Crime Scene Tape

Drug search uncovers explosive devices – Authorities still trying to locate suspect

Cass County Sheriff Devron Ohrn said his office has yet to locate Geoffrey M. Atterberry, 35, Ashland, who was not at home when the sheriff’s department executed a search warrant at 517 South Sylvan Street, Ashland, on September 15. At the time, Atterberry was not at home while the search was conducted. During the search, deputies located two explosive devices. The Illinois Secretary of State bomb squad was contacted for assistance in the removal of the devices, due to the real and present danger of the devices.After the SOS bomb squad was able to safely remove and check the residence, two more explosive devices were located. After they were removed, the deputies were able to complete the search.

Virginia School Grounds

Virginia hires Carson as Deputy Clerk

The Virginia City Council hired Laura Carson as the city’s Deputy Clerk at a rate of $19 per hour at their meeting September 11. After several weeks of training, both the Mayor and City Treasurer Chris Barrett praised her for the fine professional job she is doing.

In other action, the council also:

• Approved 2nd reading of ordinance to increase water and sewer rates. Rates beginning in October will be $44 for the first 1,000 gallons and $9.50 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. Sewer rates will be $8 per 2,000 gallons per month. The increase will be used to build the funds toward replacing some of the nearly 90-year-old lines in town.

• Approved a TIF matching fund grant of $8,250 to Becky’s Goodtime Bar & Restaurant for repair of walk-in cooler necessary for operations of business. A second reading was waived due to substantial urgency of the needed repair.

Ely’s Nail Salon a & Spa is now open in Beardstown, located at 212 Washington Street. Nail tech’s Ely Hernandez and Fernanda Perez offer, acrylic, dip and gel manicures & pedicures. Massage therapist Emily Machete offers various forms of massage including Swedish, hot stops, and cupping. Call Ely (217-320-0558), Fernanda (217-506-2050) or Emily (217-491-3278) and pamper yourself. Pictured from left to right, Fernanda, Ely (owner), and Emily.

Ely’s Nail Salon & Spa is now open

Ely’s Nail Salon a & Spa is now open in Beardstown, located at 212 Washington Street. Nail tech’s Ely Hernandez and Fernanda Perez offer, acrylic, dip and gel manicures & pedicures. Massage therapist Emily Machete offers various forms of massage including Swedish, hot stops, and cupping. Call Ely (217-320-0558), Fernanda (217-506-2050) or Emily (217-491-3278) and pamper yourself. Pictured from left to right, Fernanda, Ely (owner), and Emily.

Chandlerville, Il

Old bank being sold in Chandlerville

It was brought up at the Village of Chandlerville’s Board Meeting on September 13th that they will be closing on the old bank September 14th. There has also been discussion of the purchase of the old fire truck as well. The truck will have to  have a license, title and insurance just like any other vehicle. In the meantime, if the interested party is not truly interested, could she let them know so other arrangements can be made.The Fire Department chief gave a report on the fire department. He stated fire hydrant flushing will happen on September 21.

Ashland, IL

Ashland considers stop signs, speed bumps

The Ashland Village Board considered proposals for new stop signs in various locations around the village and a proposal for speed bumps on one street at last week’s meeting. However, most of the proposals were not adopted as the board decided most need to be reworked.

The proposals were pushed by Police Chief Martin Fanning in an attempt to slow down drivers on village streets. Trustee David Wilken was skeptical that speed could be regulated with stop signs, but Fanning said most speeding complaints he received were on streets with long stretches without a stop sign and that adding points where drivers have to stop will slow them down. Mayor Kitty Mau added that Forest Street has no stop signs along its entire length.

Courthouse News

Courthouse News

Information as recorded at the Cass County Courthouse, Virginia.Property Transfers: Joshua A. and Christal L. Miller, Quit Claim Deed to Frank Zachary for Lot O in Glenwood Acres. Zadis Mileidis Fernandez, Warranty Deed to Marguerite and Sylvan Lobo for Part of Block 68, Sch Comm Addn, Beardstown.

Calendar Fall

Community  Calendar

The Cass County Communities Animal Control Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27 at the Cass County Courthouse.***** The Overall Economic Development Commission will meet at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, September 28 at Beardstown City Council Chambers in Beardstown.***** The Virginia Spooktacular will hold its Halloween Parade at 5:15 p.m. October 21 in Virginia. The parade will begin on Illini Street and go down Main Street. Anyone interested in being part of the parade should contact Billie Gardner at 217-204-5949

Pete Herman

Trivia Too – Boxing popular in Beardstown

This story was published by the Rock Island Argus, Rock, Island, IL, September 16, 1920, courtesy of the Cass County Historical Association. 

“The biggest event in the way of an athletic exhibition ever presented to the public in this part of the country is scheduled for the Princess Theatre in Beardstown, Tuesday evening, Sept. 21, when a world championship bout will take place between Pete Herman of New Orleans and Jimmy Kelly of Chicago, who has fought all of the top-notchers, including Frankie Mason of Fort Wayne, Ind., who he met three weeks ago in Chicago. The match will be for the championship of the world and will be the first world championship fight staged in Illinois for years.

Reddy Kilowatt invites the public to the CIPS Meredosia Power Station open house. (Leigh Morris collection)

Looking Back – Remembering a Kilowatt named Reddy

Perhaps you recall a character by the name of Reddy Kilowatt. 

   Now Reddy sure wasn’t your average company spokesman. No, siree! After all, this fellow has lightning bolts for a body, a light bulb for a nose and electrical outlets in the place of ears.

Reddy Kilowatt achieved fame throughout downstate Illinois after Central Illinois Public Service Company (CIPS) hired Reddy as their spokesman back in the late 1930s.

Reddy’s story begins down south with Ashton B. Collins, Sr. Born in 1885 in New Orleans, Collins seemed to find his calling when he joined the Southern Railway. He began as a ticket clerk, but quickly rose through the ranks. He even was hailed as one of New Orleans’ “foremost” railroad men.

Focus on Faith

Focus on Faith – ‘The Authority of Jesus’ (Pt 2)

One of the crucial questions throughout the Gospel of Matthew is where did this guy get his authority? Who authorized this man from Nazareth, the son of a carpenter, to gather disciples, preach on mountaintops, heal the sick, and forgive sins? As the Gospel progresses, the question shifts a little to take into account the Church after the Ascension. Who received this man’s authority and who carries it out now? Two questions that require two columns.

Last time we looked at direct questions concerning Jesus’ authority. Jesus first spoke with authority (and not like the scribes) in the Sermon on the Mount. Then very deliberately, Jesus ramped up the miracles in Matthew 8-9 to show that He not only speaks but does. Later entering into Jerusalem, the chief priests questioned Jesus’ authority head on. Ultimately, no man could determine Jesus’ authority (and no one still can) without beholding the man upon the cross. In that earth-shaking moment, we see that Jesus has divine authority and uses it not for self but for the sake of the world.