Back in the Day–May 16, 2018
10 YEARS AGO
May 20, 2008
The class of 2008 had six Eagle Scouts amongst its ranks. In Tuscola Troop 80 Ryan Batts, Drew Hawkins, Joel Lee, Brandon Price, and Tyler Sapp earned this highest rank in the organization. Joining them was Austen Schultz from Arcola Troop 88.
Daniel C. Brown was named Deputy Chief of Administration for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Chief Brown was a 28-year veteran of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources police force.
The Tuscola boys’ varsity baseball team defeated Neoga and won the regional championship. Playing for the Warriors were Kyle Miller, Tyler Clark, Jesse Hall, Clayton Meyer, Christian Lehmann, Trace Quinn, Josh Nichols, Pat Yoakum, Kurtis Kinyoun, Cody Shelmadine, Dane Winn, Shane Albert, John Wienke, Shaheen Shabrou, and Matt Pflum.
TCHS girls’ softball team also won their regional championship. They defeated Danville Schlarman 5-4.
TCHS boys’ track split the sectional championship with St Joe. Both teams scored 124 points.
20 YEARS AGO
May 19, 1998
Dawn Killebrew opened Heavenly Blessing Educational Center. Although the center was not affiliated with the church in which it was established, it was a Christian based center.
First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust’s president Doug McCumber announced plans for a new banking facility. The new building was to allow more services and newer technology.
Tuscola Warriors’ track team won their sixth consecutive Little Okaw Valley Conference title. They scored 196 points with Villa Grove Blue Devils finishing second with 122 points.
The Lady Warriors’ 1600-meter relay team qualified for State. Becky Wetzel, Stephanie Reinhart, Janeen Sutherland, and Jenny Gensler represented Tuscola at the state track meet held at EIU. Reinhart also qualified for state in the triple jump.
1995 TCHS graduate Kurt Hettinger helped the Fighting Illini place third in the NCAA Gymnastics Championship. He had a career high of 9.675 in the parallel bars.
30 YEARS AGO
May 17, 1988
More than 100 residents celebrated National Nursing Home Week at Douglas Nightingale and Douglas Manor nursing homes. They enjoyed a variety of activities including luncheons, songs, and special events.
Dave Snyder was installed as ABC president and Jan Hastings ABC Auxilliary president. Jerry Tague was named Ambuc of the year for his fundraising efforts.
Over 200 citizens attended The Tuscola Police Department’s Bike Rodeo. Four new bicycles were given away to Joshua Reeves, Karie Hobel, Kim Myers, and Darcie Wood.
Toni Best was classified as “Best of the Best” at Notre Dame University in a gymnastics competition, The Region V Meet consisted of the top female gymnasts from Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky.
TCHS track team member Susan Harris qualified for State in shot put. Harris set a school record of 39-2 in competition.
40 YEARS AGO
May 18, 1978
Littlefuse was producing more than 520,000 fuses per day. Eighty two ladies were working production in the facility.
Tuscola was flooded after a weekend of rain. South Prairie Street was covered in water even after the weekend passed due to drainage issues.
The TCHS Chemistry Team placed first at the annual high school contest at EIU. Roger Gallion, Mark Lake, and John Buck competed for Tuscola, under direction of chemistry teacher Kay Kleiss, amongst 16 teams.
Barry Henby of Tuscola completed intensive paramedic training with the highest GPA. The course consisted of 390 classroom hours and 118 practical hours.
Harold “Chuck” Gilliland received his five-year service award from Cabot. Bob Vukelich was his supervisor at the plant.
Sheriff Gene Wigall and the Tuscola Police Department distributed a bicycle safety magazine to grade schools throughout the county They also randomly handed out reflectors from the limited supply they received from the State Safety League.
50 YEARS AGO
May 16, 1968
The American Business Club Auxiliary donated $500 to the Youth Center Fund. W.A. Bozarth was the Youth Center chairman.
James L. Parker of Tuscola received a promotion at the USI plant. He was named Section Leader in customer service.
Zane’s Bakery closed its door indefinitely. Owner Harold Zane was forced to close due to health issues.
The Warriors set two new track records in the Okaw Valley Conference. Dave Brown hurled a new discus record of 156 feet 7 1/4 inches, and Mat Morey broke the record in shot put with a throw of 59 feet 9 1/2 inches.
Records were also broken in the Douglas County Track Meet. The Tuscola relay team of Dale Hanners, Ron Runyun, Mike Holmes, and Bill Leonard set a new record with a time of 3:40.9. A new record was also set in the two-mile run at 10:54.6, and in pole vault at 14 feet 2 inches. Alex Tingley of Tuscola broke the record in the mile with his time of 4:50. Tuscola won the meet for the fifth consecutive time with a total of 96 points.