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Railsplitter, balloon fest, Lincoln statues, electronics and glass recycling, blood drives, Oasis-related picnic, Whitey Herzog, Atlanta Methodist social, Class of '88

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[August 09, 2013] Railsplitter Festival offers Civil War Ball, bluegrass and more

Each fall for 43 years there's been a Railsplitter Festival at the Logan County Fairgrounds. This year the full festival had to be abandoned due to finances.

On Sunday, there was an abbreviated event with the Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest during the Logan County Fair. Several of the other Railsplitter activities have been rescheduled as well.

On Friday, Sept. 20, there will be a Civil War Ball and more at the Lincoln Park District complex on Primm Road. A pork loin dinner, style show and silent auction are set to begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the ball at 7 p.m. Ticket information will be released soon, or you can contact the Logan Railsplitting Association, using information at the end of this article.

On that same weekend, Sept. 20-22, the Dan Tackett Bluegrass Festival will take place at Hickory Lanes Campground, Atlanta. Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, there will be a casual jam. Music continues on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with casual jams and stage time availability.

There will be a silent auction as well.

Vendors, donations and demonstrations are welcome. Contact Misty Bell at 217-871-0388.

The Railsplitter Festival began because Abraham Lincoln once referred to himself as a rail splitter. It used to be a normal routine for pioneers to split rails used for fencing.

So is it any wonder that in the "Land of Lincoln," there would be railsplitting contests. The territory includes not only Illinois, where Lincoln lived his adult years before heading for Washington, but also Kentucky, where Lincoln was born, and Missouri.

Splitting rails harkens back to a more innocent time, when young children played at their mother's skirts and the older ones did chores, played outside or with homemade games, usually with siblings or maybe with a few neighbors during the occasional gatherings, such as when bringing in the harvest or at a barn raising.

Organizers for the Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival set out to preserve our understanding of this important way of life by re-creating pioneer activities and demonstrations that the whole family could enjoy.

So, while the traditional festival has taken a little break this year, organizers are keeping some of the elements of that period going in hopes of seeing the full festival return to the Logan County Fairgrounds next year or in the future.

Also, as part of the fundraising, the Logan Railsplitting Association provides decorative split rails for purchase. Sales support future contests and festivals.

To order rails or learn more about future events, contact the Logan Railsplitting Association at P.O. Box 352, Lincoln, IL 62656; or email loganrailsplitting@yahoo.com.

To keep up-to-date on what is being planned or to learn more details, visit http://www.railsplitting.com/.


Chamber launches mobile app for Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival

The Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Integrity Data, has created a new mobile app for the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival to help festival-goers have all the event information in the palm of their hands anytime, night or day. This free mobile app is designed to help festival guests maximize their experience and time at the event.

"We are hoping that the mobile app will help enhance the experience for guests to the festival," said Andi Hake, executive director of the chamber of commerce. "Finding a way to better communicate with our guests has been an ongoing challenge for years. It is our hope that many people will download the new app and find answers to all of their questions and help prepare them for the weekend's festivities.

"We couldn't have accomplished this project without the help from Integrity Data. Patrick Doolin made the process of getting all the data in this app and all the many decisions that go along with creating something like this seem less daunting than I had originally expected," said Hake.

When the app is downloaded, the viewer can look at the festival's schedule of events at both the Logan County Airport and downtown Lincoln. Viewers can see which artists, crafters, wineries, breweries and barbecue competitors will be present. The app also has a section dedicated to the hot air balloon pilots, even featuring pictures of the hot air balloons and a biography of each pilot. In addition, the new app gives information on the live entertainment that will perform downtown and at the airport.

Guests can set their own schedules in the mobile app to help them plan for the weekend's events, get notifications about balloon flight and glow times, and receive any other pertinent information that may be released during the weekend.

Out-of-town guests at the event can find information about the community, directions, hotels and restaurants to help them navigate through Lincoln. And if that is not enough information, the complete festival program can be viewed under the documents section.

The mobile app is now available for download and is available for both iPhone and Android. All other phones can view a mobile website that will give them the same information.

For more details on the mobile app or any other questions regarding the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival, contact the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce at 217-735-2385 events@lincolnillinois.com.

To download the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival mobile app, click here.


State Bank of Lincoln purchases 1st of 30 Lincoln statues

The Abraham Lincoln Statue Committee has announced a major addition to the fundraising program for the statue project. The committee has committed to produce a 22-inch bronze version of the statue that is to be placed on the Logan County Courthouse grounds. The first three of a limited edition of 30 small statues have been produced.

