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Today's Opinions

  • Volunteers needed at the Statehouse

    Last week in this space, we praised those individuals who have volunteered to assist the staff at the Vandalia Statehouse in the past.
    This week, we encourage other local residents to be a part of that volunteer team. In fact, it’s increasingly critical that the volunteer team grows.
    Statehouse Site Superintendent Mary Cole and Paul Imes retired at the end of 2011. Cole was replaced by Steve Riddle, and Imes wasn’t replaced.

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  • The Way We Were

    15 Years Ago

    1997 – The Vandalia Board of Education voted to have the Mt. Vernon architectural firm of Wilson, Hodge & Groh conduct a study regarding the district’s shortage of space.
    Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Fayette County held a candlelight vigil at First Baptist Church in Vandalia in memory of those killed or injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers.
    Howard and Lucille Wells celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

    20 Years Ago

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  • Banks of the Okaw

    In last week’s Mystery Banks Photo were: From left, Henry Greer, Paul Bunyard, Elaine Bunyard and Mary Ellen Greer.
    Identifying them was: Donna Chrisman.
    This week’s Scrambler:  eshet ghitns rae dogo ni lamsl ramesue tub levi ni garle: tysae, lats nad nashitoite.
    Can you unscramble it? If so, call The Leader-Union, 283-3374, by 5 p.m. next Monday.

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  • William Morrison finally gets grave marker

    A few years ago, I received a letter from Robert Morgan of Florida, who was working with others to locate burial sites for graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

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  • Job well done by Cole, volunteers

    The bad news is that things are changing at the Vandalia Statehouse. The good news, however, is that things are changing at the Vandalia Statehouse.
    Bottom line, the solid foundation laid in the past by faithful employees and volunteers there will carry us into a future that – though not without challenges – holds much promise.

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  • Banks of the Okaw

    This week’s Mystery Banks Photo: This picture, taken in November 1947, shows four young people from the Vandalia and Shafter areas. The one on the left is a retired farmer from Shafter. The second from the left is a retired farmer and realtor from Vandalia. The third from the left is from Shafter and is the mother of six children. And the fourth from the left is from Vandalia and is the mother of three girls.

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  • Lincoln left his mark on Vandalia

    It was late in the afternoon on Nov. 29, 1834, when the stagecoach from Springfield made its grand entrance into Vandalia with galloping horses and horns a blaring.

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  • State must deal with economy

    As we prepare to launch into the new year, we typically take a brief look over our shoulder at the waning year and set our sights on better things for the coming 12 months.
    This year, however, one has to work harder than usual to muster much optimism.
    In Illinois – and even in Fayette County – the dark cloud of our state's dire fiscal condition colors the outlook of even the most optimistic among us.

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