2017 TOP STORIES

Habitat for Humanity

• Habitat celebrates 21st home build in 25 years

• Habitat breaks ground on new build in Emden for family of holiday fire loss

• Habitat for Humanity of Logan County celebrates 25 years

  • Habitat for Humanity of Logan County celebrates 25 years - slideshow

People

• Scout Troop 1102 honors six new Eagle Scouts

  • Garrett Schreiner, Carter Robison and Noah Burton receive Eagle Scout medallions

  • Zachariah Prather, Taylor Hoinacki and Blake Hermes receive Eagle Scout medallions

• Zachary Craig and Will Stambaugh earn Eagle Scout

  • Candidates challenged by peers

  • Eagle pinning ceremony honors parents and mentors

  • Guest speakers include Seth Goodman and David Welch
    Eagles deliver thank you speeches

• LLCEO hosts annual tradeshow – culminating a year of entrepreneurial studies

• 2017 LLCEO Tradeshow - slideshow

• Class of 2017 Frank and Peggy Steele Interns Begin Professional Careers at Baseball Hall of Fame
  20 Undergraduate and Graduate Students, including Mount Pulaski native and University of Missouri student Cady Lowery, Start the Experience of a Lifetime

  • Cooperstown - Baseball Hall of Fame 2017 Induction Ceremony this Sunday
    Mount Pulaski’s Cady Lowery enjoying baseball enthusiast experience of a lifetime while expanding journalist skills

• Central Illinois farm family honored as Organic Farmers of Year

• John Fulton, Logan County Extension Director to retire

• Terri Miller named University of Illinois Extension County Director

• Lincoln Community High School auditorium stage named for Dan “Mac” McLaughlin

• Lincoln Assistant Fire Chief Steve Dahm retires on 30th Anniversary

• Logan County honors Gerald Lolling for his service
  Logan County seniors show their love to departing director Dom Dalpoas

  • Logan County seniors show their love to departing director Dom Dalpoas - Slideshow

Miscellaneous

• State awarded Logan County emergency services staff and E-911 Board recognized by county

• Mount Pulaski Pool now open for business

  • A look at the new Mount Pulaski Swimming Pool - Album

• Local Masons celebrate 300-year anniversary of the worldwide organization

• United Way of Logan County new administrator striving to increase awareness of local programs

• Opioid Task Force hosts Narcan training workshop

• Former 8th Judicial Circuit sites receive Lincoln Portrait for the Bicentennial

• Logan County participates in Monday's State-wide

  • Bicentennial flag raising ceremony - Album

• B-17 in Springfield this weekend highlights pilots and crew as heroes

  • Pilots share their knowledge and love for the B-17 - slideshow

  • LDN reporters fly high in a B-17 - slideshow

• Weekend carriage rides become popular quickly-Album

• His Hands Outreach dedicates Blessing Box

Business

• Heritage Packaging marks 10 years under current ownership
  Celebrates completion of a new addition to the factory

• Borst Bonanza Steakhouse celebrates 35 years with a 35 cent steak

• McDonald’s celebrates opening of new location in Lincoln

• SIU Center For Family Medicine celebrates opening with a ribbon cutting and open house

• Technology brings full service pharmacy back to Atlanta

• St. Clara’s administrators look forward to a big move in January 2018

• New owners take over Pizza Man of Mount Pulaski

• Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Receives National Recognition for Performance Leadership in Quality, Outcomes, and Patient Perspective

• Visual Ink Productions helps supply your graphic design needs

• Michael T. Fleshman joins Woods & Bates Law Firm
   

• Lincoln and Logan County Chamber of Commerce to reorganize

• Lincoln/Logan County Chamber board president explains financial dilemma
   

• Guests gather to celebrate the completion of the new St. Clara’s Rehab & Senior Care

• Guests celebrate a new chapter in senior care at St. Clara's - slideshow

Sports

• Good sportsmanship and opportunities highlight another successful John Welsh Memorial Basketball Tournament

• 2017 John Welsh Memorial Trojan Basketball Tournament - slideshow

• Hartsburg-Emden claims the 2017 Class 8-1A State Championship trophy

  • The Big Game - slideshow

  • Championship Medals all around - slideshow

  • Celebrating with friends and family - slideshow

• Hartem State Champion Volleyball Teams recognized by Logan County Board

• They've got friends in high places, the Hartem Stags Volleyball Team visits the Illinois State Capitol

  • House Resolution 318 passed in honor of Hartem Stags

• West Lincoln-Broadwell 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team makes school and IESA history with back-to-back state championships

• WLB wins 8th grade state championship 43-33 over Pana Sacred Heart

City of Lincoln
Criminal activity and arrests

• Lincoln Police respond to robbery call at State Bank of Lincoln

• One wounded in Sunday afternoon shooting in Lincoln

• Lincoln Police Chief issues report on Sunday afternoon shooting

• Lincoln Police arrest two on drug and weapon charges

• Jimmy John's armed robbery suspect arrested
  Suspect arrested in connection with October shooting in Lincoln

