The Blade

09/22/2025

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Lilli Trachsel!

Lilli, an 8th grader, was nominated by Coach Meister, who wrote, "Lilli was an outstanding leader for our softball program this year. She willingly played whatever position we asked her to play without a complaint. She played catcher, third base, and centerfield at various times this Fall. Lilli led by example by always being one of the first players up for any drill we ran in practice and demonstrating a solid work ethic. Lilli led the team in hits and doubles." Lilli is also involved in volleyball, travel softball, and Peer Partners.

09/17/2025

130 Years Ago
September 14, 1895
John Wantland had a rib broken when kicked by an unruly horse in Duell's livery stable.
William Masters is making extensive improvements in his farm residence northeast of town.
A large number of people attended the Cropsey Fair on Thursday. The officers elected for the coming year are: Pres., E. B. Meeker; Vice Pres., John Loar; Sec., Sherman Williams; Treas., D. S. Crum; directors, William Mooberry, D. W. Barnes, E. H. Ward, Charles Forsythe, Willis Ward, G. H. Bennett, William Huston; Marshal, D. W. Barnes.
The mile of gravel road north of the east side of Fairbury, in Avoca Township, is unanimously commended as a good thing. The gravel on this road was put there mostly by private subscription. The material came from the Robert Somerville farm, north of Hugh Robinson's place. T. A. Beach contributed 250 loads delivered on the road, Hugh Robinson 225 loads, Ed Dirks, 200, R. H. Somerville 120, Geo. Kifer 100, L. B. Dominy 100. Others who contributed were John Virgin, G. Y. McDowell, S. F. Banker, W. S. Bennett, J. Crumbaker, A. J. Bennett, A. M. Pearson, M. M. Pearson and F. Mowery.

120 Years Ago
September 15, 1905
About 100 members of the M. W. A. of this city went to Pontiac on a special train Tuesday to attend the Woodman picnic. They took with them the Fairbury Band and some of the boys expected to bring home the prize for the largest delegation, but they didn't. Long Point had the only other contesting delegation, but they captured the first prize. Some of the Fairbury Woodmen think the Long Point delegation was loaded up after they seen and counted the Fairbury delegation, but the Long Point boys would hardly do a mean thing like that.
W. L. Sample of Chenoa was called to Watseka Saturday evening on account of a disease which some of his horses had on his farm near that city. The disease, according to a state veterinarian, was glanders, and consequently three of his horses were killed Monday to prevent a spread of the disease.
The Brick school opened Monday morning with an enrollment of nine scholars and Miss Powell of McDowell as teacher.
We are now prepared to wash and press men's clothing, coats, pants and vests. We guarantee all work and will make your old suit look like new for one dollar. —Fairbury Steam Laundry

110 Years Ago
September 17, 1915
T. R. Voorhees will fill the position of second trick operator at the depot during the absence of Nate Camp, who will take a trip through the west.
The Delta Sigma Rho fraternity entertained Monday night at the club rooms above Walton Bros. store in honor of Harry Morris, who left on Tuesday morning to attend school at the Alton Military Academy.
Carl Goudy won the 300-mile motorcycle race at the Chicago Speedway Sunday, over 27 of the world's best motorcycle riders. In winning the race he established a new world's record for the distance, which he covered in 3:29:41 2-5. That was more than 15 and a half minutes better than the old record.
The youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Storck recently had the misfortune to fall from a swing and break her arm.

100 Years Ago
September 18, 1925
A three-day entertainment for the people of this locality will be given at the fair grounds October 8, 9 and 10. The first day will be given over to automobile races and some of the most noted drivers in the country will be here to participate. The rodeo will be held the 9th and 10th and there will be a host of cow punchers from the wild and woolly west and all the ingredients that go to make up an exhibition full of excitement and thrills.
Dance halls in Livingston County will not be allowed to operate on Sunday nights, the board of supervisors at their meeting last Friday taking steps to put a ban on this amusement on that day. It will be remembered that at the last session of the legislature a bill was passed giving boards of supervisors power to license dance halls. The committee recommended that where dances were operated by church and charitable organizations or not for personal gain that the yearly fee be $10 and that where dances were operated for personal gain that the yearly fee be $25.
Sunday morning about three o'clock Mrs. James Hornbeck arose to get a drink of water. She did not turn on the lights and, becoming confused in the dark, stepped into the doorway of the cellar, the door being open, and fell to the bottom of the cellar. She struck on her side and her head, bruising her side and arm badly and cutting a gash in the top of her head. A physician was summoned and an examination showed no bones were broken and her injuries, while severe, are not serious.

