At the school board meeting held on Wednesday evening, the Delavan School District welcomed its newly elected and re-elected school board members during the official swearing-in event. Brady Wildenradt and Douglas Lowry were sworn in as newly elected members, marking the beginning of their tenure in service to the district. Alongside them, Angie Kemper and Mark Gasper were officially reinstated as board members following their successful re-election bids. Wildenradt and Lowry replaced outgoing members Mark Vannaken and Matt Shipton.

After the new members were seated, the board quickly elected sitting members Brad Pierson and Heather Bernhardt as President and Vice President, respectively, and began tackling the district's business in earnest.

Highlights of the Meeting

• Curriculum: Superintendent Amanda Geary and Elementary School Principal Staci Harper briefed the board on their ongoing research to replace the current K-8 math curriculum to address lagging test scores in mathematics.
• Education Funding: Geary relayed guidance she has received from the State Board of Education advising that school districts tighten their belts over the next three years due to uncertainty in funds availability from either the Federal or State governments. Geary warned of potential impacts to everything from transportation to special education budgets from proposed reductions in the state share of the expenses.
• Fitness Center: The board voted to revoke access to the public and only allow use of the facility to faculty and current students while under the supervision of their coaches or teachers.
• School Resource Officer: The board debated in closed session the proposed memorandum of understanding with the City of Delavan to continue to provide a police officer to serve as the school resource officer. Ultimately, no decision was taken, and the issue was tabled until the next board meeting.

The next meeting of the Delavan School Board will be held on Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00 PM.

 

 

 

Excitement filled the air as the Delavan Panthers softball team hosted their Senior Day, an event dedicated to celebrating the achievements of senior athletes and acknowledging the unwavering support of their parents. Held on April 29th at the high school’s softball field, this tradition brought together teammates, families, and fans to reflect on the players' journeys.

The ceremony kicked off with a parade of the senior players stepping onto the field, their names announced to thunderous applause from the crowd. Each player was accompanied by their parents, who received a well-deserved ovation for their role in shaping not only the athletes but also the camaraderie within the team. 

Among the honorees were:

Makenna Diekhoff, who plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University with a double major in Psychology and Family Ministries. Pictured below with her parents, Eric and Lindsay Diekhoff, and her sister, Jaylyn Diekhoff. 

Jayley Fisher, who plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University and major in Child Development while continuing her volleyball career. Pictured below with her parents, Jason and Emily Fisher.

Miley Harper, who plans to attend college to pursue social work. Pictured below with her parents, Jason and Staci Harper.

Alyxis Houston, who plans to attend Ball State University to major in Aquatic Biology while continuing her speech career. Pictured below with her parents, Chad and Julie Houston.

Lainey Klokkenga, who plans to attend Parkland College to major in Marketing while continuing her softball career. Pictured below with her parents, Brandon and Leslie Klokkenga.

Piper McWhorter, who plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University to major in Secondary Math Education. Pictured below with her parents, Matthew and Heidi McWhorter.

Joselyn Soldal, who plans to attend Murray State University to major in Elementary Education. Pictured below with her parents, Doug Soldal and Michelle Bailey.

Each senior was presented with a display container of the signature red dirt of the softball field to commemorate that the class of 2025 will be the first class to have played their entire softball career on the new field. 

The Delavan Panthers family extends its deepest gratitude to its seniors and their families. Wherever life takes them next, the team’s spirit and the town's pride will always be with them.

The City of Delavan is bustling with activity as multiple construction projects are underway, bringing significant updates to infrastructure and modernization to the community. From roadway improvements to connectivity upgrades, these efforts mark an exciting period of growth and development for the town.

One of the most visible projects is the renovation of Route 122, spanning from Oak Street to Route 29. This critical update aims to enhance traffic flow and safety for drivers and pedestrians. Crews are hard at work repaving the road, improving drainage systems, and improving sidewalk access for people with disabilities, ensuring the route remains efficient and accessible for years to come.

In the heart of downtown, buildings on the east side of Locust Street are also getting a facelift with renovations to façades. This effort aims to preserve the historic charm of Delavan’s central business district while refreshing the look of storefronts and encouraging local commerce. Local business owners are hopeful the upgrades will attract more visitors and shoppers, contributing to the area’s vitality.

Additionally, the installation of a fiber optic network by Conxxus is bringing competition and more choice in broadband offerings to Delavan. Crews are laying high-speed cables throughout town, promising faster internet connectivity for both residents and businesses. This upgrade is expected to provide a significant boost for education, remote work, and economic opportunities, making Delavan a more attractive location for families and businesses alike.

While the construction may bring temporary inconveniences such as detours and delays, city officials are confident the long-term benefits will far outweigh the short-term disruptions. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to remain patient and look forward to the completion of these transformative improvements.

