Back to Elmwood Illinois Home Page Thursday, August 9, 2012 1:39 PM
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The Illinois Observer
A New Concept in Community
Information, Advice, and Fun
An initiative of Elmwoodil.org
If You Love Elmwood Read This
Save the Palace
Brimfield Old Settler Days and Maquon Homecoming
This is the week end for both of these local celebrations, Harvest Home at Yates City will be the following week. Also Farmington's Italian Fest is coming up. Will the great tomato hunt be on again this year? Information in the Shopper.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 1:43 PM
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Trojan Football Starts a New Season
The new Illinois High School Football Season starts Wednesday August 8th. Scrimmage game is August 17th. First game will be on the 24th. A great season last year has brought lots of enthuasism for Fall 2012. Elmwood/Brimfield Trojan Football Facebook Page ------ Trojan Web Site ----- IHSA Web Site
USDA Blog Topic -- Drought
This map illustrates the lack of rainfall in July. If your are a farmer, you may not think a graph and map are needed.
USDA Blog "USDA analysis of the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows that the overall percentage of U.S. corn and soybeans in drought stabilized during the week ending July 31. In fact, U.S. corn in drought dropped slightly from 89 to 88%. Soybeans in drought also fell a point, from 88 to 87%. However, the percentage of corn in the two worst drought categories (D3 to D4, or extreme to exceptional drought), climbed from 37 to 40%."
Monday, August 6, 2012 4:11 AM
Brimfield Area JFL --- Sign Up
August 1st and 2nd (Wed. & Thurs.) 5 PM to 7 PM
Brimfield Grade School
Kelli Arbogast 645-1395
Joe Arbogast 678-3639
Friday, July 27, 2012 10:45 AM
Brief Powerful Storm - Power Outage
Power back on ---- Rainbow Photo
Knox County Rainbow
Hot Stressed -- Go Out Relax -- Suggestions
Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman, so it's cool
Corn Conditions Continue to Decline
Corn plants damaged by extreme heat and drought conditions stand in a field in Carmi, Illinois.
Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg
Business Week Article on Corn Estimates ---- U.S. Corn Crop Forecast 13% Below USDA Estimate by Cekander
Midwest Drought 2012: Plains Ranchers Forced To Sell Cattle
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas cattleman Ken Grecian sold 20 pairs of cows and calves a few weeks after drought had sucked his pastures dry and no rain was in the forecast. He sold 20 more pairs Friday.
Ongoing Heat, Dry Weather Terminating Corn Yields
AgWeb By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist for AccuWeather.com
The ongoing drought and Corn Belt disaster is likely to further drive down U.S. yields for 2012.
Despite the most acres of corn planted since the 1930s and high expectations this spring by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for this year's crop, the 2012 yield is likely to be even lower than current official government forecasts.
All Bad Things Come from Washington
The Tea Party anthem is correct and wrong. This time the bad stuff came from Washington Illinois. Taking advantage of our normally care free approach in our small towns or lack of security sense, three young men rifled through open cars for quick items to grab. Fortunately, they were caught in Elmwood. They are suspected of incidents in Brimfield and other area small towns. PJStar Story
People like to complain of government as if they had nothing to do with it, but every elected official is the responsibility of their constituents. Tuesday, July 17, 2012 8:51 AM
New Things Found in Elmwood
Amy Davis Cards and Photos
Taylor Armbruster has a new web site featuring her love of dead bugs. Ok, maybe she calls them insects and prefers them alive. It is a very nice web site so take a look. Tails Butterfly Art
I am featuring new found things in Elmwood, sometimes all you have to do is look around. Last night I just discovered Brent Schmider Photography of Elmwood.
On Facebok
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Smither's Upholstery
Turn North off of Main onto Elm Street look to your left
604 W. Dearborn St.
Elmwood, IL 61529
(309) 742-8372
Monday, July 16, 2012 10:52 PM
Forever Me Grand Opening
Forever Me will celebrate a grand opening 11 AM to 2 PM --- at Main and Rose July 7th
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We Are America
This video from the team called the Skit Guys, is actually not narrated by Morgan Freeman, although it sounds like him. The text is not actually form Alexis de Tocqueville, although it has been attributed to him. In fact the text has a very winding and fascinating history. Weekly Standard - John J Pitney, Jr. We enjoyed it at Elmwood UMC Sunday, thought you would as well.
July 4th
The Fourth of July celebration with Fireworks will occur once again at Sweetwater Park.
