Back in the Day-1-26-22
Ten years ago
February 1, 2022
Tuscola High School was named to the 2011 Illinois Honor Roll and received the 2011 Academic Achievement Award.
Demolition of the former Dodson Building in Tuscola was almost complete.
2011-22 TCHS Illinois State Scholars included Kara Williams, Rachel Craddock, Kelsey Cleland, Kaci Williams, Breanna Raney, Lauren Ovca, and Rachel Rotramel.
The 2012 Hornet eighth grade volleyball team was comprised of Nicole Lough, Anna Kauffman, Ashley Root, Sabrina Turner, Anna Watson, Courtney Brewer, Mariah Lemay, Madison Cleland, Bonnie Carter, Halle McCrory, Jordan Ochs, Karli Allen, Mikhala Sumption, Jessica Ramirez, and Brooke Hennis.
Tuscola’s girls basketball team broke barriers and claimed the first-place trophy in this year’s LOVC tournament. This year’s seniors included Leslie Borries, Audrey Mooney, Jessica Hardwick, Lisa Ponder, Sammi Kolhbecker, and Kati Ponder.
Twenty years ago
January 29, 2002
Douglas R. McCumber was named chief executive officer and elected to the board of directors, overseeing all operations at First Federal Bank, Arthur Community Bank, and The First National Bank of Arcola.
Orville Frye, Brad Huisinga, Dale Huisinga Sr, were the new owners of Ironhorse Golf Course. The foursome purchased the 177.72-acre property for $1,850,000.
Tom Stephenson was named administrator at Tuscola Nightingale Manor upon the retirement of Betty Harting.
Tuscola defeated Villa Grove 59-40 in roundball action to capture the LOVC tournament title. Cory Kleiss and Austin Hogue led the way with 12 points each.
Thirty years ago
January 28, 1992
The Tuscola city council voted unanimously to enter into a redevelopment agreement with Tuscola Mills Development, Ltd. on Jan. 1. The agreement allowed Mayor Kleiss to give title to property purchased from Wayne Steven to the development of the company.
Tuscola National Bank President Lloyd Murphy announced that TNB would be turning over the title of its building on Main Street to the city, in preparation for the Shank’s expansion on Route 45.
Three area jobs were to be lost when Secretary of State George H. Ryan announced the closing of the local drivers services facility.
For the second year in a row, the Tuscola Warriors claimed third place in the LOVC tournament. The Warriors were led by Chris Spencer scoring 18 points in the 50-45 win over Arthur.
Forty years ago
February 2, 1982
Tuscola was host to some 50 stranded motorists, following a 16-inch snowstorm that made all roadways unpassable. Snowmobiles were utilized to transport USI employees from their home to the Community Building to be loaded onto a B&O engine and taken to the plant.
The Ronald McCartney family was hosting 17-year-old Anna Araujo of Brazil in their home as part of an exchange program sponsored by the Tuscola Rotary Club.
John Brookins scored 23 points, 10 in the last quarter, to pace Tuscola’s JV come-from-behind win over Arcola. The Warrior victory, decided in the final moments of the game, stood at 56-47.
The Warriors handed Unity its first Okaw loss 55-53 Tuesday night. Dan Meyer led the rebounding with six and was the game’s leading scorer with 17.
Fifty years ago
January 27, 1972
The kitchen area of the J.D. Fults home at 816 E. Pembroke was destroyed by fire on Jan. 17. The remainder of the home was damaged by smoke and water, but all members of the family escaped without injury.
Tuscola Fire Chief Dennis Dietrich was recognized by Villa Grove VFW Post 2876 as Outstanding Fireman of 1972 among area firefighters and policemen.
Melvin Day, a patrolman on the Tuscola police force, submitted his resignation in order to accept appointment as chief of the Newman Police Department.
Doug Dietrich arched in a 28-footer with three seconds to play a break a 61-61 deadlock with St. Jow in the opening round of the Okaw Tournament. The 63-61 win advanced Tuscola to the semi-final round against St. Teresa.