Elena Oertwig knows many people who deserve a hand. She was at the top of the list. The Mahomet-Seymour kindergarten student literally received a helping hand a few weeks ago. Had the device for her left hand been manufactured by a faceless corporation in another state — or another country […]
Author: Fred Kroner
Kroner Commentary: Will book smart children function in the “real world?”
Don’t misunderstand this commentary. I am all about honoring and applauding deserving individuals for outstanding achievements, whether in the classroom, the workforce or the athletic arena. Often, the chance to earn recognition can in itself be a motivating force. Any opportunity to encourage someone to do well, or perhaps better […]
Edwards family takes tragedy and spreads joy
Photo and article by Fred Kroner: Members of the Edwards family from Mahomet served as bell-ringers for the Salvation Army last week at Prairie Gardens. From left are, Layla, 8, Lucy, 6, Easton, 1, and Ella, 11. The sisters, dressed as elves, sang Christmas carols during their four-hour shift. Ella […]
Longtime Lincoln Trail P.E. teacher ready for new pursuit
Lu Rippy will soon transition from working with a building of children to focusing on one specific child. On Dec. 20, the Lincoln Trail physical education teacher will retire from her classroom duties for a pursuit she expects to be enjoyable. The first-time grandmother — who earned that title on Aug. 29 — will have […]
After-school class project benefits ‘Nutcracker’
The heaviest roles in the Champaign-Urbana Ballet Academy’s Nutcracker performances often falls on the lightest shoulders. Tiny ballerinas are dancing around stage with a 4-foot stick attached to a 7-pound horsehead. It’s a weighty issue. That was in the past. When the annual production is revived on Dec. 1, the dancers […]
People’s Gas holds informational meetings
People’s Gas spokesman Brian Manthey said last week that “trace amounts,” of methane gas was found in two additional private wells in the vicinity of a leak that occurred approximately 6 miles north of Mahomet last December. That brings to seven the number of private wells that had confirmed levels of methane. “We have […]
Charity helps family get back on the road
Photo and article by Fred Kroner: Kathryn Woodcock stands by the donated 2005 Chrysler Town and Country van she received in May from Mattoon-based New Life Car Care. Her family had endured nine years without transportation of their own. Daniel Craw repairs donated vehicles and makes sure they are ready for the road […]
People’s Gas schedules public information sessions for Tuesday, methane gas found in two additional private wells
People’s Gas spokesman Brian Manthey said Friday that “trace amounts,” of methane gas was found in two additional private wells in the vicinity of a leak that occurred approximately 6 miles north of Mahomet last December. That brings to seven the number of private wells that had confirmed levels of methane. “We […]
Soup kitchen opens at Candlewood
Photo and article by Fred Kroner: John Scott is the organizer of the soup kitchen, which opened for the first time on Monday at the poolhouse at Candlewood. It will be open on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30-6 p.m. Kristen Bryant is learning that payback is sweet. The Mahomet resident is one of […]
Thomas saves his father’s life
Ethan Thomas faced the ultimate test of his knowledge last summer. School had been out for about two months when the sophomore-to-be at Mahomet-Seymour found himself in a life-and-death situation. His father, 37-year-old Travis Thomas, had suffered a heart attack and waslying on the living room floor, between the couch […]