90 Years Ago
September 13, 1935
Robert Stiver had his Willys Knight sedan badly damaged by fire Wednesday evening about 5:40 o'clock. Mr. Stiver had pulled into the Shell Service Station at Seventh and Oak Streets, where Ernest Bess, the owner of the station, filled the tank with gas. While the car was still standing at the pump, Mr. Bess happened to walk back of the car and noticed a fire under the gas tank. Fire extinguishers were used without avail and an alarm was sent in for the fire department. The interior and top of the car were ruined and the outside badly damaged. The car was insured.
Mr. and Mrs. T. F. Ralston, who for the past nine years have operated a five and ten cent store here, are closing it tomorrow evening. The stock will be invoiced and possibly a sale held. A couple of weeks ago when the announcement was made that Kunkel's would open a store in the Masonic building, it was said that the Ralston Store would be taken over by the new firm. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston opened up in business here on September 14, 1914, purchasing the variety store of D. Adams.
Dillon Loughran, employed in the mechanical department of The Blade, is taking an enforced vacation. Last Saturday afternoon while removing a part of the paper cutter mechanism his right hand slipped, the back of that member striking the sharp corner of the knife and inflicting an injury that required seven stitches to close.

80 Years Ago
September 14, 1945
Edward R. Ruhlander, of Strawn, has taken over the interests of Clarence Newman Jr., at the Cities Service Oil Company station at the corner of Main and First Streets, the deal having been closed yesterday. Mr. Ruhlander just recently received his discharge from military service. The Cities Service Station is in a good location and Mr. Ruhlander is a fine young man. He should get his share of the business.
The younger generation will be pleased to know that Fairbury is soon to have a roller skating rink. It will be located in the Fairbury Opera House, recently purchased by C. E. Leman from Mrs. J. E. Eddy. The proprietor of the new skating rink is Wayne Finch, of Champaign. He has had experience a-plenty in the management of skating rinks and declares that the Fairbury rink will be conducted in a most orderly manner with a police officer present at all times. Mr. Finch plans to open the rink on Friday, September 28, and plans to have it open three days a week – Friday, Saturday and perhaps Sunday.
Word has come from the War Finance Committee of the Treasury Department that in the future the name of war bonds will be changed to Victory Bonds. the eighth bond drive will begin October 29. When bond sales were first started they were Defense Bonds. Then with this country's entry into the war they were changed to War Bonds, And now that victory has come, they are Victory Bonds. But by whatever name they may be called, they are the best investment available. Buy Victory Bonds!

70 Years Ago
September 15, 1955
Fairbury Hospital Auxiliary is asking people of the community for crutches to be used at the hospital. Anyone who has crutches available is asked to please contact Inez Hoffman.
The possibilities of securing a new post office for Fairbury, a discussion of parking problems and the appointment of a committee to act upon reducing the number of visual hazards along Route 24 within the city were the important items of business transacted at the regular meeting of the Chamber of Commerce held Tuesday evening.
Naval Reserve Ens. Donald S. Hartman, son of Silas Hartman, and husband of the former Jo Ann Bauer of Cissna Park, was commissioned during graduation ceremonies Sept. 9 at the officer candidate school at Newport, R. I.
The road toward a new fire truck for the city of Fairbury and surrounding rural area was officially laid open.

