I met Tony (who potrayed Wally) on the set of Leave it to Beaver and was invited to his home. I went and we becamae closer friends with all his family and was invited to his home on Catalina Island. After Beaver ended production he made a lot of dinner theater and such. Such was the case when he came to Wapella. I went to Chicaog and saw him and Jane Russell in one of those dinner theater things and he was ending the run soon so I asked if he would like to come down to Wapella for a potluck supper at the fire house and I would take him to his grandmother's home in Davenport Iowa the next day.  He agreed and after Wapela we stopped at the Pantagraph and several other places in Bloomington.
That's how come he came to Wapella.  That was in 1968 and the town was all torn up because of the Tornado.  Thought it would give citizens a break all the storm work.

For what it's worth, Eddie Haskell is still active and Tony just celebrated his 62nd birthday earlier this month.  Talked with him then.

When asked why he didn't bring superbabe Jane Russel to Wapella,  George added,  "No, sorry about that, but I did meet her."

Thanks for the Break George! And Tony Dow, you are welcome in Wapella anytime.  Potlucks still going strong 
 |

Wednesday April 25 Down, not out. Good photo of the RJ Holland Building on Main, courtesy of Wapella Civic Leader David Taylor. Nobody swings for the fences like Jimmy Holland with a Microphone and a Tuxedo.  Hoping for fast recovery, and immediate relaunch of the Minstrel Troupe! |


Tuesday April 24  Big Win for Wapella! Wapella.com welcomes Sophia Holland, the daughter of Sean and Suzanna Holland to the Wildcat Community.  Weighing in at 7 lbs 7 oz, Sophia is the newest resident of the finest village in the country.  Congrats Sean, Sue, Rick and Vick Holland, Hoopie and Della Morris, all of Hog City, and all Wildcats. Go Blue and White! |

Monday April 23 Wapella Rover on the Blaze.  

Hog City Ablaze! The biggest crowd since the Hog City Sesquicentennial
was on hand Sunday to watch the events of the day unfold, as local
plumbing and heating outfitters Jim and Rick Holland's
warehouse/building burned to the ground late Sunday morning. 
 
The bricked building had been a staple in Hog City since the 1920's.
Located directly across from The Wapella Tap, it has served as a home
base for the brothers operation since 1989, and had been in the family
since well before. The building housed large amounts of both heating
and plumbing equipment, as well as tools, paperwork, various supplies
and the like. Other contents lost in the building numerous family
keepsakes, as well as sound equipment used by Jimmy's entertainment
troupe The Going Nowhere Fast Stationary Minstrels.
 
Besides being a warehouse, the building also served as a bit of a
social club. It's proximity to The Tap meant that at any given time
you may see a group of people outside the building socializing, and
wayward souls en route to one of the watering holes often stopped for
a visit. It also served as rehearsal space for Jimmy's troupe. The
good times and the camaraderie of the building will surely be missed.
 
In all seriousness, Rick, Jimmy and family would really like to thank
all the fireman and volunteers of the Wapella Fire Department as well
as all the surrounding Fire Departments that helped out: Clinton,
Kenney, Waynesville, Farmer City, Maroa, Downs and Heyworth/Randolph
Township. More than 60 of the areas finest were on the job, and they
really did great work. Organized, hard-working, but most off all,
gutsy, these guys impressed a lot of people. Thanks also to Red Cross
and local police for their efforts. Also, many thanks to the many
citizens of Wapella who offered help and assistance, as well as
thoughts and prayers, it was and is really VERY much appreciated.
Everyone is glad the fire did not spread and that no one was hurt, as
the safety of Hog City and her citizens is the most important thing.
Lets Go Wildcats!  |



Monday April 23 Put out more flags.  Wapella.com
stands with Rick and Jim Holland, Kenny Morris and the entire Plumbing
and Heating Industry in Wapella in this solemn time.  Not that we
are ever much help, but if we can do anything at Wapella.com to assist,
we will.  A salute to the firefighters who put out this massive
blaze.







Wednesday April 18 Wapella.com mourns the
passing of Patrick O'Rourke. O'Rourke, 87, one of the leading
lights of our good neighbor LeRoy and Downs, was a member of St. Mary's
Parish in Downs, for many years the sister Parish of St. Patricks in
Wapella.  O'Rourke, brother of the late Bishop Edward and Sister
Alice O'Rourke OP, counted among his in-laws not one, but two Toohills
(Winnie and Lawrence "LJ"), the Great Bernard "Bing" Gahrety, and the
former Dean of Wapella's Grain Farmer's, Henry Kleeman, as well as
being related to about 9/10 of the Irish Population of Central
Illinois.  Pat is survived by his wife of 61 years Virginia
Raycraft O'Rourke, seven sons (including great friend of
Wapella-David), two daughters, a brother Tom in Downs, and his sister
Catherine Kleemann, right here in Wapella.  Pat O'Rourke was a
fixture at Parish and Civic events, exemplifying the concept and
practice of being a good neighbor.  All Flags 1/2 Mast Please for
WW2 China-Burma Theater veteran Patrick O'Rourke.







Wednesday April 18 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Frances
Kiley.  Frances, 84, from the fabled Irish Row in Wilson
Township was a marathon tenured employee of Throp Seed Company in
Wapella, and a frequent and celebrated guest at St. Patrick's Parish in
Wapella. Frances was renowned for her good cheer, work ethic, and
committment to Church and Community.  Our condolences to her
brother Gene Kiley, and her many Wildcat relatives.



Tuesday April 17 Wapella lets rip an Election Day Blast, and a welcome
recption for Wapella Livestock.  Wow! Just received a wide
ranging diatribe versus about 1/2 the village of Wapella from the other
1/2 (and sometimes by the same people).  As always Wapella
continues to hash out issues like no other village, fighting battles
that might have been resolved 100 years ago in a lesser village, and
generally stir the pot, which is what makes Hog City my favorite place
on Earth.  Just when you think there is not much going on, a
laundry list of capers and schemes gets circulated to electioneer like
it is the 1850's.  Differences in opinions make America
great.  Settling it through bickering, harping, and general loud
behavior liven up the elections and keep us all on our toes, and gets
me to my point.  Wapella.com heartily welcomes back livestock to
Wapella Township.  Is Wapella experiencing a renaissance of its
once vibrant Livestock Industry?  An alert reader has sent this
video of laying hens in the Melkin Monastery in South Carolina,
bringing back some nostalgic memories the chickens, pigs, cows and
horses immediately surrounding the Village.  Haydays, more
aptly.  Well what better news could we have than new farms are
being started right outside Wapella.  The word on the Village
streets is that Hogs are being reintroduced into Wapella township by
venture farmers, trying to make money and serve up delicious pork
products.  Livestock is back in as not only a money making
business, but also a fashion statement.  Do you recall having
livestock in Hog City? What kind of livestock would you like to own?
Game Hens? Meat Rabbits? Guineau Fowl? 
 |







Monday April 16 WHS Teacher
elected Governor Dick Ronna, who taught Jr. High Science and
Social Studies at WHS in the late 1960's and early 1970's has been
elected Disctrict 1H Governor for the Central Illinois Lions
Club.  Ronna, now of Pekin, has the theme "Lions, Why We are
Here".  Big round of applause for former Wapella Wildcat Teacher,
Dick Ronna on this noble and coveted position.  So some
trivia.  Give me two (or more) nicknames for Pekin?  One of
the most famous politicians in the history of the House of
Representatives hailed from Pekin.  Who, and what nickname did he
deliver to Pekin?  Any memories of Dick Ronna from our Wildcat
readers?
 |





 



Thursday April 12  How hard can it be
to find Timmy Mollet?




The Class of 1987 Is Hunting Wildcats: WHS Class of 1987 are planning
their 20 Year Reunion in September. Wapella.com has been alerted that
there is an APB in effect for the following Wildcats: Tammi Head, Mark
Roemer, Troy Shafer, Tom Loyd, Karen Tucker and Timmy Mollet. Sources
here at WDotCom say Tim is in Clinton and will be easy enough to
locate, but have no help to offer as far as the other missing 'cats are
concerned.
If you or someone you know, knows the whereabouts of these former
WHS'ers, please get in touch with Wapella.com, or leave a comment in
the "Comments Section." Please pass this information along to anyone
who may be of any assistance locating these fellow Wildcats. More details of this grand
reunion to come as they become available. Good luck, class of '87!




Locate These
Cats! 
 |







Tuesday
April 2 Wapella Chock full of Crack
(of the Bat) Addicts. 
Wapella.com
celebrates opening day, when the perpetually young boys of summer once
again bring optimism and hope to Hog City. The crack of the bat and a
lukewarm beverage in the stands are the order of the day. Sadly, for
most
locals, the favorite teams all took one on the chin on the opener,
whether you be Cubs, Cardinals or White Sox, it was all a negative. But
still - at this time of year, we all have hope that our teams will
finish first. So let's make your bets and celebrate the return of the
baseball, softball wiffle ball and all in between. From former greats
(The Babe's, The Teddy Ballgame's, The Joe D's) to future greats
(Pujols, Derek Lee) to the great teams (The Yanks, The Cardinals, The
Johnny Torbert-led, cousin's Underwood-heavy American Dream) to the
little leagues of Hog City - let's PLAY BALL!!!!
P.S: Look out for the 1st Annual Hog
City "City Kids vs. Country Kids" softball game, coming this summer to
Wapella. Sure to stir up controversial issues such as who plays for
which side, and how many hernias allowed per side, the City Kids are
heavy favorites in Vegas. As one by-stander was heard to say: "Country
kids? Who's afraid of a bunch of Toohill's and maybe Tim Baker?" Who
indeed, who indeed. Batter up, Hog City!  What Wildcat would you
like to intentionally walk?  Serve a Bowman style Gopher Ball to
?  Throw a knockdown pitch at a Wapella Blues player in the
on-deck circle?
 |


Thursday March 29 Wapella.com mourns the
passing of Isabelle M.
Short.  At age 97, Mrs. Harold Short was known as the
oldest resident of Wapella, and one of the great neighbors and
community members.  "Izzie" Short was a member of the Wapella
Christian Church and the mother of Bill Short, Margie Gregory, Nancy
Brown,  Cheri Cordy and the late LaJean James.  Wapella residents will remember Izzie as
a constant presence in the town, with her house along Route 51 serving
as a gateway into Hog City. The town will miss her friendly demeanor,
and overall uplifting attitude. Izzie is survived by one son, Bill
Short (one of the Hog City's finest) and three daughters, including
another fine resident of the village, Cheri Cordy, and 11
grandchildren, including a host of Wildcats - Elizabeth Weikle, and
Jake, Nate and Tricia Short. Her husband
of 64 years preceeded her in death in 1994.  Our condolences to
the family of Mrs. Short.



