December 31,, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Well we made it. Today is the last day of 2023. As we celebrate the coming of the new year, please remember to drive carefully. As with any holiday, police from all agencies will be out looking for speeders, seat belt violators and of course drivers who are impaired by drugs and alcohol. If you plan on celebrating, don't get behind the wheel if intoxicated, for even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Let's not start the new year with a tragady. Choose a designated driver.
“Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 - page book. Write a good one.” - Brad Paisley
This Day in History:
December 31 is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. It is known by a collection of names including: Saint Sylvester's Day, New Year's Eve or Old Year’s Day/Night, as the following day is New Year's Day. It is the last day of the year; the following day is January 1, the first day of the following year.
Attention Area Residents:
Well we made it. Today is the last day of 2023. As we celebrate the coming of the new year, please remember to drive carefully. As with any holiday, police from all agencies will be out looking for speeders, seat belt violators and of course drivers who are impaired by drugs and alcohol. If you plan on celebrating, don't get behind the wheel if intoxicated, for even buzzed driving is drunk driving. Let's not start the new year with a tragady. Choose a designated driver.
“Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 - page book. Write a good one.” - Brad Paisley
This Day in History:
December 31 is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. It is known by a collection of names including: Saint Sylvester's Day, New Year's Eve or Old Year’s Day/Night, as the following day is New Year's Day. It is the last day of the year; the following day is January 1, the first day of the following year.
- 1796 – The incorporation of Baltimore as a city.
- 1844 – The Philippines skipped this date in order to align the country with the rest of Asia, as the trading interest switched to China, Dutch East Indies and neighboring territories after Mexico gained independence from Spain on 27 September 1821. In the islands, Monday, 30 December 1844 was immediately followed by Wednesday, 1 January 1845.
- 1879 – Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time, in Menlo Park, New Jersey.
- 1907 – The first ever ball drop in Times Square.
- 1955 – General Motors becomes the first U.S. corporation to make over US$1 billion in a year.
- 2000 – The last day of the 20th Century and 2nd Millennium.
December 30, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a few last reminders of activities within the Village of Altona as the year comes to an end...
1) Thank you to everyone who had donated food for the Immanuel Lutheran Church Advent Food Drive. The donations will be given to those in need in the area. Please drop off your boxes by the 31st if you haven't done so yet. Please see the flyer for complete details.
2) Thank you to everyone who had given so generously to the Altona Historical Society this year. There is a match currently ongoing by a generous donor up to $50,000 by the end of the year. Please see the flyers for complete details.
3) The General Store Tap will be open New Year's Eve until 1 a.m. to bring in 2024. They will have champagne at midnight and snacks. Come out and say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new. Visit their Facebook page for complete details. Please drink responsively.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice.” - T.S. Eliot
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a few last reminders of activities within the Village of Altona as the year comes to an end...
1) Thank you to everyone who had donated food for the Immanuel Lutheran Church Advent Food Drive. The donations will be given to those in need in the area. Please drop off your boxes by the 31st if you haven't done so yet. Please see the flyer for complete details.
2) Thank you to everyone who had given so generously to the Altona Historical Society this year. There is a match currently ongoing by a generous donor up to $50,000 by the end of the year. Please see the flyers for complete details.
3) The General Store Tap will be open New Year's Eve until 1 a.m. to bring in 2024. They will have champagne at midnight and snacks. Come out and say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new. Visit their Facebook page for complete details. Please drink responsively.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice.” - T.S. Eliot
This Day in History:
- 1896 – Canadian ice hockey player Ernie McLea scores the first hat-trick in Stanley Cup play, and the Cup-winning goal as the Montreal Victorias defeat the Winnipeg Victorias 6–5.
- 1902 – The Discovery Expedition under Robert Falcon Scott attained a Farthest South at 82°17′S in Antarctica.
- 2006 – Former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein is executed.
December 29, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a final reminder that all donations to the Altona Historical Society's fundraising campaign towards the elevator for the Ransom Memorial Public Library will be matched up to $50,000 by the end of the year. No amount is too small nor too big. When completed, the second floor will be a tremendous asset to our community. Please give generously and a special THANK YOU to the anonymous donor for their generosity in doing this match.
“Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” - The Polar Express
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a final reminder that all donations to the Altona Historical Society's fundraising campaign towards the elevator for the Ransom Memorial Public Library will be matched up to $50,000 by the end of the year. No amount is too small nor too big. When completed, the second floor will be a tremendous asset to our community. Please give generously and a special THANK YOU to the anonymous donor for their generosity in doing this match.
“Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” - The Polar Express
This Day in History:
- 1778 – American Revolutionary War: Three thousand British soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell capture Savannah, Georgia.
- 1845 – The United States annexes the Republic of Texas and admits it as the 28th state.
- 1937 – The Irish Free State is replaced by a new state called Ireland with the adoption of a new constitution.
- 2006 – The UK settles its Anglo-American loan, post-WWII loan debt.
December 28, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
I'd like to thank all of those who had taken the time to decorate your properties for the Christmas holiday. In your own way you brought light into a dark night and beauty to our Village during the Christmas season, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for your hard work. We should all try and follow your example and decorate next year to make Altona even more festive.
“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.” - Michael Korda
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
I'd like to thank all of those who had taken the time to decorate your properties for the Christmas holiday. In your own way you brought light into a dark night and beauty to our Village during the Christmas season, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for your hard work. We should all try and follow your example and decorate next year to make Altona even more festive.
“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.” - Michael Korda
This Day in History:
- 1832 – John C. Calhoun becomes the first Vice President of the United States to resign. He resigned after being elected Senator from South Carolina.
- 1846 – Iowa is admitted as the 29th U.S. state.
- 1902 – The Syracuse Athletic Club defeat the New York Philadelphians, 5–0, in the first indoor professional football game, which was held at Madison Square Garden.
- 1958 – "Greatest Game Ever Played": The Baltimore Colts defeat the New York Giants in the first ever National Football League sudden death overtime game at New York's Yankee Stadium to win the NFL Championship.
- 1972 – The last scheduled day for induction into the military by the Selective Service System. Due to the fact that President Richard Nixon declared this day a national day of mourning due to former President Harry S Truman's death, approximately 300 men were not able to report due to most Federal offices being closed. Since the draft was not resumed in 1973, they were never drafted.
- 2014 – Nine people die and another 19 are reported missing, when the MS Norman Atlantic catches fire in the Strait of Otranto, in the Adriatic Sea, in Italian waters.
December 27, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
If you would like to help your community members in need, you have a couple of days left to deliver your Advent boxes (bags) of food to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. They will disperse the food to the needy. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for helping the less fortunate.
“We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation.” - Seneca
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
If you would like to help your community members in need, you have a couple of days left to deliver your Advent boxes (bags) of food to the Immanuel Lutheran Church. They will disperse the food to the needy. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for helping the less fortunate.
“We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation.” - Seneca
This Day in History:
- 1814 – War of 1812: The destruction of the schooner USS Carolina brings to an end Commodore Daniel Patterson's makeshift fleet, which fought a series of delaying actions that contributed to Andrew Jackson's victory at the Battle of New Orleans.
- 1831 – Charles Darwin embarks on his journey aboard HMS Beagle, during which he will begin to formulate his theory of evolution.
- 1932 – Radio City Music Hall, "Showplace of the Nation", opens in New York City.
- 1968 – Apollo program: Apollo 8 splashes down in the Pacific Ocean, ending the first orbital crewed mission to the Moon.
- 2004 – Radiation from an explosion on the magnetar SGR 1806-20 reaches Earth. It is the brightest extrasolar event known to have been witnessed on the planet.
December 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Christmas season is the season of giving. You have an opportunity to help a local cause one last time before year's end. This is just another reminder that the Altona Historical Society is still fundraising for their next stage of their renovation of the second floor of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. All donations received by the end of the year will be matched up to $50,000 from a generous anonymous donor. If you are 72 years old or older, you must take what's called a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your tax-deferred savings, (IRA's, 401(k)'s, etc..). Please consult your tax preparer for complete details and how using this investment avenue can give you tax savings by making a donations from these accounts. Any donation helps. This project will be of great value to everyone in the Village. Thank you for all of your past donations made to this wonderful cause, and thank you in advance for your future donations. Please see the flyers for complete details.
“To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have real spirit of Christmas.” - Calvin Coolidge
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The Christmas season is the season of giving. You have an opportunity to help a local cause one last time before year's end. This is just another reminder that the Altona Historical Society is still fundraising for their next stage of their renovation of the second floor of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. All donations received by the end of the year will be matched up to $50,000 from a generous anonymous donor. If you are 72 years old or older, you must take what's called a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your tax-deferred savings, (IRA's, 401(k)'s, etc..). Please consult your tax preparer for complete details and how using this investment avenue can give you tax savings by making a donations from these accounts. Any donation helps. This project will be of great value to everyone in the Village. Thank you for all of your past donations made to this wonderful cause, and thank you in advance for your future donations. Please see the flyers for complete details.
“To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have real spirit of Christmas.” - Calvin Coolidge
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: In the Battle of Trenton, the Continental Army attacks and successfully defeats a garrison of Hessian forces.
- 1861 – American Civil War: The Trent Affair: Confederate diplomatic envoys James Murray Mason and John Slidell are freed by the United States government, thus heading off a possible war between the United States and the United Kingdom.
- 1919 – Babe Ruth of the Boston Red Sox is sold to the New York Yankees by owner Harry Frazee, allegedly establishing the Curse of the Bambino superstition.
- 1941 – U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
- 2015 – During the December 2015 North American storm complex, a Tornado Outbreak occurs in the DFW Metroplex, with the most notable tornadoes being an EF2, EF3, and an EF4. About a dozen people died due to various reasons, 10 of which due to the EF4, which did substantial damage to the suburb of Rowlett.
December 25, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to wish everyone a very safe and Merry Christmas! May today bring you wonderful memories with friends and family. While it is fun to unwrap gifts from one another as well as see what Santa had brought for us all; let us not for get the real Reason for the Season, the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Remember to choose a designated driver if consuming alcohol at your parties. Let's not end a glorious day with a tragedy. If you would like to listen to some Christmas music, here is a link to help you celebrate. www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ36qrAEhRU
Merry Christmas! - Derrick R. Appell, Village President
“A Savior has been born for you. He is Christ, the Lord.” - Luke 2:11
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to wish everyone a very safe and Merry Christmas! May today bring you wonderful memories with friends and family. While it is fun to unwrap gifts from one another as well as see what Santa had brought for us all; let us not for get the real Reason for the Season, the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Remember to choose a designated driver if consuming alcohol at your parties. Let's not end a glorious day with a tragedy. If you would like to listen to some Christmas music, here is a link to help you celebrate. www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ36qrAEhRU
Merry Christmas! - Derrick R. Appell, Village President
“A Savior has been born for you. He is Christ, the Lord.” - Luke 2:11
This Day in History:
- 336 – First documentary sign of Christmas celebration in Rome.
- 1776 – George Washington and the Continental Army cross the Delaware River at night to attack Hessian forces serving Great Britain at Trenton, New Jersey, the next day.
- 1826 – The Eggnog Riot at the United States Military Academy concludes after beginning the previous evening.
- 1991 – Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as President of the Soviet Union (the union itself is dissolved the next day). Ukraine's referendum is finalized and Ukraine officially leaves the Soviet Union.
- 2021 – The James Webb Space Telescope is launched.
December 24, 2023
Attention Kids!!!!
You have learned all about Santa's 9 reindeer; but have you ever learned about Rudolf's cousin LeRoy the Redneck Reindeer? No? Well, be sure to watch the following video to learn all about him. Don't forget to put out carrots for the reindeer tonight when you put out your milk and cookies for Santa.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIdnYAkqSes
Attention Kids!!!!
You have learned all about Santa's 9 reindeer; but have you ever learned about Rudolf's cousin LeRoy the Redneck Reindeer? No? Well, be sure to watch the following video to learn all about him. Don't forget to put out carrots for the reindeer tonight when you put out your milk and cookies for Santa.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIdnYAkqSes
December 24, 2023
Attention Children:
Did you know that you can track Santa as he flies all around the world delivering presents? Go to this website and track him, but remember he will only bring you your presents if you are sleeping because he sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake; he knows if you’ve been bad or good so be good for goodness sakes.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Official NORAD Santa Tracker
noradsanta.org
Attention Children:
Did you know that you can track Santa as he flies all around the world delivering presents? Go to this website and track him, but remember he will only bring you your presents if you are sleeping because he sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake; he knows if you’ve been bad or good so be good for goodness sakes.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Official NORAD Santa Tracker
noradsanta.org
December 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Christmas Eve. Hopefully everyone has their Christmas shopping done and their presents wrapped, for if not you are in for a busy day. If you need last minute stocking stuffers or gifts, the businesses of Altona may be able to assist you. The General Store Tap offers clothing, gift certificates and drink tokens; Altona Food & Gas also offers gift certificates as well as snacks, beverages, and who wouldn't like to have some fun scratching off at the chance to win money on a scratch off ticket. These make great stocking stuffers or gifts to hand out at your holiday parties.
If you would like to play music to help make your gathering a bit more festive, please click on the following links:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYRaFcb5Yus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvRo9c_4lRc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EymIzkbBiYw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR7d33jh5cg
Please don't forget that law enforcement will be out tonight looking for speeders, seat belt violators, and impaired drivers regardless of the substance. So please avoid tickets or arrest and choose a designated driver if consuming alcohol. Please Don't Drink & Drive. Let's all have a safe and Merry Christmas.
For those who wish to attend Christmas Eve Services tonight, the churches of Altona would like to welcome you to attend their Candle Light Services and celebrate the Birth of Christ. Please review the times of their services and attend the one's at your most convenience.
Bethany Baptist Church: Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. www.bethanyaltona.org/
The Grove Community Church: Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m The online rerun of the service will be available for viewing at 7 p.m. wearethegrove.church/
Immanuel Lutheran Church: Candlelight Service at 8 p.m. (Note this is an hour earlier this year from the traditional 9 p.m. service so don't be late). immanuellutheranaltona.com/
“At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year.” - Thomas Tusser
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Christmas Eve. Hopefully everyone has their Christmas shopping done and their presents wrapped, for if not you are in for a busy day. If you need last minute stocking stuffers or gifts, the businesses of Altona may be able to assist you. The General Store Tap offers clothing, gift certificates and drink tokens; Altona Food & Gas also offers gift certificates as well as snacks, beverages, and who wouldn't like to have some fun scratching off at the chance to win money on a scratch off ticket. These make great stocking stuffers or gifts to hand out at your holiday parties.
If you would like to play music to help make your gathering a bit more festive, please click on the following links:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYRaFcb5Yus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvRo9c_4lRc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EymIzkbBiYw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR7d33jh5cg
Please don't forget that law enforcement will be out tonight looking for speeders, seat belt violators, and impaired drivers regardless of the substance. So please avoid tickets or arrest and choose a designated driver if consuming alcohol. Please Don't Drink & Drive. Let's all have a safe and Merry Christmas.
For those who wish to attend Christmas Eve Services tonight, the churches of Altona would like to welcome you to attend their Candle Light Services and celebrate the Birth of Christ. Please review the times of their services and attend the one's at your most convenience.
Bethany Baptist Church: Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. www.bethanyaltona.org/
The Grove Community Church: Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m The online rerun of the service will be available for viewing at 7 p.m. wearethegrove.church/
Immanuel Lutheran Church: Candlelight Service at 8 p.m. (Note this is an hour earlier this year from the traditional 9 p.m. service so don't be late). immanuellutheranaltona.com/
“At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year.” - Thomas Tusser
This Day in History:
- 1814 – Representatives of the United Kingdom and the United States sign the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812.
- 1826 – The Eggnog Riot at the United States Military Academy begins that night, wrapping up the following morning.
- 1914 – World War I: The "Christmas truce" begins.
- 1968 – Apollo program: The crew of Apollo 8 enters into orbit around the Moon, becoming the first humans to do so. They performed ten lunar orbits and broadcast live TV pictures.
- 2008 – The Lord's Resistance Army, a Ugandan rebel group, begins a series of attacks against civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, massacring more than 400.
- 2018 – A helicopter crash kills Martha Érika Alonso, first female Governor of Puebla, Mexico, and her husband Rafael Moreno Valle Rosas, former governor.
