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Bill Higdon Memorial Country Music Show, Community Action meeting, Walk MS, Elkhart art exhibition and classes, 'Neighborhoods' deadline Monday, 'Punk' O'Donoghue benefit, nature walks and guest speakers at Elkhart, Lincoln Woman's Club sale, electronics recycling at Habitat, Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends, fundraiser by Bosom Buddies, Democrats meet, landfill hours, Integrity Data grant funding, Mount Pulaski landscape waste pickup and water main flushing, HSLC garage sale donations

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[April 13, 2013]  Bill Higdon Memorial Country Music Show at Lincoln College on April 28

The Bill Higdon Memorial Country Music Show, a new event, is scheduled for Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at Lincoln College. The show will be at the Johnston Center for Performing Arts, 300 Keokuk St.

The Last Band Standing, formerly the New Salem Country Opry band from Petersburg, will present the music for the day. Members of the band are Ken Decker, stage manager and steel guitar; Pete Dalton, lead guitar and vocals; Roger Frantz, fiddle and vocals; Larry Reavis, drums, sound and vocals; Bob Weaver, bass and vocals; Bob Watkins, keyboard and vocals; Paul Lewis, lead male vocals; and Les Wood, drums.

Tickets are now on sale and may be reserved by contacting Doris Higdon at 309-244-8894 or dorisah@mtco.com.


Community Action board meeting notice

The next regularly scheduled corporate board meeting of Community Action Partnership is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at Community Action's corporate offices, 1800 Fifth St. in Lincoln.

For transportation to the meeting, contact the resource specialist at your county office:

  • DeWitt County:
    Anita Russell, 217-935-2455

  • Logan County:
    Cyndi Campbell, 217-732-2159

  • Mason/Fulton County:
    Anna Richardson, 309-543-6988

  • Piatt County:
    Wendy Dotson, 217-762-2421


Walk MS event at Kickapoo Creek Park on May 5

Plans are nearing completion for the 14th annual Walk MS event at Kickapoo Creek Park in Lincoln on Sunday, May 5. According to Nancy Ireland, coordinator for the event, "all we need now is a beautiful day and lots of walkers."

Check-in begins at noon, team pictures will be taken at 1 p.m., and the walk starts at 1:30. The walk route is 100 percent accessible, and participants have the option of walking 1.5 or three miles. There will be assistance for anyone who is unable to complete the route.

All activities begin at the north shelter in the park. The day's events include music provided by Greg & Joe Hackett Music 4U DJ Service, as well as face painting and a silent auction.

A "bags" tournament will take place at 11:30 a.m. Team check-in is at 11. Cost is $10 per team, and there's prize money for the top two teams. Bring boards and bags. Participants must register by May 1 by calling 732-2339.

It's not easy to pinpoint the cause of multiple sclerosis, and so far, the cure rests on continuing research. Every hour, another person is diagnosed with MS. For 20,000 people in Illinois and some 400,000 nationwide, that hour has already arrived. Money raised by Walk MS helps to support research along with much-needed programs and services that enhance the quality of life for people living with multiple sclerosis.

People may register for the walk by calling 732-2339 or online at www.lincolnms.com. Donations may be sent to Lincoln MS Walk, 23 Tulip Drive, Lincoln, IL 62656.


Spring is in the air -- and so is art

ELKHART -- Dragonfly Art Studio & Gallery is planning special events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends. The art studio is on the upper floor of the refurbished 1889 building at 102 Gov. Oglesby St. in downtown Elkhart.

The studio is having an art exhibition and open house every Saturday in April from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artist and owner Renee Sisk's beautiful original paintings, and those of her students, adorn the walls of the studio. The second-story windows provide a great view of Elkhart's historic downtown.

There is no charge for viewing the exhibition.

Sisk is also offering classes with a flower theme at the studio every weekend in April to complement Elkhart's spring events. This Saturday, April 13, "Painting the Jack-in-the-Pulpit" with acrylic on canvas is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Painting the Purple Coneflower" watercolor class will be offered Saturday, April 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., and "Painting the Blue Flag Iris" on glass for a stained-glass look will be on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to noon. Sisk will lead your family, group or weekend guests in an inspired and enjoyable experience creating paintings that you didn't think you'd ever be able to draw.

