UNIQUELY COLES COUNTY SEPTEMBER 2016 A special supplement to the
LEADING THE WAY 2016
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Welcome to 2016’s Leading the Way For all who live, work and play in our community, there are many facets to what make it one of a kind. This year’s Leading the Way explores the educational, economic, historic, recreational and other pillars that serve as the foundation to make Coles County unique. Since its introduction more than a decade ago, this section has featured local industries and has taken a look at items produced right here in Coles County. It has offered letters home from people who grew up in East Central Illinois, highlighting some of the key individuals who trace their roots to this area. The 2014 Leading the Way was a collection of articles relating to some of the past themes, and the 2015 edition took a look at eight areas key to any community’s good health, including education, nonprofit groups, employment and real estate and development. This year, you’ll read about
the things that make Coles County and its major cities – Charleston and Mattoon – truly unique. Get a look at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston and Lake Land College in Mattoon, institutions of higher education that not only prepare people of all ages for future careers but also are among the top employers in the area. Take an armchair tour of the fairs and festivals that are unique to Coles County alone: Mattoon’s Bagelfest, Charleston’s Red, White & Blue Days, and the Coles County Fair. Review top industries and businesses in the area, from agriculture to longtime operations ranging from a shoe store to a seed-and-feed establish-
ment as examples. We explore the history that is owned only by Coles County via the Charleston Riot, Abraham Lincoln sites, Ulysses S. Grant camp and more. We hope you’ll enjoy the 2016 Leading the Way section as much as we’ve enjoyed exploring our community anew to put a spotlight on what is truly unique about Coles County. Penny Weaver, editor
LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Jill Koehl STAFF WRITERS: Dave Fopay..........................................................................(217) 238-6858
(217) 235-5656 Publisher: Craig Rogers Advertising Director: Tammy Jordan Editor: Penny Weaver
ON THE
COVER The Coles County Courthouse in Charleston is a key landmark in the area. PHOTO BY KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER
LEADING THE WAY 2016 700 Broadway Avenue E. Ste 9A Mattoon, IL 61938
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Old Main, the primary administrative building for Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, is one of the most visible and historic structures on campus. PHOTO BY KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER
Rob Stroud ............................................................................(217) 238-6861 Jarad Jarmon......................................................................(217) 238-6839 Kevin Kilhoffer, Staff Photographer .......................................238-6851
NEWS CLERK: Clint Walker...........................................................................(217) 238-6864
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER:
The Illinois Central Railroad Depot in Mattoon is a historic and transportation highlight downtown. It includes local group offices and an active Amtrak station. PHOTO BY KEN TREVARTHAN, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER
Kevin Kilhoffer ......................................................................(217) 238-6851
ADVERTISING: Shannon Verdeyen ..........................................................(217) 238-6832 Melody Parks.......................................................................(217) 238-6838 Connie Anderson ...............................................................(217) 238-6821 Michael Katz ........................................................................(217) 238-6834 Karen Collier..........................................................................(217) 238-6821 Casianne Bailey, Sales & Marketing Coordinator..(217) 238-6840
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Kyle McCormick of Stewardson lap welds on carbon steel at Lake Land College south of Mattoon. The college is a top educational institute in the region. PHOTO BY KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER
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IN THE COUNTY
History, people, unique offerings help make Coles County stand out JG-TC Staff A county that got its name from Illinois' second governor will soon be 186 years old, getting its start as a small river settlement. Coles County records say the county's first permanent settlement was in 1824 in what's now Hutton Township, near the Embarras River. Within six years, there had been enough growth for the Illinois Legislature to authorize a county government, and Coles County was established on Christmas Day 1830. It was named for Edward Coles, who had been the state's second governor, and a year later Charleston was named the county seat. In about another 20 years, the presence of the railroad and more growth led to the establishment of the county's other large city, Mattoon. In time, areas between Charleston and Mattoon became the location of facilities and agencies that serve the
40 1976-2016 Years
entire county and others as well. An example is Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, now a regional hospital and health care organization born from a plan to replace smaller, separate hospitals in Charleston and Mattoon, both of which faced operational difficulties at the time. Nine years of planning and development culminated with SBLHC's opening in May 1977, but the work didn't stop there. Since then, the hospital itself has gone through a number of renovations and expansions that included new buildings as well as changes to the hospital itself. Most recently there's been the addition of two medical pavilions, while presently construction of a new cancer center is taking place. The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System, the hospital's operating entity, has also opened clinics in several area communities. The Coles County Council on Aging
SUBMITTED ART The planned heart center at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is shown in an artist's drawing. The hospital announced in August that it received approval from a state board to move forward with the project, just the latest in expansions of the hospital that serves Coles County and surrounding areas.
now operates what it calls a "multigenerational" center north of SBLHC. The council's LifeSpan Center opened in 2008, combining separate facilities
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it operated in Charleston and Mattoon. The council's programs for senior citizens are located at the LifeSpan Center, which is also home to other services, public events and activities. The Council on Aging also operates Dial-A-Ride, a public transportation program with facilities located adjacent to the LifeSpan Center. Dial-ARide began as a by-appointment bus service but expanded in 2012 to include scheduled service with stops in Charleston and Mattoon and a route between the two cities. Coles County Memorial Airport began operating in 1952 and the following year was dedicated to recognize those who served in the Korean War. Commericial passenger air service is no longer available at the airport but there are charter flight services, housing for corporate aircraft and flight services such as lessons and fuel. The airport is also the location of a popular restaurant and Coles Together, the county's economic development agency. It hosts the county's annual Independence Day fireworks show, conducts an airshow every other year and is also the location of other public events.