Tuesday March
27  Winner Announced.  The 2007 Winner of
the Guy who kinds of looks like Dave Killian Award goes to FJ Way, a
Chicago Accountant and former Disc Jockey in LaSalle Peru. 
Congratulations to all 2 entrants. Killian, though a
Maroon, hails from a long line of Wildcats, and is well known in town
as an ace bass player, farmer, and banker.  A lifetime
pass to Wapella was awarded to Mr. Way.



  

    

      

      
Fred J. Way, Illini, Naval Officer and the
winner of the 2007 Guy that kind of looks like Dave Killian Award.

      
    
    

      


      
      
First Runnner up,
Welsh Rock and Roll Legend and Stray Cats Producer Dave Edmunds.
    
  



Anyone else out there kind of look like Dave Killian? 
 |







Monday March 26
Owooo! Weekend Rover is back on familiar
ground, and Wapella returned to form this weekend, with a fairly rowdy
weekend, with a few highpoints:
<>The big news: Let's congratulate
our
very own Mod on the birth of one James Michael Powers. 8 lbs. 5 oz.
Kudos all around to our fearless leader and all his family! One
question: since this young man
shares a name with James Michael Holland, can a starry-eyed, yet
shtick-filled duet at Hog City's Bicentennial be far off? Will young
JMP be the Homecoming King/B-ball Team Manger of legend that his
namesake JMH was/is?
Friday night was Karaoke at HQ in Hog
City, and the faces were out in force. The goon bell was also going off
like mad, as denizens from Heyworth, ATL and Clinton attempted a coup
at the Green Ring. Nothing too exciting to report, however, other than
some impressive dance moves, and a host of sweaty hugs between mostly
men.

Local businessman and Al Swearengen-like
figurehead Greg Toohill did make an appearance to put fear into the
crowd, and Heyworth Legion barkeep Lindsay Holt (daughter of Lee)
showed up as well. A belated thanks to Lindsay for serving up drinks
for twelve straight hours the night of Buddy's bash. Who should pop in
late into but a crew of Thomas girls - Susan and Janelle leading the
pack. As lively as ever, and always too long between visits. Dennis
Underwood and his lovely bride Brenda (Colliver) were also on hand for
the festivities. And of course, what update would be complete without a
Paul Roesch sighting. Local Waynesville hero Brian West was on site and
delivering sagely advice to all around. Wapella.com advises: do not bet
against BW. Clinton favorite and longtime friend of Wapella, Lucas
Hicks also made his way down. Always good (well, I might not go so far
as "good") to see a few different towns taking refreshment and getting
along, but
lest we forget our motto, which can be summed up thusly: it's all
boiling down to Wapella vs. Clinton. Place your bets.

Sunday night, Karaoke once again reared
it's head at HQ. Talked with Circle owner Patti Mills, and began trying
to concoct a Wapella-fest based around the fabled Wapapalooza event
that is an annual summertime event in Hog City. Good people in the
crowd for Sunday's Karaoke included Jerry Beach, Chuck Sinn and Sgt
John Earl Wheat. J-Dub was back to visit, and after pairing up with
Raymond "Cherokee" Toohill, it was off to his place for burgers and
beers. Cherokee is trying to plot a run for Mayor, despite the fact
that he lives outside of town limits. He's got Wapella.com's vote if he
can pull this risky proposition off. 

Get your wagers in here for your NCAA
Champion as well. Pony up!


Congrats to Bill Self for doing what he
always did best - talking a big game, and having a majorly talented
team make an earlier-than expected exit. 

Wapella.com proposes Bill Self visit the
former site of Wapella's Thunderdome for a public flogging to finally
erase that smirk from his face.

Until next time folks, fly the blue and
white, and we'll see you in HC.

 |










Sunday March 25
Lest we forget.  The Moderator
here had the good providence to sit by none other than Jim Bell at
Ronny Fryman's funeral service.  Jim championed Ronny's basketball
abilities, and staked a claim for Ron Fryman as one of the best all
around athletes in Wildcat history.  Jim noted, (as did the
Reverend) that Ronny would jog/run home after basketball practice to
the family farm (out by Swede Spray and Bob Ishmaels) to get into
shape, and was generally in better physical condition than anyone he
played against.  I found that a great coincidence, because Ronny's
son Derek was also a good athlete.  I was on various sports teams
with him for 6 years, and he would
also run home after each basketball practice.  Unfortunately by
that time, Ronny had moved to town, and lived about 20 yards from the
Gym.  File this one in shoulda, coulda, woulda, but what if Derek
had lived in the country?  Then again, his sisters Kim and Kelly
were perhaps the two best basketball playing sisters in Wildcat
history, and they lived in the same house.  How to explain this
phenomena? 


 |



Tuesday March 20  The Wild Rover
was on hiatus last week.
After Buddy's bash, a vacation was in order for St. Patrick's weekend,
and Boston was the order of the day. Sans a meaningless update
(anything outside of Hog City is meaningless) I will say that in many
ways, Boston is not unlike Wapella. Larger than life characters,
current legendary landmarks (car on the barn) as well as landmarks from
days gone by (ZZ Top tree, "Ironbird" graffiti) And like Wapella, it's
a city full of Joker Poker players, those that are sure they could out
dance Clyde Drexler on National TV and those who enjoy a cold drink in
the middle of March. 
As for Wapella, well, am told there were
a crop of Toohill's at HQ on St. Paddy's Day, and that's about all I
know. Next week's update promises to be more exciting, with good
weather and Friday night karaoke on the way……….

CORRECTION: The Wild Rover must right a
TERRIBLE wrong. In a seemingly unexplainable oversight, we forgot to
crown Sweetheart of Buddy's bash. Just as OB sets hearts aflutter,
young Ms. Leslie Hartigan also wooed the crowd. Previous patrons at HQ
had been privy to her at karaoke, but 3/10 was our first experience,
and we were well impressed. A kiss on the cheek from Billy Miller and a
red rose to
Wapella's newest Sweetheart! 


Do you have Red Roses for any Blue and
White Lady Wildcats? 
 |


Update: Wapella's master
photographer George Spray sends a spring bouquet of Red Roses







Tuesday March
20 
Wapella.com mourns the
passing of William R. "Bob" "Twister" Burris. Burris, 83, was many
things - a railroader, a member of the Army during WWII's South Pacific
Theater, a Moose and an Eagle, but those from Wapella know him best as
a gregarious ambassador of Hog City, as he could frequently been see
walking or riding his scooter about town, making sure to greet all with
a wave or smile. He promoted fraternization and fellowship, two things
the village would be wise to remember. Born in Wapella, Bob was a true
blue (and white) Wildcat. A tip of the cap and for Bob Burris, husband
of Betty (also a great representative of the village) father of two
(Linda and Rob) and grandfather of four. All flags half mast, please.



Monday March 19
Happy St. Jospeh's Day, patron Saint of Italy
and birthday of Richard "Rick" Holland, the noted Wildcat Heating
Ventilation and Air Conditioning.  And congratulation to the SIU
Carbondale Saluki's for reaching the Sweet 16 for the second time in 5
years and NCAA bids for each of the last 6 years.  Quick quiz,
Know Your Salukis.  Please name you 5 favorite Salukis with WHS
Connections.  We start it off in sequence of declining musical
abilities:



1) Joe Hindman

2) Susan Mollet

3) Jerry Peroutka (statistical tie
with Richard Powers)

3) Richard Powers
(statistical tie with Jerry Peroutka)

5) Chris Mills



Update!



6) Diane Benzek

7) Mike Killian

8) Hugh Toohill

9) Trisha Mills

10) Walt Riddle







More Saluki's Please! 
 |





Saturday March
17 HSPD! What
better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than
with a great but grainy shot of the Chapel at Long Point Cemetery in
Wapella.  Well you could also slide over to St. Patrick's Hall
where the Parish Priest, Fr. Patrick Henehan will be hosting a St.
Patrick's shindig after Mass on Sunday.  All are welcome, and
please thank the very Irish Reverend for playing host to this
event.  Thanks George Spray for this clipping, now...does anyone
have an original of the Church/Chapel at Long Point? 
 |











Tuesday March
13  Wapella.com celebrates no mention of RJ Ryan's Colon for 1
more
year.  Repeat after me I
will not talk about intestines, colons or bowels for 1 more year. 
But I will post a picture of the colon holder in question, in a natural
position.  Absolutely 0 Points awarded for identifying these three
armchair and one contemplative combine mechanics.  
 |









Monday March 12
Wild Rover is back.  And has this update
from a huge weekend in Hog City (even if many Wildcats were in
Heyworth)  




As predicted, Buddy's annual bash
brought Hog City to capacity level of excitement, as I'm not sure I've
seen a swell of big names this size in one place since last year's
festivities. The highlights are many, and the pace was frenetic, so
let's go over the happenings: 

(a special thanks to HoosierGato for
duly reminding me to take notes throughout the night's festivities)

First of all, it was great to see
everyone out at the benefit, especially for this cause, and great see
everyone's generous spirit as far as fund-raising is concerned.
Wapella.com thanks all past and present Wildcats who made it out to
support this cause! Thanks to the entire Ryan clan and all the
volunteers who helped make this a worthy event. Speaking of volunteers,
Francis Powers and Mark Curi stalked that auction floor with the
ferocity of jungle cats, and all the poise of one as well. Always cool
under fire, three cheers for Big P and Big C!

