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.

Bits and pieces

Bits & Pieces – Police bust rooftop yelling

On May 28,1963 I graduated from high school. It was a hot day and was held in the ‘59 gym. Two weeks later, June 11, I started school at the Quincy Beauty Academy. At that time, cosmetology school was only six months, but they crammed a lot in your heads in six months. 

I was only 17 at the time and didn’t turn 18 until the following September.

Like all teenagers, I was elated at living away from home and being on my own, although I was still totally dependent on my parents for money, food, living expenses, etc. But the thought of being at home with NO curfews was a dream come true.

But I should have known that my mother was one clever woman. She had to look far and wide to find a home on Main Street, six blocks from the school (walking distance) because none of us had a car.

Rex Davis

Rex Davis

Rex Olin Davis, age 88, of Springfield, and formerly of Mason and Effingham, died at 11:35 a.m. Monday, September 11, 2023 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born August 11, 1935 in Watson, the son of Chan William and Tracy Beatrice Parker Davis.  He married Norma “Naydene” Newton on June 15, 1962 in Mt. Sterling, and she survives. Mr. Davis was a teacher and served as high school basketball coach for the Beardstown, Crete-Monee and Robinson School Districts for several years. Rex graduated from Altamont High School with the class of 1953 and then attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, where he received his bachelor of science degree in education in 1960.  Rex continued his education at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville receiving a master of science degree in education in 1969.

Ronald Hoenes

Ronald Hoenes

Ronald Hoenes, 82, of Beardstown, died on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at his home. He was born on June 17, 1941, in Hannibal, Missouri, the son of Paul and Iris Ithema (Pollard) Hoenes. He married Faye Yackley on July 14, 1963, and she survives.In addition to his wife, Faye, he is survived by his sons: Jeff (Wanda) Hoenes, Vern (Vickey) Hoenes, Cliff (Melinda) Hoenes; grandchildren: Nathan (Jenny) Hoenes, Shayla (Matt) Miller, Caleb Hoenes, Alex Taylor, Oliver Hoenes, Colt Hoenes, Braxton Hoenes, Jade Hoenes; Great-Grandchildren: Jayla Tennyson, Cannon Hoenes, Creed Hoenes, Emmett Miller; and Siblings: Donna (Jack) Thornburg, Rendell (Teri) Hoenes, Dennis (Sue) Hoenes, and David Hoenes.He was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandchild: Jackson Hea.After graduating from Palmyra High School in Missouri, he went to work for Bleigh Construction in Palmyra, Missouri. Soon after eventually retired early.

Charles Akin, Jr.

Charles Akin, Jr.

Charles J. Akin, Jr., 85, of Rushville, died at 7:47 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.He was born February 11, 1938 in Pittsfield, the son of Charles, Sr. and Alene Burke Akin. He married Vivian Eileen Jockisch on October 4, 1964 in Rushville and she preceded him in death on March 22, 2007. Mr. Akin worked for Oscar Mayer in Beardstown for 20 years and was also engaged in farming. Later in life he owned and operated Akin Lawn Care and Clean Up with his son, Randy. Charles graduated from Perry High School with the class of 1957. Mr. Akin was of the Christian faith. He always enjoyed fishing and truly loved the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors

William “Mike” Lynn

William “Mike” Lynn   

William “Mike” Lynn, 79, of Virginia, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at his home.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janet; one son, “Billy Mike” of Chandlerville; one daughter, Ann Iberg of Virginia; two grandsons, Cody and Bryce Iberg of Highland; and one brother, Ron Lynn of Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Fat” and Frances Lynn; and one brother, Tom.   Mike farmed for a lot of years and had a trucking business. He trucked for Chevron Commercial, delivering roll backs and wreckers. He was a Vietnam Veteran, belonging to VFW Post #1239 of Beardstown. Mike loved his grandsons, watching them show pigs and play football.

Joseph “Joe” Willis

Joseph “Joe” Willis, 86, of Ashland, died at 12:35 am, Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Bridge Care Suites. He was born April 21, 1937 in Springfield, to Emmett and Katherine Sutherd Willis.

Survivors include two cousins, Mary (Jim) Launer of Modesto and Kay Maddox Compardo of Springfield and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Robert and Jack Willis.

Joe was a US Army Veteran and served from June 1956 – June 1958. He lived his entire life on the family farm and retired as a carpenter.

Elaine Prough

Elaine Prough   

Elaine Prough, 75, of Arenzville passed away September 18. She was born December 21, 1948 in Dallas, Tx, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Hay. She became the proud wife of Jim Prough on July 30, 1992.    She is survived by her husband, Jim, daughter, Jacquie (Tim) Meyer, son, John Prough, grandchildren, Megan (Zach) Chenault, JD (Bianca) Clement, Jordan (Arely) Meyer, great-grandchildren, Weston, Chloe, Zoey, and another great -grandson on the way. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.    Elaine was a friend to all and didn’t know a stranger. She loved to travel and especially loved the ocean. She loved all animals, eating grits, knitting, visiting with friends, experimenting with new recipes, and reporting to Arenzville as Snow Patrol 1. She had such a passion for life. However, nothing meant more to her than being a wife, mother, and nana.

Bread of Love

September 25 – September 29 Monday – Meatballs in brown sauce, brown…