Back in the Day – Jan. 9, 2019
10 YEARS AGO
Jan. 13, 2009
The Tuscola Rotary Club welcomed nine new Rotarians, increasing membership by 26 percent to 43 members after a successful membership drive. The nine newest members were Frank Lincoln, Carl Nichols, Chad Hausmann, Richard Kidwell, Brian Moody, Dianne Seaman, Vicki Durham, Greg Hastings and Kevin Kauffman.
Substantial evidence was found against Rod Blagojevich for abuse of power, making it the first in Illinois Political History. The vote was 114-1 in favor of impeachment with a single “no” vote from Rep. Milton Patterson (D-Chicago) and a “present” vote from Rep. Elga Jefferies (D-Chicago).
Cellular One made its grand opening on Jan. 15, 2009 at the Tanger Outlet Mall. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held by the Chamber of Commerce along with door prizes, refreshments, special offers, and even a radio broadcast on WMCI.
20 YEARS AGO
Jan. 12, 1999
Several cars from an Illinois Central Railroad line lied overturned in the snow near F. H. Jones Lumbar. Twelve cars were involved in the derailment, most of which were empty. One car was hauling denatured alcohol but was discovered to not be leaking.
Navy Petty Officer Stanley A. Pruemer returned home after completing a month deployment in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. He was aboard the USS Fire, which was home ported in Everett, Wash. The USS Fire was capable of hitting enemy targets hundreds of miles away with its various types of missiles. Along with the missiles, the USS Fire supported two helicopters with sonar and torpedo capabilities.
After record-breaking snowfall, Jim and Margaret Stilwell braved the sub-zero temperatures to hold the “ground-breaking ceremony” of the Amishland Country Village. The 100,000 square foot building held many Amish style shops and businesses, an 800-seat buffet, a bakery and a general store.
30 YEARS AGO
Jan. 10, 1989
High winds ripped through Arcola knocking down powerlines, leaving residents without power, and destroying buildings. It was not yet determined if the winds were a tornado in the area, but it sure made for a lot of clean up. That same day a tornado destroyed nearly 1/4 of the homes and businesses in Allendale.
Jennifer Michelle Gensler participated in the Junior America Show in Lincolnshire after her photo was chosen by a selection committee. Jennifer was second runner-up in Little Miss Sweetheart in Tuscola prior to being selected for Junior America.
The Warriors boys’ JV claimed a victory over Sullivan in double-overtime. Regulation play of the match-up ended in a tie of 52-52. During the duration of the game, neither team held more than a four-point lead. Scott Zane’s 17 second-half points kept the Warriors in contention for the eventual 64-61 victory.
40 YEARS AGO
Jan. 11, 1978
Ronald and Janet Cannon of Atwood were the parents of the first baby born at Jarman Hospital in the new year. Robert Shane Cannon was born on Jan. 7.
Nobel Eblin was selected as “glass person of the year” by his employer Bacon and Van Buskirk Glass. Eblin was selected from more than 300 employees.
The Warriors won the consolation championship at Jamaica by beating ABL 77-64.
The Tuscola Rescue Squad freed a Michigan woman who had been trapped in the cab of an overturned semi truck following an accident on Interstate 57.
50 YEARS AGO
Jan. 9, 1968
Douglas County Circuit Clerk Thomas E. Van Voorhis reported a busy year in his office. The office filed 97 probate cases, 114 criminal cases, 316 small claims cases, and 1,601 traffic cases. Of the 67 chancery cases, 61 were divorces.
The Tuscola Warriors posted their fourth Okaw Valley Conference win by overwhelming Cerro Gordo 88-58. It was the tenth victory for the undefeated Tuscolians.
Sheriff Gene Miller reported 13 stolen cars, 82 traffic arrests, and 45 burglaries within the previous year. The office investigated one armed robbery, which was solved by an arrest in Decatur.