Recent Obituaries: Gene Dolan

News Progress Posted on by

Gene Dolan, 82, of Sullivan, passed away 5:42 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will be held in French Cemetery, Allenville, with Military Rites by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Memorials may be made to the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Gene was born September 18, 1943, in Decatur; the son of Paul James and Mary B. (Rochat) Dolan. He served in the United … Read More

OVHS 2026 Prom Court

News Progress Posted on by

Front row: (L to R) Katelin Livingston, Reese Bruns, Aubree McBride, and Ava Harshman. Back Row: (L to R) Brady McQuilling, Ames Drollinger, Tucker Montgomery, and Wyatt Hildebrandt. This year’s Prom will be held on April 25th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Convention Center. … Read More

Lovington pavilion renovation 

News Progress Posted on by

•April 22, 2026• by DM Williamee As many locals have noticed, the much-loved park in Lovington has been closed for renovations, much to the chagrin of those who enjoy the park on a nearly daily basis. As part of the renovation process, Mayor Brittany Bates contacted a generational Lovington resident to gather historical information on the pavilion, and he provided newspaper articles indicating the park may have first received the pavilion around 1904. While historical records are limited, it is clear that this structure has been an important part of Lovington for well over a century. The pavilion has undergone … Read More

Sullivan CUSD Meeting

News Progress Posted on by

•April 22, 2026• On Monday, April 13th, the Sullivan School board held its regular monthly meeting. The following reports from the principals were shared with those in attendance: Mrs. Guyot shared that the SES Strong April Character trait was courage-choosing what is helpful, right, and kind, even when it’s hard or scary, and SES celebrated “Leaders of Cooperation” at the Sullivan Strong Assembly. She went on to thank Mr. Waelde, Mrs. Kalagian, Mrs. Collins, and the 3rd – 5th grade teachers for getting SES through the IAR testing window and make-ups. Project One Family had their first community event on … Read More

35th Annual Arthur Quilt Show April 30 – May 2

News Progress Posted on by

•April 22, 2026• Quilt enthusiasts from across the region are invited to attend the Annual Arthur Amish Country Quilt Show, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, April 30th through May 2nd, at the Otto Center, located one-half mile south of Arthur at 2056 County Road 1800 East. The show will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5. Now in its 35th year, the Arthur Quilt Show continues to draw entries and visitors from across Illinois and beyond, showcasing some of the finest handcrafted quilts, … Read More

A homemade dessert to cap off a delicious meal

News Progress Posted on by

•April 22, 2026• Desserts are a welcome treat after a delicious main course. Homemade desserts can be particularly flavorful, and that freshness can make the final course something to really look forward to. Those tasked with prepared a homemade dessert have plenty of options to consider, including this recipe for “Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes With a Ginger Cookie Base” from Lines+Angles.  Strawberry and Vanilla Cheesecakes With a  Ginger Cookie Base … Read More

IDPH issues updated sport fish advisories

News Progress Posted on by

•April 22, 2026• The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its annual update of advisories related to the consumption of sport fish caught in Illinois waterways. Fish are tested statewide by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylmercury. Results are used to issue advisories, which detail how frequently fish from various waterways can be eaten without posing a health risk. “As the weather warms up, Illinois residents have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful outdoor recreation available across the state, like hiking, swimming, and fishing,” said IDPH Director … Read More

‘Illinois Voices 250’ with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios

News Progress Posted on by

•April 22, 2026• The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide effort to record conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Recorded conversations will be preserved at the U.S. Library of Congress. The initiative is led by the Illinois America 250 Commission in partnership with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios. Illinois Voices 250 is the most expansive effort yet to ensure Illinois’ commemoration of the nation’s birthday is inclusive, accessible, and statewide. People can participate in public community recording events … Read More