For class information and registration, contact 217-737-7933 or dragonfly.art@live.com. For information on all activities and events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends, visit www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Don't miss the deadline to be part of 'Neighborhoods'

Submissions due Monday

he deadline for getting homes included in the new "Neighborhoods, Lincoln, IL" book is Monday, April 15. Information on homes from both Lincoln city and rural neighborhoods is being accepted.

After that date, the only submissions accepted will be for unwritten portions of the book. Home histories and photos may be mailed to Diane Osborn at 411 College Ave. in Lincoln or sent to the Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society office at 114 N. Chicago St. Information may also be emailed to diane.osborn@comcast.net. She may be contacted at 217-605-0011.

The book will include maps, vignettes of people instrumental in the city's development, and will feature homes of architectural, historical or social significance. Also accepted will be photos and histories of significant homes no longer in existence.

Socially significant homes would be those that have been occupied by well-known people, several generations of a family or by a family for a significant number of years.

Also included will be homes considered "landmark homes" because of their location. This might include the first house on a street or in a subdivision, a house on a corner, or one that just captures attention.

Submitted details of interest might include the name of the subdivision or addition where home is located, such as Original Town of Lincoln, Postville, or Knapp, Bird, & Tinsley (this information can be found on the abstract or tax bill for the property); age of home; builder of home; style of architecture; previous occupants and years of residency; number of generations of family at this residence; number of rooms; special features; and other significant data about the home.

Photos should be clear and be of 5-by-7 size, except for especially significant homes, for which 8-by-10 photos will be accepted. Black-and-white photos are preferred.

Only a limited number of copies of "Neighborhoods, Lincoln, IL" will be made available to the public. It is anticipated that the book will be completed this fall.


Benefit for 'Punk' O'Donoghue April 27

Family and friends are sponsoring a benefit later this month for Phillip "Punk" O'Donoghue of Burton View. Punk worked at Eaton Corp. for 35 years and at O'Donoghue Radiator Shop in Lincoln. He has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and Stage 2 lung cancer. In March he underwent surgery at Mayo Clinic to remove a tumor from his lung, and chemo will begin soon. Future trips to Mayo are necessary.

Punk and his wife, Lynn, have three children and six grandchildren. This family genuinely needs your support.

The benefit will be at the American Legion in Lincoln on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 1 p.m. Highlights of the event will include a pulled pork meal, silent auction from 1 to 5 p.m., 50-50 raffle, live auction beginning at 6 p.m. and live entertainment throughout the event.

If Punk were to be described in one word, it would be fun. The public is encouraged to take this day to celebrate all the fun and laughter he has brought us over the years.

Monetary donations will be gratefully accepted at the door, and an account has been established at CEFCU, where donations may be made payable to the "Phillip O'Donoghue Benefit."

Material donations for the auction -- such as baskets, crafts, services and big-ticket items -- are welcome and needed. If you are interested in donating an item or volunteering in any way, please contact Tricia Benninger, 217-871-8274; Corinne O'Donoghue, 217-871-7053; or Mary O'Donoghue, 217-732-7150.


Elkhart Wildflower Nature Walks

ELKHART -- Enjoy the spectacular wildflowers on Elkhart Hill as part of Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" April weekends. The Elkhart Historical Society's Wildflower Nature Walks are scheduled for 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on April 13 and 20. Walkers will depart from the Birdsong Books & Vintage Shoppe, 111 Gov. Oglesby St. in historic downtown Elkhart.

Each outing will last approximately 90 minutes, and walks are limited to 15 people. The outing will be on foot, so walkers should dress for the weather (rain or shine), wear good walking shoes and bring insect repellent.

Master Gardeners in Macon, Sangamon-Menard, McLean, Peoria and Logan counties can obtain continuing education credit for the walk. Contact your Master Gardener coordinator directly for credit.

To complement the walks, the Elkhart Historical Society is offering a special "Walk with Lunch and Lecture" at noon on each date. Lunch includes soup and half-sandwich or quiche, with dessert and beverage, at Wild Hare Café, 102 Gov. Oglesby St. in historic downtown Elkhart.

