Donna J. Pleines
She was born October 22, 1935 to Sylvester E. “Si” and Ruth Haning Imig. She married Melvin Pleines on April 14, 1956 in Bloomington.
news
Local News | June 6, 2023
Olympia FFA Honors Members at Chapter Banquet
The banquet started with a complimentary dinner and was followed by the awards program. Freshman FFA member, Tyler Carroll, recited the FFA Creed to start the program. Next, many awards were handed out and members were recognized for their accomplishments. One of the many highlights was the Olympia FFA Alumni and Supporters scholarship awards. Seven Olympia seniors were awarded college scholarships ranging from $1000 to $2000 each. Scholarship winners included: Tarah Hilt, Isabelle Forrest, Brooke Rogers, McKenna Lally, Luke Pratt, Paige Finchum, and Chrystal Cornwell. Other awards included Star Greenhand-Shane Demling, Star Sophomore-Reed Naughton, Star Junior-Blake Buatte, and Star Senior-Tarah Hilt. Outstanding FFA members were also recognized for each level of membership. The outstanding greenhands included: Braxton Apel, Ryan Ballinger, Wyatt Reinhart, Camryn Hilt, Palmer Scheets, Anna Johnson, Anna Gordon, and Nora Collins. The outstanding chapter degree members included: Chase Ragar, Keagan Meserole, Mallory Miller, and Kaitlynn Whitecotton. The outstanding juniors included: Trinity Weeks, Aime Witham, Libby Shaffer, Anna Kindred, Cheyenne Hanlin, Logan Demling, and Rylee Robb. The outstanding seniors included: Brooke Rogers, Isabelle Forrest, and Kassidy Tackett. Olympia FFA has made it a goal to acknowledge those FFA members who have worked behind the scenes and have gone above and beyond in our chapter. Keagan Meserole, Chase Ragar, and Blake Buatte were presented with the Olympia FFA “Kyle Haning” Blue and Gold Awards sponsored by First Farmers Bank of Minier a Branch of the Bank of Pontiac. To close the ceremony the old officer team gives their duties to the new officer team. The old officer team of 2022-2023 was President-Tarah Hilt, Vice Presidents-Brooke Rogers, Logan Demling, and Anna Kindred, Secretary-Isabelle Forrest, Treasurer-Reed Naughton, Reporter-Libby Shaffer, Sentinel-Aime Witham and Historian-Rylee Robb. The new officer team for 2023-2024 consists of President-Logan Demling, Vice Presidents-Aime Witham, Libby Shaffer, and Reed Naughton, Secretary-Nora Collins, Treasurer-Keagan Meserole, Reporter-Rylee Robb, Sentinel-Cheyenne Hanlin, Chaplain-Anna Kindred, and Historian-Mallory Miller. READ MORE...
Obituaries | May 30, 2023
Obituaries | May 24, 2023
Russell “Huck” Willis
He was born July 26, 1941 in Mackinaw to Howard B. and Margaret L. Dukes Willis. He married Carol Schott on July 29, 1960 in Groveland, and she survives.
Local News | April 28, 2023
Luke Pratt Awarded HBA Scholarship
The Hopedale Betterment Association is proud to announce its 2023 scholarship winner. The winner is an individual who shows leadership through academics, extracurricular & community involvement and a vision for the future of our community. Luke Pratt is the recipient of the $1,000 scholarship for 2023. Luke is a graduating senior at Olympia High School. He will be attending Wheaton College this fall.
Local News | April 28, 2023
Darcy Tripod of Minier Receives Award From SUI
The third annual awards presentation for seniors who are graduating in May or December took place April 26 at the Student Center Ballrooms. Students were nominated by faculty, staff and peers and then completed applications. The award recipients were chosen via committee reviews. This year more than 75 students were nominated for the Division of Student Affairs award, which was presented by Jennifer Jones-Hall, dean of students.
