Outlook 2013: Learn by Herald & Review

Herald&Review

SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013

LIVE LEARN WORK PLAY A healthy community nourishes growth in mind and spirit, sparking new ideas that give our towns the vitality to endure. Libraries, schools, clubs, universities and museums offer opportunities for all to enjoy the fruits of knowledge. In these pages we offer a glimpse of what Central Illinois has to offer those who aspire to personal improvement and a better tomorrow for the places in which we live.

INSIDE:

GIFT OF READING

Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum tells the story, shows artifacts of the 54 miners who died Page 2

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Owen Beyers is a weekly visitor to Pana’s Carnegie-Schuyler Library. His grandfather, Bob Hall, reads him a story during their visit.

Priceless investment By TONY REID H&R Staff Writer

PANA — Andrew Carnegie saw learning as a shrewd investment. And the self-taught steel baron, who rose to become one of the richest men in the history of the world, realized libraries were an ideal way to promote education and self-discovery. As a young man, he had borrowed books from his boss’s private library and had always admired enlightened souls who gave “working boys” the opportunity to improve themselves. Carnegie went on to give away enough money to build more than 2,500 libraries in America and throughout the world between 1883 and 1929. So when the bustling town of Pana knocked on his door and asked if they could have one, too, the pint-size magnate was inclined to listen. But he wanted commitment, too. Janet Hicks, the present library director, said Carnegie demanded assurances the library he helped build would be adequately funded and

Pana receives dividends from library paid for by Carnegie be open to all. Satisfied that Pana, via a library tax, would step up, Carnegie gave $10,000 to pay for the building costs while banker and town Mayor Henry Schuyler, donated the land, which is why his name still shares top billing in what became the CarnegieSchuyler Library in 1912. The city kicked in $1,000, and that rounded out the total cost of $14,000. The front of the building retains its early 20th century charm with lots of intricate brickwork and a grand entrance, but a spacious twostory addition was built in 2007 to accommodate such modern desires as handicapped accessibility. The $500,000 cost was funded half by the state and half from private library fundraising. Carnegie, no doubt, would have been proud.

And the learning goes on. Some 28,335 visitors passed through the library’s doors in 2012, showing a hectic level of use considering Pana, which has seen its population decline along with that of many small towns, has only 5,700 residents. Those library patrons borrowed more than 52,000 different items — ranging from books to CDs and DVDs — and found much more waiting for them inside. “We have summer reading programs, and then all through the year we show movies and we have craft programs for kids,” Hicks said. The Carnegie-Schuyler’s five-strong staff prides itself on the notion of public service, service that goes above and beyond what you might expect. Senior citizens, for example, who can’t get in to get their favorite book don’t miss out because the staff will hop in their cars and hand-deliver it to them. “And people call up and say, ‘I’ve got the flu, and I can’t get in to the library: Can you bring

These two juniors at Eisenhower are back on track after almost giving up on school the year before Page 5

LIBRARY/PAGE 6

Hiring teenagers has brought youth into the lives of Imboden Creek residents The library is usually busy with patrons. The 100-year-old facility has changed but retained many of its original features.

Pana’s library started with 800 volumes and now has more than 26,000.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

FROM OUR

LEFT: Metal tags were used by the miners to log their work, which in turn allowed them to get paid. These particular tags belonged to Andy Supenie who, along with his son, were killed in the explosion. MIDDLE: A memorial plaque honors several fallen coal miners inside the museum. RIGHT: A museum display depicts a miner and his mule at the entrance of a coal mine.

Remembering tragedy Museum displays relics from Moweaqua Coal Mine explosion By JUSTIN CONN H&R Staff Writer

‘I got to know (the widows) and some of their families as a child, so it’s something I became interested in, too.’

COMMUNITY VILLAGE: Moweaqua COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 1,823 PRESIDENT: Michael Tolly EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Moweaqua Golf Course and Memorial Tree Park MAJOR HIGHWAY: U.S. 51 HISTORY: The village of Moweaqua was established in 1852 by Michael Schneider. Depending on which Native American translation you choose, the name means either “muddy water” or “weeping woman.” Moweaqua suffered a disastrous coal mine explosion on Christmas Eve 1932 that was a defining loss to the social, economic and emotional stability of the community. ON THE WEB: www.moweaqua.org non VILLAGE: Strasburg COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 460 MAYOR: Wayne Wirth MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 32 EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Veteran’s Memorial, Lincoln Story Board, Hidden Springs State Park ON THE WEB: www.strasburgil.com non VILLAGE: Stewardson COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 747 VILLAGE PRESIDENT: Lowell Moomaw Jr. MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 32 EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Vahling Vineyards, Big Cow, Hidden Springs State Park, Historical Museum, Veterans Memorial WEBSITE: www.stewardsonil.com non

Herald & Review photos/Mark Roberts

The Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum displays a mannequin with a priest vestments next to photographs of a funeral for several coal miners who died in the Christmas Eve 1932 explosion. Fifty-four coal miners were killed in the gas explosion.

Pam Moore stands in front of a mural she painted at the museum.

MORE INFO The Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum is open 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from September to May. In June through August, hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Friday through Monday. Groups are welcome by appointment; call (217) 768-3019 or (217) 768-3475. There is no charge for touring the museum, but donations are accepted. according to Moore, to inform present and future generations about the area’s mining history and the disaster. Bruce Sarver had two uncles killed in the disaster, Ray-

PROFILE CITY: Oconee COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 180 MAYOR: Ted Tedrick MAJOR HIGHWAY: U.S. 51 non CITY: Sullivan COUNTY: Moultrie POPULATION: 4,440 MAYOR: Ann Short INDUSTRY: Agri-Fab, Hydro-Gear EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Little Theatre-On The Square, Lake Shelbyville, Oktoberfest, Moultrie County Heritage Center MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Illinois 32, Illinois 121 ON THE WEB: www.sullivanil.us

mond and Verne Sarver. “He was really into genealogy and wanted people to know this had existed and what had happened,” said Moore, who is Marabeth Sarv-

er’s niece. “My great-grandmother lived by several of the miners’ widows, and I got to know them and some of their families as a child, so it’s something I became interested in, too.” The museum contains artifacts used by miners that were loaned to the museum by local families, including hats with carbide lights, lunch pails, work boots, gas detectors and drilling machines. It also has several haunting photographs from the Herald & Review of the day of the disaster. “We just started talking to people, and they would say, ‘Well, we have this or that of grandpa’s behind the shed,’ ” Moore said. “Most of the stuff in here is from our coal mine here in Moweaqua, and all of it is at least from that era.” The museum contains photos of many of the miners killed in the accident, though few of their families remain in the area. “We have some Potsicks and some of the Corbys, but I think that’s it,” Sarver said. jconn@herald-review.com| (217) 421-7971

I would like to give “A Big Thumbs Up” to the Decatur Sister City organization, its long-time supporters, and hard-working volunteers. The organization has been in existence for 47 years with two sister cities: Tokorozawa, Japan, and Seevetal, Germany. The Decatur Sister City Committee arranges shortterm high school and adult exchanges between the citizens of Decatur, Tokorozawa and Seevetal. As a not-forprofit organization, it is led entirely by volunteers who diligently search for families in the Decatur area to serve as hosts for our visiting Japanese and German friends. The Committee also chooses a group of students, once a year, to represent Decatur as Student Ambassadors to our Sister Cities abroad. Participants in these “home stays” have learned first-hand the value of experiencing another culture, as well as rediscovering their own. Both students and adults have been able to bolster their resumés, expand their international outlook, and even cultivate lifelong relationships that will certainly stand the test of time. All committee members and their supporters believe in, and work hard to, fulfill the local and national missions of Sister Cities. Those mission statements can be summarized as follows: Striving to build global cooperation at the municipal level to promote cultural understanding and personal relationships with its Sister Cities. If you are not yet familiar with The Decatur Sister Cities and its activities, check us out! The world is literally at your doorstep! “A Big Thumbs Up” to The Decatur Sister Cities Organization (www.DecaturSister Cities.com). —Lynn Workman, Decatur

non I want to give “A Big Thumbs Up” to Baby TALK Early Head Start. It has a supportive staff, volunteers and parents. The staff are wonderful. Head start provides services to those who can’t afford child care. Teen parents are learning the importance of being independent, responsible parents. It has given the opportunity for many teen parents to graduate from high school. There are many parents who also were able to seek adult education programs and receive their GED. Head start has fathers involved in numerous activities. Children are learning how to take their frustrations out in the right ways. They practice breathing exercises to develop the concept of “cooling down.” Children with special needs are getting the attention needed by staff. Goals are being set for

