Meet your neighbors, Melvin and Shirley Lotz of La Harpe.
In 1965, the Lotz made their home in Blandinsville. In 1966 they purchased ground and started farming and continued to do so for 31 years before retiring.
In 2000 they sold their farm and moved to La Harpe.
They have 4 daughters who have blessed them with 10 grandchildren. They are the proud great grandparents to 7 grandchildren.
They are members of the Bushnell Assembly of God Church and they "love winning people to the Lord".
Right after they vote in November they head to Florida for five months.
A few days before leaving this last November, Melvin received his first issue of the book he had written from the press: "Why Clay? God's Personal Love For Man".
Melvin is a graduate of Great Lakes Bible Institute in Zion and has ministered in various churches. He will be holding a book signing at the First State Bank of Western Illinois in La Harpe on April 28 from 2-5 p.m.
In their free time Shirley enjoys traveling and doing embroidery, and Melvin likes to be outdoors mushroom hunting, fishing, and visiting with the people of the community. The couple are members of the Senior Citizens Club in La Harpe and say that they love the people here.
"Everyone is just so nice."