• Lincoln Police report armed robbery at Lincoln Super 8 Thursday morning

• Amtrak train evacuated in Lincoln after finding suspicious bags on board

Drug Addiction

• Lincoln Police Department adopts "Safe Passages" program for those with opioid addiction

  • Flyer: Lincoln Police Department Safe Passages Initiative

Recognition

• Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors enjoys lunch break in Lincoln - Slideshow

• Lincoln Police Department recognizes “Officer Moe” as Officer of the Year

• Lincoln Rural and Crystal Bale receive recognition from IL COPS

Logan County
Criminal activity and arrests

• Incident at Logan County Courthouse leads to one arrest on Wednesday

Logan County State’s Attorney

• Logan County State's Attorney prosecutes first ever Drug Induced Homicide case
  Dustin Miller found guilty in jury trial

Illinois State Police
Criminal activity

• ISP seeks information on criminal act in Logan County
  Rocks thrown from overpass near Atlanta, driver and passenger narrowly escape injury
  Illinois State Police seeks information

Elkhart train derailment

• Freight train derails in Elkhart
  Statement from Logan County EMA

• Train derailment at Elkhart
  Update from the Logan County EMA

• Aerial View - Elkhart train derailment - Album

• Elkhart train derailment - slideshow

• Clean-up progresses at Elkhart derailment site - Album

Weather

• Downburst impacts Middletown

• Heat, high winds, bare fields - all lead to late afternoon dust storms in central Illinois

• Lincoln and Logan County hit hard by storms Monday night and Tuesday morning

• July 10th & 11th Storm Damage Part 1 - North of Lincoln on Nicholson Road and north part of town - slideshow

• July 10th & 11th Storm Damage Part 2 - In the central part of Lincoln - slideshow

• City of Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman has issued a Local Disaster Declaration

• Logan County Emergency Management Agency releases public health and safety information following storms

• City Officials and guests share comments on the events of the day at city council meeting Tuesday night

• More photos of storm damage from Monday night and Tuesday morning storms - Album

• National Weather Service report of July 10th tornado/severe weather event

Lincoln College

• Lincoln College signs atriculation agreement with University of St. Frances for nursing students

• Lincoln College purchases apartments to house additional students
  Largest Spring Semester Enrollment in Five Years

• Lincoln College student named finalist for National Production Award

• Lincoln College adds four Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Fall 2017
  Community and Human Services, Conservation Biology, Exercise Science, & Vocal Performance among Degree Programs

• Lincoln and Lake Land Colleges enter into new transfer agreement for broadcasting studies

• Lincoln College, Sandburg Announce New Transfer Agreement
  Simplifies Transfer Process for Community College Grads

• Lincoln College Sets New Enrollment Records
  More Returning Students, More Residential Students Than Ever Before

• Lincoln College celebrates the official opening of Lynx Village with a Chamber ribbon cut

• Lincoln College student Ashlyn Carrol, named Student Laureates by Lincoln Academy

Creekside

• Lincoln College renames environmental education center in honor of Dr. G. Dennis Campbell

• New sculpture by Lincoln artist Moses Pinkerton rooted in nature

• Nature's Embrace arrives at its new home at Creekside Environmental Center

• Nature's Embrace - The process of installation - slideshow

• Creekside celebrates fall
  A special dedication held at the feet of Nature’s Embrace sculpture

  • A special dedication at the feet of Nature's Embrace - slideshow

  • Lincoln College Chorale - slideshow

  • Guests enjoy Nature's Embrace - slideshow

  • A walk to Fredericks Cabin - slideshow

  • A visit to the Insectarium - slideshow

  • Exhibits entertain and teach - slideshow

  • Guests enjoy a wonderful fall day - slideshow

The Mill

• Long lost Abraham Lincoln artifact found at the Mill on Route 66

• Mill on 66 - Route 66 Museum celebrates grand opening
  Huge turnout for Mill on 66 - Route 66 Museum Grand Opening

• Governor Bruce Rauner joined by Representative Tim Butler and representatives of Route 66 organizations and LaHood's office cutting ribbon at the Mill on 66

  • Crowds gather on opening day - slideshow

  • A peek at what you'll find at the Mill - slideshow

  • Logan County Route 66 history at the Mill on 66 - slideshow

  • Be sure to visit the gift shop! - slideshow

• Rainy day dampens the Route 66 Vehicle Parade - Album

• The Mill Grand Opening: Blessing of the bikes

  • Bikers endure the rain to attend Blessing of the Bikes - slideshow

Tropics sign

• A new chapter begins in the history of the Tropics sign

  • A new chapter begins for the Tropics sign - slideshow

Atlanta

• New displays at Atlanta Museum peek into mysteries of the Masons, Ewing family, World Wars, first road development, Route 66, Abraham Lincoln and more