the kids and parents, and teachers work with the kids to reach these goals. Without knowledge of these goals, some parents might not know where their child should be mentally, physically or emotionally. However, head start is facing a major problem. Sequestration will result in spending reductions of approximately 5 percent. Because of this reduction, 70,000 children will lose access to head start services. With this problem, their services will not be able to be fulfilled as usual. It is critical to minimize disruptions to children who are currently enrolled. Teachers are going to be affected by this, also. Parents and teachers have became accustomed to a lifestyle of going to work or school. Now, neither the parents nor the teachers will be able to attend work or school. As a parent of head start, I’ve realized that it has a purpose for all children and families who can receive their services. I want to let all the staff, volunteers and teachers know “job well done.” Even with having to deal with stress of the thought of maybe losing your job or your child losing his/her child care, everyone still concentrates on the work that needs to be done to maintain a high quality of service provided to children and families and to ensure health and safety. —Kasina Blockton, Decatur

non I have heard it said “to be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.” I have found happiness here in Decatur for more years than I like to count. Being centrally located, Decatur provides an easy way for my scattered children and grandchildren to gather and revisit their home. The beauty of the changing seasons is a positive for me, as I watch the weather change from my dining room table. The snow covering the trees melts into the beauty of my tulips and daffodils in the early spring. The green grass of summer warms my senses, and the changing autumn colors gently remind me snow will be coming. A bird feeder strategically placed outside the same window gives me an intimate homey view of the sparrows, blue jays, cardinals, woodpeckers and robins who also call Decatur home. I can drive anywhere in our town within 15 minutes whether it be to the library, the beauty shop, the grocery store or to my church. Life is warm, simple, uncomplicated and happy in Decatur, my home, my happiness. “A Big Thumbs Up” from me, Decatur! —Virginia Hartwig, Decatur

Opportunity Creators Leading Decatur Area Lawyers

MOWEAQUA — A hidden gem in Moweaqua isn’t as hidden anymore. The Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum has a new mural on its south wall of the museum’s logo. It was painted by museum President Pam Moore and helps draw attention to a museum that sheds light on a mostly forgotten piece of the area’s history. The new mural was finished in December. Several towns surrounding the Decatur area had coal mines in the early part of the 1900s through the 1930s. Coal was found in Moweauqua in the 1880s and drilling began in 1891. By the 1900s, there were 150 employees at the Moweaqua Coal & Manufacturing Co. pulling 650 tons of coal a day from the mine’s shafts. Because of transportation Pam Moore, problems, president of the the mine Moweaqua Coal ran into Mine Museum financial trouble in 1931. It closed, but was reopened in 1932. On Christmas Eve of 1932, a sudden surge of methane gas caused by a sudden change in barometric pressure filled a tunnel and was ignited by the carbide lights used by miners to see in the dark. An explosion followed, and all 54 miners in the shaft were killed. The museum at 129 S. Main St. features several stations that highlight a different facet of the history of the coal mine and the disaster with some featuring replica settings designed by Moore, an art teacher. Building owner Marabeth Sarver’s late husband, Bruce, opened the museum in 1986,

READERS

Edward T. Graham, Jr.

Beavers & Graham

Taylorville

217.824.3341

John L. Barger

Craig & Craig LLC

Mattoon

217.234.6481

Robert G. Grierson

Craig & Craig LLC

Mattoon

217.234.6481

Gregory C. Ray

Craig & Craig LLC

Mattoon

217.234.6481

PI Defense: General

PI Defense: General; Real Estate: Commercial; Real Estate: Residential; Workers’ Comp Defense

Agriculture; Banking; Close/Private Held Business; Real Estate: Residential; Trust/Will/Estate PI Defense: General; Work Comp Defense

Glen A. Featherstun

Featherstun Gaumer Postlewait Stocks Flynn & Hubbard

Decatur

217.429.4453

Daniel L. Gaumer

Featherstun Gaumer Postlewait Stocks Flynn & Hubbard

Decatur

217.429.4453

Jerrold H. Stocks

Featherstun Gaumer Postlewait Stocks Flynn & Hubbard

Decatur

217.429.4453

H. Kent Heller

Heller Holmes & Associates PC

Mattoon

217.235.2700

Commercial Litigation; Insurance/Ins Cov/Reinsurance; PI Defense: General; ADR: Personal Injury; Work Comp Defense Insurance/Ins Cov/Reinsurance; PI Defense: General; Work Comp Defense

Insurance/Ins Cov/Reinsurance; PI Defense: General; Products Liability Defense Aviation; Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury: Prof'l Malpractice

Brent D. Holmes

Heller Holmes & Associates PC

Mattoon

217.235.2700

Kent A. Rathbun

Kent A Rathbun PC

Decatur

217.423.9060

Marilyn B. Resch

Resch Siemer Law Office LLC

Effingham

217.342.1105

Keith W. Casteel

Samuels Miller Schroeder Jackson & Sly LLP

Decatur

217.429.4325

Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury: Prof'l Malpractice; Work Comp Family

Family

Agriculture; Banking; Environmental; Real Estate: Commercial; Trust/Will/Estate

James T. Jackson

Samuels Miller Schroeder Jackson & Sly LLP

Decatur

217.429.4325

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Jerald E. Jackson

Samuels Miller Schroeder Jackson & Sly LLP

Decatur

217.429.4325

CITY: Shelbyville COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 4,700 MAYOR: Roy Shuff INDUSTRY: International Paper Inc., P&H Mfg., Shelby Tool & Die, IHI Turbo America Co. EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Lake Shelbyville, Forest Park MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Illinois 16, Illinois 128 HISTORY: Early settlers developed the area with help from the Kickapoo Indians. The city of Shelbyville was founded in 1827. Its name was chosen to commemorate Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War general. Abraham Lincoln was a frequent visitor while riding his circuit. The city hosted Lincoln’s debates for civil liberties against Anthony Thornton. ON THE WEB: www.shelbyville illinois.net

Mark E. Jackson

Samuels Miller Schroeder Jackson & Sly LLP

Decatur

217.429.4325

Darrell A. Woolums

Samuels Miller Schroeder Jackson & Sly LLP

Decatur

217.429.4325

William W. Austin

Siemer Austin & Fuhr

Effingham

217.342.9291

Ronald E. Fuhr

Siemer Austin & Fuhr

Effingham

217.342.9291

Q. Anthony Siemer

Siemer Austin & Fuhr

Effingham

217.342.9291

David W. Sutterfield

Sutterfield Law Offices PC

Effingham

217.342.3100

David Y. Eberspacher

Tapella & Eberspacher LLC

Charleston

217.639.7800

Commercial Litigation; Med-Mal Defense; PI Defense: General; School Med-Mal Defense; PI Defense: General; Products Liability Defense

Adoption/Reproductive Tech; Med-Mal Defense; PI Defense: General; Products Liability Defense; Work Comp Defense Banking; Gov't/Municipal/Lobbying/Admin; Real Estate: Commercial; Trust/Will/Estate Close/Private Held Business; Real Estate: Commercial; Real Estate: Residential Bankruptcy/Workout: Commercial; Close/Private Held Business; Comm Litigation; Creditor Rights/Comm Collections

Close/Private Held Business; Land Use/Zoning/Condemnation; Real Estate: Commercial; Real Estate: Residential; Trust/Will/Estate Nursing Home Negligence; Personal Injury: General; Social Security Disability Trust/Will/Estate

M. John Hefner, Jr.

Tapella & Eberspacher LLC

Charleston

217.639.7800

William R. Tapella, II

Tapella & Eberspacher LLC

Charleston

217.639.7800

Stephen O. Willoughby

Willoughby Zachry and Forbes PC

Decatur

217.428.4544

James E. Zachry

Willoughby Zachry and Forbes PC

Decatur

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Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury: Prof'l Malpractice Personal Injury: General; Personal Injury: Prof'l Malpractice

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A lawyer CANNOT buy the distinction of being a Leading Lawyer. This distinction was earned by being among those lawyers who were most often recommended by their peers in statewide surveys. Respondents COULD NOT recommend themselves or lawyers at their law firm. For a complete list of all Leading Lawyers and to view profiles of the lawyers listed on this page, go to www.LeadingLawyers.com.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013

What lurks beneath

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

FROM OUR It is my conviction that a happy home and family is essential to a functional community and country. Sadly, we are all aware of dysfunctional homes that result in citizens who lack any moral compass or sense of responsibility. The result is drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, civil violence and lack of respect for authority figures. I wish to extend “A Big Thumbs Up” to a fantastic woman who is a loving wife, nurturing mother of four splendid children, home school teacher, caretaker of two dogs and a kind, caring neighbor next door. Linda Miller of Oakley doesn’t make headlines or get her picture in the Herald & Review. She is one of the quiet ones working out of the spotlight. If we had many more homemakers as Linda, our community and country would be a healthier place to live. —Dr. Joseph Velek, Oakley

non

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

Tom Wiesner looks at one of the stones he plans to put together for several rock pictures. The stones, which come from Africa, Mexico and other locations, will be cut and glued together to make landscapes from the natural patterns in the material. TOP: Wiesner can look at a piece of florite and tell you about the cracks, clouds and materials inside the piece.