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CITIES
University helps make Charleston stand out among other cities ROB STROUD JG-TC Staff Writer
students volunteer for community service projects, and help provide a customer base for restaurants and Charleston offers a small-town atshops. mosphere plus many amenities that Titus said the faculty and are typically found in larger commustaff at Eastern also play nities, thanks to it being home to active roles in the commuEastern Illinois University. nity, such as being involved Those in Charleston can take a in off-campus theater prowide variety of academic courses on grams. The town is home to campus, attend conferences and the Charleston Alley Thekeynote presentations, watch peratre near the courthouse formances at the Doudna Fine Arts square, as well as the Center, tour exhibits at the Tarble Arts Center, cheer on the Panthers at Charleston Community sporting events, and line the route for Theatre and Central Illinois State Co. groups. the homecoming parade. KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER "A lot of that energy spills A horse-drawn carriage makes its way around the Coles County Courthouse square during Christmas in the "We have a lot of amenities that we over into the community and Heart of Charleston, one of the unique events that draws people to the city. can access here on a daily basis that makes opportunities for the are just not available to a lot of peopeople who live here," Titus ple elsewhere," said Cindy White, exAquatic Center. Fox Ridge State Park District's Morton Park is located said. ecutive director of the Charleston is located just south of town. within walking distance of campus Full-time Charleston residents and and hosts the Red, White & Blue Area Chamber of Commerce. Tourism & Special Events Diane campus community members use the In addition, Titus said Eastern's Ratliff said the city and volunteers Days festival every Fourth of July. recreation resources in and around student body brings an "infusion of The Charleston Parks and Recreation have developed trails around Lake youthful energy and vitality" to many town. Department operates several sites, Charleston and through adjacent The Charleston Township Park aspects of life in Charleston. She said city-owned woodland in recent years, including the Rotary Community and plan to connect these trails to Sister City Park on the southeast side of town. She said the trails are popular with hikers, mountain bikMattoon, IL ers, and bird watchers. Ratliff said Charleston's ties to Alamo Steak House Abraham Lincoln and his family also Bath & Body Works draw visitors, particularly to the Carson’s courthouse square. Several murals Christopher & Banks downtown depict Lincoln and other Claire’s Boutique local history, including the Civil WarCommunity Blood Services related Charleston Riot on the Mattoon Medical Center square. General Nutrition Center H & R Block The Coles County Fairgrounds in JC Penney Charleston hosts the Lincoln-Douglas rue21 Debate Museum, which focuses on JG-TC the debates at this fairgrounds and Kirlin’s Hallmark at other sites in Illinois between Linmaurices coln and Stephen Douglas. The hisPayless Shoe Source toric Five Mile House and the Pro Nails Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site Radio Shack are located near Charleston. Regis Hair Stylists Charleston is located at the crossSuper Jumbo Buffet 1821 Marshall Avenue roads of Illinois Routes 16 and 130. Taco Bell Mattoon Route 16 serves as a main commerThe Shoe Dept. cial corridor and provides direct acTitle Max cess to Interstate 57 to the west. Jo-Ann Fabrics North Route 130 is home to several Grinder’s Gourmet Cafe manufacturing facilities. Titus said or 911 and Charleston benefits from being cenMonday-Saturday: 10am-9pm Sunday: Noon-5pm request Dunn’s trally located to larger cities in the Cross County Mall is Conveniently Located at 700 Broadway East in Mattoon With 1971-2015 region. Easy Access From I-57 On Rte. 16 Exit West to 3rd. Stop light, Mall is on North Side
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50 Years of Quality & Trust motivating Henderson, a longtime barber and “cut-up” in Mattoon, to start many of his humorous stories in front of customers. “I wasn’t his Tuley has had an interesting career. straight man but I could get him going on his stories” said Tuley, who He started as a barber in the officer’s barber shop at Chanute Air worked in Henderson’s barber shop. “I have always considered Lyle as Force Base (AFB) at Rantoul. Then a mentor who was consistent and he entered the U.S. Air Force and eventually went overseas to Kadena faithful in providing service to all AFB in Okinawa Japan and PHU KAT customers. I have always looked up to him and when I grow up I want to AFB in Vietnam. “I met a captain who remembered me from Chanute. be just like him”. He told me his wife insisted I cut his “When I first opened, no one knew hair because the other two barbers who Tuley’s was. When they came there were women. She didn’t into try out the new barbershop in like him getting his hair cut by a town, I often heard ‘We know you’ woman, “Tuley said with a laugh. or ‘We are happy to see you’” service business and if you don’t take care of people you can lose your business,” he said.
Joe started his barber career June 6th, 1966, where he learned how to do regular haircuts and flattops. “Throughout the years I have done long hair, mohawks, fohawks and other trend setting haircuts. You have to go with the flow as they say.” He opened his own business on August 5, 2011. Tuley’s is open 9
a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, except Wednesday. The barber shop is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. He is willing to stretch the clock if a customer needs his skills. You can reach him at 549-7667. “If someone can’t make it before I close then I’m willing to meet with them. I don’t normally work with appointments, but barbering is a
Joe
He came to Charleston and worked in a barber shop there for years before working at Eastern Illinois University as a custodian. Coming to Mattoon in 1998, working with Lyle Henderson, he helped produce laughter over the years by
Joe doesn’t have any plans on retiring anytime soon, he states “Why should I give up what I enjoy!” Stop in and see him where the coffee pot is always on at 9th and Broadway.
