by Jamie Crosier

Six active Scouts remain in Boy Scout Troop 39 in Sullivan, while the community’s Cub Scout Pack 39 is currently unable to hold meetings after it was unable to renew its charter with Scouting America because of insufficient adult leadership.

The two situations are connected. Cub Scout Pack 39 has traditionally provided a path for younger Scouts to advance through the Cub Scout ranks before moving into Boy Scout Troop 39. Without an active pack, the troop loses that source of future members.

Eric Bettinger, who has been involved with Scouting for 14 years, said his own son has been out of Scouts for four years. Bettinger continued his involvement and had been serving as Cubmaster in an effort to keep Sullivan’s Cub Scout program going.

•September 2, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

A fishing derby created in memory of a Sullivan man who spent years sharing his love of fishing and serving his community will welcome more children this year.

Sullivan AMBUCS will hold the fourth annual Big Jim’s Kids Fishing Derby from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26, at the west entrance of Woods Lake on County Road 1000 E. in Sullivan. The free event is open to children ages 12 and younger, regardless of where they live.

The derby honors the late Jim “Big Jim” Bales, who died in February 2022. His grandson, Brock Bales, who is helping organize the event, said fishing was one of his grandfather’s favorite pastimes.

•August 26, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Six years after the first golf outing was held in memory of Thomas M. “Tommy” Houser, his family continues using the annual event to help others in ways they believe would have mattered to him.

The sixth annual Tommy Houser Memorial Golf Outing will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Sullivan Country Club in Sullivan. The outing has reached capacity and is full for golfers, but community members are welcome to stop by during the day to visit, donate and support the event.

For Houser’s wife, Elizabeth, the purpose extends well beyond the golf course.

“I wanted to give back in ways he would want me to,” she said. “We do so much good in his name.”

Houser died Feb. 27, 2020, at age 52. His law enforcement career spanned more than 31 years, beginning with the Sullivan Police Department and continuing with the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police.