The Pantagraph Bloomington, IL back issues from September 2003:
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... Robert H. Wertz CARLOCK -- Robert H. "Zoro" Wertz, 85, of 419 Rinney, Normal,formerly of Carlock, died at 5:30 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 30. 2003) athis residence. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Carlock ChristianChurch, Carlock., the Rev. Gloria F. Hernandez ...
Man returns lost bank bag
Sep 01, 2003; ... BLOOMINGTON -- A Normal man found and returned a lost bank bagcontaining about $200 in cash and thousands of dollars in checks overthe weekend. Employees of the Sam Leman car dealership at 1602 CommerceParkway, Bloomington, reported the bag missing Friday. It appeared a ...
McLean Co. leads area in bank robberies
Sep 01, 2003; ... BLOOMINGTON -- McLean County is on pace to lead Central Illinoisin bank robberies for the second consecutive year. The Aug. 23 robbery of National City Bank, 1332 E. Empire St.,Bloomington, marked the sixth robbery this year of a Twin Cityfinancial institution. Only one has ...
Health Digest
Sep 01, 2003 ... Komen event results BLOOMINGTON -- Two Aug. 23 events to benefit the McLean CountyAffiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation weresuccessful, according to organizers. The fifth annual William F. Brady Day of the Dozer outside theInterstate Center attracted about ...
Building Permits
Sep 01, 2003 ... BLOOMINGTON Armstrong Builders, Bloomington, issued permit Aug. 25 for a$200,000 house at 3605 Rave Road. Gilmore Construction, Bloomington, issued permit Aug 25 for a$70,000 house at 74 Crista Ann Court. Frank Mitchell Custom Homes, Bloomington, issues permit Aug ....
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... Kenneth E. Weber EL PASO -- Kenneth E. Weber, 55, of 2584 Tamarack Court, El Paso,died at 7:21 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 31, 2003) ...
O'Neal prevails in Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury
Sep 01, 2003; ... FAIRBURY - Don O'Neal knew that Saturday's Prairie Dirt Classicwinner would be decided after 75 laps. To him, though, it was over after the second turn of the firstlap. "I knew that if we could get a good jump coming out of two thatour momentum would carry us through three ...
Mars-watchers plan to take a second glance
Sep 01, 2003; ... FUNKS GROVE -- They came to get a glimpse of history, riding a haytrailer along with other stargazers. As they rode along to theirdestination, they hoped the clouds would dissipate so they could geta good look at the Red Planet. They were among more than 250 people who attended the ...
Salvage Mission
Sep 01, 2003; ... NORMAL -- The rugs have seen better days, but Michael Ryburn hopesthey might pique the interest of a collector. He believes one of them was hand-loomed in the 1880s or 1890s; theother two probably were machine-made in the 1920s. They have some badly worn spots, but ...
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... Frederick D. Thompson BLOOMINGTON -- Frederick D. Thompson, 69, of 506 S. Mercer Ave.,Bloomington, died at 12:51 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 31, 2003) at hisresidence. His family will receive family and friends at a celebration oflife Tuesday at his residence. Memorials may be ...
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... Elvin H. Cluver CISSNA PARK -- Elvin H. Cluver, 87, of Cissna Park died at 8:20p.m. Saturday (Aug. 30, 2003) at Heartland Health Care, Paxton. He was born March 5, 1916, in Buckley, a son of Henry and AnnaPeters Cluver. He married Ruth E. Seggebruch on April 6, 1947, in ...
Considering county's politics, Weber should beware
Sep 01, 2003 ... In response to Gretchen Monti's letter wanting a referendum tomake appointed positions out of administrative- type positions likerecorder of deeds, etc. I thought for many years Mr. (James) Boylan held an "appointed"position. My point is either way, elected or appointed, ...
Doctors make arguments for regular exams
Sep 01, 2003; ... BLOOMINGTON -- You're due for a physical exam but aren't convincedthat you need to schedule one. Here are arguments that local doctors hope will be convincing: "You're changing the filter in your air conditioner but won'tschedule a physical. What's more important?" Dr ....
