Back in the Day – March 13, 2019
10 YEARS AGO
March 17, 2009
After the death of Douglas County Chief Deputy Tommy K. Martin in 2007, William B. Thomson, of Chicago, was offered a plea deal of admission of guilt on March 11, 2009 in the Macon County Courthouse. Thomson was charged with natural life in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder.
The 2009 Miss Tuscola contestants were Emily Groves, Maria DaSilva, Brittany Price, Cori Ponder, Anna Frye, Taylor Turner, Lauren Hunt and Alissa Maurer. The reigning 2008 Miss Tuscola was Michelle Ogden.
The Warriorettes dance team performed during the IDTA State Finals held at the U of I Assembly Hall on March 14. They placed sixth in the Class A Pom category.
20 YEARS AGO
March 16, 1999
Illinois State Police director Sam W. Nolan announced that Mark Whitley, Division of Administration, was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant. Whitley joined Illinois State Police in 1984.
The winter sports awards banquet recognized several athletes individually for their exceptional performance throughout the season. The winners that received individual awards were: Cheerleading- Ashley Hall, most spirited, Amber Hector, most improved and Jenny Gensler, most outstanding; boys basketball- Matthew Schweighart, co-most valuable and best defensive player, Chris Brain, co-most valuable player, rebound award, free throw percentage award, and Drew Hall, most improved; girls basketball- Jenny Mosely, most improved varsity player, Rachel Robertson, most improved JV player, Casey Roberts, defensive award, Janeen Southerland, most valuable player, and Becka Stephenson, rebound and free throw percentage awards.
30 YEARS AGO
March 14, 1989
The SIU-C Dean’s scholastic achievement list was announced for the fall semester. Those listed are Kathryn K. Baird from Arcola, Todd A. Hunter from Arcola, Jonathan C. Beranek from Tuscola, and William D. Griffith from Villa Grove.
The Douglas County Farm Bureau was gearing up to hold its 69th annual meeting at the Tuscola Community Building. The meeting included a free dinner and the business session conducted by Farm Bureau President Larry Harbaugh to elect directors. Featured speakers included Lou Hansen and Alan Girand of Illinois Farm Bureau radio network.
Global Information Systems Technology, Inc, based in Savoy, was set to receive a contract award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Small Business Innovation Research-Phase II program. It was chosen along with 99 other high technology firms, to continue development of an expert system using leading edge computer software techniques. They were the only Illinois company to receive a Phase II award.
40 YEARS AGO
March 15, 1979
Incumbent councilman Ray Carlson announced his plans to seek a third consecutive term representing Ward II.
Paul Chismar was hired as part-time recreational director for the City of Tuscola. Chismar, who holds a bachelor of science degree in parks and community recreation, was hired on a trial basis.
50 YEARS AGO
March 6, 1969
Airman Reggie C. Arnett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Arnett has graduated with honors at Chanute Air Force Base, from the training course for U.S. Air Force fuel specialists.
While in Vietnam, Specialist Four Richard K. Mattingly, 19, son of Mrs. Lee Scott, was awarded one of the most valued badges worn by Army front-line soldiers, the Combat Infantryman Badge. Mattingly was assigned as a member of Company E, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. The CIB has been awarded since late in WWII for sustained ground contact against an enemy.
Stephen Lee Mattix, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Mattix, enlisted in the Air Force on Feb. 27, 1969. He is a graduate of Tuscola High School in 1968 and is entering the administrative aptitude field in the Air Force.