60 Years Ago
September 16, 1965
Normally, Fairbury's Locust Street is still bright at 5 p.m., but Tuesday it was a whirling grey cloud of water, as one of the hardest rains in memory hit just at 4:45, after menacing clouds had gathered for the preceding hour. Visibility at times was less than a block. Many Fairbury streets were level from curb to curb with water after two torrential storms just before and just after the supper hour.
Area police are looking for two carloads of vandals who moved a barricade onto U. S. 24 west of Fairbury Monday night about 11 p.m. A large semi-truck trailer and two cars were forced to drive off the highway and into the ditch when they came up on the barrier at high speed a few minutes later. The west-bound semi took to the north shoulder and almost jack-knifed, but managed to remain upright. The two passenger cars, both east-bound, skidded into the south ditch. The occupants were badly scared but otherwise uninjured.
Nussbaum Chevrolet-Olds in Chatsworth has been sold to Gene Gardner of Naperville, effective October 1. Prior to the change, an auction of used vehicles, including an extra-large selection of trucks, will be held Friday, Sept. 24. The firm has been operated for the past five years by Alden Nussbaum of Fairbury and Dean Nussbaum of Chatsworth, with the latter serving as manager. About two years ago they built a new large garage on U. S. 24 at the east edge of Chatsworth. The new owner has been the used-car manager for Colonial Pontiac-Buick at Naperville.

50 Years Ago
September 18, 1975
Beginning this fall, the Fairbury Hospital and Dr. Nick Kothari and Dr. T. F. Mauger, both of Fairbury Medical Associates, Ltd., will be participating in the clinical training of first year medical students from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Urbana. The Fairbury community joins 13 other communities in the Champaign-Urbana region in providing an extensive clinical practice program in which beginning medical students regularly assist practicing physicians and affiliated hospitals and thus learn by actually observing and participating.
Ex-cavalryman Bob Seney, 60, from the state of Washington, moseyed through Fairbury this week en route by horseback from Arizona to Florida. Averaging about 20 miles per day, speed obviously was not his goal, and so it was no wonder as he rode east along U. S. 24 that he was far north of the most direct route between those two states. He spent Sunday night in Weston, and then lingered in Fairbury until Wednesday morning before leaving, riding one horse and leading another.
Perry Burroughs, retired Fairbury railroad agent, and former executive secretary of the Fairbury Association of Commerce, was hospitalized for observation of possible internal injuries last week after being injured by an exploding paint can. The lid of the can struck his side with such force that each concentric ring, plus the discharge rod in the center, left a deep imprint in his flesh. Burroughs reportedly put the can in a fire by accident on Thursday, and when he realized what he had done, attempted to retrieve it. Just then it exploded. He was released Saturday.

40 Years Ago
September 12, 1985
Kevin Meints admits, his knees were shaking after he threw his 10th consecutive strike Sunday night on his way to the first 300 game ever rolled at Westgate Bowling Lanes in Fairbury. By that time, all the other bowlers in the Sunday night mixed league had stopped their own games and gathered behind lanes five and six to watch Meints flirt with perfection. After the 11th strike, he had already beaten his previous best, a 276 rolled last winter, and he was one strike away from his perfect game. He didn't take a lot of time to send his 12th strike on its way. "It was a little light but it came up real good," he smiles.
Over 300 people toured Fairbury Hospital this week during Open House, viewing the new and remodeled facilities. Board president Harvey Traub indicated that people touring the facility showed much community pride, especially in the new skilled care unit, commenting on its pleasing appearance and atmosphere. The new unit has nine private as well as ten semi-private beds. Patients are to be admitted to the unit beginning Sept. 16.
Rev. Lee Heafner has accepted the position of Pastor at the Fairbury Church of God located at the corner of First and Walnut Streets. He has been affiliated with the Church of God for 12 years. He has been Pastor of two churches in North Dakota and one in Heyworth. Rev. Heafner resides on West Ash Street with his wife, Rhonda and their children, Lee, 6, and Stacey, 2.

30 Years Ago
September 13, 1995
Wes Johnson, the Twirly Man, is closing down Chatsworth's most colorful business. After being diagnosed with cancer, Johnson has decided to shut down his second-to-none yard ornament business that he started in 1963. In 32 years, he has wood-crafted some 159 different items, many that were 'gobbled up" before he could display them. He's been dubbed "The Twirly Man" because of the colorful spinning whirligigs he's turned out, many with animation in several directions. His vivid work has gone to England, France, Holland, Italy, Japan and Germany, and has been shown throughout Central Illinois at shows in Lexington, Loda, Gilman and elsewhere.
The Denny and Jane Steidinger family are chronicled in a new book, "Portrait of a Farm Family," by author and photographer Ray Bial of Urbana. The book was set for release Sept. 9 on the independent diary farmers near Fairbury. Bial spent a summer of weekends at the family farm, taking pictures of all aspects of their farm life.
Edwards Soil Service, Inc., a Livingston County business staple for more than half a century, is being sold to an Oklahoma-based fertilizer corporation. Ken Broquard, president and general manager of the Edwards Soil Service Corporation, said a letter of intent was signed with Crop Production Services Aug. 25. He said an outright sale is planned for Oct. 2. Crop Production Services operates retail outlets in Blackstone, Onarga and Wenona. Broquard said the Tulsa, Okla.-based company operates more than 200 outlet locations, from the east to west coasts.

