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2025 Year in Review
Other notable stories in Lincoln Daily News in 2025
[January 19, 2026]
Each year, LDN stringers have
the pleasure of covering many events and activities in Logan County.
From the Zion Lutheran Breakfast in February to the Christmas
Parades and visits with Santa in December, each event is filled with
fun and a lot of photo and story opportunities.
We don’t want to take away from those events whatsoever, but this
year chose to simply give you a reminder that when it is going on in
Logan County, Lincoln Daily News is there.
Instead of highlighting and repeating all that coverage, this year
we are going to look at some of the other notable stories that came
across our desks and into the daily editions.
Some of these were articles written by staff and stringers and some
are bits of information shared with us by others. Either way, they
all had an impact on our community, and we hope you will enjoy
looking back on these stories.
01/07/2025
“Last Bite” for Cheeseburger in Paradise Marks 20 Years of
Fundraising Success
On Tuesday January 7th, Community Action Partnership of Central
Illinois announced that it would hold its final Cheesburger in
Paradise fundraiser in April. According to the press release sent
out by Briann Titus of CAPCIL, the event had enjoyed 20 years of
success.
02/27/2025
WindKid teams and big winners celebrated at District 27 Open House
Central Soldiers wins best of best at Heartland Challenger Learning
Center competition
03/05/2025
Elevate Your Wellness Expo celebrating the return of the annual
health fair
Lincoln Park District Elevate Your Wellness Expo - Part One –
slideshow
Lincoln Park District Elevate Your Wellness Expo - Part One -
slideshow
On March 5th, LDN reporter Stephanie Hall attended the revamped
Health and Wellness Fair at the Lincoln Park District. The annual
event had been suspended during the Covid 19 Pandemic and just never
revived. In 2025 the Lincoln Park District made the decision to
bring the event back with a new name, the Elevate Your Wellness
Expo.
03/10/2025
"A Life on the Land" makes its debut at Ink & Imprint
Sunday, March 9, Ink and Imprint books hosted a book launch of
Atlanta resident Dave Bishop’s book A Life on the Land. The author’s
note in the back of A Life on the Land says, “this book is a
collection of thoughts and images from over 40 years of living and
working at PrairiErth Farm, an organic farm owned and operated by
the Bishop family in central Illinois.
03/29/2025
In memory of Hazel the deer; “She chose humans as her people”
In Loving Memory of Hazel the Deer - slideshow
On the morning of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Hazel the deer was
traveling along Limit Street on the east side of Lincoln when she
was struck and killed. Immediately word spread throughout the
community that the most friendly deer around, who loved food and
attention, was gone. A sadness fell over the community.
Hazel, the beloved deer who was rescued and nursed back to health by
a local family, had become a local legend. She has a story.
04/03/2025
Wednesday morning storm brings commerce to a halt on Lincoln’s west
side
It happened in just a matter of minutes. The skies throughout the
morning had been gray and dreary in Lincoln, then suddenly it seemed
that the wind changed, in some areas the rain came down in sheets,
while it others it did not, and instead of seeing birds in the sky,
witnesses were seeing pieces of buildings flying through the air.
04/11/2025
CIVC breaks ground on veteran tiny homes eight and nine in Lincoln
VIDEO - CIVC
Chairman Kasey Cook shares details about next set of homes to be
built
Though a bit chilly, the weather was bright and sunny for the
Central Illinois Veterans Commission (CIVC) groundbreaking for tiny
homes eight and nine on Tuesday, April 8.
Houses one through five are in Lincoln. Last year, houses six and
seven were built in Atlanta. The two new ones (homes eight and nine)
will be built at 516 Short Tenth Street in Lincoln.
04/25/2025
New Holland Planning and Writing Committee shares details on town's
150th Anniversary Book with Logan County Genealogical and Historical
Society
The book’s cover has an old and a new photo of downtown New
Holland. Coers said the top one appears to be from the early 1900s
and the more recent photo is from December 2024.
Something Coers recalled is that when Oliver Holland first sold
property, it was in the deed that no one was allowed to serve any
liquor. Anyone who owned the deed that was caught serving liquor
would have to forfeit the deed and Holland would get the property
back.
Coers said Holland had gone out to California and hated the saloons
and the way people got drunk and rowdy. Therefore, when Holland came
back and started the town, he said no drinking in the town. To find
out more about the stories Holland’s son tells, Coers said you need
to read the book.
If you look at the newer photo on the book cover, Coers said you
will see a beer sign now. She said things seem to have changed in
New Holland in 150 years.
04/30/2025
Don Cavi to retire from Logan County Department of Public Health
after 30 years
After 30 years of service Public Health Administrator Don Cavi is
set to retire Wednesday April 30. His successor is long time LCDPH
employee Fay Allison.
