Back in the Day–Jan. 3, 2018
10 YEARS AGO
Jan. 8, 2008
The “Smoke Free Illinois Act” went into effect. Smokers were no longer allowed to smoke in public places, even the local bar. The manager of Proud Mary’s said it hurt their business, as it did business for the Tuscola Moose Lodge. Many customers and members were very upset, but businesses could not afford to pay the fines, if they violated the new law. Fines could be in excess of $2,500, depending on the number of violations. The police did random compliance checks on businesses a few days later and found only one minor infraction.
Bassell and Lyondell completed a merger, creating LyondellBasell Industries. At the time it was the world’s third largest independent chemical company and a global leader in polyolefin technology, production, and marketing.
In basketball, Warriors won the Unity shootout 55-41. JV won 46-38 against the T-Wolves, and the Lady Warriors won again in St-Joe Ogden 67-63. The seventh grade boys’ Hornets defeated Cerro Gordo by 20 points, 49-29.
20 YEARS AGO
Jan. 6, 1998
In local business news, Country Sampler owners Dee Beachy, Carol Weemer, and Betsy Stuerke were preparing for retirement. A hobby turned business that grew from having their “warehouse” in the trunk of a car to spanning international boundaries. Kay Meharry was to take on ownership of the business after the three ladies retired.
Tuscola True Value sponsored a give-a-way in which Brittany Foy was the recipient of a brand-new bicycle.
The Soda Pop Hop at the Douglas County Museum was a success. The New Year’s Eve event consisted of music, food, and dancing.
In real estate, the average price for a three-bedroom house was around $60,000. You could own a beautiful country home with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a fireplace and 4+ acres for $179,000, while the “fixer-uppers” were priced around $24,000.
In other news, a local gymnast, Jordan Kling, placed sixth in an All-Around gymnastics competition. This qualified him for the Championship Competition at Gateway Gymnastics in St. Louis.
30 YEARS AGO
Jan. 5, 1988
A $200,000 storm drainage system was proposed, but Alan Gilmore, superintendent of city services, said he did not get much support for the plan. The new sewer system was installed that summer, and he wanted to include a storm drain during the construction. Pollutants would be better diluted, if it drained into the Scattering Fork, rather into the underground water supply. Tuscola did not have an adequate drainage system, which is normally done before an area was developed. Meadowview and houses along Daggy and Wilson had severe drainage problems, and this project would help alleviate that problem, among others. Financing was the largest obstacle, and chances of the drainage system being done that summer were slim.
40 YEARS AGO
Dec. 23, 1977
The farmers supporting the strike were preparing to take a “tractorcade” to Springfield. They had already successfully demonstrated in Champaign-Urbana.
Jarman Memorial Hospital held their annual Christmas party at the Elk’s Lodge. Service awards were given to the following employees: Ada McGuire, 10 years; Clara Jackson, 10 years; Jane Ochs, 10 years; Mary Lou Meece, 15 years; Grace Keepper, 15 years; Caryl Knox, 15 years; Millie Little, 10 years; Viola Lloyd, 10 years; Althea Deaver, 10 years; Bertha Rowland, 10 years; Anna Bontrager, 5 years.
The Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad line withdrew an abandonment application that had been on file since 1973. The abandonment action would have turned Tuscola into a switchyard.
50 YEARS AGO
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