20 Years Ago
September 14, 2005
Fairbury native, Zack Stork, along with a team of NASA astrophysicists and astronomers from both the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) will soon be exploring the center of our galaxy in hope of detecting cyanoformaldehyde. Cyanoformaldehyde was first created, isolated and studied by Stork while he was at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale pursuing a Masters Degree in Physical Chemistry. Stork's research received first-page publication in the prestigious Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). Stork is currently employed as a Chemist and Regional Quality Systems Manager for Plastipak Inc., Champaign. He is also Professor of Physics at Parkland College in Champaign.
Jason and Jennifer Whitfill of Fairbury are parents of a baby girl, born Aug. 26, 2005 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. Lucy Ann weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and was 20 inches long at birth. She was welcomed home be her older brother, Lyndon Alan, 2. Maternal grandparents are Gary and Patty Hofmann of Fairbury. Paternal grandparents are Tom and Becky Whitfill of Fairbury.
The junior and open classes of the Culinary Department at the Fairbury Fair had 43 entries of which six trophy awards were given. The Junior Homemaker Award was given to Caitlyn Wade of Colfax. It is chosen on the basis of the total premiums won in the Junior Dept. James Stork received a trophy for the Best Canned Good for his canned corn. Donna Sands won the Best Baked Product award for her Fresh Peach Pie. Megan Beutke of Long Point had the Best Decorated Cake in the Amateur Class. Rosie Reis won trophies for the President's Cookie Jar, and Jelly Jamboree.

10 Years Ago
September 16, 2015
Maybe it's because completion of the project brings the son of Denise and Brian Plenert of Forrest one step closer to his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout, or maybe it's the thought of giving back to his grade school in a way that will be recognized for years to come. Whatever the reason, even two days after completion of the new swing set at Pontiac Christian School, 15-year-old Trevor Plenert, a Life Scout with Boy Scouts of America Troop 1870 in Fairbury, is still beaming over the accomplishment. The sophomore at Prairie Central High School says there were times when he was intimidated by all the paperwork involved with completing an Eagle Scout Project, but when he looks at what he's accomplished, it feels really good.
Howard Payne of rural Fairbury celebrated his 90th birthday with a family dinner at Bernardi's in Pontiac. His birthday was Sept. 9. He and his wife, Maxine, have been married for 65 years. They have two sons, John (the late Sharon) and Steve (Kelly), and seven grandchildren. Payne is a retired farmer and road commissioner.
The Prairie Central Hawks varsity football team preaches defense in their practices. From Day 1 of Coach Aaron Hilgendorf's reign as head coach, he has felt defense is a passion and that if you have good defense you will always be in the game. Friday night against the Olympia Spartans, the Hawk defense set the tone early and often and carried the Hawks to a 47-6 Corn Belt Conference victory over the stunned Spartans in Stanford. The Hawk defense held the Spartans to only 187 yards of offense while accumulating 388 of total offense on the night. Next week,the PC Hawks will face cross county foe, Pontiac, who is also coming off a big win versus Illinois Valley Central.

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09/11/2025

Fairbury’s Aug. 27 blood drive, held at the First United Methodist Church, collected 57 units.

First time donors were Michael Brand and Brian Ifft.

Others reaching milestones were Kisha Kruse, one gallon; Jim Tipton, five gallons; Evan Hish, six gallons; Dawn Kestner, nine gallons; Dale Banwart, 12 gallons; and Jim Yoder, 31 gallons.

Also donating were LaRae Walter, Louis Retter, Steve Hall, Ty Cottrell, Kyle Buchanan, Jeffrey Lackaff, Matthew Brauman, Ann Francis, Robert Francis, John Krueger, Joyce Gulliford, Carol Melton, John Trainor, Lori Leman, Teri Stork, Mark Hall, Benjamin Stoller, Martha Fehr, Helen Steidinger, Brenda Bachtold and Kathleen Lawless.

