2014 was the last time a choir student was selected By ARIANA R. CHERRY Staff Writer Many students with musical interests start their musical education at a young age. In our local area, that usually begins around the fifth grade. It takes years of practice and developing techniques to reach the levels that many of…

Author Crumrin Guest Speaker At Rotary. Dennis Crumrin, Zion Zoo stories author, shared his journey to becoming a recently published author at the Arthur Rotary meeting on Thursday. Growing up on a farm near West Union, his family moved around as his dad was a teacher and he received his barber’s license before he even…

The Mt Zion Odd Fellows donated $2,000 to the Mt Zion Scouting program. The Odd Fellows recognized that the Scouts lost fundraising opportunities at Pony Express and with their annual Christmas tree sales. In an effort to support our scouting program and the great work they do, the Odd Fellows made the $2,000 donation. Odd…

Saturday, December 19, Arthur Fire Department delivered over 90 food boxes along with toys to families in the Arthur area. This program belongs to the people of Arthur. With your support, more people can have a blessed Christmas in what has been a tough year.

Assistant Chief Gary Gee was recognized at the 2020 Hammond Fire Protection District Christmas dinner for his 20 years of service to the fire department. Also recognized, but not present, was Mike Webb for 10 years of service. Pictured are HFPD Trustee Austin Dillman, Assistant Chief Gary Gee and HFPD Trustee Ken Yeakley.

Arthur Fire Department Honors Three Volunteers. Allen Chupp, Matt Bernius and Tim Likens were recognized recently for their 25 years of service to the Arthur Fire Protection District.

Spreading A Little “Sweet” Christmas Cheer. With school winding down for winter break, Arthur police Officer Brock Thoms passed out candy canes to the students at the end of the day on Thursday and Friday last week. Pictured is this group of Arthur Grade School students with Thoms in the back feeling very festive with…

Atwood Police Chief Rob Bross, left, and Piatt County Deputy Lindsey Bross, enjoyed their day shopping for kids in need. They are pictured with a couple of the kids who made wish lists. By Doris Elmore Staff Writer Police officers from the Monticello Police Department, Piatt County Sheriff’s Office, Atwood Police and volunteers were determined…

Santa Claus made an early appearance in the Village of Hammond on Saturday, December 19. He was driven around town by Hammond Fire Department. Santa’s visit was sponsored by the Hammond Community Boosters. Kim Gee photo

By Doris Elmore Staff Writer Julia Anne Mills, better known as Julie, retired as Douglas County Circuit Clerk on November 30 after 24 years (6 terms) in the position. Julie actually worked in the clerk’s office for 11 years before running for Circuit Clerk, making a total of 35 years working for the county. Helen…