-- The cast of famous faces is too
staggering to go over completely, but let's see what I can
remember…..Loads of Wapella.com contributors on sight, but at the risk
of revealing secret identities, those present will remain anon. 

-- Always good to see Al Weinheimer,
Dennis Toohill, Donnie Nelson (where were DN and RTR, two Circle no
shows?) the brothers Powers and the brothers Quaid livening up the
joint. Where was the cleaning girl, though? What about that promised
appearance by our man Wojciech? Shannon Tweed? (BEP has proposed an
idea that may get the crowds in to Hog City again - An ST Film
festival. Kicking off with either Hard Vice or Night Eyes 3, and a
proposed trip back to San Jose, this one will be a true winner) 

-- Several patrons expressed interest in
seeing a completion of the proposed book on the Wapella tornado of
1968. Wapella legend Steve Schmid gave a few vivid details that led me
to agree, we need to try to push this one forward. Speaking of, if you
happen to run into Steve, but him a beer, as he laid up at the moment
with a bad paw. Might make him feel better.

-- LP Toohill celebrated the unlikely
Cardinals victory this past year, but I think he said he likes The Cubs
chances this year. 

-- Two swaggering men from the north
made it down, as they did last year - thanks to Jamie Deffenbaugh and
Tim Powell (a long time Wapella fave) for keeping the crowd
entertained, and Tim for keeping the Otero beef jerky flowing at the
Legion.

-- Three cheers for the Beach Boys,
Leonard and Jerry, for being generous in spirit with the lager, and for
coming out to support the hometown cause!

-- Tim Carroll arrived looking dapper
and celebrated long into the evening with Toohill relatives. TC may be
the best dancer south of County Cook, and also enjoyed the Otero beef
jerky.

-- Brad and Janelle Thomas classed
things up a notch or two by going the distance on this night as well.
Always good to see them out and about in Hog City, and this night was
no exception.

-- There seemed to be an abundance of
expectant mothers in the house, including Jackie (Toohill) Deffenbaugh,
Suzanna (Morris) Holland, and Leah Powell. There has also been a rash
of babies born as of late (see announcements) which seems to suggest a
pattern in Wildcat breeding. Free beers to anyone who can solve the
riddle of the workings of Wildcat procreation phenom.

-- Wapella's military presence was
represented by Sgt. John Earl Wheat. Wheat kicked off the night by
chauffeuring a carload of Wildcats to the benefit, and helped wind down
the night by stalking Teresa Curi, and then completed the stunning hat
trick with the classy move of going to his car and returning with a
block of Guinness-flavored cheese for everyone to enjoy after drinking
all night long. A true Renaissance man. Three cheers for JEW!

-- Who should waltz into the Irish
Circle late into the evening but the tandem of Raymond Toohill and the
three-times-in-as-many-weeks-mentioned Paul Roesch. 

PBR may well be mentioned every week
from now on, from dancing on the tables, to good conversation, PBR
makes Wapella proud! 

-- The Chicago presence was strong all
night as well. Official dual citizen Mark Curi kept the beers flowing
all night long, and the Curi brothers and various Ryan relatives were
running a pool hustling clinic from about Midnight on, at the Green
Ring. They also kept bartender Reed "Kodiak" Marten in business by
ordering pizza after pizza and tankards of cold drinks. When in the
Circle,
order as much food as you can. Reed enjoys nothing more than cooking.
Tip him well. 

-- The belle of the ball may well have
been young Mrs. Teresa O'Brien. Though the feisty O'Brien insisted on
bringing up Danville and it's famous residents as well as her love for
some questionable films, she managed to set many hearts aflutter by
celebrating the nickname "Suitcase" and by frowning on the lower back
tattoos of today's youth. Simply adorable on all counts, you are
welcome in Wapella anytime, OB.

-- Where was Lionel Richie? With the
face time he's received on W.com of late, I expected the night to wind
down to slow-dancing to "Hello" rather than the sounds of elderly wet
coughing coming from near the joker poker machines.

At night's end, why no one was game for
a little combo of Dixie biscuits and gravy and corn beef hash (except
maybe TRC) I will never know, but sadly, the night ended and everyone
parted ways. Wapella residents and The Circle HQ patrons will no doubt
be suffering postpartum for weeks now, as it will be awhile (maybe even
a year) until Hog City is graced by such a fun crowd as was spotted
this past weekend. Thanks again all, and add your thoughts on the night
to the forum.


What
more could you want?  
 |








Wednesday March
7 Urgent message!  Lionel Richie
graduated from Joliet
Townhip High School in 1967.  Yes, the lead singer from the
Commodores went to high school a meer 90 minutes from Hog City, in
another town that could aptly be named Hog City.  Apparently the
great crooner was on the Tennis Team at Joliet, and also played some
Tennis (and picked up the Sax) at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama for
College.  Who else in Central Illinois can croon like Lionel?
 |











Tuesday March 6
Beat Bellflower in Concert.  Ever wanted to stick
it to the Bellflower Dragons, see a presidential candidate and support
clean colons all at the same time?  Well here is your chance...one
of our top contributors, Beat Belllflower Day, WHS 1985 will be making
a healthcare
finance presentation at the Chicago Federal Reserve along with
former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson on Thursday March 15 from 8am
to 1:30pm and Wapella.com has tickets available.  Yes, they are
being scalped for well above list price, but we are going to offer one
ticket, starting at $1 on an eBay auction and donate the proceeds to
Buddy Ryan's Colon Blowout.  That is right, all proceeds from this
historic presentation with a man who could be our next president, and a
man who holds the assist record at WHS Basketball will be donated to
this fine charity.  Auction
begins right here!  How much will
you pay to here the WHS Assist Record Holder talk about Healthcare
Finance? 
 |







Monday March 5
New column adds some pepper to Wapella's soup.  Long time contributor
to Wapella.com and local man about town EEP has taken up a column (soon
to be picked up by the Chicago Tribune, we think)   Here is:


The
Wild Rover: A new weekly feature on faces spotted about town
and the current happenings of the village.

Wapella.com was out and about in God's
country this weekend, and here's what's worth reporting:

- The Green Ring got lively on Friday
night, as it hosted a get-together of some of Wapella finest,
post-Clinton Maroons alumni basketball game. Normally, a Clinton
basketball game is no reason to celebrate much of anything, let alone
in Wapella, but in this case, a who's who of past Wapella talent walked
through the door this night.

Spotted in the crowd: Raymond
"Derbingle" Toohill and lovely bride, CHS hoops legend Martina (who
we're told, still has game) WHS hoops legend Joe Debauche and bride,
sister Dusty DeBauche and husband: the always dashing Dave Killian (who
definitely has dual Wapella/Clinton citizenship due to parentage) Paul
"did you put my name on the website?" Roesch (that's two PR sightings
in the last month, folks!) Amy Gaherty (daughter of Barney,
granddaughter of Bing) and the "regulars" among several others. The
lager flowed, the tunes were loud, and the vibe was celebratory. Well
done, all!

- Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader
results: Wapella 1, Waynesville 0. Next time you see Circle bartender
Reid Martin, remind him not to go against Circle patrons; a Kodiak Bear
is not bigger than a Polar Bear! That's one for WHS!!!!!

 - Congrats to the aforementioned
Amy
Gaherty on her upcoming nuptials. Will there be a celebratory
Gaherty/Toohill brawl in heaven on the date of?

- Some lively Cubs/Cardinals debate on
the upcoming season spearheaded by Ramone T and Joe DeB. What do you
think?

- Look out this weekend Wapella!
Saturday is the annual Buddy Ryan bash, and characters are sure to be
out and about. Get spotted and maybe YOU will get your name on
Wapella.com. Comments on our new
column? 

 |








Thursday March 1
Adding some fiction...The 2005 publication Heavenly
City
was certainly influenced by Raymond "Buddy" Ryan with his high energy
relationship with Churches and cemeteries, and included a rather
long winded thank you to Buddy as well as Andrew Lloyd Weber, the
English Musical producer, who provided an outline and recommended
photographer for the book.   I add one copy of Heavenly City
to the Bill of Auction for Buddy's colon blowout.  Group Question:
What other muscial productions was Bud Ryan involved with over the
years?  How would you describe Buddy's relationship with Tim
Rice?  Elton John?  Phil Lighthall?  Did Buddy potray
Juan Peron's tempramental, but lovable, brother-in-law Hector in Evita?

 |









Monday February
26 Get your colon blown!  Buddy Ryan auction announced.  Need some
irrigation on you long intestine?  Maybe you can't get any on the
street, but you can sure get it at the American Legion Hall in Heyworth
on March 10, all in honor of Raymond "Buddy" Ryan and his celebrated
colon.  This should set your intestines in action




3 sets of cubs vs cards tix(1 game in st. louis/ 2 games in chgo)
Chicago  bulls Tix; 
Chicago White Sox Tix; 
Notre Dame vs. USC Football; 
Nascar tix; 
Apple I-pod; 
"Chief" Illiniwek wear; 
Overnight packages
Restaurant certs.; 
Page of a day with State Senator Bill Brady
Historic T-shirt signed by former illini Andy Kaufman; 
Irish baskets
2- 14 person suites at U.S Cellular coliseum in Bloomington
Chicago Bears preseason tix.
Dream Day with Pete Toohill
Certificates for 3 dozen doughnuts at wapella caseys
1 blizzard  cake from Clinton DQ
3 lunch passes  for Clinton Pizza Hut

Bid high and bid often...these items are sure to bring a big number fans.  Any more on Wilson Townships finest?  |



Saturday February 24 Some of the most serene places in Wapella are of course the cemeteries that surround the Village. 
Wapella.com had the good fortune to visit Sugar Creek, Long Point, and St. Patrick's graveyards on Friday, and was duly impressed with the
upkeep and appearance of all three.   Does anyone have photos of the three cemeteries mentioned above and Crum and any others we may
be missing?  We would be glad to post them on this site. 