Other donors were Donald Harms, Cary Dehm, Eli Meister, Karen Serafinn, Cody Maher, Jim McKeon, Ashley Boring, Greg Hish, Kathryn Haab, Darcy Stoller, Kinzey Bachtold, Nate Kelson, Steve Bashford, Philip Leman, Derrick Steidinger, Ralf Lehmann, Jayna Casner, Paul Harms, David Hammer, Randall Stoller and Jaylin Teubel.

Donors came from Forrest, Chatsworth, Fairbury, Chenoa, Cropsey, Strawn, Sibley, Lexington, Cullom and Pontiac.

The Fairbury VFW Auxiliary Post #9789 furnished a Dave’s gift card to provide food for the donors. Cookies were donated by Carol Drach, Christy Sloan, Cheryl Martin, Judy Bennett, Liz Freeland, Sharon McCoy, Kim McWilliams and Karilyn Newnam. Kathy Honegger made a monetary donation.

Volunteers working at the blood drive were Deb Moran, Kathy Fehr, Linda Zick, Barb Taylor, Judy Bennett, Kathy Cook, Katie Cavanagh, Karen Harms, Bev Forneris, Teresa P***n, Mary Zimmerman, Judy Wells, Donna Delaney, Glenda Platz, Delmar Platz, Mary Ann Stork, Liz Freeland and Mark Hall.

Many thanks to the donors and volunteers who gave their time to help others.

Your next opportunity to donate blood will be Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.

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09/10/2025

130 Years Ago
September 7, 1895
Hirsch Bros., of Chicago, have rented the O'Malley building and will open a stock of clothing and furnishing goods.
Thanley Thayer celebrated his sixth birthday yesterday by inviting in a number of his little friends.
Twelve nice smooth shaves for a dollar at Hillyer's Barber Shop.
The Lodemia post office is now in a state of suspended animation and the good people thereabouts are mostly getting their mail at Fairbury. Uncle James Tanner has been postmaster at Lodemia for a good many years, but has resigned, something he has been trying to do for a long time. His assistant, Miss Davis, who is a sister of Rev. J. H. Hobbs, will soon leave, on account of Rev. Hobbs being transferred. A substitute has not as yet been secured.

120 Years Ago
September 8, 1905
The Fairbury Fair for 1905 is ended and, judging from the large crowds present, the fair will be a great success financially. The shows on the grounds received liberal patronage, as did the stands. There were no skin games to be seen much to the credit of M. H. Baily, the privilege man, who would not allow one on the grounds. There were a few spindle wheels and an imitation chuck-a-luck table or two, but they did a very light business. The Okabe troupe of Japanese athletes gave two performances each afternoon and they were good. Burch's Band was the best feature of the fair and unstinted praise for them was heard on all sides.
Chapman & Tune this week sold their machine shop in the east part of town to Joseph Slagel. Mr. Slagel is an experienced machinist and perfectly capable of handling the business. He has taken possession.
Arthur Wiggins, who was traveling with Texas Bill's Wild West Show, arrived home last week. In regard to the fight the cowboys had in West Virginia, he says they were not trying to hold up a train, but some of them were drunk and got into trouble. Three were killed.

110 Years Ago
September 10, 1915
Commencing with Monday, September 20, the people of Fairbury will receive their meats, groceries, etc., through a new delivery system. E. E. Benson, manager of the new system in Fairbury, was here the first of the week and closed a deal with the various grocery stores and meat markets in this city to deliver their goods for them. All the goods will be taken to one central point and delivered from there. This new delivery system will do away with delivery wagons standing in front of the stores all day.
Walter Dailey, who stepped on a nail a couple of weeks ago, was taken to Fairbury Hospital the latter part of last week, the wound being badly infected.
The "Nut Club" gave one of their popular dances at the opera house last Friday evening, and it proved to be a most enjoyable affair. During the evening Miss Margie Nowatny of Odell, and her dancing partner, Mr. Uncles, who were present, gave an interpretation of two of the newer dances – the one-step and the fox trot.