Enthusiasts dig into the treasure of gems, fossils buried in the soil By TONY REID H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — There isn’t a Tully Monster lurking in the basement of Tom and Jeanette Wiesner’s Decatur home. But there is just about everything else from the earthy world of rocks, gems, minerals and fossils. The Tully Monster, in case you missed it, is the Illinois State Fossil. And you definitely would not have missed it if you had been paddling in the warm seas that covered much of the state 300 million years ago. Reaching about 14 inches long, the monster’s rubbery body resembled a giant maggot with fins at one end, and at the other, it waved around Tom and Jeanette Wiesner have an assortment of florite stones, which he polishes himself. The quality a small mouth full of teeth at of his work is well known all over the gem world. the tip of a long, whiplike tube. compared to the age of the You can find a picture of average mineral or fossil he the Land of Lincoln state fosknows with the familiarity of sil on the emblem of the old friends, Wiesner relucDecatur-based Central Illinois tantly acknowledges he’s had Gem & Mineral Club, which to slow down a bit. has been into hard rock and But he’s still got the goods, what lies within it since the though, in spades. club was founded in 1952. Tom “I have probably one of the Wiesner and his wife, largest trilobite collections in Jeanette, joined not too long Illinois of Illinois trilobites,” after the club got going and he said proudly, showing off are now among its elder case after case of the coinstatesmen. Down in their size fossilized basement are sea critters. shelf upon Oval shaped shelf stacked with lots of Wiesner looks over some of his upcoming projects for cutting and with fossils, legs, they are polishing stone. rocks and no oil painting minerals of all but look like a kinds, includPaleozoic era ing many George gleaming Clooney comexamples of pared to the fluorite, which Tully Monster. is also embla“I also have zoned on the one of the club emblem largest collec— right alongtions I know in side the Illinois of Illihideous Tully nois minerals Monster — … hundreds of because fluothem,” he rite is the offi- Wiesner holds one of the added with a cial state min- stones he has polished in his smile. eral. collection. The club The club Wiesner and his family spent many hours collecting rocks and lookhas seen its boasts a rocking for fossils such as these trilobites. The small creatures shed membership hound memtheir skins and have been extinct for about 250 million years. erode a bit MORE INFO bership numover the years, bering more Want to learn more about but it endures, much she wants to do it for a tures. than 100, and the Central Illinois Gem & Minliving. like a fly “We’ve got a lot of beaders, its mission is eral Club? Call (217) 233-1164 trapped in “I am a geology major at too,” she added. “People who to promote a or visit cigmc.earthinsync.com. amber, Richland Community College, are into beads and making knowledge of because it’s and my focus is on mineralotheir own jewelry.” and an interable to pass gy, which is the fluorite and She said the best way to dig est in the treasures entombed on enough hard nuggets of the quartz and stuff,” deeper and learn more is to beneath our feet. Fluorite is a enthusiasm to enough young explained Paige Elsea, who go to the club’s big annual mineral found all over Illinois enthusiasts coming up lives near Harristown. “I plan Mineral, Gem & Jewelry and resembles crystalline through the ranks. These on working for mines as a Show scheduled from April 19 chunks of stained glass to the youthful seekers of treasures, geologist and then, once I get untrained eye. Tom Wiesner to 21 at the Macon County such as 13-year-old Quinn too old to do work in the field, spends hours cutting and polFairground on Decatur’s Elsea and his sister, Paige, 22, I will try to teach.” ishing the pieces into vivid northwest side. It features already know much: They Club secretary Regina yellow, blue and purple octavendors, huge displays, explain that a rock is a comKapta, wife of club President hedron shapes that look like demonstrations and activities bination of minerals while a Tony Kapta, said the club’s giant gems. In his younger for children and an enticing mineral is a substance with a hard rockin’ membership is a days, the retired Caterpillar “fossil dig.” specific chemical composition broad stone church ranging worker used to go to rock “Come to the show,” Kapta and an internal regular geofrom pure collectors to those hound shows all over the said. “It’ll broaden your view metric arrangement of atoms, who enjoy lapidary, the art of country to sell his treasures and show you what is out sometimes expressed as natucutting and polishing minerand buy others. there, in the ground.” ral crystal faces, like fluorite. als and gems to make everyNow, having just turned 81 Paige Elsea digs all this so thing from jewelry to picand yet hardly born when treid@herald-review.com|(217) 421-7977

‘Come to the show. It’ll broaden your view and show you what is out there, in the ground.’ Regina Kapta, secretary about April 19 to 21 show

“A Big Thumbs Up” to Pam Smith. You may know Pam Smith through her Decatur Magazine articles; or from her extensive knowledge and writings about farming; or maybe riding bicycles; or her two boys, Cole and Miles; or her husband, Jay. And if you do, then you know she’s worth several thumbs up. Pam is a great example of Midwestern kindness and generosity, who shows her love through her baking. Whether it’s cherry muffins for a birthday, an amazing peach cobbler or chocolate chip cookies, Pam’s been there with her highly prized (at least at my house) white Styrofoam containers. There have been times when our son hoarded his birthday muffins from the rest of the family. She bakes for her husband’s employees at Jay Smith Lawn Service. Warm muffins on a day set for shoveling snow certainly helps morale. She bakes for her biking friends and shows hospitality to everyone. It doesn’t stop there. Even without food in hand, she makes friends everywhere

COMMUNITY VILLAGE: Sigel COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 373 PRESIDENT: Doug Deters MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Interstate 57, U.S. 45 non VILLAGE: Findlay COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 683 MAYOR: John Diss EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Wolf Creek State Park, Lake Shelbyville, Findlay Walleye Festival, Spores & Mores Festival, Gifts From the Heart, Niemerg Winery MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 128 non CITY: Taylorville COUNTY: Christian POPULATION: 11,246 MAYOR: Greg Brotherton INDUSTRY: Grain Systems, Macon Metal Production, Ahlstrom Engine Filtration LLC, Monsanto, Archer Daniels Midland, Dominion Kincaid Generation EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Christian County Fair; Farmers Market on the Square; BBQ, Blues and Cruise; Coal Mining Museum; Christian County Historical Museum MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Illinois 48, Illinois 29 and Illinois 104 HISTORY: Taylorville was first settled in the 1830s and has a rich history of agriculture and coal mining. Abraham Lincoln practiced law in Taylorville as part of the 8th Judicial Circuit, and the original courthouse in which Lincoln tried cases has been preserved. There is also a Coal Mining Museum filled with artifacts and photos from our long coal-mining history. ON THE WEB: www.taylorville.net non CITY: Assumption COUNTY: Christian POPULATION: 1,168 MAYOR: Alan Hays INDUSTRY: GSI Group MAJOR HIGHWAY: U.S. 51. non VILLAGE: Stonington COUNTY: Christian POPULATION: 932 PRESIDENT: Frank Paulek INDUSTRY: Monsanto EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Summer Festival MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 48 non

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READERS she goes. A trip for business resulted in a spontaneous offer of a ride to her hotel from her seatmate. How many people make friends with their seatmates on an airplane? Pam does. She opened her home to Sister City students several years ago, and is still in contact today with them, checking in with her like MORE another mother. LETTERS: www.herald- She’s been the review.com/ same way with her sons’ outlook friends over the years, who also regard her as their other mother. Our youngest preferred to catch the bus at Miles’ house a block away while in school. His reason? Pam’s cooked breakfasts! (Something sorely lacking at our house on a school morning!) So, Pam Smith is my nominee for “A Big Thumbs Up” — it’s a pleasure to know her and count her as a friend. —Diane Andrick, Decatur

non “A Big Thumbs Up” to Jerry Pelz, the staff and volunteers who work at Northeast Community Fund. Another “A Big Thumbs Up” goes to Jerry Aldridge and workers at Central Illinois Christians in Mission. These two organizations work hand-in-hand for the community. I have witnessed all the good Christian work these people do every day for the people of surrounding areas and Decatur. They not only provide free clothing, food, household items, furniture, toys and countless other items for anyone who is in need. They also provide spiritual support for the soul. They never ask anything in return — only that when people are able, they “pass it on.” All of them are a blessing to our community and deserve recognition for their dedicated work to help those less fortunate. God asked us to love our neighbor and all these people are true witnesses for Him! —Joyce Keller, Decatur

PROFILE CITY: Windsor COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 1,187 MAYOR: Dennis Hostetter EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Windsor harvest picnic MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Illinois 16 and 32 ON THE WEB: www.windsorillinois.net non VILLAGE: Herrick COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 436 PRESIDENT: Steve Seaton EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Herrick Springtime Funfest, Fourth of July parade, Holidays in Herrick, Connor Park, Tom Davis Park non VILLAGE: Tower Hill COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 611 PRESIDENT: Peggy Sokolis EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Tower Hill Fall Festival MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 16 non VILLAGE: Cowden COUNTY: Shelby POPULATION: 612 MAYOR: Loren Barnes EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Thompson Mill Covered Bridge, Cowden Pioneer Days MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 128 non CITY: Pana COUNTY: Christian POPULATION: 5,874 MAYOR: Steven D. Sipes EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Coal Creek Village, Kitchell Park, Lake Pana, Lincoln Prairie Trail INDUSTRY: Nexus Inc. MAJOR HIGHWAYS: U.S. 51, Illinois 16 and Illinois 29 ON THE WEB: www.panaillinois.com non VILLAGE: Owaneco COUNTY: Christian POPULATION: 239 (as of 2010 census) PRESIDENT: Alvin Mizeur MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 29 non CITY: Kincaid COUNTY: Christian POPULATION: 1,500 MAYOR: Tony Pezze MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 104