Here is a listing from Long Point, about a young boy who would most likely be the uncle of Deadwood's famous Al Swearingen



James M. Swearingen
b. Jan. 22, 1853 d. Sept. 5, 1855



You can email photos to
Wapella.com here



Anyone have photos?
 |





Tuesday February 20 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Ronald L.
"Ronnie" Fryman.  Fryman, 70, a Wapella Wildcat of
legendary status, was regarded as one of the community stalwarts,
maintaining a lifetime dedication to hard work, great knowledge of
community and the environment, and a true dedication to his neighbors
and freinds and his civic duty as a great representative of the
Village.  After retiring from a carreer in metalworking, Fryman
spent many years as an arborist in Wapella, and made great strides
towards beautification of the Village while conserving the land and
canopy of the surronding area.  In testimonials sent to
Wapella.com, Fryman has been described as a "serious man with a great
sense of humor", a "true class act", and "the one guy that makes me
believe in the common sense of people in Wapella". Fryman will be
heralded by generations of future Wildcats as a man with a great sense
of equity and respect for the past and generous preparation for the
future.  Hats off please for the father of four Wapella Wildcats
(Shelly, Kim, Kelly, and Derek) and husband of 1 Wapella Wildcat
(Shari).  All flags half mast please for Ronnie Fryman.







Monday February 19 Welcome Logan Michael Mills.  Son of
Chris and Brooke Mills, Logan Michael was born at 9:06 weighed 8lbs 15oz and 20.5
inches.  Big question for Chris...will you also have children
named McLean, Piatt, and Macon to account for all the neighboring
counties?  Three cheers for Logan Michael Mills!
 |



Monday February 19 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Dick Sage.  Sage
was best known in Wapella as the Prairie Farms milkman, who delivered
great cheer along with the dairy products for 20 years in Hog City and
vicinity. Sage was truly a pleasant man who established a fine milk-run
business with untold dedication to his customers and friends along his
route.  A Chicago Cubs fan, Sage was on of the pillars of the
LeRoy community, and welcomed Wildcats to the Panther area in the same
genial way that Dick was always welcome in Wapella.  His wife
Pearl preceded his passing in 2000.  Wapella will miss the
congenial visits of Richard L. "Cubbie"  Sage. 



Monday February 19  For once in a blue moon, good
work by the Pantagraph.  Excellent photos
here of firefighting in Randolph Township.  Great cooperation
by rural firefighters, despite the loss of the home, no one was
injured.  A round of applause for Mr. Pantagraph for first-hand
reporting and clean editorial in your news copy.  







Saturday February 17 Wapella.com Sends a Huge Round of Applause
to WHS 1976 Grad William Hugh Toohill as he enters the sacrament of
marriage in Granite City today.  Toohill, is the 1974 MVP of
Wildcat
Basketball, second runner up for 1975 Homecoming King,  former SIU
Saluki, and multidegreed ISU Redbird.  I-55
will be packed today with a herd of Wildcats headed to Madison County
to shake the hand of the former Wildcat Great.  See if you can
talk Huey into coming up and scooping some snow.  Three Cheers for William Hugh!
 | 





Tuesday February 13 Snowstorm
Hits Wapella.  Wapella to Hit Back!. While the Panatagraph
bemoans the pitiable surrounding rural communities in their long term
strategy to demand the country towns to bow down to Bloomington as
Chicago demands from the suburbs, I have rationalized a plan.  Any
Pantagraph story where residents of DeWitt County use terms such as
"Reckon" "Heck" or "Dangnabit" should be loaded with comments showing
the good nature and good sense of Hog City.  I refuse to publish
the link to stupid Pantagraph story about snow falling in DeWitt County
coming as a suprise to the County ESDA, but be on watch (now taking the
voice of Festus from Gunsmoke, when he is really angry) Mr. Pantagraph,
Hog City is on the rise and has been for 152 years.  Can Wapella
dig out of a 6 inch snowstorm?  Dagnabbit, I don't know. 
 | 







Sunday February 11 Wapella.com mourns
the passing of Evelyn
Stevens.  Evelyn, the widow of Wapella farmer Warren
Stevens died January 11, 2007.  Eveleyn is survived by her son the
great Dean (Sharon) Stevens, and Wildcat grandchildren Damon and Darci
Stevens (Friedlund).  Wapella.com salutes Evelyn and the Stevens
family. 



 All apologies for the late notice.



Saturday February 10th Welcome 6lb 6oz daughter of Wildcat Anne
(Roesch) and Shannon Leischner.  The Baby Girl's name to
be added soon, your suggestions please in the comments.  Congrats
Anne! Names? 
 | 





Wednesday February 7  Anyone seen the Alton Pirates?  Mendota
Raiders? Maroa Bushwackers?  An astute reader in Kansas
brings to our attention that many of historys great characters are
connected in Illinois.  Specifically, the Pirate Jean LaFitte,
seems to have retired in Alton, Illinois in the 1820's, after gaining
his pardon at the Battle of New Orleans.  Many know that Bill
Quantrill, the bloody raider was a native of Mendota, and the notorious
Black Bart was (naturally) from Maroa.  Of course Wyatt Earp was
from Monmouth and by some accounts ran an establishment in Peoria when
he claims to have been a lawman in Dodge City.  Who else? 
Any great characters from the Old West from Ziegler?  Havana?
Royal? Robinson? Or take it home to Hog City, Heyworth, Waynesville, or
Clinton?  
 | 







Monday February 5.  Wapella.com mourns the passing of Fern
Leggett.  Leggett was born was
born April 13, 1901 celebrated 105 years as the one of the grand ladies
of Wapella.  All of Wapella pays respect to the Fern Legget's
legacy as matriarch of one of the most pleasant and great families in
the Village.   



Friday February 2 New Book on Wapella Being Produced!  Thought
you had seen the last of Wapella based publishing projects?  Not
even close.  Our top contributor David Taylor, the civic minded
gentleman that always remembers birthdays for Wapella greats, tells us
that he is looking to put together a photohistory of the Wapella
Tornado, showing the Hog City before and after the cyclone tore
through.  So, (Welcome home George!) George Spray, class of 1948,
do
you have any shots of the fair village around that time?  How
about other shooters?  Anyone have pix?  How about a few
yarns...Jim Hull, I know you have a good one.  Brian Schanafelt
flying over RT 51 like Dorothy in Oz etc.  David will produce
this, and we will certainly be glad to gather your shots on the
Wapella.com website.   Pictures?  Tall Tales?
Recollections of Flinstones
episodes playing at 5PM on that fateful day? 
 | 

  





Tuesday January 30 Wapella.com salutes Bing Devine. First
announced in the comments section, former St. Louis Baseball Cardinal
GM Vaughn P. Bing Devine has died at age 90.  Devine was GM of the
Cards in 1958-1964, then again from 1968-1978 claiming three pennants
and two World Series titles during his tenure.  Most famously
Devine poached hall-of-famer Lou Brock, stolen base champion (and
inventor of the Brock-a-Brella) from the Cubs in the steal of the
century for Ernie Broglio.  A former pro baseball and college
basketball player himself, Devine rounded out as the President of the
St. Louis Football Cardinals from 1981 to 1986.  A US Navy Veteran
of WWII, all flags 1/2 mast please for Bing Devine..  



Sunday January 21 Wapella Man with Big Hands tells it like it is. 
Now that gas has dropped below $2 a gallon,
the Pantagraph has noticed that gas was higher than $3 sometime in
2006, prompting a profile of local interest in the Ethanol industry,
centered around Wapella, which has no ethanol production, aside from a
few stills in Zabriska making potable ethanol.    The
story is sort of pedestrian, with a few analytical remarks from Jim
Powers, Steve Davenport, and Martin "Pete" Toohill,  ending up
with a sort of consensus that Wapella is the center of high level
research and thinking in renewable fuels, persuasive rhetoric, gourmet
snacks, and high fashion from the looks of Toohill, Gordon Douglas,
Davenport, and especially Jimmy Powers-who looks like he just walked
off a runway in Milan.  Also noted, Davenport, Powers, and Douglas
are glued to Toohill's oratory as if this is the first time they have
heard such an economics lesson.  May the country gentry learn from
the great one!







Does anyone have insight on what Toohill was explaining when the
flashbulb snapped?  How many times has Pete been in a professional
photoshoot?  Did Tate and Lyle manager Greg Toohill get a
commission for product placement on this shoot?  And where is
former Pantagraph Lead Photographer, and WHS 1945 Grad, George Spray
when you need him?  
 | 



Sidebar here...Thumbs down for Moore-Warner Advert (below), one of the
most respected and successful names in DeWitt County History try to
glom on to Toohill's roundable with a clever marketing gimmick. 
You might think that an obsolete corncrib in disrepair and in need of a
good paintjob would not be much of a sales promo for your farm
management services.  Heads up Moore-Warner, poor maintenance is
not going to get you off the ground in Hog City.  







