Area Breaking News

By Dominik Stallings The City of Tuscola, represented by attorney Andrew Bequette, filed a complaint against the owners of the “Castle Mall” because of the unsafe and dangerous condition it is in following a fire there July 9. The first court hearing for the case was set for 11 a.m. on Oct. 7. The building…

By David Porter Tuscola was well represented in Italy for 11 days this summer during a group tour of the European country known for its art, food, wine and wiseguys. Retired Tuscola science teacher Marty Marx was on the trip but found 11 of his former students also on the tour as well as Tuscola…

By David Porter Negotiations between teachers’ aides and the Tuscola school district have reportedly stalled leading to federal mediation, according to a press release from the newly formed Tuscola Education Support Professional Association (TESPA), which represents the aides, officially known as paraprofessionals.  The top priorities for the aides are wages and working conditions, according to…

By Dominik Stallings Tuscola School District CUSD 301 is starting off the new school year with several new hires. They hired seven teachers and a social worker. They also employed a new technology director and East Prairie athletic director. North Ward hired one new teacher this year with Jo Grgurich, who teaches special education.  The…

By Dominik Stallings Tuscola residents, first responders and veterans got together at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, to participate in the “ruck march” in honor of veterans and first responders during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The event was organized by the 217 VETS, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans through camaraderie and community.…

By Dominik Stallings Heather Skinner resigned as Douglas County Coroner Sept. 1. Lisa Edwards, former Chief Deputy Coroner took over the position until the end of Skinner’s term, which ends in two years. Skinner said she decided to resign because of upcoming family issues. She said she needs to spend more time with her family,…

By David Porter Steve Fiscus will receive nearly $140,000 and a letter of reference in exchange for resigning as principal at Tuscola High School, which he did last Wednesday. The pay-out is more than $50,000 less than Fiscus had remaining on his contract, which would not have expired until June 30, 2024. Supt. Gary Alexander…

By Dominik Stallings The Villa Grove Fire Department was called to a single-family house fire on the morning of Aug. 26, at 24 Hancock Dr. in Villa Grove. Chuck Black, Villa Grove fire chief, said no one was injured in the fire, but the house and most of the belongings inside are a complete loss.…

By Christy Taylor, Heather  Madden and Tammy Bennet Colton Rahn was diagnosed with FOC1 negative rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, on May 13 after having a lump removed.  Colton is expected to have 40 weeks of treatment with weekly trips to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He is also expected to undergo at least two more…

By Dominik Stallings Tony Martin, the owner of Trader’s Auto Parts, and his wife Trisa, hosted “Motors & Music,” a community event with dozens of cars in downtown Villa Grove Aug. 28. The event grabbed the attention of car enthusiasts across town as they met for the fourth time this year. Elston Entertainment provided tunes…