The Continental Congress voted to declare independence on July 2, 1776, which is why John Adams wrote we would celebrate across America forever with celebrations and illuminations on July 2nd. After ratifying the text on July 4, Congress issued the Declaration of Independence in several forms. It was initially published as a printed broadside that was widely distributed and read to the public. The date of its signing was August 2.
Friday, June 29, 2012 8:10 PMVote for Hick'ry Stick
Help support a local business with great food. Hope they win. I'll get you a pulled pork Memphis style, and the great cheesecake (better than Cheescake Fctory cheesecake), if this grant comes through. Log in, vote, share on Facebook, Tweet about it, email, or just tell someone. Let's all pull together. We are not competing against each other, we are trying to help Elmwood compete in the global world. So get onboard help spread the word. Hick'ry Stick Facebook Deadline June 30th -- Hick'ry Stick Elmwood IL met the requirement good luck in the next phase Thank you to everyne who helped.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012 8:24 PM
Mission Possible T - Shirt
Wear your support for the Elmwood Mission Trip to Joplin, MO
Color is Safety Green. Youth and Adult sizes available $15 -- size XXL $17 XXXL $18
Front: Mission Possible
(play on the Mission Impossible logo)
Back: Through HIM all things are possible!
Elmwood - Joplin July 29 - August 3, 2012 First Presbyterian Church, St Patrick's Catholic Church, United Methodist Church
Order yours by July 8th. Checks payable to St Patrick's Altar and Rosary. For info: Call Franke Keefer 742-7431or Dianne Burwell 742-3119
Sunday, June 24, 2012 7:26 PM
Japanese Beetles are Destructive Creatures
University of Illinois Extension HortAnswers
Where do they come from a grub in the ground. first discover in new Jersey the beetles have been migrating across the Us since 1916. Apparently our unusually warm has brought them out in large numbers. I will link a couple of articles, but I found no hocus pocus solution to being rid of them. You might try spinning around saying hocus pocus, at least when dizziness caused you to sit you wouldn't notice them for awhile. Trying to control the grubs is the long term solution, moles love grubs, but there are other suggestions. Several articles have appeared about them lately so you are not alone, if that is of any comfort. Here are links to a few. How to Deal with Japanese Beetles _Springfield Journal Register, What to do about Japanese Beetles _Illinois Times, Japanese Beetles Attacking Plants and Trees _Galesburg Register Mail .. Daily debugging, spraying, or other time intensive tasks may be required to save your flowers. So as the old advice goes know your enemy, or as Pogo said "we have met the enemy and he is us." I would reccomend a hard winter, this would be acceptable to all the old Puritans among us.
Saturday, June 23, 2012 7:25 PM
Harry McFall with police dog Bullet
Among the many preliminaries there was a band concert opened by a classic Carl King march. Bullet was very well behaved seemed to be glad to met and greet the people of Elmwood. As the concert began an ultra-light toured the downtown. Kids ran and played, neighbors chatted. It was an Elmwood night in Central Park.
Sunday, June 24, 2012 11:41 PM
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The newest and some would say cutest member of the Elmwood Police Department will be at the Sunday night band concert in Central Park. Donations to pay for the care of Bullet will be accepted. The training of Bullet was extensive and expensive. The First Presbyterian Church is matching donations up to the first $500, so your contribution will be even larger. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a nice evening. Elmwood Municipal Band
Thursday, June 21, 2012 10:46 AM
Paul Hovey Retires
After 29 years with UPS Paul Hovey retires with open houses in Brimfield and Elmwood. Paul was truly a man who cared about his job. He was always a bright moment in the lives of those people and businesses on his route. Jordan's Mobil Service hosted an open house Friday from 12 PM to 1 PM.
Paul is a father to seven children and step children, grandfather to thirteen. He will find many opportunities to share more time with wife and family. I imagine next December when freezing rain is in the forecast, he will look out the window and smile.
Paul Hovey's granddaughter is not his replacement, at least for a couple of decades
Many turned out to wish Paul well as he starts life without a truck and a schedule.