Sunday January 21. Showdown on I-65. Congrats Bears and Colts.  Indiana
vs. Illinois for the World Championship.  Almost reaches our
tagline here at Hogcity.com, it all boiling down to Wapella vs.
Clinton. 


 | 





Thursday January 18 Breaking
News: Buddy Ryan Colon Festival announced for 2007.  Wapella.com
received what looked to be a multi level marketing flier from a Italian
gentleman today.  Lo and behold, just before sending it to the
garbage, we noticed it was from none other than Buddy's son-in-law and
Dick Williams lookalike Mark Curi, with great news that all of Central
Illinois will again hold tribute to Raymond Ryan's fabled colon on this
March 10.  You will be treated to a live auction, pit-bull fights,
bare knuckle boxing, Vodka drinking competitions with an honorary
Russian from LeRoy, Edvard Donovinovich, and so forth.  Come on
over to the legion to talk some smack about Buddy's intestines. 
What other body parts of Wilson Township celebrities would you like to
talk about?  Do you recall Phil Lighthall? 
 | 







Tuesday January 16 Lest we forget. 
The 1985 World Champs Appeared in this Rap/Disco Video







EEP, can you really call these guys "likable" at any position
other than the bottom of  the Top 40? 


 | 



Monday January 15 Wapella.com applauds
the
Chicago Bears.  Yes, the applause would have been louder
if they never left Decatur, but Soy City may have enough talent even
without Rex Grossman and the 14-3 Monsters of the Midway.  Sure
the Bears benched an 8-0 quarterback last year, only to lose the next
two games and kill their playoff, but this year, they have been pulling
out some Victory's.  And I am guessing there is not a single
reader out there that doesn't like this years Bears more than the
super-annoying 1985 World Champs with their Disco-Rap and cartoonish
personalities (the truly great Walter Payton excepted).  So do you
think the Bears have a shot at a superbowl?  Here is a shot of the
World Champion 1921 Decatur Staleys.  For 2 points, what Wapella
Great played for the Staleys?   For a tip-in, name some
Wapella Greats that did not play for the Staleys.
 | 









Tuesday January 9 Wapella.com mourns the
passing of Paul Ives.  Wapella community leader Paul Ives
has died at age 89.  Ives, a former schoolteacher was a greatly
respected farmer in the Western reaches of the Wapella countryside,
Paul was regarded as an expert on farm issues serving on the Board at
IAA and being active in the Farm Bureau.  Paul is survived by his
son Tom in Wapella and daugher Karen in Arcola.  All flags half
mast for US Army Air Corps Veteran of WWII, Paul Scott Ives.







Friday January 5 KJ Case Solved: Without a
dry eye in the house! Talk about your unsolved and nearly
unsolvable mysteries, the KJ 1978 WHS class ring rings in the New Year
with an unbelievable story of the lengths people will go to do the
right thing.  A suprise call last night from none other than Linda
Jackson, former WHS Bus Driver and one of the leading ladies in Wapella
History, resolved the KJ class ring saga in grand style.  Twenty
Seven years ago, a cast of Wapella celebrities including Don Hoffman,
Paul Schmid and of course Keith Jackson took a fun-filled, whitewater
rafting trip in Wisconsin, that within all the action, resulted in
Keith losing his ring while on a high speed raft.  As Linda
desribed it, a chance post to Illinois Glory Days, a frantic call to a
Wisconsinite that used to live in Wapella (Lori Wiseman) and the
inevitable contact with Wanda Lee, brought Linda into contact with
Lorie McDonald in November of 2006 to make arrangements for the ring's
return to Hog City.



Next up, a health problem in McDonald's family prevented the return of
the ring, prompting Linda to write off one of the most valuable archive
materials in the Hog City tapestry.  Multiple calls, no response,
and no ring arrived as of 6PM on Christmas Eve, a Sunday if you recall,
but just one chance.  Karen Anderson the Wapella Postmaster 
happened to be sitting behind LJ at Church service on Christmas eve,
and with a tap on the should, Linda received the long gone ring that
happened to arrive in the sort bin at the Wapella Post Office that
morning.



Opening gifts at the Jackson home, Keith held off until the very end to
open his small package, where he was amazed to receive his own class
ring back after 27 years of disappearance.  As Linda put it, "we
looked around and Grandma was teared up, Kenneth was bawling like a
child, and even
Keith got a little moisture in his eye" when this memento of Keith's
WHS Days found its way home.  Three Cheers for Illinois Glory
Days, Lorie McDonald and Postmaster Karen Anderson for the perfect
Christmas homecoming!


 | 



Monday January 1 I split the page up. 
It was getting too
big.  For older stories, go to the ARCHIVE.  Some of
them are really ridiculous, but mildly amusing; others are mildly
amusing, but even more ridiculous.  I noticed that I have put up a
lot of pictures of older, but not antique American Cars over the last
year.  Here is a 1985 Dodge Diplomat to start off 2007 with a
1980's classic. Any more comments
about KJ?


 | 



Thursday December 28 Who is the Lord of this Ring?  This
info from our good friends at Illinois Glory
Days and the uncle of the original owner of this ring:



Class
Ring Found


I am hoping for a response. We run a
rafting outfit on the wolf river in northern Wisconsin. We recently
found a class ring on our property by the river. It has Wapella H.S. on
it.....Basketball on the side......a cat on the other side.......the
initials K. J. ........graduating date of 1978.....and it is a males
ring. There is no engraving on the inside. Any help would be
appreciated. Finding the owner of this ring would be great. I see the
school is now closed.

Thank
you for any help, Lorie
MacDonald  







Now pretty much anyone reading this knows who the owner of the Ring
is.  But there must be more to the story.  No way could it
all be that simple where a KJ from WHS loses his ring and someone with
the unlikely name of Lorie MacDonald finds it out.  Any
speculation? Embellishment? Grains of Truth? Pure Fiction?


 | 








Friday December 22 Let the Bon Temps Rollez! Why all the
French, well in celebration of the most Bourbon of American Cars the
Mercury Grand Marquis, of course.  Was perusing the Chicago Board of Trade Website today (it is very
good, especially when Corn is over $3.50 a bushel), and recalled what
happened when soybeans hit $10 a bushel , yup, you got it, all the
farmers went out an bought luxury cars, notably the Mercury Grand
Marquis.  I can recall



1) Lawrence "Shorty" Olson with a big Gold 4 Door

2) JL "Rod" Powers with a emerald green Police Interceptor

3) James "Slim" Mollet with auburn cruiser

4) Edward C Schmid bucking the trend with a big black Lincoln
Continnental



What other cars can you recall that the noveau riche splurged on
that year?  You can be sure that Charlie Finfrock gazing at his
lucky stars as Soybeans went through the roof.
 | 











Tuesday Deceber 19 Meeting in Wapella.  Our loyal readers
constituents have demanded a meeting near Christmas to discuss buried
cable, AJ Weinheimer, deer sausage, among other things (the catering
lady, perhaps).  What is a good time and date?  Convening
conveniently at the Northside Green Ring.  Your thoughts? 


 | 





Friday December 15  What would Al do?  In response to
the demands of our readers, we have invoked the name of the patron of
contract work, AJ Weinheimer, in the discussion of buried cables. 
Tell us, o' great one, could American Cleaning and Restoration lay some
cable in Hog City for less than $1 Million a mile?  I have come up
with a slogan Ameren's work



"We cheat the other guy, and pass the
savings on to you"



That has got to be worth at least $500,000 alone.  Can AJ
compete in this highly charged market?  
 | 





Tuesday December 12 Ameren Responds:  This came in today from an
Ameren spokesman:



The cost of burying
distribution line is about 10 times the cost of building overhead line
-- or about $1 million per mile. In other words, the cost of burying
above ground line would total tens of billions of dollars and take
several decades to complete. The cost impact on customers would be
very significant. In addition, underground is more expensive to
repair and repair times are longer.



So at face value, Ameren has a good
point.  At $1 Million per mile, you would have to do a lot of
repair work to justify the capital expenditure.  So in Hog City
tradition, I called up a contractor that lays eletrical cable for
utility companies, who quoted me at $36,000 per mile.  Thus, I can
mark up his costs 100% (to $72,000) and still clear $928,000 per mile
by selling services to Ameren.  Am I calculating something
wrong?  Or is this a hugely lucrative business?  Does Ameren
really pay $1 Million per mile of cable laid?  Can anyone explain
the discrepancy? 
 | 

  



Monday December 11 An Open Letter to Ameren CEO Gary L.
Rainwater.  After a heated discussion with the Board of
Wapella Historians, Wapella.com has drafted an open letter to Ameren
CEO Gary L. Rainwater.  Our board seldom ventures beyond the
ridiculous, but given the 8 day power outage in Hog City, we have
declared above ground power lines to be completely ridiculous in the
21st century.  So:



Dear Gary L Rainwater,



We would like to express our sincere
appreciation for the hard work of Ameren employees in restoring power
to Wapella and the rest of the Ameren service area.  The efforts
of your team were truly dedicated to bringing power to the customer and
have won them a heartfelt thanks from the entire community. 
However, the question is coming up, why are we still suffering outages
from ice on power lines, nearly 100 years after these power lines were
installed?  How much would it cost to bury power lines throughout
Wapella and the surrounding area?  How does the cost of burying
power lines compare with the cost of restoring service and installing
new overhead lines.  



Casual conversation with recent immigrants
from Poland indicate that most of Poland has had buried power lines for
nearly 60 years.  Yet, most of Illinois, from the richest to the
poorest towns still have overhead lines.   Rather than
waiting for another emergency, would it be possible to perform a more
permanent fix to the problems of facing the drastic weather in Central
Illinois?  What are the numbers?



Sincerely,

The Board of Wapella Historians



Now to the general public, you have any ideas on how to keep this from
happening again?  Isn't Ameren a regulated industry expected to
provide system maintenance and upgrades as part of the bill?  Can
we put some teeth into this request?  Your Thoughts:
 | 





Thursday December 7 Really should take more taxis.  Because
the one I was in today was playing some smooth Jazz on Chicago Station
WNUA, that was not all that bad, so I listened for the artist name,
suprisingly Wayman Tisdale said the DJ, Ramsey Lewis, without
commentary.  Now that is not a common name, but certainly a big
one..so I did a quick search and yes, the Sooner Great Wayman Tisdale
is now a Jazz Guitarist and a good one at that.  Who can forget
ISU nearly upsetting Oklahoma in the NCAA tournery?  Was that Rick
Lamb smacking Wayman around like a G-String?  

