Back in the Day – May 8, 2019
10 YEARS AGO
May 13, 2009
North Ward Elementary school partnered with Douglas County Health Department to provide basic dental services by setting up temporary dental stations on the stage in the North Ward cafeteria. The event took place on May 12.
TCHS Principal, Kyle Ransom, served up burgers and hot dogs to the high school students at lunchtime. The luncheon was a special treat as the school district winds down the academic year.
North Ward first and second graders entertained family and friends with a “Dinostar” themed music concert. The annual spring event took place at the elementary school.
20 YEARS AGO
May 11, 1999
The weather was picture perfect as residents of Tuscola Nightingale Manor gathered for a balloon release in honor of National Nursing Home week. Special activities were to go on at the Nursing Home complex from May 10-14 in celebration of the proclaimed week.
Flames and rescue lights illuminated the night as emergency crews fought a blaze at the Agri-Fab plant in Sullivan. Owners of the building, a storage and secondary manufacturing site for lawn and garden attachments, estimated the loss at $2 million to $3 million. Company President John Benda speculated that a lightning strike may have started the fire. Members of the Tuscola Fire Department were among the 100 plus firefighters called to the scene.
Illinois State Police District 10 Captain David H. Morgan reported that Troopers responded to 520 calls for service and assistance during the month of April, 45 arrests were made, 1,189 traffic citations, and 2,722 written warnings were issued to motorists during the month. There were 39 citations and 13 written warnings for overweight truck violations, and there were reportedly 90 people who died on Illinois Highways in April. District 10 Troopers investigated 51 traffic crashes within the nine-county area in East Central Illinois that make up the district.
30 YEARS AGO
May 9, 1989
The Tuscola Woman’s Club celebrated its 95th anniversary and welcomed special guest Kristin McCarty, a candidate for Miss Tuscola, who is sponsored by the group. Members of the group included Beverly Cheek, Brenda Knight, Leta Maloney, Pauline Voelcker, Susan Patterson, Darlene Wiesener, Thelma Hackett, Kristin McCarty, Carol McCarty, Kathryn McCumber, Catherine Kellogg and Mary Kay Kalmar.
Crystal Gail Eich was registered as a new junior member of the Angus Association. Junior members of the association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association and take part in Association sponsored shows and other national and regional events. The American Angus Association is the largest beef registry in the world, with over 24,000 active adult and junior members.
Eunice Muir became the 29th “Jewel” of the Tuscola Woman’s Club at the May luncheon, which was held on Saturday, May 6 at the Methodist Church. Other Jewels in attendance were Bess Bundy and Doris Helm.
40 YEARS AGO
May 10, 1979
Paul Stuerke assumed duties as manager of the DeKalb Ag Research, Inc. plant in Tuscola. Stuerke had just completed seven years as manager of a similar plant in Kearney, Neb.
A record 176 entries competed in the Bike-A-Thon for charity held at Ervin Park, according to event chairman Barb Utterback. Scott VonLanken pedaled 84 miles for the longest distance traveled. Brian Dobson was a close runner up with 80 miles to his credit. Robert McElroy was third with 71 miles.
Chuck Holmes was chosen for the 1979 edition of Who’s Who in Technology. Holmes received the honor for his innovations in engine design as a plant engineer at Littlefuse Corporation and in his business, Street & Strip Speed Shop.
50 YEARS AGO
May 8, 1969
Students from four area high schools attended a Law Day mock trial at the Douglas County Circuit Court. Raymond Lee Jr. was chairman of the event, which was presided over by Associate Judge James Sherrick. The plaintiff was played by probation officer Mrs. Robert Taylor; the defendant was THS senior David Brown.
Thirty-nine families attended Camp Jamboree at Ervin Park. Highlighting the two-day event was a family campfire sing-a-long on Saturday evening and Sunday church services performed by the Rev. Kenneth McConkey.
Janice Kleiss was elected to serve as president of Future Teachers of America, Marsha Green was elected vice president, Johne Huber was elected secretary and Micki McGuire will serve as treasurer.