Bethany 2025 Christmas Light Contest

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•December 10, 2025• The Village of Bethany is continuing their tradition of the Christmas Light Contest. For those who would like to participate, visit the Village Hall at 201 W Main St, Bethany, or call the Village Hall at (217) 665-3351 to get your name on the list From the time you sign up until December 25th, make sure your Christmas light display is on from dusk until 9:00 p.m. The judges will come by at some point in that time frame to judge all the displays and will choose the winners This year’s prizes are: 1st Place: $100 Utility … Read More

NP Closed for Christmas, New Years

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•December 10, 2025• The Sullivan News Progress offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24th, Thursday the 25th, Wednesday the 31st, and January 1st for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Due dates for submission for the weekly December 24th edition are as follows: advertising and article submissions, Friday, December 19th at noon; Obituaries, Sunday, December 21st by 5:00 p.m. The weekly edition of the News Progress will be delivered on Tuesday, December 23rd. Submission due dates for the New Year’s holiday are as follows: advertising and article submissions, Friday, December 26th at noon; Obituaries, Sunday, December 28th by 5:00 … Read More

Recent Obituaries: Eric Gabbard

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Eric Michael Gabbard, 36, of Sullivan, peacefully passed away at 7:15 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025 in his residence. Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Mackville Cemetery in Atwood. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. Eric was born October 12, 1989 in Decatur, the son of Michael Gabbard and Debra Creek. He was a woodworker for Monarch Manufacturing in … Read More

Sullivan boys basketball start season with two non-conference wins

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•December 3, 2025• by E. Scott England The Sullivan boys basketball team has officially kicked off their 2025-2026 season. Under new leadership this year, the boys are looking to improve from last season where they finished 11-18 overall and 6-5 in their conference. Spencer Plank, in his first year as head coach, has a positive outlook for this season, “Our goal every year is to play in a Regional Championship and be playing our best basketball in February.” Plank, a 2010 graduate of Arthur Christian School, has previous head coaching experience. He served as the head coach for Red Oak … Read More

Sparrow’s annual tradition

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Supporters of Sparrows Unlimited gathered at the East End in Lovington on Saturday, November 22nd, to fill and deliver nearly two hundred fruit boxes in and around the Lovington community. This annual Thanksgiving tradition is Sparrow’s way of recognizing their local senior residents. … Read More

Theta Psi Chapter of Psi Iota Xi celebrates 50th 

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On Sunday, November 9th, the local Theta Psi Chapter of Psi Iota Xi chapter celebrated its 50th Anniversary with approximately 70 guests, including current and past Psi Otes and our National Vice President, Mona Knight, and West Central District Officer, Pam Karle. They celebrated with sisterhood fellowship, cake, punch, memories, and scrapbooks. Sue Yarnell was gifted with a garden rock for her 50 years of service to the community and their first Legacy honoree.  … Read More

Elves of Sullivan

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•December 3, 2025• Through December 31st, the residents and businesses of Sullivan are encouraged to display an inflatable elf for all to see. While inflatable elves are encouraged, any elf will work. Your elf could be inflatable, a wooden cutout elf, or even a painted elf on your window/storefront. The only requirements are to go with the Elf theme, make it fun and unique if you wish, and have fun with it. … Read More

Get your vehicle winter ready

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•December 3, 2025• by DM Williamee With winter now here, ensuring your vehicle is prepared for the colder months is essential for safety and reliability. From icy roads to unexpected snowstorms, being proactive can help you avoid breakdowns and keep you safe on the road. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to DIY prepare your vehicle for winter and what to carry for emergencies. Winter driving can be tough on your vehicle’s fluids. Here’s what to check: Antifreeze/Coolant: Ensure your coolant levels are adequate and consider using a winter-grade coolant to prevent freezing. Oil: Check your oil level and consider … Read More