Bigger question, can
Wayman play both right handed and left handed guitar..as his signature
style was ambidexterous 20 footers from a 6 ft 10 in power forward,
unheard of at the time except......yes the Wapella connection.  I
will leave it as a quiz.  What Wapella Wildcat Great and former
MVP could shoot from 20ft with either right or left hand with equal
skill?  This is one of the biggest names in Wapella History, and
one of the typcial heroes of WHS basketball.  Can you ID this
great one?  


 | 







 



Tuesday December 4 Wapella Battles Back.  Ameren still has
not got the electricity back on, (nor have they buried the power poles
after having installed the originals nearly 100 years ago). But,
Wapella is not budging. 411/418 customers are without electricity
in  Wapella.com is not the best source of information on
electricity outages (most likely need electricity for your internet
browsing), but welcomes cold Villagers to commiserate in the warm home
of the Wildcats, http://www.wapella.com.  No electricity, but
plenty of power here in Hog City.  Got a warm up? 
 | 







Saturday December 1. Jimtown man honored.  Let's say you
were in the worst neighborhood in Chicago.  A disastorous fire had
destroyed your parochial school in the 1950's, leaving a shell of 
Church, an abandoned rectory, till 50 years of neglect dared a friendly
face dared to walk
down the bitter streets at Grand and Pulaski.  Well, of course,
you would call AJ Weinheimer and American Cleaning to come over and fix
it.  Weinheimer, a 1982 WHS Graduate, and basketball Letterman,
was again honored by Cardinal Francis George of the Archdiocese of
Chicago for his uncommon charity in instatlling new drywall, floors,
and painting at the Mission of Our Lady of Angels, of the Franciscan Friars of the
Renewal,  led by Fr.
Bob Lombardo, CFR.  Wapella.com
was proudly
chosen to document Al's honor so ... here's Al with Cardinal Francis
George, American Cleaning's top drywall man Wojciech, and one of the
catering ladies.







The
Franciscans now have a
warm, dry Mission on the West Side of Chicago to feed the hungry,
clothe the naked and hold daily Mass, courtesy of Wapella's own Allan
Weinheimer.  Good work Al!

Should Al be Nominated for Sainthood?  Your thoughts?

 | 





Saturday December 1, 



Some help please




Oct
16, 2006

 

Someone has taken the tombstone from my
gr-grandfather's gravesite at Long Point Cemetery in Wapella, IL. I am
asking for those who live in the area to keep an eye out for it. It
shows Jas. D. Reynolds, 60 IL INF, Co. F. CW. It is a very nice veined
marble or granite---and oblique in style. The stone is about 4' high.
It is a pretty clean cut from the base. The base is still very visible.

Does anyone know if other stones are being taken?

I am inclined to contact the county sheriff's office. For all I know,
this stone could be sitting in a barn or at a flea market. I live out
of state.



Thank you



Shari Horton, St. Louis MO



Contact







Tuesday November 28  Good shot and a question.  Found this
picture on Tate and Lyle's Site.  Very good overhead of Hog
City.  



Big question, in 1975 or 76, the graduating Senior Girls at WHS
sang a stirring version of the Carpenters' "We've only Just Begun".  How
was this song chosen?  What prompted this outburst of optimism?
Was Joe Hindman involved?  Had the Senior Girls actually only just
begun?  Did the Senior Boys consider singing "Space Trucking" only to find it had
no lyrics?  Your help please 
 | 





Friday November 24  Full salute to the Class 2A Champion
Maroa-Forsyth Trojans.  If there was ever a website that
was all Wapella, all the time, you are there right now.  So you
might ask why would any Wildcat ever bow down to the MF Trojans? 
Well..



1) They are close enough to Wapella to be locals

2) Harold Prawl used to go to Sir Richards in downtown Maroa for
refreshments and to meet new and interesting people

3) I counted at least two Wildcats roaming the charming streets of
Maroa on Thursday, and no harm was done

4) They have one tough football team



Three cheers for our good neighbors in Maroa Forsyth-Champions of Class
2A Football!  Big question..could a reorganized Wapella take them?
 | 













Sunday November 19 Some Came Running to the Irish Circle
Tuesday and Wednesday nights for a pre Thanksgiving sprint. 
Please join the staff of Wapella.com at the Green Ring for High Action
and Adventure.  Here
is how it works:



Tuesday Night 8PM to 9:30.  Ninety minutes of beer, cheer, and
hijinx.  No straggling, no staying over. If you stay past 9:30,
you must stay till close, and will be barred from entrance for 22.5
Hours.



Wednesday Night 8PM to 9:30 PM.  Ninety minutes of feuding,
fighting, and Ship! Captain! Crew!  All must exit at 9:30, or you
will be forced to return Thursday night.  



Expect special guest stars, foreign exchange students, second wives,
mystery shoppers, and mid level celebrities.

 

And the picture? Why that is Frank, Dino, and Shirley McLain in Some Came Running







Please coordinate your trip here 


 | 



Monday November 12 Wapella Featured in December Architectural
Digest.  Don't believe it? Go up to Buck's Superway (or
your favorite bookstore) and take a peek at page 69 of the December
issue of Architectural  Digest, the glossy New York design
magazine.  In between the perfume ads and photos of Nelly Furtado
wearing jewlery (and not much else) is set of photos showcasing the
resdesign of an Aspen Colorado Chalet.  In the lower left photo on
page 69, on the media room wall above the chair on the right hand side
of the photo...a classic print of Chief Wapella, recently rejuvinated
at Ann's Bar on Main Street..  Are there other great designs from
Hog City setting the course for the nation? 
 | 





Saturday November 11 Walk don't Run: If you have Veterans in
your neighborhood, please join Wapella.com in walking over to your
neighbor's house and having a cup of coffee with your local Vet. 
Maybe it's WW2, maybe Korea, Vietnam, Panama, or the Gulf, but it is
certainly a good day for a cup of coffee and a thanks to all Wapella
Veterans that have made Hog City the shining light on the hill that it
is today.  Who do you salute!

 |




Sunday November 5  Long distance
sport teams.  Aside
from the Wapella Wildcats, the entire village of Wapella is divided on
favorite sports teams.  Of course there are the Chicago Cubs, St.
Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears and Bulls, but how about
the longer distance teams?  There are a few, and very selective
sorts that are fanatical on criteria other than distance.  So if I
may lead off with a short list of fan name, and criteria for
fanaticism, please add your favorite



1) AJ Weinheimer-Oakland Raiders Reason:
Friend of Jim's went to Purdue and was drafted by Raiders.  Gave
Al a Raider helmet as a 4th grader.

2) Ryan brothers, Brad Thomas, Powers brothers-Minnesota VIkings Reason: VIkings were much better
team in early 1970's than Cardinals or Bears

3) Clem Toohill Family and Mike Springman -LA Lakers Reason: Lifelong infatuation with
Jerry West, Kurt Rambis and Spencer Haywood.  Late night CBS
Lakers games

4) Mike Gurdler-Miami Dolphins Reason:
Mike likes to vacation in Florida

5) Karen Ledbetter-KC Royals Reason:
Karen was a fan of George Brett

6) Brett Carter-NY Jets Reason:
Jets have a history of beating the spread

7) Ralph Cooper-Houston Astros Reason:
Cooper looked taller in orange uniform



Who do you know that is a sports fan that is not tied to
geography?  Why would they do that?  Wapella.com wants to
know!


 |




Wednesday November 1 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Martin
Stremlau.  Stremlau, of Normal,  the longtime Wapella
District Representative for the Bloomingotn Pantagraph passed at age 55
on Tuesday.  A Mendota native, Stremlau went above and beyond the
call of duty to the Pantagraph in establishing a prescence in 1970's
Wapella as a mentor, musical performer, substitute paperboy, boon
companion, and Churchman.  Stremlau extended the role of
houseguest in Wapella, making his lunch based visits last until dinner,
and made frequent contributions as a chef and vegetable harvester, as
well as a frequent host.  All flags half mast please for 4th
Degree Knight of Columbus and US Navy Veteran Martin J. Stremlau.



Friday October 27th Odd year indeed.  The St. Louis Cardinals have
been crowned World Champions.  Card fans, take you bows,
and continue to duck as the fruit is thrown by the backers of the
perennial losing Cubs, but all of you Cubbies and Redbirds alike must
admit that Weaver looked like some pistolero from LeRoy in about 1983
with his dyed blonde hair, gold chain, and violent disposition towards
victory.  All Hail the Kings of Baseball (till the next season
starts)
 |


.  



Wednesday October 25 Here come the Redbirds.  Taking over
from the threads below, Wapella.com salutes the mighty St. Louis
Cardinals on their smashing the Detroit Tigers last night.  
Here are a couple of shots of Cardinal greats Ken Oberkfell and Whitey
Herzog (with an old-timey horse and buggy) to light a fire under
the Cardinal bats.












Can the
Cardinals pull it
out?  Or will this be a repeat of 1968, where Lolich and McLain
stifled
Gibson and McCarver.  Would anyone just like to stuff McCarver (or
at
least his overly detailed talk about Cup placement)? 


 |






Monday October 23 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Jim Ross. 
Ross a 1944 WHS graduate had one of the most storied career of any
Wapella businessman serving as president of JI Case Tractor Corporation
in Racine Wisconsin.  Always a Wildcat, Ross always remained
connected to Wapella, welcoming visitors from Wapella and and keeping in contact with his
classmates over 50 years after leaving our fair Hog City.  
The next time you see one of those Big Red Tractors, still running
after 40 years of service, please salute Jim Ross and the ingenuity of
a Wapella businessman.



