Back in the Day – Nov. 14, 2018
10 YEARS AGO
Nov. 18, 2008
Mike Damler reported at the Tuscola Economic Development’s Eggs & Issues that dialogue was ongoing with two of the three owners of the former, deteriorating Dixie Truck Stop property. About 40 people were in attendance for the monthly meeting.
New inductees to the Tuscola chapter of the National Honor Society were Mike Adams, Laura Knight, Brooke Harris, Rachael Sapp, Cassie Grimm, Emily Groves, Carson Alexander, Liz Bosch, Anna Frye, Mollie Kresin, Chris Adams, Dylan Walker, Miriam Romine, Josh Scribner, Caleb Wakefield, Lauren Hunt, and Matt Pflum.
TCHS senior Brian Kennedy, son of John and Julie Kenney, was named the November Rotary Student of the Month.
Tuscola exited the IHSA football playoffs with a heartbreaking 22-21 loss to Concord Triopia. The Warriors lead 21-8 with less than four minutes to go in the game but were unable to hold on.
20 YEARS AGO
Nov. 17, 1998
Tuscola attorney Harrison “Budge” McCown was presented a framed poem given by Chester Keller on behalf of the Douglas County Bar Association in recognition of his 50th year as a practicing attorney.
Tuscola High School senior Matthew Schweighart, son of Ken and Beneta Schweighart, was chosen as the November Rotary Student of the Month.
Firefighters checked the source of a small fire at the former Woolverton Real Estate Building, 115 E. Sale St. The fire department was called in after a post office patron noticed flames coming from the unoccupied structure. The fire was traced to a shorted-out meter service entrance cable.
North Ward students modeled the dashiki cloths they made in Trixie Flavin’s art class. The second graders, who were studying African art, were also treated to a visit from Roger Godfrey, an EIU student from Uganda.
East Prairie seventh graders Sean Breen, Cassie Wesch, Jesse Kleiss, and Tiffany Carter made presentations during the Veterans Day program at the middle school. Local VFW Post 10009 hosted the brief morning assemblies at EP and the high school before leading a Veterans Day Walk through town.
30 YEARS AGO
Nov. 15, 1988
Local 4-H members approached the podium to receive their awards during achievement night at the Tuscola Community Building. Greg Carter and Alison Schable were named Outstanding Boy and Girl.
Jerry Snyder, son of Delores Looser and Jim Snyder of Tuscola, was promoted from director/purchasing and distribution to vice president/purchasing and distribution for T. J. Cinnamons Bakers of Kansas City, Kan.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Houser were on hand to greet George Bush when he made a whirlwind stop in Tuscola just before the national election.
TCHS boys’ basketball coach Kerry Kincaid was expected to have an imposing line up returning as Mark Kalmar, Roger Warner, Matthew Washburn, Brian Hatfield, and Steve Weemer formed the nucleus of the team.
The Immanuel Lutheran Church of Tuscola honored the remaining members of the 1928 confirmation class. Twelve of the 21 original members remain, and nine members were present at the reunion including Harold Rahn, Floyd Rahn, Carl Witte, Edna Cekander, Irene Schroeder, Mabel Hoel, Alvena Dolph, Maria Weddle, and Lloyd Rahn.
40 YEARS AGO
Nov. 16, 1978
More than 100 confused but determined parents met with a smattering of teachers and school officials to discuss seeming anarchy that was crippling the educational process. As discussions progressed it became alarmingly apparent that problems involving truancy, discipline, alcohol, and drug abuse existed throughout the three school buildings of the district. TCHS Principal William Butkovich said he became aware of “just how bad” conditions were when he inspected the restroom where he found stalls knocked to the floor, toilets filled with soda and beer cans, spit on the walls, cigarette wrappings and butts on the floors, and burned paper strewn about.
Miss Vanessa Romine, 18, Rockford, a former Tuscola resident, assumed the duties of Miss Illinois World.
Earl and Virginia Holmes were $174.33 richer (in groceries) after having won the right to a one-minute shopping spree at Tuscola IGA. Concentrating on the meat department, Earl piled his cart with favorite cuts of meat.
50 YEARS AGO
Nov. 14, 1968
Douglas County deputies presented several guns and other items recovered from a “gang hideout” in Indiana by Sheriff Gene Miller. The items were stolen from Tuscola, Villa Grove, Monticello, and Danville from 1967-1969.
William F. McCarty representing Tuscola National Bank appeared at the city council meeting and offered to give the City of Tuscola the former bank building at the northwest corner of Sale and Main streets, if the city was interested. The offer was made under the possibility that the city might be interested in moving the business offices and the council chambers to this location and allow room for expansion of the fire and police departments on Parke Street.
Receiving special recognition at the annual Squaw Club Football Banquet were Bill Anderson, captain elect; Don Gibson, winner of the sportsmanship award; Rocky Reimer, tackle trophy winner; Steve Leonard, named most valuable player; and Rick Welborn, alternate captain.