Photo by Sonya Best
Tree Trimming
Sullivan pre-schoolers took a field trip to the Moultrie County Courthouse Tuesday, where they took part in decorating the Christmas tree in the rotunda.

Photo furnished
St. Columcille Confirmation
2019 Confirmation and First Communion with Most Reverend Bishop John Paprocki for Immaculate Conception, Mattoon, and St. Columcille, Sullivan, at Immaculate Conception Church on Sunday, October 13, 2019.
Front Row: Addison Montgomery, Logan Gowin, Morgan Moses, Colin Beals, Ellison Lynch, Finnegan Reardon, Belle Powers, Leonardo Carrillo, Lilly Schuler, Levi Risley, Emma Drake, Abel Gonzalez, Valerie Rodriguez, Liam Strader
Middle Row: Liam Donovan, Zaiden Kaufman, Griffin Walk, Simon Parri, Owen Burton, Ethan Rankin, Cian Lynch, Josie Auer, Aaron Blanchette, Jeremy Cunnings, Amaka Cunnings,
Back Row: Treyeson Scott, Emerson Risley, Audrey Dodge, Ella Bahney, Reese Dodge, Fr. John, Bishop Paprocki, Father Adam Pritchard, Deacon Gene Uptmor, Capone Matthews, Isabel Donovan, Kylie Voyles, Trent Hettinger

Passing the Torch: New Leaders for Troop 39
Photo furnished
Pictured are Jacob Bettinger and Eric Bettinger.
Scouts BSA (Boy Scout) Troop 39 of Sullivan is under new leadership.
Eric Bettinger has replaced Jeff White as Scoutmaster and Jason Fleming has assumed the role of Assistant Scoutmaster.
Bettinger and Fleming have been involved in the Scouting program in Sullivan for many years—Bettinger having served as Cubmaster and Den Leader and Fleming as Den Leader.
White will continue to remain involved, serving as Troop Committee Chairman and former leaders Gerry and Beth Wood continue to serve as committee members providing support for the troop.

Photo furnished
DMH Auxiliary Donates Funds
Decatur Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, celebrating their 65 year anniversary, presented a $95,497.43 check to Drew Early, president and CEO of Decatur Memorial Hospital. “The check brought the auxiliary’s total donations to the hospital to more than $7.8 million, Paula Hall, DMH volunteer services manager, said. Funds were raised from sales in the DMH Thrift Shop, Gift Shop and other fundraisers, such as bus trips, jewelry shows, book fairs, and the annual craft show.“There were 25,720 hours worked by 200 volunteers this year in more than 30 areas,” said Hall. Money received from the auxiliary will be used to buy hospital equipment-and make improvements to the hospital.

Photo by Mike Brothers
Habitat Home Key Ceremony
Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity board members, Habitat Care A Vanners, family and friends gathered at 604 Faith Lane in Sullivan to present Jennifer Penberthy with the key to her new home. Ground breaking was August 25 with Care A Vanners and volunteers completing the home by Friday, Oct. 11. A large crowd of family and friends gathered in the living room where dedication services were conducted. Above Habitat support Cheryl Thomas (center right) presents Penberthy and her two daughters, Kendall and Gabby with the customary Habitat Bible.