100 Years Ago
September 11, 1925
Ed Cumpston brought to our office this week a "family ticket" to the first annual Fairbury Fair. It was issued to "B. Cumpston and Family." Since last week we have heard of three others who have attended all the Fairbury Fairs. They are Will and George Nimmo and W. H. Bartlett. Mr. Bartlett was for a number of years superintendent of speed.
One of the men said to have taken over $184,000 last January from the Farmers Bank at Chenoa, has been captured. His name is Harry Funk and he has been identified by J. F. Kelly, president of the bank. His capture occurred at Champaign Tuesday. Street gossip is to the effect that he has nearly $100,000 safely deposited.
A Fordson tractor belonging to the Claudon Motor Mart was quite badly damaged Wednesday afternoon by the 2:10 train from the west. The engine did not escape damage either, the pilot being partly knocked off. The accident happened at the Webster Street crossing. Eli Moser was driving the Fordson to which was attached a plow. He saw that he was not going to get across the track in time, and jumped from the tractor a second or two before the train hit it.

90 Years Ago
September 6, 1935
Harry Klopfenstein, proprietor of the Fairbury Motor Company, has announced his intention of building a new garage and oil station at the intersection of Oak (Route 24) and Second Streets, on what is known as the Brownson corner. Mr. Klopfenstein stated yesterday that the new structure would front 65 feet on Oak Street and would be 70 feet long. It will be entirely modern and fireproof. Work on the new station will start at once.
Mrs. I. S. Carter has just recently received word from her daughter, Miss Fern, a missionary in India, that she is recovering from a critical illness. Miss Carter became ill after attending a gathering where a dinner was served. Following the dinner a number of those attending became seriously ill and one of their number, Miss Bessie Rieck, died. Miss Rieck was also a missionary and being a close friend of Miss Carter's, had visited at the Carter home in this city.
The Fairbury Garment Company factory, which has been idle for the past several weeks, started full operations yesterday, twenty girls being employed. Carl Reinitz, who for a number of years past has operated the dress factory at Gilman, is operating the local factory with his son in active charge.

80 Years Ago
September 7, 1945
The Fairbury Township High School opened on Tuesday with perhaps the largest enrollment in the freshman class in the history of the school, there being 71 in the class. There are 35 sophomores enrolled, 43 juniors, and 35 seniors, the total enrollment being 184. Coach Gleason has a squad of 40 potential gridiron gladiators from which to build a winning team, and while experienced men are few, who can tell – this year's team may be the best in the school's history.
When Fairbury citizens heard the new fire truck racing through the streets Sunday forenoon, the first day the truck arrived, some remarked, "There go the firemen, playing with the new truck." But, 'twasn't so. There really was a fire. And the firemen had it out in a jiffy, too, using the facilities afforded by the new truck. The fire was on the roof of the barn at the Bernard Kelson home, at 501 East Walnut Street. Very little damage was done. The roof became ignited from some burning rubbish, which proved to be a little too close to the barn.
City officers picked Monday, Labor Day, when there was a minimum of traffic, to start repainting the parking space lines in Fairbury's business district. White paint was used this time and car drivers can't help seeing them. It will be hard now to think up an excuse for not parking correctly. The work was finished Wednesday.

70 Years Ago
September 8, 1955
Charles Haberkorn won second place last Wednesday in the Illinois state contour plowing contest held at Sibley.
A polite, but firm warning was given the Fairbury City Council Wednesday night by three employees of the Illinois Department of Health, concerning recent complaints about Fairbury's stream pollution.
The unit school board Tuesday night approved a $434,337 budget for the 1955-56 school year.
Fairbury Hospital births — to Mr. and Mrs. James Hashbarger, Forrest, Aug. 30, a boy; to Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Durham, Fairbury, Aug. 30, a girl; to Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lee, Fairbury, Aug. 31, a girl; to Mr. and Mrs. Donald Miller, Chenoa, Sept. 1, a girl; to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Meyer, Chenoa, Sept. 3, a girl; to Mr. and Mrs. Bernie White Jr., Forrest, Sept. 4, a girl; to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Friedman, Forrest, Sept. 4, a boy; to Mr. and Mrs. Leon Stroh, Pontiac, Sept. 5, a girl.