Delavan’s ongoing developments reflect a commitment to growth and progress while honoring its rich history and community spirit. Completion of the projects is expected in the coming months, marking an exciting new chapter for this small but vibrant town.

The City of Delavan has taken a step to celebrate its rich history by awarding honorary street names to four distinguished local figures whose contributions have shaped the town's legacy. During a city council meeting on April 1st, the council unanimously voted to dedicate the signs, which will serve as enduring tributes to the honorees' remarkable impacts on the community.

The first honoree is Glenn Allen, a farmer and philanthropist remembered for his generosity and dedication to enhancing Delavan’s community spaces. Allen funded the walking path at Lake Park, sponsored free summer band concerts in Veterans Park, helped establish the Delavan Historical Society, and financed the purchase and renovation of the Colony House. In his honor, the intersection of First and Elm Streets will now feature the sign “Glenn Allen Way.”

Another prominent figure is Justice John Culbertson, who began his legal career in Delavan in 1916 before ascending to become a judge. Culbertson achieved a historic milestone in Illinois, serving at every level of the state judiciary, including the Tazewell County Court, Circuit Court, Appellate Court, and Illinois Supreme Court. The honorary sign “Justice John T. Culbertson Avenue” will be placed at Third and Dickey Streets, near his former residence in Delavan.

Major General Albert Culbertson, another honoree, had a distinguished military career, serving on the General Staff of the U.S. War Department and as Assistant Chief of the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he oversaw the construction of fifteen Illinois armories, including the Delavan Armory, and served as Delavan’s mayor from 1927 to 1929. In recognition of his service, the corner of Third and Pine Streets, where the Armory stands, will bear the honorary name “Major General Albert L. Culbertson Drive.”

Lastly, the city recognized James Reid, a pioneer in agricultural innovation, for developing Reid’s Yellow Dent Corn. His groundbreaking work created a hardy and high-yield corn variety, which once accounted for 75% of all corn planted in the United States. Today, nearly all corn cultivated has roots tracing back to Reid’s Yellow Dent.

Mayor Liz Skinner spearheaded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of honoring Delavan’s historical figures. “There are many, many more people, I think, in the coming years that can be honored… but I thought this would be a good start,” she said.

The honorary street names are a testament to Delavan’s commitment to celebrating its past while inspiring future generations to take pride in the town’s legacy.

The unmistakable rumble of vintage engines filled the streets of downtown Delavan this past weekend as the first Cruise In of the season, hosted by the Delavan Optimist Club, drew car enthusiasts and families alike. With shimmering chrome, finely tuned engines, and a deep appreciation for automotive history, the event served as both a tribute to classic cars and a gathering point for the local community.

Held along Locust Street between 4th and 5th Streets, the Cruise In showcased an impressive collection of vehicles—from iconic muscle cars to elegant roadsters. Proud owners displayed their prized possessions, eagerly sharing stories about their collections and the painstaking restorations behind each car.

Among those exhibiting was longtime Delavan resident Jerry Wolfe, who brought two gems from his collection: a 1965 Mercury Comet and a 2019 Corvette. Reflecting on his passion, Wolfe remarked, “I like anything with an engine in it.”

The event also welcomed first-time visitors, including Josh Paschal of Atlanta, who showcased his family’s 1959 MG Roadster—a car that has been passed down for three generations, starting with his great-uncle. Paschal’s young daughter, Maggie, excitedly staked her claim on the MG, declaring her intent to become the fourth-generation owner.

Encouraged by Paschal, longtime friend Tyler Penn of McLean attended with his family, bringing along a 1964 Ford Thunderbird—a car particularly adored by his daughter, Hazel.

Traveling across state lines from Mellott, Indiana, Cameron Clifford entered his 2017 Subaru to promote his new vinyl decal service, C4Vinyls.

Beyond the stunning automobiles, the Delavan Optimist Club ensured the event was fun for all ages, offering activities such as kids’ bingo, sidewalk chalk drawing, and beanbag toss games. The club, widely recognized for its efforts in supporting local youth, created an engaging atmosphere where families could enjoy the day together.

The Cruise In also proved to be a boon for downtown businesses, as the surge of attendees prompted shops and restaurants to extend their hours. Jeff Vaughn, co-owner of Bashar's Italian American Restaurant, noted the impact, saying they were “absolutely overwhelmed” by the increased foot traffic.

With the success of this first Cruise In of the season, the Optimist Club is already gearing up for next month’s event, keeping this cherished tradition alive and revving up excitement once again.

Hayden Koehler and Jaxton Westbrook have been named the March Bank of Pontiac and Delavan High School Student of the Month award recipients. 

Hayden, the daughter of Julius and Megan Koehler, is a freshman at DHS. She has been actively involved in FFA, FCCLA, speech, science club, scholastic bowl, and drama club, showcasing her diverse talents and dedication.

