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.

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

Wildcat wrestling team closing in on 20 victories

The Anna-Jonesboro Community High School wrestling team is closing in on 20 wins for the 2022-2023 season. A-J is 19-8 overall in team competition. The Wildcats are scheduled to wrestle in the Paducah Tournament Saturday, Jan. 14. Chase Hargrave, the head coach of the squad, is looking for the team...

St. Louis Cardinals Caravan visits slated

The 2023 St. Louis Cardinals Caravan is scheduled to make several stops in the region. The St. Louis Cardinals Caravan is presented by Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance. Upcoming visits which are scheduled in the region include: Sunday, Jan. 15, noon, Marion Cultural & Civic Center, Marion. Monday...

Obituaries

Lee Trexler

Lee Trexler, 63, of Anna, died at 12:40 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at his residence. He was born on May 1, 1959, in Springfield, the son of Charles Eugene and Anna Lee Turner Trexler. He worked in the construction business as a roofer for many years and was a hard worker. He loved to collect...

Marvin Lee Harris

Marvin Lee Harris, 76, of Jonesboro, died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at his home. He was born on June 27, 1946, in Chester, the son of Ralph Lee and Francis Louise Weherhime Harris. Mr. Harris is survived by his sons, Brian and Bill Harris; siblings Nancy Williams of Jonesboro, Phillip Harris of Du...

Nancy Lee Cox

Nancy Lee Cox, 79, of Dongola, died at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at her home. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by members of her family. She was born on Jan. 29, 1943, at the family home in Dongola. She was the daughter of Marion Dewitt Lingle and Catherine Hartline Lingle....

Robert L. Del Favero

Robert L. Del Favero, 91, of Palmetto, Fla., and formerly of Jonesboro, died Thursday, Jan. 19, at Blake Hospital in Bradenton, Fla. Funeral arrangements were pending at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www....

Janet Chester Barham

Janet Chester Barham, 66, of Karnak, died at 12:45 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at the Parkview Nursing Home in Paducah. She was born on Nov. 23, 1956, in Pontiac. She had worked over 25 years as a registered nurse at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis. She was a graduate of Vienna High School...