The Sullivan Independent News

The Sullivan Fire Protection District held a graduation ceremony on Thursday evening for their 2009-10 Missouri State Firefighter One and Two graduates. The graduates were: Joshua Bell, Kory Borgmann, Matthew Bowen, Brendon Brewer, Megan Campbell, Jeremy Chappius, Rick Fongemie, Andrew Fortner, Sean Henning, Buddy Higgins, Kevin Isgriggs, Ryan Kenney, Mike Long, Ronald Martin, Timothy Mayer, John Miller, Teddi Reed, Clay Snodgrass, II, John Strothkamp, Jason Strubberg, Daniel Wegescheide, Brian Whitney, Brian Windle, Matthew Woodland, [...]

By James B. Bartle
A neighbor heard a loud explosion prior to a home being engulfed in flames on Wednesday night at 11:30 p.m. at 321 Cash St., Sullivan. The home was reportedly vacant at the time and was allegedly previously owned by Amber Burt.
Sullivan firefighters and Sullivan police responded to the home which was fully involved when they arrived on the scene.
“Our firefighters arrived on the scene at 11:40 p.m. and found the home completely [...]

By James B. Bartle
The Sullivan Board of Aldermen participated in more than an hour of discussions during the requests and petitions portion of their regular meeting on Tuesday night, Mar. 2.
Three different people addressed the council during this portion of the meeting all expressing concerns of the city utility rates, hiring of an economic developer in the city and the city’s reserve funding.
Jim Turntine, town of West Sullivan president and a property owner in Sullivan, [...]

A 35-year-old St. Clair man was found dead in his Franklin County jail cell at 12 a.m. on Monday morning, Mar. 8.
Franklin County Sheriff Gary Toelke reported Monday that a deputy was conducting a bed check at the county jail when he discovered inmate, Joseph Pena, suspended with a cloth around his neck that was tied to an air vent in his cell. Union Ambulance was called to the county jail, but were unable to [...]

Thursday, March 4, the Sullivan Independent News was honored to have Owensville High School sophomore and journalism student, Kelsey Strothkamp, job shadow Editor James Bartle.
Strothkamp participated in the OHS journalism class her freshman year and is a staff writer for the high school publication in 2009-10.
“I hope to become Assistant Editor in my junior year and Editor in my senior year at OHS,” said Strothkamp.
Strothkamp is being taught by former Sullivan Independent News Bourbon Editor, [...]

The Sullivan Fire Department held their annual banquet on Saturday evening at the Northside Reception Hall. Pictured are: Officer of the Year, firefighter Captain Dave Konys, left, and Junior Firefighter of the Year, Chief Kyle Arnold, right.

By James B. Bartle
The Sullivan City Council met in open session on Tues., Mar. 2  approving a number of items.
The council approved two wine tasting permits for B&B Kwik Stop, 116 South Service Rd., and D&P Liquor, 689 Fisher Dr., as both businesses are planning for wine tasting events. The council approved the requests unanimously.
The Cultural Grant Committee presented two applications for grant funding, which were both approved unanimously by the council.
The Sullivan Community Choir [...]

Gov. Jay Nixon visited the campus of East Central College in Union on Thurs., Feb. 4 to announce a $769,000 Training for Tomorrow grant to help prepare Missourians for careers in high-demand fields. East Central College will use the funds to train Missourians for careers in five growing fields.
Launched by Gov. Nixon just two months ago, Training for Tomorrow is designed to educate Missourians for careers in growing industries. These grants will help community colleges [...]

Walkers of all ages gathered in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church last week to overcome the cold weather and to support each other in being physically active. First Presbyterian and Peace Lutheran churches successfully kicked off their community walking group, called “In HIS Steps,” on Feb. 2, with over 30 participants during the first week of the program.
“I’m here to exercise because it helps my asthma, and I’m staying active for the upcoming [...]

Crystal Light powdered beverages help women enjoy drinking water every day, which is why they are collaborating with The Nature Conservancy to protect America’s rivers and lakes, our sources of clean, fresh drinking water, including the Meramec River.
Crystal Light will make a splash on World Water Day, Mon., Mar. 22, when it will give to The Nature Conservancy 100 percent of net profits from Crystal Light powdered drink mix products sold that day—no less than [...]