December 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that with this holiday weekend comes the traditional holiday enforcement by all police departments. They will be checking for speeders, seat belt violators and driving impaired regardless of the substance. Please be careful while driving to your holiday destinations. Buckle up, drive the speed limit, avoid getting tickets to ruin the party; and if you are planning to consume alcohol while celebrating - Please Don't Drink & Drive. Choose a designated driver. Let's not let a stupid decision cause a tragedy during a happy season. Driving impaired is NOT worth punishment, suffering, and financial loss to you. Call a cab.
“Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year.” - W.J Cameron
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that with this holiday weekend comes the traditional holiday enforcement by all police departments. They will be checking for speeders, seat belt violators and driving impaired regardless of the substance. Please be careful while driving to your holiday destinations. Buckle up, drive the speed limit, avoid getting tickets to ruin the party; and if you are planning to consume alcohol while celebrating - Please Don't Drink & Drive. Choose a designated driver. Let's not let a stupid decision cause a tragedy during a happy season. Driving impaired is NOT worth punishment, suffering, and financial loss to you. Call a cab.
“Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year.” - W.J Cameron
This Day in History:
- 1783 – George Washington resigns as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland.
- 1893 – The opera Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck is first performed.
- 1913 – The Federal Reserve Act is signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson, creating the Federal Reserve System.
- 1986 – Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, lands at Edwards Air Force Base in California becoming the first aircraft to fly non-stop around the world without aerial or ground refueling.
- 2002 – A U.S. MQ-1 Predator is shot down by an Iraqi MiG-25 in the first combat engagement between a drone and conventional aircraft.
December 22, 2023
Attention Area Children:
Final reminder that TODAY is the deadline to drop off your letters to Santa at the Altona Post Office if you would like to get a reply from him. Simply place them in the drop box that is wrapped like a package in the lobby. Remember that he is watching so be good for goodness sake.
“The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.” - Alexandra K. Trenfor
This Day in History:
Attention Area Children:
Final reminder that TODAY is the deadline to drop off your letters to Santa at the Altona Post Office if you would like to get a reply from him. Simply place them in the drop box that is wrapped like a package in the lobby. Remember that he is watching so be good for goodness sake.
“The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.” - Alexandra K. Trenfor
This Day in History:
- 1807 – The Embargo Act, forbidding trade with all foreign countries, is passed by the U.S. Congress at the urging of President Thomas Jefferson.
- 1851 – The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., burns.
- 1971 – The international aid organization Doctors Without Borders is founded by Bernard Kouchner and a group of journalists in Paris, France.
- 1975 – U.S. President Gerald Ford creates the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in response to the 1970s energy crisis.
- 2010 – The repeal of the Don't ask, don't tell policy, the 17-year-old policy banning homosexuals serving openly in the United States military, is signed into law by President Barack Obama.
- 2017 – President Donald Trump signs the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
December 21, 2023
Attention Village Facebook Followers:
I'd like to ask something from you all if I may. How do you like the content put out on both the Village of Altona website as well as the Facebook page. The Village website has our ordinances and other information and is designed to be of a more self-help tool (feel free to browse at your convenience). The Village Facebook page (as well as the Current News page on the website) is meant to be an electronic newsletter to inform the public of all the happenings and events within the Village. Not only are there numerous reminders for all of the various events and groups for the public to attend and important weather events for your safety, there is also an inspirational quote of the day, and for those trivia buffs, a This Day in History. My question to you is, do you like this content? Is there too much of something? Is there something that you would like to see added? A lot of work goes into doing both for the public's benefit, I'm just looking to hear from you for any possible changes to be made in the coming year. Please comment, Thank you.
Derrick R. Appell
Village President, Village of Altona
“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” - Helen Keller
This Day in History:
Attention Village Facebook Followers:
I'd like to ask something from you all if I may. How do you like the content put out on both the Village of Altona website as well as the Facebook page. The Village website has our ordinances and other information and is designed to be of a more self-help tool (feel free to browse at your convenience). The Village Facebook page (as well as the Current News page on the website) is meant to be an electronic newsletter to inform the public of all the happenings and events within the Village. Not only are there numerous reminders for all of the various events and groups for the public to attend and important weather events for your safety, there is also an inspirational quote of the day, and for those trivia buffs, a This Day in History. My question to you is, do you like this content? Is there too much of something? Is there something that you would like to see added? A lot of work goes into doing both for the public's benefit, I'm just looking to hear from you for any possible changes to be made in the coming year. Please comment, Thank you.
Derrick R. Appell
Village President, Village of Altona
“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” - Helen Keller
This Day in History:
- 1620 – Plymouth Colony: William Bradford and the Mayflower Pilgrims land near what is now known as Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
- 1861 – Medal of Honor: Public Resolution 82, containing a provision for a Navy Medal of Valor, is signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln.
- 1913 – Arthur Wynne's "word-cross", the first crossword puzzle, is published in the New York World.
- 2020 – A great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn occurs, with the two planets separated in the sky by 0.1 degrees. This is the closest conjunction between the two planets since 1623.
December 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Finaly reminder that water bills are due today. If you haven't paid your bill yet, please make every effort to make your payment today before the close of business at 4 pm in order to save on being charged the late fee charge that automatically gets charged. Save the extra charges, pay your bill before 4 pm. If you cannot make it into Compton Accounting before then, please take advantage of paying your bill online by visiting:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. The Village accepts cash, debit/credit cards, or your good check for payment. Thank you to everyone who paid their bill on time. It helps pay the chlorine bill.
“Let us not look back in anger nor forward in fear, but around us in awareness.” - Jame Thurber
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Finaly reminder that water bills are due today. If you haven't paid your bill yet, please make every effort to make your payment today before the close of business at 4 pm in order to save on being charged the late fee charge that automatically gets charged. Save the extra charges, pay your bill before 4 pm. If you cannot make it into Compton Accounting before then, please take advantage of paying your bill online by visiting:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. The Village accepts cash, debit/credit cards, or your good check for payment. Thank you to everyone who paid their bill on time. It helps pay the chlorine bill.
“Let us not look back in anger nor forward in fear, but around us in awareness.” - Jame Thurber
This Day in History:
- 1803 – The Louisiana Purchase is completed at a ceremony in New Orleans.
- 1860 – South Carolina becomes the first state to attempt to secede from the United States with the South Carolina Declaration of Secession.
- 1924 – Adolf Hitler is released from Landsberg Prison.
- 1946 – It's a Wonderful Life premieres at the Globe Theatre in New York to mixed reviews.
- 2007 – Elizabeth II becomes the oldest monarch in the history of the United Kingdom, surpassing Queen Victoria, who lived for 81 years and 243 days.
- 2019 – The United States Space Force becomes the first new branch of the United States Armed Forces since 1947.
December 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder for those who have not paid their water bills yet, that they are due by the 4 pm close of business tomorrow at Compton Accounting. Please stop in before then to pay. If you cannot stop in their office prior to their closing time, then either place your payment in an envelope in their front door mail slot or pay online using the following link in order to AVOID the mandatory late fees that get assessed for late payments. Thank you. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“The difficulties of life are intended to make us better - not bitter.” - John C. Maxwell
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder for those who have not paid their water bills yet, that they are due by the 4 pm close of business tomorrow at Compton Accounting. Please stop in before then to pay. If you cannot stop in their office prior to their closing time, then either place your payment in an envelope in their front door mail slot or pay online using the following link in order to AVOID the mandatory late fees that get assessed for late payments. Thank you. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“The difficulties of life are intended to make us better - not bitter.” - John C. Maxwell
This Day in History:
- 1606 – The ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery depart England carrying settlers who founded, at Jamestown, Virginia, the first of the thirteen colonies that became the United States.
- 1776 – Thomas Paine publishes one of a series of pamphlets in The Pennsylvania Journal entitled "The American Crisis".
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: George Washington's Continental Army goes into winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
- 1828 – Vice President of the United States John C. Calhoun sparks the Nullification Crisis when he anonymously publishes the South Carolina Exposition and Protest, protesting the Tariff of 1828.
- 1972 – Apollo program: The last crewed lunar flight, Apollo 17, carrying Eugene Cernan, Ronald Evans, and Harrison Schmitt, returns to Earth.
- 1974 – Nelson Rockefeller is sworn in as Vice President of the United States under President Gerald Ford under the provisions of the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
- 1998 – President Bill Clinton is impeached by the United States House of Representatives, becoming the second president of the United States to be impeached.
- 2012 – Park Geun-hye is elected the first female president of South Korea.
December 18, 2023
Attention Area Children:
**** NEWS FLASH DIRECT FROM THE NORTH POLE ****
Kids, how would you like to receive a letter from Santa? All you have to do is drop off YOUR letter to Santa in the special drop box at the Altona Post Office by December 22nd. This will give the Postal service time to deliver your letter to him and for him to reply to you. The sooner you drop it off the sooner Santa can reply to you since millions of children just like you from around the world are writing letters to him. So don't delay, drop off your letter today. Look for the BIG drop box in the lobby. Remember - Be Good for Goodness Sake!
Attention Area Children:
**** NEWS FLASH DIRECT FROM THE NORTH POLE ****
Kids, how would you like to receive a letter from Santa? All you have to do is drop off YOUR letter to Santa in the special drop box at the Altona Post Office by December 22nd. This will give the Postal service time to deliver your letter to him and for him to reply to you. The sooner you drop it off the sooner Santa can reply to you since millions of children just like you from around the world are writing letters to him. So don't delay, drop off your letter today. Look for the BIG drop box in the lobby. Remember - Be Good for Goodness Sake!
December 18, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The year is quickly approaching its end as Christmas and New Year's will soon be here. With the end of the year also brings an end to the opportunity for any charitable giving to be matched to the Altona Historical Society for their Ransom Memorial Public Library Restoration Project of the second floor. In case you hadn't heard, thanks to a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous, all donations received before December 31st will be matched up to $50,000. THANK YOU to this individual. This is a very nice thing that you have done for our community. If you have not yet donated yet, or if you would simply like to help take advantage of this anonymous donors generosity and help the library raise more funds. Then please consider making a year end donation. Please see the flyers for complete details. Thank you in advance for donations to this wonderful cause that will be a true benefit to our community.
“Let us make our future now, and ket us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” - Malala Yousafzai
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The year is quickly approaching its end as Christmas and New Year's will soon be here. With the end of the year also brings an end to the opportunity for any charitable giving to be matched to the Altona Historical Society for their Ransom Memorial Public Library Restoration Project of the second floor. In case you hadn't heard, thanks to a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous, all donations received before December 31st will be matched up to $50,000. THANK YOU to this individual. This is a very nice thing that you have done for our community. If you have not yet donated yet, or if you would simply like to help take advantage of this anonymous donors generosity and help the library raise more funds. Then please consider making a year end donation. Please see the flyers for complete details. Thank you in advance for donations to this wonderful cause that will be a true benefit to our community.
“Let us make our future now, and ket us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” - Malala Yousafzai
This Day in History:
- 1777 – The United States celebrates its first Thanksgiving, marking the recent victory by the American rebels over British General John Burgoyne at Saratoga in October.
- 1787 – New Jersey becomes the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
- 1865 – US Secretary of State William Seward proclaims the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment, prohibiting slavery throughout the United States.
- 1917 – The resolution containing the language of the Eighteenth Amendment to enact Prohibition is passed by the United States Congress.
- 1932 – The Chicago Bears defeat the Portsmouth Spartans in the first NFL playoff game to win the NFL Championship.
- 2019 – The United States House of Representatives impeaches Donald Trump for the first time.
- 2022 – Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, defeating title holders France 4–2 on penalties following a 3–3 draw after extra time.
December 17, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Next Sunday is Christmas Eve, and the churches of Altona would love for you to join them in their worship services to learn about the Birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Please mark your calendars for those services that you would like to attend.
Bethany Baptist Church: Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. www.bethanyaltona.org/
The Grove Community Church: Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m The online rerun of the service will be available online for viewing at 7 p.m. wearethegrove.church/
Immanuel Lutheran Church: Candlelight Service at 8 p.m. (Note this is an hour earlier this year from the traditional 9 p.m. service so don't be late). immanuellutheranaltona.com/
“Prepare the song, the feast, the ball, to welcome merry Christmas.” - William Robert Spencer
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Next Sunday is Christmas Eve, and the churches of Altona would love for you to join them in their worship services to learn about the Birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Please mark your calendars for those services that you would like to attend.
Bethany Baptist Church: Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. www.bethanyaltona.org/
The Grove Community Church: Candlelight Service at 5:30 p.m The online rerun of the service will be available online for viewing at 7 p.m. wearethegrove.church/
Immanuel Lutheran Church: Candlelight Service at 8 p.m. (Note this is an hour earlier this year from the traditional 9 p.m. service so don't be late). immanuellutheranaltona.com/
“Prepare the song, the feast, the ball, to welcome merry Christmas.” - William Robert Spencer
This Day in History:
- 1777 – American Revolution: France formally recognizes the United States.
- 1835 – The second Great Fire of New York destroys 53,000 square metres (13 acres) of New York City's Financial District.
- 1903 – The Wright brothers make the first controlled powered, heavier-than-air flight in the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
- 2014 – The United States and Cuba re-establish diplomatic relations after severing them in 1961.
December 16, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Time is running out to get your Reverse Advent Boxes and Bags of food together for the needy in our area. If you would like to do an entire calendar, or just pick up a few items from the list below to help the needy; please review the attached flyer for complete details and deliver your boxes to the Immanuel Lutheran Church by year's end. Thank you.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” - Cicero
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Time is running out to get your Reverse Advent Boxes and Bags of food together for the needy in our area. If you would like to do an entire calendar, or just pick up a few items from the list below to help the needy; please review the attached flyer for complete details and deliver your boxes to the Immanuel Lutheran Church by year's end. Thank you.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” - Cicero
This Day in History:
- 1689 – Convention Parliament: The Declaration of Right is embodied in the Bill of Rights.
- 1773 – American Revolution: Boston Tea Party: Members of the Sons of Liberty disguised as Mohawk Indians dump hundreds of crates of tea into Boston harbor as a protest against the Tea Act.
- 1777 – Virginia becomes the first state to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
- 1811 – The first two in a series of four severe earthquakes occur in the vicinity of New Madrid, Missouri.
- 1960 – A United Airlines Douglas DC-8 and a TWA Lockheed Super Constellation collide over Staten Island, New York and crash, killing all 128 people aboard both aircraft and six more on the ground.
- 2014 – Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan militants attack an Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing 150 people, 132 of them schoolchildren.
December 15, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
According to the calendar, next Friday is the first day of winter; Do you have your vehicles all ready to go? Does your vehicle need a new pair of sneakers to drive around safely? Do you have reliable wipers? The Altona TBA can check your vehicle over for winter. Is it supplied with blankets, flashlights, food, water, or other supplies should you get stranded? For a list of items from AAA, please see the checklist of items which should be in a vehicle should you get stranded. If your loved one does not have these items, they would make good Christmas gifts. There is nothing wrong with giving the gift of safety to your loved one.
“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” - Mark Twain
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
According to the calendar, next Friday is the first day of winter; Do you have your vehicles all ready to go? Does your vehicle need a new pair of sneakers to drive around safely? Do you have reliable wipers? The Altona TBA can check your vehicle over for winter. Is it supplied with blankets, flashlights, food, water, or other supplies should you get stranded? For a list of items from AAA, please see the checklist of items which should be in a vehicle should you get stranded. If your loved one does not have these items, they would make good Christmas gifts. There is nothing wrong with giving the gift of safety to your loved one.
“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” - Mark Twain
This Day in History:
- 1791 – The United States Bill of Rights becomes law when ratified by the Virginia General Assembly.
- 1836 – The U.S. Patent Office building in Washington, D.C., nearly burns to the ground, destroying all 9,957 patents issued by the federal government to that date, as well as 7,000 related patent models.
- 1903 – Italian American food cart vendor Italo Marchiony receives a U.S. patent for inventing a machine that makes ice cream cones.
- 2001 – The Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens after 11 years and $27,000,000 spent to stabilize it, without fixing its famous lean.
