Area News

On Aug. 25, the ExxonMobil Annuitants met for their monthly meeting and luncheon at the Ponderosa Steakhouse in Vandalia, with 28 members and four guests present.
Following the pledge to the flag, Brock Fisher gave the meal prayer.
President Dean Black opened the meeting with a welcome to all present.
The secretary/treasurer reports were read and approved. Birthdays and anniversaries for August were read.
Humorous readings were given by LaVerne Laux and Madelon Fisher.

Weekend Guests
Mahala Harpster of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Nathan Jacquin of Washington, Mo., spent Friday and Saturday night with Dane and Belinda Harpster of St. Peter.  
St. Peter Church
Sunday morning worship attendance was 182. Acolyte was Emily Chapman. Organist was Scott Gercken.
Elders were Curtis Jenne and Kevin Wodtka.
Remember in Your Prayers
• Those with health concerns:
-Alvin Riedle
-Sophie Wodtka
-Vicky Wuehler
• Those serving our country:
-Penny Taylor Davis

 ‘Possum Playing ‘Possum?...
…not this time. The morning after the last big rain, an opossum’s body was found in the lane in a puddle. We believe it was a case of “hit and run,” as the body was found down toward U.S. Route 40.
Also, we have not had a nightly visitor around the yard lately, and the girls’ eggs (Anita and Blackie hen) are now being accounted for. As we have no definite proof of identity, we refer to the body as “John O’Doe “ (but it was a ‘possum, not a deer doe).

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, Sept. 3, at Rogier Park in Vandalia drew 197 participants and raised $7,204.

The money raised will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "The walk was a huge success," said event coordinator Nicolette Rikli. Sponsors of the walk included Walmart, County Market, McDonald's and Casey's.