FIRE DESTROYS LOCAL SHOP. Firetrucks and water tankers line the road outside Helmuth Custom Kitchens door plant Friday morning. The shop was destroyed by the fire. One hazard facing the nearly 100 firemen from eight departments responding to the call was strong winds that whipped the fire around. Despite the plant’s close proximity to other…

Arthur Area Economic Development Corporation and Arthur Area Tourism Council voted to combine the organizations which, moving forward, will be known as Simply Arthur. Among those involved in the restructured group are, left to right, Cara Blaudow, board secretary, Economic Development Subcommittee; James Aikman, Tourism subcommittee; Christy Miller, Simply Arthur director; Mac Condill, Simply Arthur…

Firefighters from Arthur and seven other fire departments in the area battled an early morning fire on Friday at the HCK door plant south of Arthur. The 20,000-square foot structure was engulfed in flames minutes after the fire department arrived around 4:30 a.m. Despite strong winds, firemen were able to prevent the fire from spreading…

John Watzlawick presents his Eagle Scout project to the Bement Village Board. The board donated $500 for his project honoring active duty service members. Photo by Christy Jankowski By CHRISTY JANKOWSKI Staff Writer Tuesday evening, March 12, the Bement Village Board approved $500 for John Watzlawick’s Eagle Scout Project. His project is a sign of…

Pamella Grohmann introduces a new song to the students while Dianna Leigh sings with students. Christy Jankowski photo By CHRISTY JANKOWSKI Staff Writer Last year, Pamella Grohmann retired as the K-12 music teacher at Cerro Gordo after 22 years. For the past semester, the district employed Collen Hillyer to replace Grohmann. However, now the district…

These fellows were part of the crew cooking up the delicious food on Saturday at the United Church of Atwood. The Celebrate Agriculture Breakfast has become a traditional event put on by the ALAH FFA Alumni Chapter. Nearly 100 people were served at the meal. Pictured, left to right are Tedd Romine, Graeme Stewart, Matt…

These members of the Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond High School FFA Chapter were on hand with others to help serve those attending the Celebrate Agriculture Breakfast at the United Church of Atwood on Saturday. Pictured, left to right are Zane Crist, Wyatt Romine and Adam Day. Photo Stephanie Wierman

Touring Cerro Gordo School addition. Superintendent Brett Robinson leads staff, media, and school board members on a tour of the new addition and renovations highlighting the new gymnasium and STEAM classroom at Cerro Gordo Schools on Monday, March 11. The gymnasium was open for student use on March 12, 2019. By CHRISTY JANKOWSKI Staff Writer…

February Student of the Month. Luke Dobson, son of TJ and Amy Dobson, has been chosen as the February Student of the Month at Cerro Gordo High School. Keila LeHew, Sr. Vice President at State Bank of Cerro Gordo, presented Luke with an American Eagle silver dollar. Luke is a sophomore. He participates in basketball,…

Knights senior George Anderson competes in the 400 Meter Dash during Saturday’s Charleston Boys Indoor Track and Field Invitational held at Eastern Illinois University. Anderson finished the race with a time of 1:01.65. Anderson also was on the ALAH 4X800 Meter Relay team comprised of River Kanitz, Justin Miller and Quentin Morgan. Photo Sally McCarthy…