The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

The End Of Another Good Year

By Dessa Rodeffer - Quill Publisher/Owner

December 30, 2015

What a quick fly-thru 2015 was for me. It seemed to me like it just began and now it has come to a end but so many things have happened.

In Henderson County, we've lost some very good people who made a difference in so many lives.

For one, Curt Eisenmayer, MST fireman/fire chief, ag radio announcer, extension advisor, county board member and on and on, passed away leaving quite a void in Henderson County and beyond.

He was a part of almost everyone's life in 4-H, at the fairgrounds, training of fire fighters and oh so much more. His mark is felt everyday.

Another is Superintendent of West Central School, Ralph Grimm, who moved on to another job in Galesburg this year after leading the school through the difficult job of transforming rivals, such as the Southern Rebels and the Union Yankees, into friends.

Superintendent Grimm was honored by his peers this year as a "Superintendent of Distinction" before he moved on to Galesburg.

West Central Board hired Paula Markey as his replacement who is getting off to a great start this school year in following in Mr. Grimm's footsteps. She had big shoes to fill, but his work made for an easier transition.

Board members have been instrumental across the readship area as well.

The Oquawka Board finished up the final walk-thru of beautiful new paved walks and streets along Schuyler Street.

Stronghurst works on replacing their water tower.

Henderson County board appointed Angela Myers to HCHD board of directors in light of some cuts in the health department. After resignations, Myers was made Administrator of the Health Department.

La Harpe's Mayor Kenny Brown, retired after 35 years of diligently leading the city of La Harpe. He is still around to help Ryan Kienast when needed who has been off to a rough start learning the position.

Ray Defenbaugh, CEO of Big River Resources of Biggsville, was awarded the prestigious High Octane Award for his work with ethanol by Ethanol Magazine.

Stronghurst boosters opened the new Memorial Spray Park to honor the late Dr. Robert Pogue which brought many families to the park this year.

A few of our war heroes such as WWII veteran Ray Shafer of Biggsville and Vietnam Veteran Art Mesecher, was able to take the Honors flight to Washington D.C. Memorials, in honor of all they have done for our country.

In today's paper, Attorney Zack Stamp, formerly of Stronghurst was selected by his peers as speaker of the Third House - an informal group of lobbist in Illinois.

I am sure I am missing many more for I have a list of friends I could name.

It was a great year but 2016 will promise even more good things to come.

We at the Quill wish you the best in 2016 - Happy New Year!