Back in the Day – Aug. 1, 2018
10 YEARS AGO
Aug. 5, 2008
The city street department replaced an old path at Wimple Park with a 5-foot sidewalk on the west side. Other improvements included new concrete pads for wheelchairs and fishing dock entrances.
The Tuscola Scouts held a carwash at the Tuscola Moose Lodge. They raised $375 to benefit local scouting activities.
Tuscola resident Randy Bergeson went on a dental mission trip to Jamaica. Rick and Mallory Davidson accompanied him on the mission.
The TCHS Class of 1972 enjoyed a class reunion. The reunion was held at Tuscany’s.
Cale Sementi attended the U.S. Army’s Midwest Nationals wrestling match. Sementi took home first place honors.
Tuscola residents participated in Villa Grove’s Ag Days 5K Run/Walk. Tuscola participants were Katie Hatfield, Deanna Woodard, Cecilia Yoakum, Rachel Brewer, and Heather Welch. Yoakum won the event in her age division.
20 YEARS AGO
Aug. 4, 1998
A marathon golf fundraiser was held at Ironhorse to offset costs for the high school weight room/concession stand facility. TCHS football coach Stan Wienke and Ironhorse VP Gene Lenzi planned the fundraiser and raised more than $20,000.
Tuscola National Bank President Lloyd Murphy and First Mid-Illinois Bank President Doug McCumber were presented with the honorary bank seal from Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka.
Derek Holmes competed in the 1998 Junior Drag Racing National Championship. Holmes won $300 for his efforts in the 13-year-old age division.
Tuscola All-Stars ended their season with a record of 6-5. Team members were Eric Arseneau, Michael Corum, Chris Weaver, Shane Wasiloski, Clint Cleland, Tyler Surma, Harlan Gilmore, Broc Winn, Lucas Wakefield, Jordan Kling, Michael Bailey, Eric Shoemaker, and Michael Pflum.
30 YEARS AGO
Aug. 2, 1988
Casey Herschberger was crowned Little Miss Tuscola. The Little Miss Sweetheart winner was Rachel Cronk.
Construction crews laid roofing on the new sewer plant northeast of Tuscola. Stations had already been pumping to the site’s two holding ponds.
The Tuscola Torpedoes held their last meet of the season against Arcola, Lincolnshire, and Effingham. The Torpedoes took second place in the quad meet.
Four TCHS Flag Corp members received the Most Improved award at the Smith-Walbridge Camp in Champaign. Recipients were Regina O’Brien, Corp Captain Danielle Stennett, Kandis Cozad, and Stacy Rogers.
True Value’s minor league was ending their season. Team members were Brian Nuttall, Bob Downs, Roger Roper, Matt Lytle, Adam Drollinger, Wyatt Martin, Justin Snider, John Knight, Mike Raynor, and Seth Jeffers. The team was coached by Jeff Cleland, Ken Downs, and Mark Roedder.
40 YEARS AGO
Aug. 3, 1978
A royal entry was submitted to participate in Tuscola Old Fashioned Day parade. Miss Farmer City Fair Queen, Cara Gee, entered to be a part of the event.
Waldo C. Ball was honored for his 23 years of service to the Tuscola American Business Club. He was praised for his service and showered with gifts.
The Moose Lodge honored Bert Hanners with a 50 Year Pin. Presenting the Pin were Secretary Francis Warters and Governor John Cler. Bert and his grandsons Dale, Robert, and Earl made three generations of Moose members.
Rotary won the Little League Championship. They beat the Lions 17-6.
Country music star Bill Anderson and his Po’ Boys and Po’ Girls softball team played a benefit game in Tuscola. They played with a local team of women softball players.
50 YEARS AGO
Aug. 1, 1968
The Tuscola High School cheerleaders won two trophies at George Williams College Cheerleaders’ Camp. Squad members were Rita Duensing, Esther Skinner, Judy Kleiss, Vicki Runyan, and Janet Strohl.
Two members of the Tuscola Police Department turned in resignations to pursue opening a sporting goods store. Bill Rogers Jr. and James Little were refused permission to open their store in the city due to their chosen location being zoned residential.
Twelve wives of the Tuscola Fire Department put on gear and battled hoses while receiving on-the-scene training of a controlled shed burn. Participants were Verina Wilhelm, Laura Thode, Dorothy Betzold, Dee Bates, Jeannine Dietrich, Virginia Green, Pat Flock, Mary Teeters, Dorothy Lytle, Pam Payne, Clarice Schweighart, and Judy Daugherty.