Friday, June 15, 2012 3:19 PM
PJ Star -- Steve Tarter
Two years after tornado
This article appeared in the Journal Star, making note of the progress made since tornado. Elmwood is Coming Back You may enjoy reading it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 2:10 PM
Juneteenth Celebration
Last night at the opening service of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference in Peoria, I heard the Heritage Ensemble. They are truly worth hearing. The opportunity will soon be here, on June 16th at ICC Performing Arts Center
Thursday, June 7, 2012 12:33 PM
Imagine No Malaria
Two years ago at conference the Bishop Gregory Palmer challenged our conference to raise 2.5 million over three years for the Imagine No Malaria Project Bishop Palmer just reported we have in two years raised 1.9 million. Lives will be saved from the malaria projects you can be involved as well. Gates Foundation
Thursday, June 7, 2012 2:01 PM
Weird news with Elmwood Connection
AOL has a section called weird news, sometimes I think they make it up, like the Onion. This case has wound it's way to the Supreme Court in Colorado. It will is brought by Elmwood High alumni Ward Curchill, the controversial professor. He aroused the ire of the right wing nation with statements following 9 11. He was fired and so this case is about that firing and his tenured position. Link to Article Boulder Professor Case in Colorado State University Elmwood has connections everywhere controversial and not. University of Colorado If you are interested in the essay that brought Ward Curchill to the nation's attention here is link. Some People Push Back: On the Justice of Roosting Chickens Ward Churchill Elmwood's most controversial connection, I would start a poll, but I don't want to be on it.
Thursday, June 7, 2012 9:54 AM
Update on Elmwood CIProud
Wednesday, June 6, 2012 10:50 AM
Venus Transit Across the Sun
Link to Lakeview $2.00 Eclipse Glasses
As with all solar events when viewing the Sun caution and protection must be taken seriously. Here is an interesting web site with times and information. The Sun is out now, so maybe weather will cooperate. Given choice between Venus transit on Tuesday and good weather for Stawberry Festival on Saturday, I guess I would opt for Strawberry Festival.
Venus Transit Local Times Web Site
Wind Energy in Illinois
Maybe you have noticed more windmills as you drive around Illinois, the synchronised red lights blinking on and off at night, or passed a truck and trailer pulling a long blade. As more windmills come online and others are planned, my interest was piqued. I came across some information. Wind does not blow equally in every part of the state as the wind maps indicate. Current energy production in Illinois is more than twice what CILCO produced as a separate company before being acquired by Ameren. Multiple sources of energy, more efficiency, more sustainable sources all become part of the mix to energy independence. Some information you will find interesting if you are curious, as I am. Click for PDF
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 10:19 AM
Fashions for Joplin Friday May 18th
The evening was a great succees stop by Every Little Thing to thank them,
also thank Mary Nell Simpson and Sherri Powers when you see them.
A fashion show with local models wearing clothes featured by Every Little Thing. This is a fundraiser for the Joplin Mission trip. My wife Nancy, is denying carbs their proper role in her diet, hoping to be a more fit model or a model who still fits. Drop by Every Little Thing or Contact Mary Nell Simpson
Monday, May 14, 2012 8:39 PMHeartland Outdoors Facebook Edition
Heartland Outdoors. I guess you have to say you are what you drive. Click Photo of Truck
If you are an outdoors type or just need to share the great adventure. Now, you have a forum. Subscriptions to Heartland Outdoors for the outdoors person you know are always a welcome gift. Click this link, or put a copy of Heartland Outdoors in their truck. I'm guessing the person who popped into your mind has a truck.
Thursday, May 10, 2012 1:50 PM
Mothers Against Stress on Mothers Day
You could stop by Farm King on the way to your mother's house buy a card. Hope that she will have a great meal and wants to watch baseball. At least, listen while you nap, and she does the dishes. Approach one does have its drawbacks.
There is a wiser way to show your mother: love, affection, and something even better great BBQ. A special Mother's Day brunch including hand carved standing prime rib, homemade desserts, bakery items, omelette bar, and more. click link for info. Make reservations at the Hick'ry Stick, if your mother lives in Elmwood you could walk. Probably cost the price of one meal just to drive out of town, maybe two depending on size of your family and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Treat your Mother to a great carefree family day without a drive. Hick'ry Stick Mothers Day Brunch
Reserve a place either in the morning seating between 9:00 - 9:30 AM, noon 12:00-12:30 PM, or afternoon 2:00-2:30 PM
Info at Hick'ry Stick web - Hick'ry Stick Facebook, or call 309 742-8900
Sunday, May 6, 2012 11:23 PM sed
Projects Going on Next Sunday Morning
Faith in Action started by the Elmwood United Methodists has been joined by other volunteers, both groups and individuals. You will enjoy being a part of this opportunity to make a difference in Elmwood right now. If you would like to participate in a direct community action event, you are welcome. If you know a need, contact the church. Everyone welcome, no churchiness required.