Jaxton, the son of Shane and Heather Westbrook, is a sophomore at DHS and a proud participant in FFA, exemplifying his commitment to leadership and community involvement.

As part of the recognition, the Bank of Pontiac awards each Student of the Month a $25 gift card to a local Delavan business, fostering community engagement.

Students are nominated based on rigorous criteria, including academic performance, such as consistent class participation and marked improvement in grades; exemplary character traits like honesty, initiative, and responsibility; positive behavior, including respect for peers, staff, and rules; and good citizenship, which extends to their conduct both in school and the local community. Additionally, nominees are expected to exhibit leadership qualities that inspire and motivate others toward achieving common goals.

The collaboration between DHS and the Bank of Pontiac aims to highlight student achievements and inspire others to strive for excellence in their academics and character. The program will continue throughout the year, recognizing exceptional students who contribute positively to their school and community.

Delavan has successfully replaced a damaged water valve on the city’s main water line at 4th and Cedar Streets, restoring water service and two-lane traffic within seven hours of the reported leak.

During the repaving of 4th Street, the road construction crew from the state contractor accidentally impacted the valve with an asphalt roller, causing damage, but not a leak. Aware of the issue, the valve was scheduled to be replaced on Monday, April 21. However, continuous traffic over the affected area by large semis hauling heavy loads further weakened the damaged valve until it failed.

Despite having the day off in observance of the Easter holiday, the city’s public works staff sprang into immediate action late Friday afternoon, as soon as the alert that the valve had failed was issued. The city crew immediately closed the section of the water mains that fed into the failed valve and secured equipment and a state-certified contractor to begin repairs.

Delavan’s police chief, Michael Evans, was on-site to divert traffic and to close the eastbound lane of 4th from Linden to Oak Streets until a flag crew was on the scene to manage traffic flow.

“Not how I wanted to spend Friday night,” said Nathan Barnett, Public Works Superintendent for the City of Delavan. “[But] we’re not going to have people without water all weekend.”

Repairs were completed by 11:00 PM, and water service was restored. A boil order was issued for the impacted area until testing to ensure there was no contamination of the line was completed. Temporary road plates were placed over the work zone until a permanent layer of asphalt could be applied on Monday.

According to Gage Galloway, the city’s water technician, there were a total of twenty-one homes affected by the incident, along both sides of 4th Street between Elm and Cedar, and along Cedar Street from 4th to 6th.

The Delavan Fitness Center, previously available for community use, is now restricted to school personnel only. The school district, which owns and operates the facility, is currently deliberating its future availability.

Several issues have been raised regarding the public use of the fitness center, including:

• Maintenance and upkeep costs of equipment
• Liability concerns related to minors using the facility unsupervised
• Individuals remaining in the facility after posted hours
• Patrons not signing in, affecting the ability to monitor usage
• Users not cleaning up after themselves post-utilization

Ryon Kramer, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director of Delavan High School, stated, “We are discussing the future of the fitness center still, and not one hundred percent what that future holds. Right now, it is for school personnel only, and we will make a final decision soon.”

The Delavan Athletic Booster Club is thrilled to announce the 20th Annual Panther Golf Classic, scheduled for Saturday, June 14th at the Sunset Hills Golf Club in Pekin. This eagerly anticipated event aims to raise funds to support extracurricular activities, including IESA and IHSA teams at Delavan Junior High and Delavan High School.

Those interested in participating can download an entry form here or find entry forms with additional information at various local spots such as Common Ground, Casey's, the bank, the library, and Dollar General. The Booster Club is also seeking sponsors at various levels, and a sponsorship form can be downloaded here and is available at the same area locations.

The Panther Golf Classic promises to be a day of fun and community spirit, all while supporting the athletic and extracurricular programs that enrich the lives of students in the Delavan schools.

For more information, please contact the event organizers, Dan Mammen at 309-258-8511 or Josh Horning at 309-267-8781.

Downtown Delavan was alive with activity on Tuesday night as Trio’s Pizzeria hosted the Delavan Panthers Baseball team. Within minutes of opening for service, the cozy family-oriented pizzeria was filled with only seats at the bar available, and an open parking spot on either side of Locust Street was impossible to find. The community came out in force to support both their local team and a local business.

Adam White and Josh Grys, two of Trio’s Pizzeria owners, were present to supervise and assist the baseball squad as they managed the restaurant operations. Grys commented on the busy atmosphere, saying, “It’s like opening night again.”

Trio’s Pizzeria put the baseball players to work in various roles, including greeting and seating customers, kitchen duties, and clearing and waiting tables. In addition to offering valuable work experience, Trio’s Pizzeria generously donated half of the evening’s proceeds to the Panthers Baseball Program.

“Pizza With the Panthers” was the second event in the “Real World Wednesdays” series, designed to provide life experiences beyond baseball for team members. Ironically, both events so far have taken place on days other than Wednesday. The first event, held last Friday, was a first-aid training session with the Delavan Ambulance Service.

