•May 22, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

Judge Hugh Finson ruled there was no conflict in Michael Yost’s defense, denying a new trial request for the 2015 murder of Sheri Randall of Sullivan.
Judge Finson explained public defender Brad Rau’s representation of Randall seven years prior to his representation of Yost on murder charges did not represent a per se conflict as argued by Shelby County public defender Walter Lookofsy on Yost’s behalf.
Moultrie County States Attorney Tracy Weaver cited a Supreme Court case denying a per se conflict on unrelated past representation.
“In analysis of the facts of the case, fundamental is the thread of knowledge,” Weaver told the court.”He (Rau) does not recall representing Ms. Randall.”
Lookofsy argued the defendant does not have to demonstrate anything except the victim and Yost were both represented by public defender Rau. Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Spark Housing Committee representative Bill Burger told Senior Center visitors about a goal of the committee to revitalize houses utilizing local talent.

•May 22, 2019•
Maintenance Initiative
By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Seniors, veterans, the disabled and widows will be the primary beneficiaries of the new housing initiative proposed by the Spark Housing Committee to a large group of seniors gathered in Sullivan.
The Sullivan citizen action group spokesperson, Bill Burger, told the crowd at the Senior Center the goal of the committee is “to revitalize houses in Sullivan utilizing local talent and volunteers to improve the quality and sustainability of our community.”
These volunteers will undertake home improvement projects needed by seniors, veterans, the disabled, and widows - projects that they are unable to do themselves. Tasks could include trimming shrubs, mowing lawns, cleaning gutters, painting, building ramps, repairing porches/steps and other small home repairs.
Burger emphasized that projects such as electrical or plumbing repairs would require professionals and are not within the scope of the initiative. Read More

Photo furnished
Walt Disney, a.k.a. SES fourth grader Chance Schoonover, explains how Disney grew from the success of Mickey Mouse.

•May 22, 2019•
Sullivan Elementary School students turned to wax Thursday, May 16.
Fourth grade students became famous people from history during the annual wax museum held in the elementary school gym.
The Wax Museum included four fourth grade classes of Drew Campbell, Kurt Friese, Nichole Hendry and Kay Lehman. Two classes presented in the morning and two in the afternoon.
“The students first selected their characters three to four weeks ago,” Lehman began. “They had to research and prepare a report of the person.”
The work was just beginning as students then developed a slide show on iPads to incorporate into the wax museum display. A presentation board was created along with an authentic costume and a speech.
The weeks of speech writing and practice, costume making and research paid off as the gymnasium filled with wax figures was activated for students, parents and the general public.
“Each student is to stand still like a wax figure until the star in front of their display is stepped on,” Lehman said. Read More