Reservations are required. The cost for the Wildflower Nature Walk only is $10 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and younger. For the walk, lunch and lecture, the cost is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Make this a family event. For more information and the online, printable reservation form, go to www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

For information on more activities and events during Elkhart's April "Celebrate Spring!" weekends, visit www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Guest speakers for Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends

Elkhart is sponsoring speakers every Sunday afternoon during the April "Celebrate Spring!" weekends. On April 14 and 28 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., author Holly Labisky, of Champaign, will speak in the St. John the Baptist Chapel in Elkhart Cemetery. Bob McCue, of Mount Pulaski, will entertain at Elkhart Cemetery on April 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Ms. Labisky visited over 520 cemeteries in 38 counties in Illinois to gather material for her book, "Cemeterying With Hope." Labisky will speak on a variety of topics regarding cemeteries and will share stories of her adventures in Elkhart and Logan County. She will read excerpts from her book and will be available for book signing, questions and conversation following the presentation. She also will provide the opportunity for activities and challenges for those who are interested in an interactive experience. "Cemeterying With Hope" will be available for purchase at the Birdsong Books & Vintage Shop in historic downtown Elkhart and is available on eBay by the title.

Bob McCue, dressed in period costume, will entertain on the topic of "The Life of Captain A.H. Bogardus." Bogardus (1834-1913) was a sharpshooter champion, inventor of the Bogardus trap and patented one of the most successful of the glass ball targets. He toured with Buffalo Bill Cody's "Wild West" show, with Annie Oakley in 1911 and had his own "Captain A.H. Bogardus' Wild West and Frontier Exhibition." Bogardus was a resident of Elkhart at the time he was crowned American Wing Shot Champion and when he won the world championship medal in London in 1875. McCue, a direct descendant of Bogardus, will speak near the gravesite of Bogardus in Elkhart Cemetery.

The one-hour talks are free of charge, but space is limited. For information on all activities and events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends, visit www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Lincoln Woman's Club annual sale Friday and Saturday

The Lincoln Woman's Club, 230 N. McLean, is hosting a garage sale Friday, April 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 13, from 8 a.m. to noon. Proceeds from the garage sale will be used to maintain and preserve the club building and for community service projects.

The Lincoln Woman's Club was organized in 1896 and has continually served the community since that time. Projects supported by the club include Sojourn, Salvation Army, Veterans’ Homes, Project Santa for the deployed military, glass recycling, Lincoln Public Library, summer concerts in the park, blood bank, and music and speech scholarships.

The building, which was constructed in 1910 and originally served as Temple Bethel, was purchased by the Lincoln Woman's Club in 1927. The club continues to meet monthly in the historic structure and is working to preserve it for future generations.


Habitat for Humanity monthly electronics recycling Saturday

Habitat for Humanity of Logan County will collect electronics Saturday morning, April 13, for recycling. The monthly collection is at the Habitat for Humanity warehouse, 915 Woodlawn Road, from 9 a.m. to noon. This is free of charge to the public.

In the first year of the program, 208,554 pounds of electronic material was collected for recycling, with over 50 percent of the total weight comprised of televisions and computer monitors.

The following items will be accepted:

  • Entertainment equipment, including TVs, radios, stereo and game systems, game controls, VCR and DVD players, and cameras.

  • Computer equipment, including laptop and desktop personal computers, hard drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, cords and cables, CD-ROM, DVD, Zip and tape drives.

  • Small business equipment, including phones, copiers, typewriters, fax machines and calculators.

  • Small household and countertop appliances will also be accepted, as well as aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel items.

Electronics are not to be left at the site and are not collected outside the hours of the collection.

Additional information on the electronics recycling is available through Habitat for Humanity of Logan County by contacting the office at 217-732-6412 or visiting the website at www.habitatlogan.org.


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Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends -- special events scheduled for April

ELKHART -- Every weekend in April will be busy in Elkhart as the village celebrates spring weather and the beauty of Elkhart Hill.