The goal of these events is to equip the Panthers with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in life, providing them with valuable lessons that extend beyond the baseball field.

At a special meeting held on April 1st, interim city administrator Eric Diekhoff presented the draft budget proposal for the fiscal year 2025–2026. The proposal aims to strike a balance between enhancing public services and maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing the city's key priorities. Diekhoff emphasized the goal of keeping the overall growth rate in spending between four and six percent.

Key Highlights of the Proposal

• Sewer: Despite accounting for 10% of the city budget and the levying of a special assessment of an additional $10 per month for sewer system improvements, the sewer budget continues to run a deficit. The deficit is projected to reach $339,871 by the end of the next fiscal year. Ward 2 Alderman Wade Fornoff voiced his concerns over the city's delay in addressing the shortfall and urged immediate action.
• Water: Spending on the water system is projected to increase by 9.7%, representing 24.7% of overall city spending, second only to police department expenses.
• Educational Investments: Funding for local schools is set to rise by 9%, bringing the total to $165,661 from TIF funds.
• Police Department: The budget includes funds for the purchase of a new police vehicle, aimed at upgrading the current fleet and replacing the oldest and most outdated vehicle. TIF funds will be utilized for this purchase. Alderman Douglas Bury, representing Ward 3, questioned the planned use of the outdated police vehicle by the streets department rather than accepting the trade-in value. Diekhoff stated that the value of the vehicle to the streets department significantly exceeded the value the city would get from the trade-in.

City residents are encouraged to review the budget at City Hall during regular business hours or download a copy here. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 15th at 6:30 PM, where residents are invited to attend and provide their comments.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt event was a resounding success this morning, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of participants. The event was marked by cheerful laughter, joyful discoveries, and a strong sense of community spirit.

A special acknowledgment goes out to a group of high school athletes who generously volunteered their time and effort to help prepare for the event. Their dedication and hard work ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing families and children to enjoy the festivities.

The Delavan PTO extended its gratitude to the event's generous donors. Their contributions are invaluable and make it possible for this beloved tradition to continue each year. A special thank you goes to:

• Country Financial - Eric Jensen
• Hopedale Medical Complex
• City of Delavan
• Doug & Beth Zimmer
• Roland Rich Ford
• Bank of Pontiac (First Farmers Branch)
• Encompass Grain & Rail Co-op

Without their support, the annual Easter Egg Hunt would not be the cherished event it is today. The community looks forward to next year's festivities with great anticipation.

The Delavan Optimist Club announced the first Cruise-In event of 2025, set to take place on Saturday, April 19, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Car enthusiasts of all makes and models are welcome to participate.

The event promises a variety of activities for attendees of all ages, including Kids' Bingo, corn hole games, and a 50/50 raffle. The winner of the raffle must be present to claim their prize. Additionally, car entrants will have the chance to win a door prize, with one lucky participant walking away with $100 in cash.

There is no entry fee for vehicles, making it an accessible and enjoyable outing for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to admire unique cars, participate in entertaining games, and maybe even take home a prize.

The stage of the Poppenga Gymnasium at Delavan High School came alive this past weekend with a vibrant production of the beloved musical Oklahoma! The talented cast of students transported the audience to the sweeping plains of the early 20th-century Midwest, delivering a performance that showcased their dedication, energy, and passion for musical theater.

Directed by social studies teacher Alison Knapik, the production overcame several challenges, from the threat of severe weather – which caused the opening night performance to be rescheduled an hour earlier than planned – to a minor elbow injury suffered by Cash Calsyn-Grys, who portrayed Curly, that occurred during a compellingly choreographed fight scene with Seanik Gagliardi, who played Judd Fry. Despite these hurdles, the students poured their hearts into the performance, earning a standing ovation on opening night.

The heartfelt duet of “People Will Say We’re in Love” performed by Calsyn-Grys and co-lead Jayley Fisher, who played Laurey, captivated the audience. The ensemble’s rousing rendition of “The Farmer and the Cowman” had the crowd enthralled, while the haunting desperation of “Lonely Room” drew awe-struck silence. 

The comedic relief provided by Piper McWhorter’s performance as the plains sage Aunt Eller, Bryson Horning’s as the lovesick cowboy Will, Makenna Diekhoff’s as the fickle-hearted Ado Annie, and Elisha Waggoner’s as the scheming Persian Peddler Ali Hakim had the audience laughing throughout.

Behind the scenes, an army of dedicated students, teachers, and parents worked tirelessly on creating a visually stunning depiction of Oklahoma’s open prairies, including the exquisite set constructed by the show’s technical advisor, David Knapik. The musical accompaniment of Susan Litwiller on piano and Jennifer Boyd on violin provided a flawless complement to the cast’s vocals.