Monday October 23 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Fred
Wickenhauser.  Fred, a well-liked Wapella highway worker
and neighbor, passed away Thursday after a long bout with heart
disease.  His wiife Linda, daugther Cindy, and sons Callan and Jay
and six grandchilren survive him, as do an illustrious list of one of
Wapella's largest and finest families from the Wickenhauser clan:  Betty Shoemaker,
Mary Shaw, both of Clinton; and -the barber- Jack (Rosie) Wickenhauser,
Judy (Cord-the muscleman) Burris and Ruth (Donnie) Nelson.  Fred's
house, strategically located steps from Wapella Grade School and the
playground, made his home the center of years of Wapella social,
outdoor and athletic activity. 
All flags half-mast please for U.S. Army Veteran Frederick Wickenhasuer.



Monday October 16  Wapella.com mourns the passing of Marvin
Haycraft.  Haycraft, a leading Wapella businesman for the
last 50 years, passed away Saturday at age 81.  Marvin Haycraft is
survived by two Wildcat sons Jay and Rex, and his wife of 61 years
Fontella.  Haycraft's family includes his grocery legend sister
Dorothy Haycraft Johnson who now lives in Heyworth.  Marvin held
court daily at the Heyworth Restaurant where he entertained and
enlightened many with his tales of business and his career. 
Marvin's Haycraft's Auction House stands as a proud memorial to the
rebuilding of Wapella after the 1968 Tornado, good business sense, and
a great charitable man who hosted many fundraisers at his place of
business for multiple Wapella causes.  All flags half-mast please
for World War 2 veteran, American Legion member, and VFW member Marvin
Haycraft.



Sunday October 15 Farewell to a
Great.  Country-Rock Legend Freddy Fender has died at age
69.  Born Baldemar
Huerta
in 1937 in San Benito, Texas, he explained many years later. “Since I
was playing a Fender guitar and amplifer, I changed my name to Freddy
Fender.” Fender had some big hits with Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,
Before the Next Teardrop Falls leading the pack. Fender, one of the few
that was A1 on the Jukebox and #1 on the charts, will be remembered as
a staple of the various Wapella musical establishments, with his
mournful Tex-Mex music.  

   



Here are two fine pictues of Freddy Fender with the Texas
Tornados.  Wapella, please take special note of Flaco Jimenez
(looking like Eddie Merida) on Accordian (Fender is the guy in the
background doing a sort of two-step on the left, and holding the Fender
Guitar on the right, kind of looking like Johnny Gardner).  Will
you be there before the next teardrop falls? 

 |







Monday October 2 Big Stars! Where to see them? Do they only come out at
night?







We've all seen them, from Dick Van Dyke's son, Barry, shown here
in full Battlestar Galactica garb, or the Canadian Cowboy Lorne Greene,
also in BG Garb, and who can forget Dan Blocker, who played Eric "Hoss"
Cartwright, son of Lorne Greene in TV's Bonanza, or even Ken "Festus"
Curtis .  So how about genning up a "Brush with Greatness"?
When did famous celebrities and sports figures get the opportunity to
meet with Wapella
greats?  Ever go to the state fair? Plenty of celebrities
there.   I, for one, was lucky enough to eat dinner with a
sportswriter in New York City, while one of the greatest hitters in
modern history had a severe cold, George Brett, entertained us with his
cold cures invollving hot cars and sweating out the poisons.  When have the big names run in
with Hog CIty's finest? 


 |










Sunday September 18 I could be wrong, but didn't he go to WHS? 



From Forbes Magazine



LA PAZ (AFX) - Carlos Villegas
has been sworn in as Bolivia's new hydrocarbons minister replacing
Andrez Soliz, creator of Latin American country's hydrocarbon
nationalisation plan, who resigned Friday amid tensions with Brazil. 



Have you located missing foreign exchange students from Wapella
High School?


 |






Friday September 15    BBD follows up with...Pete LaCock
brings
up an important topic to wapella.com and that is Peter Marshall.  Marshall, among
other
things, known for his tinted lenses.  What members of the Wapella
community
have been known for their tinted lenses?


 |








Wednesday September 12  More Great Stars!  This a
contribution from Beat Bellflower Day. 
Old
questions that may be best vetted by
the .com community…..Who is this man?  Who is his father? 
Which was has the
family’s name and which one changed his name for show business? 
If you
were in show business which name would you choose?


 |










Sunday September 10 When the stars aligned in Danville, 1988.  Picture
this, the #1 most bankable actor in the last 30 years, the #1 TV Star
of all time, and his wildly popular brother, as well as the star of
Francis the Talking Mule and a big time New York Cabaret Singer, all
show up in Danville at the same time.  To make this even bigger,
all of the above mentioned stars are from Danville.  Here they are
at a benefit for the Fischer Theater in Danville.  This should be
an easy one,
but can you name all the stars in Danville on this fateful day? 
 |












Saturday September 2, Wapella woman slightly injured in flying fruit
incident.  While walking down the city sidewalk, Teresa
Ryan Curi, WHS 1982 was clocked in the forehead with a lemon wedge
yesterday on North Wacker Drive in Chicago yesterday.  Ryan, who
has long appreciated a good lemon zest, was profoundly struck by her
good fortune.  "The shrimp cocktail I was snacking on had just
gone flat", claimed the onetime Jimtown resident, "and a smack with a
lemon gave it a lift that lasted me the rest of the afternoon.  I
haven't had such a good lemon squash since the 2003 State Fair". 
What Wapella notable would you like to zing fruit at?  What types
of citrus have you been smacked with recently?  Any notable fruit
throwing incidents? 


 |






Sunday August 27 Yeah, but we have
been doing that in Wapella for ages. 
Long weekend reading the London
Financial Times, Sylvia Jay, Chairwoman of Food
From Britain touts a fine minded program to "Swap Your Home Grown
Produce for  a Couple of Pints" to ignite the lucrative and
rewarding vegetables for ale trade.  Nice try, London, but a
little late, with your second-hand gimmicks-check out comment from RJT
below on trading sweet corn with Bill and Jerry Morris.  How about
a footnote, showing the source of such trade innovations?  



Then, I read the parish bulleting for St. Mary's in
Kenosha, Wisconsin, heralding $50,000 raised at the parish dunk
tank.  Fr. Mike Newman crows "What a great festival we had last
weekend! The Dunk Tank Chairs even persuaded me to joint hte cast of
characters who became "dunkees". I had not done that for 35 years when
iI was an Associate Pastor. I am grateful that most of the dunkers were
in grade school.  No wonder I always sank to the bottom" 
Good effort Padre, but hasn't the Dunk Tank been a staple in Wapella
since 1969 its creation rating as the #1 event in Wapella
history?  Again, how about a little credit to the true innovators
down in Hog City? 


 |




Wednesday August 23 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Chuck
Mandrell.  Charles "Chuck" Mandrell, a long-time resident
of Wapella, and great supporter and friend of the the Village, father
of Rachell and Lindsay Mandrell, was married to Wapella's own Ann
Campbell.  Though not a graduate of WHS, Chuck was well connected
in Wapella, being the nephew of Wapella Great Eugene "Hook" Mandrell,
and occasionally performed in a the Jimmy Holland Stage Review. 
By a unanimous vote of the Board of Wapella Historians, and for the
first time in the history of Wapella.com, in honor of a fine friend,
pleasant guy, and good neighbor, Chuck Mandrell has been declared an
Honorary Wapella Wildcat.  All flags half mast for US Navy Veteran
Chuck Mandrell.  



Sunday August 20 Mind Boggling WHS Quiz!  Again the theme
of DeWitt County and Manhattan comes up in this cryptic puzzler. 
There is one person from Wapella currently living in Manhattan, New
York, but this person did not graduate from Wapella High School. 
There is another person who graduated from Wapella High School living
in Manhattan.  This proud Wildcat was a member of the WHS
Basketball and Baseball Teams, but would not be considered as being
"from Wapella".  Can you name these two residents of the Big
Apple? And remember, only one is actually a Wildcat. 
 |



Thursday August 17 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Wanda Bray.  The
wife of Merle Bray and mother of Sharon Ryan and Corwin "Jack" Bray,
was a longtime Wapella resident and member of the Wapella Christian
Church.  Mrs. Bray was a great supporter of Wapella, and
grandmatronly fixture at Wapella holidays, potlucks, and family
events and a much beloved cook in the Wapella Grade School lunchroom
for many years.  Counting her in-laws, Mrs Bray was related to at
least
1/2 the town of Wapella, all flags at half-mast please.



Tuesday, August 15 All roads lead to Kenney.  While taking
a quick tour of the below Church in New York City, 







I was approached by
the organist, a native New Yorker.  I told him I was from central
Illinois.  He mentioned that he worked in Central Illinois for a
while, and wanted to know if I had ever been to St. John's in Clinton,
which of course I had.  He then mentioned that he was acquainted
with Fr. Robert Hoffman (Hoffman owed him money for a Canasta game gone
wrong or something), and had worked in Kenney for a few years as an
organ repair man at the Rybolt Organ Factory.  He ran off a list
of names, including Joe and Jan Ruyhle, the Cyriluk family, and many
others from the area that he had become friends with.  The
organist, Mr. Richard Sawicki, then mentioned that he did a search to
find Fr. Hoffman recently, and found his anniversary information on Wapella.com, and now is a daily
reader.  So greetings to one of the few New Yorkers lucky enough
to live in Kenney for a short while.  Welcome to Wapella! Any here
ever been to Kenney organ factory? Joe and Jan's place? 
 |





Thursday August 10 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Teresa Imig. 
Imig, a key member of the Wapella and DeWitt County education
community, substitute taught for long periods of time at many Wapella
eductional levels.  Her husband, Richard "Rick" Imig, is the most
celebrated coach, teacher and administrator to ever grace the halls at
Wapella High.  Mrs. Imig was a great leader and supporter of
education in the community.  All flags half-mast please.

