‘Christmas for the Kids’

News Progress Posted on by

Photo Submitted ‘Christmas for the Kids’ Sparrows Unlimited, of Lovington, held its popular (31st annual now) “Christmas for the Kids” fundraiser last Saturday. Supporters filed in throughout the day to bid on silent auction items, listen to live music by Cash Hale, with Sons of the American Legion providing the ‘pork chop on a stick’ concessions. Many came out for the event and, forgoing the auction portion, donated to the cause with cash donations and enjoyed the socialization, music, and food. Pictured are members representing the Keystone Chapter of the Widows Sons, who presented a check to Sparrows president, Pam … Read More

Jenkins visits family home on Mason Point grounds: fond memories

News Progress Posted on by

•August 27, 2025• by DM Williamee Photos by DM Williamee Walt Jenkins visits his family home, where he was born, for the first time since moving at age 12. Taking everyone back in history, he described how it looked then compared to now, which bedroom was whose, and shared stories of what life was like while the family lived there. Walter H. “Walt” Jenkins was born October 26th, 1934, in the brick house at what was, at the time, the Illinois Masonic Home. Walt and his older brother Glen were both born in the brick house, with Walt being born … Read More

New History Center writing group

News Progress Posted on by

•August 27, 2025• The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society has created a writing group for those who have gathered information on their ancestors and may need a nudge, help on how/where to start, or inspiration. Beginning with their first session on Thursday, September 11th, from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the History Center Library in Sullivan, this group will be getting together to kickstart your writing. Participants are reminded to bring their laptops and/or notebooks. Encouragement and brainstorming will be provided. The writing group leader will be Jeannie Barnes, and the group will meet on the second Thursday of … Read More

Medicare Part D enrollment

News Progress Posted on by

•August 27, 2025• Mid-Illinois Senior Services is now scheduling appointments for Medicare Part D enrollments. Open Enrollment is October 15th through December 7th.  During this period, those with Medicare can renew their current prescription drug coverage, compare it with available plans, and possibly save money.   Call (217) 728-8521 to schedule your appointment. … Read More

Windsor Harvest Picnic draws crowds despite blistering temps

News Progress Posted on by

•August 20, 2025• DM Williamee This year’s 128th (a most impressive number) Windsor Harvest Picnic drew crowds to the small community, despite ongoing record-high temperatures. Beginning on August 14th, the 3-day fete included events such as dinners, ice-cream socials, live musical performances from the Kentucky Headhunters and tribute band Fleetwood Gold, auctions, a 5k run, pedal tractor pulls, Bessie Bingo (sponsored by Windsor’s FFA chapter), inflatables (brought by 25/8 Extreme), ‘Little Miss Harvest’ picnic, and of course, a parade. … Read More

SBL“Races for all Paces” raises record amount

News Progress Posted on by

•August 20, 2025• Sarah Bush Lincoln Healthy Communities raised a record $17,325 for the SBL Dental Program from the 2025 Races for all Paces. The SBL Dental Program provides preventive and restorative care for children throughout the area. A dental team visits schools to provide preventive care, while restorative care is provided in the dental clinic at 225 Richmond Avenue East, Suite B, in Mattoon. Volunteer dentists are key partners in the program, providing restorative care in their clinics for children who need additional or further extensive care. … Read More

Learn how to protect public health with non-restaurant food safety training

News Progress Posted on by

•August 20, 2025• University of Illinois Extension is now offering an accessible, self-paced online course designed specifically for food handlers working in non-restaurant settings across Illinois. The Illinois Food Handler Training course equips staff and volunteers with the essential knowledge to ensure food safety from storage and preparation to cleaning and sanitizing. This training is ideal for individuals who handle food in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, licensed day care centers, retail food stores, and other non-restaurant facilities. It fulfills the Illinois Department of Public Health’s requirements for non-restaurant food handlers and plays a critical role in preventing foodborne illness and protecting public … Read More

Council approves new community app 

News Progress Posted on by

•August 20, 2025• by Sharon Barricklow Residents of Sullivan will have a new way to receive community notifications and report problems, including non-working streetlights and water main breaks, with a new community “app” the council approved Monday night. City Treasurer Kassie Waggoner brought the proposal to sign a contract with textMyGov.com to provide services to the city for three years for $5,000, with a $2,500 setup cost. Waggoner learned of the program at a meeting of Illinois Municipal League treasurers earlier this year. Considering the problems facing area communities after the recent Lake Mattoon algae bloom, Waggoner said the app, … Read More

Sullivan seniors ‘Dine with a Doc’ informative

News Progress Posted on by

•August 20, 2025• On Tuesday, August 5, the Mid-Illinois Senior Services hosted their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc’, and their guest was Kishor ‘Kris’ Thorpe, PT, MDT from Savoy Therapy. Thorpe is a graduate of Physical Therapy in 2003 from the world-renowned Christian Medical College. He has also undergone additional specialized training, including McKenzie Certification, LSVT, FCE evaluations, and Certified Aging In Place (CAPS). Savoy Therapy supports Senior Education Ministries and is a key 2025 supporter. … Read More