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Sportsman’s Club to hold turkey shoot
Oct. 9-10
Get ready for Thanksgiving at the first of two turkey shoots to be held at the Divernon
Sportsman’s Club Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at
the “Resi.” Fresh BBQ pork will be served and shells will be provided. For more
information, contact Al Shore at 628-3605.
Oct. 9-10
Get ready for Thanksgiving at the first of two turkey shoots to be held at the Divernon
Sportsman’s Club Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at
the “Resi.” Fresh BBQ pork will be served and shells will be provided. For more
information, contact Al Shore at 628-3605.
Apply now for sidewalk program
The Village of Divernon will be starting the 2010 sidewalk replacement program soon. The
cost to residents wishing to participate is $8 per running foot. Since funds for this program
are limited each year, those accepted into the program will be on a first come, first serve
basis. Residents interested are asked to complete a form available at the village hall no
later than Wednesday, October 13.
The Village of Divernon will be starting the 2010 sidewalk replacement program soon. The
cost to residents wishing to participate is $8 per running foot. Since funds for this program
are limited each year, those accepted into the program will be on a first come, first serve
basis. Residents interested are asked to complete a form available at the village hall no
later than Wednesday, October 13.
Legion Auxiliary costume contest
Sunday, Oct. 24
The Divernon American Legion Auxiliary will hold its 2nd annual Halloween Spooktacular
costume contest Sunday, October 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Divernon Park pavilion. Prizes
will be awarded in several age groups, with special prizes for prettiest, scariest, most
original and best of show. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Legion Hall.
Questions can be directed to Stephanie at (217) 628-3441.
Sunday, Oct. 24
The Divernon American Legion Auxiliary will hold its 2nd annual Halloween Spooktacular
costume contest Sunday, October 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Divernon Park pavilion. Prizes
will be awarded in several age groups, with special prizes for prettiest, scariest, most
original and best of show. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Legion Hall.
Questions can be directed to Stephanie at (217) 628-3441.
Legion Auxiliary bake sale Nov. 20
Get your goodies for Thanksgiving or just special treats to enjoy at the Divernon American
Legion Auxiliary’s bake sale, to be held Saturday, November 20. The sale will be held from
9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Illini Bank of Divernon, located on the square. Proceeds from the
sale will benefit the Auxiliary’s veteran’s causes.
Get your goodies for Thanksgiving or just special treats to enjoy at the Divernon American
Legion Auxiliary’s bake sale, to be held Saturday, November 20. The sale will be held from
9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Illini Bank of Divernon, located on the square. Proceeds from the
sale will benefit the Auxiliary’s veteran’s causes.
The Divernon American Legion Auxiliary
installed its new officers at a November 4
ceremony. New officers included, left to right:
Leann McCrady (treasurer), Melissa Layton
(secretary), Joan McCrady (historian),
Stephanie McDannald (president), Mickie
Bolash (sergeant at arms), Jane Emerson
(chaplain) and Nancy Beaty (sergeant at
arms).
installed its new officers at a November 4
ceremony. New officers included, left to right:
Leann McCrady (treasurer), Melissa Layton
(secretary), Joan McCrady (historian),
Stephanie McDannald (president), Mickie
Bolash (sergeant at arms), Jane Emerson
(chaplain) and Nancy Beaty (sergeant at
arms).
Scholastic Book Fair at middle school
Nov. 18-20
Auburn Middle School will host a Scholastic Book Fair Thursday, November 18 and Friday,
November 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the high school library. Families, teachers and
the community are invited to attend the book fair, which features the travel theme: “Here’s
To Our Heroes! Reading Saves the Day!” The book fair will feature a special Family Night
Thursday, November 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will be prizes and giveaways at this
family celebration. The book fair will offer specially priced books and educational products,
including new releases, award-winning titles, children’s classics, interactive software and
current best sellers for both kids and adults from over 150 publishers. Book fair
customers can help Auburn Schools build classroom libraries and improve children’s
reading skills by purchasing books through the Classroom Wish List and One for Books
programs. On Saturday, November 20 from 8 to 11 a.m., Donuts for Dad will be held,
where dads are invited to come with their children to the book fair, have a free donut
breakfast and see what books are available. Donuts for Dad will be held in the middle
school gymnasium. For more information on the Scholastic Book Fair, contact librarian
John Moranski at 438-6817.
