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Honor Flight, Moses Hernandez, Elkhart birding walk, Pleasant Valley meeting, Hartem FFA food drive, Laurel Jean program, Christian Women's Conference, gourd artist, 1800s hats, blood drive, Lincoln College Alumni Reunion, Bill Higdon Memorial Country Music Show, Community Action meeting, Walk MS, Elkhart art exhibition and classes, 'Punk' O'Donoghue benefit, Elkhart's 'Celebrate Spring!' weekends, landfill hours, HSLC garage sale donations

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[April 22, 2013]  Land of Lincoln Honor Flight 'welcome home' party Tuesday

SPRINGFIELD -- Donations and efforts of many individuals, organizations and businesses have allowed Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to honor 24 more World War II veterans and 66 more Korean veterans with a one-day trip to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to see the World War II Memorial, Korean Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, National Air and Space Museum, and other memorials. Seventy guardians who are responsible for the veterans' comfort and safety will accompany them on this 20th Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. It is the second flight this year.

The public is invited to a "welcome home" ceremony for these WWII and Korean-era veterans when the plane arrives back at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Wear red, white and blue to show your appreciation.

Veterans on this flight come from the Illinois towns of Athens, Atlanta, Benson, Brighton, Canton, Carlinville, Carrollton, Chesterfield, Chestnut, Cottage Hills, Decatur, Delavan, East Peoria, Edwardsville, Fillmore, Girard, Godfrey, Hardin, Hartford, Hillsboro, Illiopolis, Jerseyville, LeRoy, Lexington, Lincoln, Litchfield, Loami, Mason City, Metamora, Morton, Mount Pulaski, Mount Sterling, Pekin, Peoria, Peoria Heights, Petersburg, Roanoke, Springfield, Stonington, Taylorville, Tremont, West Peoria and Dyer, Ind.

Applications for future flights are still being accepted from the following, but WWII veterans will be served first:

  • Veterans who enlisted by Dec. 31, 1946 (WWII -- 92 currently on the list)

  • Veterans who served Jan. 1, 1947, through Dec. 31, 1957 (Korean era -- 340 currently on the list)

  • Veterans who served Jan. 1, 1958, through May 7, 1975 (148 currently on the list)

Flights are already full for May 21 and June 18. If funds are available, there will be additional flights in September and October.

The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight board welcomes the chance to speak to organizations, businesses, churches, conventions or others groups about the Honor Flight mission, future flights, guardian duties, fundraising and donations.

To learn more about Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, how individuals and groups can help the mission, how to become a member, and how to obtain applications, visit www.landoflincolnhonorflight.org or contact Ray Wiedle: home, 314-427-2317; cell, 217-622-1473; or arwiedle@sbcglobal.net.


Hernandez named April Employee of the Month at ALMH

Moses Hernandez of Lincoln has been named the April Employee of the Month at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln. Hernandez works as an environmental services technician at the hospital.

Hernandez earned an associate degree from Lincoln College and has worked as a librarian and in housekeeping. For the past five years, he has been employed at ALMH in his current position. He enjoys his work and attributes that to the people he works with.

"It makes the day go faster when you like your co-workers. Getting along with a lot of people just makes it nice to work here," Hernandez said.

"Moses is willing to do anything that needs to be done when it needs to be done! Moses always goes above and beyond the call of duty helping others; whether it is co-workers, patients, volunteers or visitors. He has a kind, gentle, giving heart and does whatever has to be done to make ALMH the best and cleanest hospital," said his nominator.

Hernandez enjoys reading, painting, drawing and taking care of his pets. He is one of 10 children, with five older sisters, two older brothers and two younger brothers.

ALMH, 200 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln, is a 25-bed critical-access hospital affiliated with Memorial Health System. ALMH employs more than 315 in a variety of roles. For more information, visit www.almh.org.


Birding walks in Elkhart April 27

ELKHART -- The Elkhart Historical Society will host Bird Watcher Walks on Saturday, April 27, as part of Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekend events. The walks on Elkhart Hill will be offered at 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., leaving from Birdsong Books & Vintage Shoppe, 111 Gov. Oglesby St. in the historic downtown.

Walkers will look for the migratory birds that pass through Elkhart every spring. The Bird Watcher Walks are a perfect opportunity for a spring family event. The outing will be on foot, so walkers should dress for the weather (rain or shine), wear good walking shoes and bring insect repellent. And don't forget the binoculars. The walks last approximately 90 minutes.

The cost is $10 for adults and $7.50 for children 12 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is limited to 15 people per walk. To register, mail the online, printable form available at www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

To complement the walks, the Elkhart Historical Society is offering a special "Walk with Lunch and Lecture." The cost for the walk, lunch and lecture is $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. Lunch includes soup and half-sandwich or quiche, along with dessert and beverage, at Wild Hare Café, 102 Gov. Oglesby St. in downtown Elkhart. For information and the online, printable reservation form, see www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org.