Local News | April 20, 2023
Olympia FFA Plant Sales for 2023
While all of the students work hard to get the plants ready for the sale, a small group works especially hard. This group is the greenhouse managers. The 2022-2023 group of greenhouse managers for Olympia are McKenna Lally, Brooke Rogers, Kaitlynn Whitecotton and Trinity Weeks.
Local News | October 19, 2022
Officers Promoted at Village Meeting
Lewis received a promotion to the rank of corporal and serves as the training officer for the department.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Art Tuesday
The last Art Tuesday for the Atlanta Public Library will be next week! This Art Tuesday will occur on July 26th from 1-3 pm. Call the library at 217-648-2112 to pre-register for ages 5+.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Christmas in July
Christmas in July is happening this weekend on the 23rd and 24th! The event will take place on Arch Street in Atlanta. There will be decorations, food, and a huge vendor fair. Saturday hours are 10am-4pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market in Hopedale opened on July 6th and will continue to occur on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For those who want to sell their own items, there will be no table fee so you are free to bring your own produce, crafts, baked goods, and so on. There will be weekly advertising for the market; new vendors are welcome to join weekly. If you have any questions or want to learn more you can message Barb Lawson on Facebook who is in charge of the market.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
1 Way Kidz
At the Mackinaw Community Center, New Castle Bible Church presents “1 Way Kidz”. Children in the Mackinaw area are invited to come hang out at the Community Center and enjoy games, activities, and friends. Kids will be well supervised and cared for in a safe environment with lunch included every day. This event runs every Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Registration is easy at myncbc.org.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Concert in the Vineyards
On Saturday, July 23rd, the Concert in the Vineyards Series presents “Sushi Roll”, a high energy cover band that plays everyone’s favorite hits from Bruno Mars to Rick Springfield. Concert starts at 7:00 P.M. and runs through until 11:00 P.M. No advance tickets, $10 per person at the door.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Drizzledabs 3rd Annual Float
On Saturday, July 30th at 10:30 A.M., starting at the Dee-Mack bridge is “Drizzledabs 3rd Annual Float". Floaters provide their own floats whether it be a tube, kayak, paddleboard, or canoe for a 3 hour float trip with shuttles provided. Floaters are then invited to Pub 52 for live entertainment, food and drink specials, 50/50 door prizes, and a grand prize drawing for a kayak. Registration can be found on Eventzilla.net.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
9th Annual Route 66 Race
The 9th Annual Route 66 Race will be on Saturday, August 27th. Participants will walk or run from Funks Grove to McLean in a benefit for the community of McLean. Many fun events and activities will be running throughout the day at the square too! The cost is $45, but to guarantee a t-shirt, you must sign up by August 1st. Registration is open to participate in the race online and via mail.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Outdoor Track
The Mt. Hope Funks Grove Park District has recently installed an outdoor track. One lap around is ¼ mile. No motorized vehicles are allowed. Come out for a walk, jog, or run!
