January 2011

First Christian Church plans new building

First Christian Church has signed a contract for construction of a new church building on a 10.8-acre site on Mallard Lane on the east edge of Anna.

The design-build contract was inked with Holmes Architecture of Marion, said Don Rush, chairman of the church’s board of elders.

Groundbreaking for the building is expected in March, according to Jerry Smith, leader of the church’s building team. Completion is anticipated by the end of 2012.

'Longest Night/Blue Christmas' service set at Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, Anna

An addition to the holiday worship schedule at Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church in Anna is a service called “Longest Night/Blue Christmas." 

"We recognize that not everyone feels like celebrating during this time, and want to offer a service of prayer and song for people whose hearts hurt during the Advent/Christmas season," said the Rev. Kathy Montira, the pastor at Mt. Moriah.

The meditative service is planned at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22.

Hazel M. DeWitt

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Hazel M. DeWitt, age 85, of Chana, died Friday December 9, 2011 at East Bank Center in Loves Park.</span></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Born October 7, 1926 in Dongola, IL the daughter of Glenn and Lois (Lingle) Mowery. Hazel graduated from Tamms Community High School in Tamms, IL. She married Gilbert DeWitt on November 12, 1944 in Blytheville, AR.</span></strong></p>

Riley Whitfield Hawkins

<p style="line-height: 150%;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style=""><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Cambria;">Mr. Riley Whitfield Hawkins, age 54 of Anna, died at 7:56 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2011 at the Anna Rehab and Healthcare Center. He was born February 12, 1957 in Lawrenceville, IL, the son of Howard Allen and Mary Frances Lincoln Hawkins.</span></strong></p>

Saturday morning coffee set in Cobden

The Cobden Lions Club plans to host a Coffee Club event Saturday morning, Dec. 3.

The Coffee Club is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Old Feed Store at 111 N. Appleknocker Dr. in downtown Cobden.

Community members are invited to stop by for free coffee and donuts.

The Lions Club voices appreciation to Ray and Rose Hogan, owners of the Old Feed Store, for use of the building.


        Don Fisher

        <p align="center" style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><strong> </strong></p>

        <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don Fisher, 90, of Bedford, TX and formerly of Dongola, died at 3:45AM on December 7, 2011 at H.E.B. Hospital in Bedford, TX.</span></strong></p>

        <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></strong></p>

        Justin James Hepburn

        <p style="line-height: 150%;" class="MsoNormal"><strong style=""><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Justin James Hepburn, age 4, passed away at 7:58 a.m. Sunday, December 11, 2011 at his home in rural Jonesboro. He was born October 10, 2007, in Carbondale, the son of Christopher Allen and Kandi Mullins Hepburn.</span></strong></p>

        Ill-conceived decision by public official

        To the editor,

        The recent decision by Regional Superintendent Ulrich to deny the citizens of some Union County school districts the right to vote on consolidation confirms the notion that it is important to document unwise and ill-conceived decisions by public officials.

        For years a prevailing opinion of many persons has been the position of regional superintendent of schools is a totally unnecessary and needless waste of taxpayers' money. Mrs. Ulrich has validated that opinion with her actions.

        Consider the following:

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