TULEY’S
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CITIES
Small town, big activities make Mattoon unique ROB STROUD JG-TC Staff Writer
ucts that are shipped nationwide and beyond. For example, he said containers Mattoon is a small town in compar- and other safety products from the Justrite Manufacison to some communities in the returing plant are sent overgion, but it is home to big businesses seas every week. and big events. "It is amazing how many Consolidated Communications, items that they create in First-Mid Illinois Bank & Trust, and Mattoon are shipped interRural King were all founded in Matnationally," Dowd said. He toon and maintain their corporate ofadded that Mattoon's cenfices here. Their corporate histories tral location in the U.S. highlight how they have grown from along Interstate 57 and rail these roots in Mattoon. lines helps with this comFirst Mid, chartered in 1865, promerce. vides financial services through 53 The Pinnacle Foods facilbanking centers in Illinois and Misity in Mattoon is known for souri. Consolidated, incorporated in producing Lender's Bagels 1894, provides business and broadKEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER goods that are stocked in suband communications services in an permarkets throughout the Mattoon's Heritage Park project is under construction downtown at the southwest corner of Broadway Avenue 11-state area. Rural King, founded in 1960, operates more than 90 stores in country. The Lender's plant and 17th Street, across the street from the historic train depot. in Mattoon opened in 1986, an 11-state area. rate floats for the parade, sell tickets Community Christmas for families in In addition, Lake Land College and an event that was celebrated with a for the headlining concerts, and help need. festival. This event, Bagelfest, has Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System in other ways. Burgett said many volunteers are are based in Mattoon but serve many since become an annual tradition in Mattoon Tourism and Arts Director also active with youth sports, includMattoon. of the surrounding counties. Angelia Burgett said this spirit of ing those who stay involved after Every year, a small army of volunMattoon Chamber of Commerce volunteerism is evident in many way their children are no longer playing. teers joins together to make this fesExecutive Director Ed Dowd said the in Mattoon. For example, she said She said one of the biggest youth tival at Peterson Park possible. They community also hosts several manuvolunteers put in 12 months of work sports event in town is the Mattoon staff the free bagel breakfast, decofacturing facilities that create prodto prepare for the annual One Stop Pride's annual Bagelfest softball tournament, which has drawn up to 100 teams in past years to the Roundhouse Complex. "The generosity of people with their time and their resources is so remarkable," Burgett said. The new Heritage Park downtown is a good example of this generosity, Burgett said. Richard Lumpkin, whose family founded Consolidated, donated property for this city park and the Lumpkin Family Foundation jewelry, handbags, leather watches, home decor provided funding for the project. In addition, Burgett said the Coles (complete line of Brighton) County Historical Society and other volunteers led efforts to restore the Mattoon train depot, which hosts an Amtrak station. The restored depot berries, grasses, flowers and custom made arrangements now houses the historical society's archives and museum, plus a Lone Elm Room that is a venue for performing and visual arts events. The city, businesses and civic coffee and teas, dips, cheese balls, soups, cocoas, salsa, etc groups have been investing in improving the downtown during the last decade. Other projects downtown have included the renovation and expansion of the Mattoon Area Family YMCA, the upgrading of public parking areas, and the renovation of buildings for use by various busiEach Office is Independently Owned and Operated 901 Broadway Ave Mattoon, IL 217.258.6364 nesses and offices.
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BUSINESS
Local businesses continue to bustle after more than 50 years JARAD JARMON JG-TC Staff Writer CHARLESTON — For Bill Moore, shoes had naturally been a significant part of his life. Stemming from when he was a child taking trips to the Goding Shoe Company in Paris on shoe deliveries with his grandfather, it eventually became an innate progression of things to continue the family lineage as the owner of Mack Moore Shoes, which has been established for 70 to 80 years. Mack Moore Shoes, founded a little while after WWI in the 1920s by Moore’s grandfather, Mack, has stood the test of time continuing on today, albeit in a new location on Lincoln Avenue. The original store sat among the numerous shops lining the Charleston square. Moore said his father, Jerry, took over the business in the ’50s and later passed the mantle. Moore continued the family business into the ’80s and to the current day. Despite its historic legacy, much has changed within the store, from the brands carried to the introduction of new technology, the shoe store owner said, aside from some antique tools he continues to use to alter shoes, and a couple of boots in the corner of the store. Moore said the business has had to pivot with the times like any business, though. Now the store focuses on more high-quality shoes instead of general shoes, skirting competition with online outlets, allowing the store to keep going. Aside from his personal business practices, Moore attributed the store's longevity to the local people. “There has been sort of a local push these years,” he said. Any hurdles that have come before the store like recessions and the boom of online shopping, Moore said, were largely just another challenge for the store to tackle. Several local businesses, while not all still family owned, has proven to pass the same kinds of tests and the challenges that face and have faced Moore’s business. Dozens of businesses in Coles County have stood the test of time dating back 50 years a more, including one of the longest running businesses in the area, deBuhr's Seed & Feed in Mattoon, which was established in 1914.
Bernie de Buhr, fourth generation deBuhr's Seed & Feed owner, said it is neat to think about how the business has changed. People were coming to the store years before in horse-drawn wagons, he said. “Things -- how they change,” he said. DeBuhr, like Moore, grew up around his family’s store. DeBuhr said when he was a child he lived in the store, and during the day, the store was a playground for him. And years later, he continues his family's legacy, even though early on, he had no plan to do so. Out of college, deBuhr said he originally had plans to do other things, but eventually circumstances fell into place, and he took up the business. “I stayed with it with no regrets,” he said. DeBuhr said along with personally staying competitive, the community has done a good job at supporting local businesses. “Mattoon’s been good about that,” he said. Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Ed Dowd said it’s important to have these businesses still going strong after running through years of ups and downs. “It is great that we can sustain these businesses,” Dowd said. He noted it shows people are engaged and invested in the town and its businesses. Cindy White, Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce executive director and CEO, said it is a testament to the businesses themselves that they have been able to keep going for so long weathering the economic “storms” in the community. She said they have seen good and bad times and yet are still “plugging away.” “I am just glad to be going for so long,” Moore said. Some other businesses in the area that have been around for 50 years plus: • Brainard Law Office in Charleston • Pagliai’s Pizza in Charleston • Roc's Blackfront Restaurant & Lounge in Charleston • Bidwell's Artisan Chocolates & Bistro in Mattoon • Little Mexico in Mattoon • Rural King in Mattoon
JARAD JARMON, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Mattoon's Heritage Park project is under construction downtown at the southwest corner of Broadway Avenue and 17th Street, across the street from the historic train depot.