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


Pleasant Valley Cemetery Association annual meeting

MIDDLETOWN -- The annual meeting of the Pleasant Valley Cemetery Association will be on Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at the Knapp-Chesnut-Becker Library in Middletown. All lot owners are welcome to attend.


Hartsburg-Emden FFA food drive

HARTSBURG -- The Hartsburg-Emden FFA nonperishable food drive has been rescheduled for April 24. Bags will be delivered to homes on April 23 and pickup will begin at 6 p.m. on April 24. All items will be delivered to the Logan County Food Pantry.


United Methodist Women host annual May breakfast

SAN JOSE -- The United Methodist Women of the San Jose Methodist Church, 600 S. First St., are having their annual May breakfast on Wednesday, May 1. A breakfast of french toast, fresh fruit, and coffee or tea will be served in the Fellowship Hall of the church at 9 a.m.

An offering will be taken for the Cunningham Children's Home, a ministry supported by United Methodist Women.

A musical program will be presented by Laurel Jean. Blind since birth, this Christian recording artist, pianist, vocalist and inspirational speaker travels extensively delivering a message through her music for God's children of all ages.

She began her career in music and ministry at the age of 14, producing her first album while still a teenager. Her music takes on several different styles, such as gospel, comedy, blues, jazz and country, and includes many of her own original compositions. She has 12 CDs to her credit and has been featured internationally on the Total Christian Television Network. To learn more about Laurel Jean, her music and ministry, visit www.laureljean.com.

To help in planning, make reservations by April 27 with the church office, 309-247-3232, or Lucy Albers, 309-247-3450.

San Jose is located on U.S. 136, two miles east of Route 29 and about eight miles west of Interstate 155.


LCU Women's Conference welcomes Nicole Johnson

Lincoln Christian University's annual Christian Women's Conference will be on April 24 in the Earl Hargrove Chapel Auditorium on campus. Featured guest Nicole Johnson will be joined by Lincoln Christian Seminary Dean Dinelle Frankland in the daylong event. Women from across central Illinois will be blessed by the messages of these two women of the faith.

Nicole Johnson is one of the most sought-after creative communicators in America today. Her ability to blend humor with compassion enables her to capture the innermost feelings of women facing life's daily struggles. She has addressed more than 3 million women and toured with Women of Faith for 11 years, which included her "Fresh Brewed Life" message that gives "hope for the daily grind" to women dealing with issues from motherhood, to the tragedy of cancer, to being a woman in today's society who seeks to be a valued daughter of the living God. Johnson has 20 years of experience as an actress, television host and producer, and has published seven books.

Dr. Dinelle Frankland is a popular speaker and musician and serves as professor of worship and academic dean at Lincoln Christian Seminary. She is a native of Albion and holds a bachelor's degree in sacred music, a master's in music and a doctorate in worship studies. She has served Lincoln Christian University since 2003 and developed a graduate degree program in worship studies that provides worship leadership for churches today. She also teaches regularly at TCM International, a graduate seminary near Vienna, Austria. She is the author of "His Story, Our Response: What the Bible Says About Worship."

Over the years, this annual conference has earned an excellent reputation as an opportunity for Christian women in central Illinois to be blessed and refreshed.

There is still time to register for the event at a cost of $40 per person, which includes lunch. To register online, visit www.lincolnchristian.edu/cwc. You may also register the day of the event, beginning at 8 a.m. in Earl C Hargrove Chapel. The first session will begin at 9 a.m.

The conference will provide a special opportunity for offering gifts to help fund renovations in the men's residence hall in order to make it handicapped-accessible in a number of areas. The renovations are slated for summer and will include entrances, doorways, stairways and bathrooms.

___

Lincoln Christian University serves the church as part of its mission to equip Christians to serve and lead in the church, the workplace and the world. Established in Lincoln in 1944, LCU now offers a variety of degree programs for undergraduates, graduates and seminary students. Classes are offered in Lincoln, Peoria and Normal, and in Las Vegas, Nev., as well as online. For more information, visit www.lincolnchristian.edu or call 217-732-3168.


Elkhart's Artisan Craft Fair features gourd artist

ELKHART -- The Elkhart Artisan Craft Fair will be open in historic downtown Elkhart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21, and again April 27 and 28. The fair is part of Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends this April and will feature Liz Drake, gourd artist from Springfield.

Drake has won blue ribbons for her gourd art at the Illinois State Fair in 2008-2012, including the "Best in Hobbies" award in 2011 and 2012 and "Best in Show Floral" in 2010. She has exhibited and won blue ribbons at the Illinois Gourd Society Annual Show in 2008-2011 and the Kentucky Gourd Society Annual Show in 2009-2011.

She published and illustrated the book "Bedtime Stories for our Gourdchildren," which includes folk tales featuring gourds.

She is founder of the Lost Gourd Society, active in the Illinois Gourd Society, and a member and District Illinois co-director of the American Gourd Society.

In explaining her art, Drake says: "When I work with gourds, the world fades away and leaves me totally free to hear the whispers, the stories, the songs and the delights as well as the tears and struggles of growth that comes with the maturity of the fruit. There is a depth of layers to explore and enjoy. When I release the voice of the gourd, even the casual viewer experiences the beauty."