Nov. 18-20
Auburn Middle School will host a Scholastic Book Fair Thursday, November 18 and Friday,
November 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the high school library. Families, teachers and
the community are invited to attend the book fair, which features the travel theme: “Here’s
To Our Heroes! Reading Saves the Day!” The book fair will feature a special Family Night
Thursday, November 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will be prizes and giveaways at this
family celebration. The book fair will offer specially priced books and educational products,
including new releases, award-winning titles, children’s classics, interactive software and
current best sellers for both kids and adults from over 150 publishers. Book fair
customers can help Auburn Schools build classroom libraries and improve children’s
reading skills by purchasing books through the Classroom Wish List and One for Books
programs. On Saturday, November 20 from 8 to 11 a.m., Donuts for Dad will be held,
where dads are invited to come with their children to the book fair, have a free donut
breakfast and see what books are available. Donuts for Dad will be held in the middle
school gymnasium. For more information on the Scholastic Book Fair, contact librarian
John Moranski at 438-6817.
Divernon United Methodist Church members
served the community by raking leaves and
sweeping porches Sunday, November 14 in
place of their traditional services. Pictured
are Will Ladd, Shari Bearden, Mark Bearden,
Tammy Squires and Riley Bess.
served the community by raking leaves and
sweeping porches Sunday, November 14 in
place of their traditional services. Pictured
are Will Ladd, Shari Bearden, Mark Bearden,
Tammy Squires and Riley Bess.
Members of the Divernon American Legion
Auxiliary prepared 30 containers of
Christmas goodies to bring cheer to some
Divernon residents. Making the deliveries
last Saturday morning were, left to right:
Nancy Beaty, Donna Belknap, Susie Darling,
Stephanie McDannald, Jane Emerson and
Melissa Layton.
Auxiliary prepared 30 containers of
Christmas goodies to bring cheer to some
Divernon residents. Making the deliveries
last Saturday morning were, left to right:
Nancy Beaty, Donna Belknap, Susie Darling,
Stephanie McDannald, Jane Emerson and
Melissa Layton.
Ervin selected for Friends of the County
Award
Ron Ervin has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Friends of the County Award.
(more)
Award
Ron Ervin has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Friends of the County Award.
(more)
RON ERVIN
Barclay Harris new Divernon Chief of
Police
Barclay Harris will be the new Chief of Police for the Village of Divernon. Harris grew up
in Pawnee and graduated from Pawnee High School in 1987. He attended Lincoln Land
Community College and spent 11 years in the Illinois Army National Guard. After
completing training at the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, he became a police officer for the Village of Palmyra in 1995. Harris
has most recently served his hometown as a police officer for the past 14 years, which
included a great commitment to the children of Pawnee as a Drug Awareness Resistance
Education (D.A.R.E.) officer, in which he taught 6th grade classes. He also was a Police
and Children Together (P.A.C.T.) instructor for five years, in which he would take
underpriviledged children to attend week-long camps. He was the department range
instructor and would qualify all officers annually with duty guns, off duty guns and duty
rifles. He is also a certified Taser Instructor and trained the other officers annually on taser
use. Harris has previously worked for the Village of Divernon on a part-time basis.
Police
Barclay Harris will be the new Chief of Police for the Village of Divernon. Harris grew up
in Pawnee and graduated from Pawnee High School in 1987. He attended Lincoln Land
Community College and spent 11 years in the Illinois Army National Guard. After
completing training at the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign, he became a police officer for the Village of Palmyra in 1995. Harris
has most recently served his hometown as a police officer for the past 14 years, which
included a great commitment to the children of Pawnee as a Drug Awareness Resistance
Education (D.A.R.E.) officer, in which he taught 6th grade classes. He also was a Police
and Children Together (P.A.C.T.) instructor for five years, in which he would take
underpriviledged children to attend week-long camps. He was the department range
instructor and would qualify all officers annually with duty guns, off duty guns and duty
rifles. He is also a certified Taser Instructor and trained the other officers annually on taser
use. Harris has previously worked for the Village of Divernon on a part-time basis.