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Volunteers Needed
Sonshine Daycare is looking for more fun things to do this summer with the kids! They are open to volunteers that would like to come in to read or color with the children for example. If you have a special talent or hobby you would like to showcase, feel free to contact Sonshine Daycare. If interested, call 309-874-2522.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Bulldogs Futbol Club
Registration for fall soccer at Bulldogs Futbol Club is now open to kids aged 4, or 3 year olds turning 4 on or before October 31, 2022, to 4th graders. Registration fees are $45 a player but if you have multiple players in the same household the fee will be discounted by $5 per player (2nd player is $40, 3rd is $35, etc). Game shirts are included in the fees as well. Practices for the season will be on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 pm and will start on August 8th. Games will be on Saturday mornings at West Side Park in Minier and will begin on August 20th with the last game being scheduled for October 15th. More information and the link for registration can be found on the Bulldogs Futbol Club Facebook page and registration is due on July 27th.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
In-Person Story Hour
In-Person Story Hour at the H.A. Peine District Library for July is happening on Tuesday the 26th at 11:00 am. Like previous story times, those who want to attend should call the library at 309-392-3229 to register for a spot and bring a blanket to sit on while the stories are being read.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
VBS Registration
The Minier Christian Church has opened up registration for their VBS event. Their VBS is for ages 3 up to those entering 6th grade. The event will run from July 18th to July 21st, Monday through Thursday, during the evening. In addition to this opportunity for kids, there is also an opportunity for those older to help out at the event and work as a helper. A background check is required to be a helper and supper is provided for helpers at the event. To both register and sign up to be a helper, you can visit the MCC Kids Facebook page and fill out the registration form linked on the page.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Small Town Spirit-Benefit for Ron Wade
Ron Wade, a lifelong resident of Stanford, has been dealing with severe health issues since early April. In an effort to help him and his family cover hospital bills and day-to-day expenses until he gets back to work there will be a fundraiser hosted at the Allin Township Community Building in Stanford. The fundraiser will host a silent auction, a bake sale, and a donation meal. This event is planned to occur on August 21st from 2:00 to 8:00 pm and more details on the event are to come.
Area Roundup | July 17, 2022
Teen Summer Art Club
The Waynesville Library is having a Teen Summer Art Club on Tuesday, July 26th from 4-5 pm. Karen Sue Eilts will host a fun summer art project with snacks. Junior high and high school students are welcome.
Local News | July 17, 2022
Lincoln’s Legacy Free Event
Following the film screening, at 5:30pm downstairs in the backroom of Missy’s Sweet Shoppe, Kevin “Abe” Wood will present “From Obscurity to Greatness: Illinois and Lincoln 1830 to 1861.” This presentation will dive into the Abraham Lincoln that residents in Central Illinois knew and loved. Kevin “Abe” Wood is a gifted presenter, having over 1500 appearances in 31 states and 2 countries. The program will last approximately 1 hour and is best suited for those 6 years old and older. Following the program, there will be half an hour for questions and photos with “Abe.” This is a free event
Local News | July 17, 2022
Prahl & Horner Are Honored at Hopedale Medical Complex
Two individuals were recognized as a June Employee of the Month. The first was Michael Prahl, a vital member of the HMC IT Team. Nominator, Erin Evans, Radiology Department Manager, shared, “The radiology department calls IT a lot with different tasks that are always involved and require lots of researching and digging. Michael is incredibly helpful and manages to handle all our IT needs!” Michael joined the HMC IT Team in January of 2022.
Local News | July 17, 2022
Lions Club and Dee-Mack Boosters Announce Golf Outing
Supported by the Dee-Mack Boosters Club, proceeds from the event help both clubs. The Chief Nation supporter money goes to the Booster Club who “help provide funding to supplement the budget of Dee-Mack High School, both academically and extracurricularly.” Thanks to donations to the Boosters, funds have been applied towards Classroom supplies, Field trips, and senior signs; mobile wi-fi services for students without internet access, novels for English classes, along with spending money for free/reduced students for concession on Field Trips. Plus much much more. The next initiative is a fully automated timing system which will allow the school to host large track events for both Junior High and high school athletes.
Local News | July 17, 2022
New Restaurant Opens in Mackinaw
When asked what inspired the family to open a restaurant in Mackinaw, Iris told The Mail “Chef Eddy’s love for the kitchen led to the desire to bring a new restaurant to this area with the objective of bringing quality service and food” Iris says, adding, “Something new and different for everyone to enjoy is what inspired us to open a restaurant.” With the current economic climate, it’s tough to imagine opening a restaurant without having an extreme amount of passion for the profession, along with creativity showing in the finished product. Eddy’s food shows that passion and creativity are what’s happening in their kitchen.