TOP INDUSTRIES/EMPLOYERS IN COLES COUNTY EMPLOYER RR Donnelley Rural King
LOCATION Mattoon Mattoon
General Electric Pinnacle Foods Justrite Manufacturing Co., Inc. Mars Pet Care Vesuvius U.S.A. Mattoon Precision Mfg Co., Inc. Blue Cross/Blue Shield Anamet, Inc. United Graphics, L.L.C. Walker Construction Ameren Services J.J. Collins Sons, Inc. Electric Labratories & Sales Adams Memorials
Mattoon Mattoon Mattoon Mattoon Charleston Mattoon Mattoon Mattoon Mattoon Mattoon Mattoon Charleston Mattoon Charleston
Hi-Cone Division, Illinois Tool Works Safety Storage, Inc. Lester Building Systems, LLC Eastern Illinois University Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Mattoon Community Unit School District #2 Lake Land College
Charleston
Consolidated Communications Charleston Community Unit School District #1 First Mid Bank and Trust Coles County Charleston Transitional Facility City of Charleston City of Mattoon Source: Coles Together
Charleston Charleston Charleston Mattoon Mattoon
EMPLOYEES 950 318 FT/149 PT
PRODUCT/SERVICE Printing/Publishing Retail Corporate Headquarters 160 Lighting Products 155 Lenders Bagel Bakery 189 Safety Containers 173 Pet Foods 142 Ceramic Fittings 140 Automotive Parts 135 Regional Office /Headquarters 120 Metal & Plastic Flexible Conduit 116 Printing 100 Redi-Mix Concrete 100 Utility 74 Business Forms 64 Electrical Supply Sales 50 Granite Monument Manufacturer 49 Plastic Ring Carrier Systems 49 Hazardous Storage Buildings 47 Post-Frame Buildings 1,248 FT/161 PT University 1,953 Hospital/Clinics 510 School District
Mattoon
450 FT/650 PT
Community College
Mattoon/ Charleston Charleston
358
Telecommunications Corporate Headquarters School District
Mattoon
280 FT/140 PT
Coles County Charleston Charleston Mattoon
245 147 FT/61 PT 141 140
335
Banking Corporate Headquarters County Municipal Social Services City Municipal City Municipal
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EDUCATION
Eastern Illinois University grew from teacher college roots Professional Studies, and College of Sciences. Its acaCHARLESTON — A staple demic divisions also include of Coles County’s character, the Graduate School and employment and very fabric School of Continuing Educomes in the form of Eastern cation. Illinois University. In addition to academics, The college started in one the university is known for building on a 40-acre campus its athletic programs, parvalued at $227,000, according ticularly its historic football to “The Emerging University: roster. Two current NaA History of Eastern Illinois tional Football League head University 1949-1974 by Doncoaches, Mike Shanahan of ald F. Tingley. Over 75 years, the Washington Redskins EIU became a campus of 316 and Sean Payton of the New acres with 35 modern buildOrleans Saints, are alumni ings valued at some $61 milof Eastern, as the online enlion, and it has seen strong cyclopedia Wikipedia notes. growth since that time, now The Eastern Illinois Univer320 acres and serving more sity Panthers have sent than 7,400 students. multiple players to the The institution’s main purNFL, most recently and noKEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER pose to begin with in 1895 was Students walk on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston this fall. table Dallas Cowboys quarto train teachers for the terback Tony Romo and schools of East Central IlliNew England Patriots quarnow is a comprehensive state univerrets towers and battlements, made of nois, according to Tingley’s book, but terback Jimmy Garoppolo. sity with a broad curriculum. Indiana limestone, can be seen for it grew into the full-fledged univerEastern touts a student-to-faculty EIU’s signature building is Old miles as travelers approach sity it is now over the coming ratio of 14:1 and a non-instructional Main, formally dubbed the LivCharleston from Illinois Route 16. decades. employee to student ratio of 9.3:1. Its ingston C. Lord Administration Eastern is divided into the four colThe former “Eastern Illinois State current president is Dr. David GlassBuilding in honor of Eastern’s first leges of College of Arts and HumaniNormal School,” which started by ofman. president. Its distinctive features, inties, College of Business and Applied fering a two-year teaching degree, cluding Gothic revival style with turSciences, College of Education and
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EDUCATION
Committed to economic growth Lake Land College works closely with area companies to develop new curriculum and create training programs that help meet the demand for a trained workforce. “We are commited to partnering with businesses and community leaders to assist in the economic growth of East Central Illinois,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. The Center for Business & Industry plays a leading role in providing customized employee training and development services to regional employers. Services range from leadership development to electrical and manufacturing training. The Center for Business & Industry served 25 area business and provided customized training to more than 225 employees during the past year. The Center for Business & Industry maintains high standards for training program assessment, design, delivery and evaluation. An experienced staff and broad range of services ensure responsiveness to a variety of training needs. Training and equipment is mobile and can be delivered on your site, at a Lake
Land College facility or at a thirdparty location. Some training programs and courses may qualify for grant funding. Business Services • Comprehensive Leadership Development Programs • Organizational and Workforce Development • Continuous Process Improvement and Quality Systems • Computer Software Applications Training On-site or at Our Location • Consulting Services Professional Development • Continuing Education Opportunities • Continuing Professional Development Unit (CPDU) Opportunities • Computer Software/Business Solutions Manufacturing Skills Lab • Electrical Maintenance Skills • Manufacturing Skills Certificate • Safety Quality • ISO Standards • Lean Manufacturing
Commercial Truck Driver Training • Class A/Class B Truck Driver Courses • Refresher Courses • National Safety Council Professional Truck Driver Course Facilities/Room Rentals • Meeting Rooms with Multi-media Service • Computer Training Labs • Mobile Computer Labs Most recently, the college created a new organizational unit to focus on educational partnerships and programs. The Office of Workforce Solutions and Community Education is designed to respond to the needs of area businesses and communities while positioning the college for expansion into new areas. This office will look beyond the traditional classroom delivery models to develop new training opportunities for private and government entities. In the classroom, Lake Land College faculty seek the advice of professionals in their field to ensure students are receiving training that
is relevant and meets the needs of area employers. Called Professional Advisory Boards, these professionals have helped faculty improve curriculum and secure industry-standard equipment and software for our students.
