Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan Dental Clinic welcomes a new team member. Pictured from left Dr. William Havlik, seated Shannon Kennedy and new member Dr. Christopher Havlik.

With familiar name
By Smiley Toothman
for the News Progress

Sullivan Dental Clinic is expanding and keeping it in the family.
Dr. Christopher Havlik is joining his father Dr. William D. Havlik at the Sullivan clinic, expanding dental services for area patients.
Havlik received his Doctor of Medical Denistry from the Alton Dental School, completing his undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry at Southern Illinoiis University Edwardsville which is where his career decision was made.
“I knew my interest was in the medical field,” Dr. Christopher began, noting he and two college roommates helped guide him to dentistry. “We stuck together helping each other through dental school.”
At Alton Dental School Havlik earned the Aesthetic Dentistry and Implant Awards prior to graduation and is looking forward to meeting Sullivan area patients with hopes of including Saturday office hours in the future. Read More

Photo submitted
Pictured is Winnifred Titus Sentel.

•June 5, 2019•
By Eden Martin
for the News Progress

Almost six decades ago a grand, old lady of Sullivan, Winnifred Titus Sentel, died, December 29, 1960, leaving her home to be used as a home for aged women. In recent years the home has been known as Titus Manor at Wyman Park.
Winnifred’s grandparents were George Washington (G.W.) Titus (1814-1864) and Elizabeth Bennett Titus (born 1820; died April 4, 1912 ). They moved to Moultrie County from Indiana in 1857. In the 1860 census G.W. was reported to have been born in New York and was listed as a farmer having real estate valued at $24,000. Unfortunately, G.W. died at the early age of 50 on September 28, 1864.
After G.W. died, his widow, Elizabeth Titus, lived in the Perryman building — a brick structure at the west end of the south side of the square. Mrs. Titus — the grandmother of Winnifred — was reportedly the first person in Sullivan to own a piano.
G.W. and Elizabeth had one son — Joseph B. Titus, a lawyer, landowner and important civic figure in Sullivan. Joseph B. (b.1838; died Sept 1919) — was known as “J.B.” He graduated from Miami University at Oxford and from the Cincinnati Law College in 1860. He then practiced law in Cincinnati for two years before moving to Sullivan.
After G..W. died in 1864, his widow Elizabeth was listed in the Moultrie County atlas as the owner of the Titus Opera House, built in 1871. Also, as shown in the 1875 atlas, the “E. Titus Addition” to Sullivan consisted of about 28 city blocks of residential property north of Jackson Street and west of Hamilton. The Tituses had acquired that Sullivan land when it was pastureland. It included the property where the first “North Side” school was built in 1874 as well as the later Powers school. Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Pastor Gene Godfrey and wife Jackie are Cleveland bound.

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

After nearly 18 years of service Pastor Gene Godfrey will retire from the First Baptist Church Sunday, May 26.
The public is cordially invited to attend the May 26 10 a.m. Sunday services which will be conducted by Pastor Gene’s son, Pastor Vincent Godfrey of O’Fallon.
An open house reception will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall and is also open to the public.
Pastor Gene grew up in Ohio near Cleveland and attended the same church where his grandfather and parents were faithful parishioners.
When his church needed a new pastor, he was part of the search committee that traveled to Colgate-Rochester Seminary for interviews.
“The buildings and grounds were so beautiful,” he recalled, “I knew that one day I would return there for study.”
He went to college and served in the Army. He met his wife, Jackie, in a bowling alley where she worked. They became a blended family with his two sons and her two daughters. He readily admits, “Jackie convinced me to go to seminary.” First Baptist Church has been his first and only ministry. Read More

•March 13, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

The newest restaurant to open at the Sullivan Country Club is Fairways Family Restaurant which will be operated by Shelly Sheppard.
She also operates the Atwood Downtown Diner and the Cafeteria in Arthur.
“John contacted me to open here, and we will be serving the same menu as at Atwood,” she explained. “We will also be providing catering to private events here, and we have 27 already scheduled.” Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Pastor Jim Plank and son Chris take a break from construction on the huge activity area for children located inside Building 1225.

•January 16, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

When the Vineyard Church purchased the former Pamida building at 1225 S. Hamilton there was much speculation about the use of this sprawling, former retail store.
“Our mission from the start has been to provide a gathering place or hub to benefit the entire community of Sullivan,” said Pastor Jim Plank of the Vineyard Church. “ For that reason, we named it Building 1225 rather than attach the Vineyard name to it.”
With the opening of Ben Booker’s Second Chance Gym as an anchor, the church’s vision is becoming a reality.
The huge activity room with a basketball goal, ga-ga ball pit, and a children’s play area is encircled by a walking track and is ready for use as soon as hours can be established.
There is also a climber for children and 20 laps around the track is a mile. The huge parking lot makes for easy access to the building.
Additional space can accommodate up to 350 people for weddings, banquets, expos, birthday parties or dances. This space has already been rented by the city and other private groups for activities. Tables, chairs, tablecloths and trash cans are provided, but catering must be brought in. This space is available to civic groups at no charge.
A small restaurant or some kind of food service is also under construction with an outdoor patio for al fresco dining. A juice bar has also been suggested. Read More