Divernon Fire Department needs more
volunteer help
The Divernon Fire Department needs your help! Daytime responders are no longer
available. The Fire Department was called for help 248 times during 2010. On 26 of the
calls, Divernon had no one to respond. Chief Randy Rhodes reports “whether it would be
a house fire, vehicle accident or medical call during the week in 2011, you may or may not
get any Divernon Fire Department personnel to respond.” In 2010, the DFD responded to
the following calls: Structure fires (2), vehicle fires (7), field and grass fires (11), fire alarms
and odor investigations (43), medical calls (92), vehicle accidents (18), mutual aid calls
(73), weather events (2). The DFD has 20 dedicated firemen and of those, nine are also
Emergency Medical Technicians. “This is your community and help is needed,” Chief
Rhodes said. “Please volunteer. Contact us at 628-3341 or stop by on Thursday nights.”
volunteer help
The Divernon Fire Department needs your help! Daytime responders are no longer
available. The Fire Department was called for help 248 times during 2010. On 26 of the
calls, Divernon had no one to respond. Chief Randy Rhodes reports “whether it would be
a house fire, vehicle accident or medical call during the week in 2011, you may or may not
get any Divernon Fire Department personnel to respond.” In 2010, the DFD responded to
the following calls: Structure fires (2), vehicle fires (7), field and grass fires (11), fire alarms
and odor investigations (43), medical calls (92), vehicle accidents (18), mutual aid calls
(73), weather events (2). The DFD has 20 dedicated firemen and of those, nine are also
Emergency Medical Technicians. “This is your community and help is needed,” Chief
Rhodes said. “Please volunteer. Contact us at 628-3341 or stop by on Thursday nights.”
Village population drops 29 to 1172
Divernon was one of three county municipalities that showed a loss in population. The 2010
census numbers show Divernon with 1172 residents down slightly from 1201 in 2000, a loss of
29. Thayer and Loami also showed decreases, also minor. Mayor Randy Rhodes notes that the
village is somewhat hampered in any effort to grow because its sewerage system is almost at its
maximum. But, he adds that he is answering some inquiries about building, hopeful that the
school district merger with Auburn will be a plus. A more positive messge is the prospect for two
new businesses, a restaurant and a bar-restaurant on the village square. However, the I-55
convenience store which the News was told would reopen this week did not occur as of
Wednesday. The News attempted to contact the owner Tuesday but our call was not answered.
Divernon was one of three county municipalities that showed a loss in population. The 2010
census numbers show Divernon with 1172 residents down slightly from 1201 in 2000, a loss of
29. Thayer and Loami also showed decreases, also minor. Mayor Randy Rhodes notes that the
village is somewhat hampered in any effort to grow because its sewerage system is almost at its
maximum. But, he adds that he is answering some inquiries about building, hopeful that the
school district merger with Auburn will be a plus. A more positive messge is the prospect for two
new businesses, a restaurant and a bar-restaurant on the village square. However, the I-55
convenience store which the News was told would reopen this week did not occur as of
Wednesday. The News attempted to contact the owner Tuesday but our call was not answered.
Lydia Kuehnel was honored as the
2010 EMT of the Year by the Divernon
Fire Department at its annual
banquet held March 12.
2010 EMT of the Year by the Divernon
Fire Department at its annual
banquet held March 12.
Seniors on the 2011 Prom Court at Auburn
High School include, seated (L-R): Jenny
Crowley, Taylor Magdich, Alex Atteberry, Olivia
Bennett, Chelsea Domescik; back: Forrest
Brake, Blake Luttrell, Reily Sullivan, Michael
Bates and Seth Points. The Prom will be held
Saturday, April 9 at the Illinois State
Fairgounds.
