Sullivan Independent News

12/16/2025

Truck Driver Charged In New Haven

Date: December 15, 2025

Press Release- Anthony G. Franklin

On December 14, 2025, New Haven officers overheard radio traffic about multiple traffic complaints involving a semi-truck traveling west on Highway 100 just east of Washington. Numerous callers reported the semi-truck was swerving across the roadway, driving in opposite lanes and being operated in an unsafe manner having zero regard for the public’s safety.

As the vehicle entered the City of Washington, additional reports were received stating the semi-truck failed to stop at several red traffic signals. New Haven officer’s located the vehicle when it was in city limits on Hwy 100 and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield to emergency lights and sirens and continued traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes causing several vehicles to go off the roadway.

The semi-truck eventually ran off the roadway and came to a stop in a field near Diederich Road in Berger, Missouri. Officers made contact with the driver, Anthony Franklin, a 68-year-old male from Ceres, California. He was taken into custody without incident.

The driver showed several signs of impairment and a DUI investigation was conducted. The results of the blood test are not known at this time.

On December 15, 2025 a NO BOND warrant was signed by Honorable Judge Mark Brinkmann for the following charges:

•Aggravated Fleeing A Stop- Felony D

•Drive A Commercial Vehicle with Willful/Wanton Disregard for Safety- Misdemeanor B

We would like to thank the public for promptly reporting the unsafe driving behavior, which helped officers respond and bring the situation to a safe ending.

Christopher M. Neace
Chief of Police

12/15/2025

Uncle Charged In So**my Case In Washington County
In November 2025, the Washington County Sheriff's Office received a report alleging that an uncle had
engaged in sexual acts with his juvenile nephew and nieces. Detectives immediately initiated an
investigation and, over the course of the following month, worked diligently to gather evidence and
establish probable cause.
After several hours of interview and interrogation, detectives obtained a admission from the suspect,
along with a written letter of apology.
As a result of the investigation, Devon Whaley, age 28, of Irondale was taken into custody on Friday,
December 12, 2025. Whaley has been formally charged with the following offenses:
So**my in the First Degree x 3 (RSMo 566.060)
Statutory So**my in the First Degree x 3 (RSMo 566.062)
Enticement of a Child (RSMo 566.151)
Whaley is currently being held with no bond. This case number 25WA-CR00722.
With the holiday season approaching--a time typically associated with family, compassion, and
togetherness--this case is particularly disturbing. The Washington County Sheriff's Office commends the
detectives involved for their thorough, professional, and timely investigation. Due to their efforts, the
suspect remains incarcerated, and the juvenile victims are protected.
This investigation remains ongoing. Due to the involvement of juvenile victims, no further details will be
released at this time.
Dwayne S. Reed
Washington County Sheriff
PRIDE

12/14/2025

Police said two dogs and five cats were found in a cluttered, urine-soaked storage unit. One of the dogs was so malnourished its ribs were showing. A woman has been charged with more than a dozen counts of animal abuse.

EDIT: This story has been updated to reflect that two people have been charged.

Police Rescue Seven Pets from Frozen Storage Unit; Owner Faces 14 Counts Sun, 12/14/2025 - 9:02am A New Haven woman is facing 14 criminal counts after police discovered seven animals confined inside a storage unit during dangerously cold weather, according to a probable cause statement filed this we...

12/13/2025

TRAFFIC ALERT..Sullivan Fire is responding to 231 mile marker, westbound I-44, just east Stanton for vehicle into the median cables.
Be alert for traffic congestion and first responders.

12/12/2025

UPDATE: 50% off everything Sunday till it’s gone!!
YARD SALE ANYTIME FITNESS!
A chance to shop out of the cold weather!

12/10/2025

Thank you Pulaski County Deputies!
This is a must read and deserves the chance to be read!

12/10/2025

The Bourbon Warhawks band program is hosting a spaghetti supper and winter concert tonight at the high school.

https://www.mysullivannews.com/news-bourbon/bourbons-bands-present-winter-concert-spaghetti-spectacular-dec-10

12/10/2025

Investigators say a Franklin County woman is accused of sharing n**e selfies of herself and her daughter with another person through a mobile messaging app.

Franklin County Woman Accused Of Sharing N**e Photos Of Her Child Tue, 12/09/2025 - 8:37pm A Union woman is accused of taking n**e pictures of herself with her child and sharing them with another person through a mobile app.The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) tipped off t...

12/09/2025

WARMING SHELTER TO OPEN..With extreme cold forecast to hit the area this weekend the VFW Post 3987 announced they will open for those in need Friday evening.

For the third year now the Vfw is proud to open its doors as a warming shelter. As of now we will open the upstairs hall at 6pm Friday Dec 12th until Monday Dec 15th-10am. We will have cots, warm food, bedding, tv, clothes, winter apparel, and personal hygiene items. If you know of anyone in need please send them up. If they need a ride reach out to us and we will try to make it happen.

Thank you,
Jason Richardson
Post Commander

12/09/2025

Prosecutors charged a Sullivan man accused of breaking into Life House Youth Center back in November.

Sullivan Man Charged With Damaging Youth Center Tue, 12/09/2025 - 6:54am A Sullivan man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he broke into a nonprofit youth center and caused significant damage earlier this month.Prosecutors have charged Jason L. Harris with first-degree pr...

12/08/2025

Fixing one of Crawford County's most dangerous intersections topped the commission's list of top transportation priorities for the fourth straight year. Officials are hopeful the region and state take notice.

Commission Maintains Transportation Priority List Sat, 12/06/2025 - 8:04am Crawford County commissioners on Oct. 28 maintained their transportation priority list.Commissioners deliberated the list with officials from the Meramec Regional Planning Commission. Remaining at No. 1 on Crawford County’...

12/07/2025

Sullivan Chamber Downtown Tree Lighting was held this evening in downtown Sullivan.
Photojournalist Dustin Langel submitted this video to our newsroom.