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SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013

FROM OUR I would like to give “A Big Thumbs Up” to an amazing Decatur treasure, Baby TALK. Seven years ago, I came to work at Baby TALK. I had worked in the public school system for a few years and in the business world for 20 years. I had always enjoyed my work and found special, dedicated people in each workplace. When I joined Baby TALK, I had no idea what all they did. I knew about the hospital visits for newborn babies and their parents, but that was all I knew of. I have been amazed at all the programs quietly going on each day. Baby TALK’s mission is to positively impact child development and nurture healthy parent-child relationships during the critical early years. Baby TALK strives to come alongside families, giving support and encouragement, and helping provide services to help them be successful. With all the budget cuts at local, state and federal levels, these services are constantly in jeopardy. What a shame, as I truly believe when you make a difference during the early years of life, you make a lasting change. Also, I really want to give “A Big Thumbs Up” to all the dedicated, committed employees of Baby TALK. They have been working for years without a pay increase, going above and beyond their job descriptions on a routine basis. They are the most nonjudgmental, truly loving people I have ever met. They give and give and give. When budget cuts necessitate decreases in service, they actually shed tears as they contemplate the children affected by the changes. These are good people, doing good things on a daily basis. They are professional, collaborative, thoughtful people working each day to make someone else’s life a little better. — Penny Kotal, Decatur

non “A Big Thumbs Up” to Janice Waddell. I don’t know how Janice knows, but she does. She just rolls up her sleeves, pitches in and does what needs to be done; whether it’s her companionship at the hospital overnight, sewing pillowcases for abused children or cutting fleece scarves for those who can’t afford the warmth. Her willingness to ease suffering and give of herself are apparent. Positive energy flows from her compas-

COMMUNITY VILLAGE: Mount Zion COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 5,833 MAYOR: Donald R. Robinson Jr. EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Spitler Woods State Natural Area, Fletcher Park INDUSTRY: PPG Industries, Green Valley Mfg. Inc., Jordan Industrial Controls Inc., Precision Tool & Die, S.A. Lewis Construction MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 121 HISTORY: The Wilson Post Office was the first building in what is now the village of Mount Zion. It was built as a stopping place on the old Paris-Springfield Road (Main Street and Illinois 121 south), the only road across the Illinois prairie from east to west at that time. It was an inn or tavern, a place where one could get a good meal and a night’s rest and care for one’s horses. People from settlements all around came to Wilson’s Post Office for their mail or to send letters. It is said that Abraham Lincoln had slept there. Some years later, as settlers increased in number, a general store was opened in what is now the business part of Mount Zion, known as the Skillman and Mays store. The post office was set up in that location. The house was then used as a residence for many years. From 1886 to 1910, it was the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Scott when they retired from farming. In 1910, the house was moved to another location in the village. It has been remodeled several times and is still in use as a home on Henderson Street. The stagecoach brought mail through town twice a week, if the roads were passable. The route was from Terre Haute, Ind., to Springfield. In 1873, the railroad came through, and shortly thereafter, the mail came by this method. The village was laid out

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DECATUR, ILLINOIS

READERS sionate heart into her busy helping hands, infusing whatever project she is involved in with grace and a keen sense of humor. We met volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital and were members of the auxiliary for many years, contributing to their annual Christmas craft show. Janice continues to be a tireless charter member of Project Linus, sewing weekly with the Christ Care Stitchers of Central Christian Church, and also at home in almost every spare moment. Scouring thrift stores and rummage sales, her blankets have grown into creative expressions of color and cheer. Around the holidays, Janice spearheads a collection of sundries for the Oasis Day Shelter. Active in the Mount Zion Fellowship Baptist Church, she participates in the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox project. Her husband joins in, helping her serve meals at the Good Samaritan Inn once a month. She has sewn dog/ cat pads and toys for Homeward Bound and the Macon County Animal Shelter. These are only a sampling of the many acts of kindness by my dear friend, Janice. Of modest means, Janice knows how to stretch her giving dollar with hard work and by encouraging others to contribute. By her unselfish example, Janice inspires her friends and family to be better versions of themselves. That is her true gift to our community.

Inspiring generosity

— Mindy Weber

non I would like to give “A Big Thumbs Up” to Cynda Roberson, the director of group fitness at the Decatur Athletic Club. She has many responsibilities there. I have come to know her through the Young at Heart fitness program for those of us age 60 or better. Cynda makes exercise fun! We all share many laughs and support one another through our friendship. She teaches our aerobics/toning and yoga classes in a manner that allows each participant to work at her/his own pace in order to reach individual fitness milestones. She has been instrumental in offering more classes to those of us who wish to take on new challenges, such as Indo-row and Zumba Gold. Thank you, Cynda, for your positive role in our journey toward healthier living. — Carolyn Marquis, Decatur

PROFILE in 1860. The name of the post office was changed to Mount Zion Post Office on Nov. 2, 1866. The town took the name from the church which had been organized in 1830. The first federal post office in Mount Zion was built in 1886 on the southwest corner of Main Street. It was a frame building and run by Mr. Hutchison. This building burned. In 1898, a new post office was built just south of the blacksmith shop, directly west of the first post office. This was a frame building run by Minerva Vermillion, called “Aunt Nerva,” which she ran for the next 24 years. Because the post office had to be a required number of feet away from the depot before the government would hire someone to transport the mail between the two, the post office was moved to the southeast corner of Main Street. The present post office was dedicated Aug. 18, 1962. The rural route was changed, and two city-delivery mounted routes were started Oct. 27, 1973. ON THE WEB: www.mtzion.com non CITY: Maroa COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 1,801 MAYOR: Ted Agee MAJOR HIGHWAY: U.S. 51 ON THE WEB: http://maroa illinois.org/ non VILLAGE: Oreana COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 875 PRESIDENT: Daniel M. Lightner MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 48

Herald & Review photos/Jim Bowling

Kindergartner’s Ian Slager, left, and Cealah Nerich checkout different prosthetic arms after a presentation by Adam Booher, president of Bump, at Harristown Elementary School. The students were inspired to raise funds to provide one prosthetic limb to those in need in Third World countries. TOP: Booher shares a design feature of the prosthetic arm.

Harristown students buy prosthetic limb for someone in Third World country By VALERIE WELLS H&R Staff Writer

HARRISTOWN — A basic impetus to inventing is seeing a need and filling it. When student engineers at the University of Illinois realized that people in Third World countries who had lost a limb lacked the money and access to custom prosthetics, they started trying to figure out a way to fix that. The result was OpenSocket, an adjustable prosthetic arm that can be fit by someone with a couple of hours’ training and in about 20 minutes and costs about $500 instead of the thousands a THE customNET fit prosthetic n madebybump.org arm costs. One of those young engineers, Adam Booher, now a graduate, visited Harristown Elementary School recently to show the youngsters the OpenSocket and tell them about some of the people who have received one. “It’s surprising that (custom prosthetics) cost that much,” said fourth-grader Katelyn Blok. “And they don’t have money to pay for them.” The students responded by spending the next several days collecting money to help buy one for somebody. The effort raised $600. Principal Jill Reedy said kindergartner Josh Bryan asked his mother if he could donate his $25 of Christmas money, because “there are people who don’t have any arms, and I have both of my arms.” Booher showed the students a video of the team that recently traveled to Guatemala to fit the OpenSocket arms on amputees. One of the members of the organization lives in Guatemala and speaks Spanish fluently, though occasionally they meet someone who speaks English, and one of those agreed to be filmed describing what a difference the prosthetic made in his life. “We’re a nonprofit organization founded by a bunch of students,” Booher said. “We design products that enable nonprofits to be more effi-

First-grader Alex Tolladay reacts to trying on an OpenSocket arm prosthetic with the help of Booher.

Booher introduces a standard prosthetic arm to the students. cient and effective. The first of these products is the prosthetic arm, and it’s an alternative to the custom-fit prosthesis.” The OpenSocket’s interior construction is something like a shoe with a plastic tongue, and it comes in three basic sizes. It’s adjusted with straps and is covered with a sturdy cloth. A harness fits around the wearer’s back and over the other shoulder, and the arm ends in a clamp, which the wearer can open and close by moving the opposite shoulder. For many people in poor countries, the loss of an arm

can be devastating because there is no way to earn a living and no government assistance. The prosthesis can give them another chance. Booher and his colleagues call their company Bump, and the prosthetic arms are funded by grants and donations to allow them to give them to the people who need them. So far, they’ve provided them to people in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. They also work with local charitable organizations. A former student at Harristown Elementary School, Casey Acree, 20, visited the school prior to Booher’s visit.