High School include, seated (L-R): Jenny
Crowley, Taylor Magdich, Alex Atteberry, Olivia
Bennett, Chelsea Domescik; back: Forrest
Brake, Blake Luttrell, Reily Sullivan, Michael
Bates and Seth Points. The Prom will be held
Saturday, April 9 at the Illinois State
Fairgounds.
Rhodes re-elected mayor Tuesday
Randy Rhodes, running unopposed, was re-elected mayor in Tuesday's election while voters
picked four members of the village board from a list of five.
Rhodes received 129 votes. Winning full four year terms on the village board were Pamela
Cronister (119 votes), Derek Hedges (114) and Dianne Brenning (108). Joe Bukantos received 51
votes. Tom Burke received 123 votes running unopposed for the two year unexpired term. In the
vote for library board trustees, the three winners in a four person race were Susan Darling with 123
votes, Ernest Jake Rettberg with 119 and Mary Boblitt with 106. Alan Bell received 81.
There were no candidates for the unexpired term.
Randy Rhodes, running unopposed, was re-elected mayor in Tuesday's election while voters
picked four members of the village board from a list of five.
Rhodes received 129 votes. Winning full four year terms on the village board were Pamela
Cronister (119 votes), Derek Hedges (114) and Dianne Brenning (108). Joe Bukantos received 51
votes. Tom Burke received 123 votes running unopposed for the two year unexpired term. In the
vote for library board trustees, the three winners in a four person race were Susan Darling with 123
votes, Ernest Jake Rettberg with 119 and Mary Boblitt with 106. Alan Bell received 81.
There were no candidates for the unexpired term.
Bob Murphy of Divernon spent the
day April 6 touring several historical
sites around Washington, D.C. as
one of 86 veterans on a Land of
Lincoln Honor Flight. Bob was a
Seabee in the Navy during World
War II and was stationed at Pearl
Harbor in Hawaii. While in the Navy,
Bob met and married his wife
Betsey, who was a store clerk for
the WAVES. Bob’s son Mike
accompanied him on the trip and
while in Washington, they were met
by Bobby and Ethan Murphy of
Littlestown, Pennsylvania, Bob’s
grandson and great-grandson. The
four generations are shown in front
of the World War II Memorial,
holding a flag presented to the
family at Betsey’s memorial service
in 2006.
day April 6 touring several historical
sites around Washington, D.C. as
one of 86 veterans on a Land of
Lincoln Honor Flight. Bob was a
Seabee in the Navy during World
War II and was stationed at Pearl
Harbor in Hawaii. While in the Navy,
Bob met and married his wife
Betsey, who was a store clerk for
the WAVES. Bob’s son Mike
accompanied him on the trip and
while in Washington, they were met
by Bobby and Ethan Murphy of
Littlestown, Pennsylvania, Bob’s
grandson and great-grandson. The
four generations are shown in front
of the World War II Memorial,
holding a flag presented to the
family at Betsey’s memorial service
in 2006.
Divernon Hands 4 Hope begins holiday
mission
Divernon Hands 4 Hope, a division of the Divernon United Methodist Church and other
community organizations, is sponsoring a community-wide effort to provide families with a
blessed holiday season. In the past, the Divernon community has successfully served multiple
families. This year, the need to help even more families has increased. With this great need in our
community, Divernon Hands 4 Hope will be sponsoring the following programs: Christmas Food
Baskets, an Angel Tree and purchasing coats and gloves for Divernon children. Divernon Hands 4
Hope is seeking contributions to help with these efforts. Contributions received will be used to
purchase traditional holiday food items, coats and gloves. The community is invited to participate
in the Angel Tree program. The Angel Trees will become available in last November/early
December at the following locations: Illini Bank, United Community Bank and the Divernon United
Methodist Church. Any contribution is welcomed and is tax-deductible. Contributions can be
mailed to DUMC, 503 S. Second Street, Divernon, IL 62530 (checks payable to Divernon Hands 4
Hope). For more information, contact the DUMC at 628-3530.
