Photo by Mike Brothers
Titus Manor closed last year, and its fate is included in Sullivan City Council’s action toward the Winnifred Titus estate.

•July 24, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

When any government gets a large sum of money, it’s soon gone, was attorney Paul Stone’s concern if the city of Sullivan gets a $10-12 million lump sum inheritance from the Winnifred Titus Estate.
Stone and 120 people attended the Sullivan City Council meeting at Building 1225 Monday to air opinions on what the city should do.
Stone supported the city’s earlier decision to request the Titus Estate trustee to sign Titus Manor and 923 acres of farmland directly over to the city.
Zak Horn stated that Winnifred Titus provided clear direction in her will for a public sale of the property and the proceeds to be given to the city for civic improvements.
“The city should respect her wishes, accept the cash and make civic improvements,” Horn emphasized.
Kathy Hawbaker, past Titus Manor administrator and president of the Titus Sentel trustee board operating the Manor, reminded the audience Winnifred was ambitious and proud of where she lived and wanted that home for those ladies.
Titus Manor at Wyman Park’s residential care for ladies closed when residency dropped last year and the estate’s execution was left to the trust controlled by Busey Bank. Read More

•July 10, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

What would Winnie do?
Sullivan stands to inherit the Winnifred Titus home and 923 acres of farmland, but her intentions 59 years ago weighed against a flurry of social media buzz, again postponed hiring legal counsel at the July 8 meeting.
Commissioner Peggy Hargis moved the city hire legal counsel requesting the circuit court to direct the First National Bank of Decatur trust to sign the Titus Manor and property directly over to the city.
Commissioner Chuck Woodworth seconded the motion with Commissioner Mike Fowler the first to voice dissent.
“I don’t feel comfortable until after I hear from citizens,” Fowler said, referring to a planned public hearing on the future of the Titus property at the July 22 city council meeting.
After commissioner Abbey Sherwood noted she would like to hear from citizens, mayor Richard Glazebrook said the motion gives the perception a decision has already been made on its future. Read More

•June 26, 2019•
Sullivan Police Department announced plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers.
The safety campaign will run from June 17 through July 8 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day.
“We’re asking all of our residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day safely,” said Chief Andrew Pistorius. “It’s simple: If you’re driving, don’t drink or use drugs. Our officers will be out in full force to keep impaired drivers off the road.”
Sullivan Police Department will join the Illinois State Police and more than 160 local police and sheriff’s departments for the increased statewide enforcement effort. Read More

•June 12, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

Sullivan is making a clean sweep of its streets in homage to the Cubs sweeping the Cardinals last weekend.
A new $218,672.15 Pelican three broom street sweeper was approved for purchase by Sullivan City Council at the June 10 meeting in Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library.
Street commissioner Peggy Hargis made the motion, explaining the 1992 street sweeper was beyond repair.
Mayor Richard Glazebrook noted several sweepers were tested, and the consensus of employees and staff was the broom sweeper would best serve the city’s needs.
Commissioners Abbey Sherwood, Mike Fowler and Chuck Woodworth joined Hargis and Glazebrook to unanimously approve the purchase.
Prior to accepting comments from the public Mayor Glazebrook established the procedure: questions should be addressed to the mayor first, then redirected as necessary. Read More

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Okaw Valley High School honor students from left valedictorians Bella Benning and Kailynn Bobbett. Salutatorian Madison Vogel.

•May 29, 2019•
By Ellen Ferrera
for The News Progress

To the traditional strains of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance”, 41 Okaw Valley High School students entered the gym for their graduation ceremony Sunday, May 26.
For some it may be their last time in this gym and with each other.
The building was filled to capacity for this 80th graduation festivity. The podium was festooned with a large bouquet of the class flower(rose) in the class color of lemon yellow. Each of the young girls carried a large yellow rose as well.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance which was led by one of the valedictorians, Bella Benning. This was followed by a welcome by school principal Matt Shoaff who also gave special recognition to all veterans in the audience this Memorial Day. School board members and all the teachers were introduced.
Kent Stauder, Superintendent of Schools, presented the inductees to the Volunteer Wall of Fame and also the Alumni Wall of Fame award to Robert Disney, Jr. Disney was traveling to the event from Colorado when his truck broke down. Read More