Tuscola girls go 9-20, but make it to the regional championship before losing
By Mike Monahan TUSCOLA – It was an up and down season and mostly down for the Tuscola girls basketball team coached by Michael Rosenbaum. Yes, they finished 9-20, but they did reach the Class 1A regional championship against Tri-County at Shiloh High School in Hume. However, Tuscola lost 49-46 in overtime to Tri-County. “It…
Read MoreDylan Graves to play football at North Park University
By Daniel L. Chamness Dylan Graves, a Tuscola senior, is moving on up. Unlike the Jeffersons, who were moving to the east side, Graves will be heading north to follow his dream of not only playing college football, but running college track. He has selected North Park University, a NCAA Division III school, that competes…
Read MoreVilla Grove State Bank earns 5-star rating again
Villa Grove, Illinois – March 2026: BauerFinancial, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, congratulated Villa Grove State Bank, Villa Grove, for earning its highest, 5-Star Superior rating. This latest rating was assigned in March 2026, based on December 31, 2025 financial data, and signifies that Villa Grove State Bank continues to be one of the…
Read MoreLongview Community Bank and Middletown State Bank announce merger date is set
Newman, Mt. Pulaski, and Middletown, Illinois. – Longview Community Bank and Middletown State Bank jointly announced that the two institutions will merge effective April 27. Following the merger, all locations will operate under the Longview Community Bank name. All three Middletown State Bank branch locations in Middletown, Greenview, and Latham will remain open, and all…
Read MoreDeadline approaches for first statewide retail challenge scholarship competition
SPRINGFIELD – With just a few weeks left to apply, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) is reminding high school seniors across the state to submit their entries for the Illinois Retail Challenge Scholarship Competition by March 30 to qualify for scholarships of up to $60,000. The first competition of its kind in Illinois, the…
Read More4-H Youth build confidence and communication skills at a workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Nearly 75% of individuals report a fear of public speaking, but 22 courageous 4-H youth from Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby counties chose to face that fear head-on during the recent Confident Communicators Workshop hosted at the University of Illinois. Twelve participants were from Moultrie-Douglas County 4-H, including Aubrie Stenger, Bria Hershberger,…
Read MoreFederated Bank announces the appointment of Karli Manahan as vice president, credit officer
Newman and Onarga, Illinois – Federated Bank announced the appointment of Karli Manahan of Buckley, as Vice President, Credit Officer. Manahan brings extensive experience in commercial and agriculture credit analysis, loan portfolio oversight, and customer service. Her background includes leadership roles in banking, government programs, and business operations. Before joining Federated Bank, Manahan served as…
Read MoreLake Land College to host fifth annual Spring Art Show
Lake Land College is now accepting submissions for its fifth annual Spring Art Show, which will be held from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24. Students, staff, faculty and community members are all invited to submit their art and participate in the event. Artists of all ages are welcome, as is art of all…
Read MoreKelsey Furniture closing after 67 years
The following is a statement from Wahlquist Promotions, which has been retained to handle the closing of Kelsey Furniture on behalf of owner Chad Hausmann. Tuscola, IL – “After serving the community for over 67 years, Kelsey Furniture are closing their doors forever. “After 67 years, we have made the decision to close. We sold…
Read MoreThe Korner Diner under new ownership
By Trudy Feyereisen Since Nov. 19, 2025, “The Korner Diner” in Chesterville has been owned and managed by Rhonda Otto. Rhonda Otto worked at “Yoder’s Kitchen” for 12 years, starting at the age of 15. She started bussing tables and doing dishes, then moved through various positions: hostess, carryout, waitress, bakery, and manager. She gleaned…
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