For a complete listing of events, including dates, times and reservation information, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL, or visit the Welcome Center in the Village Hall on Gov. Oglesby Street in historic downtown Elkhart for information on events. The center is open each weekend in April from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The following is a list of some of the activities on Saturdays and Sundays in Elkhart during April:

  • Wildflower Nature Walks and lectures

  • Elkhart Vintage Market

  • Artisan Craft Fair

  • Book signing and lecture: "Cemeterying with Hope," with Holly Labisky

  • Dragonfly Art Studio open house and art classes

  • Self-guided tours at St. John the Baptist Chapel

  • Capt. Bogardus lectures, with Bob McCue

  • Bird Watcher Walks and lectures

  • Book displays and book sales at the Elkhart Public Library

  • Geocaching

  • Coffee, homemade rolls and baked goods sale at the Elkhart Welcome Center

  • Dining specials at local restaurants

  • Violin recitals by the students of Birdsong

The quaint village of Elkhart offers unique businesses and quality services in restored structures in the historic downtown. Elkhart is less than one mile from Interstate 55 and right off Old Route 66, providing convenient access. Rich in history and natural beauty, Elkhart is famous for its unusual landscape -- a tree-covered hill that rises 777 feet above sea level, surrounded by a horizon of flat Illinois prairie land. The site was settled in 1855, and the picturesque early 1900s-style downtown makes Elkhart one-of-a-kind.

If you plan to enjoy all the activities over the weekend, overnight accommodations are available at the Best Western Plus in Lincoln, just minutes north of Elkhart on Old Route 66. Call 217-732-9641 and ask for the Elkhart discount, or visit the website. The Best Western Lincoln Inn is home to the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, the largest covered wagon in the world:
http://www.abe66.com/coveredwagon/ 

Or stay at the Hampton Inn, where the special Elkhart "Celebrate Spring!" weekend rate is $74 plus tax per night. Call 217-732-6729 or visit the website.


Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends include unique shopping opportunities

ELKHART -- The Elkhart Vintage Market and the Elkhart Artisan Craft Fair return to celebrate the beginning of the new season during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends in April. The tremendous popularity and success of both venues during the 2012 spring events in Elkhart has prompted their return this year.

Expanding to four buildings and an outdoor area (weather permitting), the Elkhart Vintage Market returns to historic downtown Elkhart on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With more than 20 vendors, items include retro, repurposed, antique, housewares, clothing, small furniture -- and more. Everything old is new again at the Elkhart Vintage Market.

Looking for something unusual? Sarah Wilson, an Elkhart resident, says: "You never know what interesting, quirky item you will find. Last year I picked up a book called 'Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities,' by Amy Stewart. It's a very interesting, unique book!"

The Artisan Craft Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 20-21 and April 27-28 in historic downtown Elkhart. With over 20 booths, local crafters will provide shoppers with all types of handmade items to purchase, including children's items, jewelry, wood and gourd crafts, bags and totes, walking sticks and canes, hand-sewn items, purses, wine glasses, and tarts and warmers.

For a complete listing of events, including dates, times and reservation information, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL, or visit the Elkhart Welcome Center for information. The Welcome Center is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Village Hall on Gov. Oglesby Street in historic downtown Elkhart.


Music recital scheduled for Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekend

ELKHART -- Students of Birdsong are planning a special recital during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring" weekend. The recital will be at Birdsong Books & Vintage Shoppe, 111 Gov. Oglesby St. in historic downtown Elkhart, on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

The Aeolian String Duo will present the concert. Jean Tweet, violinist, played for years with the Illinois Symphony and now teaches violin lessons at her Birdsong Books & Vintage Shoppe in Elkhart.

The shop is a rebirth of Nellie's Café, built in 1914 and an Elkhart institution for years. Birdsong has retained the marble soda fountain counter from Nellie's Café and the mirrored wall piece behind it that features lighted stained-glass windows, as well as two café booths. Come view the old soda fountain and sit in the wooden booths while enjoying the music recitals.

There is no charge for the recital. For more information, call 217-691-7966.

For information on all activities and events during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekend, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL.


Bosom Buddies announce Relay For Life team fundraiser

The Relay For Life team Bosom Buddies will raise funds with a carryout mostaccioli lunch on Saturday, April 20, at Jefferson Street Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The meal includes homemade mostaccioli (with the sauce donated by Guzzardo's), green beans and garlic bread.

To purchase a meal, contact Bob Hashman at 217-671-1993.


Logan County Democrats meet Saturday

The next meeting of the Logan County Democrats will be on Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m. in the Pegram Room at the Lincoln Public Library. All Logan County Democrats are welcome to attend.

Refreshments will be served.


