Back in the Day – June 19, 2019
10 YEARS AGO
June 24, 2009
An early morning thunderstorm struck Tuscola around 6:30 a.m. June 18 leaving debris and destruction in its wake. The storm broke several large tree branches, uprooted some trees, flooded several streets, downed powerlines and snapped several power poles. The storm left several homes in the area without power, several people reported damage to property and there was an unconfirmed report of a tornado north of Atwood.
Dominick Cloud, who had just completed fourth grade at North Ward Elementary, was among the high-achieving elementary school students taking part in the National Young Scholars Program held at University Plaza Conference Center in DeKalb. He is the son of Leigh Ann Cloud, and Darren and Denise Cloud; and grandson of Jerry Jolley of Tuscola.
In the first round of Little League tournament action with Tuscola Rotary against Villa Grove, Rotary defeated Villa Grove to advance.
Fast pitch softball action pitted Tuscola First Federal against Villa Grove. First Federal defeated Villa Grove 9-8 for the team’s first win.
20 YEARS AGO
June 22, 1999
Douglas County Sheriff John Chambers reported police officials harvested 28 marijuana plants growing in a secluded plot of Tuscola. Chambers estimated the crop’s street value in excess of $5,000.
Tuscola Firefighters were called to an east Pembroke residence after neighbors reported seeing smoke coming from the home’s attic. TFD Chief Steve Hettinger said the fire appeared to have been started by a propane torch used by a roofing contractor working on the home. The kitchen, dining room and a bathroom sustained substantial water and structural damage. No one was home at the time of the fire.
Kim Higgins joined the staff at First Federal Bank of Tuscola. She assumed the position of vice president and served in a loan officer capacity. She was also overseeing the mortgage departments for Tuscola, Arcola, and Arthur.
Four Seasons Auto Plaza and Tim Mooney Ford, Inc. kicked off a Summer Sell-A-Bration. NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett’s #88 racecar was on display as part of the event.
Mike Collins accepted the Wild Turkey “prize” for shooting the high score at the Tuscola Open golf outing.
30 YEARS AGO
June 20, 1989
Members of the ABC Little League team were JJ Hausman, Shane Ring, Matt Wingstrom, Kris Kincaid, Travis Rich, Matt Patton, Chad Hausmann, Aaron Rund, Shawn Watkins, and Chris Pollock.
Gueretta Lewis was selected Republican Woman of the Year by the executive committee of the Douglas County Republican Woman’s Club.
Fathers and sons gathered at Douglas County Manor Nursing Home for a special fish fry in observance of Father’s Day. Dozens of residents and visitors enjoyed the relaxing outing for “the boys.”
Illinois trees were beginning to reflect the effects of the last summer’s drought, the most noticeable problem being defoliation caused by the eastern tent caterpillar.
Joe Short, operator at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company, received his 25 years of service award.
Carmen Meyer graduated June 8 from the University of Illinois’ College of Nursing with a bachelor’s of science in nursing.
40 YEARS AGO
June 21, 1979
MFT fund allotments for the month of May from the state to Douglas County was $18,841.88. Townships in Douglas County shared $34,485.13.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schuster were honored on their 25th wedding anniversary.
Donna Bissey of Tuscola was named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester at Illinois State University College of Fine Arts.
Miss Illinois Debra Carlson was among the dignitaries on hand to officially announce the opening of the new Ben Franklin store in Tuscola. An estimated 20,000 people visited the store during a four-day grand opening celebration.
Bob Quick, Atwood Hammond High School Chapter of FFA, was elected State of Illinois FFA president.
According to Cystic Fibrosis Bike-A-Thon Chairman Barb Utterback, final tally of funds raised showed a total of $6,127.91.
50 YEARS AGO
June 26, 1969
Fred G. Boyer, president of the Pesotum Grain Company, purchased Hayes Elevator from the Douglas County Grain Company of Tuscola.
Douglas County 4-Hers selected to demonstrate at the Illinois State Fair included Carolyn Miller, Cynthia Bateman and Joyce Bowles of Tuscola, Kimberly Hawkins of Oakland, Teresa Emberton of Newman, and Randy Williams of Hindsboro.
ABC Auxiliary officers were installed, including Rheadon Kresin, secretary; Jan Cornell, president; Sally Doud, vice president; and Delores Ford, Loretta Kibler and Donna Hibbets, directors.
Ambucs officers installed were Carl Quinn, treasurer; Don Beltz, president; Jerry Warnes, vice president; C.W. Gordy, installing officer; Wayne Doud, Bob Murphy and Gene Cornell, directors; and Waldo C. Ball, regional director.
Jami Huber, Mary Waite, Peggy Robinson, Carla Ford and Renee Fortney received an outstanding rating at Illinois State University cheerleader school.