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LEADING THE WAY 2016
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FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Bagelfest traditions – bagel breakfast, Bagel Bow Wow – keep bringing people back JG-TC Staff MATTOON – Ben Hall explained simply why he and many others came out to join in the 2016 Bagelfest bagel breakfast. “Because we like bagels,” he said. Hall, of Mattoon, and many others flocked to the DeMars Center, as is tradition, to get one if not more of approximately 12,000 free Lender’s bagels on hand. Bagelfest and its signature breakfast started in 1986 as a way to introduce the new Lender's Bagels bakery to this small Central Illinois community that was still relatively unfamiliar with these chewy rolls from the East Coast. The scorching heat and humidity typical of the summer fest did not dwindle the 2016 Bagelfest crowd much if at all from attending the Bagelfest staple, with seats in and around the center filled for the remainder of the breakfast. For Denise Livingston, this would be the first time in years that she would be able to attend Bagelfest. Currently residing in Daytona, Fla., Livingston said she has been unable to attend Bagelfest, which had been a tradition for her for years when she lived in Mattoon right next to Peterson Park. The last time she attended the festival was in 2009.
This year, Livingston was able to attend because of her family reunion coinciding that weekend. She said over the years, it had become a big deal to her. “We’ve always enjoyed it and looked forward to it,” Livingston said. Livingston also brought a newcomer to Bagelfest, Ron Rasmussen, with her from Florida. “She has been talking about it for years and (eventually) made me come to Bagelfest,” Rasmussen said. “I finally gave in.” He said she had been taking him through the Bagelfest ropes first participating in the race earlier that morning and then heading to the breakfast. Rasmussen said while he liked the bagels and that they were free, he was most impressed with the community. “I just like that fact that it gets everybody coming together here to just do something in the community,” Rasmussen said. “It would be nice if it wasn't so hot, but it is and people are still coming out… It is interesting that it is a small town atmosphere (at the breakfast) and when you are walking, people just randomly know each other and are glad to see each other.” Livingston said it felt good to be back participating in the standard for
KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Shown are those attending the annual Bagel Breakfast in Mattoon in 2016. The event is a popular one at Bagelfest.
KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER The Bagelfest parade makes its way along Broadway Avenue in Mattoon.
Mattoon residents. Jennifer Miller said she comes every once in awhile. This year, she said she came for her daughter, Ellie Miller, 8, who had grown a major love for bagels in general. As the breakfast ended, people in a line wrapping around the inside waited with bags and boxes to grab as many bagels as they could to take home. Newcomers to the breakfast, Jessie Freudenthaler and Dan Enge, both of Charleston, came in just in time for this time-honored breakfast tradition grabbing roughly 12 bagels to take home. An Eastern Illinois University student, Freudenthaler said it was interesting and surprising seeing how big a deal the bagels were to the community. She said she heard about it from a patient and thought it would be
KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Bagel Bow Wow event contestant Sammie, held by Kelly Hovius of Mattoon, competes in the Best Bagel Dog category during a past Bagelfest at Peterson Park in Mattoon.
something nice to check out. “I am kind of tagging on cause she was pretty excited about this,” Enge said. “She has been talking about it for the past week.” Bagel Bow Wow Following the breakfast later in the day at this year’s fest, some attended the Bagel Bow Wow contest. The heat made the contest a short one with the people and dogs staying under the shade for the majority of the brief event. The small group of people participating could win in four categories: best dog trick, owner/pet look-alike, best bagel dog and best good ol’ dog. Kami McDonough of Mattoon with “Pepper,” a shepherd mix, took the Best Dog Trick category. “Pepper” nabbed category with the ability to jump through a hoop. While it took some time to get the dog to focus on the hoop, the dog eventually did it a couple of times. Karen Pruitt of Mattoon with “Belle,” a Maltese, won the owner/pet look alike category. Both were wearing cheetah-print outfits. “Weezy,” owned by Dana Drew of Mattoon, was named the best bagel dog. The Chihuahua, which is the size of a hand, was dressed in a tiny baseball outfit fitting with the 2016 theme of Bagelfest, “Take Me Out to Bagelfest.” Finally, “Missy,” owned by Kelsa Bartels of Trilla, was named the best good ol’ dog, which is given to the overall nice dog. “Missy” is a large St. Bernard.