mission
Divernon Hands 4 Hope, a division of the Divernon United Methodist Church and other
community organizations, is sponsoring a community-wide effort to provide families with a
blessed holiday season. In the past, the Divernon community has successfully served multiple
families. This year, the need to help even more families has increased. With this great need in our
community, Divernon Hands 4 Hope will be sponsoring the following programs: Christmas Food
Baskets, an Angel Tree and purchasing coats and gloves for Divernon children. Divernon Hands 4
Hope is seeking contributions to help with these efforts. Contributions received will be used to
purchase traditional holiday food items, coats and gloves. The community is invited to participate
in the Angel Tree program. The Angel Trees will become available in last November/early
December at the following locations: Illini Bank, United Community Bank and the Divernon United
Methodist Church. Any contribution is welcomed and is tax-deductible. Contributions can be
mailed to DUMC, 503 S. Second Street, Divernon, IL 62530 (checks payable to Divernon Hands 4
Hope). For more information, contact the DUMC at 628-3530.
Holiday decorating contest underway
The 2011 Divernon Holiday Decorating Contest is now underway. Entry forms can be picked up
at the village hall and must be turned in by 5 p.m. Friday, December 16. All entries must be within
the Divernon village limits. Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($100), second ($50) and third
places ($25). The judging criteria will include originality, creative use of lights, difficulty of design or
theme, and show of Christmas spirit. Judging will be done by individuals from outside the village
and will continue through Tuesday, December 20. All judges decisions are final. Prize winners will
be announced Wednesday, December 21 at 5 p.m. and winners will be notified before Friday,
December 23 to arrange for the awarding of prizes.
The 2011 Divernon Holiday Decorating Contest is now underway. Entry forms can be picked up
at the village hall and must be turned in by 5 p.m. Friday, December 16. All entries must be within
the Divernon village limits. Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($100), second ($50) and third
places ($25). The judging criteria will include originality, creative use of lights, difficulty of design or
theme, and show of Christmas spirit. Judging will be done by individuals from outside the village
and will continue through Tuesday, December 20. All judges decisions are final. Prize winners will
be announced Wednesday, December 21 at 5 p.m. and winners will be notified before Friday,
December 23 to arrange for the awarding of prizes.
Mary Jane Cody recently retired after
40 years of service as the Divernon
Township Clerk and was honored
at the board’s Monday, December
19 meeting.
40 years of service as the Divernon
Township Clerk and was honored
at the board’s Monday, December
19 meeting.
Trivia Night for Debbie Norton Saturday,
Jan. 21
A Trivia Night for Debbie Norton is planned for Saturday, January 21 at Cornerstone
Community Church in Auburn. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with trivia to begin at 7 p.m.
The entry fee is $100 per table and teams can have up to 10 players. Teams can purchase 10
mulligans and one double-down. There will also be a silent auction, a 50-50 drawing and a snack
sale. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, though teams will be allowed to bring their
own snacks. Teams can register by calling Linda Wood at (217) 836-9025. Monetary donations
and donations for the silent auction can also be made by calling the above number. Proceeds from
the event will go to help Debbie Norton pay for expenses related to an upcoming liver transplant.
Debbie has been diagnosed with liver cancer, which requires a transplant as soon as possible,
and also was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, for which she is receiving treatment at
Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
Jan. 21
A Trivia Night for Debbie Norton is planned for Saturday, January 21 at Cornerstone
Community Church in Auburn. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with trivia to begin at 7 p.m.
The entry fee is $100 per table and teams can have up to 10 players. Teams can purchase 10
mulligans and one double-down. There will also be a silent auction, a 50-50 drawing and a snack
sale. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, though teams will be allowed to bring their
own snacks. Teams can register by calling Linda Wood at (217) 836-9025. Monetary donations
and donations for the silent auction can also be made by calling the above number. Proceeds from
the event will go to help Debbie Norton pay for expenses related to an upcoming liver transplant.
Debbie has been diagnosed with liver cancer, which requires a transplant as soon as possible,
and also was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, for which she is receiving treatment at
Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.