The Gazette-Democrat

Some treasured finds...trilobite fossils which were discovered while wandering around in Union County.

Mammoth bones...teeth from big ol' shark...

At least I don’t need insulated chest waders, boats, diving apparatuses or remote-operated cameras to enjoy one of my favorite pastimes.

Magical Mystery Tour? Nah. With apologies to Messieurs Lennon and McCartney, I do not think there is mention of a southbound freight train in “Magical Mystery Tour.” I’m guessing there has to be a country music song with lyrics about such a train... By the way...the photograph is explained in the column...

Thank you, Clarence, for paying attention...

Do you believe in guardian angels? We’ll get back to that question in just a bit. But first, a few words about one of the photographs which accompanies this week’s column.

Didn’t expect to see Big Foot while out for a walk on a cold Sunday afternoon in January... Mr. Foot did not do a very good job of hiding, either...

Big Foot spotted on Sunday afternoon walk...

Last Sunday afternoon was all about habits...or maybe routines...some still kept...some, well, not so much...and a little bit of BIG FOOT, too...

Artist Zach Rowatt created a chalk pastels drawing titled “The Steps Ahead.” Photo provided.

Arts center exhibit to feature works of Goreville artist

“Imagined Divides,” an exhibit featuring the works of artist Zach Rowatt of Goreville is planned from Jan. 20 through Feb. 12 at the Shawnee Hills Arts Council’s Anna Arts Center. The arts center is located at 117 W. Davie St. in Anna.

Two white-tailed deer might have been getting ready for a big New Year’s Eve celebration when they were spotted last Saturday afternoon.

Traditions continue...without any frostbite

So...is a tradition still a tradition if the tradition happens a week late?

Snow fell on the Union County area starting on Dec. 25 and continued into Dec. 26. The photograph was taken on the morning of Dec. 26 along old U.S. Route 51 near Anna.

Region experienced brutal cold, snow during December

Temperatures averaged below normal during December in the Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky area.

4-H air rifle, air pistol meetings set

4-H air rifle and air pistol practices are meeting weekly through Feb. 28. Practices start on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the gym at the Shawnee Worship Center in Vienna. Eligible young people in Alexander/Pulaski, Massac, Johnson and Union counties who were 8 years old or older as of Sept. 1, 2022, are...

Funding announced for transit systems

State Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, announces that more than $4 million dollars in infrastructure improvements are planned for the 59th District. This comes after the latest round of Transit Awards were recently announced. “This investment is critical to our region because transportation plays a...

Senior Hall of Fame seeks nominations

The Illinois Department on Aging, IDoA, is accepting nominations for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame. Nominations are open to adults aged 65 and older who excel in the categories of community service, education, performance and/or graphic arts and the labor force. Each year, four Illinoisans...

Illinois Sheriffs’ Association planning to award more than $58,000 in college scholarships

The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, ISA, announces that it will be awarding over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the State of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2023-2024 academic year. The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only. ...

Southern 7 Health Department: COVID continues into winter

As cases of COVID-19 continue into the winter months, Southern 7 Health Department is encouraging Illinois residents to take advantage of preventative and treatment services available, including requesting free rapid tests to have on hand. The Illinois Department of Public Health, IDPH, is helping...

Elks sponsoring orthopedic assessment clinic for children

South District Elks Lodges, in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation, plan to sponsor a free children’s orthopedic assessment clinic . Anna-Jonesboro Elks Lodge No. 1641 is among the lodges which are sponsoring the clinic. The clinic is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m....

Birds, mysteries of fire programs set at Giant City

Birds and the mysteries of fire will be the topic of upcoming events planned at Giant City State Park near Makanda. Both of the programs are free and open to the public, but registration is required. More information is available by contacting the visitors center at the park by calling 618-457-4836...

Area legislator announces annual ‘Valentines for Seniors’ card drive

With Valentine’s Day less than a month away, a Southern Illinois state legislator once again is working to make sure that senior citizens aren’t forgotten.Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14. State Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, announced plans for his annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive in a news...

Inaugural Blessing of Squad Cars set at Bald Knob Cross

Participants are being sought from Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri for the inaugural tri-state Blessing of the Squad Cars, which is scheduled Sunday, April 16, at the Cross of Peace on Bald Knob Mountain near Alto Pass. Gates are scheduled to open for the event at 10 a.m. Blessing of the Squad Cars...

Birds, mysteries of fire topics of programs set at Giant City

Obituaries

Noma Louise Dodson

Noma Louise Dodson, 85, of Thebes, died at 8:39 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at her residence. She was born on May 2, 1937, in Alexander County, the daughter of Elliot and Ella Dora Robinson Sanders. She was a member of Alexander Freewill Baptist Church in Olive Branch. She was a housewife and...

Floyd Junior Tellor

Floyd Junior Tellor, 70, of Lick Creek, died at 12:12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at his residence. He was born on Aug. 13, 1952, in Anna, the son of Floyd William and Katherine Beltz Tellor. He was a genealogist and loved Civil War reenactments. He was a member of the Laborers International Union...

Robert Leland Osman

Robert Leland Osman, 80, of Dongola, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at his residence. He was born on Jan. 17, 1943, in Anna, the son of Leland Osman and Mary Belle Penrod Osman. He married Lorene Dunkin on June 30, 1963. She survives. Mr. Osman was a lifelong farmer in Southern Illinois. He was an...

Robert ‘Butch’ Weddel

Robert “Butch” Weddel, 81, of Dongola, and formerly of Crete, died at 2:50 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at his residence. He was born on June 13, 1941, in Chicago, the son of Dolphia and Rose Marie Neuman Weddel. Mr. Weddel worked at, and retired from, the Ford Motor Company stamping plant located...

Marilyn L. Sadler

Marilyn L. Sadler, 84, of Anna, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at her home. She was born on Nov. 28, 1938, in Union County, the daughter of Eugene and Louise High Sadler. She married Jerry “Bud” Sadler on Jan. 27, 1960, in Jonesboro. He preceded her in death on Sept. 25, 2012. She is survived by...