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... Mae Belle Mickens BLOOMINGTON -- Mae Belle Mickens, 80, of Arenzville, mother andgrandmother of Bloomington residents, died Friday evening (Aug. 29,2003) at her residence. She was born Oct. 6, 1922, in New Florence, Mo., the daughter ofEddie and Sallie Conner Hilton Lewis ....
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... E. Jane Belshaw WASHBURN -- E. Jane Belshaw, 90, formerly of E. Chestnut St.,Washburn, died Saturday (Aug. 30, 2003) at 3:20 p.m. at ASTA CareCenter, Toluca. Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ries-McKitrick & Newton Mortuary,Washburn Chapel, the Rev. David Pyell ...
Barricades won't stop bad driving on Evergreen ramp
Sep 01, 2003 ... My husband and I are in total agreement with the letter that JamesH. Fleming had in the Aug. 16 paper in regards to "Irresponsibledrivers to blame for ramp woes." He stated exactly what we talkedabout a week ago in our own front room. The ramp going into Evergreen Lake is not the ...
Rain doesn't drench spirits
Sep 01, 2003; ... PONTIAC -- Orville Rients was kind of frustrated when he woke uplate Sunday morning. But the Minonk resident still got his lawnchairs to Pontiac around 7 a.m. "I overslept," he said, huddling under an umbrella, "I didn't getdown here as early as I wanted to. I was pretty excited ....
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... Shirley Johnson BLOOMINGTON -- Shirley L. Johnson, 82, of 2108 E. Oakland Ave.,Bloomington, died at 8:04 p.m. Friday (Aug. 29, 2003) at her son'shome in Bloomington. Her graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Fort SnellingNational Cemetery, Minneapolis, with ...
Ditch near new bridge can be a traffic hazard
Sep 01, 2003 ... A friend and I went out West Oakland Avenue the other day. My, dothey have a nice new bridge. I am a grandmother that is concerned, however, about the ditchthey are digging just west of that new bridge. The way the traffic goes so fast along that street, and the ditchis so ...
Physical should be personalized
Sep 01, 2003; ... BLOOMINGTON -- What should be included in your physical exam maynot mirror what's in your best friend's exam. "You want the clinician to tailor it to you based on your ownrisks," said Dr. Les Mathers. But some things should be included in all physicals, CentralIllinois ...
Christian singer listens to her faith
Sep 01, 2003; ... DOWNS -- Katie O'Neall won't be disappointed if she doesn't win a$200,000 recording contract. "I'm putting my faith in God's hands as to what he wants me to do.If I win, I'll take it as a sign that that's what God wants me todo," said O'Neall, a Tri-Valley High School graduate who ...
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... John Eugene Wessels FAIRBURY -- John Eugene Wessels, 68, of Bloomington, a Fairburynative, died at 5:21 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 31, 2003) at BroMenn RegionalMedical Center, Normal. He was born Sept. 25, 1934, in Fairbury, a son of John M. andEthel Brady Wessels. He married Esta ...
MondayMemos
Sep 01, 2003 ... Cultural Fest names award winners BLOOMINGTON -- Cultural Fest Inc. has announced several winnersfrom two contests at this month's Cultural Fest at Bloomington'sMiller Park. Three Twin City residents took first-place honors in thePowerStage talent contest sponsored by ...
Mementos collected from childhood home
Sep 01, 2003; ... NORMAL -- Before Kirk Repair Service and Jarie Lea's Beauty Shopcalled 111 E. College Ave. home, Stanna Breen did. She spent the first 20 years of her life there. Her mother,Mildred Riordan, bought the house in 1939 or 1940, about five yearsbefore Breen was born. The house ...
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... William L. Thomas STREATOR -- William L. Thomas, 65, of 25 Helen St., Streator,formerly of Grand Ridge, died at 11:23 ...
