Back in the Day 1-13-21
Ten years ago
January 19, 2011
Demolition began on the former F. H. Jones Lumber Company on the corner of North Central Avenue and Parke Street on January 12.
Michael N. Smith was unanimously chosen as the new Tuscola Schools Superintendent at a January 13 special board of education meeting.
Aaron and Cassie Pierce were proud to announce the birth of their first son, Tyler Derek Pierce, born October 11, 2010.
Tuscola Cub Scouts were honored at the Jan. 16 Cub Scout meeting as the top three sellers during the annual popcorn sales fundraiser. Winners included Matthew Bennett (3rd place), Josh Dyer (2nd place), and Jake Dyer (1st place).
The 8th grade Hornet boys basketball team took home top hardware in the JHOC Tournament Championship game against Arthur.
Lindsay Troike reaches the millennium mark, joining Tuscola’s 1000-point club during the January 13 game against the Clinton Maroons.
Twenty years ago
January 16, 2001
Former Miss Tuscola and current Miss Moultrie-Douglas Jenny Gensler would be competing in the Miss Illinois County Fair pageant Jan. 20-21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.
Chamber of Commerce members were taking a close examination were taking a close examination of its sponsored events, programs and activities to see how best to focus their time and energies in the coming year. It was decided to drop the Chamber golf outing, due to low attendance.
TCHS senior Jeff Damler, son of Mike and Linda Damler, was named the Rotary Student of the Month for January.
Sophomore Lady Warrior Marissa McCumber had a career-high 19 points against Atwood-Hammond in the first round of the LOVC Tournament at Niantic, but it wasn’t enough for a victory, as Tuscola lost 48-38.
The Tuscola Warriors boys basketball team may have established a school record with its 120-54 win over Lovington. Double-digit scorers included Jared Blaudow with 20, Kenny Hogue with 17, Cory Kleiss with 13, and Matt McCumber with 12.
Thirty years ago
January 15, 1991
Tuscola and Douglas County were again reminded of the healthcare pinch, as Dr. Mamerto Guinto prepared to leave town, having suddenly closed his practice three weeks either.
Arson was suspected in the fire that destroyed part of Newman Grade School Sunday night. The blaze appeared to have started on the stage in the band room/gymnasium.
James C. Kleiss of Tuscola officially retired from duty as court bailiff of Douglas County, having served in that capacity since 1982.
All-time leading Lady Warrior basketball scoring leader Tisha Little was making a smooth transition to college-level play, the Kankakee Community College freshman named to the All-Tournament Team of the College of DuPage Holiday Tourney. Little averaged 10 points a game in the tourney, which was won by KCC.
The Shiloh Raiders tipped the scales in their favor, just barely, with a 64-63 overtime win against the Warriors in recent roundball action. Chris Spencer had 25 points and nine rebounds in the game.
Forty years ago
January 20, 1981
Scott Shearer of Villa Grove, who was joining Sec. Alan Dixon in Washington, D.C. as the senator’s assistant, was honored by approximately 80 well-wishers at a coffee held recently in Tuscola.
Theft and criminal damage to property were on the increase in Tuscola during 1980, according to statistics released by the Tuscola Police Dept. Petty theft showed the sharpest number of crimes committed, with 84 reported in 1980 compared to 62 in 1979. Burglaries also rose in that time span, from 37 to 50.
David Dietrich of Tuscola, a senior business administration and PE major at Monmouth College, was serving as a residence hall staff member at the college this year.
With 28 seconds to play, Tuscola’s Dan Meyer put up a 10-foot baseline shot that went in to clinch a 57-54 victory for the Warriors over visiting Warrensburg-Latham. The sophomore contributed 24 points on the evening.
Fifty years ago
January 14, 1971
Miss America Phyllis George, a 21-year-old Texas brunette, was scheduled to visit Tuscola Jan. 24 in conjunction with the Tuscola Automobile Association show.
A car owned by Fred Metheny was destroyed by fire late Thursday evening when the motor ignited as Mrs. Metheny attempted to start the car in order to pick up her husband from work. She was able to escape the burning car without injury.
Not a dissenting voice was heard as city council members discussed the liquor license application of Harry Little for the dining room of the Hotel Douglas. A vote was expected on the matter in a matter of weeks.
Coach Bill Burress’ Warriors rolled past conference foe Newman 91-59 in a game that got off to a shaky start, with both teams committing a total of 16 turnovers in the first six minutes of play. The JV team won its outing 69-30.