New springtime hours at Lincoln city landfill

Now through May 5 the city landscape waste facility in Lincoln will be open every day except Monday from 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Beginning May 8 the facility will go back to normal hours of operation, which are Wednesday and Saturday only from 8 a.m. to 3.50 p.m.

The public is reminded that the city landfill accepts only landscape waste.


Integrity Data announces 2013 Community Giving Program

Integrity Data is announcing its 2013 Community Giving Program, which will provide $7,500 in funding to local organizations involved in helping those in need, as well as community progress initiatives and projects focused on improving the use of technology within public service organizations.

Integrity Data is honored to be a part of the Lincoln business community. The ability to give back to the community to help it grow and prosper is important to their team and is considered a measurement of the company's overall success. Their Community Giving Program was established in 2008 with the goal of having a meaningful impact on the Lincoln community. A number of local organizations have received grant funding from the program since its inception. A list of 2010-2012 recipients is available on the company website at http://integrity-data.com/grants.aspx.

The 2013 Community Giving program will provide $7,500 in funding. This amount may be granted to a single organization or divided among multiple organizations. Applicants may apply for any amount up to $7,500. The intent of the program is to fund specific projects or to provide special-use funding. Applicants should not apply for grants to be used for general administrative funds.

Eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on the company's website at http://integrity-data.com/grants.aspx. Integrity Data will accept applications through 5 p.m. on April 30.

Questions about the program or its procedures should be emailed to grants@integrity-data.com or call Integrity Data at 217-732-3737.

Integrity Data is a software development company located in Lincoln. Since 1996, Integrity Data has built software solutions for customers across the globe, allowing them to extend the capabilities of their business software systems and increase their return on investment.

Integrity Data was founded with the following core values:

  • Integrity and honesty in all relationships

  • Passion for customers, partners and technology

  • Willingness to take on big challenges and see them through

  • Commitment to excellence, results and quality to customers, partners and employees


Mount Pulaski landscape waste pickup schedule

MOUNT PULASKI -- City pickup dates for landscape waste in Mount Pulaski this year are April 8, May 6, June 3, July 8, Aug. 5, Aug. 30, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2.

On the above dates, Mount Pulaski city crews will remove landscape waste that has been placed in the area between the sidewalk and the edge of the street. If the weather is bad on the scheduled dates, then the city will pick up the landscape waste on the next day with good weather.

The following rules must be followed:

  • Have your landscape waste ready for pickup by 7 a.m. on the scheduled dates.

  • All small debris, grass, leaves, etc. must be in bags. This is a new requirement.

  • Do not place any material in the street or on the sidewalks.

  • Place all material within 6 feet of the edge of the pavement.

  • Do not remove entire trees from your private property and place them for the city pickup.

  • If you hire a contractor to remove your trees, have your contractor haul the material to the sewage treatment plant and place the material in the proper location.

  • Excessive amounts of material will not be removed by the city.

A separate notice for leaf pickup service in the fall will be published later.

For more information, contact City Hall at 792-3222.

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City notice


Mount Pulaski water main flushing dates

MOUNT PULASKI -- The water department in Mount Pulaski will flush the water mains on Tuesday, April 16, and Wednesday, April 17. The system will be flushed in the evening, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The water main flushing will cause the water to become cloudy, but the water is safe to drink. The cloudiness will last approximately one day after each flushing. Laundry should be scheduled accordingly.

For more information, contact City Hall at 792-3222.

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City notice


HSLC now seeking donations for 2nd annual garage sale

The Humane Society of Logan County is seeking donations of goods for the second annual "Big Spring Garage Sale." Clean, gently used items for donation can be dropped off every Wednesday and Saturday, beginning April 3, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Logan County Fairgrounds. Use the south entrance.

For more information or to arrange pickup, call 732-1979 or 732-7853. Electronics cannot be accepted.

This year's sale will be May 10 and 11, a Friday and Saturday, at the Logan County Fairgrounds.

Items for sale will include home decor, toys, sporting goods, furniture, clothes, shoes, accessories, holiday items, outdoor goods, books, CDs, DVDs and much more. There will also be food, music and fun stuff just for kids.

With the support of the community, the HSLC was able to open a shelter in 2011. Since then, they have placed more than 200 cats and dogs in forever homes, and facilitated in more than 400 low-cost spay and neuters per year.


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