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FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Red, White & Blue Days supported by strongly patriotic Coles County residents JG-TC Staff CHARLESTON – After its absence from regular Fourth of July activities, the pet parade made a comeback to Red, White & Blue Days events in 2016. Red, White & Blue Days is a longtime collection of events and a leading highlight of the summer each year in Coles County. For 2016, local residents showcased their pets, whatever they might be -from an iguana to a dog -- and strolled through Morton Park in the pet parade. Julie Morrisey, pet parade organizer, said those organizing the event wanted to give area residents the chance to show off their pets in the park. Red, White & Blue Days also typically includes a traditional parade and a bell-ringing ceremony, which for 2016 recognized those who have been longtime supporters of the festival and the community including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League, Charleston American Legion, Charleston Knights of Columbus and Charleston Rotary Club, said Betty Coffrin, Red, White & Blue Days Committee organizer. Main stage entertainment is also featured at the festival, and it all wraps up with the annual fireworks display at the Coles County Memorial Airport. For 2016, even sporadic rain showers did not keep locals from heading out to Morton Park and the Coles County Memorial Airport to celebrate the country's independence over the holiday weekend. Either patiently waiting out the showers or coming prepared with an umbrella, local and area residents, some decked out in red, white and blue from head to toe, appeared to celebrate the United States’ independence. Mike Zimmerle, a Marine Corps League member, attributes the traditionally solid turnout to the supportive patriotic community in the area. “I think there is a lot of patriotism in the community,” he said. “They show up year after year and show their appreciation for veterans.” The patriotism in the crowd was palpable as more than 100 people circling the memorial bell in the middle
of Morton Park stopped and either saluted or put their hands on their hearts for the “Star Spangled Banner” in respect for the flag that stood above the bell and what it represents. Along with Zimmerle, Judy Jewell, VFW Ladies Auxiliary president; Dale Downs of the Charleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1592; Bill Reed of the Charleston American Legion Post 93; Bill Lair of the Charleston Rotary Club; and Dan Ensign of the Knights of Columbus rang the bell during the annual ceremony for 2016. Organizer Coffrin said these people representing their specific groups were invited to ring the bell in recognition of their contributions to Red, White & Blue Days each year. Along with other staples of the annual festivities, 2016’s Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker and Coles County Farmer of the Year were named. Bentley Flynn and Georgia Barker, both 4, were 2016’s Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker, respectively. They were elected through donations across the city among a list of nominees. Jim Wilson was honored as the 2016 Coles County Farmer of the Year, a regular tribute to the importance of agriculture in Coles County and the vital role that local farmers play in the area economy. According to a summary of his life and the reasons he was chosen, Wilson was born at home in 1934 on the family farm near Etna in southwest Coles County as the oldest of five children of Carl and Margaret Short Wilson. He grew up on his father’s Hereford cattle farm and showed steers at the local county fairs. He started farming on his own soon after graduating from Neoga High School. In 1956, Wilson married Martha Kraft, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They live on their family farm in Paradise Township, within two miles of his home farm. They are parents to three children and have five grandchildren and two great-grandsons. They are a farm family with everyone involved in agriculture in some way. In the early years, Wilson experimented growing some specialty crops such as sunflowers, popcorn, and white corn, but now limits his crops to corn and soybeans.
JARAD JARMON, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Mike Zimmerle of the Marine Corps League and Bill Reed of Charleston American Legion Post 93 were two of several to ring the ceremonial bell in Morton Park for Fourth of July 2016. Along with these two, Dale Downs of the Charleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1592, Judy Jewell of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Bill Lair of the Charleston Rotary Club and Dan Ensign of the Knights of Columbus also rang the bell.
He has been a 20-year board member of the Federal Land Bank and a 35-year board member of the Coles County Farm Bureau. He has also served many years as a Paradise Township trustee, a member of the ASCS County Committee, and currently serves on the Drainage District Committee and the Farmland Assessment Committee. “He has contributed his time and energy to the farm community in a variety of ways over the years,” according to the summary. “He is a quiet modest man who teaches by example. He is dependable and takes his commitments seriously.” The summary states he was an early adopter of modern farming techniques and practices. Before it was a common practice, Wilson altered a corn planter to plant narrow row beans. Even now, he continually studies to keep updated on the various changes in modern agriculture. Wilson was selected by the Board of Directors of the Coles County Farm Bureau. He said he was especially thankful for the farmers who supported him over the years. “I am just proud to be a farmer,” Wilson said. “It is just natural to me I guess.”
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Coles County Fair sticks to traditions but stretches its wings, too JG-TC Staff CHARLESTON — Youngsters got turns at their versions of motor sports during the 2016 Coles County Fair, which boasts the distinction of being Illinois’ longest running continuous county fair. For 2016, fair entertainment included kids' editions of a "monster" truck show and a demolition derby. Fair board President Tom Jones said the youth truck show by a St. Louis-based production was added because people asked for a new event and the board members thought it would interest people of all ages. Taking suggestions from the public is just one way that the fair board leaders keep the annual county fair fresh. A popular returning act at the fair is professional bull riding. "We always have a good crowd," Jones said. "Everyone seems to enjoy it."
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Much of 163rd annual fair followed a traditional schedule. The fair board knows “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Little Miss and Coles County Fair queen pageants were held, along with two tractor pulls during fair week. 4H livestock shows were held over three days, followed by the master showmanship competition and later auction. Fair traditions also include a carnival and a gospel music show. Unique food also is tradition at the Coles County Fair. Visitors for 2016 found goat burgers, fried bologna sandwiches, and other new fair food on the midway. Food vendors at the fairgrounds also offered jalapeno burgers, corn dogs, barbecue, french fries, handdipped ice cream, kettle corn, pulled taffy, lemon shakeups and many other returning favorites. One of the new additions to the midway for 2016 was the Fry Guys Grill, owned and operated by Aaron and Susan DeRousse and Mike Titus of Charleston. Aaron DeRousse, a professional cook, said the grill was an expansion of Fry Guys, a french fry booth that they purchased in 2013 from Shirley Walters. His focus with the grill was to serve locally raised, high-quality products, DeRousse said. He added that his goat burgers, lamb burgers and brats, pork burgers and ribeyes are provided by local farms and processors. DeRousse said these goat and lamb items were new to the fair, so customers were curious about them. He said the goat burgers have a flavor similar to ground beef but with a wild game taste and the lamb burgers have a gyro flavor, and both are lean meats. The Fry Guys Grill also cooked up traditional burgers and brats, turkey burgers, and hotdogs, plus a full breakfast menu. "I just love short order breakfast cooking. It's my favorite thing to do," DeRousse said. One of the fair's longest-running food vendors can be found off of the midway. Charleston Masonic Lodge No. 35 has operated a concession
KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Trucks collide during their heat of the demolition derby at the Coles County Fairgrounds in Charleston.
KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Co-owners Susan DeRouse, foreground left, and her husband, Aaron DeRouse, right, work at Fry Guys Grill at the 2016 Coles County Fair in Charleston.
stand next to the grandstand for many years. Manager Terry Tillis said the stand is the primary fundraiser for covering the operating costs for the lodge's building on Lincoln Avenue. He said
Charleston High School art students also help staff the stand and take concessions to the grandstands and the spectator pit in the infield as a fundraiser.
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FARMING & INDUSTRY
Added job training a must for career in today’s agriculture industry JG-TC Staff MATTOON — Agriculture has become a growth industry as the world’s population increases at a pace of two people being born every second. Jon Althaus, former division chair for agriculture at Lake Land College in Mattoon and current vice president for academic services, said this population boom has put a focus on the agriculture industry finding ways to get the best use out of available farmland, which is being encroached upon by urban expansion near large cities. “Agriculture has to be able to meet those types of needs,” Althaus said. “We have got to try to get the maximum amount of production and efficiency out of farmland that we can.” Althaus said there is consequently an increased demand for skilled employees to work in plant breeding, technology-aided precision agriculture, and other ag-related business and research. He said these are careers that require a strong understanding of science and technology. Studies conducted by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., have found that U.S. college agriculture programs are only producing enough graduates to fill two-thirds of the available ag-related jobs in the nation, Althaus said. The vice president said he encourages students who are interested in science and technology to consider an education and a career in agriculture. “Agriculture is a field that can suit you very well,” Althaus said. “Agriculture students are in high demand.” Althaus said there are job opportunities in the area and beyond dealing with geographic information system software for farm equipment, fertilizers, agriculture chemicals, seeds, and grain and livestock production. “For young people, agriculture is a pretty good profession because there are so many things they can get involved in,” Althaus said. The agriculture industry continues to be an important segment of the local economy, particularly when corn
and soybeans are being sold at high price levels, Althaus said. Farmers and others who work in agriculture spend money locally on goods and services, he noted. In addition, Althaus said farmland continues to be an essential part of the tax base for Lake Land and area school districts. Althaus said Lake Land has a 170acre laboratory of farmland on which faculty and students can research crop production with various herbicides, pesticides and seeds. He said the results of this research are available to the public. The former ag division chair said Lake Land also partners with a several businesses in the area to provide internships and other educational opportunities for students. These partners include Effingham Equity, South Central FS, Farm Credit Services of Illinois, and Growmark Crop Production Services. One of Lake Land's partnerships has resulted in the college offering the John Deere Tech program. The enrolled students earn a salary while learning about John Deere equipment and servicing procedures at participating dealerships. Each student enrolling in the associate's in John Deere Tech program must have sponsorship from a John Deere dealership. Only 32 students a year are accepted into this program, one of only a few offered through the John Deere Co. in North America. “We are continually looking for the next opportunity,” Althaus said of these partnerships.
SUBMITTED PHOTO John Deere Tech Instructor Allen Drake is pictured working with his students at Lake Land College's campus in Mattoon.
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HISTORY
Coles County hosts sites from unique parts of Lincoln’s life JG-TC Staff The story of the 16th president has one-of-a-kind chapters in Coles County. Abraham Lincoln's family life and both his legal and political careers brought reasons for him to venture to the county. Lincoln never lived in Coles County but it was the location of the last home of his father, Thomas Lincoln. Thomas ended a series of moves with his family with a stop on farmland in the southern part of the county. Honoring that as the home of Thomas Lincoln, Abraham's stepmother Sarah Bush Lincoln and other relatives is now Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. A re-creation of the family's log cabin home sits in architectural contrast to the site's modern visitors center, where films, displays and more information about the family's history can be found. An effort under the New Deal recovery program of the Great Depression led to what was farm ground to become first a park and then a historic site. A camp of workers with the Civil-
ian Conservation Corp worked the land and constructed the cabin replica and other buildings.
The site has an ongoing program of historical interpretation, which in the past included re-creations of Abra-
KEVIN KILHOFFER, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Tessa Wilson-Brown, left, and Ellie Stankiewicz, right, read the Declaration of Independence at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site near Lerna as part of the site's Fourth of July observance.
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ham Lincoln's visits while he traveled the court circuit during his work as a lawyer. Those visits were in the 1840s and that's now the era re-enactors use while portraying people who actually lived in the area at the time. The site also has longstanding programs for area youth. The Reuben Moore Home State Historic Site located a few miles north of Lincoln Log Cabin also has ties to a visit by Abraham Lincoln. After his election as president, Lincoln stopped there in 1861 while on the way to his inauguration to say goodbye to his stepmother and other family. Thomas Lincoln had since died and Sarah Bush Lincoln was then living with her daughter from her previous marriage. Thomas and Sarah are buried in the Thomas Lincoln Cemetery just west of the two historic sites. Their current grave markers note their famous family member, mentioning Thomas Lincoln as the father of the "martyred" president. Charleston, the Coles County seat, was the location of one of the seven Lincoln-Douglas debates of the 1858 U.S. Senate campaign and a museum recognizing that is located at the site where the debate took place, the Coles County Fairgrounds. The museum features information about the other six debates as well as the one in Charleston. The chief issue for the debates and for the nation at the time was slavery, specifically whether it should be allowed to expand in new states entering the union. Though Lincoln lost the Senate election to incumbent Stephen Douglas, many historians credit his performance as making a large contribution to his presidential election in 1860. Oakland, a small town in northeastern Coles County, honors Lincoln's legal career with its regular "Trials and Tribulations" program. It depicts the story behind a court case in which Lincoln represented Robert Matson, who brought slaves from Kentucky to work at his Oaklandarea farm. The slaves were harbored in the Oakland home of Hiram Rutherford during the proceedings, in which ended with a ruling that the slaves were free because of their time living in Illinois.
