Columns

20 Years Ago

1997 – A Grand March and Grand Ball were added to this year’s Grande Levée to celebrate the event’s 30th anniversary.
The Fayette County Relay for Life raised $23,500, $5,500 above the goal set by local event organizers. Since the goal was exceeded, Fayette County Sheriff Michael D. Kleinik agreed to have his head shaved.
An open house for the new addition to Fayette County Hospital was held.

When German traveler Frederick Gustorf visited Illinois in the mid-1830s, he kept a journal that was later published. In the journal, he described the traveling conditions and his impressions of the people he met along the way.
Many travelers like Gustorf who visited America returned to their home country and wrote travel commentaries. Thousands of people, upon reading their books, were able to choose what place in America they wanted to settle.

20 Years Ago

1997 – The city of Vandalia was considering rejoining the I-70 Growth Association, several years after dropping its membership.
Amy and J.D. Vieregge of Vandalia bought the 28th house built by a building trades class at the Okaw Area Vocational Center. The house is located on East Fork Drive.
Wilbert and Elenora Yagow of St. Elmo were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, and Wilmer and Pauline Yagow of Kinmundy were celebrating their 40th anniversary.