Photo by R.R. Best
Sunday Morning Fire
Early morning Sunday morning several explosions rocked the neighborhood at 511 S. Grant St., Sullivan. Those explosions were caused by medical oxygen bottles located inside the home with the cause of the fire under investigation, according to a news release from Sullivan Fire Protection Dist. Chief Mike Piper.
Sullivan, Bethany and Lovington fire departments responded to the 1:21 a.m. fire. When SFD fire fighters arrived the fire was showing and all occupants out of the house. One occupant was treated on the scene by EMS for minor smoke inhalation. No injuries were reported.
The home and most personal items sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage and is estimated a complete loss. Red Cross was contacted and responded to the scene assisting occupants with personal needs. Fire crews cleared the scene by 4:40 a.m. Dec. 15.

Photo furnished. Santa Visits Lovington. Santa visited the Lovington American Legion Post Sunday, Dec. 8 delivering treats and listening to requests. The annual event is sponsored by the Lovington American Legion Auxiliary. Sparrow’s Unlimited held the 25th annual Kids Auction at Jerry’s East End in Lovington on Saturday which raised needed funds for local families during the holidays.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Wild Bird
One Book One Sullivan students at Sullivan Middle School unveiled this year’s community/school read during a school assembly Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 8:15 a.m. OBOS coordinator Rikki Ray and Reading Committee students explained the process of choosing the book and then gave highlights of Wendelin Van Draanen’s Wild Bird. With the financial support of Sullivan Rotary Club One Book One Sullivan offers Wild Bird free to anyone in the community at various locations throughout the school district. Above Rotary Club members display Wild Bird along with the One Book One Sullivan Reading Committee students.

Photo by Mike Brothers
IGA Breaks Record
The eighth annual Sullivan IGA Roundup collected a record $1543 plus change Nov.3-9 when customers donated change from their purchases to the Moultrie County Food Pantry. Those donations purchased some 130 turkeys donated to the food pantry and distributed in Thanksgiving dinners last week. Above the Sullivan IGA meat department Thanksgiving delivery crew: (back from left) Emmalee Hortenstine, Blake Eller, Mason Harner; (front) Seth Cobb and IGA Meat Dept. manager Barry Golden.

Photo furnished
Oktoberfest Chili Cook-Off Winners
Judges Choice Winners: 1st Place - H & R Block - Monica Deters, 1st Runner Up - Mason Point - Darin Wall, 2nd Runner Up - Thompson Family Vending - Jesse & Julia Thompson
People’s Choice Winner: Radio Shack - Ryan and Meghan Whitten