Photo by R.R. Best
Lovington Wins at Water Ball
The Sullivan Fire Protection District helped kick off Moultrie County Relay for Life with the traditional water ball competition. Lovington, Bethany and Sullivan Fire District competed, with Lovington Fire Proetction District winning the traveling plaque this year. Above Bethany Fire Protection District lieutenant Robert Martz and Training captain Phil Ozier keep water jet focused on the ball, but couldn’t grab the victory. This year’s water ball competition was especially damp; a downpour prior to the Relay delayed opening events. Donations have poured in, and the fund drive is only $7,000 from the set goal of $50,000. It would be historic nationally to reach the goal; donations are still being accepted.

Photo by Mike Brothers
The Northenders at DC
The Northenders endured a torrential downpour during the All Wheel Extravaganza in Dalton City on July 22. The Northenders Band members Jan Courtright, Chris Eckel and Mike Harmison survived all kinds of weather but kept on playing.

Photo by R.R. Best
Fun Week
The Sullivan Parks and Recreation week of fun came to a close on Friday with Sullivan Fire District providing a cool closing followed by serving lunch to everyone participating in the weeklong program. Above fire department volunteer Dave Reed, Fire Chief Mike Piper and volunteer Rob Young serve Park and Recreation summer program participants.

Photo by R.R. Best
Jeepin’ for Jesse
Volunteers for Operation Secret Santa were ready to roll in the annual Jeepin’ for Jesse fund-raising event. Sign up was 11 a.m. July 14 at the Toy Bar in Sullivan. Operation Secret Santa kicked off at noon followed by silent and live actions with DJ tunes providing music at The Toy Bar to close the evening. Operation Secret Santa has grown to not only help those in need at Christmas but serves those in need around Moultrie County throughout the year.

Photo furnished
Mauck Promoted to Sergeant
John Mauck of Sullivan was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Sergeant Mauck has been stationed at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, since January 2016, where he is attached to Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, First Marine Aircraft Wing. Sergeant Mauck enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2015 and is a 2013 graduate of Sullivan High School. He is the son of Dr. Greg and Kim Mauck and a grandson of Roger and Verna Tice and the late Sgt. James and Kathleen Mauck, all of Sullivan.