December 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Have you thought about how you wish to donate for your year end giving? Until the end of this year, thanks to an anonymous generous donor; all donations to the Altona Historical Society will be matched up to $50,000. The historical society is nearing the end of their 2nd floor renovations of our historic Ransom Memorial Public Library. Once this project is finished, it will be a wonderful addition for our community. This has been a long process and you the public have been a vital part of it. Please see the flyer below for details. Did you know that if you are 72 years of age or older, federal law says that you must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your tax-deferred savings, IRA or 401(k)'s. Please consult your tax preparers for complete details and how using this investment avenue can give you tax savings by making a donation from these accounts.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet? Have you thought about how you wish to donate for your year end giving? Until the end of this year, thanks to an anonymous generous donor; all donations to the Altona Historical Society will be matched up to $50,000. The historical society is nearing the end of their 2nd floor renovations of our historic Ransom Memorial Public Library. Once this project is finished, it will be a wonderful addition for our community. This has been a long process and you the public have been a vital part of it. Please see the flyer below for details. Did you know that if you are 72 years of age or older, federal law says that you must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your tax-deferred savings, IRA or 401(k)'s. Please consult your tax preparers for complete details and how using this investment avenue can give you tax savings by making a donation from these accounts.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller
This Day in History:
- 1780 – Founding Father Alexander Hamilton marries Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton at the Schuyler Mansion in Albany, New York.
- 1819 – Alabama becomes the 22nd U.S. state.
- 1902 – The Commercial Pacific Cable Company lays the first Pacific telegraph cable, from San Francisco to Honolulu.
- 1903 – The Wright brothers make their first attempt to fly with the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
- 2017 – The Walt Disney Company announces that it would acquire 21st Century Fox, including the 20th Century Fox movie studio, for $52.4 billion.
December 13, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due next Wednesday by the close of business at 4 p.m. at Compton Accounting. If you haven't paid your bill yet, please make every effort to pay your bill on time and avoid paying the late fee charges. The Village excepts cash, credit/debit cards or your good check for payment. Either stop in and pay your bill in person, drop your payment in the door slot, or pay online using the following link:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.” - Anne Frank
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due next Wednesday by the close of business at 4 p.m. at Compton Accounting. If you haven't paid your bill yet, please make every effort to pay your bill on time and avoid paying the late fee charges. The Village excepts cash, credit/debit cards or your good check for payment. Either stop in and pay your bill in person, drop your payment in the door slot, or pay online using the following link:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.” - Anne Frank
This Day in History:
- 1636 – The Massachusetts Bay Colony organizes three militia regiments to defend the colony against the Pequot Indians, a date now considered the founding of the National Guard of the United States.
- 1769 – Dartmouth College is founded by the Reverend Eleazar Wheelock, with a royal charter from King George III, on land donated by Royal governor John Wentworth.
- 1862 – American Civil War: At the Battle of Fredericksburg, Confederate General Robert E. Lee defeats Union Major General Ambrose Burnside.
- 1972 – Apollo program: Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt begin the third and final extra-vehicular activity (EVA) or "Moonwalk" of Apollo 17. To date they are the last humans to set foot on the Moon.
- 2003 – Iraq War: Operation Red Dawn: Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is captured near his home town of Tikrit.
December 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Only 13 more days until Christmas! Do you have your shopping done? Don't forget to stop by your local businesses for gift ideas and stocking stuffers. All of the businesses in the Village of Altona has something that is useful or unique or perhaps even fit into a stocking. The Village of Altona Welcomes You! Have a Merry Christmas!
“Christmas! The very word brings joy to your hearts.” - Joan Winmill Brown
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Only 13 more days until Christmas! Do you have your shopping done? Don't forget to stop by your local businesses for gift ideas and stocking stuffers. All of the businesses in the Village of Altona has something that is useful or unique or perhaps even fit into a stocking. The Village of Altona Welcomes You! Have a Merry Christmas!
“Christmas! The very word brings joy to your hearts.” - Joan Winmill Brown
This Day in History:
- 1787 – Pennsylvania becomes the second state to ratify the US Constitution.
- 1870 – Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina becomes the second black U.S. congressman.
- 1941 – The Holocaust: Adolf Hitler declares the imminent extermination of the Jews at a meeting in the Reich Chancellery.
- 2000 – The United States Supreme Court releases its decision in Bush v. Gore.
December 11, 2023
Attention Walnut Grove Township & Village Residents:
Final reminder that there will be an informational meeting tonight in the Village Meeting Room at 302 S. Depot St. (across from Compton Accounting) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. by the Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance to give information about the proposed CO2 pipeline being considered for construction in the northeast corner of Knox County. Seating is limited, so plan to sit on the floor or stand if the room gets filled up. Please see the flyer for complete details. It is always best to seek out the facts from both sides of an issue prior to making a decision on a controversial issue. Tonights meeting may help you in your research to make an informed decision.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky.” - Thich That Hanh
This Day in History:
Attention Walnut Grove Township & Village Residents:
Final reminder that there will be an informational meeting tonight in the Village Meeting Room at 302 S. Depot St. (across from Compton Accounting) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. by the Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance to give information about the proposed CO2 pipeline being considered for construction in the northeast corner of Knox County. Seating is limited, so plan to sit on the floor or stand if the room gets filled up. Please see the flyer for complete details. It is always best to seek out the facts from both sides of an issue prior to making a decision on a controversial issue. Tonights meeting may help you in your research to make an informed decision.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky.” - Thich That Hanh
This Day in History:
- 1816 – Indiana becomes the 19th U.S. state.
- 1972 – Apollo 17 becomes the sixth and final Apollo mission to land on the Moon.
- 2008 – Bernie Madoff is arrested and charged with securities fraud in a $50 billion Ponzi scheme.
December 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Annual Children's Christmas Program will be this morning at 10:15 am during regular church service at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Come watch the children's hard work.
“And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone.” - Taylor Caldwell
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The Annual Children's Christmas Program will be this morning at 10:15 am during regular church service at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. Come watch the children's hard work.
“And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone.” - Taylor Caldwell
This Day in History:
- 1768 – The first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica is published.
- 1817 – Mississippi becomes the 20th U.S. state.
- 1906 – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the mediation of the Russo-Japanese War, becoming the first American to win a Nobel Prize in any field.
- 2021 – A widespread, deadly, and violent tornado outbreak slams the Central, Midwestern, and Southern regions of the United States. Eighty-nine people are killed by the tornadoes, with most of the fatalities occurring in Kentucky, where a single tornado kills 57 people, and injures hundreds of others.
December 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
If you would like to help the needy during this Christmas season, The Immanuel Lutheran Church Ladies has a project for you to do. As you are out doing your grocery shopping, please consider picking up extra items to help the unfortunate in local area. Please see the flyer for their Advent Food Drive for complete details.
“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” - Oskar Schindler
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
If you would like to help the needy during this Christmas season, The Immanuel Lutheran Church Ladies has a project for you to do. As you are out doing your grocery shopping, please consider picking up extra items to help the unfortunate in local area. Please see the flyer for their Advent Food Drive for complete details.
“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” - Oskar Schindler
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: British troops and Loyalists, misinformed about Patriot militia strength, lose the Battle of Great Bridge, ending British rule in Virginia.
- 1851 – The first YMCA in North America is established in Montreal.
- 1968 – Douglas Engelbart gave what became known as "The Mother of All Demos", publicly debuting the computer mouse, hypertext, and the bit-mapped graphical user interface using the oN-Line System (NLS).
- 2008 – Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich is arrested by federal officials for crimes including attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
December 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
As we have entered into the Christmas giving season, it is also that time of year to start thinking about year end giving. With year end giving, there can be some tax advantages with that, but each person's tax situation is different so you will have to consult your tax preparer for guidance that meets your specific needs. Did you know that if you have a tax-deferred savings account such as an IRA or 401(k) and you are age 72 or older, that you MUST take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year and pay income tax on that distribution? Did you know that you can give tax free gifts using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)? Churches and many other organizations qualifies as a QCD and depending on your personal situation, having your distribution go directly to the QCD (do NOT let the money touch your hands in other words) could save you tax dollars unavailable through more traditional means of charitable giving. This option could not only save you some tax money, but it will also help a worthwhile charity. Please be sure to speak with your tax preparer as well as the intended charitable organization first to make sure that the charity organization will qualify for this donation.
“You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” - Coach John Wooden
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
As we have entered into the Christmas giving season, it is also that time of year to start thinking about year end giving. With year end giving, there can be some tax advantages with that, but each person's tax situation is different so you will have to consult your tax preparer for guidance that meets your specific needs. Did you know that if you have a tax-deferred savings account such as an IRA or 401(k) and you are age 72 or older, that you MUST take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year and pay income tax on that distribution? Did you know that you can give tax free gifts using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)? Churches and many other organizations qualifies as a QCD and depending on your personal situation, having your distribution go directly to the QCD (do NOT let the money touch your hands in other words) could save you tax dollars unavailable through more traditional means of charitable giving. This option could not only save you some tax money, but it will also help a worthwhile charity. Please be sure to speak with your tax preparer as well as the intended charitable organization first to make sure that the charity organization will qualify for this donation.
“You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” - Coach John Wooden
This Day in History:
- 1660 – A woman (either Margaret Hughes or Anne Marshall) appears on an English public stage for the first time, in the role of Desdemona in a production of Shakespeare's play Othello.
- 1854 – In his Apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus, Pope Pius IX proclaims the dogmatic definition of Immaculate Conception, which holds that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived free of Original Sin.
- 1864 – Pope Pius IX promulgates the encyclical Quanta cura and its appendix, the Syllabus of Errors, outlining the authority of the Catholic Church and condemning various liberal ideas.
- 1941 – World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares December 7 to be "a date which will live in infamy", after which the U.S. declares war on Japan.
- 1941 – World War II: Japanese forces simultaneously invade Shanghai International Settlement, Malaya, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and the Dutch East Indies. (See December 7 for the concurrent attack on Pearl Harbor in the Western Hemisphere.)
- 1953 – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivers his "Atoms for Peace" speech, which leads to an American program to supply equipment and information on nuclear power to schools, hospitals, and research institutions around the world.
- 2013 – Metallica performs a show in Antarctica, making them the first band to perform on all seven continents.
- 2019 – First confirmed case of COVID-19 in China.
December 7, 2023
Attention Village and Walnut Grove Township Residents:
By now everyone has received an informational flyer in regards to the proposed CO2 pipeline that is to go through Northeast Knox County. Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance will be having a meeting about this proposed pipeline at the Village Meeting Room located at 302 S. Depot Street (polling place) on Monday, December 11th, from 6 pm - 7:30 pm. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to do so. Seating is limited so prepare to either sit on the floor or stand if a lot of people show up.
**** Disclaimer - The Village of Altona Board of Trustees has not discussed this issue and at this point in time has no official position, neither pro nor anti pipeline. With any controversial topic, it is always best to do one's own research and learn about the facts on both sides prior to making an educational opinion.
“People destined to meet will do so, apparently by chance, at precisely the right moment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Village and Walnut Grove Township Residents:
By now everyone has received an informational flyer in regards to the proposed CO2 pipeline that is to go through Northeast Knox County. Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance will be having a meeting about this proposed pipeline at the Village Meeting Room located at 302 S. Depot Street (polling place) on Monday, December 11th, from 6 pm - 7:30 pm. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to do so. Seating is limited so prepare to either sit on the floor or stand if a lot of people show up.
**** Disclaimer - The Village of Altona Board of Trustees has not discussed this issue and at this point in time has no official position, neither pro nor anti pipeline. With any controversial topic, it is always best to do one's own research and learn about the facts on both sides prior to making an educational opinion.
“People destined to meet will do so, apparently by chance, at precisely the right moment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1787 – Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
- 1842 – First concert of the New York Philharmonic, founded by Ureli Corelli Hill.
- 1941 – World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Imperial Japanese Navy carries out a surprise attack on the United States Pacific Fleet and its defending Army and Marine air forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. (For Japan's near-simultaneous attacks on Eastern Hemisphere targets, see December 8.)
- 2015 – The JAXA probe Akatsuki successfully enters orbit around Venus five years after the first attempt.
December 6, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Would you like to be apart of special group of citizens that not only answers the call to duty, but are considered our local heroes as well? Then both the Altona Volunteer Fire Department and Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance District could be for you. Please contact Altona Fire Chief Kieth Holland or Director Sally Keener for complete details. Thank you for serving your community!
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Theodore Roosevelt
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Would you like to be apart of special group of citizens that not only answers the call to duty, but are considered our local heroes as well? Then both the Altona Volunteer Fire Department and Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance District could be for you. Please contact Altona Fire Chief Kieth Holland or Director Sally Keener for complete details. Thank you for serving your community!
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Theodore Roosevelt
This Day in History:
- 1790 – The U.S. Congress moves from New York City to Philadelphia.
- 1884 – The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., is completed.
- 1967 – Adrian Kantrowitz performs the first human heart transplant in the United States.
- 2017 – Donald Trump's administration officially announces the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
December 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Congratulations to Rebecca Sallee, winner of the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. I'm sure this tree will be a lovely addition to your beautiful display. Thank you to everyone who had purchased a raffle ticket and entered into the drawing. While you may not have won, your donation went to a worthy local cause.
Attention Area Residents:
Congratulations to Rebecca Sallee, winner of the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. I'm sure this tree will be a lovely addition to your beautiful display. Thank you to everyone who had purchased a raffle ticket and entered into the drawing. While you may not have won, your donation went to a worthy local cause.
December 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Last Tuesday was Giving Tuesday, a day set aside during the Thanksgiving weekend shopping period to give to your favorite charity for the Christmas season. If you hadn't participated nor haven't decided on an organization to give yet, please consider making a gift to the Altona Historical Society. Due to the graciousness of a generous anonymous donor, all donations received will be matched up to $50,000. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for your generosity. You are making an investment in Altona that will be used by all for years to come.
“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” - Earl Nightingale
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Last Tuesday was Giving Tuesday, a day set aside during the Thanksgiving weekend shopping period to give to your favorite charity for the Christmas season. If you hadn't participated nor haven't decided on an organization to give yet, please consider making a gift to the Altona Historical Society. Due to the graciousness of a generous anonymous donor, all donations received will be matched up to $50,000. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for your generosity. You are making an investment in Altona that will be used by all for years to come.
“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” - Earl Nightingale
This Day in History:
- 1831 – Former U.S. President John Quincy Adams takes his seat in the House of Representatives.
- 1933 – The Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified.
- 2017 – The International Olympic Committee bans Russia from competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics for doping at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
December 4, 2023
Attention Christmas Lovers:
Final notice that the drawing for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle will be today. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, please see the flyer and contact one of the members this morning. Thank you to everyone who have purchased raffle tickets. This is a worthy cause. Good luck to all and Merry Christmas. May this tree add to your joyful holiday.
“Beauty awakens the soul to act.” - Dante Alighieri
This Day in History:
Attention Christmas Lovers:
Final notice that the drawing for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle will be today. If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, please see the flyer and contact one of the members this morning. Thank you to everyone who have purchased raffle tickets. This is a worthy cause. Good luck to all and Merry Christmas. May this tree add to your joyful holiday.
“Beauty awakens the soul to act.” - Dante Alighieri
This Day in History:
- 1804 – The United States House of Representatives adopts articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase.
- 1918 – U.S. President Woodrow Wilson sails for the World War I peace talks in Versailles, becoming the first US president to travel to Europe while in office.
- 2017 – The Thomas Fire starts near Santa Paula in California. It eventually became the largest wildfire in modern California history to date after burning 440 square miles (1,140 km2) in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
December 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
A couple of holiday reminders for everyone...
*** Tomorrow is the drawing for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. This tree would make a nice addition to your holiday decor and it also helps a local worthwhile cause. Please see the flyer for complete details on how to acquire your tickets. Time is running out. Good luck!
*** For those who would like to help the unfortunate. The Immanuel Lutheran Church ladies is having a food drive for those in need this December called A Reverse Advent Calendar. Please see the flyer for complete details and prayerfully give.
“So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” - The Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 6:6
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
A couple of holiday reminders for everyone...
*** Tomorrow is the drawing for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. This tree would make a nice addition to your holiday decor and it also helps a local worthwhile cause. Please see the flyer for complete details on how to acquire your tickets. Time is running out. Good luck!
*** For those who would like to help the unfortunate. The Immanuel Lutheran Church ladies is having a food drive for those in need this December called A Reverse Advent Calendar. Please see the flyer for complete details and prayerfully give.
“So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” - The Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 6:6
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: USS Alfred becomes the first vessel to fly the Grand Union Flag (the precursor to the Stars and Stripes); the flag is hoisted by John Paul Jones.
- 1818 – Illinois becomes the 21st U.S. state.
- 1929 – President Herbert Hoover delivers his first State of the Union message to Congress. It is presented in the form of a written message rather than a speech.
- 2005 – XCOR Aerospace makes the first crewed rocket aircraft delivery of U.S. Mail in Kern County, California.