Acree was born without one arm and used to wear a prosthesis but has learned to get by without it and showed the students how he can play basketball and even tie his shoes. His connection to the school and willingness to talk about his life inspired the students, Reedy said. “It was amazing that he could still play basketball with his arm being gone,” said Savana Burcham, a fourth-grader. Students brought in bags of change from their piggy banks and had the option to donate their Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports tickets, too. An anonymous staff member matched the donations of tickets with cash. The OpenSocket took more than three years to design, Booher said, with lots of prototypes that didn’t work for one reason or another, before they came up with this one. They make all the parts and assemble the arms themselves, and it took three weeks to make the 50 arms they took with them on their latest trip to Guatemala. vwells@herald-review.com|(217) 421-7982

non VILLAGE: Argenta COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 947 MAYOR: Deena Bowman MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 48

‘We’re a nonprofit organization founded by a bunch of students. We design products that enable nonprofits to be more efficient and effective.’ Adam Booher, president of Bump

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FROM OUR I am writing about Todd. He works for AT&T as a customer systems technician. I met Todd two years ago when he came out on a service call. He had to drag his 20foot ladder through acres of woods to the problem: a tree branch had pulled the lines from my house. He climbed the ladder, sawed the branch and re-attached the lines. Over the next two years, my phone would intermittently lose service. Whenever I called in, it was Todd who reported to solve my problem. I learned that all the phone lines from my house through the woods needed to be replaced — when AT&T was not busy. (Yeah sure, I thought.) Then came the snowy week of Feb. 19. My phone had no service. I called Todd to report the problem. He would try to get here before the major snow due Thursday. I waited in doubt. On Thursday afternoon the blizzard hit. I was home safe and warm (albeit with no phone service). When I gazed out at the driving snow, I saw an AT&T truck in front. Suddenly a figure rounded my house and trudged to the door. I could barely recognize Todd’s orange safety jacket. He was covered with snow. I thought I’d hear: “I’ll be back on a better day.” Instead, he said: “Check your phone, please.” Todd explained: He had drug his ladder through the snow to the telephone pole in the woods. The rickety pole was swaying. He tied his ladder to a tree and leaned over to the pole to cut the line. He ran a spool of cable to my house. Listening, I heard a clear dial tone. Todd is an everyday American hero. AT&T originally stood for: American Telephone & Telegraph: to me it means: American Telephone & Todd. — Kathleen Jensen, Harristown

non I have a home day care. At my day care, to express to the kids that they’re doing something special, I do “thumbs up.” It is a very powerful gesture. No words said, just “thumbs up.” It gives the children a sense of happiness and excitement just seeing their faces light up is a great reward! — Debbie Goodman, Decatur

non “A Big Thumbs Up” to Joyce and Jack Keller. Mention her name and people smile. She has that effect on people. She is always battling for the underdogs in life. Anyone and everyone she knows or meets has an unmet need; she will try to meet it. I have seen her find people housing, appliances, clothing, medication, transportation, food, legal help, education — the list is truly endless. As a secretary at MacArthur High School, she has met generations of families. She seldom forgets a face or a name. She lives in

SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013

READERS the inner city where there is certainly an abundance of need. She has her “Little Red Wagon Club.” Children come, pick up trash, sit down and talk about a random act of kindness, while sharing a treat she has provided — many times, home-baked. She and her husband, Jack, even built and maintain a neighborhood park for the kids. He cooks, cleans, mows and supports Joyce in any way. He usually has a joke to share. She is often called to her door by a knock by someone in need. She makes every effort to help in any way she can. Everyone in Old King’s Orchard knows “Miss Joyce.” She always has a ready smile and hug. She somehow is able to remember birthdays and special occasions with cards and treats. She hand delivers them. She has been involved in the Community Center since before the doors opened in 2001. She and Jack work tirelessly with the tumbling team supported by Secretary of State Jesse White; they volunteer for Jerry Pelz at the Northeast Community Fund; they worked with Decatur City Hoops. She befriends many elderly and vulnerable people, checking on them and visiting. There are not many people who don’t know these awesome people. They are retired and never ever accept a penny of compensation for their wonderful work. People are their passion. I am proud to call them my friends! “A Big Thumbs Up” to this power team. — Resa Benz-Spiker, Decatur

non I think Barb McNutt and St. Mary’s Adult Day Care deserve “A Big Thumbs Up” for the great service they provide to our parents. They make it possible for us fulltime, unpaid caregivers, usually relatives, to have time to do our other necessary jobs. It is great to do the outside chores or even just have fun while knowing mom is safe. She enjoys the games and fellowship with the group. The staff provides such personal care and stimulating pastimes that Mom enjoys going there. Their care has allowed us to keep our mom at home longer than we thought possible. “A Big Thumbs Up” from the family of Cecilia Wright.

non VILLAGE: Niantic COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 707 PRESIDENT: Robert Embrey MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Interstate 72 and U.S. 36 non CITY: Harristown COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 1,900 MAYOR: Gordon Schrishuhn EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Fourth of July celebration HIGHWAYS: Interstate 72, U.S. 36

LEARN 5

Waking up to school Summer school reconnects Eisenhower students to learning By VALERIE WELLS H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Dylan Smith and Dillon Walters both took last year off. Juniors at Eisenhower High School this year, the boys spent their sophomore year not bothering with school much. Smith skipped classes a lot and didn’t make any effort in his classes. His mother didn’t say anything to him, but he could see the effect it was having, all the same. “I saw my mom getting down,” he said. His fledgling high school sports career — he had been tapped to be quarterback on the football team as a sophomore — went by the wayside due to failing grades. Walters also played football as a freshman but, like Smith, failed to qualify for eligibility as a sophomore because of his failing grades.

‘We went from both failing our whole sophomore year to coming back and playing football and getting our grades up and staying eligible.’

But last summer, both boys decided to take the academic bull by the horns. They went to summer school and caught up on their classes with credit recovery, computer-based and self-directed courses to allow students to make up missed and failing work. By this fall, both were caught up Dillon Walters and determined to stay that way. “We went from both failing our whole sophomore year to coming back and playing football and getting our grades up and staying eligible,” Walters said. “I was originally just going to drop out and go to Lincoln’s Challenge, and a lot of my friends said I just needed to play football, and I missed playing it, so I got my grades up.” Lincoln’s Challenge is a quasimilitary program, highly disciplined, that allows youngsters to earn a GED and get back on track. Walters is also on the wrestling team and plans to join the track team in the spring and hopes his sports skills will help him earn a scholarship to college. He’s already made Herald & Review AllMacon County football in his position at right guard and would like to attend Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

Herald & Review photos/Mark Roberts

In the words of one of their teachers, Eisenhower High School juniors Dillon Walters, left, and Dylan Smith have been redeemed. Each had a reputation of bad grades and making trouble but have since turned their lives around. Wrestling coach Jerry Seeforth said he knew Walters would be a good wrestler, but Walters didn’t. “It’s just trying to convince him that he can do things,” Seeforth said. “He always asks questions. He’s constantly learning.” Smith wants to play at a Division I school and has his sights set on the University of Missouri. He also plays basketball. “He’s come a long way since freshman year. His whole attitude has changed toward school and toward athletics,” said basketball coach Eric Newbon. “It’s helped him, and it’s helped us tremendously.” History teacher Kevin Hale said he’s amazed by the turnaround in both of them, and that now they’re a joy to have

in class. “During teacher appreciation night at the varsity football field, (Walters) asked me to wear his jersey,” Hale said. “That was one of the proudest moments of my life.” Each player can choose a teacher who has been a significant influence on him to wear his jersey that night. “I’m telling you, I almost cried, I was that touched,” Hale said. “He deserves all the credit. I always opened my door to him, I just didn’t know if he was ever going to walk through it. I’m just so proud of him and the other Dylan. They could have gone on the wrong path and done something wrong, and they didn’t do that.” vwells@herald-review.com|(217) 421-7982

— Carole Cundiff, Decatur

non Just east of Lake Decatur, along Lost Bridge Road, is a popular route for joggers and people who enjoy walking along the lake. Daily, you will find a variety of experienced runners, along with individuals walking their pets or just walking for pleasure or exercise. Wayne Karcher installed a concrete bench along this route for anyone wishing to stop for a little rest or just watch traffic. For this act of kindness, I think Mr. Karcher deserves “A Big Thumbs Up.” — Shirley Schierer, Decatur

LEFT: Walters, top, wrestles freshman teammate Scott Jones during wrestling practice.

