Day: June 13, 2025
Midsommar
Free concerts and family events at Bishop Hill for annual festival BISHOP HILL – The annual Midsommar Music Festival returns here on June 21. Highlights of the traditional Swedish holiday festival include free concerts in the park, a Swedish Maypole celebration and more. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawnchairs to better enjoy the day’s concerts. Celebrating Midsommar, one of the two most popular holidays in Sweden – the other being Christmas – is a very ancient practice, dating back to pre-Christian times. It has its roots in pagan rituals to welcome summer and the season of fertility. In…
Toulon council approves $45,000 for well repair
By JOHN A. BALLENTINEFor The Prairie News TOULON – The Toulon City Council on Monday passed a motion to hire Peerless Well and Pump, Inc., of Dubuque, Iowa, to perform necessary repairs on the city’s No. 1 well. Total cost is not to exceeed $45,000 for Peerless to pull the well parts out, including the pump, and replace it with a new one if required. During the council’s May meeting, Mayor Larry Hollis said an immediate repair was required for a leak in well No. 1. At that time, an estimate was to be obtained for the cost of a…
Stark County hires architect for new highway building
By JOHN A. BALLENTINEFor The Prairie News TOULON – After a closed session Tuesday evening to discuss the purchase of real property, the Stark County Board of Supervisors hired the services of an architect firm. Board Chair Kari Bush said Mackinaw-based Atelier, P.C.was hired to design the new highway building.No other details on plans for the new building were provided during or after the board meeting.This was the board’s eighth closed-session discussion on the topic of purchasing real property since May 2024. In the closed session Tuesday were board members Bush, Vice-Chair Robin Nowlan, Tom Howes, Jamie Schaffer, Adam Wilson, Melissa…
TIF aids new Elmwood restaurant
By NICK VLAHOSFor The Weekly Post ELMWOOD – A new restaurant in Elmwood is receiving some city financial assistance for its signage.During its meeting June 3, the Elmwood City Council approved a $1,027.57 tax-increment-financing grant to Otera Brinson, proprietor of Elmwood Junk Food Café, 102 W. Main St. That’s half the cost of the sign and installation, according to Amy Davis, the city economic-development director. Elmwood Junk Food Café opened June 4. Chicago-style hot dogs, baked potatoes with toppings and meatball submarine sandwiches are among the menu items. The cafe occupies space a Subway restaurant once filled. “This building came open…
Of bittersweet blessings & sweet larvae
Rambling through central Illinois, pondering fathers. • • • For a long time, Father’s Day was an issue for me. My Dad was 12 hours away and getting him a card and gift required foresight – not my strength when it comes to most things outside of work. Too many times FedEx rushed him cards or Amazon overnighted gifts. Then there was the envy. Seeing other sons and dads fishing, golfing and grilling made me jealous. No card or gift can replace the simple satisfaction of time together. Worse yet was the guilt of having left the family, heightened on…
The Prairie News public record for 6-13-25
Traffic citations &Ordinance violations 6-8 – Emily J. Burdett – Uninsured vehicle.6-8 – Thomas A. Null – Expired registration.6-9 – James D. Stutler – Uninsured vehicle.6-9 – Trevor L. Shimmin – Uninsured vehicle, driving 11-14 mph above limit.6-9 – Aaron T. Arduini – Speeding 25-34 mph over limit. Misdemeanors &Felonies6-2 – Criminal misdemeanor – Caleb A. Deck – Escape: Did not report to Stark County Jail on June 2 at 9 a.m. and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Incidents & AccidentsStark County6-2 – Melvin O. Rodriguez Espinoza, 19, Wyoming, cited for driving without vehicle insurance, while his license…