- 2007 – Winter storms cause the Chehalis River to flood many cities in Lewis County, Washington, and close a 32-kilometre (20 mi) portion of Interstate 5 for several days. At least eight deaths and billions of dollars in damages are blamed on the floods.
December 2, 2023,
Village President Derrick Appell welcomed Santa Claus to the Village of Altona this morning for the annual Brunch with Santa. Thank you to all of the volunteers, Altona Lions Club, Ransom Memorial Public Library and though who had donated items to help make this year's event another success. It was attended by approximately 50 children and an enjoyable time was had by both children and their families. Photos of the event are below. Thank you again to everyone who had attended.
Village President Derrick Appell welcomed Santa Claus to the Village of Altona this morning for the annual Brunch with Santa. Thank you to all of the volunteers, Altona Lions Club, Ransom Memorial Public Library and though who had donated items to help make this year's event another success. It was attended by approximately 50 children and an enjoyable time was had by both children and their families. Photos of the event are below. Thank you again to everyone who had attended.
December 2, 2023
**** IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENTS ****
Hey Kids! Just one last final reminder that THIS MORNING from 9 am until 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church, Santa Claus will be coming to the Village of Altona to see you. Come have brunch with him, tell him what you would like for Christmas, get your picture taken with him, make a craft to take home along with a free book. This event is being brought to you by the Ransom Memorial Public Library and the Altona Lions Club. Thank you to all the volunteers for your efforts today.
Adults - Have you purchased your Christmas Tree Raffle Tickets yet? The drawing for the 7th annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle will be on Monday the 4th. Please see the flyer for complete details on how you can be the next winner. Good Luck!
“Christmas works like glue, it keeps us all sticking together.” - Rosie Thomas
This Day in History:
**** IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENTS ****
Hey Kids! Just one last final reminder that THIS MORNING from 9 am until 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church, Santa Claus will be coming to the Village of Altona to see you. Come have brunch with him, tell him what you would like for Christmas, get your picture taken with him, make a craft to take home along with a free book. This event is being brought to you by the Ransom Memorial Public Library and the Altona Lions Club. Thank you to all the volunteers for your efforts today.
Adults - Have you purchased your Christmas Tree Raffle Tickets yet? The drawing for the 7th annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle will be on Monday the 4th. Please see the flyer for complete details on how you can be the next winner. Good Luck!
“Christmas works like glue, it keeps us all sticking together.” - Rosie Thomas
This Day in History:
- 1865 – Alabama ratifies the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, followed by North Carolina, then Georgia; U.S. slaves were legally free within two weeks.
- 1927 – Following 19 years of Ford Model T production, the Ford Motor Company unveils the Ford Model A as its new automobile.
- 2020 – Cannabis is removed from the list of most dangerous drugs of the international drug control treaty by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.
December 1, 2023
Attention Children and Parents:
Just another reminder that "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" to have brunch with the kids tomorrow morning from 9;00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at The Grove Community Church. Meet Santa, have your picture taken with him, make a fun craft, have a bite to eat and take home a free book. This event is made possible by the Ransom Memorial Public Library and the Altona Lions Club. See the flyer for complete details and have some fun.
“It all comes to this: The simplest way to be happy is to do good.” - Helen Keller
This Day in History:
Attention Children and Parents:
Just another reminder that "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" to have brunch with the kids tomorrow morning from 9;00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at The Grove Community Church. Meet Santa, have your picture taken with him, make a fun craft, have a bite to eat and take home a free book. This event is made possible by the Ransom Memorial Public Library and the Altona Lions Club. See the flyer for complete details and have some fun.
“It all comes to this: The simplest way to be happy is to do good.” - Helen Keller
This Day in History:
- 1824 – United States presidential election: Since no candidate received a majority of the total electoral college votes in the election, the United States House of Representatives is given the task of deciding the winner in accordance with the Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
- 1924 – The National Hockey League's first United States-based franchise, the Boston Bruins, plays their first game in league play at home, at the still-extant Boston Arena indoor hockey facility.
- 2019 – The outbreak of coronavirus infection began in Wuhan.
November 30, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This is to inform you that beginning today and running through December 3rd is the 2nd Illinois Deer Shotgun Season. This weekend is also an either Blaze Orange or Blaze Pink weekend. Either blaze color MUST be worn while in the field for everyone's safety regardless if one is hunting or not. Failure to wear these colors will require the Game Warden to issue you a ticket, as well as increase your chances of accidentally getting shot. If you are not hunting, it is just best to avoid the timbers and let the hunters have their season as they have waited all year for this weekend and which they are trying to fill their freezers with meat to feed their families. Thank you hunters for harvesting the overly populated deer herd. The more that are legally harvested the less we all hit with our vehicles.
Attention Area Residents:
This is to inform you that beginning today and running through December 3rd is the 2nd Illinois Deer Shotgun Season. This weekend is also an either Blaze Orange or Blaze Pink weekend. Either blaze color MUST be worn while in the field for everyone's safety regardless if one is hunting or not. Failure to wear these colors will require the Game Warden to issue you a ticket, as well as increase your chances of accidentally getting shot. If you are not hunting, it is just best to avoid the timbers and let the hunters have their season as they have waited all year for this weekend and which they are trying to fill their freezers with meat to feed their families. Thank you hunters for harvesting the overly populated deer herd. The more that are legally harvested the less we all hit with our vehicles.
November 30, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Have you started decorating your homes for the Christmas season yet? How would you like to win a decorated Christmas tree to reduce some of that decorating? Or, how would you like to add to your beautiful display at home by adding an additional tree? Contact an Altona Historical Society member to purchase raffle tickets and you could be the winner and answer the those questions. Good luck with the drawing and thank you for supporting a wonderful cause. You better hurry because time is running out as the drawing is December 4th. See the flyer for complete details.
“To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve.” - James Allen
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Have you started decorating your homes for the Christmas season yet? How would you like to win a decorated Christmas tree to reduce some of that decorating? Or, how would you like to add to your beautiful display at home by adding an additional tree? Contact an Altona Historical Society member to purchase raffle tickets and you could be the winner and answer the those questions. Good luck with the drawing and thank you for supporting a wonderful cause. You better hurry because time is running out as the drawing is December 4th. See the flyer for complete details.
“To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve.” - James Allen
This Day in History:
- 1782 – American Revolutionary War: Treaty of Paris: In Paris, representatives from the United States and Great Britain sign preliminary peace articles (later formalized as the 1783 Treaty of Paris).
- 1941 – The Holocaust: The SS-Einsatzgruppen round up 11,000 Jews from the Riga Ghetto and kill them in the Rumbula massacre.
- 2018 – A magnitude 7.1 earthquake with its epicenter only 24 km from Anchorage, Alaska causes significant property damage but no deaths.
November 29, 2023
Attention Area Children:
Do you have your letter to Santa written? Would you like to meet him and ask him in person the things that you would like for Christmas? Well you have that opportunity this Saturday December 2nd when you have Brunch with Santa at The Grove Community Church from 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. While you are there, you can have your picture taken with him, make a craft and take home a book. So be sure to bring mom or dad with you and see the flyer or complete details. This event is made possible by the Ransom Memorial Public Library and the Altona Lions Club. Thank you to both organizations for continually bring joy to the youth of our community.
“Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” - Denis Waitley
This Day in History:
Attention Area Children:
Do you have your letter to Santa written? Would you like to meet him and ask him in person the things that you would like for Christmas? Well you have that opportunity this Saturday December 2nd when you have Brunch with Santa at The Grove Community Church from 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. While you are there, you can have your picture taken with him, make a craft and take home a book. So be sure to bring mom or dad with you and see the flyer or complete details. This event is made possible by the Ransom Memorial Public Library and the Altona Lions Club. Thank you to both organizations for continually bring joy to the youth of our community.
“Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” - Denis Waitley
This Day in History:
- 1877 – Thomas Edison demonstrates his phonograph for the first time.
- 1929 – U.S. Admiral Richard E. Byrd leads the first expedition to fly over the South Pole.
- 2013 – LAM Mozambique Airlines 470 crashes in the Bwabata National Park in a pilot mass murder-suicide, killing all 33 people on board.
November 28, 2023:
Attention Area Residents:
There is less than one week until the 7th Annual Christmas Tree Raffle drawing. The drawing will be December 4th. Tickets may be purchased from any Altona Historical Society member. For information on ticket pricing and from whom to purchase them from, please view the flyer. This tree would make a lovely addition to your holiday decor. Good luck!!!
“Always be open to new ideas.” - Hy-Vee Fortune Cookie
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
There is less than one week until the 7th Annual Christmas Tree Raffle drawing. The drawing will be December 4th. Tickets may be purchased from any Altona Historical Society member. For information on ticket pricing and from whom to purchase them from, please view the flyer. This tree would make a lovely addition to your holiday decor. Good luck!!!
“Always be open to new ideas.” - Hy-Vee Fortune Cookie
This Day in History:
- 1582 – In Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway pay a £40 (equivalent to £12,261 in 2021) bond in lieu of posting wedding banns, which enables them to marry immediately.
- 1660 – At Gresham College, twelve men, including Christopher Wren, Robert Boyle, John Wilkins, and Sir Robert Moray decide to found what is later known as the Royal Society.
- 1785 – The first Treaty of Hopewell is signed, by which the United States acknowledges Cherokee lands in what is now East Tennessee.
- 1895 – The first American automobile race takes place over the 54 miles from Chicago's Jackson Park to Evanston, Illinois. Frank Duryea wins in approximately 10 hours.
- 1925 – The Grand Ole Opry begins broadcasting in Nashville, Tennessee, as the WSM Barn Dance.
- 2002 – Suicide bombers blow up an Israeli-owned hotel in Mombasa, Kenya; their colleagues fail in their attempt to bring down Arkia Israel Airlines Flight 582 with surface-to-air missiles.
November 27, 2023
Attention Area Children!!!!
Did you know that it's finally that time of year again? Do you know who is coming to town? If you guessed Santa, you would be right! This Saturday, December 2nd, Santa Claus is coming to the Village of Altona. He will be at The Grove Community Church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. You can have Brunch with him, have your picture taken with him while you tell him what you would like for Christmas, you can make a craft and take home a book. Be sure to have mom and dad bring you and the camera as well.
“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments.” - John Boswell
This Day in History:
Attention Area Children!!!!
Did you know that it's finally that time of year again? Do you know who is coming to town? If you guessed Santa, you would be right! This Saturday, December 2nd, Santa Claus is coming to the Village of Altona. He will be at The Grove Community Church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. You can have Brunch with him, have your picture taken with him while you tell him what you would like for Christmas, you can make a craft and take home a book. Be sure to have mom and dad bring you and the camera as well.
“Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments.” - John Boswell
This Day in History:
- 1895 – At the Swedish–Norwegian Club in Paris, Alfred Nobel signs his last will and testament, setting aside his estate to establish the Nobel Prize after he dies.
- 1924 – In New York City, the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is held.
- 2001 – A hydrogen atmosphere is discovered on the extrasolar planet Osiris by the Hubble Space Telescope, the first atmosphere detected on an extrasolar planet.
November 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that the National Weather Service's Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 12 noon today. If you would like to read the full Advisory, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2607538&areaId=knox
There is an old saying that mentions whatever the date of the first snowfall - that is the number of snowfalls in that season. Today is the 26th if that old saying were to hold true, then we would have 26 snowfall events this winter. That could be a lot of snow. With the turn of the season from fall to winter, it is wise to get your vehicle ready for winter. Preparing your vehicle for winter by having your favorite mechanic check it over to make sure everything is in working order would be a good start as you wouldn't want to have an unexpected breakdown during bad weather. Another way to being prepared for winter driving is to know where to find out road conditions. Go to www.gettingaroundillinois.com for the latest conditions around Illinois. Another way of being prepared is to carry supplies with you in your vehicle should you somehow get stranded. Please review the flyer for those complete details, and have a safe winter driving season.
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that the National Weather Service's Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 12 noon today. If you would like to read the full Advisory, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2607538&areaId=knox
There is an old saying that mentions whatever the date of the first snowfall - that is the number of snowfalls in that season. Today is the 26th if that old saying were to hold true, then we would have 26 snowfall events this winter. That could be a lot of snow. With the turn of the season from fall to winter, it is wise to get your vehicle ready for winter. Preparing your vehicle for winter by having your favorite mechanic check it over to make sure everything is in working order would be a good start as you wouldn't want to have an unexpected breakdown during bad weather. Another way to being prepared for winter driving is to know where to find out road conditions. Go to www.gettingaroundillinois.com for the latest conditions around Illinois. Another way of being prepared is to carry supplies with you in your vehicle should you somehow get stranded. Please review the flyer for those complete details, and have a safe winter driving season.
November 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder for those who had RSVP'd, that this afternoon beginning at 4 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, they will be making Advent Wreaths (Logs). This is a family activity. Enjoy the memories as you and your family create these wreaths and learn the meaning behind them.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32 NIV
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder for those who had RSVP'd, that this afternoon beginning at 4 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, they will be making Advent Wreaths (Logs). This is a family activity. Enjoy the memories as you and your family create these wreaths and learn the meaning behind them.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32 NIV
This Day in History:
- 1789 – A national Thanksgiving Day is observed in the United States as proclaimed by President George Washington at the request of Congress.
- 1863 – United States President Abraham Lincoln proclaims November 26 as a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated annually on the final Thursday of November. Following the Thanksgiving controversy from 1939 to 1941, it has been observed on the fourth Thursday in 1942 and subsequent years.
- 1917 – The National Hockey League is formed, with the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs, and Toronto Arenas as its first teams.
- 2000 – George W. Bush is certified the winner of Florida's electoral votes by Katherine Harris, going on to win the United States presidential election, despite losing in the national popular vote.
November 25, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from midnight until 12 noon tomorrow. 2-3" of snow is expected. Please drive carefully and be sure to pack winter essentials in your vehicles in case you slip off the roads and get stranded during your travels.
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2607538&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from midnight until 12 noon tomorrow. 2-3" of snow is expected. Please drive carefully and be sure to pack winter essentials in your vehicles in case you slip off the roads and get stranded during your travels.
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2607538&areaId=knox
November 25, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder of the Annual Altona Lions Club Christmas Season Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast this morning at The Grove Community Church. Breakfast times are from 7 AM until 10 AM. Be sure to stop by and fill up your body with the energy to tackle all of that holiday weekend shopping. All proceeds go to benefit their numerous projects which help enhance the great living experience within the Village. Thank you in advance for your continued patronage of the Altona Lions Club, and THANK YOU to all of those who volunteer in that fine organization.
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder of the Annual Altona Lions Club Christmas Season Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast this morning at The Grove Community Church. Breakfast times are from 7 AM until 10 AM. Be sure to stop by and fill up your body with the energy to tackle all of that holiday weekend shopping. All proceeds go to benefit their numerous projects which help enhance the great living experience within the Village. Thank you in advance for your continued patronage of the Altona Lions Club, and THANK YOU to all of those who volunteer in that fine organization.
November 25, 2023
Attention Area Shoppers:
Happy Small Business Saturday! Thank you to all of the hard working small businesses in the Village of Altona and surrounding area. Small business is the backbone of this country and they have to work harder than the big box store to stay in business. So when you do your Christmas shopping this year, be sure to stop by your local mom and pop stores and patronize them. The owners of these businesses are your friends and neighbors. If you are needing some gift giving ideas or stocking stuffers; the businesses in the Village of Altona can help you out. Does the person on your shopping list like candles or antiques? If so, then stop by the Walnut Grove Mercantile and let Barb help you out. The General Store Tap sells apparel, drink tokens as well as gift certificates. Who wouldn't enjoy a new washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, or dish washer? It is the thoughtful gift that would be used every day of the year, see Andrew's Implement. Altona Food & Gas sells soda, snacks, alcohol and, gift cards for their store, as well as lottery tickets. Now who doesn't like a chance to win money off of a scratch off? So come to the Village of Altona today and see what you can mark off of that shopping list.
“The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” - Dr. Robert Holden
This Day in History:
Attention Area Shoppers:
Happy Small Business Saturday! Thank you to all of the hard working small businesses in the Village of Altona and surrounding area. Small business is the backbone of this country and they have to work harder than the big box store to stay in business. So when you do your Christmas shopping this year, be sure to stop by your local mom and pop stores and patronize them. The owners of these businesses are your friends and neighbors. If you are needing some gift giving ideas or stocking stuffers; the businesses in the Village of Altona can help you out. Does the person on your shopping list like candles or antiques? If so, then stop by the Walnut Grove Mercantile and let Barb help you out. The General Store Tap sells apparel, drink tokens as well as gift certificates. Who wouldn't enjoy a new washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, or dish washer? It is the thoughtful gift that would be used every day of the year, see Andrew's Implement. Altona Food & Gas sells soda, snacks, alcohol and, gift cards for their store, as well as lottery tickets. Now who doesn't like a chance to win money off of a scratch off? So come to the Village of Altona today and see what you can mark off of that shopping list.