1) Uptown Clean Up planting in the planters, sprucing up
2) West Park working on landscaping around trees
3) Sweetwater clean up, dug out painting
4) Assembling Cleaning Buckets and Health Kits distributed after disasters floods, tornados
5) Adding Smiles to a morning with visits
Local Design Star
Eight year old Alana Barrett wins Kids for the Cure T Shirt design contest TV News Story
Thursday, April 26, 2012 10:24 AMTime to Turn it Off, Get Up, and Get Involved
Stepping Across a Line to Make a Suicidal Stand. Not Required
There are many events and projects that you will want to get involved with in Elmwood. You will know that you made a difference. So whether you have a couple of hours, a Sunday morning, or a week to give to others (others, you do not know, but do know their need) you have a part in this. If you become involved with any of the local efforts I will list, what will you get out of it? A friend, a sense of well being, and just maybe a life changing experience. The opportunity to make your passion not a dream, but an action.
Actually, it is not like the Uncle Sam is going to war poster. It is not that much of a commitment, the stakes are not that high; our nation's survival is not at risk in the same way. It is your personal life that will change, it is your sense of self that will be saved. It is your community that will be made a better place. It is a lot more like this poster.
I am going to list a series of events, projects, and other opportunities that will allow people to help Elmwood be a growing and welcoming place. There is no connection to any of these other than they all involve Elmwood people trying improve the world around them. One other connection getting involved in any of them will be fun and rewarding.
Elmwood Community Joplin MO Mission Trip
The Elmwood Community is planning and raising money for a mission trip to Joplin, MO. An opportunity to give back to a tornado devastated city.
Organizational Meeting Saturday April 28, 7 AM at Uptown Cafe
The opportunity to show Elmwood cares beyond our own community. Also, the chance for a very good breakfast, such twofer opportunities should not be overlooked.
Stamp-a-Stack and Scrap Fund Raiser for Joplin Saturday April 28, 9 AM to 3 PM
Georgia Stevens has organized this fund raiser to help the Joplin Mission in August. It will be held at the Elmwood UMC. A presentation of a mission trip to Joplin with slides of Joplin and that mission trip will occur at 9:30 AM. So you should come, otherwise you may be stamped, stacked, and scrapped. Food will also be available during this event. Just go from breakfast to lunch, or possibly second breakfast.
Camp Big Sky Work Day Saturday April 28th
Another great effort with many Elmwood supporters. Contact Karla Kane
I found this video on YouTube, if you don't know about Camp Big Sky, here is the video embedded. Watch carefully and see Elmwood resident Gary Fincham
Faith in Action Sunday May 6th, starting at 9 AM
Faith in Action started by the Elmwood United Methodists has been joined by other volunteers, both groups and individuals. You will enjoy being a part of this opportunity to make a difference in Elmwood right now. A great morning followed by lunch, could a church event not include food? A short kick off service followed by action projects through out Elmwood. If you would like to participate in a direct community action event, you are welcome. If you know a need, contact the church. Everyone welcome, no churchiness required.
The Elmwood Boosters Club needs leaders to support the student activities in our school.
The Elmwood Booster Club is a group of parents, teachers, community members, administrators and coaches who support the Jr. High and High School athletes of Elmwood Community School District 322. The Booster Club has purchased many items over the years for the athletes including uniforms and equipment. Most of the money is raised through the concession stands that are provided for all home games/meets. We rely on volunteers and community involvement to support the concession stand. The Booster Club would not be able to provide for the athletes without the support of our volunteers.If you are interested in discussing the opportunity to join this exciting organization, please email boosters@elmwood322.com .
Fashions for Joplin Friday May 18th
A fashion show with local models wearing clothes featured by Every Little Thing. This is a fundraiser for the Joplin Mission trip. My wife Nancy, is denying carbs their proper role in her diet, hoping to be a more fit model or a model who still fits. Drop by Every Little Thing or Contact Mary Nell Simpson
Strawberry Festival Saturday June 2, 2012
Strawberry Festival needs volunteers and people who enjoy the great outdoors and strawberries. Many ways to participate in this wonderful event. Contact Diane Ladd
Signs of Summer in Elmwood
Summer Reading, The Morrison and Mary Wiley Library is selling Casey’s Pizza Cards to raise money for the Summer Reading Program. The cards cost $15 and the library gets to keep $7.50. When you order a large specialty pizza then you receive a free medium one topping pizza. You can use the card 10 times and it never expires. The card is good at any Casey’s. If you are interested in purchasing one, please stop by the library.
