Pictured: By Carol Orwig/For the Star-Gazette ... Virginia Fire Department responded to a fire at the Ott Wulf residence on Springfield Street at approximately 10:30 a.m. August 27. The garage and a Toyota RAV were engulfed in flames and a complete loss. The cause of the blaze is undetermined at this time, and Virginia Fire Department’s Don Reynolds said there were at least two explosions, one most likely from the vehicle gas tank and the other possibly paint thinner.

Heritage Manor East to close

By Marla Blair / For the Star-Gazette ... Heritage Manor – Beardstown East, located at 1501 Canal Street, will close after 23 years of serving the healthcare needs of seniors in Beardstown and the surrounding communities. “Our top priority, as always, is to remain committed to our residents and their families. We will be working with them to relocate to another Heritage home or another home of their choice,” says Peggy Cole, Administrator of Heritage Manor-East, which is licensed for 71 beds. The facility is scheduled to officially close on November 30, 2010.

Appropriate notification was sent by mail to the Illinois Department of Public Health, facility’s residents, the residents’ families, employees, vendors and the community members. Heritage Manor representatives will be available at informational meetings for the residents, their families and the employees this week at the facility to answer questions and provide assistance in this time of transition.

The aging physical plant and inefficiencies of operating two healthcare facilities in Beardstown combined with the saturation in this market of multiple care options led to the decision to consolidate the healthcare operations of Heritage in Beardstown. Heritage Manor-South and Evergreen Place Supportive Living on St. Luke’s Drive will continue to serve the healthcare and lifestyle needs of seniors in the local community.

The Heritage Manor-South campus has been recently updated: and offers a continuum of healthcare services including skilled nursing, supportive living, and outpatient therapy. Additionally, Heritage Manor-Mt. Sterling will be able to accept residents from Legacy Care (specialized Alzheimer’s care wing) at Heritage Manor-East, in their secure special care unit for those with dementia.

Heritage Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1962 and is involved in a variety of residential and health care services for seniors including skilled and inter- mediate nursing care, sheltered care, respite care, therapy and institutional pharmacy, supportive living facilities, licensed assisted living and independent living.

In 1963, Heritage Enterprises, Inc. opened the first Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Bloomington and now owns or manages 38 facilities throughout Illinois. The Heritage headquarters is located in Bloomington. For more information about Heritage Enterprises, please visit www.heritageofcare.com.

Brown receives highest overall average

On Aug. 12, Deputy Bobby Joe Brown, graduated from the Law Enforcement Training Advisory Commission MTU #10, with recognition of achieving the highest overall academic class average of 97.78%. Brown began working with the Cass County Sheriff’s Department in Oct. 2009. He credits Sheriff Bob Fair and retired Sheriff Dave Osmer for giving him the opportunity to serve and protect the people of Cass County. Bobby and his wife, Heidi, reside in Beardstown. He is the son of Bob and Ruth Ann Brown of Beardstown and a graduate of Beardstown High School class of 1986.

Board votes ‘Yes’ to offer dispatch service to Beardstown

By Kim Watson For the Star-Gazette ... The 911 Board voted “Yes” to offer Dispatching Service to Beardstown. According to Mayor Robert Walters, he was informed by H.A Volsmeier and Chief Schlueter that the 911 board voted to offer the city of Beardstown a contract for dispatching service. There are no details available on the contract at this time, but a cost savings of approximately $100,000 is expected in the second year of the contract.

Walters said he and the council would need to work out the logistics before the city makes their final decision. He does not believe that there will be any noticeable difference to the public if the decision is made to enter into the contract. The mayor expects to bring the contract before the City Council in Sept. for a vote. The switch would not occur until sometime in early 2011 if the city decides to move forward.

Verna Stone is Chandlerville Citizen of the Year for 2010

By Jody Woltman Star-Gazette Publisher ... The Chandlerville burgoo festival set the stage for the naming of the 2010 Chandlerville Citizen of the Year. The recipient, chosen by votes, is long-time resident and business owner, Verna Stone. Stone has been active in the community for years through service, donating time and more to organizations and community causes, and all-around good citizen.

Her restaurant, Verna’s Home Cookin’ was the organizational point over the burgoo weekend. Stone has been on the annual festival committee for years and is the current president. When asked about receiving the award, Stone said she doesn’t feel she does anything special. The community disagrees. Congratulations, Verna!