Back in the Day 3-3-21
Ten years ago
March 9, 2011
Mrs. Stanfield’s third-grade class participated in the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign in support of their classmate Luke Reed, who has Down syndrome. The campaign calls for the end of the “r-word” in a negative context.
Six community-minded citizens vied for the for a spot on the Tuscola School Board this year, these included Katrina Chester, Darold Spillman, Linda Scribner, Tim Mooney, Pamela Manselle, and Khristi Boyer.
DAR American History essay contest winners included Hunter Dyer of Atwood-Hammond and Sydney Hoel of Tuscola.
The Tuscola Warriorettes prepared for their NASCAR-themed pon routine at the state competition on March 12.
Tuscola High School Honors Choir received a first place rating and Best of the Day at this year’s Solo and Ensemble contest. Other first-place winners included the girls ensemble’, Anthony Morrison’s solo performance, and Lauren Ovca’s playing the piano.
Second Cinema Video Rental closed its doors on the Tuscola location next to IGA.
Twenty years ago
March 6, 2001
Tuscola school board administrators, board members, and city officials joined forces Wed. Feb. 28 to break ground for the new elementary school along Prairie Street. Excavation work was slated to begin in April, and English Brothers Company would be the contractors.
The rebirth of Ironhorse Golf Course, at least for the coming golf season, would be under the management expertise of Tom Rodem of H.G. Properties. Rodem also served as the manager of the University of Illinois’ Orange and Blue courses in Savoy.
Tuscola native Dennis Hanner recently opened the Douglas County Hearing Center in the lower level of the Jarman Center. The new business offered hearing evaluations, hearing aid repair and cleaning services.
Accomplishments logged by Tuscola Warriors boys basketball team this season included a 27-4 overall record, unbeaten LOVC champions, winners of the Pizza Hut Classic and LOVC Tourney, and a 22-game winning-streak–the longest since 1988-89.
Thirty years ago
March 5, 1991
Contestants for the Miss Tuscola pageant this year included Mindee Hastings, Tangie Rahe, Jenny Stuerke, Jennifer Watters, Michelle Swihart, Shelby Rahn, Kendra Blaudow, and Michelle Erixon.
Lance Little claimed the national championship at the National Farm Machinery Show and Championship Tractor Pull Feb. 16 in Louisville, Ken. Lance pulled in the 9,500-pound pro-stock division.
Douglas R. McCumber was appointed to the Illinois Bankers Association’s School Board of Trustees for a three-year term. He would be meeting with other trustees to plan school curriculum and approve admissions, among other duties.
TCHS junior Kendra Blaudow now owned the school record for single-season points scored by virtue of the 529 points she poured through the hoops during the 1990-91 girls basketball season.
Forty years ago
March 10, 1981
The Tuscola Lions Club celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner and program held at the Forty Martyrs Catholic Church hall. Close to 100 people attended the celebration, and enjoyed the entertainment provided by the TCHS swing choir.
Tuscola City Council agreed to kick in its share of $3,615 toward partial funding of the multi-jurisdictional youth officer for Tuscola and Villa Grove. The program was in the second year of a three-year agreement.
Members of the Atwood-Hammond Rajahs basketball team received the sectional trophy and congratulations from TCHS Principal Bill Butkovich after defeating Chrisman in the sectional championship game at Tuscola. The win advanced the Rajahs into the supersectional game against Pana at Millikin University.
Fifty years ago
March 4, 1971
City attorney Armin Baer announced the Civil Service referendum to be voted on in the April city election had been changed to include all city employees instead of just police and firemen (in the event firemen ever became full-time city employees).
Tri-County Real Estate of Arthur opened a branch office at 105 West Sale Street in Tuscola, in the building that also housed Dean Mulligan Insurance, Bill Ferry, John Bennett, Horty Romine and Marvin Jennings would all be working as salesmen for the Tuscola area through the branch office.
All-Okaw football selectee Larry Ring received the Decatur Herald & Review Player of the Year award at a general assembly held at TCHS. The award was presented by Herald & Review sports staffer Joe Cook. Ring was selected from among 1,300 griddlers representing 50 Central Illinois Schools.
Jon Surma pumped in 31 points and Dave Snyder added 22 to pace Tuscola to an 87-62 win over the Villa Grove Blue Devils in Tuscola Regional tournament play. Snyder also crashed the boards, leading all with 18 rebounds.