Back in the Day 12-11-19
10 years ago
December 16, 2009
TCHS administrator Ron O’Hearn accepted a $1,000 check from American Family Insurance agent Scott Kibler for the Teen Safe Driver Pledge program.
Tuscola high school senior, Laura Knight, daughter of Ron and Brenda Knight, was chose to be the Rotary Student of the Month for December. Laura maintained a 3.62 GPA and was 15th in her graduating class.
Tuscola area resident Phil Kappes, who was serving in Iraq, came home to a hero’s welcome on Saturday. One of his biggest fans, granddaughter Daytona Warnes, was delighted to welcome him back to the state.
Rob Birchenough was a colorful character, both literally and figuratively, as Jester in the madrigal dinner performed on Sunday, December 6 as part of the Christmastown activities in Tuscola.
About thirty people showed up to Casey Salmon’s book signing at the library during the Christmastown celebration on Saturday, December 5. Salmon lived in Tuscola and had recently published a picture book, entitled “Mabel, Stinky, and the Terrified Toad”.
20 years ago
December 14, 1999
Tuscola City Council members gave an early Christmas present to residents- passage of a city tax levy representing a decrease of $25,000 in monies being asked for form collected property taxes to run the city.
Volunteers who gathered to help wrap and distribute gifts donated through the Salvation Army Angel Tree included Tess Spivey, Debbie Reed, Connie Meyer, Cindy Lamb, Kendt McGillen, Fran Heinz, Stacey Barr, Sharon Stahler, and Amanda Lasswell.
Mr. and Mrs. Hop Conner of Tuscola were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house on December 18 at the Elks Lodge. The couple had five children, seventeen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
No less than 91 entrants ran in the Tuscola’s Santa Chase race during this year’s Christmastown celebration. Robert Hanners finished first with a time of 16:06.
30 years ago
December 12, 1989
Douglas County Board members listened to options available for Douglas Jarman Hospital on Tuesday evening. Alternatives included closing the facility, converting it to some other purpose, and trying to increase utilization of the hospital to improve revenues.
The Tuscola Quantum Chemical Company’s safety group was recognized by the American Heart Association for “outstanding emergency response and cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts” that resulted in saving the life of a plant employee.
Brian Hatfield popped in twenty-nine points, Scott Zane contributed fifteen points and Tim Smith had thirteen points in the Tuscola Warriors’ thrilling 75-73 double-overtime victory against favored Monticello Sages.
40 years ago
December 11, 1979
City officials had a new plan that would include installation of forty-nine new streetlights along South Main Street and Northline Road. Cost for the project would be approximately $3,450.
The Hillard Agency of Tuscola, Villa Grove and Hume announced the purchase of the Tom Brim Insurance Agency in Georgetown. The Georgetown office would be operated by Roger Schweighart, Gene Dick, and Max Call.
USI Chemical Company hosted a special 25th anniversary dinner in addition to its annual service awards night. Guest speaker at the anniversary dinner was USI vice president of manufacturing, Douglas L. Allen. Speaking at the service awards dinner was Darrell Mudra, head football coach at EIU.
50 years ago
December 18, 1969
Just over 200 acres of Douglas County land located near Arcola brought slightly under $800 at a Sheriffs sale held at the Douglas County Courthouse. Taxes on the land were reported at approximately $1,800.
Mr. and Mrs. John Morris of Tuscola were hosts at a recent open house held at the Douglas County Courthouse for courthouse employees and their families. More than 100 people attended the event.
Joshua Witters of Tuscola became the 500,000th patient to have a prescription filled at The Pharmacy this week. Pharmacist Bob Weaver filled the milestone prescription.
Hard-nosed pressure defense by the Sullivan Redskins helped contribute to the hosts 59-56 win over visiting Tuscola. Jon Surma was the Warriors’ high point scorer with sixteen, followed by Dennis Chaplin with twelve and Phil Rome with ten.