Local News | July 17, 2022
Stanford Good Old Jubilee
There has been hope for years within Stanford and in the surrounding communities that the festival would return. Even before Stanford Good Old Days was created there have always been summer festivals in Stanford with some residents remembering a festival back in the 60’s for the Centennial celebration. While the town wasn’t able to bring the festival back like it was before they were able to get enough community involvement to raise the funds and get volunteers to host Stanford Good Old Jubilee, a name selected by Normadee Miller one of the longest running Good Old Days volunteers.
Local News | July 17, 2022
Waynesville Library’s Horse Program
The summer reading program in Waynesville takes place from June 15th-July 27th. As children complete a reading log, they are able to color a tent and make their own campsite on the poster in the library. Programs and lessons also run for ages 3 and up. There are only two sessions left for this summer. Guests from The Miller Park Zoo are coming on July 20th. Then, face painting follows on July 27th. Both events take place at 2 pm and are free of charge.
Top Story | July 10, 2022
A Night Out With the Stanford Police
I’ve only been in Stanford a couple times in my life. Growing up in Canton, I’ve just never had reason to travel out that way and, after moving to Mackinaw in 2019, my teenage son's sporting events have taken me to the small town a grand total of twice. As I roll through town, I’m doing more looking around than I am paying attention to my Google Maps, which takes me not to City Hall, but to the fire station a few doors down. Luckily, there is a soda machine outside the building which allows me to play my silly error off as “just grabbing a drink”. “Great start, bud”, I’m thinking to myself after I grab my soda and start backing out into the street. Mere seconds later, I’m actually at City Hall.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Armington Village Board Meeting
The monthly board meeting for the Village of Armington will be held on July 13th. This is located at 103 N. Main Street at 6:30 pm. For questions contact the Armington Village Clerk.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Art Tuesdays
The Atlanta Public Library will be having Art Tuesdays for ages 5+. Art Tuesday will occur on July 12th and 26th from 1-3 pm. Call the library at 217-648-2112 to pre-register.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Christmas in July
Christmas in July is happening on the 23rd and 24th! The event will take place on Arch Street in Atlanta. There will be decorations, food, and a huge vendor fair. Saturday hours are 10am-4pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
July Story and Craft
The Danvers Township Library will host their July Story and Craft on Tuesday, July 12th. The Story and Craft will start at 10:00 am and will have a balloon theme. A couple of books about balloons will be read and then attendees will be able to make their own Balloon Buddies.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market in Hopedale opened on July 6th and will continue to occur on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For those who want to sell their own items, there will be no table fee so you are free to bring your own produce, crafts, baked goods, and so on. There will be weekly advertising for the market; new vendors are welcome to join weekly. If you have any questions or want to learn more you can message Barb Lawson on Facebook who is in charge of the market.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Friday Game Night
Every Friday night, a game night will be hosted at the Hopedale Community Center at 6:00 pm. There will be many games to play and it is open for anyone who wants to join in on the fun. All you have to do is let Beau Baker know that you’ll be there in order to attend.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Hopedale Area Veterans Memorial Fundraiser
On Monday, July 11th at the Pizza Ranch in Morton the 2022 Hopedale Area Veterans Memorial fundraiser will be hosted from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. All tips and 10% of the profits will go towards the upkeep of the Hopedale Area Veterans Memorial. Make sure to arrive at 5:00 pm or later, not earlier, as the event will start exactly at 5:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and enjoy a delicious pizza buffet.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Micki’s Hopedale Cruise
The Hardesty Company will be hosting, in partnership with Micki’s Farm to Table, Micki’s Hopedale Cruise on July 16th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. This event has free admission and any toys are welcome with some examples being cars, trucks, boats, planes, bicycles, and motorcycles. There will be no judging or trophies at the event. In addition, the Willis Snowmobile Museum will be open for visitors at the event to view over 150 sleds in their 3-story building. Micki’s Farm to Table will be serving their regular menu at the event as well. If you have any questions or want to learn more you can do so by emailing Hardestycompany@gmail.com
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Art and Wine Festival
Sunday, July 17th, The Mackinaw Valley Vineyard is hosting their Art and Wine Festival from 12:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Cars of all kinds will be available for viewing, crafts, and live music.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Community Church in the Park
Community Church in the Park: Hosted by New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw's Veterans Park at 100 East Fast Avenue on Sunday, July 17th. Service starts at 11:00 A.M. Bring a lawn chair!