“The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” - Dr. Robert Holden
This Day in History:
- 1758 – French and Indian War: British forces capture Fort Duquesne from French control. Later, Fort Pitt will be built nearby and grow into modern Pittsburgh.
- 1864 – American Civil War: A group of Confederate operatives calling themselves the Confederate Army of Manhattan starts fires in more than 20 locations in an unsuccessful attempt to burn down New York City.
- 1963 – State funeral of John F. Kennedy; after lying in state at the United States Capitol, a Requiem Mass takes place at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle and the President is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
- 2000 – The 2000 Baku earthquake, with a Richter magnitude of 7.0, leaves 26 people dead in Baku, Azerbaijan, and becomes the strongest earthquake in the region in 158 years.
November 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that tomorrow morning from 7 AM - 10 AM at The Grove Community Church; the Altona Lions Club will be having their annual Christmas Season Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast. Please come out and load up on a good breakfast before doing your Christmas shopping for the day. Proceeds from these Lions Club meals stays in our town and supports numerous projects that improve the Village of Altona. Thank you in advance for your continued support of the Altona Lions Club.
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that tomorrow morning from 7 AM - 10 AM at The Grove Community Church; the Altona Lions Club will be having their annual Christmas Season Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast. Please come out and load up on a good breakfast before doing your Christmas shopping for the day. Proceeds from these Lions Club meals stays in our town and supports numerous projects that improve the Village of Altona. Thank you in advance for your continued support of the Altona Lions Club.
November 24, 2023
Attention Area Shoppers:
While today may be Black Friday - the day set aside for tremendous Christmas shopping deals; and Sunday may be Sofa Sunday - the key day for influencing Cyber Monday shopping; and Monday may be Cyber Monday - the day for the best shopping deals for buying online; and Tuesday may be Giving Tuesday - the day set aside to acknowledge the importance of giving to charities and churches during this holiday season; let us not forget about tomorrow being Small Business Saturday - this is the day set aside to shop at small businesses. Small business makes up the vast majority of businesses in this country. They have to work harder for your hard earned dollars and to compete against the big corporations. Small businesses generally have better quality products and offer better service too. So please show your gratitude to them this Christmas season by supporting the small businesses in your community.
“… It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” - Brother David Steindl-Rast
This Day in History:
Attention Area Shoppers:
While today may be Black Friday - the day set aside for tremendous Christmas shopping deals; and Sunday may be Sofa Sunday - the key day for influencing Cyber Monday shopping; and Monday may be Cyber Monday - the day for the best shopping deals for buying online; and Tuesday may be Giving Tuesday - the day set aside to acknowledge the importance of giving to charities and churches during this holiday season; let us not forget about tomorrow being Small Business Saturday - this is the day set aside to shop at small businesses. Small business makes up the vast majority of businesses in this country. They have to work harder for your hard earned dollars and to compete against the big corporations. Small businesses generally have better quality products and offer better service too. So please show your gratitude to them this Christmas season by supporting the small businesses in your community.
“… It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” - Brother David Steindl-Rast
This Day in History:
- 1835 – The Texas Provincial Government authorizes the creation of a horse-mounted police force called the Texas Rangers (which is now the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety).
- 1932 – In Washington, D.C., the FBI Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory (better known as the FBI Crime Lab) officially opens.
- 2016 – The government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People's Army sign a revised peace deal, bringing an end to the country's more than 50-year-long civil war.
November 23, 2023
Attention Altona Residents:
The Village had received a message from an individual from Monmouth that a UPS package was mis-delivered to someone in town. The name on the package is Belinda Breeden. If you had received that package, please either drop it off at the UPS store located at 401 E. Main street in Galesburg or call the UPS Distribution Center at 309-342-0100 for them to pick it up at your place for it to be delivered to the righful owner. Thank you.
Attention Altona Residents:
The Village had received a message from an individual from Monmouth that a UPS package was mis-delivered to someone in town. The name on the package is Belinda Breeden. If you had received that package, please either drop it off at the UPS store located at 401 E. Main street in Galesburg or call the UPS Distribution Center at 309-342-0100 for them to pick it up at your place for it to be delivered to the righful owner. Thank you.
November 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. May you be able to cherish this day with family and loved ones. As we enter the busy holiday season, i'd like to remind everyone that law enforcement will be out in full force today and throughout this heavily traveled weekend looking for speeders, seat belt violators as well as impaired and distracted drivers. Please avoid getting a ticket by buckling up, put away your cellphones while driving and choose a designated driver if you are celebrating the holiday weekend with alcohol. Please Don't Drink and Drive. Don't let a lapse of judgment cause a tragedy for you or another family during this holiday season.
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 with the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians at an autumn harvest feast. But it wasn't known as the Thanksgiving holiday until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it as such until 1863. To learn more about the history of this holiday that we celebrate each year, please click on the following link:
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/thanksgiving-day-fourth-thursday-in-november
“On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence.” - William Jennings Bryan
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. May you be able to cherish this day with family and loved ones. As we enter the busy holiday season, i'd like to remind everyone that law enforcement will be out in full force today and throughout this heavily traveled weekend looking for speeders, seat belt violators as well as impaired and distracted drivers. Please avoid getting a ticket by buckling up, put away your cellphones while driving and choose a designated driver if you are celebrating the holiday weekend with alcohol. Please Don't Drink and Drive. Don't let a lapse of judgment cause a tragedy for you or another family during this holiday season.
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 with the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians at an autumn harvest feast. But it wasn't known as the Thanksgiving holiday until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it as such until 1863. To learn more about the history of this holiday that we celebrate each year, please click on the following link:
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/thanksgiving-day-fourth-thursday-in-november
“On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence.” - William Jennings Bryan
This Day in History:
- 1733 – The start of the 1733 slave insurrection on St. John in what was then the Danish West Indies.
- 1863 – American Civil War: Battle of Chattanooga begins: Union forces led by General Ulysses S. Grant reinforce troops at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and counter-attack Confederate troops.
- 1921 – Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States, signs Willis–Campbell Act, into law, prohibiting doctors from prescribing beer or liquor for medicinal purposes.
- 2015 – Blue Origin's New Shepard space vehicle became the first rocket to successfully fly to space and then return to Earth for a controlled, vertical landing.
November 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
We have entered the holiday seasons and everywhere you go, Christmas decorations are popping up and Black Friday sales are being advertised. It is also time for some annual upcoming Christmas events within the Village.
*** Saturday, December 2nd, from 9 am to 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church; Brunch with Santa. Children can have a snack with Santa, make a craft, pick out a book to take home, and have your picture taken with Santa while you tell him what you would like for Christmas. This event is sponsored by the Ransom Memorial Public Library and the Altona Lions Club. Thank you to both for continuing to put on this special event. See the flyer for details.
*** Monday, December 4th, will be the drawing for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. This year's theme is Old World Rustic. This tree would be a beautiful addition to your home and it is currently on display at the Ransom Memorial Public Library. See the flyer for details on where to purchase your tickets. The more you buy the better the chances to win. Good luck and thank you for supporting this wonderful cause.
*** May everyone have a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. Just a reminder, like all holidays, the police will be out in full force looking for speeders, seat belt violators as well as impaired drivers from any substance. Please choose a designated driver if you plan on consuming alcohol during this Thanksgiving weekend.
“If you want to turn your life around try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.” - Gerald Good
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
We have entered the holiday seasons and everywhere you go, Christmas decorations are popping up and Black Friday sales are being advertised. It is also time for some annual upcoming Christmas events within the Village.
*** Saturday, December 2nd, from 9 am to 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church; Brunch with Santa. Children can have a snack with Santa, make a craft, pick out a book to take home, and have your picture taken with Santa while you tell him what you would like for Christmas. This event is sponsored by the Ransom Memorial Public Library and the Altona Lions Club. Thank you to both for continuing to put on this special event. See the flyer for details.
*** Monday, December 4th, will be the drawing for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. This year's theme is Old World Rustic. This tree would be a beautiful addition to your home and it is currently on display at the Ransom Memorial Public Library. See the flyer for details on where to purchase your tickets. The more you buy the better the chances to win. Good luck and thank you for supporting this wonderful cause.
*** May everyone have a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. Just a reminder, like all holidays, the police will be out in full force looking for speeders, seat belt violators as well as impaired drivers from any substance. Please choose a designated driver if you plan on consuming alcohol during this Thanksgiving weekend.
“If you want to turn your life around try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.” - Gerald Good
This Day in History:
- 1963 – U.S. President John F. Kennedy is assassinated and Texas Governor John Connally is seriously wounded by Lee Harvey Oswald, who also kills Dallas Police officer J. D. Tippit after fleeing the scene. U.S Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as the 36th President of the United States afterwards.
November 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Would you like an idea for a family event? Please read the following from Pastor Kristine Dohrmann of Immanuel Lutheran Church....
Families of all ages and sizes are invited to join us Sunday, November 26th at 4:00pm for our Family Advent event. Together we'll have fun learning about Advent and the ways you can celebrate the season in your own home. Each family will create their own beautiful Advent wreath (log) to use at home. A simple meal will be provided where you'll have the opportunity to fellowship with other families.
Feel free to invite others, especially those without a church home. To make sure we have enough supplies and food, please RSVP by Monday, November 20th using this link Online Signup, replying to this email or on the bulletin board outside the kitchen.
If you have any questions, contact me.
Peace,
Pastor Kristine Dohrmann, Interim
Immanuel Lutheran Church, NALC
PO Box 239, 405 N Depot St. Altona, IL 61414
Church: (309)484-5251 Cell: (515)802-2539
https://immanuellutheranaltona.com/
“Passion is the genesis of genius.” - Galileo Galilei
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Would you like an idea for a family event? Please read the following from Pastor Kristine Dohrmann of Immanuel Lutheran Church....
Families of all ages and sizes are invited to join us Sunday, November 26th at 4:00pm for our Family Advent event. Together we'll have fun learning about Advent and the ways you can celebrate the season in your own home. Each family will create their own beautiful Advent wreath (log) to use at home. A simple meal will be provided where you'll have the opportunity to fellowship with other families.
Feel free to invite others, especially those without a church home. To make sure we have enough supplies and food, please RSVP by Monday, November 20th using this link Online Signup, replying to this email or on the bulletin board outside the kitchen.
If you have any questions, contact me.
Peace,
Pastor Kristine Dohrmann, Interim
Immanuel Lutheran Church, NALC
PO Box 239, 405 N Depot St. Altona, IL 61414
Church: (309)484-5251 Cell: (515)802-2539
https://immanuellutheranaltona.com/
“Passion is the genesis of genius.” - Galileo Galilei
This Day in History:
- 1620 – Plymouth Colony settlers sign the Mayflower Compact (November 11, O.S.)
- 1789 – North Carolina ratifies the United States Constitution and is admitted as the 12th U.S. state.
- 1877 – Thomas Edison announces his invention of the phonograph, a machine that can record and play sound.
- 1905 – Albert Einstein's paper that leads to the mass–energy equivalence formula, E = mc², is published in the journal Annalen der Physik.
- 2019 – Tesla launches the SUV Cybertruck. A gaffe occurs during the launch event when its "unbreakable" windows shatter during demonstration.
November 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due today. Thank you to all who have paid their bills on time. Paying your bill on time avoids the mandatory late fee that automatically gets applied to any account that is delinquent; it also avoids having your water service shut off along with additional fees that go along with that process. In these current times of price increases at the store checkouts, making sure that you pay your bill on time is one way to assure that you don't have to pay for more than is necessary. Please either drop off your payment at Compton Accounting today before the close of business at 4 pm, or pay online by clicking the following link:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you.
“There are so many unpleasant things in the world already that there is no use in imagining any more.” - Lucy Maud Montgomery
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due today. Thank you to all who have paid their bills on time. Paying your bill on time avoids the mandatory late fee that automatically gets applied to any account that is delinquent; it also avoids having your water service shut off along with additional fees that go along with that process. In these current times of price increases at the store checkouts, making sure that you pay your bill on time is one way to assure that you don't have to pay for more than is necessary. Please either drop off your payment at Compton Accounting today before the close of business at 4 pm, or pay online by clicking the following link:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you.
“There are so many unpleasant things in the world already that there is no use in imagining any more.” - Lucy Maud Montgomery
This Day in History:
- 1789 – New Jersey becomes the first U.S. state to ratify the Bill of Rights.
- 1820 – An 80-ton sperm whale attacks and sinks the Essex (a whaling ship from Nantucket, Massachusetts) 3,200 kilometres (2,000 mi) from the western coast of South America. (Herman Melville's 1851 novel Moby-Dick was in part inspired by this incident.)
- 1974 – The United States Department of Justice files its final anti-trust suit against AT&T Corporation. This suit later leads to the breakup of AT&T and its Bell System.
- 2022 – The 2022 FIFA World Cup begins in Qatar. This is the first time the tournament will be held in the Middle East.
November 19, 2023
Attention Knox County Republicans:
If you would like to help make sure that Republican candidates get on the ballot for the spring election, stop by Lenny's Subs today from 3 pm - 5 pm and sign their petitions. This is a one stop signing event to help all of the candidates. See the flyer for details. Thank you.
Attention Knox County Republicans:
If you would like to help make sure that Republican candidates get on the ballot for the spring election, stop by Lenny's Subs today from 3 pm - 5 pm and sign their petitions. This is a one stop signing event to help all of the candidates. See the flyer for details. Thank you.
November 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that water bills are due tomorrow before 4 pm. Thank you to those who have paid their bill already. Paying bills on time helps to keep the system in good working order. For those who have not paid their bill yet, paying prior to the close of business tomorrow will avoid the late fee charges that are automatically applied. You can either drop off your payment in the front mail slot at Compton Accounting, or simply pay online by visiting www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you.
“There is a fine line between dreams and reality; it’s up to you to draw it.” - B. Quilliam
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that water bills are due tomorrow before 4 pm. Thank you to those who have paid their bill already. Paying bills on time helps to keep the system in good working order. For those who have not paid their bill yet, paying prior to the close of business tomorrow will avoid the late fee charges that are automatically applied. You can either drop off your payment in the front mail slot at Compton Accounting, or simply pay online by visiting www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you.
“There is a fine line between dreams and reality; it’s up to you to draw it.” - B. Quilliam
This Day in History:
- 1493 – Christopher Columbus goes ashore on an island called Borinquen he first saw the day before. He names it San Juan Bautista (later renamed again Puerto Rico).
- 1794 – The United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain sign Jay's Treaty, which attempts to resolve some of the lingering problems left over from the American Revolutionary War.
- 1863 – American Civil War: U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address at the dedication ceremony for the military cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
- 1998 – Clinton–Lewinsky scandal: The United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee begins impeachment hearings against U.S. President Bill Clinton.
- 2002 – The Greek oil tanker Prestige splits in half and sinks off the coast of Galicia, releasing over 76,000 m3 (20 million US gal) of oil in the largest environmental disaster in Spanish and Portuguese history.
November 18, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
* Just a reminder that water bills are due by the 4 pm close of business at Compton Accounting on Monday, November 20th. Please be sure to drop off your payments in the door mail slot this weekend, or make your payment online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you.
* Also today is the second day of the first shotgun deer season. This is a blaze orange or blaze pink weekend. These garments must be worn if you plan on doing any activities in the woods. For your safety, unless you are deer hunting, please stay out of the woods. Let the hunters have their season. They've waited all year for this.
“I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” - Thomas Jefferson
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
* Just a reminder that water bills are due by the 4 pm close of business at Compton Accounting on Monday, November 20th. Please be sure to drop off your payments in the door mail slot this weekend, or make your payment online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you.
* Also today is the second day of the first shotgun deer season. This is a blaze orange or blaze pink weekend. These garments must be worn if you plan on doing any activities in the woods. For your safety, unless you are deer hunting, please stay out of the woods. Let the hunters have their season. They've waited all year for this.
“I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” - Thomas Jefferson
This Day in History:
- 1872 – Susan B. Anthony and 14 other women are arrested for voting illegally in the United States presidential election of 1872.
