Back in the Day – Aug. 14, 2019
10 YEARS AGO
Aug. 19, 2009
The Provena Covenant satellite clinic in Tuscola closed its doors permanently on Aug. 14 at the Jarman Center building. They had been leasing the space since January 1995. Dr. Kenneth Brown and Warren Lee, PA-C, migrated to other regions, and the Tuscola PMG clinic transitioned to the Christie Clinic practice in the area.
Tuscola school district welcomed seven new teachers to the fold with the start of the 2009-2010 academic year. Those teachers are Kendra Rogers, district psychologist; Megan Watts, TCHS special education; Jorden White, East Prairie special education; Molly Gleason, East Prairie Spanish; Meghan Gentry, East Prairie language arts; Kimberly Wagy, North Ward first grade; and Brandon Christy, East Prairie boys P.E.
Chip Haake organized donations of goodS to be sent over to this friend, Mike Thomas, and his Air Force Reserve unit that was stationed in Iraq. Thomas along with Haake were volunteer firefighters for Tuscola, and he felt compelled to send over a “big hello” from home. There ended up being two boxes measuring 24x18x18 in size sent with numerous goodies ranging from magazines, newspapers, DVD’s to crafting supplies.
20 YEARS AGO
Aug. 17, 1999
The former Cain building succumbed to the bulldozer’s bite, as the empty structure was torn down in preparation for the Festival Plaza renovation at the corner of Main and Sale streets.
Tuscola residents in need of ambulance services would now have two emergency vehicles at their disposal 24 hours a day, seven days a week, after the city council approved a contract with Arrow Medical Services.
Prize winners for Floyd’s Barber Shop grand opening included free haircuts for Paul Murphy, Kenny Schrock, Irvin Kauffman, Roger Miller and Lowell Dallas; Goober hats went to Bruce Hall and Chris Anderson; and Orin Ruby won a Floyd’s polo shirt.
The low-gross winners in the Chamber of Commerce golf outing held Friday, Aug. 13 were the foursome of J.C. Sigler, Duane Dunn, John Hoel, and John Coats. They carded a 64 to earn the honor.
30 YEARS AGO
Aug. 15, 1989
More than 100 cars of 1974 vintage or older gathered for one of the events held in conjunction with Tuscola Lions Fun Days. Parking lots at Fannie & Charlie’s and Four Seasons were filled with those “fabulous” old cars, their owners and guests.
BAMMI (Bicycle Across Magnificent Miles of Illinois) cyclists numbering 250 were only 23 miles form the completion of their 500-mile trip when they made a rest stop in Tuscola. The riders were raising funds for the Chicago Lung Association.
The Douglas County Highway Department received payment of $18,379.51 as its share of the Motor Fuel Tax Fund from the state treasury for the month of July.
Navy seaman apprentice Dale Wirth, son of Helen Wirth of Tuscola, recently reported for duty aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Ticonderoga, with a home port of Norfolk, Va.
40 YEARS AGO
Aug. 16, 1979
The Huber stables had six horses entered in races at the Illinois State Fair, and all six finished in the money. Of particular note was the performance of Jetty Jaguar, who won his trial heat in 15:85 with a 90 speed index and came back to win in the finals of the Springfield Derby in 15:61, a blazing 98 speed index.
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wood of Tuscola celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at their home on July 31 in the company of friends and family.
Tuscola city council lowered the cost of building permits from $25 per 100 square feet to $7.50 per 100 square feet.
Kim Donnals of Tuscola snagged a 25-pound catfish from the pond at Wimple Park. Donnals used a cut-off casting rod and 10-pound test line to land it.
50 YEARS AGO
Aug. 14, 1969
Approximately 500 people attended an open house for Village Haven, a newly constructed 12-unit apartment building in Tuscola built by John Mast, with at least seven families choosing to sign leases in the facility.
Tuscola natives Debbie Summerlot and Marsha Fortney were to appear on a national telecast on Oct. 19 as part of the Western Illinois University halftime show, being broadcast in color on CBS. Fortney would be in the band, and Summerlot as the leading baton twirler.
Carpenter’s clothing store was offering a back-to-school jamboree featuring great specials on clothing. Lee jeans could be had with prices ranging from $4.50 to $7 per pair. Gym shoes for $5.79, and high school letter jackets were $21.50 while grade school jackets were $10.95.
For the second consecutive year, the Tuscola School District lowered its budget and tax levy. Estimated tax revenue for the school district’s 1970-1971 school year would be $902,000.