One guarantee: ISU will cash in
Sep 01, 2003; ... NORMAL - In big-time Division I-A football, the Bowl ChampionshipSeries provides not only a national championship game but a windfallof profit to its member schools. In Division I-AA, uncomfortably removed from the fists full ofbowl game dollars, BCS stands for Basically Cash ...
FairGame Eureka taxidermist has preserved it all
Sep 01, 2003; ... EUREKA -- When you think of a taxidermist, do you imagine a dustymoose head staring out from the wall of an old hunting lodge? Professional taxidermist Robyn Rocke of Eureka produces wildlifetrophies so realistic that people double-check for breathing. Saygoodbye to hunter's ...
Anchor takes issue with water thefts
Sep 01, 2003; ... It could be a year before Colfax has municipal water that's clearand odorless -- and that's not too soon for next-door neighborAnchor, which will reinstall hydrant locks in an effort to deterthirsty thieves. Former Colfax trustee Leroy Rischar said Colfax water has ...
Mitsubishi names new U.S. chief
Sep 01, 2003; ... NORMAL -- Mitsubishi Motors North America announced Sunday thatHyundai Motor America CEO Finbarr O'Neill will become the company'snew chief executive officer and co-chairman effective Tuesday. He replaces Pierre Gagnon, president and CEO of MMNA since July2002, who the company said ...
Monge kept moving van on the move
Sep 01, 2003; ... Jim Monge's basketball coaching career reads like an Illinois roadmap. Donovan, McLean, Manteno, Tremont, Chillicothe, Woodland of SouthStreator, Lawrenceville, and Jerseyville have all been exposed toMonge's emphasis on defensive pressure. He also left the state and coached ...
Prairie Central merger puts Chenoa students 1st
Sep 01, 2003 ... Being a parent of four school-aged children and a six-year veteranmember of the Board of Education, I believe I have a good perspectiveof the facts and benefits for Chenoa joining with Prairie Central. Chenoa's districtwide test scores are unacceptably low, and ourstudents will ...
Wick lone winner for IWU tennis
Sep 01, 2003; ... QUINCY - Illinois Wesleyan's Lindy Wick won at No. 5 singles tohelp the Titans' women's tennis team claim second place at the QuincyFall Classic late Saturday. Wick beat Illinois-Springfield's Anna Dow 6-2, 6-2 in thesemifinals and then netted a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Indiana ...
Smart students cover 'stuff' with renters insurance
Sep 01, 2003; ... The recently arrived Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan studentsprobably returned to campus without a vital piece of luggage packedalong with their stereos and home computers: a renters insurancepolicy. That's according to a consumer survey conducted for theIndependent ...
Who is feeling confident?
Sep 01, 2003 ... The Consumer Confidence Index for August not only rose above itsJuly level, it exceeded expectations, hitting 81.3 compared to 77.0in July and an anticipated level of 79.6. Apparently consumers aremore confident than analysts who expected a lower rating. The New York-based ...
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... Patricia A. Kettman STREATOR -- Patricia A. Kettman, 71, of 1703 Baker St., Streator,died at 7:45 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 30, 2003) at OSF Saint FrancisMedical Center, Peoria. Service: 10 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church,Streator. Burial: St. Anthony's ...
IWU basketball to open at Chicago
Sep 01, 2003; ... BLOOMINGTON - The Illinois Wesleyan basketball team has beeninvolved in several memorable games at the University of Chicago inrecent years. The Titans and Maroons will open the upcoming season in anothersignificant contest Nov. 22 as Chicago moves from the dingy HenryCrown ...
Israel lets U.S. troops do all the dirty work
Sep 01, 2003 ... Today, Aug. 21, Israel claimed that the truck used in the bombingthat tore up the U.N. building in Baghdad came from Syria. How didthey know that? Our intelligence people there didn't seem to knowthat. Israel probably didn't know that, either. Israel will lie about anything to get ...
Cook County needs to increase assessed values
Sep 01, 2003 ... Increasing the state income tax while simultaneously removing someof the burden on real estate taxes isn't a new idea. It has beensuggested numerous times by individuals and "blue-ribbon" committeesand commissions sanctioned by the state. So, Cook County Assessor James M ....
