Jannette Wibben Coers, downtown Lincoln, Hartsburg-Emden FFA, Haley Bowles and Shanna Sheen make the Close Up

By Mike Fak

[December 17, 2010]  Jannette Wibben Coers, formerly of New Holland, will celebrate her 90th birthday on Dec. 21. A card shower is being held in observance of this special occasion. Cards may be sent to Jannette Coers, St. Clara's Manor, 200 Fifth St., Room 245, Lincoln, IL 62656.

Jannette grew up in the Hartsburg area. She married Harry R. Coers (deceased) and is the mother of David L. Coers of New Holland and the late Garry R. Coers. She has five grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. A family get-together is planned.

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One week from Christmas and downtown Lincoln has been busy. The stores appreciate the "Shop Local" results and want to thank everyone for their support. Saturday, Dec. 18, is the last Saturday before Christmas and there are those who still need some unique and special gifts.  

Santa Claus will be with us on Saturday at Absolute Harmony Salon and Day Spa from 9 until 10:30 a.m. Come to 521 Broadway for fun with Santa and a chance to enter a drawing. There will be some goody bags and other treats. 

Winners of Main Street Lincoln's window decorating contest will be announced on Saturday. Find your favorite window and go to the Main Street Lincoln office to vote for People's Choice. 

You can also pick up your 2011 Saver Cards at the Main Street Lincoln office. This little $5 card can save you $900 and more in the year 2011. 

Main Street Lincoln wishes you all a "Merry Christmas" and a "Blessed New Year."

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The Hartsburg-Emden FFA chapter has partnered with the Illinois Soybean Association to help increase agricultural literacy statewide. The Hartsburg-Emden FFA recently presented to Hartsburg-Emden Grade School, the Emden Whistle Stop Library and Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln two children's books about soybeans to add to each library's collection. 

"We greatly appreciate the help of Illinois FFA chapters and 4-H clubs in helping us to distribute these books to the state's elementary school and public libraries," said Ron Moore, ISA chairman and soybean farmer from Roseville. "Agricultural literacy is a critical component of education, especially in Illinois, where 1 in 4 workers is employed in the agriculture industry, and more qualified workers will be needed to fill jobs in the future. Agriculture helps feed and clothe a growing global population, and Illinois will need to play a critical role in meeting that need. 

Libraries are receiving "Soybeans: An A-to-Z Book" and "Soybeans in the Story of Agriculture." Both books are authored by Susan Anderson and JoAnne Buggey as part of the "Awesome Agriculture for Kids" series. The books also are available through www.ilsoy.org. 

Kelsi Ubbenga presented the books to Emden Grade School and Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln, and Noah Cross presented the books to the Emden Whistle Stop Library. Cross and Ubbenga are both Hartsburg-Emden FFA members. 

The Illinois Soybean Association is the statewide organization for Illinois Soybean growers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, promotions and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans, and administer legislation and membership programs. For more information, visit www.ilsoy.org.

Kelsi Ubbenga, FFA chapter president, presents books to Susan Wilson, librarian at the Hartsburg-Emden Grade School library.

Kelsi Ubbenga presents books to Donna Sauer, librarian at Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln. 

Noah Cross, FFA member, presents books to LaDonna Gass, librarian at the Emden Whistle Stop Library.

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Haley Bowles has been named December Senior-of-the-Month at Mount Pulaski High School. Haley is the daughter of Randy and Deborah Bowles of Mount Pulaski.  

Haley is a four-year honor roll student, three-year Spanish Club member, a four- year member of the award-winning Lady Toppers volleyball team, a four-year Spirit Squad member and the treasurer of the senior class. 

Haley has won numerous awards, including her selection as Logan County Board October Student-of-the-Month, as well as Sons of the American Legion essay contest winner. She won the 2009 and 2010 Lady Topper awards and was named to the Mount Pulaski High School Fall Festival all-tournament team. She was also named to the 2009 Sangamo all-conference first team and was a unanimous selection in 2010. She was a Herald & Review athlete profile pick and was recently named to the State Journal-Register all-area volleyball first team for 2010. 

Haley has been a member of Central Illini volleyball club and has helped coach the Junior Central Illini club teams.

During high school she has spent summers working as a lifeguard at the Mount Pulaski Park District pool. She has also helped with Vacation Bible School at Zion Lutheran Church. 

Haley plans to study dental hygiene. She has been accepted at both Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and Parkland College in Champaign. 

The Senior-of-the-Month program is co-sponsored by Johnson's Food Center of Mount Pulaski and Mount Pulaski Pharmacy. Monthly winners receive $100 savings bonds and are eligible to compete for the $1,000 Senior-of-the-Year award.

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November's LCHS Senior of the Month is Shanna Sheen of Lincoln.

Shanna's school activities have included French Club, Math Club, LEAF Club, Reality Illinois, soccer, marching band, basketball pom squad and National Honor Society, among others.

Shanna is active in the community as well, including volunteer work with ALMH, Logan County Food Pantry and Relay for Life, as well as tutoring several students, among other volunteer efforts.

She is planning on psychology as a college major.

Logan County Bank congratulates Shanna on her selection as LCHS Senior of the Month for November.

Logan County Bank is proud to sponsor the Lincoln Community High School's Senior of the Month/Year award and scholarship program. Each monthly winner receives a $50 U.S. savings bond from Logan County Bank and is then eligible for a $1,500 scholarship awarded by Logan County Bank, to be used at the college of their choice.

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Got a good piece of news, information or something that we can all brag about? If you do, e-mail Mike and let us tell everyone about it. Plus you can win cash. Every submission, whether we use it or not, will get your name in the Close Up grab bag. At the end of the month we will draw a name and someone will get $25 just for dropping us an e-mail. If you wish, we will be happy to donate your winnings to the organization of your choice.

You can contact Mike at [e-mail].

[MIKE FAK]

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