05/08/2025
Lincoln Rotary donates park benches to Ralph Gale Field
Wednesday morning members of the Lincoln Rotary Club gathered at
Ralph Gale Field across the street for the Lincoln Junior High
School to celebrate the arrival of two new park benches donated to
the field by the club.
05/12/2025
Dennis Werth’s no. 15 retired by MPHS Baseball Inaugural Alumni
Baseball Game a huge hit
It was a double-header of a good day on Saturday in Mount Pulaski
as the Hilltoppers officially retired the baseball jersey no. 15
that was once worn by MPHS Class of 1971 graduate and baseball
legend Dennis Werth.
That long overdue honor was followed by the Inaugural Alumni
Baseball Game in which there were plenty of hits, runs, walks,
strikeouts and aching bodies the next day. There were zero major
injuries thankfully as the Purple Team beat the Gold Team 12-1.
05/28/2025
American Giants Museum welcomes The Phillips 66 Cowboy to Atlanta
The Phillips 66 Cowboy comes to Atlanta part 1 – slideshow
The Phillips 66 Cowboy comes to Atlanta part 2 – slideshow
Video - Joel
Baker gives a tour and provides some history at the American Giants
Museum
Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, American Giant’s founder
Joel Baker was in Atlanta to share the history of the American
Giants Museum, answer questions and talk about buying and restoring
giants.
On Sunday, the Phillips 66 Cowboy was installed. The trailer holding
the pieces of the giant was at the museum Saturday, but the head and
hat were not put on yet.
06/16/2025
Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers Shotgun Sports team wins Sporting Clays
State Tournament
The Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers Shotgun Sports team won the 2025
Sporting Clays State Championship on Saturday at NILO Farms in
Brighton, completing their sweep of the state championships in all
three Illinois High School Clay Target League state tournaments.
In recent weeks the team won both the 2025 Skeet State Championship
and the 2025 Trap State Championship.
06/21/2025
Viking Giant is installed at Atlanta's American Giants Museum
Viking Giant is installed at Atlanta's American Giants Museum –
Slideshow
Video - Viking
Giant is installed at Atlanta's American Giants Museum
Though skies were cloudy Friday, June 20, the Viking giant was
installed at the American Giants Museum in Atlanta.
A charter bus full of people from various countries including China,
India and Switzerland was there to visit the museum and got to see
the installation of the giant.
06/24/2025
Illinois Teacher Named “Ag Educator of the Year” - Mt. Pulaski’s
Ralph Allen honored as Illinois’ Golden Owl Award® 2024-2025 grand
prize winner
As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, the ag
teachers who go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and
future leaders are more important than ever. In Illinois, five
exceptional ag teachers were recently named as finalists of the
2024-2025 Golden Owl Award® for their positive impact in the
classroom and communities they serve. Of the finalists, Ralph Allen,
an agricultural teacher at Mt. Pulaski, was named Illinois’ grand
prize winner and 2024-2025 Ag Educator of the Year.
07/09/2025
New Book Traces the History of Middletown, Illinois, and Connections
to Abraham Lincoln
Local Author Greg Laun’s Book is Available at Ink & Imprint Books
The concept of the book revolves around five adventurers involved
in a deed signing, one of whom is Abraham Lincoln. Other aspects of
the story include survival on the Illinois frontier; early
transportation; and the first villages, post offices and newspapers.
07/10/2025
Lincoln Foundry History on the walls of Modern Brake and Alignment
Modern Brake and Alignment, right off Limit Street on the east
end of Lincoln, is redoing the exterior of their building. When they
recently pulled off the siding they found signs for the old Lincoln
Foundry.
It appears that the building housed the Lincoln Foundry before Ivan
and Elaine Ray bought the building and remodeled it. The Rays built
Modern Brake and Alignment behind that building.
07/23/2025
A treasured piece of history of Lincoln has found a permanent home
at St. Clara’s Rehab and Senior Care facility
A treasured piece of history of Lincoln has found a permanent
home at St. Clara’s Rehab and Senior Care facility.
Through the efforts of the Catholic Hospital Sisters of St. Francis,
in 1884 a hospital was built in Lincoln and named St. Clara’s
Hospital! When health regulations threatened the closure, funds for
a new hospital were begun, however when a hospital in central east
Illinois had a fire those funds were directed to that hospital. In
the meantime, St. John Evangelical Church in Lincoln built a
non-denominational hospital for the community’s needs in 1900,
staffed by the Deaconess order of the Evangelical Church out of St.
Louis. In 1954 a new hospital, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital was
built and the old Deaconess Hospital became a nursing home for women
in 1958.
07/28/2025
Habitat kicks off home build number 28 with a Sunday afternoon
dedication event
On Sunday afternoon, the Logan County Habitat for Humanity laid
out their plan for a house to home renovation for Christopher and
Desiree Nichols and their five children: Caleb, Camden, Cayden,
Starry and Jaymason.
