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Today's Opinions

  • Mahon fought in Revolutionary War

    Thomas Mahon did not come to Fayette County until he was quite up in years. At age 76, he cut his ties with old Virginia and settled his family on the Illinois prairie of Wheatland Township.

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  • Attend hearing on water wells

    In August, when the Vandalia City Council first heard a proposal for drilling wells to supplement the city’s sources of water, we said that the well proposal has merit, but we need to make sure we do the due diligence investigation before launching out in that direction.
    Though we know more about the plan now than we did then, we still have concerns about giving it the green light without more information.

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  • Holiday activities now in full swing

    Looking for something to do to get you in the holiday mood? Look no further than the Vandalia Statehouse.
    This Saturday evening, the crown jewel of Vandalia’s downtown district will be decorated in its holiday attire, with period Christmas decorations and candlelight transforming the classic structure into a beautiful holiday experience.
    The Holiday Open House runs from 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday, with cider and cookies being served to guests. Additionally, the first 100 families will receive a unique Christmas ornament.

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  • FAYCO recycling a good addition

    Next Wednesday, FAYCO Enterprises will mark yet another milestone in its 36-year history of serving individuals with disabilities in our area.

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  • Letter preserves history of Grandfields

    With the building of the National Road through Fayette County, beginning around 1829, workmen and their families arrived and villages grew along the route, with Howard’s Point being a prime example.
    One of these was that of Thomas Grandfield. Through a letter written in 1957 by Lewis Grandfield to a grandson, we learn that Thomas was a stone cutter, and worked his way from Philadelphia to Fayette County on the National Road.

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  • Banks of the Okaw

    This week’s Mystery Banks Photo: No photo this week. Old photos are needed.
    This week’s Scrambler: ew od creepenexi stemnom tybulesalo erfe morf ryrow. stehe firbe pirestse rae lacdel cinpa.
    Can you unscramble it? If so, call The Leader-Union, 283-3374, by 5 p.m. next Monday.
    Last week’s Scrambler: The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. (Vince Lombardi)

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  • Sarver's book recalls rural life in 1914-15

    Recently I have been reading a book written by Jess Sarver, titled, “As It Comes To Mind.” Initially published in 1976 by The Pana News-Palladium of Pana, a second printing was done in 1980. My copy is from the second run.
    This little book centers on Jess’s home in Carson Township, and the family, neighbors and friends who were all a part of his life while growing up.

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  • The Way We Were

    15 Years Ago

    1997 – Democrat David C. Marty, Fayette County treasurer for the past 28 years, announced that he would not seek an eighth term in office. Later in the week, Democrat Rose Hoover, a deputy clerk under Marty, announced that she would run for treasurer.
    The Vandalia football squad defeated Piasa Southwestern to finish the year at 6-3 and win an at-large playoff berth.

    20 Years Ago

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