DEATHS
Sep 01, 2003 ... Bonnie K. Dall WASHINGTON -- Bonnie K. Dall, 56, of 815 Morris St., Washington,died at 9:01 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 30, 2003) at her home. Service: Private family graveside service at Glendale Cemetery,Washington. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at ...
Let your legislator know our mistake in Iraq war
Sep 01, 2003 ... As I read "YourViews" in The Pantagraph, I see more and morepeople disagreeing with the way the United States invaded Iraq. Iagree with them 100 percent. Washington ran President Nixon out of town for his part inWatergate. They impeached President Clinton for lying ...
PBL awaits word of grant
Sep 01, 2003; ... PAXTON -- Paxton-Buckley-Loda school officials expect to hear soonabout a $4.8 million state grant to help build a junior high schoolin Paxton. The money also would help pay for construction of an access roadto the junior high, connecting Pelis Street with the back lot of PBLHigh ...
Don't forget Taliban detainees' rights
Sep 01, 2003 ... California Republicans should be really mad at George Bush if theyare mad enough to recall Gov. Gray Davis over a $38 billion debt. Bush will be adding $1 trillion to the deficit over the next twoyears. Our national debt will be $8 trillion and rising while 3million jobs have been ...
Finding Time to Fit in the Physical People give all sorts of reasons why they don't go to the doctor
Sep 01, 2003; ... BLOOMINGTON - At an age when we wouldn't dream of not getting ourcar fluid levels checked and tires rotated on time, most of us putoff having our own parts checked. Most Central Illinois adults don't get physical exams andscreenings at the recommended times, area doctors ...
If this column angers you, hey, too bad!
Sep 02, 2003; ... The economy stinks. Unemployment is up. Energy costs areskyrocketing. Terrorism is at every corner. We've got military troops everywhere, except the Antarctic andEastland Mall parking lot at Christmas. Yep, it's difficult to remember a more wretched time. And ...
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... Mildred J. Troxel PAXTON -- Mildred J. Troxel, 82, of Paxton died at 4:40 p.m.Monday (Sept. 1, 2003) at Provena Covenant ...
Supporters strictly Bush-league sheep
Sep 02, 2003 ... To his untold adoring legions, I'm sure he's already been anointedas "the best president we've ever had." If you count yourself among that group, then skip this letter,because it will contain words and ideas far beyond yourcomprehension. Bush (bush) n: a large uncleared or ...
Morton teacher makes the grade with Disney
Sep 02, 2003; ... MORTON - Judy Griffin hunts geodes, which are ordinary-lookingstones that have beautiful crystals hidden inside. Every year, she tells Morton Junior High School seventh-gradersthat it is her job to help them find the beauty inside themselves. Over the last year, she has ...
Just a thought ...
Sep 02, 2003 ... Everyone seems to spend more and more time on hold on thetelephone these days, whether it's seeking help from technicalsupport people regarding computer viruses or trying to get a bankbalance. Next to the waiting itself, listening to ...
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... William L. Thomas STREATOR -- William L. Thomas, 65, of 25 Helen St., Streator, diedat 11:23 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 31, 2003) at his home. Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Solon, Baker & Telford Funeral Home,Streator, the Rev. Ronald McKee officiating. Burial: Grand Ridge ...
Bees create quite a buzz in Farmer City
Sep 02, 2003; ... lmt For The Pantagraph/KELLY THARP FARMER CITY - When a swarm of honeybees traveled through MainStreet earlier this summer and quickly turned a fire hydrant into atemporary "hive"-drant, the town was buzzing with questions. Where did they come from? Why are they here? ...
Weather expected to get better this week
Sep 02, 2003; ... BLOOMINGTON -- Weather for the rest of the week should be nice,despite rainfall that caused a three-day weekend to end on a wetnote. Between 2 to 4 inches of rain fell on Bloomington-Normal causingthe first cancellation of the Labor Day parade in nearly 70 years. The rain ...