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New in Coles County: Grant Days set this weekend ROB STROUD JG-TC Staff Writer
ment re-enactors will perform Civil War-era drills and camp duties. MATTOON — He said Company D Ulysses S. Grant was a was comprised of solnewly re-enlisted capdiers from Douglas tain without a uniform County and was sworn when he arrived in into service by Grant. Mattoon in May 1861 Entry to the encampto muster men into the ment is free and open Union Army. to the public. His role at this In addition, Serfass muster site, later portrayed Grant durdubbed Camp Grant, ing a free public preshelped Grant begin a entation at the Old SUBMITTED PHOTO Civil War military caState Capitol State Ulysses S. Grant reer in which he ultiHistoric Site in mately he rose to the Springfield and then rank of commanding general of the reviewed re-enactors on the grounds. U.S. Army. He later served as 18th Afterward, he attended a private represident of the United States. ception sponsored by the Illinois Grant's ties to Mattoon will be celeState Historical Society and Landbrated during the Sept. 22-25 General marks Illinois. Grant Days. This new event has been The Old State Capitol includes the organized to raise awareness about Adjutant General's Office where the Mattoon Civil War Memorial ElCapt. Grant helped with the recruitlipse and Camp Grant Municipal ment effort in May 1861. Thompson Park project. The event will feature a said Grant's success there helped him nationally known Gen. Grant presensecure a colonel’s commission in the ter and Civil War re-enactors. 21st Illinois and begin his rise “On May 15, 1861, Ulysses S. Grant through the ranks, earning a reputaswore the 21st Illinois Infantry Regition for being "doggedly determined" ment into State of Illinois service in in the field. Mattoon one month before assuming “Like another famous Illinoisan command of the same regiment in (Abraham Lincoln), Ulysses S. Grant Springfield and heading south into began his march into the history history,” event coordinator Steve books at the Old State Capitol,” Thompson said in a press release. Thompson said in the press release. “The Sept. 22-25 events reinforce how “The Sept. 23 events (highlighted) the important Mattoon is to telling the lesser-known part of Grant's early castory of Grant and Illinois in the Civil reer, when he was a recruiter, and a War.” good one at that, for the Union Army.” Thompson said presenter Ken SerThompson said General Grant Days fass, a Marine veteran who now lives will help raise awareness in Coles in Gettysburg, Penn., will portray County and in Springfield for the MeGrant during several appearances at morial Ellipse and Camp Grant Muthe event, including school visits. He nicipal Park project. Plans call for a will give free public presentations bronze Civil War infantryman statue coming up at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to be added to the ellipse and a hisSunday at Lincoln Log Cabin State tory-focused park to be developed to Historic Site near Lerna. the north on part of the former Camp Serfass, as Gen. Grant, also will inGrant site. teract with the assembled troops and General Grant Days will provide a visitors during a Civil War encampdemonstration of the types of Civil ment from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at War re-enactments and other history the Memorial Ellipse, located at programs that could be held at the North First Division Street and planned park, Thompson said. More Shelby Avenue near the former Camp information is available online at Grant site. https://www.facebook.com/MattoonThompson said Downs-based ComCivil-War-Memorial-Ellipse. pany D, 21st Illinois Infantry Regi-
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HISTORY
Famous Charleston Riot one of county’s unique ties to Civil War era JG-TC Staff CHARLESTON — Shortly after boasting soldier Oliver Sallee walked over to rival Nelson Wells to ask if any Copperheads were around, the famous reply followed and the shooting began. Not long after Wells' reply, "Yes, goddamn you, I am one!" and his firing the first shot, fallen bodies were strewn across the lawn of the Coles County Courthouse and the street in front. Rattles of gunfire helped engage a large crowd that gathered on the west side of the courthouse to witness a re-enactment of the fight that took place 150 years ago and to honor those killed and wounded in what's now called the Charleston Riot, just one of many Civil War-era events and people unique to Coles County. The 2014 re-enactment showed how the presence of Union soldiers on leave and a group of Copperheads, those who opposed the Civil War or supported the Confederacy, combined with earlier tensions and, likely, liquor to lead to the deadly battle. As the re-enactment’s public address announcer Dick Hummel explained, tensions had been "brewing for weeks" and participants were "fueled by whiskey and bravado." The initial fighting was followed by a response from more Union soldiers and the fleeing of the remaining Copperheads from the scene.
KEN TREVARTHAN, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Members of the re-enactment cast pose for a group photo after the Charleston Riot re-enactment March 30, 2014, outside the Coles County Courthouse in Charleston.
Playwright Earl Halbe scripted the re-enactment and said he based the performance on newspaper accounts from the time, court depositions by witnesses and other research. While the portrayal was close to the real story "as far as we could figure," there were also "a couple of liberties" to give the presentation more action and make it more entertaining, he said. "You take
historical accounts and put in a few anecdotes," said Halbe, who also wrote the play "A Question of Loyalty" for the riot commemoration that was also performed Sunday. As Hummel noted and as "A Question of Loyalty" shows, there was "some evidence" that Sallee and Wells were also rivals for the same girl. The two men who also played the roles in the re-enactment and the play both said they welcomed the chance when Halbe recruited them for the parts. "I thought it was a fantastic opportunity," said Matt Mattingly, who portrayed Sallee. He has a degree in history and said he's studied the
KEN TREVARTHAN, JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER Copperhead Nelson Wells (portrayed by Jacob Norris) fires the first shot at Union soldier Oliver Sallee (portrayed by Matt Mattingly) during the Charleston Riot re-enactment March 30, 2014, on the Coles County Courthouse steps in Charleston.
Civil War but had only a "very rudimentary" knowledge of the Charleston Riot before. Jacob Norris, who portrayed Wells, said his willingness to take the part came from his involvement in community theater. He said he shares some of the same values he believes Wells held. "I'm definitely going to look into it more," Norris said. The re-enactment, as the actual riot, took only a few minutes, ending with shouts of "We'll be back" from retreating Copperheads, now outnumbered by the newly arriving soldiers. After the performance, Hummel read a list of the names of the nine men who were killed and the 12 who were wounded during the fight. The courthouse's clock chimed once for each name read.
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