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Today's News

  • New senator brings assets to position

    After nearly three decades of being represented in Springfield by former state Sen. Frank Watson, it's difficult to imagine someone else in that position.

    But with Watson's decision to retire after suffering a stroke last fall, we must shift gears.

    This week's selection of Kyle McCarter, a Lebanon business owner, to fill the seat as state senator in the 51st District appears to be a good one.

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  • Lincoln's 200th 'a downright good time'

    The 300-plus guests for Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday at the capitol last Thursday evening were treated to a wonderful spectacle and a downright good time.

    The capitol building, built in 1836, was bathed in the soft glow of accent lights around the building’s foundation, complemented by the period streetlights surrounding the Public Square.

    The chandeliers sparkled through the windows of the two-story building, adding to the beauty of the historic structure and enhancing the feeling of expectancy that my son, Ethan, and I were already feeling.

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  • Pyle takes third place at state

     Trever Pyle is at his best when he’s on the offensive.

    Ultra-quick and aggressive by nature, Pyle has earned a reputation as a quick-strike artist during a wrestling career that started when he was just 4 years old.

    It’s a skill that’s not only helped him take down countless opponents – but the VCHS freshman wins record, as well, during a stellar first high school season.

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  • Learning about land use

    Ron Marshel, manager of the Fayette County Farm Bureau, was among the county residents participating in a followup meeting on the University of Illinois Extension's LEAM (Landuse Evolution and Impact Assessment Model) program. Through the program, U of I Extension is providing a variety of information about land in South Central Illinois, along with models that describe how local decisions, events and investments impact land use. Tuesday's meeting was held at the Kaskaskia College Vandalia Campus.

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  • Benton denies Vandals trip to state

     In many ways, John Vosholler's performance Tuesday in the final match of the Vandalia Dual Team Sectional personified the 2008-09 Vandals wrestling team's season.

    Nobody gave the young and inexperienced Vosholler (17-21) much of a chance to defeat Benton's T.J. Tomshack (25-6) in the 125-pound bout.

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  • Lady Vandals' season ends with heartbreaking OT defeat

     Dominating defense carried the Vandalia girls basketball team throughout a wildly successful regular season and an unprecedented postseason run - a run that could very well still be in progress.

    But turnovers - far too many of them - and the clutch play Taylor Stevenson kept Vandalia's vaunted 'D' from carrying it all the way to the Elite Eight last Thursday in a heartbreaking 33-29 overtime loss to the host team at the Olney-East Richland Sectional.

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  • Pana ends Vandals' season

     Game in, game out - almost without fail - the Vandalia boys basketball team could be counted on to rebound and play solid defense during the 2008-09 regular season.

    The Vandals' M.O. helped them establish a reputation as a blue-collar team, and they reaped the benefits of their hard-working ways to the tune of 15 victories and a second-place finish in the SCC-East.

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  • Vandals edge Panthers on Senior Night

     Saturday's Senior Night game plan was a simple one for the Vandalia boys basketball team - have some fun.

    "That's what we talked about," said Vandals coach Kevin Jackson, who indicated the season-long grind has started taking its toll on his team. "There just haven't been as many smiles lately. It's a long season, but at the same time, our time together is short."

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  • Lebanon business owner picked to succeed Watson

    The nine member 51st Senate District Legislative Committee selected St. Clair County Board member Kyle McCarter on Saturday to succeed Frank Watson as State Senator, after a day long interview process involving 11 candidates.

    “I’m excited by this choice,” said Jerry Stocks, Chairman of the Legislative Committee and Macon County GOP Party Chairman. “We have a fine state senator.”

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  • Lincoln program draws about 350 people

    Kevin Kaegy guessed that the crowd in the House of Representatives chambers at the Vandalia Statehouse on Thursday evening was the largest since Abraham Lincoln worked in that room.

    Kaegy was the keynote speaker for the Lincoln’s Birthday program at the Statehouse, which attracted about 350 people.

    Thursday was the first time since the end of November that the public was allowed to enter the Statehouse. That’s when all state historic sites and state parks were closed by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich as a way of cutting state expenses.

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