60 Years Ago
September 9, 1965
A public open house will be held Sunday, September 12, at the new Apostolic Christian Church in Fairbury. The reception is slated for the hours of 2 to 5 p.m. and will follow the regular services to be held Sunday. The church was occupied four weeks ago, after being under construction for the past year. Dedication rites will be held the week following the public open house, on Sept. 19. With a seating capacity in the sanctuary of more than 500 persons, the church is said to be the largest edifice of its kind in Livingston County.
Six names from Fairbury and Forrest have been drawn in the panel of 35 persons who will serve as petit jurors in the September term of Circuit Court for the Magistrate Division. Reporting to the court house in Pontiac on Tuesday, Sept. 21, will be Royce A. Carter, Eugene B. Herzog, Richard L. Mowry and Eunice K. Netherton, all of Fairbury; and Marcia R. Barber and Erwin Reiman, both of Forrest.
The Winston Churchill College of Pontiac and Livingston County last week had already exceeded 50 percent of its goal of the $100,000 needed to start the college. This amount will be used to rehabilitate that part of the former Pontiac Township High School building to be used by the college, to employ a president and admissions counselor, to make a down payment, if necessary, on a dormitory for girls, and to operate until September, 1966, when the college will open with faculty and classes.

50 Years Ago
A retired master professional photographer from Fairbury, Dudley D. Fultz, 101, died at 3:40 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, 1975, at Greenbrier Lodge, Piper City, where he had resided since Dec. 6, 1973. His demise closes out an eight decade career, as a school teacher, appliance dealer and photographer, during which time Mr. Fultz not only took photos of most residents of Fairbury and the surrounding area, but many of the greatest circus performers and boxers who ever lived. At the time of his death, Mr. Fultz was probably one of the oldest living alumni of what is now Illinois State University, having graduated from that school in 1889 at age 16.
Soybean harvest got underway this week in the Fairbury-Cropsey area and yield reports from "good-sized fields" ranged from 45 to 48 bushels on Tuesday, according to Bob Maurer, farm manager for the National Bank of Fairbury. Day by day, the soybean activity will become more hectic until every farm and roadway is filled with the gigantic machinery of harvest.
Michael F. Kaiser, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Kaiser of Chatsworth, has been promoted to first lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force. Lt. Kaiser, a missile launch officer, is assigned at Whiteman AFB, Mo., with a unit of the Strategic Air Command. The lieutenant, a 1969 graduate of St. Bede Academy, Peru, received his B. A. degree from the University of Notre Dame, Ind. where he was commissioned in 1973 through the Reserve Officers Training Corps program. Lieutenant Kaiser's wife, Kathryn, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond P. Stevens of Fairbury.

40 Years Ago
September 5, 1985
The "Amoco Sky Patrol Copter" takes off every morning and afternoon in Chicago to report traffic conditions to WMAQ radio listeners. The voice they hear is that of 'Captain Joe' Canzoneri. He and his wife, the former Carole Coyne, were in Fairbury last week visiting Tom and Barb Coyne, Carole's parents. They had been in Onarga on Sunday to visit Carole's grandmother, Katherine Jackson.
Roger and Joann Bach hosted a twin birthday party on Sunday at their Timber Ridge home for his father, C. Edward Bach and twin C. Edmund Bach of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. It was their 75th birthday and they had not celebrated it together since their 60th one. Edmund and Edward were members of the 1928 Fairbury High School class. They were one of four sets of twins that graduated that year and all of them are still living. The celebration was a combination of birthday and family reunion and a great time was had by all.
Prairie Central School Board members Tuesday night cleared the way for a Chenoa High School senior to enroll in a physics class at PCHS. The board unanimously approved a formal request from Carmen Winterland, the Chenoa student, to take physics at PCHS. Physics is not being offered at Chenoa High School this year. Superintendent Calvin Jackson said he has talked with Regional Superintendent Wayne Blunier and had been told there were no legal hurdles standing in the way of the request. The PCHS physics class meets over Miss Winterland's lunch hour at Chenoa.

