Check out the photos from the Gatorade Junior Training Camp featuring Bears alumni Alex Brown and Jason McKie.
LOOK: “Big Ern’s”Wiffle Ball Tournament Raises Money for War Memorial
July 14th, 2019 – On a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, over 100 players and their family and friends packed the backyard of Ryan and Kara Wilkey in Maroa. But this wasn’t a regular backyard party. The Wilkey’s backyard was transformed into a wiffle ball field that any kid would love to play on. “I’ve been playing wiffle ball pretty much since I was able to crawl,” said Ryan Wilkey (a.k.a “Big Ern). “This started out as something fun 6 years ago, and it just keeps growing.”
A new wrinkle was added to this year’s tournament. Wilkey, who is a lifelong Maroa resident and current City Council member, said they added a “Home Runs for Heroes” in the hopes of raising money to rebuild the war memorial and make it something great. Players and spectators could wither make a flat donation or pledge a dollar amount for each home run hit in the tournament. “I love this town, obviously we are honoring the veterans that served here in the Maroa area and couldn’t be happier with the turnout and enthusiasm.” said Wilkey.
Aerial photos provided by Zach Kramer
PHOTOS: International Arts Camp
Chicago Bears Return to Decatur Event
July 9th, 2019- The Chicago Bears are holding a “Return to Decatur” event July 20th and 21st to celebrate the team’s origins as part of the centennial season. The event, sponsored by ADM and Tate and Lyle will include a Gatorade Junior Training Camp at Millikin University on the 20th with 200 local youth football players from the four Decatur high schools. The Bears will also make a $3,000 donation to each football program. Sunday, July 21st, the Decatur Civic Center will have an event for fans. Tickets are $5 each and will include both the Chicago Bears Centennial Scrapbook panel and season preview with General Manager Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy. For more information call the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 217-423-7000.
Independence Day Schedule of Events at Nelson Park
Staley Run White & Blue presented by Tate & Lyle. Compete in a 1/2 mile kids run, 5k run, or a 2-mile walk/run. Three-deep awards in each age division for runners. Registration includes admission to Overlook Adventure Park from 9 -11 a.m.!
Race Time: Kids Run at 7: 30 a.m. / Races and Walk begin at 8 a.m.
Race Day Registration: 6:30 – 7:15 a.m.
Teamed for Defense, Armed Forces and First Responders Appreciation ceremony Sponsored by Ameren Illinois
10am: Meet-and-greet opportunity with first responders and and Black Hawk helicopter and first responders’ vehicle tours. Free. No ticket required. Taking place rear of Devon Amphitheater.
11am: Ceremony with guest speakers and presentation of colors at Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater. Free. No Ticket Required.
Food Trucks and Concessions
Parked at the read of Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater. Open to the public. Including Notorious PIG, Allen Concessions, Pig Out Concessions.
Performances of the Band Pizzazz
Throughout the day at Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater. Free. No Tickets Required.
Evening Performances at the Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater Presented by Earthmover Credit Union- Free but TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. Get tickets at Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater.
5pm – Performance of Best of Summer Stock (B.O.S.S.)
6pm – Red Carpet Riot
Fireworks
Fireworks expected to begin at dusk (approx 9pm.)
To view fireworks from inside Amphitheater will require a free ticket. Get tickets in advance. Only 2500 will be issued. Get tickets HERE
To View fireworks in Nelson Park does not require a ticket.
Parking
devonamphitheater.com/parking.
PHOTOS: Rock Springs Celebrates Independence Day
Memorial Fund Established for Fallen Deputy
June 27, 2019 – A memorial fund has been established for fallen fFulton County Deputy Troy Chisum.
Illinois State Police say Chisum was responding to a battery and disturbance call about 2 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Avon, IL.
Multiple shots were fired and the sheriff’s office says 39-year-old Chisum was fatally wounded. He was a 4½-year veteran of the department and a paramedic.
42 year old Nathan Woodring of Avon was arrested Wednesday after an hours long stand-off and is being held in the McDonough County Jail.
Donations to the Chism family can be made at the following locations:
Mid America National Bank – Canton, Illinois
GoFundMe – “Deputy Troy Chisum Memorial Fund”
“Deputy Chisum was a four and a half year veteran of the Fulton County Sheriff’s
Office. He was a paramedic with the Fulton County (Emergency Medical
Association) EMA, was a member of the West Central Special Response Team, and
the ILEAS WMD/SRT Team, Region 6. On behalf of the Fulton County Sheriff’s
Office, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of
Deputy Chisum. Deputy Chisum dedicated his life to the service of his community.
His legacy and sacrifice will forever be remembered.”
– Sheriff Jeff Standard