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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 Salisbury, financial secretary for the KOC, said the 105 members of the Kewanee chapter discussed t...

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 won’t appear first on the ballot. Johnson said that the top position on the ballot will be taken by ...

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 was the result of the pandemic, but both Tumbleson and Eddie Toliver Jr., the director of the Kewane...

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 restaurant's owner, Fernando Anaya, couldn't 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 excellent,” said Blackwell, “and he’s a good man.” Blackwell’s characterization of th...

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. That's 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 organization's annual campaign hard this year, said Eddie Toliver, Jr., life center director for the...