Page 12 - Susan Devilder News Today

Contest to promote physical fitness By Susan DeVilder A new year and a new you. That could be a reality for residents who join the Commit 2 Fit contest being sponsored by local organizations and businesses. The free contest offers residents a chance to lose weight, get healthy and win prizes. But interested residents have just a few days left to register. Two $300 grand prizes are being offered to motivate participants to sign up for the 8-week community wellness challenge designed to help resi...

Black history event adapting For the Star Courier The committee for the Community Black History Extravaganza is still considering its options, but one thing members know is their annual event will look much different than last year. For years, the local celebration has taken place in the month of February, but last February, the news of the pandemic had yet to break, and so residents packed the pews of the First Methodist Church. At that time, appearances were made and speeches were given by lo...

Owners wary of new rules

Black Hawk offers online seminars By Susan DeVilder The Star Courier Anyone who has ever desired to learn more about the Egyptian’s idea of afterlife; explore Irish heritage; delve into the secrets of a successful relationship or just learn some basic Spanish is in luck, and the experience is just a few clicks away. Black Hawk College is announcing another year of CommUniversity, a series of Sunday seminars that allow adults to explore a variety of subjects. Abbey Roodhouse, program director ...

Local restaurants continue ignoring states rules By Susan DeVilder The Star Courier On Nov. 20, all 11 regions of Illinois moved into Tier 3 Mitigation measures that banned inside dining and service, but several Kewanee bars and restaurants apparently didnt get the memo. Through eyewitness inspection Tuesday it was determined that Kewanee patrons are dining inside at several local restaurants and bellying up to the bar at several local taverns, a practice that is not allowed under the current r...

Christmas comes early for area organizations By Susan DeVilder The Star Courier An unexpected donation of a large amount of money is making the holidays brighter and the new year a little happier for several local organizations. The Kewanee Knights of Columbus recently received a donation for $10,000 from a local family. In the letter that accompanied the check, the family asked that they remain anonymous and requested that the donation be used “for local community needs if possible.” Jerry...

Parks prep for election The Star Courier The names of three candidates for the open seat on the Kewanee park board could appear on the April 6 ballot, said Brian Johnson, director of parks and recreation. The deadline for turning over the petition was Dec. 21. On Monday morning, Johnson said he had already received two petitions to fill the open seat, currently held by Commissioner Jim Powell. Powell signaled his intention to run again by returning his petition of 25 signatures, but his name wo...

Online concert-something for everyone The Star Courier This year, the annual Kewanee Salvation Army Christmas Concert can be viewed online, and the event organizers hope that translates to a higher viewership for the local holiday event. “I am excited about it being on YouTube,” said Brock Tumbleson, who is one of the concert performers. “For 25 years, it’s been limited. Now my son and grandchildren will be able to watch it.” The move from a community concert to that of a virtual one ...

Restaurant owner: Adapt, overcome The Star Courier At half past one on Saturday afternoon, a lone customer walked through the door of Fernando’s Place on the corner of Tremont and Third streets in Kewanee. He was a regular and while the restaurants owner, Fernando Anaya, couldnt recall his name, he rarely forgets a face. The customer’s name is Jeff Blackwell, and at least once a month he drives the 30-some miles from Coal Valley for take-out at the Kewanee Mexican restaurant. “The food is...

Kewanee Salvation Army bell-ringing effort needs volunteers Plea put out to community for help Susan DeVilder The Star Courier Help Wanted: Some bell ringing required. Volunteers should be capable of swift wrist movement and a have a profound dedication to their community. Thats not a real "wanted ad," but the local Salvation Army is desperate for bell-ringers to work several red kettle stations set up at businesses throughout town, and has put out a plea for volunteers. The virus has hit the o...