Photo by Mike Brothers
Sullivan middle school student Claire Welch (left) listens as One Book One Sullivan leader Callie Standerfer questions participants who gathered at the First United Methodist Church about The Running Dream by Wendelin VanDraanen.

•March 13, 2019•

The Running Dream discussion drew more than 100 people to the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan March 7.
The latest One Book One Sullivan read by Wendelin VanDraanen was chosen from a list of second place books from previous years, OBOS coordinator Rikki Ray explained.
During the summer selection process 29 students with five staff members comprise the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award Steering Committee when 20 books are reviewed and discussed to determine the best one for students and community.
“We had some members who were very passionate about their books,” Ray said, noting the inclusion of fifth graders into the middle school readership forced some of the more graphic selections aside this year.
As the selection process narrowed the book choices, she noted there were times students would be grasping each others hands wrought with emotion over whether their book would make the list. Read More

•February 28, 2019•

Alvan L. Booths, 33, Mattoon, appeared before Honorable Judge Jeremy Richey in Moultrie County Circuit Court Feb. 27 on charges stemming from the Feb. 4 shooting of Otha Phillips in Sullivan.
Booths entered a not guilty plea to attempted first-degree murder, home invasion and attempted aggravated battery. Judge Richey set the jury trial date for April 29.
Illinois Sate Police Special Agent Kyle Border testified that Booths shot Phillips in the neck at Holley Simmons’ Sullivan home then pointed the gun at her, but the gun apparently misfired.
State's Attorney Tracy Weaver’s questioning revealed Phillips was Booths’ barber and was dating Booths' former girlfriend.
Public Defender Marvin Hanson questioned if Booths had forced his way into the Simmons’ home.
Attempted first-degree murder and home invasion charges are Class X felonies, attempted aggravated battery count is a Class 1 felony.

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Aspen Creek strives for homelike feel.

•February 27 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Aspen Creek held a treat-filled open house Feb. 22-23 to showcase six new resident rooms, an exercise room, luxury spa and second living/dining area. Founder Teresa Crawford and Marketing Director Kathy Albin welcomed visitors and conducted a tour of the new additions.
Aspen Creek was founded in 2009 by Teresa and Brian Crawford of Sullivan and has two facilities in Troy, Illinois in addition to the Sullivan location.
Teresa was inspired by her grandmother Madge and knew at an early age that her calling would be in health care for the elderly.
She pursued a degree in health care administration and was a past administrator at Mason Point.
When a supervisor in another job told her that she cared too much for the patients, she knew God was calling her to something greater and more rewarding. Read More

•February 27 2019•

Sullivan School Board held a special meeting at 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22 hiring Heather Ethell to fill the Sullivan Elementary School principal position.
The SES elementary principal position opened when Dan Allen became the Sullivan High School principal.
Ethell most recently served as an assistant principal and principal of a K-8 building, Hope Academy in Decatur.
She received her certification in elementary education as well as middle school reading and science. Apart from her teaching experience she has served as a reading coach and instructional coach. Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Sullivan Mayoral candidates Bill Burger, Incumbent Mayor Ann Short and Richard Glazebrook visited the Senior Center in Sullivan last week.

•February 20, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Mayoral candidates were guest speakers at a free luncheon provided by Mason Point at the Senior Center in Sullivan on February 15.
Current mayor Ann Short introduced herself to the 65 seniors in attendance and recalled that after moving to Sullivan, “I began my career in the treasurer’s office, and in 1975 when the office became vacant, I was voted the first woman treasurer of Sullivan.” She retired as treasurer in 2003 but was asked to run for mayor—an office she has held for the past 16 years.
Short stressed that government is a “we” thing. There are five commissioners, and they all work together really well.
She admitted to bein

g “old school” but really loves being mayor of Sullivan and would like to continue serving the community.
William “Bill” Burger spoke next, and he is running on a platform of “Change and Transparency”. He has spent the past two years researching, in particular, the rate of Sullivan’s population to the appropriations and also the TIF districts. Read More