07/30/2025
Lincoln Celebrates 250 Years of the U.S. Postal Service
On Friday, July 25, a small crowd gathered outside Lincoln’s
grand post office to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United
States Postal Service. Despite the thick summer humidity, the
community turned out to celebrate the institution’s long-standing
role in American life.
[to top of second column] |
08/04/2025
Hilltoppers enjoy 10-3 victory at Busch Stadium
The third time was the charm as the Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers
finally got the opportunity to take the field at Busch Stadium
in St. Louis on Saturday.
The previous two meetings between the Hilltoppers and the
Prairie Central Hawks were cancelled due to rainy weather but
Saturday’s game was nothing but sunshine as the two teams took
the field at noon.
Playing a high school game on a major league baseball field is a
unique opportunity and the Hilltoppers enjoyed every minute of
the experience.
08/12/2025
Tripplett Heating & Cooling named to Circle of Champions by
Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems
Bret Tripplett Heating & Cooling was recognized for its
commitment to excellence with a spot in the coveted 2025 Circle
of Champions by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems, a leading
supplier of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)
equipment and part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR),
global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
Owners Bret and Shanae Tripplett were presented the award during
the Bryant Dealer Rally this past weekend in Indianapolis, IN,
by members of the Bryant Leadership and Marketing teams.
08/18/2025
Lincoln College Wrestling finds new life at Lincoln Arts
Institute
The spirit of Lincoln College wrestling is finding new life
in downtown Lincoln. At a recent alumni reunion, former
wrestlers and coaches announced plans for a new space: the Red
Panda Wrestling Club.
On Friday, August 15, the Lincoln Arts Institute was filled with
stories of old matches, tools, and mats to wrestle on. Old
teammates met up to team up again and put together the new area
for the wrestling club. In the hot summer heat members worked to
hang up wooden boards and drag in supplies for the new room.
08/19/2025
Lincoln Pastoral Counseling Services announces new name:
Capstone Counseling
“We chose the name Capstone Counseling because a capstone is
a strong, foundational element that completes and secures a
structure. This also ties into the agency's Christian roots
where Jesus is often referred to as the capstone of faith,” said
Kim King, Director of Capstone Counseling. “We believe this
reflects the role we hope to play in the lives of our
clients—providing strength, stability, and support as they build
healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
08/19/2025
Senator Sally Turner’s Tiny Vets Home Bill becomes law
Senate Bill 39 ensures that nonprofit-built tiny homes for
homeless and at-risk veterans are exempt from burdensome
Electric Vehicle (EV) charging requirements that could otherwise
drive up construction costs. The measure passed both chambers of
the General Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support before
arriving at the Governor’s desk.
08/22/2025
Heitzig and Froebe forever immortalized at LCHS
Two of the finest athletes to ever wear a Railer uniform are
Becca Heitzig and Kloe Froebe and now each of them will have a
jersey on display at Lincoln Community High School.
09/05/2025
Monarch Youth Center brings jobs, rehabilitation focus to Lincoln
The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice marked a milestone
Thursday with the grand opening of the Monarch Youth Center in
Lincoln, the first juvenile facility of its kind in central
Illinois. Built to serve up to 30 youth from across the region, the
center sits on the grounds of the former Lincoln Developmental
Center, a property that once employed hundreds but stood vacant for
more than two decades. For many in attendance, the opening
represented more than a ribbon cutting. State officials described
the project as both a symbol of reform and a practical investment in
Lincoln’s future, tying together themes of justice, healing,
economic growth, and community renewal.
Click the name to watch the speech:
Illinois
Department of Juvenile Justice Acting Director Rob Vickery
Monarch
Youth Center Superintendent Tyrie Fluker
Illinois
Senator for District 44 Sally Turner
Lincoln
Mayor Tracy Welch
Construction Administrator for the Capital Development Board Tim
Patrick
Justice
Equity Opportunity Initiative Director Yaacov Delaney
Illinois
Department of Children & Family Services Director Heidi Mueller
IDJJ Chief
of Staff Marna Satlak
09/17/2025
Senator Sally Turner named 2025 Legislator of the Year by the
Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions
“Receiving this award from the County Veterans Assistance
Commissions is truly an honor,” said Senator Sally Turner. “Our VACs
are on the front lines serving veterans and their families,
connecting them to care, benefits, and support. I am grateful for
their work and proud to partner with them to remove barriers and
deliver results.”