- 1928 – Release of the animated short Steamboat Willie, the first fully synchronized sound cartoon, directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, featuring the third appearances of cartoon characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. This is considered by the Disney corporation to be Mickey's birthday.
- 2013 – NASA launches the MAVEN probe to Mars.
November 17, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today starts the 1st Shotgun Deer Season. The dates run today through the 19th. For your safety, unless you are deer hunting, please stay out of the timbers. Accidentally getting shot by a 12 gauge deer slug would not make for a pleasant experience. Starting today, this is a blaze orange or blaze pink weekend. ANYONE engaging in ANY activities in the timbers MUST wear blaze orange or blaze pink. The following is the state regulations in regards to clothing:
"Any person taking or attempting to take deer by use of a firearm shall wear, when in the field, a cap and upper outer garment of solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink color, displaying a minimum of 400 square inches of blaze orange or blaze pink material."
If you like to take walks in the countryside for exercise; for your safety, please consider an alternate route during this weekend.
Illinois Firearm/Muzzelloader Deer Hunting Dates:
1st Shotgun Deer Season: November 17th -19th
2nd Shotgun Deer Season: Novemeber 30th; December 1st - 3rd.
Muzzleloader - Only Season: December 8th - 10th.
**** For complete details in regards to the hours, regulations, and information about the new single-shot rifle deer season, as well as other information; please visit dnr.illinois.gov
Motorists: Since the deer rut and fall harvest is in full swing, please continue to be extra vigilant when driving in order to avoid hitting a deer and destroying your vehicle. Vehicles are very expensive now, no sense wrecking yours if you can avoid it.
“Everyday has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” - Confucius
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today starts the 1st Shotgun Deer Season. The dates run today through the 19th. For your safety, unless you are deer hunting, please stay out of the timbers. Accidentally getting shot by a 12 gauge deer slug would not make for a pleasant experience. Starting today, this is a blaze orange or blaze pink weekend. ANYONE engaging in ANY activities in the timbers MUST wear blaze orange or blaze pink. The following is the state regulations in regards to clothing:
"Any person taking or attempting to take deer by use of a firearm shall wear, when in the field, a cap and upper outer garment of solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink color, displaying a minimum of 400 square inches of blaze orange or blaze pink material."
If you like to take walks in the countryside for exercise; for your safety, please consider an alternate route during this weekend.
Illinois Firearm/Muzzelloader Deer Hunting Dates:
1st Shotgun Deer Season: November 17th -19th
2nd Shotgun Deer Season: Novemeber 30th; December 1st - 3rd.
Muzzleloader - Only Season: December 8th - 10th.
**** For complete details in regards to the hours, regulations, and information about the new single-shot rifle deer season, as well as other information; please visit dnr.illinois.gov
Motorists: Since the deer rut and fall harvest is in full swing, please continue to be extra vigilant when driving in order to avoid hitting a deer and destroying your vehicle. Vehicles are very expensive now, no sense wrecking yours if you can avoid it.
“Everyday has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” - Confucius
This Day in History:
- 1777 – Articles of Confederation (United States) are submitted to the states for ratification.
- 1800 – The United States Congress holds its first session in Washington, D.C.
- 1993 – United States House of Representatives passes a resolution to establish the North American Free Trade Agreement.
- 2013 – A rare late-season tornado outbreak strikes the Midwest. Illinois and Indiana are most affected with tornado reports as far north as lower Michigan. In all around six dozen tornadoes touch down in approximately an 11-hour time period, including seven EF3 and two EF4 tornadoes.
November 16, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Some of our area farmers are still in the fields with harvest. Please continue to drive safely and SLOW DOWN giving them plenty of room on the roadways as it is difficult for them to see you with their large equipment. Watch out for sudden turns in either direction turning into fields. Let's continue to have a safe harvest.
“Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.” - Brian Adams
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Some of our area farmers are still in the fields with harvest. Please continue to drive safely and SLOW DOWN giving them plenty of room on the roadways as it is difficult for them to see you with their large equipment. Watch out for sudden turns in either direction turning into fields. Let's continue to have a safe harvest.
“Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.” - Brian Adams
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: British and Hessian units capture Fort Washington from the Patriots.
- 1871 – The National Rifle Association of America receives its charter from New York State.
- 1907 – Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory join to form Oklahoma, which is admitted as the 46th U.S. state.
- 2002 – The first cases of the 2002–2004 SARS outbreak are traced to Foshan, Guangdong Province, China.
November 15, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a listing of upcoming events within the Village of Altona. Please mark your calendars for those items that apply to you....
* Tonight at Immanuel Lutheran Church: 6:30 pm. Coping with Grief during the Holidays. Please see the flyer for complete details.
* Monday, November 20th: Water Bills are Due.
* Thursday, November 23rd: Happy Thanksgiving!
* Sunday, November 26th: Family Advent Log making at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 4:00 pm. Please be sure to RSVP with the church to make sure they have enough supplies for everyone. Please see the flyer for complete details. *** Note, the date on the flyer is incorrect ***
* Saturday, December 2nd: Brunch with Santa from 9:00 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. Have snacks, make a craft, pick out a book, and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. Please see the flyer for complete details.
* Monday, December 4th: Drawing for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. This year's theme is Old World Rustic. TIckets are 3 for $10; or 7 for $20. Drawing will be December 4th. Please see the flyer for complete details and raffle ticket sales.
* December 1st - 24th: For those people who would like to donate food to the ROWVA Food Pantry, the Immanuel Lutheran Church is collecting food to deliver to them. They are having a Reverse Advent Calendar. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for helping those in need in our communities.
“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” - Randy Pausch
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a listing of upcoming events within the Village of Altona. Please mark your calendars for those items that apply to you....
* Tonight at Immanuel Lutheran Church: 6:30 pm. Coping with Grief during the Holidays. Please see the flyer for complete details.
* Monday, November 20th: Water Bills are Due.
* Thursday, November 23rd: Happy Thanksgiving!
* Sunday, November 26th: Family Advent Log making at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 4:00 pm. Please be sure to RSVP with the church to make sure they have enough supplies for everyone. Please see the flyer for complete details. *** Note, the date on the flyer is incorrect ***
* Saturday, December 2nd: Brunch with Santa from 9:00 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. Have snacks, make a craft, pick out a book, and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. Please see the flyer for complete details.
* Monday, December 4th: Drawing for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. This year's theme is Old World Rustic. TIckets are 3 for $10; or 7 for $20. Drawing will be December 4th. Please see the flyer for complete details and raffle ticket sales.
* December 1st - 24th: For those people who would like to donate food to the ROWVA Food Pantry, the Immanuel Lutheran Church is collecting food to deliver to them. They are having a Reverse Advent Calendar. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for helping those in need in our communities.
“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” - Randy Pausch
This Day in History:
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: After 16 months of debate the Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation.
- 1806 – Pike Expedition: Lieutenant Zebulon Pike spots a mountain peak while near the Colorado foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is later named Pikes Peak in his honor.
- 1968 – The Cleveland Transit System becomes the first transit system in the western hemisphere to provide direct rapid transit service from a city's downtown to its major airport.
- 2001 – Microsoft launches the Xbox game console.
November 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Another reminder for those who may suffer with grief during the holidays; please contact Pastor Kristine Dohrmann for complete details on Immanuel Lutheran Church's "Coping with Grief During the Holidays". It will be tomorrow evening at 6:30 pm. Please call ahead for complete details.
“For me, every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile.” - Elie Wiesel
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Another reminder for those who may suffer with grief during the holidays; please contact Pastor Kristine Dohrmann for complete details on Immanuel Lutheran Church's "Coping with Grief During the Holidays". It will be tomorrow evening at 6:30 pm. Please call ahead for complete details.
“For me, every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile.” - Elie Wiesel
This Day in History:
- 1889 – Pioneering female journalist Nellie Bly (aka Elizabeth Cochrane) begins a successful attempt to travel around the world in less than 80 days. She completes the trip in 72 days.
- 1969 – Apollo program: NASA launches Apollo 12, the second crewed mission to the surface of the Moon.
- 2008 – The first G-20 economic summit opens in Washington, D.C.
November 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Holidays are a time for comfort and joy for most; however for some, it is a time for sorrow and grief. For those whom may be suffering from grief from the loss of a loved one or something else; the Immanuel Lutheran Church is there for you. This Wednesday, November 15th, Pastor Kristine Dohrmann will help you through your grief. Please see the following flyer and contact her for complete details.
“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.” - William Blake
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Holidays are a time for comfort and joy for most; however for some, it is a time for sorrow and grief. For those whom may be suffering from grief from the loss of a loved one or something else; the Immanuel Lutheran Church is there for you. This Wednesday, November 15th, Pastor Kristine Dohrmann will help you through your grief. Please see the following flyer and contact her for complete details.
“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.” - William Blake
This Day in History:
- 1833 – Great Meteor Storm of 1833
- 1956 – The Supreme Court of the United States declares Alabama laws requiring segregated buses illegal, thus ending the Montgomery bus boycott.
- 2001 – War on Terror: In the first such act since World War II, US President George W. Bush signs an executive order allowing military tribunals against foreigners suspected of connections to terrorist acts or planned acts on the United States.
November 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
We have entered into the holiday seasons and Thanksgiving will soon be here. As we all get busy and wrapped up with all that we will be doing, let us not forget to stop and give thanks for all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.
“Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One; Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. And now let the weak say, “I am strong,” let the poor say, “I am rich” because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks.” - Song Immanuel Lutheran Church Hymnal
This day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
We have entered into the holiday seasons and Thanksgiving will soon be here. As we all get busy and wrapped up with all that we will be doing, let us not forget to stop and give thanks for all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.
“Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One; Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. And now let the weak say, “I am strong,” let the poor say, “I am rich” because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks.” - Song Immanuel Lutheran Church Hymnal
This day in History:
- 1892 – Pudge Heffelfinger becomes the first professional American football player on record, participating in his first paid game for the Allegheny Athletic Association.
- 1938 – Nazi Germany issues the Decree on the Elimination of Jews from Economic Life prohibiting Jews from selling goods and services or working in a trade, totally segregating Jews from the German economy.
- 1970 – The Oregon Highway Division attempts to destroy a rotting beached sperm whale with explosives, leading to the now infamous "exploding whale" incident.
- 2003 – Shanghai Transrapid sets a new world speed record of 501 kilometres per hour (311 mph) for commercial railway systems, which remains the fastest for unmodified commercial rail vehicles.
November 11, 2023
Attention RW Cougars!
Congratulations on a wonderful season. While today's game may not have gone the way we wanted it too, you can hold your head up high making it to the IHSA Class 1A Quarterfinals as only a few teams are able to achieve this accomplishment. It took a lot of dedication, hard work, guts and even beating some undefeated teams to get to this day. Be proud of yourselves on what you had accomplished. Thank you for a great season.
Thank you to all of the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougar fans for supporting our youth during this football season.
Attention RW Cougars!
Congratulations on a wonderful season. While today's game may not have gone the way we wanted it too, you can hold your head up high making it to the IHSA Class 1A Quarterfinals as only a few teams are able to achieve this accomplishment. It took a lot of dedication, hard work, guts and even beating some undefeated teams to get to this day. Be proud of yourselves on what you had accomplished. Thank you for a great season.
Thank you to all of the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougar fans for supporting our youth during this football season.
November 11, 2023
A story from a former P.O.W. Thank you to every veteran for your service to our great nation. Regardless if you had served during peacetime or in a time of conflict, you did your part to keep us free. Thank you for your service.
https://youtu.be/znKhEPbkIgc.
A story from a former P.O.W. Thank you to every veteran for your service to our great nation. Regardless if you had served during peacetime or in a time of conflict, you did your part to keep us free. Thank you for your service.
https://youtu.be/znKhEPbkIgc.
November 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents & Veterans:
Today is Veterans Day. The day that we honor all whom have served our great nation in our Armed Forces. Regardless if you have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force or any of their respective Guards or Reserves - THANK YOU for your service and sacrifices that you have made for our country and to keep us safe. We would not be a free nation without your endeavors. To learn more about this holiday, click on the following link: www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/veterans-day-november-11
Final reminder of the BIG GAME TODAY! This afternoon at 1 p.m. at the high school in Oneida will be the Quarter Finals between your very own ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars hosting Chicago Christian Hope Academy. This will be our biggest game of the season and the Cougars need your support. So come out to the game if you can and cheer them on to a VICTORY! For those who are not able to attend in person, you may listen to the game on fm95online.com. GO COUGAR!!! GO - FIGHT - WIN!
“Everyone’s dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard.” - Serena Williams
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents & Veterans:
Today is Veterans Day. The day that we honor all whom have served our great nation in our Armed Forces. Regardless if you have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force or any of their respective Guards or Reserves - THANK YOU for your service and sacrifices that you have made for our country and to keep us safe. We would not be a free nation without your endeavors. To learn more about this holiday, click on the following link: www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/veterans-day-november-11
Final reminder of the BIG GAME TODAY! This afternoon at 1 p.m. at the high school in Oneida will be the Quarter Finals between your very own ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars hosting Chicago Christian Hope Academy. This will be our biggest game of the season and the Cougars need your support. So come out to the game if you can and cheer them on to a VICTORY! For those who are not able to attend in person, you may listen to the game on fm95online.com. GO COUGAR!!! GO - FIGHT - WIN!
“Everyone’s dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard.” - Serena Williams
This Day in History:
- 1620 – The Mayflower Compact is signed in what is now Provincetown Harbor near Cape Cod.
- 1778 – Cherry Valley massacre: Loyalists and Seneca Indian forces attack a fort and village in eastern New York during the American Revolutionary War, killing more than forty civilians and soldiers.
- 1889 – The State of Washington is admitted as the 42nd state of the United States.
- 1911 – Many cities in the Midwestern United States break their record highs and lows on the same day as a strong cold front rolls through.
- 2000 – Kaprun disaster: One hundred fifty-five skiers and snowboarders die when a cable car catches fire in an alpine tunnel in Kaprun, Austria.
November 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Yet another reminder of the big home football game tomorrow afternoon at the high school in Oneida as our ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars (9-2) take on Chicago Christian Hope Academy (10-1) at 1 p.m.. The winner of this game advances to the Semi-finals. Please come out and support our youth on to a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! The game will also be live streamed on fm95online.com.
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” - Anatole France
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Yet another reminder of the big home football game tomorrow afternoon at the high school in Oneida as our ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars (9-2) take on Chicago Christian Hope Academy (10-1) at 1 p.m.. The winner of this game advances to the Semi-finals. Please come out and support our youth on to a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! The game will also be live streamed on fm95online.com.
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” - Anatole France
This Day in History:
- 1775 – The United States Marine Corps is founded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia by Samuel Nicholas.
- 1865 – Major Henry Wirz, the superintendent of a prison camp in Andersonville, Georgia, is hanged, becoming one of only three American Civil War soldiers executed for war crimes.
- 1954 – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicates the USMC War Memorial (Iwo Jima memorial) in Arlington Ridge Park in Arlington County, Virginia.
- 2006 – The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia is opened and dedicated by U.S. President George W. Bush, who announces that Marine Corporal Jason Dunham will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor.
November 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This Saturday at 1 pm will be the Quarter Final Round of IHSA Class 1A High School Football season with our own ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars facing off against Chicago Christian Hope Academy in Oneida. Please come out and support our home team if you can. If you cannot make it to the game, it will be live streamed on fm95online.com
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”- Franklin D. Roosevelt
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
This Saturday at 1 pm will be the Quarter Final Round of IHSA Class 1A High School Football season with our own ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars facing off against Chicago Christian Hope Academy in Oneida. Please come out and support our home team if you can. If you cannot make it to the game, it will be live streamed on fm95online.com
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”- Franklin D. Roosevelt
This Day in History:
- 1620 – Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower sight land at Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
- 1780 – American Revolutionary War: In the Battle of Fishdam Ford a force of British and Loyalist troops fail in a surprise attack against the South Carolina Patriot militia under Brigadier General Thomas Sumter.
- 1887 – The United States receives rights to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
- 1906 – Theodore Roosevelt is the first sitting President of the United States to make an official trip outside the country, doing so to inspect progress on the Panama Canal.
- 2004 – Firefox 1.0 is released.
November 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that next Wednesday, November 15th at the Immanuel Lutheran Church; they will be having grief counseling for those who may be in need in order to help cope during the holiday season due to a tragedy in their life. Please read the flyer and contact Pastor Kristine for details.
“Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.” - Steve Maraboli
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that next Wednesday, November 15th at the Immanuel Lutheran Church; they will be having grief counseling for those who may be in need in order to help cope during the holiday season due to a tragedy in their life. Please read the flyer and contact Pastor Kristine for details.
“Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness.” - Steve Maraboli
This Day in History:
- 1889 – Montana is admitted as the 41st U.S. state.
- 1895 – While experimenting with electricity, Wilhelm Röntgen discovers the X-ray.
- 1923 – Beer Hall Putsch: In Munich, Adolf Hitler leads the Nazis in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the German government.
- 1932 – Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected as the 32nd President of the United States, defeating incumbent president Herbert Hoover.
- 2011 – The potentially hazardous asteroid 2005 YU55 passes 0.85 lunar distances from Earth (about 324,600 kilometres or 201,700 miles), the closest known approach by an asteroid of its brightness since 2010 XC15 in 1976.
- 2016 – Donald Trump is elected the 45th President of the United States, defeating Hillary Clinton, the first woman ever to receive a major party's nomination.
November 7, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a listing of known activities taking place in the Village of Altona for the month of November. Please mark your calendars for those that may apply to you.
Tuesday's and Thursday's: Seniors Exercise class from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. You don't need to be a senior to join. Lose those unwanted pounds before the holidays.
Saturday, November 11th: Veteran's Day. Thank You Veterans for your service and sacrifices for our great nation.
Saturday, November 11th: 3rd Round of the IHSA 1A High School playoffs at Oneida High School. ROWVA-Williamsfield to play Chicago Christian Hope Academy at 1 p.m.. Please come out and cheer on the Cougars.
Wednesday, November 15th: "Coping with Grief During the Holidays" at 6:30 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church. See the flyer for complete details.
Monday, November 20th: Water bills are due.
Thursday, November 23rd: Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Sunday, November 26th: Advent Wreath (log) building at 4 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church. PLEASE RSVP ahead of time in order to make sure that there are enough supplies. Please see the flyer for complete details. Date on flyer is incorrect.
“If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.” - Unknown
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a listing of known activities taking place in the Village of Altona for the month of November. Please mark your calendars for those that may apply to you.
Tuesday's and Thursday's: Seniors Exercise class from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. You don't need to be a senior to join. Lose those unwanted pounds before the holidays.
Saturday, November 11th: Veteran's Day. Thank You Veterans for your service and sacrifices for our great nation.
Saturday, November 11th: 3rd Round of the IHSA 1A High School playoffs at Oneida High School. ROWVA-Williamsfield to play Chicago Christian Hope Academy at 1 p.m.. Please come out and cheer on the Cougars.
Wednesday, November 15th: "Coping with Grief During the Holidays" at 6:30 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church. See the flyer for complete details.
Monday, November 20th: Water bills are due.
Thursday, November 23rd: Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Sunday, November 26th: Advent Wreath (log) building at 4 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church. PLEASE RSVP ahead of time in order to make sure that there are enough supplies. Please see the flyer for complete details. Date on flyer is incorrect.
“If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.” - Unknown
This Day in History:
- 1504 – Christopher Columbus returns from his fourth and last voyage.
- 1786 – The oldest musical organization in the United States is founded as the Stoughton Musical Society.
- 1885 – The completion of Canada's first transcontinental railway is symbolized by the Last Spike ceremony at Craigellachie, British Columbia.
- 1916 – Woodrow Wilson is reelected as President of the United States.
- 2000 – The controversial US presidential election is later resolved in the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case, electing George W. Bush as the 43rd President of the United States.
November 6, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
It is time for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. This year's theme is Old World Rustic. TIckets are 3 for $10; or 7 for $20. Drawing will be December 4th. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Thought is the seed of action.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
It is time for the 7th Annual Altona Historical Society Christmas Tree Raffle. This year's theme is Old World Rustic. TIckets are 3 for $10; or 7 for $20. Drawing will be December 4th. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Thought is the seed of action.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1860 – Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th president of the United States with only 40% of the popular vote, defeating John C. Breckinridge, John Bell, and Stephen A. Douglas in a four-way race.
- 1900 – President William McKinley is re-elected, along with his vice-presidential running mate, Governor Theodore Roosevelt of New York. Republicans also swept the congressional elections, winning increased majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- 2012 – Tammy Baldwin becomes the first openly gay politician to be elected to the United States Senate.
November 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This morning at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time ended. Hopefully everyone remembered to turn their clocks back an hour. If not, you are early for everything. If you haven't done so yet, please change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your detectors are 10 year old or older, then it is time to change out the batteries. Illinois law says that all new detectors must be of the 10 year battery type. They will chirp when it is time to throw them away and buy a new detector, just like your current detector chirps when it is time to replace the batteries. Remember to always practice safety first.
“Use whatever gift you received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all its varieties.” - 1 Peter 4:10, The Voice translation
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
This morning at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time ended. Hopefully everyone remembered to turn their clocks back an hour. If not, you are early for everything. If you haven't done so yet, please change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your detectors are 10 year old or older, then it is time to change out the batteries. Illinois law says that all new detectors must be of the 10 year battery type. They will chirp when it is time to throw them away and buy a new detector, just like your current detector chirps when it is time to replace the batteries. Remember to always practice safety first.
“Use whatever gift you received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all its varieties.” - 1 Peter 4:10, The Voice translation
This Day in History:
- 1872 – Women's suffrage in the United States: In defiance of the law, suffragist Susan B. Anthony votes for the first time, and is later fined $100.
- 1895 – George B. Selden is granted the first U.S. patent for an automobile.
- 1912 – Woodrow Wilson is elected the 28th President of the United States, defeating incumbent William Howard Taft.
- 2007 – The Android mobile operating system is unveiled by Google.
November 4, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
CONGRATULATIONS to the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars (9-2) in their 36-8 victory over the Stark Co. Rebels this afternoon. The Cougars will play again this week in Oneida (date and time TBA) against Chicago Christian Hope Academy (10-1). Please make plans to come out and support our home team as they have advanced to the 3rd round in the IHSA Class 1A playoffs.
Attention Area Residents:
CONGRATULATIONS to the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars (9-2) in their 36-8 victory over the Stark Co. Rebels this afternoon. The Cougars will play again this week in Oneida (date and time TBA) against Chicago Christian Hope Academy (10-1). Please make plans to come out and support our home team as they have advanced to the 3rd round in the IHSA Class 1A playoffs.
November 4, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder about the big game TODAY between our own ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars vs. the Stark County Rebels. This is a rematch game and the Rebels are undefeated. Please come out and cheer on the Cougars to a victory if you can, and help them advance to the third round in the IHSA Football playoffs. The game starts at 2 pm, with the gates opening at 12:30 pm. Admission will be $6.00 and no passes will be accepted. GO COUGARS!!!
If you are unavailable to attend in person, you may either click on the following links:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0FKuBXjFUYFKRi8xkieQ7o5bqSsB11Tb7P4wpWM6xN57svrJRJVNmhmAtgNDE5g2wl&id=100063479746121&mibextid=qC1gEa as IHSA prohibits the ROWVA media YouTube page from airing the live feed; or you may also visit www.wgil.com/on-air-sports-schedule/ to listen to the game online.
*** Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour tonight before going to bed in order to gain an extra hour of sleep. Also please change out the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your detectors are 10 years old or older, you need to replace them. Illinois Law states that all detectors must be of the 10 year battery type.***
“We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” - General Dwight D. Eisenhower
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder about the big game TODAY between our own ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars vs. the Stark County Rebels. This is a rematch game and the Rebels are undefeated. Please come out and cheer on the Cougars to a victory if you can, and help them advance to the third round in the IHSA Football playoffs. The game starts at 2 pm, with the gates opening at 12:30 pm. Admission will be $6.00 and no passes will be accepted. GO COUGARS!!!
If you are unavailable to attend in person, you may either click on the following links:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0FKuBXjFUYFKRi8xkieQ7o5bqSsB11Tb7P4wpWM6xN57svrJRJVNmhmAtgNDE5g2wl&id=100063479746121&mibextid=qC1gEa as IHSA prohibits the ROWVA media YouTube page from airing the live feed; or you may also visit www.wgil.com/on-air-sports-schedule/ to listen to the game online.
*** Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour tonight before going to bed in order to gain an extra hour of sleep. Also please change out the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your detectors are 10 years old or older, you need to replace them. Illinois Law states that all detectors must be of the 10 year battery type.***
“We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” - General Dwight D. Eisenhower
This Day in History:
- 1847 – Sir James Young Simpson, a Scottish physician, discovers the anaesthetic properties of chloroform.
- 1980 – Ronald Reagan is elected as the 40th President of the United States, defeating incumbent Jimmy Carter.
- 2010 – Qantas Flight 32, an Airbus A380, suffers an uncontained engine failure over Indonesia shortly after taking off from Singapore, crippling the jet. The crew manage to safely return to Singapore, saving all 469 passengers and crew.
November 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars will be playing in Oneida tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm in the second round of the IHSA Football Playoffs. Gates will open at 12:30 pm and NO PASSES will be accepted, admission is $6.00.
Today at the high school beginning at 1:30 pm; there will be a pep assembly in the high school gym to which the public is invited. Both ROWVA and Williamsfield students will sit in the south bleachers, and the public will seated in the north bleachers.
Please come out and cheer on our Cougars at either or both events. For those who are not able to make it to the game, you may listen to it on WGIL 1400 am with a broadcast time beginning at 1:40 pm or you may listen to it on your mobil device by clicking on this link for further details. www.wgil.com/on-air-sports-schedule/
GO COUGARS!
“I’ve learned that anything in life worth having comes from patience and hard work.” - Greg Behrendt
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars will be playing in Oneida tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm in the second round of the IHSA Football Playoffs. Gates will open at 12:30 pm and NO PASSES will be accepted, admission is $6.00.
Today at the high school beginning at 1:30 pm; there will be a pep assembly in the high school gym to which the public is invited. Both ROWVA and Williamsfield students will sit in the south bleachers, and the public will seated in the north bleachers.
Please come out and cheer on our Cougars at either or both events. For those who are not able to make it to the game, you may listen to it on WGIL 1400 am with a broadcast time beginning at 1:40 pm or you may listen to it on your mobil device by clicking on this link for further details. www.wgil.com/on-air-sports-schedule/
GO COUGARS!
“I’ve learned that anything in life worth having comes from patience and hard work.” - Greg Behrendt
This Day in History:
- 1493 – Christopher Columbus first sights the island of Dominica in the Caribbean Sea.
- 1534 – English Parliament passes the first Act of Supremacy, making King Henry VIII head of the Anglican Church, supplanting the pope and the Roman Catholic Church.
- 1783 – The American Continental Army is disbanded.
- 1868 – John Willis Menard (R-LA) was the first African American elected to the United States Congress. Because of an electoral challenge, he was never seated.
- 1908 – William Howard Taft is elected the 27th President of the United States.
- 1911 – Chevrolet officially enters the automobile market in competition with the Ford Model T.
- 2014 – One World Trade Center officially opens in New York City, replacing the Twin Towers after they were destroyed during the September 11 attacks.
November 2, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This Sunday, November 5th will be Daylight Saving Time, where you turn your clocks back one hour in order to sleep in an extra hour. This is also the time of year where you need to remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you haven't changed out your detectors in 10 years, then it is time to purchase a new one. Illinois had passed a law mandating that all smoke alarms be the type that have a 10 year battery already installed. They are supposed to chirp just like the normal battery ones to let you know when it is time to purchase a new detector. Please check your alarms and purchase batteries or new detectors when you do your weekend shopping in order to be ready for the change on Sunday morning. You should always practice SAFETY FIRST!
“Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” - Alexandre Dumas
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
This Sunday, November 5th will be Daylight Saving Time, where you turn your clocks back one hour in order to sleep in an extra hour. This is also the time of year where you need to remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you haven't changed out your detectors in 10 years, then it is time to purchase a new one. Illinois had passed a law mandating that all smoke alarms be the type that have a 10 year battery already installed. They are supposed to chirp just like the normal battery ones to let you know when it is time to purchase a new detector. Please check your alarms and purchase batteries or new detectors when you do your weekend shopping in order to be ready for the change on Sunday morning. You should always practice SAFETY FIRST!
“Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” - Alexandre Dumas
This Day in History:
- 1889 – North Dakota and South Dakota are admitted as the 39th and 40th U.S. states.
- 1920 – In the United States, KDKA of Pittsburgh starts broadcasting as the first commercial radio station. The first broadcast is the result of the 1920 United States presidential election.
- 2016 – The Chicago Cubs defeat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series, ending the longest Major League Baseball championship drought at 108 years.
November 1, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Now that the fun Halloween holiday is over, we will be entering into the traditional holiday seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. While all of these holidays are festive for most, for others it is a time of grief due to the loss of a loved one or for some other reason. If you struggle in grief and need someone to speak with to help get through your sorrows; the Immanuel Lutheran Church is there to help. Please call Pastor Kristine Dohrmann at the church at 309-484-5251 for more information.
“The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Now that the fun Halloween holiday is over, we will be entering into the traditional holiday seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. While all of these holidays are festive for most, for others it is a time of grief due to the loss of a loved one or for some other reason. If you struggle in grief and need someone to speak with to help get through your sorrows; the Immanuel Lutheran Church is there to help. Please call Pastor Kristine Dohrmann at the church at 309-484-5251 for more information.
“The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1520 – The Strait of Magellan, the passage immediately south of mainland South America connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans, is first discovered and navigated by European explorer Ferdinand Magellan during the first recorded circumnavigation voyage.
- 1765 – The British Parliament enacts the Stamp Act on the Thirteen Colonies in order to help pay for British military operations in North America.
- 1800 – John Adams becomes the first President of the United States to live in the Executive Mansion (later renamed the White House).
- 1968 – The Motion Picture Association of America's film rating system is officially introduced, originating with the ratings G, M, R, and X.
- 1982 – Honda becomes the first Asian automobile company to produce cars in the United States with the opening of its factory in Marysville, Ohio; a Honda Accord is the first car produced there.
- 2000 – Serbia and Montenegro joins the United Nations.
October 31, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!! Tonight is a night for the children to have fun and dress up in costumes for the annual Trick or Treat. Trick or Treat hours are from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. tonight. If you wish to hand out candy to all the kiddos, please turn on your front porch lights.
Trick or Treaters: A final reminder to be sure to stop by the Ransom Memorial Public Library to pick up candy, have your picture taken, as well as pick up a free book. Also, The Grove Community Church will be having their free Annual Halloween Hot Dog meal for Trick or Treater and their families. Please see the flyers for complete details.
Motorists: Please drive slowly and be on the look out for the children, as some may not be watching for cars as they cross the street. Let's all have a very safe and fun night as tonight kicks off the holiday seasons.
“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become.” - James Allen
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!! Tonight is a night for the children to have fun and dress up in costumes for the annual Trick or Treat. Trick or Treat hours are from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. tonight. If you wish to hand out candy to all the kiddos, please turn on your front porch lights.
Trick or Treaters: A final reminder to be sure to stop by the Ransom Memorial Public Library to pick up candy, have your picture taken, as well as pick up a free book. Also, The Grove Community Church will be having their free Annual Halloween Hot Dog meal for Trick or Treater and their families. Please see the flyers for complete details.
Motorists: Please drive slowly and be on the look out for the children, as some may not be watching for cars as they cross the street. Let's all have a very safe and fun night as tonight kicks off the holiday seasons.
“Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become.” - James Allen
This Day in History:
- 1864 – Nevada is admitted as the 36th U.S. state.
- 1895 – The strongest earthquake in the Midwestern United States since 1812 strikes near Charleston, Missouri, causing damage and killing at least two.
- 1913 – Dedication of the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile highway across United States.
- 1917 – World War I: Battle of Beersheba: The "last successful cavalry charge in history".
- 1941 – World War II: The destroyer USS Reuben James is torpedoed by a German U-boat near Iceland, killing more than 100 U.S. Navy sailors. It is the first U.S. Navy vessel sunk by enemy action in WWII.
- 1943 – World War II: An F4U Corsair accomplishes the first successful radar-guided interception by a United States Navy or Marine Corps aircraft.
- 2000 – Soyuz TM-31 launches, carrying the first resident crew to the International Space Station. The ISS has been crewed continuously since then.
October 30, 2023
Attention Village Residents and Our Youth:
Tomorrow is Halloween. Trick or Treating hours for the Village of Altona will be from 5 pm - 8 pm. Please turn on your front porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from the children.
