Remembering Who We Are……..104

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2026• Essex by Janet Roney I left you guessing last week why a Massachusetts seaman, Ebenezer Noyes, bought 2000 acres of rattlesnake-infested flat prairie land in the Whitley Township area in 1833-34. All his pioneer neighbors thought he was crazy because no one, including Noyes, knew that the black prairie land was among the most fertile soils in the world. Noyes wanted it because it was flat, high, and dry. Why? The late E. D. Hortenstine of Gays, who wrote about Noyes in the 1955 Mattoon centennial newspaper, as well as other sources, explained why. Although Noyes was … Read More

Is your data secure?

News Progress Posted on by

•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 … Read More

LLC seeking community feedback

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2026• Lake Land College is seeking feedback from community members and prospective students to help design class schedules. Residents of the Lake Land College district are invited to complete a three-minute survey at https://www.SurveyMonkey.com/r/ProspStu26 to share the most optimal class times and formats for their schedule. Survey results will be used to help the College offer more class choices, including online, in-person, evening and weekend options, to help students better balance school with their jobs, family and personal lives. … Read More

IDPH spotlights the power of prevention

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2026• For the 3rd year, the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) will recognize “30 Days of Public Health” throughout the month of April. The initiative is designed to raise awareness of the role public health plays in keeping all Illinois communities healthy and safe.  … Read More

A Look Back…4-8-2026

News Progress Posted on by

2016 The City of Sullivan sidewalk renovation project started Monday, April 4th. It involved removing the sidewalk and curb around the inside of the square and replacing it with new ADA-compliant walks and crosswalks. The north and east sides of the square were closed first. Then closings occurred as needed after it was installed.  After the Sullivan singer’s cancellation of another Invitational last year, the singers knew they had to make a comeback, director Jeffrey Thomas said. More than twenty groups participated in the competition, and 4,000 spectators flocked to the SHS gym. Singer’s alumni and school board member Jeff … Read More

SAIL civil rights workshop held March 31

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2026• Photo by DM WilliameedMarlena Johnson, left, and Cristina Kinsella, right. by DM Williamee  On March 31st at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library, attorneys Marlena Johnson and Cristina Kinsella from Soyland Access to independent Living (SAIL) held a free civil rights workshop for the community titled, “Equip for Equality.” This workshop provided an introduction and overview to Equip for Equality and their civil rights team, special education clinic information, a very information-rich presentation on Americans with Disabilities (ADA) rights, and ended with a questions and discussion period. … Read More

Sullivan High School hosts blood drive

News Progress Posted on by

Photos by DM WIlliameeL-R: Julia Moody, Daisy Richardson, Kaylee Smith, and Devon Richardson at the forefront while SHS students donate blood. On Wednesday, April 1st, the Sullivan High School student blood drive committee was at the Sullivan American Legion, working to sign in and help with their twice yearly scholarship blood drive fundraiser. All monies raised at this blood drive go to The American Red Cross scholarship. Their target was 30 people donating blood, and they were well on their way to realizing their goal.  Marsha Kirby, student council advisor, oversaw the students through this fundraising effort, conducting sign-ups and … Read More

Heritage Woods ‘Eggtsravaganza’ draws crowds

News Progress Posted on by

•April 8, 2026• by DM Williamee On Friday, April 3rd (Good Friday), locals and children from near and far converged on the Sullivan Heritage Woods property, anticipating the annual Easter Egg hunt, even as a few drizzles of rain sporadically fell, but thankfully, no storm emerged to ruin the day. Amongst the festivities, there was a 50/50 drawing, a drawing for eight new children’s bicycles (two per age group), an adult gift basket drawing, pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and multiple local food and beverage vendors were on site.  … Read More