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Today's News

  • Patty Sprague writes about Down syndrome

    Down syndrome is usually described as a congenital defect caused by an extra chromosome, characterized by moderate to severe mental retardation and marked physical traits that are often easily identifiable in the person with the condition.

    The above information can be found in medical books and dictionaries. What is not described are the initial heartbreak, struggles and coping of the parents and, especially, the very special gifts ­ the unexpected joys, triumphs, love, sweetness of spirit and affection brought by the child with Down syndrome.

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  • FAYETTE FACES: Locals take part in 'Honor Flight'

    When U.S. Navy veteran, Robyn Pontious, learned of the need for guardians to travel with World War II veterans to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C, she answered the call.

    Moreover, she arranged for her sister, Kelly Washburn, to serve also as a guardian.

    The enthusiasm the two sisters share over the experience is approached only by the compassion they show for the two veterans’ emotional reactions as waiting American citizens met them with respect, displays of gratitude and recognition of their service to their country during WWII.

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  • Judge puts state layoffs on hold

    Just two days before Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to layoff more than 2,600 state employees – including 127 at Vandalia Correctional Center – was to kick in, a Southern Illinois judge put that plan on hold.

    Judge Todd Lambert issues in Johnson County Circuit Court on Monday a preliminary injunction that provides more time for the governor and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the union representing the majority of Illinois Department of Corrections employees, for bargaining on three AFSCME grievances.

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  • Corn, bean yield estimates are decent, but deceptive

    On the surface, the yield estimates generated through last week’s crop survey look decent when compared to figures from recent years.

    But those yield estimates don’t really give an accurate assessment of this year’s corn and soybean crops in Fayette County.

    The survey, held by the Fayette County Farm Bureau’s marketing committee, produced average yields of 149.97 for corn and 33.54 for soybeans.

    With 27 farmers, agribusiness representatives and bankers breaking up into seven teams, the coverage of Fayette County was thorough.

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  • Keep recycling momentum going

    It’s been a long time since residents of this area were offered any type of recycling program. If the participation in recent recycling drives are any indication, they are ready and willing to start recycling again.

    In recent months, area residents have had the opportunity to turn in old electronic items and paper products, instead of throwing those items into the trash. Those drives have kept several tractor-trailer loads of old TVs, computers, cardboard boxes, newspapers and other pieces of what is normally considered to be garbage out of our landfills.

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  • More War of 1812 veterans buried here

    Last week, I wrote of my work to compile a list of War of 1812 veterans buried in Fayette County. Beginning with seven names, the list had grown to 11 by publication time.

    After receiving her newspaper, Lucille Fisher telephoned to remind me of the War of 1812 veteran marker in the Pilcher Cemetery for Winslow Pilcher. Winslow served in Captain G. Smith’s Company of the Virginia Militia.

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  • Motown cancels on council

    Representatives of Motown Technology & Sports Facility, Inc., the Michigan-based firm that plans to build a $300-million sports and entertainment complex on Vandalia’s west side, won’t appear at tonight’s city council meeting, city officials said this afternoon.

    Kenneth Bardwell, chairman and executive officer for Motown, told officials Saturday afternoon in an e-mail the company would seek to reschedule because of a death in Bardwell’s family.

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  • Bunker and Vandalia spoil Hillsboro's senior night, 35-21

    For the Hillsboro Hilltoppers' class of 2010, their senior night will be one to forget, as Cory Bunker and Vandalia’s run game racked up more than 400 yards and five scores on the ground en route to a 35-21 victory.

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  • Volley for the Cure

    Vandalia and Greenville high school's volleyball programs hosted the second annual Volley for the Cure, Thursday night.

    All night long, the programs worked to raise funds for the Bond and Fayette County Relays for Life. All the proceeds from the night were split in half and given to each counties relay.

    While Vandalia won a thrilling match on the court, the real win came for breast cancer as the night brought in $5,500—meeting the goal of $5,000 dollars and far exceeding last year's total of $3,000.

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  • Bombers win seventh consecutive match

    Brownstown High School has one of the hottest volleyball teams in the area. On Tuesday night, they defeated Neoga in three games, to win their seventh straight match.

    The Bombers won the first game 25-22, but dropped the second 20-25, forcing a decisive this game that put their win streak in jeopardy. Brownstown was able to pull off a 25-19 win in game three to win the match.

    Shelby Pryor had 18 kills and 16 digs. Amy Fulk was hot on her tail with 17 kills and 16 digs. Fulk also had three blocks. Brittany White also had 16 digs

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The Leader Union is your source for local news, sports, events and information in Vandalia, Il, and the surrounding area.