News Progress

•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

•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

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

•February 27 2019•

Jalon Warren, 19, pled guilty to obstruction of justice, was fined $500 and received 24 months probation ending a case that began with a bomb threat note found in a Sullivan High School restroom last year.
When arrested on March 26, 2018, Warren was charged with making a terrorism threat, threat on a school building or person (reduced to disorderly conduct) and obstructing justice.
The terrorism threat and disorderly conduct charges were dismissed in exchange for the plea bargain during his Feb 21 appearance before the Honorable Hugh Finson in Moultrie County Circuit Court. Read More