Summer Band Concerts, Elmwood Municipal Band Starting the first Sunday evening in June for 10 Sundays. The Elmwood Municipal Band brings memories to Central Park.
Fall Festival needs organizers, volunteers and supporters. First week end after Labor Day starting Thursday evening on September 6th.
Spoon River Drive in Elmwood -- an effort to allow Elmwood to participate in the famous Spoon River Drive.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 2:22 PM
Community Sunrise Service
The ministers of Crossroads, Presbyterian, and United Methodist churches organized a community sunrise service at 7 AM. Three photos of the day, as I recover this Monday.
Full Moon Still in West
Dawn glow on Sunrise Service
Sanctuary for Easter 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012 2:37 PM
The Elmwood Booster Club
needs to fill two open officer positions for the 2012-2013 school year.
The Elmwood Booster Club is a group of parents, teachers, community members, administrators and coaches who support the Jr. High and High School athletes of Elmwood Community School District 322. The Booster Club has purchased many items over the years for the athletes including uniforms and equipment. Most of the money is raised through the concession stands that are provided for all home games/meets. We rely on volunteers and community involvement to support the concession stand. The Booster Club would not be able to provide for the athletes without the support of our volunteers.
If you are interested in discussing the opportunity to join this exciting organization, please email boosters@elmwood322.com
Thank you for your support!!
Elmwood Booster Club
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 3:49 PM
Peorian Magazine --- Elmwood Article
Elmwood is the subject of an article in the current issue of Peorian Magazine. Link to Flip Book Page
Here is a PDF of the Elmwood article written by Kevin Kizer -- After the Storm
Peorian Magazine in Print and Online
Monday, April 2, 2012 10:53 AM
Fall Festival Meeting VFW/BYE Ambulance at 7 PM
Tonight April 2, a meeting to determine Fall Festival's Future will be held. 108 Hawthrone ST
Need committee members, volunteers, ideas, and input. Fall Festival Facebook
Track Season - Elmwood Brimfield
You too could be a volunteer. A great opportunity to help support our youth.
Tuesday, April 17th
We need three people to help set up at 3:15 PM and eight people to work from 4:00 PM until the end of the meet.
Monday, April 23rd
We need three people to help set up at 3:15 PM and eight people to work from 4:00 PM until the end of the meet.
Jr. High Home Track Meets
Monday, April 9th
We need three people to help set up at 3:00 PM and eight people to work from 3:45 PM until the end of the meet.
Thursday, April 12th
We need three people to help set up at 3:00 PM and eight people to work from 3:45 PM until the end of the meet.
Monday, April 16th
We need three people to help set up at 3:00 PM and eight people to work from 3:45 PM until the end of the meet.
Wednesday, April 18th
We need three people to help set up at 3:00 PM and eight people to work from 3:45 PM until the end of the meet.
Saturday, May 5th
This is the Sectional Track Meet and it will last all day, so we will have a set up shift (9:00 AM-10:00 AM), a morning shift (10:00 AM-12:30 PM) and an afternoon shift (12:30-end of meet).
Elmwood High School Track
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 11:02 AM
March 24th
Grand Opening of Every Little Thing downtown, info
Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser for Joplin Mission Trip SaturdayStarting at 4 PM -- Elmwood UMC info
March 17 Organizational Meeting
Pastor Gene Campbell and I have discussed the possibility of pulling together people from the Elmwood community -- including all the churches to send a work team possibly to Joplin Missouri this summer. There will be an initial inquiry meeting this Saturday, March 17, 9 am at the United Methodist Church in which we will look at options that may be available to us. Possible dates for a work trip might be July 29 - August 4, leaving on a Sunday afternoon and returning on a Friday afternoon. If the Joplin trip does not come through, we obviously have some other options we can pursue in Harrisburg, IL or in Indiana. I hope to have more information by Saturday of possible projects for us in Joplin this summer and/or possible projects in Harrisburg if it turns out to be a better fit. I hope you can come and give your input.
Mark Graham
United Methodist Church
(309)258-2258
See November Mission Trip to Joplin --- Hard Work and Great Rewards
News Updates Oct to April 2012
News Updates Aug to Oct 2011
News Updates August to November 2010
June 5th, 2010
Storm Damage Photos
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