COMMUNITY VILLAGE: Bement COUNTY: Piatt POPULATION: 1,730 VILLAGE PRESIDENT: Mollie Stevens TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: Bryant Cottage State Historic Site, Veterans Memorial. MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 105 HISTORY: It all began more than 100 years ago when Joseph Bodman of Williamsburg, Mass., heard of the building of a new western railroad across the prairie of Illinois. Bodman saw it as a chance to grow up with the land. And so he came from the faraway hills of Massachusetts, past the sprawling city of Chicago, down the Illinois Central to the pioneer hamlet of Bloomington and out to the flat prairie and swamp lands that lay south of the ridge south of Monticello. ON THE WEB: www.bement.com

DECATUR, ILLINOIS

non CITY: Warrensburg COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 1,210 MAYOR: Steve Mills MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 121 non CITY: Blue Mound COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 1,000 VILLAGE PRESIDENT: Jerry Reichert EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Blue Mound Fall Festival MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 48 non VILLAGE: Cerro Gordo COUNTY: Piatt POPULATION: 1,436 VILLAGE PRESIDENT: Brad Williams INDUSTRY: Dennis Ridgeway Enterprises Inc., Clarkson Grain EVENTS AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: Christmas on the Hill MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Illinois 32, Illinois 105 HISTORY: Established in 1844 as Griswold, veterans of the MexicanAmerican War renamed the town Cerro Gordo after the Battle of Cerro Gordo in 1847. Cerro Gordo translates from Spanish meaning “fat hill.” ON THE WEB: www.fathill.com non VILLAGE: Hammond COUNTY: Piatt POPULATION: 509

PRESIDENT: Timothy Slavin MAJOR HIGHWAY: U.S. 36 non VILLAGE: Atwood COUNTY: Piatt POPULATION: 1,224 PRESIDENT: Vevalee Smith EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Apple Dumpling Festival MAJOR HIGHWAY: U.S. 36

Smith, right, handles the ball while doing defensive drills with junior teammate Brandon Tucker.

PROFILE carry the name the Sages. The town plat was recorded July 1, 1837, and the stock company sold $2,700 worth of city lots. The first building was a combination home and small general store built by a Mr. Cass. In 1839, Nicholas DeVore built his residence, known as “Old Fort,” which later served as Monticello’s first inn, and John Tenbrooke built a combination residence and inn.

In 1841, the state formed the county of Piatt, named for its first settler, with Monticello as the county seat. The first courthouse was built on the same land where today’s courthouse sits. In 1885, Dr. William B. Caldwell began practicing medicine in Monticello. He concocted a remedy called Caldwell’s Syrup Pepsin, an alcoholic sugar solution containing

senna, a small amount of a salicylate and a tiny amount of pepsin, flavored with oil of peppermint and aromatics. By 1903, the product was being sold nationwide, and other patent medicine makers set up shop in the city. They prospered as well and built the mansions known as Millionaire’s Row. ON THE WEB: www.cityof monticello.net

non CITY: Monticello COUNTY: Piatt POPULATION: 5,548 MAYOR: Chris Corrie EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Monticello Railway Museum, Robert Allerton Park INDUSTRY: Advanced Drainage Systems, Viobin USA, Topflight Grain Co. MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Interstate 72, Illinois 105 HISTORY: In 1829, the first permanent settler, James A. Piatt, arrived with his family. More settlers soon followed. In 1837, Abraham Marquiss, William Barnes, Major James McReynolds and James A. Piatt Jr. formed a joint stock company and purchased land for a town from Piatt. McReynolds was an admirer of Thomas Jefferson, the “Sage of Monticello,” and named the town after Jefferson’s home. Monticello became informally known as the Sage City, and its athletic teams

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LIBRARY

FROM OUR

Continued from page 1

a book by?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And we do that, too,â&#x20AC;? Hicks added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We always tell new hires, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You work for these people, and your biggest job is to make them happy.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;? That happiness is reflected in the number of patrons who remember the library both when they are alive and when they are dead. Generous donations and bequests have paid for many extras over the years, such as the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first computers and a $30,000 elevator. One of the most generous of recent donations came from benefactors Forrest and Eleanor Tate, who chipped in $100,000. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We put in new doors and windows with that,â&#x20AC;? Hicks said. For many borrowers, the library has become so much a part of their life they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine a world without it. Even when keen reader Marge Osborne had to move away for work and live in Vandalia, she kept her Pana library membership going. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vandalia has a beautiful, newer library, but they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the books Pana does,â&#x20AC;? she explained. Now retired, Osborne, 77, burns through her favored historical fiction, romances and biographies at the rate of about three a week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just reading for pleasure: A lot of times Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go get a

Herald & Review photos/Lisa Morrison

The collection of materials at the Pana library has spread to the lower level, which also has computers to use. There is also a conference room and an elevator. book on quilting or cooking or anything I need to learn,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have it, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get it for you,â&#x20AC;? said Hicks, who has an infectious smile she uses often. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smiling as she recalls the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent 100th birthday bash and how 100 people showed up for the party. And then she tells of patrons who used the library as kids and have such fond memories of the place that, despite having moved hundreds of miles away, they come back as adults just to see if a particular book is still on the shelves.

Pana librarian Janet Hicks reshelves a book at the Carnegie Schuyler Library, which is celebrating its 100th year.

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And sometimes they come back just to sniff the air, a kind of olfactory tourism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mrs. Hicks, it smells exactly like it did when I was in high school.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just hysterical,â&#x20AC;? she said. Her own enthusiasm is as contagious as that persistent smile and belies some tough times facing the library director when she walks out of the front doors at the end of the day. Hicks is battling cancer, confronting bravely a disease that has shown up in five places in her body. After it was discovered in November, she was rushed in for chemotherapy and faces the prospect of more intensive treatments to slay a monster not yet in remission. She said she lives in a â&#x20AC;&#x153;bubble of prayer and has no fear,â&#x20AC;? taking each day as it comes and glad sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involved in work that lets her borrow a profound sense of job satisfaction as she keeps her readers happy. Hicks believes Carnegie would have been rightfully pleased with what his money has wrought in Pana. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All through the last 100 years, I think Carnegie got his 10 grandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth,â&#x20AC;? she said, smiling again. treid@herald-review.com|(217) 421-7977

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The generosity of steel baron Andrew Carnegie saw 2,509 Carnegie libraries built between 1883 and 1929. Of that total, 1,689 were built in the United States, 660 in Great Britain and Ireland, 125 in Canada and others were scattered as far away as New Zealand and Fiji. The pint-size Scottish-born industrial magnate spent most of his life building one of the biggest fortunes the world has ever seen and the rest of it trying to give it away. He never got close: When he died in 1919 at the age of 83, his net worth in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dollars was estimated at more than $300 billion.

Jesse Reising graduated from Eisenhower High School in 2007. He was valedictorian and a three-sport athlete. Jesse went on to Yale University. He majored in economics and political science and planned to join the Marines. He participated in Officer Candidate School the summer before his junior year. Things changed for Jesse in the final football game of his senior year. Jesse sustained an injury that resulted in partial paralysis of his right arm during the YaleHarvard game. He would not be eligible to become an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jesse graduated from Yale in 2011. He won the David Everett Chandler Award for â&#x20AC;&#x153;his courage, strength of character and high moral purpose.â&#x20AC;? He also earned the Chester J. Laroche Award for his â&#x20AC;&#x153;character, academic talents and concern for others.â&#x20AC;? When he graduated, he still wanted to serve his country. Jesse learned that veterans often have difficulty transitioning from military to college and decided to make it his mission to work with veterans. Jesse worked with friends to develop a nonprofit organization, Operation Opportunity Foundation. The Warrior-Scholar Project is an â&#x20AC;&#x153;academic boot campâ&#x20AC;? for veterans first offered at Yale University last summer through the foundation. The reviews by the veterans who attended were overwhelmingly positive. As they raise the funds through the Operation Opportunity Foundation, they plan to expand the WarriorScholar Project to other universities across the country. After graduation from Yale, Jesse worked in a civilian job in Afghanistan for several months. While he

was in Afghanistan, he began the process of applying to law schools. Last summer, Jesse was accepted to Harvard Law School. This year, he was named one of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 21 Most Impressive Students at Harvard Law School Right Nowâ&#x20AC;? by Business Insider. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Big Thumbs Upâ&#x20AC;? for Jesse, who calls Decatur home! â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Robyn Reising, Decatur

non A big thumbs up to Nicholas Martina, who resides in Lovington. At the age of 12, Nick lost his best friend, Austin Franklin, on June 17, 2007. After my son met with a counselor to help him cope with the loss of Austin, the counselor suggested that he do something to help him and others remember Austin. That is when the scholarship fund in memory of Austin Franklin was created in August 2007. This is the last year for the scholarship, since it was going to continue until Nickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior year. For the scholarship, he would do a large fundraiser at the Lovington American Legion. Nick would ask area business for donation of prizes and set up and organize the auction each year and make sure that there was plenty of help to run the fundraiser. The money raised went to a senior at Lovington High School. The recipient of the scholarship will be the senior whose essay, entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Best Friend,â&#x20AC;? is selected as a winner. To date, Nick has given $19,750 to 16 students in Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memory. Nick has learned that volunteerism is giving his time and effort without monetary compensation. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Shelley Martina, Lovington

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES MAINTENANCE MECHANIC Bloomington - Normal Seating Company is a Just in Time supplier of automotive seating. The facility is an industrial assembly setting with maintenance operations on both shifts. The current position available is for first shift operations. We offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, and 401K program.