30 Years Ago
September 6, 1995
A corn crib fell unexpectedly on Monday when a group of men were trying to dismantle it on the Craig Ziller farm, R. R. 3, Fairbury. Ziller and several other men were working to take down a corn crib on his property at 4:00 p.m. Monday, when the structure suddenly fell. Carl Bridgeforth, of El Paso, was helping and was caught inside of the crib when it collapsed, but suffered only minor scratches and bruises.
Joe Kelley of Colfax was involved in getting a Senate Bill passed known as Conservation 2000, which commits $100 million over the next six years to establish conservation-friendly agriculture practices. The bill simplifies the state's water laws, protects large tracts of land and restores inland lakes. "It will allow us to preserve our crucial natural resources, to have good farmland for the future and to have woodlands and prairies that are so much a part of our natural heritage," said Kelley.
Livingston County Sheriff's Police on Friday located and destroyed a cultivated crop of cannabis found growing in a cornfield southeast of Strawn. The cannabis crop had been reported to police by a resident of the area who farms the ground in which the plants were located. A corn crop was planted in the field and approximately one-quarter mile into the field was where the cannabis crop began. Police discovered 140 plants, ranging in size from 5 to 12 feet tall, planted in among the corn in two individual rows approximately 75 yards in length. The plants, with a street value of approximately $29,730, were destroyed by the police after removal from the field.

20 Years Ago
September 7, 2005
Kay Dickey, the 2005 Fairbury Citizen of the Year, will be honored at Patriotic Day, Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Fairbury Fairgrounds at 3:30 p.m. The event, honoring veterans, is being sponsored by the Fairbury Junior Women's Club with proceeds to be given to Operation Home Front. Dickey, who this past year, celebrated her 90th birthday, continues to be very active in the community and also teaches piano to 18 students each week. Her name will be added to the plaque that hangs in Dominy Memorial Library.
The Cullom United Methodist Church will celebrate its 125th year on Sunday, Sept. 11, with a worship service at 10 a.m., followed by a light dinner served at noon in the church basement. During the morning service, Rev. Keith Zimmerman of Pontiac, District Superintendent, will rededicate the church, assisted by Pastor Herb Thompson. Memorabilia to be displayed in the narthex will include early worship programs, newspaper articles of the 1907 dedication service, lots of pictures and other items of interest.
Gene and Terri Miller, Fairbury, observed their silver wedding anniversary Tuesday. Gene Miller and Terri Reinmann were married Sept. 6, 1980, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Pontiac. They are the parents of Kristin (Chad) Bach, Bloomington, and Laura Miller, at home. He is manager of Prairie Central Co-Op, Fairbury, and she is self-employed.

10 Years Ago
September 9, 2015
Recently Fairbury was named as one of the best day trips from Chicago on the www.timeout.com website! Actually, Fairbury was listed #2 of 13! Fairbury was listed among Amish Country, Ind., Lake Geneva, Wis., Holland, Mich., Michigan City, Ind., Milwaukee, Wis., and others! Time Out is an international company with a 45 year history of enthusiasm for spreading news about what is happening in cities around the globe. Kilgus Farmstead and Slagel Family Farm are what prompted Time Out's designation of Fairbury to be one of the best day trips from Chicago. They mention that for a drive of only one hour and 50 minutes by car, folks can visit the farms whose names are popping up over and over again in the menu sourcing notes of famous Chicago restaurants.
Connie Kostelc and Dawn Baker, Master Gardeners and Fairbury Garden Club members, presented a workshop on “Flower Arranging” to third and fourth graders at Westview Elementary School in Fairbury on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The presentation was part of the Westview Flower Show that the Fairbury Garden Club has sponsored for many years. In previous years only fourth graders participated, but this year the show includes both third and fourth graders. Outside gardens planted from seed that the club provided last spring were judged on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Flower arrangements will be judged Friday, Sept. 11 at the school. Students were able to pick from 10 categories of arrangements. Best of show winners will be awarded cash prizes.
In any given day, a farmer wears a plethora of hats: meteorologist, veterinarian, parent, bookkeeper and the list goes on and on. Kent Blunier from Forrest decided there needed to be a forum for farmers to share their daily tasks with consumers. “Farm Hats” is the page that has grown to over 1,200 followers since its creation at the end of May. The group was started to highlight what a farmer does on a regular day. “A couple of people who gave me the idea to do it, Jason Bunting and Matt Boucher, posted farmer selfies so I thought, 'well, I'll just give this a shot,'” Blunier said. And, off it went! With new followers and new “felfies” (farmer selfies) every day, this simple idea has blossomed into an educational piece for farmers and consumers.

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