January 2011

Cobden church hosts 'A Night in Bethlehem'

More than 1,000 "travelers" spent "A Night in Bethlehem" last weekend without ever leaving Union County.

The First Baptist Church in Cobden hosted its third annual presentation of "A Night in Bethlehem" last Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Organizers reported that 1,144 people visited the Cobden church and toured the "ancient town of Bethlehem,” which depicted in realistic fashion the evening of Christ's birth. 

Directed and coordinated by Charlotte and Dan Hartline, almost the entire church membership participated in some way. 

Santa Cop program planned during holidays

The Union County Sheriff's Office and Union County 911 are working together to sponsor the fifth annual Santa Cop program.

With support from the community, during the first four years of the program, Santa Cop has been able to provide Christmas presents and food baskets for 180 children in 65 families.

The Santa Cop program helps underprivileged children in Union County schools at Christmas time.

Children are selected based on financial need, good performance in their school work and for having no negative contact with law enforcement.

Anna Council reviews liquor ordinances Sunday liquor sales to be considered

The Anna City Council is reviewing proposed streamlining and simplification of municipal liquor ordinances.

Action being considered by city officials could lead to the end of a longstanding prohibition of liquor sales on Sunday in the Union County community.

The issue was addressed at last week's regular meeting of the city council. The meeting was Tuesday evening, Dec. 6, at Anna City Hall.

'Tis the season

Several recent special events in Union County have helped to brighten the holiday season – and more are coming.

The first Christmas in Downtown Anna celebration was held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. While the weather was a bit on the wet side, it did not dampen the spirits of those who participated.

The weather was nicer last Saturday for Cobden's annual Christmas in the Village celebration. People enjoyed a wide range of activities which took place during the day.

Students write about what Christmas means to them

Third grade students at Union County schools again this year were invited to participate in a special holiday season event sponsored by a local business.

"What Christmas Means to Me" was the theme of the event, which again was sponsored by Rusty's Home Center in Anna.

Students wrote about what Christmas means to them. Winners then were selected from each participating school.

Each winner received a giant Christmas stocking from Rusty's Home Center.

Following are the winning entries:

By Angel Olvera,

Cobden

Shawnee College offers free GED classes starting in January

Shawnee Community College plans to offer a new schedule of free GED classes starting in January.

An English as a second language class also is available.

The program offers assistance to students in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the GED examination for a high school equivalency diploma.

All classes are open entry/open exit. Students can enroll on any day or night when a class is held.

Committee requests state superintendent of education to overrule decision

Attorneys for a local committee have formally requested that the Illinois state superintendent of education overrule a decision regarding a proposed Union County school reorganization issue.

The request was made in connection with a proposed reorganization involving Lick Creek School District 16, Anna School District 37, Jonesboro School District 43 and Anna-Jonesboro Community High School District 81.

Supporters are hoping to have the issue placed on the March 2012 primary election ballot in Union County.

A-J boys set to play in Eldorado Tournament

The Anna-Jonesboro Community High School boys’ basketball team will compete in the 47th annual Eldorado Holiday Tournament Dec. 26-28.

The Wildcats, the No. 7 seed, are scheduled to begin play against Norris City-Omaha-Enfield at 3:15 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26.

If A-J wins, they will play Tuesday, Dec. 27, against the winner of  Meridian-West Frankfort at 7 p.m. or in case of a loss, the loser of that game at 10 a.m. 

The top seeded team is Harrisburg, followed by Meridian, Herrin, Massac County, Fairfield, Gallatin County, the Wildcats and Carmi.

Snow Angel pageants planned at Shawnee Community College

The Littlest Snow Angel Pageant and the Illinois Snow Angel Pageant are planned Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, at Shawnee Community College near Ullin.

On Dec. 10, the first Littlest Snow Angel Pageant begins at 6 p.m. at the college. Admission is $2.

The 2011 Littlest Snow Angel Pageant will raise money for the Miss Illinois Snow Angel Pageant Scholarship.

The young lady crowned as 2011 Littlest Snow Angel on Saturday will be the crown bearer for the 2011 Miss Illinois Snow Angel Pageant, which is set for Sunday, Dec. 11.

Pages

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
3 + 15 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.
Comment Here