 

Sunday August 6 Scandal! If David Holt wrote this listing, for the
DeWitt County Constitution, (first he might correct my spelling
errors, if he has Barrellhead in his spellchecker), then he might note that the
celebrity roast held at
the Donovan reunion Saturday at the Heyworth Legion was a bit of a Scandal.  Fraud at a family
reunion you must ask? Well yes, Jerry Ryan WHS 54, while purporting to
be celebrating his 70th birthday, actually had it some time ago, but
chose a family gathering to bask in the adulation of his relatives who
gave his chestnuts a good roasting and full throated  laughs in
between imbibing cold lager, fried poultry and the traditional Irish
drink of CR with RC.  Jerry, the tall one of the illustrious Ryan
brothers (cigars rather than cigarettes, most likely), put up with some
dirty limericks, tall tales, and intimate profiles quite well, and
asked for more where that came from.  A hearty thanks to the men
in blue at the Heyworth Legion for preparing a fine meal and hospitable
service for a cantankerous crew from Wapelloo.  Happy 70th Jerry from the
entire staff at Wapella.com!  Anyone have any blue stories about
Jerry Ryan?  How about identifying the official drink of Irish
Row, RC with CR? (yes that is Joey Ryan covering his Barrellhead with
the straw hat) 
 (come
to think of it, "Barrellhead" and "Goon" are two of the only words that
are definitely in the DeWitt County Consitution spellchecker)  |











Tuesday August 1 A High Level Study is Needed for the proposed
publication From the Back of the
Trunk: The Melon Trade in Wapella 1836-1971.  Your assistance needed.  The
Melon Trade, a stalwart of Wapella commerce for over 100 years, was
once a major employer and trade catalyst in the greater DeWitt County
economy.   But just as soon as it appeared, at the time of
the completion of the Chicago River Canal, it quietly disappeared,
concurrent to the Goat Rodeo season in our fair village.  What
prompted this change?  What was the role of Checkers Gray?
Sunshine Rousey?  The Catholic Church? Was the melon trade tied
into the Oyster Market, seasonally fueling high spirits and high
cholesterol through the village?  Jack Smock? Why were so many
mysterious Saturday's spent in Havana Illinois securing melons for
trade in Wapella?  And why Wapella?  How many melons were
eaten per person in this era?  Can anyone help?
 |







Saturday July 22 The day Oscar wept.  Character actor Jack
Warden has died.  Warden, best known in Wapella for his gritty
potrayal of Morris Buttermaker in the TV Show "The Bad News
Bears".  A veteran of over 100 movies roles,  as well as a
miliary veteran serving in the 101st Airborne in WW2, Warden played
roles ranging from the President of the United States in Being There,
to a crusty plains hunter in Charles Bronson's "The White
Buffalo".  Warden, even had the honor of potraying a man from
Decatur, in the classic football tearjerker, Brian's Song, putting on a
tour-de-force as George Halas.  The Wapella Connection? Readily
apparent if you ever played Khoury League Baseball, Warden's Bad News
Bears were idolized for their grit, determinations, and rag-tag talent,
and Warden's striking resemblance to Frank Springman. Half mast flags
please for Jack Warden.




 |



.  



Wednesday July 20 Not to turn this into a See-And-Be-Seen column-but
a certain two gentleman from Irish Row were seen dining together at La
Gondola in Bloomington yesterday, wary of the inevitable glow from the
flashbulbs of the local paparazzi.  These possible prophets, one
being the 9th son of a 7th son,  and the other the 7th son of a
6th son pulled off this hush-hush meeting with the panache and pizzaz
that you can only expect from two Wildcat Celebrities.  The 7th
son? None other than Dennis "T-Bird" Toohill, restraining himself with
a child's size fettucine with pesto.  The 9th son? Well that would
be Dave "The Roadrunner" Karr taking the classic Gondola sandwich to
task.  Wapella.com would give its last dollar to have been one of
the flies on the wall during this historic lunch.  Speculation
about the conversation?  


 |





Thursday July 13 Wapella.com mourns the passing of Helen O'Brien
Killian.  Helen O. Killian, the Matriarch of Wapella, died
yesterday at 9:20 AM at age 96.  Mrs. Killian, the wife of John
"Stormy" Killian, taught school in Wapella for many years, as well as
farming in DeWitt and McLean Counties.  Helen was perhaps best
known as the Chairman of the First National Bank and Trust
Company  in Clinton, where she
oversaw the growth and performance of the financial institution for 30
years.  Mrs. Killian, graduated from Illinois State University in
Normal when it was known as State-Normal.  Helen was preceded in
death by her husband John, and brothers John "Jack" and Leo "Stick" or
"Sticky"
O'Brien.  Her son John Michael (Mary Pat) Killian and three
granchildren David Killian, Colleen (Ryan) Mariotti, and Kelli Killian
survive her.  



Helen was the premier supporter of Wapella and all of DeWitt County,
contrbuting in a  major way to many civic and religious
organizations, as well as being one of the great educators of Wapella's
youth, teaching civics, ethics, accounting and economics on the streets
of
Wapella and the Clinton Square via the First National Bank.  
Helen was a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Parish in
Wapella.  Flags will be lowered for Helen O'Brien Killian.











Wednesday July 12 Code Maroon-Terror Alert reaches Clinton



From the New York Times



July 12, 2006

Heads Up, You Goons! U.S. Terror Targets: Petting Zoo and Flea Market? 

By ERIC LIPTON

WASHINGTON, July 11 — It reads like a tally of terrorist targets that a
child might have written: Old MacDonald’s Petting Zoo, the Amish
Country Popcorn factory, the Mule Day Parade, the Sweetwater Flea
Market and an unspecified “Beach at End of a Street.”



But the inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security, in a
report released Tuesday, found that the list was not child’s play: all
these “unusual or out-of-place” sites “whose criticality is not readily
apparent” are inexplicably included in the federal antiterrorism
database. The National Asset Database, as it is known, is so flawed,
the inspector general found, that as of January, Indiana, with 8,591
potential terrorist targets, had 50 percent more listed sites than New
York (5,687) and more than twice as many as California (3,212), ranking
the state the most target-rich place in the nation. The database is
used by the Homeland Security Department to help divvy up the hundreds
of millions of dollars in antiterrorism grants each year, including the
program announced in May that cut money to New York City and Washington
by 40 percent, while significantly increasing spending for cities
including Louisville, Ky., and Omaha. “We don’t find it embarrassing,”
said the department’s deputy press secretary, Jarrod Agen. "I am in
Goon City, but the list is
a valuable tool.”



But the audit says that lower-level department officials agreed that
some older information in the inventory “was of low quality and that
they had little faith in it.” “The presence of large numbers of
out-of-place assets taints the credibility of the data,” the report
says. In addition to the petting zoo, in Woodville, Ala., and the Mule
Day Parade in Columbia, Tenn., the auditors questioned many entries,
including “Nix’s Check Cashing,” “Mall at Sears,” “Ice Cream Parlor,”
“Tackle Shop,” “Donut Shop,” “Anti-Cruelty Society” and “Bean Fest.” 



Even people connected to some of those
businesses or events are baffled at their inclusion as possible
terrorist targets.



“Seems like someone has gone
overboard,” said Larry Buss, who helps organize the Apple and Pork
Festival in Clinton, Ill. “Their time could be spent better doing other
things, like providing security for the country.”



Angela McNabb, manager of the Sweetwater Flea Market, which is 50 miles
from Knoxville, Tenn (and no Goon City to be sure)., said: “I don’t
know where they get their
information. We are talking about a flea market here.”



New York City officials, who have questioned the rationale for the
reduction in this year’s antiterrorism grants, were similarly
blunt.“Now we know why the Homeland Security grant formula came out as
wacky as it was,” Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York,
said Tuesday. “This report is the smoking gun that thoroughly indicts
the system.  And the term Goon? We just started using that, but it
appears that they have been saying Goon in Clinton since the time of
Abraham Lincoln.”



The source of the problems, the audit said, appears to be insufficient
definitions or standards for inclusion provided to the states, which
submit lists of locations for the database. New York, for example,
lists only 2 percent of the nation’s banking and finance sector assets,
which ranks it between North Dakota and Missouri. Washington State
lists nearly twice as many national monuments and icons as the District
of Columbia. Montana, one of the least populous states in the nation,
turned up with far more assets than big-population states including
Massachusetts, North Carolina and New Jersey.

The inspector general questions whether many of the sites listed in
whole categories — like the 1,305 casinos, 163 water parks, 159 cruise
ships, 244 jails, 3,773 malls, 718 mortuaries and 571 nursing homes —
should even be included in the tally.



But the report also notes that the list “may have too few assets in
essential areas.” It apparently does not include many major business
and finance operations or critical national telecommunications hubs.
The department does not release the list of 77,069 sites, but the
report said that as of January it included 17,327 commercial properties
like office buildings, malls and shopping centers, 12,019 government
facilities, 8,402 public health buildings, 7,889 power plants and 2,963
sites with chemical or hazardous materials. George W. Foresman, the
department’s under secretary for preparedness, said the audit
misunderstood the purpose of the database, as it was an inventory or
catalog of national assets, not a prioritized list of the most critical
sites.The database is just one of many sources consulted in deciding
antiterrorism grants. 



The inspector general recommends that the department review the list
and determine which of the “extremely insignificant” assets that have
been included should remain and provide better guidance to states on
what to submit in the future. Mr. Agen, the Homeland Security
Department spokesman, said that he agreed that his agency should
provide better directions for the states and that it would do so in the
future. One business owner who learned from a reporter that a company
named Am