Back in the Day – Feb. 20, 2019
10 YEARS AGO
Feb. 24, 2009
The Tuscola Fire Department held a ceremony honoring retiring firefighter, Greg Ritter. Ritter had 22 years of experience with TFD including his last ten years as Lieutenant. He was given a ceremonial axe from the department and plaque given by Chief Hettinger on behalf of the City of Tuscola.
State Representative, Chapin Rose, was the guest speaker at the Tuscola Rotary Club. His topic was “The Strange World of Illinois Politics.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially welcoming the fitness center to Tuscola. Chamber members, city officials, and the Tuscola “Royalty” joined for the ceremony. An open house followed hosted by the center.
20 YEARS AGO
Feb. 23, 1999
Fifth and sixth grade American History award winners this year were Anya Knecht and Scott Burris. Both winners were honored at a luncheon in Arcola.
Past and present Boy Scouts gathered at Forty Martyrs Catholic Church Hall for the annual Blue and Gold banquet. Tuscola Pack 80 welcomed those gathered with ceremonies including a flag ceremony, dinner, song, and guest speaker.
East Prairie boys’ basketball was praised for their hard work at a banquet. Those with personal awards were: eighth grade–Ryan Bonner with the free throw and rebound awards and Mike Hackett with the hustle award. Seventh grade–Justin Bozarth with the hustle award, Austin Arseneau with the free throw award, and Andy Pollock with the rebound award.
30 YEARS AGO
Feb. 21, 1989
Tuscola’s East Prairie Science Olympiad team placed first in the regional contest with six first places, four second places, and one third place out of 14 events. The team members included: Tony Stenger, Kari Habel, Holly Henderson, Ryan Rahe, Patrick Quinn, Jeremy Schweighart, Abigail Middleton, Brian Mitsdarfer, Jill Little, Ellen Nogle, Kendra Pickens, Phillip Michener, Brian Byers, Scott Seguin, Matt Brewer, Steven Manzke, and instructor Bob Pearce.
The Dixie Truckers Home, which was open 24/7 on Route 36, hosted its weekend breakfast buffet. The buffet, available Saturday and Sunday mornings, included scrambled eggs, sausage links, bacon, biscuits and sausage gravy, sweet rolls, choice of two coffee cakes, juice, assorted fresh fruits and French toast sticks with hot syrup for $4.95.
40 YEARS AGO
Feb. 22, 1979
Five Tuscola High School students entered into the Miss Tuscola Pageant. Contestants competing were: Kathy Schweighart, Jill Holden, Brenda Mondul, Mimi Meyers, and Tracy Maxey.
The Douglas County Board approved a $20,000 redecorating plan at the Jarman Hospital. Projects included new draperies, blinds, and repainting.
The Tuscola Hornets eighth grade became sectional champions after defeating Mattoon 54-53. The Hornets advanced to the State Tournament in Chatham.
Randy Frank, Jarman Hospital administrator, resigned his role to accept the position of Vice President of Professional Services at Columbia Hospital in Milwaukee.
50 YEARS AGO
Feb. 20, 1969
The Tuscola Youth Center was formally opened for use with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Officiating the ribbon cutting were John Cox and Tom Harriss. The building, which was formerly a garage building, located on the northwest corner of Parke and Sale streets was purchased from Lois Kerns.
Army First Sergeant Charles E. Goad, son of Mrs. Aliene Brigatment of Lovington, was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam as an operations and training officer.
The flu, in its various forms, hit Tuscola extra hard and sent absentees to a record high. On Friday the 15th , 246 of 1,655 students were absent which was around 20 percent. The usual rate of absentees is less than 5 percent. On Monday the 19th, 120 of 480 high school students were absent.