Sharing her talents, Drake has taught classes in gourd art at Morton Arboretum, Springfield Ceramics and Crafts Club, Lincoln Memorial Gardens Indian Summer Festival, the Lost Gourd Society, and Cross Evangelical Lutheran School in Yorkville. She has shared her experiences as a gourd artist with the Springfield Civic Garden Club, POE groups, the Master Gardeners and Chautauqua group.

Drake tells others: "Each gourd leads me to find the colors and embellishments that will allow it to sing."

With over 20 booths, local crafters at Elkhart's Artisan Craft Fair will showcase a variety of handmade items to purchase, including children's items, jewelry, wood crafts, bags and totes, walking sticks and canes, hand-sewn items, purses, wine glasses, and tarts and warmers for shoppers. Vendors invited this year are Scentsy, Avon, Grace Adele, Longaberger and Tupperware. Jimmy B's Salsa of Springfield will be available on April 27 and 28.

For a complete listing of Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring" events, including dates, times and reservation information, see www.explorelogancounty.com/ElkhartIL, or visit the Welcome Center in the Village Hall, open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Gov. Oglesby Street in the historic downtown.


Arts & Crafts Guild to meet April 22

The Logan County Arts & Crafts Guild will meet at 792 Prairie St. on Monday, April 22, at 6 p.m.

The program will be "Fancy Hats." The hats that were popular in the 1800s will be reviewed.

The meeting is opened to the public.

Nancy Vannoy and Jean Cypher will be the hostesses. Light refreshments will be served.


Blood drive at ALMH

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for the region, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 200 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln, is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For your convenience, call Alexis to sign up toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD, ext. 5158, or schedule an appointment online using sponsor code 60177 at www.bloodcenterimpact.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the provider of lifesaving blood for 14 hospitals throughout central Illinois, including ALMH and Memorial Medical Center and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. CICBC is a division of the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which collects over 180,000 units of blood annually and serves 87 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.


Lincoln residents among those to be honored at Lincoln College's Alumni Reunion weekend

Lincoln College has announced the schedule of events for its annual Alumni Reunion weekend. This year's reunion will take place Friday and Saturday, April 26-27. All Lincoln College alumni and friends are encouraged to return for the reunion.

One of the highlights of the weekend is the Reunion Dinner and Awards Program on Saturday, April 27. The evening's activities begin with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. The awards program will follow, concluding around 9 p.m. Alumni will be recognized by class decades, with special recognition for the Classes of 1988, 1963, 1943 and 1938, which are celebrating their 25th, 50th, 70th and 75th anniversaries.

Five alumni awards will be presented. Alumni Achievement Awards will be presented to William "Bill" Gossett, Class of 1943, for his lifelong achievements in business and community service; to David Fischer, Class of 1963, for his achievements in higher education leadership; and to John "Jack" Sparacio, Class of 1963, for his achievements in business. The Young Alumni Achievement Award will be presented to Adrienne "Adie" Harmon, Class of 2001, for her achievements in the field of dentistry and her humanitarian work in Haiti. The LaVeta Zurkammer Alumni Award will be presented to LC Professor Emeritus Paul Beaver, Class of 1956, for his lifelong dedication, passion and involvement with Lincoln College.

All alumni and friends of award recipients are welcome to attend the dinner and awards program. Tickets for the dinner and program are $30. Registration for the event is due by Friday, April 19.

There will be a special recognition ceremony for former baseball coach and athletic director Chuck Lindstrom on Saturday afternoon, April 27. Lindstrom's former baseball players have contributed to name the baseball coach's office in the Lincoln Center in his honor. Lindstrom and his baseball players will also be acknowledged during the awards program. Coach Lindstrom was made an Honorary Alumnus of Lincoln College in 2009.

Other scheduled activities include:

  • Wine and cheese reception featuring Kickapoo Creek Winery of Edwards on Friday, April 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Center. This event is open to alumni and friends of the college. Tickets are $10 and include cheese and hors d'oeuvres buffet and three complimentary wine tastings.

  • Coffee and juice with Lincoln College President John Blackburn at the president's residence on Saturday, April 27, from 9 to 10 a.m. This event is open to alumni.

  • "How We View Our History: The Changing Image of the 16th President," a multimedia program by Ron Keller examining how Abraham Lincoln's image has been used and changed over the past two centuries, will be presented on Saturday, April 27, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Lincoln Center, Classroom 128A. Keller is assistant professor of history and political science at the college and director of the Lincoln Heritage Museum. This event is open to the public.

For registration information and a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.lincolncollege.edu/
alumni/events/alumni-reunion-2013/
.

For more details, contact the alumni relations office at 217-732-3155, ext. 217, or email mjwerth@lincolncollege.edu.


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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.


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.


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.


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 Artisan Craft Fair returns to celebrate the beginning of the new season during Elkhart's "Celebrate Spring!" weekends in April.

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.


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.


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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