Coal/nuclear plant mix is best for future of Illinois
Sep 02, 2003 ... We're aware of at least two at-the-source, coal-fired power plantsin the planning stages plus the possibility of another nuclearreactor in Illinois. Corn Belt Energy, based southeast of Bloomington, is partneringwith Turris Coal Co. to build a $140 million, ...
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... Frederick Thompson BLOOMINGTON -- The family of Frederick D. Thompson, 69, of 506 S.Mercer Ave., Bloomington, will receive family and ...
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... Armenia C. Howk MELVIN -- Armenia C. Howk, 73, of Melvin died at 10:30 p.m.Saturday (Aug. 30, 2003) at the Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City. She was born Sept. 2, 1929, in Hoopeston, a daughter of JohnEverett and Nora Belle Murphy York. She married Leslie Dale Winter onApril ...
Group looks to add to canteen memorial
Sep 02, 2003; ... STREATOR -- When Bob and Helen Knoedler moved into their house onHickory Street from Waterloo, Iowa, neighbors were quick to tell themabout all the action they missed during World War II. The Santa Fe train station, across Illinois Street from theirhome, hosted hundreds of ...
Lincoln College volleyball returns four letter winners
Sep 02, 2003; ... LINCOLN - Four players return for Lincoln College's volleyballteam that went 16-20 last season. The four, Jessica Livezey, Lacey Jones, Ashley Hanson and ChristyRaymer, are joined by sophomore transfer Savannah Hammond to form thefoundation of a versatile squad for Coach Mark ...
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... Marjorie Heiken NORMAL -- Marjorie Heiken, 80, of 711 Highpoint Road, Normal, diedat 3:50 a.m. Monday (Sept. 1, ...
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... Lucille Marie Hinnman PONTIAC -- Lucille Marie Hinman, 93, of Winfield and formerly ofPontiac, died at 7:30 a.m ....
Clinton School Board adopts tentative budget
Sep 02, 2003; ... CLINTON -- The Clinton School Board has adopted a tentative budgetwith a projected deficit of $3.6 million in the education fund. Revenues for all funds total $20.1 million; expenses areanticipated at $32.5 million, according to financial reportspresented by Assistant ...
IWU women's golf in 11th place after first round of tournament
Sep 02, 2003; ... ALLENDALE, Mich. - The Illinois Wesleyan women's golf team will belooking to move up from its 11th-place showing after the first day ofthe Laker Fall Classic Monday at The Meadows Golf Course. The Titans, who finished the day with a 360 total, are leadingDivision II schools. Grand ...
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... Reginald Forbes NORMAL -- Reginald D. Forbes, 75, of 1530 Hunt Drive, Normal, diedat 7:36 p.m. Sunday (Aug ....
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... Martin D. Elias STREATOR -- Martin D. Elias, 58, of 128 W. Hickory St., Streator,died Monday ...
Dog's previous home a factor in assessing 'adoptability'
Sep 02, 2003 ... Recent letters regarding aggressive dog behavior in certain breedshave prompted me to remind the public that there are many factorsinvolved in determining whether or not a dog will act aggressively. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention andthe American ...
Turner to tackle talk of 'mismatch' Coach expects Illini to keep focus for ISU
Sep 02, 2003; ... CHAMPAIGN - Ron Turner knows what his University of Illinoisfootball players will hear this week ... from reporters, students,friends, maybe even mom and dad. It comes with the territory when a Division I-A team from a majorconference plays a I-AA opponent. So how will Turner ...
DEATHS
Sep 02, 2003 ... Pam S. Bell EUREKA -- Pam S. Bell, 51, of 106 N. Liberty Drive, Eureka, diedat 11:30 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 31, 2003) at Eureka Hospital EmergencyRoom in Eureka. She was born July 26, 1952, in Normal, a daughter of Wilbur Howardand Beverly J. Russell Kraft. She married Ronald D ....