Category Archives: News Section

Yost Gets New Attorney

News Progress Posted on by

•March 8, 2019•

An aged and heavier Michael Yost sat alone at the defense table in Moultrie County court Thursday, March 7 as the Honorable Judge Hugh Finson appointed Walter Lookofsy to defend him.
He will return to Moultrie County Court at 3:00 p.m.Tuesday, April 2 after consulting with his new attorney.
The Illinois Appellate Court directed the Krankel hearing in Moultrie County to determine if Yost, 45, was ineffectively represented by counsel during his Sept. 2016 trial.
Judge Finson asked States Attorney Tracy Weaver about the Krankel filing in Moultrie County Court which she noted was made in 2016.
At that point a shackled Yost approached the bench, providing Judge Finson with his original Sept. 2016 Krankel filing.
In that filing, upheld by the Appellate Court on Jan 18, Yost maintained that public defender Brad Rau should not have represented him since he had previously represented murder victim Sheri Randall in a court proceeding.
Yost went on to request private counsel be appointed since his filing was based on incompetent representation by the court appointed public defender.
After Judge Finson dismissed Moultrie Co. Public Defender Marvin Hanson because had been involved in a previous case with Yost, Walter B. Lookofsy was appointed Yost’s new attorney with a 3:00 p.m. April 2 court date set to continue the Krankel hearing.
Those attending the proceedings were Randall’s family, friends and DOVE Domestic Violence counselors.
Yost was sentenced to 75 years by Circuit Judge Dan Flannell with the Illinois Dept. of Corrections in Oct. 2016 for the murder of 43 year old Sheri Randall of Sullivan.

A Cold February Day is a Good Time to Make Maple Syrup

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Bob Waelde taps maple and walnut trees from mid February to get enough sap to make maple and walnut syrup.

•March 6, 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

The bitter cold of February sends most of us scurrying to the warmth of our homes, but Bob Waelde ventures forth to collect buckets of sap from maple and walnut trees to make maple syrup.
Why does he do it?
“My grandfather used to make maple syrup and, as a child, I would follow him around as he collected his buckets,” Waelde recalled. “About five years ago I decided to try making my own.”
The process of making maple syrup today is the same as it was hundreds of years ago when Native Americans introduced it to early immigrants. Waelde took me through his particular process.
Collecting the sap usually begins in February and runs six weeks into March. The flow is best when below freezing nights are followed by above freezing, sunny days. When the nightly freezes end and the trees begin to bud, the season is over.
Maple and walnut trees are the best, Waelde explained. You may also use birch, but the sap flow isn’t as good. According to articles found on the internet the tree should be about 40 years old and 15” in diameter (not circumference). The larger the tree the more taps may be inserted but usually no more than three. A healthy tree can produce a gallon a day on a good day. Read More

Sullivan AP Spanish Students Honor the Heroes Among Us

News Progress Posted on by

•March 6, 2019•

The Sullivan High School AP Spanish class recently visited a 102-year old veteran, William Dean Bennett, at Courtyard Estates to give him a heartwarming surprise.
After learning about heroes and how the identity of a country is determined by the sacrifices of soldiers who fought for them, they decided to create a wooden flag to give to Bennett as a thank you for his service during World War II.
When Bennett received his gift, he responded with, “This whole flag is for me?” Read More

More Smoke than Fire

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by R.R. Best
More Smoke than Fire
Sullivan firefighters were called to 1004 W. Roane St., Apt. 4 at 4:06 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Sullivan police reported the fire and were involved in rescuing an individual at the scene who was transported by Sullivan ambulance service to a local hospital. Above Sullivan PD and Moultrie Co Sheriff’s Dept. are determining the condition of the rescue victim.
Assistant chief Larry Edwards reported the first truck and equipped firefighters arrived and had the fire under control with fire extinguishers. The room and contents fire was limited to one room with the remaining apartment receiving smoke damage. Edwards noted the fire was of a suspicious nature, and the State Fire Marshal’s office was called to investigate. Most equipment cleared the scene by 5:06 p.m. with one unit remaining until the fire marshal’s arrival at 6 p.m. Bethany and Lovington Fire Depts. were called to assist. The News Progress learned that Brandon Orr, a resident of the apartment, was rescued at the scene and taken to the hospital for treatment.

Trial Set for Accused Shooter

News Progress Posted on by

•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.

ALAH District Increases Salary for Substitute Teachers

News Progress Posted on by

•February 27 2019•

By Ariana Cherry
for the News Progress

Superintendent Kenny Schwengel stated that the balance of all the district’s funds currently is $6,955,732.69. The Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond school district received one transportation payment of $136,000 in January.
He noted that the second payment has been disbursed but has not been received. About $396,000 were paid in bills.
The board discussed raising the salary for substitute teachers. On average most districts pay $90 per day, and ALAH is set at $85. ALAH principals commented that several of their substitutes come out of town from Decatur, Sullivan, Bethany and Mt. Zion to teach. Principal Sage Hale mentioned that currently, aides are getting difficult to find. Ed Miller moved that the board increase the pay to $90 a day. It was seconded and passed unanimously by the board. Supt. Schwengel mentioned that the board can revisit the issue before next August to see whether the pay would need to be raised again when compared with other school districts. Read More

Aspen Creek Showcases Upgrades for Residents

News Progress Posted on by

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

Show Choir Invitational

News Progress Posted on by

Photo courtesy Luis Saravia
Show Choir Invitational
Sullivan Singers Jr. entertained visitors during the two-day Show Choir Invitational. Seven middle school groups competed on Friday, and 17 high school groups competed on Sat. bringing large crowds from surrounding communities to Sullivan. Sullivan Singers Boosters noted the Invitational’s success was made possible through support from the Sullivan School District #300 administration, maintenance and kitchen staff, Sullivan Police and Fire Departments, Sullivan Singers Alumni Association, Sullivan Singers parents and grandparents and numerous community sponsors.

Sullivan American Legion Kicks off Walk of Honor

News Progress Posted on by

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Post 68 Commander Bob Sims displays one of the Walk of Honor brick prototypes planned for the flag pole area at the Sullivan American Legion Post.

•February 27 2019•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

The Sullivan American Legion Post #68 kicked off its 100th anniversary celebration with plans for a Walk of Honor.
Legion Commander Bob Sims revealed plans for the major Post 68 fundraiser. “We are now landscaping and building a brick Walk of Honor for the flag pole area. Post 68 is taking orders for memorial bricks to be included in the walk to honor loved ones who served,” he said.
Don’t fret if you missed this delicious meal that included fried potatoes and cornbread for there are other benefits being planned throughout the year.
On March 5 the Legion will host a lasagna dinner to not only give the community a chance to enjoy a great meal but to help with fundraising efforts for the Walk of Honor project. Read More

New Principal for Sullivan Elementary School

News Progress Posted on by

•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