State Bank of Lincoln has purchased one of those statues, and delivery will be on Monday, Aug. 12. The public is invited to the bank office at the corner of Sangamon and Broadway at 10 a.m. to see the new statue added to the Lincoln collection that already exists there.

The full-size Abraham Lincoln statue, to be placed on the courthouse lawn, will commemorate the speech made there by Abraham Lincoln on Oct. 16, 1858, during his run for the Senate. The speech on the Logan County Courthouse square drew a crowd of 5,000. The town of Lincoln was just 5 years old, and its population was swelled far beyond its permanent residents that day.

A total of 30 numbered statues will be made, autographed by the artist, and the mold will then be broken. The cost for a statue will be $2,000. To reserve a number and acquire one of the statues, a nonrefundable deposit of $500 is needed. The balance of $1,500 is due at the time of delivery, which should be from four to six weeks once the order has been placed.

Payment should be made to the Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society, with check or money order made out to LCGHS and mailed to 114 N. Chicago St., Lincoln, IL 62656; Attn: Bill Donath. For more information, call the office phone, 217-732-3200, or cellphone, 217-737-8675.

Other donations for the project may also be made to the Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society. Individuals who donate $100 of more to the project will receive an unframed, numbered copy of a print showing Mr. Lincoln giving the speech. The prints are being donated to the committee by Main Street Lincoln.

LCGHS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax-deductible.


Splitting rails, an event that pulls families together

The annual National Railsplitting Contest in Lincoln has become a family tradition for many people. But for several families, it is a passion that goes back decades and is even multigenerational.

This year, for the first time, the contest took place during the Logan County Fair.

Organizers

Daris Knauer, founder of the Railsplitter event, now in its 43rd year, was on hand and continues to help coordinate.

Each year, a re-enactment of Abraham Lincoln christening the city of Lincoln is part of the activities. An important part of the local heritage is that Lincoln was the first city named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president. Knauer, looking dapper in his suit, tie and hat of yesteryear -- about 1860 -- portrays Robert Latham, a founding father of the city of Lincoln.

Daris Knauer's brother Dennis was also present to assist with the activities. Another brother, Darrell, was unable to be in attendance this year, and he was missed.

Competitors

For the Friedlein family, it is the actual log splitting that runs deep.

On Sunday, the Friedlein family dominated the competition field, with Chris Friedlein taking this year's championship, his 12th title.

Chris comes from good stock, with his father, Oliver Friedlein, taking one of the top three spots many times over the years. Today, the amateur event that precedes the championship is named in Oliver's memory.

In addition to several of his sons competing, Chris has a young grandson who stepped onto the field after the competition on Sunday, just to sink a few wedges into a trunk. He'll need a few years of growing yet, but given his solid striking style, you can bet he's going to be strong competition when he gets there.

Running the show

On the production side of the event were family members: Heidi Mueller, Bob Rankin and Gwen Tibbs.

Mueller has been attending the Railsplitter since she was 12 years old. She now narrates the splitting competition, keeping fans on top of who is doing what. In her acute understanding of the intricacies of what each competitor might be experiencing as they proceed, she keeps the audience interested. With 21 years under her belt, the competition is in her blood.

By day, Heidi is a special education teacher in O'Fallon.

Heidi's dad, Bob Rankin, could be seen on the field, holding a stopwatch and a scorecard, intently observing as a judge.

Bob's mom, Gwen Tibbs, was keeping records under the tent. Tibbs is also the treasurer of the Logan Railsplitting Association.

Bob and Gwen couldn't be prouder of the great job Heidi does in announcing the contest as it ensues.

The family travels out-of-state to at least two other log splitting competitions each year: Lincoln Days, which takes place in Hodgenville, Ky., Abraham Lincoln's birthplace, and the Ozark Regional Timberfest in Doniphan, Mo.

As a family, they are all enthusiastic about promoting our Abraham Lincoln heritage, community and splitting rails. They enjoy all the camaraderie they have found and have made great friends through the splitting events over the years.

These are just a few of the families for whom the National Railsplitting Contest has become an important part of their lives.

[LDN]


Monthly electronics recycling collection Saturday

Habitat for Humanity of Logan County will have its monthly electronics recycling collection on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Habitat for Humanity warehouse, 915 Woodlawn Road. The collection is offered free of charge to the public.

Habitat continues to collect televisions for recycling. For a complete listing of acceptable items, see below.

The following items will be accepted:

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

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

  • 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.

Electronic equipment is not to be left at the site and is not accepted outside the hours of the collection.