09/25/2025
Gold Star Mission riders honor fallen in Lincoln with scholarship
ride
As part of its stop in Lincoln, the Gold Star Mission paid
tribute to three service members from the area: John Gaston, 26, of
Waynesville, who died March 8, 2008; Daniel Gene Gresham, 23, of
Lincoln, who died Feb. 24, 2005; and Francis Marion Trussel Jr., 21,
of Lincoln, who died May 26, 2007. Their names were read alongside a
remembrance of “all our fallen heroes.”
The organization’s mission resonated throughout the visit, as riders
and volunteers shared personal stories of why they take part in the
multi-day, 500-mile ride across Illinois.
09/27/2025
Workcamp for Lincoln Returns in June 2026!
Workcamp volunteers will spend an entire week working on home
repair projects for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents.
Projects may include painting, porch and step repairs, wheelchair
ramps, and other essential improvements designed to make homes
safer, warmer, and more accessible.
10/03/2025
L.E.A.D. and HCC honor first class of Everyday Professional Skills
program
On Monday, September 29, 2025, the Lincoln Economic Advancement
and Development and Heartland Community College hosted a graduation
ceremony for the first set of students to complete the Everyday
Professional Skills Workshops. The event was held in the community
room at Hope of Fifth in Lincoln.
10/04/2025
The Durable Restoration Company shortlisted for prestigious
international roofing award
Additionally, The Durable Slate Company's replacement of the
Logan County Courthouse dome in Lincoln, Ill., which received the
NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) Gold Circle Award
earlier this year, placed fourth in the Metal Roofing category.
10/07/2025
Eaton celebrates manufacturing month with a visit from the Makers on
the Move bus tour
Monday, October 6, a large crowd of Eaton employees cheered as
the “Makers on the Move” bus arrived at the manufacturing facility
in Lincoln.
The visit was part of “Makers on the Move” bus tour, which was
launched by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and the Illinois
Manufacturing Excellence Center October 3. This tour celebrates
Manufacturing Month and highlights career opportunities in the
industry.
10/08/2025
Lincoln Police Department
Press Release: Threats to LJHS
On October 6th, 2025, at 7:38pm it was reported to the Lincoln
Police that there were threats made against juveniles, which
encompassed threats made against the school. The threats were made
by one adult individual and were made off any district 27 campus.
Lincoln Police Officers conducted an investigation and the suspect
was in custody by 10:38pm.
10/10/2025
Emergency Response Training to take place at Lincoln Junior High
“We’re going to do a scenario-based training that will involve a
multi-agency response to a large-scale major incident,” he
explained. “School incidents are prevalent in the country right now,
so it’s a good opportunity to practice managing that response in the
most efficient manner that we can.”
10/15/2025
Silkowski to step down as Railer football coach, looks back at
10-year tenure at LCHS
The 2025 LCHS Railer football season will come to an end when
Lincoln plays its final game of the year October 24 in Jacksonville.
Not only will the end of that game mark the close of the season, it
will also be the end of Matt Silkowski’s 10-year tenure as head
coach for the team.
10/16/2028
Randy Lane recipient of Veteran Tiny Home No. Nine;
CIVC hosts dedication ceremony
Tuesday, October 14th, as the sun began to drop in the western
sky a large crowd gathered on Short 10th Street in Lincoln, filling
the street and front lawn area of two new Veteran Tiny Homes being
celebrated for their completion.
Though the homes are referred to as “tiny” they are not all that
small, and this year for the first time, the home dedication
included the structure at 516 Short 10th with not one but two
bedrooms, designed specifically to accommodate a family.
12/12/2025
Dedication of Logan County Habitat for Humanity House #28
Thursday afternoon as snow was falling, several gathered inside
the latest home built by Habitat for Humanity of Logan County. The
home, which is on Monroe Street, now belongs to Chris and Desiree
Nichols and their children Caleb, Camden, Cayden, Starry and
Jaymason.
Habitat for
Humanity dedicates its newest home in Lincoln, IL – Video
12/16/2025
Center for Creativity and Community donates to Hope on 5th
The Center for Creativity and Community, a group based out of the
First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, made a generous donation to
Hope on 5th on the evening of Monday, December 15th. The donation
consisted of $675, as well as a piece of art. The piece, called
“Doors of Opportunity,” was created by Adam Quine, Andy Brant, and
the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders that participate in their after school
program.
12/17/2025
Coach Aaron Fricke resigns at Warrensburg-Latham, accepts head
football position at Lincoln Community High School
Official Statement from Coach Aaron Fricke on Transition from
Warrensburg-Latham to Lincoln as head football coach:
12/29/2025
CAPCIL reflects on a year of impact, resilience, and community
partnership
Throughout the year, CAPCIL’s fourteen programs—including Meals
on Wheels, Senior Transportation, LIHEAP, Weatherization, Early
Childhood Education, and the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent
Program—helped thousands of individuals access critical resources
that promote stability, independence, and wellbeing.
[Nila Smith] |