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Good Pantry Days
Wednesday evenings are Good Pantry Days at the Mackinaw Community Center from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Donation drop offs are also accepted during this time.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Mack-a-Fest Begins
The Mack-A-Fest begins on July 14th at 5:00 P.M. and ends Saturday, July 16th at 10:00 P.M. Dozens of activities will be available, as well as a food vendor and beer tent. Don't miss out!
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
McLean Community VBS
McLean Community VBS is from July 11-15th from 6-8 pm. VBS will be held at the Village Park. The theme is Castle of Courage. There will be plenty of lessons, skits, crafts, games, music, and snacks during the week. Registration forms can be found online or at local city buildings. Pre-registration is requested, but not required.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Monthly Board Meeting
The Village of McLean’s monthly board meeting will be on July 11th at 7 pm. This meeting will be held at the Village of McLean Office Building. All are welcome to attend.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Comfort & Care Group
The next Comfort & Care group will meet Thursday, July 14th at 6:30 pm. This takes place at the Waynesville UMC. For more information, please contact Cindy White.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Library Make and Take
The Waynesville Library will have a Doterra Essential Oils Make and Take on Tuesday, July 12th from 6-7:30 pm. Kelly Byrd will be teaching how to make roller bottles of essential oils to improve one's health. Other topics of discussion include immunity, tummy and respiratory relief, sleep, and calming.
Area Roundup | July 10, 2022
Teen Summer Art Club
The Waynesville Library is having a Teen Summer Art Club on Tuesday, July 12th and 26th from 4-5 pm. Snacks will be provided and all teens are welcome to attend.
Local News | July 10, 2022
Danvers Launches New Website
The Village website also has linked the information and application regarding their opening in job opportunities for the Village of Danvers. They are looking to hire a full-time public works employee and state they offer competitive wages and benefits. Another aspect of the new website is the provided info on paying water bills as well as a link to do so online.
Local News | July 10, 2022
Dee-Mack Wrestling Hosts Open Gym Nights
The Dee-Mack wrestling program, which consists of 12 high school wrestlers and 17 junior high wrestlers, is looking to add to their ranks for the coming season which will start in November under the banner of the IKWF (Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation), which includes 18 different weight classes for wrestlers of all sizes. The Dee-Mack program has also been approved for a Girls Wrestling program which will start this year. Since there are numerous open spots on the team along with a brand new program starting up, high school Coach Thomas tells The Mail “This is why we need kids on the mats now.”
Local News | July 10, 2022
Get Your 6.6 on Route 66
The race is a 6.6k which is equivalent to 4.1 miles. Participants are able to walk or run. They start in Funks Grove and will follow Route 66 to end at the park under the water tower in McLean. This park was recently built and funded from proceeds from the years prior.
Area Roundup | July 3, 2022
Golf Scramble
The Atlanta Golf Scramble will be at the North Greens Golf Course on Saturday, July 23rd. Four people will be on each team. The registration deadline is July 10th. There is a team fee, including lunch and the golf cart rental. Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place teams. More information can be found on the Atlanta Christmas Celebration Facebook page.
Area Roundup | July 3, 2022
Farmer’s Market
A farmer’s market in Hopedale will be opening up on July 6th and will occur on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. For those who want to sell their own items, there will be no table fee so you are free to bring your own produce, crafts, baked goods, and so on. There will be weekly advertising for the market and new vendors are welcome to join weekly. If you have any questions or want to learn more you can message Barb Lawson on Facebook who is in charge of the market.
Sponsors