WANTED: Licensed Herbicide applicator to work as a foreman/ crew leader in Industrial Vegetation Management. Opportunity for overtime hours with mandatory overnight travel. Join the industry leader in vegetation management. For more information apply M-F 8:30-10:30am and -1-3pm at DeAngelo Brothers Inc. 2332 N. 40th St. Decatur (217)423-0455 EEO/AAP M-F-D-DV

The maintenance position will include preventive maintenance responsibilities for plant equipment, building and grounds. Trouble shooting and failure analysis of both mechanical and electrical problems for plant equipment and facility operations. The position would include preventive maintenance and repair for boiler operations, cooling tower, assembly line pneumatic tools, checking fixtures, motors, and air compressors. Pay rate based on experience and ability

QUALIFICATIONS â&#x20AC;˘ High School or GED â&#x20AC;˘ Understanding of mechanical and electrical â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to train in new functions â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to communicate verbal and written. â&#x20AC;˘ Attention to detail â&#x20AC;˘ Basic understand of electrical functions

Send resumes to: Bloomington Normal Seating Co. 2031 Warehouse Rd. Normal Illinois 61761

Now Hiring for Drivers Local and Over-the-Road Routes Available

ADM Trucking Inc. is currently seeking qualified candidates for local and over-the-road routes.

Qualifications: â&#x20AC;˘ 2 Year verifiable experience with a class A CDL â&#x20AC;˘ Tanker endorsement required â&#x20AC;˘ Haz Mat endorsement (ADM will assist)

ÂŽ PRODUCTION TEAM LEADERS GSI Group, Assumption, IL is looking for Production Team Leader candidates to provide leadership and support to meet operational targets related to productivity, lean, cost, quality, safety and housekeeping, delivery schedules, and team development.

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LOCATION:

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All applicants must apply via the following link: https://home.eease.adp.com/ recruit/?id=3607641 or through our website.

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ADMINISTRATOR

20516430

A challenging position awaits for an experienced Illinois licensed Nursing Home Administrator who has proven leadership abilities and financial responsibility. Heritage Health in El Paso is a 65 bed skilled, Medicare-certified facility and is quality oriented, well respected and well established. If you possess strong interpersonal skills to lead employees,have the proven ability to deliver customer service effectively, and enjoy the many challenges of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Long Term Care field, please send resume to or apply online at:

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Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. - Global Enterprise Solutions Division (GESD) the largest Security provider in the world, has immediate openings for Security

MOVER/DRIVER TWO MEN AND A TRUCKÂŽ Bloomington & Champaign locations are now hiring reliable, energetic, enthusiastic individuals. Class C license preferred. Must have clean driving record, background check, pass drug test and be able to lift 150 lbs repeatedly.

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Candidates must have leadership experience in fabrication, welding, and assembly.

Benefits: â&#x20AC;˘ Medical and dental for the entire family â&#x20AC;˘ 401 (k) plus matching funds â&#x20AC;˘ Pension plan â&#x20AC;˘ Paid vacation and holidays â&#x20AC;˘ Uniform is supplied

SHOP TECHNICIAN - PDI ALTORFER INC.

Qualified applicants can find detailed information about the position by visiting the Career Opportunities portion of our website, at www.altorfer.com.

JOB DESCRIPTION Exceptional Medicine. Partners in Care. Rewarding Careers.

MORE INFO

READERS

Officers in the Decatur, IL area.

Securiy Officer Responsibilities assigned to GESD accounts: 1. Observes and reports activities and incidents at an assigned client site, providing for the security and safety of client property and personnel. 2. Fire Brigade duties 3. Makes periodic tours to check for irregularities and inspect protection devices. 4. Provides order and may act to enforce regulations and directives for the site pertaining to personnel, visitors and premises. 5. Controls access to client site or facility through the admittance process; assists visitors with a legitimate need to gain entry to the facility; screens visitors and client employees in an efficient manner in order to expedite their admitance to the site or facility. 6. Patrols assigned site on foot or in vehicle; checks for unsafe conditions, hazards, unlocked doors, security violations, blocked ingress and egress mechanical problems, and unauthorized persons; inspects buildings and ground using appropriate equipment and protective. Candidates must be willing to travel to Peoria for 2 weeks of paid training. Candidates must possess a High School Diploma/G.E.D., Valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, be 18 years of age or older, have reliable transportation, and must be willing to submit to background procedures including drug screen and background check. We offer paid training, health, dental, and vision benefits, 401k, free uniforms and great career advancement opportunities. We are an EEO/AA Employer M/F/V/D Please apply at: www.securitasjobs.com and choose the Peoria office location, or fax a resume to 309-673-9166

Leading national property management company has only one opening for a sales professional in our Decatur IL location. Responsibilities include staffing a busy mobile home park sales office, advertising, lead generation, showing and selling both new and preowned mobile homes. This is an exciting opportunity to be in control of your own income! We offer salary plus commission with no cap. Benefits available to full time employees after 90 days and paid time off available after 1 year. Be an integral part of our success by applying today. Send resume and cover letter to: valchoicegroup@gmail.com or fax to 309-829-6229; mail to 102 Filbert Drive, Bloomington, IL 61705.. Must include salary requirements. Resumes without salary requirements will not be considered.

FULL TIME EMERGENCY ROOM RN, NIGHTS Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, 3 years RN experience, 18 months of acute/critical care experience. Current RN license and CPR Certification. BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ECRN certifications after hire.

PHLEBOTOMIST, PRN Knowledge of principles of Asepsis, previous experience and certification preferred. High school diploma required. Visit www.djwhospital.org for online application or submit resume to djwhhr@djwhospital.org. Apply in person at Dr. John Warner Hospital, 422 W. White, Clinton, IL 61727.

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SUNDY, MARCH 24, 2013

FROM OUR Never had I imagined I would become a caregiver, but here I am. Not something you put on a bucket list. Judi, my wife of 45 years, has suffered through three stroke episodes, and a week before last Christmas, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I’m not complaining; neither am I seeking pity. It’s just a part of the roller coaster of life. I want to give her “A Big Thumbs Up.” Throughout her trials, she has never complained. Yes, she gets depressed and sad. But in the three years this has played out, I’ve yet to see her get angry or ask why this happened to her. Her faith in God has remained, and she just keeps dealing with the side effects, as she calls them. I know I’d be angry or mad if the situation were reversed. So, to Judi I give “A Big Thumbs Up.” I have a second thumbs up to shout out. It’s about friends. Going through tests like this, you discover true friendship. Those who think about you and pray for you are immensely important. They give a boost when moral and strength have ebbed. But those who go one step beyond call and say, “I’ve just made a casserole or soup and wondered if you would like some.” I say going beyond because they realize we are on a strict low-sodium diet and take pains to adhere to it. Friends such as Bob and Nina Emmons are worthy of more than a thumbs up, but that’s what I give them. Often plans for the future deviate and we’re forced to take a different look at our part of the world. This is a good thing, forcing us to stop and appreciate our good fortune and shared memories. And sometimes to give “A Big Thumbs Up”. — J.D. Webb, Forsyth

non “A Big Thumbs Up” goes to Leslie Roberts, Hospice Social Worker at Decatur Memorial Hospital and the Cancer Care Institute. Some people spend a lifetime searching for their calling. Leslie has truly found hers. I have worked for Leslie for five or six years as a volunteer hospice worker. Whenever a family is going through a life ending experience, Leslie has a calming effect on the family. Her voice is soft and reassuring. She goes out of her way to help anyone she can. It is a pleasure and a joy to be around her. Leslie is also the coordinator for the US TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group. She makes sure things run smoothly and families can receive help when they need it. Decatur Memorial is fortunate to have such a representative to carry forth its reputation. The Cancer Care Institute makes having cancer much easier to bear. If you have never had the opportunity to meet this beautiful, spiritual lady, you owe it to yourself to make it your business to do so. Leslie has a gift that allows her to sense what each individual family needs. “A Big Thumbs Up” to you, Leslie. Keep doing what you do, because we need you. There is something I’ve learned in this life that makes my life worth living. I volunteer in different capacities, and I see a lot of situations. I volunteer at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro. I see these people locked up. I’m not, so I’m blessed. I volunteer at Decatur Memorial as a visiting clergy. I see sick people who may or may not die in