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


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Monthly glass recycling collection Saturday

The Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency, in collaboration with the Lincoln Woman's Club and Verallia Saint-Gobain Containers, will handle the monthly glass collection on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Logan County Fairgrounds between 9 a.m. and noon. People bringing in glass for recycling should use the Main Gate entrance.

Participants are reminded that only container glass will be accepted during the collection. Container glass is any glass that originally held either a food or beverage product. All colors of glass will be accepted. The glass recycling program does not accept broken glass due to safety issues.

Participants are asked to thoroughly rinse all containers and remove all plastic or metal lids, sleeves and rings. Labels, either foil or paper, may be left on the containers. Due to the large volume of glass being collected, the glass recycling program reserves the right to refuse any glass that does not meet the preparation guidelines.

The glass recycling program does not accept light bulbs or fluorescent lights, window glass, mirrors, ceramics, dishware, or CorningWare items. Participants are asked to comply with the glass collection guidelines, as a single piece of ceramic material or a light bulb can contaminate an entire load of glass.

The collection will be canceled in event of inclement weather or extreme heat. Glass is not to be left at the site prior to the hours of the collection.

Recyclers are encouraged to "like" Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency on Facebook for access to the most current information, updates and cancellation notices. As always, information on the county's recycling programs is available by contacting the office at 217-732-9636 or by visiting the agency website at www.co.logan.il.us and selecting "Joint Solid Waste Agency."


Blood drive Saturday at Town and Country Bank

In partnership with the Central Illinois Community Blood Center, Town and Country Bank in Lincoln will host a blood drive Saturday, Aug. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the bank, 303 Pulaski St.

Community members interested in donating blood are highly encouraged to preregister by calling 217-241-7550.

All those who donate will be given a free T-shirt from the blood center along with other giveaways provided by Town and Country Bank. A light breakfast will be provided by Peggy's Place, and there will be face painting for children. The community is encouraged to stop by.

Donating blood is safe and easy. Individuals must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed parental consent form (available on Central Illinois Blood Center's website at www.cicbc.org); weigh at least 110 pounds; and be in good health. Individuals can donate whole blood every 56 days or double red cells every 112 days.

Donors are encouraged to eat and drink before donating and must have their donor or photo ID card with them.

For more information, call Town and Country Bank at 217-787-3100 or the Central Illinois Blood Center at 217-241-7550.


Firefighters to be honored during Oasis fundraiser Sept. 15

The Saturday after the Oasis fire in downtown Lincoln, area merchants stood about talking of how terrible the blaze was for the venerable old building. But they also remarked how fortunate they felt that their businesses were not also destroyed in the great conflagration.

Downtown business owner Mike Fak said that storefront businesses on Pulaski Street were extremely thankful for the efforts of the 15 fire departments as well as the first responders who came on the scene to battle the late-afternoon blaze.

"We all talked about what an amazing job those men and women did to prevent the flames from spreading," he said. "The entire block of 500 Pulaski has common walls, and if the firefighters didn't contain that fire, there could have been devastation to the square that could have taken years to recover from."

From that day, talk of doing something to say thank you to the firefighters began.

Discussions ensued with Lincoln Mayor Keith Snyder, Alderwoman Jonie Tibbs, Main Street Lincoln director Bill Hoagland, Logan County Board member Andy Anderson and several businesses. The decision was to have a family picnic for all 15 departments, plus first responders and their families, with the costs paid for by residents of Lincoln. It was also decided that this was the perfect time to start a concerted donation drive to help the Oasis rebuild.

The picnic day will be Sept. 15, from 1 till 4 p.m., on the 500 block of Pulaski Street. There will be a family-style picnic for all those involved with helping contain the blaze and for their families.

The general public is invited to attend.

A special showing of photographs of the fire will be on display at the Lincoln Art Institute, on the McLean Street side of the square. Prints will be available for purchase, with all proceeds from their sale going to the Oasis. Some prints will also be available to the firefighters at no cost.

The mayor made a point that donations of time and effort are appreciated and that all cash donations that go beyond paying for the costs of the event will be turned over to the Oasis. Currently many of the items needed for the picnic are being supplied by area businesses free of charge. Fak said the hope is that there will be only a small cost for the picnic, if any, with the great majority of funds collected going to the Oasis.

A special bank account under the auspices of Main Street Lincoln has been set up at State Bank. Checks should be made payable to "The Oasis Fire Fund." Checks or cash donations can be dropped off at any State Bank location, or checks can be mailed to State Bank of Lincoln, P.O. Box 529, Lincoln, IL 62656.