  • A glimpse inside the Atlanta Museum - slideshow

Elkhart

• Elkhart celebrates Route 66 over Labor Day weekend

  • Elkhart mural, Veteran's Park, Car show - slideshow

  • Slot car racing, Sidewalk art, and more - slideshow

  • Elkhart Hill, Gillett Chapel tours - slideshow

Heritage in Flight Museum

• Route 66 Association of Illinois Annual Tour takes in local sights including Heritage in Flight and Mill Museums

• Route 66 Association of Illinois visits HIF - Album

CITY OF LINCOLN - LCJSW & Waste Hauler Contract

• Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency addresses Lincoln City Council regarding new 20-year contract

• Public hearing attendance shows strong interest in Lincoln trash and recycling

  • Part one: Johnson reviews recycling history and waste haulers bids

  • Part two: Public comments bring to light the issue of exclusivity versus mandate

  • Part three: Terminology becomes a stumbling block

• City of Lincoln: Vote on waste hauler contract postponed to September 5th

• Lincoln aldermen approve contract with Area Disposal for waste hauling
  Approve mandating trash collection

• Waste Hauler agreement with Area Disposal poses new challenges for Lincoln aldermen

• City council irons out last few details of solid waste agreement

CITY OF LINCOLN - Lincoln College

• Lincoln Planning Commission unanimously recommends conversion of St. Clara's Manor to residential hall for Lincoln College

• Lincoln aldermen approve special use permit for Lincoln College
  College will establish student housing in former St. Clara’s Manor on Fifth Street

CITY OF LINCOLN - Municipal Services Building

• New Lincoln Street Department to house offices in addition to added garage space

• City cuts ribbon on new Municipal Services Building - Album

Lincoln celebrates grand reopening of the Depot

• Historic Lincoln Railway Depot renovation impresses crowd

  • Community gathers for dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony - slideshow

  • Outside the 'new' Depot and inside the new waiting station - slideshow

  • Depot renovation project 'Then and now' - Album

• IDOT Press release: Historic, Renovated Station Opens in Downtown Lincoln

LOCAL POLITICS

City of Lincoln

• Mayoral Forum offers insight into how candidates would govern Lincoln

• LCHS seniors hear from mayoral candidates

• Neitzel offers up an early farewell with many "Thank-you's" to aldermen and city departments

• New Mayor and city officials sworn in at first Lincoln City Council meeting of the new fiscal year-Album

Logan County

• Treasurer Vicki Dugan to retire
  Board member Adam Schmidt resigns

• Sheriff Nichols and Chief Deputy Landers announce future intentions for Sheriff's Office

• Craig announces run for Logan County Sheriff

• Turner announces she will not run for County Clerk in 2018

• Theresa Moore files for Logan County Clerk and Recorder

FROM THE LOGAN COUNTY BOARD

Veterans

• April 12 - Plans initiated for Logan County to recognize post-Vietnam era veterans

• June 29 - Logan County becomes first in Illinois and U.S. with all communities honoring Purple Heart

• Sep 20 - Veterans plaques for the Logan County Courthouse display restored

Wind Farm

• May 4 - Hilltopper Wind Farm project changes reviewed by Regional Planning Commission
  Public Hearing tonight in Mount Pulaski

• May 5 - Hilltopper Wind Farm undergoes public comment under Logan County Zoning Board of Appeals
  ZBA approves Swift Current Energy's amendments to conditional use requests

• May 12 - Representatives of Hilltopper Wind Project seek approval from Logan County Board

• May 17 - Logan County Board decides Hilltopper Wind Farm requests

Economic Development

• Oct 12 - Economic Development costs discussed at Logan County Finance Committee

• Nov 16 - Finance Committee discusses possible budget revisions
  Guests want support for economic development agencies and tools stopped

• Nov 20 - Logan County Board expected to sever three economic development ties in budget cuts

Courthouse dome & Logan County Jail

• Nov 28 - Logan County Board to put jail and courthouse building costs to public by referendum

• Dec 20 - Logan County Board looks at how to save the courthouse dome

• Dec 21 - Logan County Board votes to put half-cent public safety tax on March ballot

LDN Feature
Century-old Logan County Courthouse steeped in history and topped in beauty

• Part 1: Logan County and its five courthouses

• Part 2: The courthouse dome, a spectacular feature

The year in photos

• January top pictures - slideshow

• February top pictures - slideshow

• March top pictures - slideshow

• April top pictures - slideshow

• May top pictures - slideshow

• June top pictures - slideshow

• July 1st - 13th Top Pictures - slideshow

• July 14th - 31st Top Pictures - slideshow

• August 1st - 12th Top Pictures - slideshow

• August 13th - 31st Top Pictures - slideshow

• September 1st - 15th Top Pictures - slideshow

• September 16th - 30th Top Pictures - slideshow

• October 1st - 20th Top Pictures - slideshow

• October 21st - 31st Top Pictures - slideshow

• October "Show us your pink" campaign - slideshow

• November 1st - 15th Top Pictures - slideshow

• November 16th - 30th Top Pictures - slideshow

• December 1st - 9th Top Pictures - slideshow

• December 10th - 15th Top Pictures - slideshow

• December 16th - 30th Top Pictures - slideshow