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READERS the hospital, and then as part of my hospice volunteering, I see people that do die. All these situations keep me focused and forever thankful. If you can help someone as you journey through your life, be thankful that you can, and that you have the desire to do so. — Bob Jelks, Decatur

non Silent heroes are feeding the hungry and those who just want to meet up with some friends at the community meal, a weekly event where several local churches join together providing dinner to 300 to 400 people each Wednesday night. Silent heroes come from all walks of life. They donate food, time or money. The list of silent heroes — the workers, donors and volunteers — isn’t posted; the menu is! Children need clothing? Arthur’s silent heroes take care of that, too. Drop in at God’s Closet at the Methodist Church and take what you need, complimentary. The pantry is also available to those in need, and it is stocked with food gifts from the entire community. Silent heroes donate; silent heroes pick it up; silent heroes give it away. Who makes all this happen? A community of silent heroes, but not one of them stands in front to say “I make it possible.” The community gets the pride! Help is provided to those who need it. The act of giving in Arthur has no one’s name. No one is asking for acknowledgement. Instead, Arthur’s community of silent heroes ask, “How can we help?” And they do! Scholarships far too numerous to list are donated to our youth, a result of months of work from many silent heroes. Parades, festivals, bazaars and a county fair entertain us. Work is done by hundreds of silent heroes. Tourists flock to Arthur to share our progressive unique town and an Old Order Amish community. Silent heroes volunteer to welcome more than 200,000 visits annually. Arthur is a community of silent heroes grounded with the value of sharing and pride! “A Big Thumbs Up” to a community of silent heroes! — Sue Falk, Arthur

non I would like to give “A Big Thumbs Up” to The Main Hangar Restaurant. The food is always good. If I’m not enjoying the Sunday brunch or the lunch salad/soup/ pasta/potato bar (there is a full breakfast and lunch menu, also) and having dinner, I try something new, as I want to experience it all. The pasta, salad dressing and most everything else is made in-house. The portions are generous, I always have a “to go” container when having dinner. Another reason to give The Main Hangar Restaurant “A Big Thumbs Up” is for bringing (excellently priced) entertainment to the Decatur area in the “Main Hangar Presents: Comedy Hour” events. They bring in great comedians, and I never leave disappointed. Although from now on, I’ll be buying my tickets early, as my best-kept secret is getting around and the shows have been selling out. So, thanks to The Main Hangar for giving me something to do most weekends and for feeding me during the week. — Nicole Purcell, Decatur

Herald & Review photos/Mark Roberts

Austin Collins, 17, a student at St. Teresa High School, serves dinner to the residents of Imboden Creek Living Center. Collins is one of several local high school students who work for Imboden Creek.

Mixing generations Hiring teens brings youthfulness to the residents at Imboden Creek By DONNETTE BECKETT H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Children can learn so much from older generations when they are brought together. Nursing homes throughout the area may hire teenagers and students, but no matter the age, it takes a special person to work in the field. Austin Collins, a junior at St. Teresa High School, learned early what is needed to work with all ages. “Treat people with kindness,” he said. Collins and his co-workers serve and assist residents at Imboden Creek Living Center in Decatur. “They work one on one, taking orders, listening to their needs, cutting up their meals, making sure they are eating,” said Darcy Hayes, Imboden Creek dietary manager. While the first priority is to be a good listener, “They have to have a compassion for the people,” Hayes said. One of the first questions Hayes may ask before she hires a younger person is, “Do you have any encounters with the elderly?” “They need to know what they are getting into,” she said. Besides working in the kitchen and dining room, some of the teenagers may work in the activities department. That is where Alexa Peoples started. Peoples knows what it takes to work with the elderly. At just 22, she has been working for more than four years with the senior citizens. For her school’s required community services project, she began working at Fair Havens Christian Home during part of her senior year at Lutheran School Association. Every Tuesday, she cooked, made bracelets and played games. After graduating in 2009, she applied for a job opening in activities department. “I was kind of skeptical at first,” she said. “But I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Peoples will graduate from the University of Illinois at Springfield in May and plans

COMMUNITY CITY: Decatur COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 76,096 MAYOR: Mike McElroy INDUSTRY: Archer Daniels Midland Co., Caterpillar Inc., Tate & Lyle, Mueller Inc., Air Caster Corp. EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS: Macon County Historical Museum, Hieronymus Mueller Museum, Millikin Homestead, Children’s Museum of Illinois, Lincoln Square Theatre, Scovill Zoo, Governor Oglesby Mansion. MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Interstate 72, U.S. 51, U.S. 36, Illinois 48, Illinois 121 and Illinois 105. EARLY HISTORY: Decatur was founded in 1829 and is the Macon County seat. The city is named after War of 1812 naval hero Stephen Decatur. One of the busiest of the first set-

tlers was Benjamin R. Austin, born in Virginia in 1802, who came to Macon County in 1825. He was a surveyor and laid out the original town plat of Decatur. He was the first county treasurer, served as justice of the peace and otherwise was active in the early years of the county. His brother, William A. Austin, helped him lay out Decatur. William Austin was a justice of the peace for many years. Capt. David L. Allen, born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1806, came to Macon County in 1828, and was a leading figure for many years, giving the city Central Park. Philip D. Williams came in 1825 from Virginia. He served on the county board of commissioners, was a justice of the peace and held other offices. He built the second house in Decatur at the corner of

East Main and Water streets. Thomas Cowan came with the Leonard Stevens family in 1821 or 1822. In 1822 also came George W. Friend of Ohio, who settled in Friend’s Creek Township. Several other settlers came in 1824. Abraham and Hubble Sprague came from New York. Charles Nelson and Nathan Burrill, Kentuckians, arrived that year and located in Friend’s Creek Township. Among the arrivals in 1825 were John Draper, who came from Virginia; James Howell, native of Ohio, who settled in Oakley and was followed a little later by his son, William Howell; David Florey, native of Virginia; William W. McDaniel; William Warnick, the first sheriff, who came from Tennessee; and Joseph Strickland, who settled in Niantic Township.

Alesha Hott, 18, carries a tray of food out to the residents.

Emily Krohn, 18, serves dinner to Paul and Elaine Hohenstein. to stay in the field. “My ultimate goal is to be an administrator,” she said. She recommends students go into the facilities with an open mind. “Don’t be timid,” she said. “They remind the residents what it’s like to be young.” Alesha Hott, 18, has worked in Imboden Creek for two years. “It makes me miss my grandma,” she said. “But I like being around the elderly.”

And the residents feel the same. Charlene Musser, a resident at Imboden Creek, appreciates the younger generation. “Us old people like the young,” she said. Fellow resident, Ann Hooge, agrees. “They’re very helpful, and they serve you well,” she said. “And they’re kind of cute.” Certified nurse’s assistant Alonzo Warren has worked for two years among the teenagers and the elderly and

sees the importance of the two interacting with each other. “They are teenagers, but they are learning job-related skills,” he said. “Working with the elderly takes a special kind of people skills.” Lori Brown, Hickory Point Christian Village administrator, sees the importance of the two groups together as well. “That intergenerational connection is important,” she said. “It’s interesting to see the kids listen to the residents tell stories.” The families of the residents see the importance of the relationships. They feel more at ease knowing their loved ones are in comfortable surroundings and being taken care of. “It’s almost as if they think they are their grandchildren,” said Christine Gillett. Gillett’s mother and two uncles reside in Imboden Creek. “They can sure put smiles on their faces.” The residents understand their role in the relationship as well. “They have to learn, don’t they?” Hooge said. dbeckett@herald-review.com| (217) 421-6983

PROFILE The year 1826 saw the arrival of a number of newcomers. Edmund McDaniel came from Vandalia that year; John McMennamy came from Tennessee; Emanuel Widick came from Tennessee; William King arrived that year; Elisha Freeman and Hiram Robinson came and settled in South Wheatland Township. Quite a few additions were made the following year, in 1827. Among them were James Edwards, born near Raleigh, N.C.; Jones Edwards, native of North Carolina, but who came here from Tennessee; Eldridge H. McDaniel; Thomas Nelms, who came from Logan County, Kentucky, and was killed by a falling tree, after coming here; Dempsey Pope of North Carolina, who came from Tennessee; Benjamin Wilson of Tennessee, who assisted in the organization of

the county; James Finley, a Kentuckian; and Michael Myers came either in 1827 or 1828. In 1828, the population was increased by the addition of William A. Austin of Virginia; William Hanks of Kentucky, who settled in Harristown Township; Samuel Braden, native of Ireland, who came to Macon County from Tennessee; William D. Baker, who settled in Long Creek Township; David Davis, born in North Carolina, but who came here from Tennessee and settled in Long Creek Township; Robert Smith Sr., native of North Carolina, who came from Sangamon County; William C. Smith from Sangamon County; Andre Smith, his brother, also from Sangamon County; William Wheeler Sr., native of Virginia; James Myers, a Kentuckian who settled in Long Creek

Township; William Dickey, who settled in Friend’s Creek Township; Valentine Claywell, native of Kentucky, who came to Pleasant View Township; and Ephraim Cox, who came in 1828 or 1829. ON THE WEB: www.ci.decatur.il.us non CITY: Macon COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 1,138 MAYOR: Todd Collins TOURIST ATTRACTION: Macon Speedway MAJOR HIGHWAY: U.S. 51 ON THE WEB: maconil.com non UNINCORPORATED AREA: Oakley COUNTY: Macon POPULATION: 1,082 MAJOR HIGHWAY: Illinois 105

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SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013

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