People interested in helping with the event can email mefak@msn.com.

The mayor recalled his emotions during the blaze. "I went up and thanked one of the volunteer firefighters for coming to Lincoln and helping us fight the blaze," Snyder said. "He said we would have done the same for him if it was his town. But this time, it wasn't his town, it was ours, and we look forward to thanking all who came with a special day."


Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Whitey Herzog visits Mount Pulaski

MOUNT PULASKI -- Former St. Louis Cardinal World Series champion skipper and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Whitey Herzog was in Mount Pulaski over the weekend on a local fishing outing with his son, Jim, and two grandchildren, while his wife, Mary Lou, and daughter-in-law, Ann Hubbard Herzog, shopped at Saddie's Secret Place on the west side of the Mount Pulaski square.

Afterward, they all were given a cook's tour of the Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site by docent Phil Bertoni. Whitey was his usual studious self, asking questions left and right, as did his grandsons and other family members. Besides being in the actual courtroom where Mr. Lincoln walked and worked, he appeared most impressed with the map on the courtroom wall showing the 1850s Illinois 8th Judicial Circuit route on which lawyer Abraham Lincoln spent so many months and years riding his horse, then horse and buggy, over the 450-mile circuit twice a year (1849-1860) following his two-year stint as an Illinois representative in the United States Congress (1847-1848).

Several pictures were taken of Whitey's grandsons donning stovepipe hats, sitting in Judge David Davis' chair and in the witness-stand chair alongside, with the U.S. Stars and Stripes hanging above, showing its 1848 look of only 30 states.

Herzog enjoys telling the story of trading his Redbird shortstop Garry Templeton for Ozzie Smith of the San Diego Padres after the 1981 season, when Templeton made the Cardinal fans and its management extremely upset due to an obscene gesture to the home crowd.

Herzog recounts that Smith came to St. Louis in the dead of winter to take a look at the surroundings and for a final interview with the Cardinal management. Whitey was "scared to death" that the snowstorm would deter Ozzie from agreeing to the trade -- in fact, Ozzie showed up in a parka and boots as a tease to Whitey, who was so excited about the possibility of landing his services. As we know, Ozzie agreed, and "you know the rest of the story."

Whitey's lovely and engaging wife, Mary Lou (they were high school sweethearts), relates that he was drafted by the Yankees at the same time Mickey Mantle surfaced -- 1950. It wasn't too long before they noticed the superstar status in Mantle, which relegated Whitey to the bench. But, not to be discouraged, Mary Lou continued, Whitey took paper and pencil and began taking notes on pitchers, hitters and managerial moves.

When an ear infection put an end to his playing days a few years later, Herzog switched gears and went into coaching, then managing. He had done some managing during his stateside stint in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War and enjoyed it immensely.

The folks in his hometown of New Athens, Ill., know him as Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog and call him "Relly," but the rest of us know him as "Whitey."

[By PHIL BERTONI]


Atlanta United Methodist Church ice cream social

ATLANTA -- The annual ice cream social at the Atlanta United Methodist Church will be on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. Hot chicken sandwiches, ham sandwiches, chips, a variety of ice cream, and homemade pies and cakes will be on the menu.

A freewill donation will be accepted.

The church is at the corner of Race and Second streets in Atlanta and is handicapped-accessible.


Class of 1988 reunion

The Lincoln Community High School Class of 1988 will have its 25th anniversary reunion Saturday, Aug. 24, at American Legion Post 263.

A social hour will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m., a trivia event and music. There is an open invitation to the classes of 1987 and 1989 to join the group at 9 p.m.

The evening will include a 50-50 drawing.

The cost is $30 per person plus $15 for an optional class photo to be taken between 5 and 6 p.m.

Make checks payable to Class of 1988 and send as soon as possible to Robin Cook, 2429 Rosswood Lane, Arnold, MO 63010.

For more information, contact robincook31@yahoo.com.


Upcoming Logan County blood drives

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for the region, the Central Illinois Community Blood Center is offering several opportunities to donate blood in Logan County in early August.

  • Monday, Aug 5, noon-6 p.m.
    Lincoln Masonic Center
    2022 N. Kickapoo, Lincoln

  • Friday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-noon
    Farmers Bank
    130 S. Washington, Mount Pulaski

  • Saturday, Aug. 10, 8:30 a.m.-noon
    Town and Country Bank
    303 Pulaski, Lincoln

For your convenience, call Alexis toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 5158, to sign up or schedule an appointment online 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 Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln 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.


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