled look on his face. “Seeing things? What did you see?” I asked. My worry about my husband working so late at night at the isolated Murphy River farm on the east county line was replaced by a new concern.  “I don’t know. In my tractor lights, I thought I saw something dark dart across in front of me. Maybe it was a reflection. After I quit and … Read More