Parents; if you will not be accompanying your children while they are Trick or Treating, please make sure that they are following basic safety guidelines, such as:
1) Don't allow their masks to impede their vision.
2) Make sure that they have a flashlight so that they can see, and others (traffic) can see them.
3) Only cross the streets at lighted intersections.
4) Wear some florescent or light colors so traffic can see them.
5) Only visit houses where the front lights are one.
6) Always travel in groups with other children if they will not be with an adult.
7) Do not eat candy who's wrapper has been tampered with.
*** While Trick or Treating, be sure to stop at The Grove Community Church for their free annual Halloween dinner from 5pm - 8pm. See the flyer for complete details.
*** Also, don't forget to stop by the Ransom Memorial Public Library to pick up your candy & free book, as well as get your picture taken. See the flyer for complete details. Candy from The General Store Tap may be picked up at the library as well.
“If you wear a mask for too long, there will come a time when you can not remove it without removing your face.” - Mashona Dhliwayo
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents and Our Youth:
Tomorrow is Halloween. Trick or Treating hours for the Village of Altona will be from 5 pm - 8 pm. Please turn on your front porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from the children.
Parents; if you will not be accompanying your children while they are Trick or Treating, please make sure that they are following basic safety guidelines, such as:
1) Don't allow their masks to impede their vision.
2) Make sure that they have a flashlight so that they can see, and others (traffic) can see them.
3) Only cross the streets at lighted intersections.
4) Wear some florescent or light colors so traffic can see them.
5) Only visit houses where the front lights are one.
6) Always travel in groups with other children if they will not be with an adult.
7) Do not eat candy who's wrapper has been tampered with.
*** While Trick or Treating, be sure to stop at The Grove Community Church for their free annual Halloween dinner from 5pm - 8pm. See the flyer for complete details.
*** Also, don't forget to stop by the Ransom Memorial Public Library to pick up your candy & free book, as well as get your picture taken. See the flyer for complete details. Candy from The General Store Tap may be picked up at the library as well.
“If you wear a mask for too long, there will come a time when you can not remove it without removing your face.” - Mashona Dhliwayo
This Day in History:
- 1938 – Orson Welles broadcasts a radio adaptation of H. G. Wells's The War of the Worlds, causing a massive panic in some of the audience in the United States.
- 1941 – Holocaust: Fifteen hundred Jews from Pidhaytsi are sent by Nazis to Bełżec extermination camp.
- 1944 – Holocaust: Anne and Margot Frank are deported from Auschwitz to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they die from disease the following year, shortly before the end of WWII.
- 2020 – A magnitude 7.0 earthquake strikes the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey, triggering a tsunami. At least 119 people die mainly due to collapsed buildings.
October 29, 2023
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray…then you’ll experience God’s peace.” - The Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:6-7
This Day in History:
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray…then you’ll experience God’s peace.” - The Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:6-7
This Day in History:
- 1863 – American Civil War: Battle of Wauhatchie: Forces under Union General Ulysses S. Grant repel a Confederate attack led by General James Longstreet. Union forces thus open a supply line into Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- 1929 – Black Tuesday: The New York Stock Exchange crashes, ending the Great Bull Market of the 1920s and beginning the Great Depression.
- 2012 – Hurricane Sandy hits the east coast of the United States, killing 148 directly and 138 indirectly, while leaving nearly $70 billion in damages and causing major power outages.
October 29, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
CONGRATULATIONS to the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars on their 28-14 victory over the Newman Comets. Our Cougars will play this Saturday at home against the undefeated Stark County Rebels in round 2 of the football playoffs. Please come out and support our local team! Congratulations again Cougars!!!
Attention Area Residents:
CONGRATULATIONS to the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars on their 28-14 victory over the Newman Comets. Our Cougars will play this Saturday at home against the undefeated Stark County Rebels in round 2 of the football playoffs. Please come out and support our local team! Congratulations again Cougars!!!
October 28, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, I'd like to THANK the public for coming out and participating in Altona's 6th Annual Trunk or Treat held this afternoon. The event was well attended and the children had many different costumes. Thank you to those who created displays. The results for the Best Display is as follows.....
1st Place: Keith Holland Family / Altona TBA with their pirate ship.
2nd Place: Ransom Memorial Public Library with their "Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown".
3rd Place: Tie. Jake Reffett with his cemetery display; and Village President Derrick Appell with his Burger King costume and jingle sing-a-long.
The following are pictures taken from today's event. Again, thank you to everyone who came out and had some fun.
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, I'd like to THANK the public for coming out and participating in Altona's 6th Annual Trunk or Treat held this afternoon. The event was well attended and the children had many different costumes. Thank you to those who created displays. The results for the Best Display is as follows.....
1st Place: Keith Holland Family / Altona TBA with their pirate ship.
2nd Place: Ransom Memorial Public Library with their "Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown".
3rd Place: Tie. Jake Reffett with his cemetery display; and Village President Derrick Appell with his Burger King costume and jingle sing-a-long.
The following are pictures taken from today's event. Again, thank you to everyone who came out and had some fun.
October 28, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
In case you hadn't heard, our own ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars are in the IHSA Football Playoffs. The Cougars travel today to Sterling to take on Newman Central Catholic Comets in the first round of play. You may hear the play by play radio coverage on FM station 94.9 - WAAG FM 95 beginning at 12:40 pm. To listen online visit www.fm95online.com
GO COUGARS!!!
Attention Area Residents:
In case you hadn't heard, our own ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars are in the IHSA Football Playoffs. The Cougars travel today to Sterling to take on Newman Central Catholic Comets in the first round of play. You may hear the play by play radio coverage on FM station 94.9 - WAAG FM 95 beginning at 12:40 pm. To listen online visit www.fm95online.com
GO COUGARS!!!
October 28, 2023
Attention Children & Area Residents:
Today is the day! The day that only comes around once per year. A free extra day to load up on Halloween candy. Today is the 6th Annual Village of Altona Trunk or Treat. It will be held behind the gas station along Park Street at Johnson-Pyle Park from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Children are encouraged to dress up in their costumes and Trick or Treat in a safe environment. Adults are encouraged to decorate their vehicles or create display to be festive as well as enter for the Best Display competition. While there will be a small prize for the winner; the true prize is the bragging rights for an entire year that goes with winning. This competition can be very competitive, so come out and vote for your favorite. Our current winner has won this competition 4 out of the past 5 years. Can they pull it off again? With the Library board who has always been the bridesmaid and never the bride with their 2nd or 3rd place finishes finally pull off the upset? Or will YOU be the one that stuns the crowd with a victory for BEST DISPLAY? There is only one way to find out. The fun begins at 1 pm. See the flyer for complete details.
**** Adults! Don't forget that Halloween isn't just for the children. No, the adults can have the opportunity to dress up and have some fun as well. Tonight, beginning at 8 pm, will be the 3rd Annual General Store Tap Halloween party. Please visit The General Store Tap's Facebook page for complete details on this event. Good luck wining the prize money and please be safe and Drink Responsively if consuming alcohol. Let's have a safe Halloween as we kick off the holiday seasons with Halloween.
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” - Thich Nihat Hanh
This Day in History:
Attention Children & Area Residents:
Today is the day! The day that only comes around once per year. A free extra day to load up on Halloween candy. Today is the 6th Annual Village of Altona Trunk or Treat. It will be held behind the gas station along Park Street at Johnson-Pyle Park from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Children are encouraged to dress up in their costumes and Trick or Treat in a safe environment. Adults are encouraged to decorate their vehicles or create display to be festive as well as enter for the Best Display competition. While there will be a small prize for the winner; the true prize is the bragging rights for an entire year that goes with winning. This competition can be very competitive, so come out and vote for your favorite. Our current winner has won this competition 4 out of the past 5 years. Can they pull it off again? With the Library board who has always been the bridesmaid and never the bride with their 2nd or 3rd place finishes finally pull off the upset? Or will YOU be the one that stuns the crowd with a victory for BEST DISPLAY? There is only one way to find out. The fun begins at 1 pm. See the flyer for complete details.
**** Adults! Don't forget that Halloween isn't just for the children. No, the adults can have the opportunity to dress up and have some fun as well. Tonight, beginning at 8 pm, will be the 3rd Annual General Store Tap Halloween party. Please visit The General Store Tap's Facebook page for complete details on this event. Good luck wining the prize money and please be safe and Drink Responsively if consuming alcohol. Let's have a safe Halloween as we kick off the holiday seasons with Halloween.
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” - Thich Nihat Hanh
This Day in History:
- 1636 – The Massachusetts Bay Colony votes to establish a theological college, which would later become Harvard University.
- 1726 – The novel Gulliver's Travels written by Jonathan Swift is published.
- 1886 – US president Grover Cleveland dedicates the Statue of Liberty.
- 1919 – The U.S. Congress passes the Volstead Act over President Woodrow Wilson's veto, paving the way for Prohibition to begin the following January.
- 2009 – NASA successfully launches the Ares I-X mission, the only rocket launch for its short-lived Constellation program.
October 27, 2023
Attention Halloween Enthusiasts:
Tomorrow is the big day. Not one, but TWO ways to have some Halloween fun in the Village of Altona.
First: It's the 6th Annual Trunk or Treat from 1 pm - 3 pm. Children come dressed in your Halloween costumes for some early Trick or Treating from the adults who participate with their car trunks or displays. Adult's, don't forget that there will be a price given out to the BEST Display. But more importantly, the winner gets bragging rights for an entire year. This is the true coveted prize as this competition gets competitive. The Holland family is our reigning champion and has won this event 4 out of the past 5 years. Will you be the one to unseat them? Please see the flyer for complete information and GOOD LUCK!!!
Second: Adults can enjoy dressing up for Halloween at The 3rd Annual General Store Tap Halloween party. The party starts at 8 pm with costume judging around 10 pm. There will be finger foods and a light potluck. Feel free to bring some food to pass if you wish. See The General Store Tap Facebook page for complete details. Let's all have a safe fun night. Please drink responsively - Don't Drink and Drive! Choose a Designated Driver.
“Cherish each hour of this day for it can never return.” - Og Mandino
This Day in History:
Attention Halloween Enthusiasts:
Tomorrow is the big day. Not one, but TWO ways to have some Halloween fun in the Village of Altona.
First: It's the 6th Annual Trunk or Treat from 1 pm - 3 pm. Children come dressed in your Halloween costumes for some early Trick or Treating from the adults who participate with their car trunks or displays. Adult's, don't forget that there will be a price given out to the BEST Display. But more importantly, the winner gets bragging rights for an entire year. This is the true coveted prize as this competition gets competitive. The Holland family is our reigning champion and has won this event 4 out of the past 5 years. Will you be the one to unseat them? Please see the flyer for complete information and GOOD LUCK!!!
Second: Adults can enjoy dressing up for Halloween at The 3rd Annual General Store Tap Halloween party. The party starts at 8 pm with costume judging around 10 pm. There will be finger foods and a light potluck. Feel free to bring some food to pass if you wish. See The General Store Tap Facebook page for complete details. Let's all have a safe fun night. Please drink responsively - Don't Drink and Drive! Choose a Designated Driver.
“Cherish each hour of this day for it can never return.” - Og Mandino
This Day in History:
- 1682 – Philadelphia is founded in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- 1775 – King George III expands on his Proclamation of Rebellion in the Thirteen Colonies in his speech from the throne at the opening of Parliament.
- 1838 – Missouri governor Lilburn Boggs issues the Extermination Order, which orders all Mormons to leave the state or be killed.
- 1964 – Ronald Reagan delivers a speech on behalf of the Republican candidate for president, Barry Goldwater. The speech launches his political career and comes to be known as "A Time for Choosing".
- 2019 – Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant founder and leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi kills himself and three children by detonating a suicide vest during the U.S. military Barisha raid in northwestern Syria.
October 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a few reminders of the upcoming events within the Village of Altona. Please mark you calendars and make plans to attend those events which may apply to you.....
TODAY:
**** Seniors Exercise Class from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Come for a healthy stretch and the fellowship. Your cardiologist and your body will thank you for it.
**** At 12 noon is the last Neighborhood Cafe for the summer which will be held at The Grove Community Church. The meal may be free, but the fellowship and friends that you'll meet will be priceless. Thank you to The Grove Community Church for putting on this event every year.
Saturday, October 28th:
**** 6th Annual Village of Altona Trunk or Treat from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Johnson-Pyle Park behind the gas station. This is a safe event for the children and both kids and adults are encouraged to dress up to celebrate the Halloween holiday. Adults are encouraged to come and set up Halloween displays and/or dress up their vehicles to hand out candy as there will be a prize given out for the Best Trunk. This is a coveted bragging rights competition and our reigning champion has won this competition 4 out of the past 5 years. Will you be creative enough to beat them and become our newest champion? Let's have a fun event! Please see the flyer for complete details.
**** 3rd Annual General Store Tap Halloween party. This event is for the adults because, why should the kids have all the fun? Halloween party starts at 8 p.m. and the judging will be at 10 p.m. Come see what all the fun is about and see The General Store Tap's Facebook page for full details. Please drink responsively and choose a designated driver. Let's have a responsible fun evening.
Tuesday, October 31st - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
**** Halloween Trick or Treat hours will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Please turn on your front porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from the Trick or Treaters. Be sure to turn off your porch lights when you either run out of candy or have had enough fun and your are ready for bed.
- Children, be sure to only to house that have their porch lights on.
- Parents, if you are not going to be with your children, please make sure that their costumes do not impede their vision, and that they take a flash light with them, as well as only walk with other children and cross the street at lighted intersections.
- Public, please be on the look out for the children if you are driving. Together we can all have a safe Halloween.
**** The Grove Community Church will be hosting their annual Halloween Dinner for Trick or Treaters from 5 p.m. - 8 pm. Please see the flyer for complete details.
**** The Ransom Memorial Public Library will be giving away free books along with candy on Halloween night. Children, be sure to stop by. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” - Nathaniel Hawthorne
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a few reminders of the upcoming events within the Village of Altona. Please mark you calendars and make plans to attend those events which may apply to you.....
TODAY:
**** Seniors Exercise Class from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Come for a healthy stretch and the fellowship. Your cardiologist and your body will thank you for it.
**** At 12 noon is the last Neighborhood Cafe for the summer which will be held at The Grove Community Church. The meal may be free, but the fellowship and friends that you'll meet will be priceless. Thank you to The Grove Community Church for putting on this event every year.
Saturday, October 28th:
**** 6th Annual Village of Altona Trunk or Treat from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Johnson-Pyle Park behind the gas station. This is a safe event for the children and both kids and adults are encouraged to dress up to celebrate the Halloween holiday. Adults are encouraged to come and set up Halloween displays and/or dress up their vehicles to hand out candy as there will be a prize given out for the Best Trunk. This is a coveted bragging rights competition and our reigning champion has won this competition 4 out of the past 5 years. Will you be creative enough to beat them and become our newest champion? Let's have a fun event! Please see the flyer for complete details.
**** 3rd Annual General Store Tap Halloween party. This event is for the adults because, why should the kids have all the fun? Halloween party starts at 8 p.m. and the judging will be at 10 p.m. Come see what all the fun is about and see The General Store Tap's Facebook page for full details. Please drink responsively and choose a designated driver. Let's have a responsible fun evening.
Tuesday, October 31st - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
**** Halloween Trick or Treat hours will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Please turn on your front porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from the Trick or Treaters. Be sure to turn off your porch lights when you either run out of candy or have had enough fun and your are ready for bed.
- Children, be sure to only to house that have their porch lights on.
- Parents, if you are not going to be with your children, please make sure that their costumes do not impede their vision, and that they take a flash light with them, as well as only walk with other children and cross the street at lighted intersections.
- Public, please be on the look out for the children if you are driving. Together we can all have a safe Halloween.
**** The Grove Community Church will be hosting their annual Halloween Dinner for Trick or Treaters from 5 p.m. - 8 pm. Please see the flyer for complete details.
**** The Ransom Memorial Public Library will be giving away free books along with candy on Halloween night. Children, be sure to stop by. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” - Nathaniel Hawthorne
This Day in History:
- 1774 – American Revolution: The First Continental Congress adjourns in Philadelphia.
- 1825 – The Erie Canal opens, allowing direct passage from the Hudson River to Lake Erie.
- 1881 – Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday participate in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.
- 1936 – The first electric generator at Hoover Dam goes into full operation.
- 1944 – World War II: The Battle of Leyte Gulf ends with an overwhelming American victory.
- 2012 – Microsoft made a public release of Windows 8 and made available it on new PCs.
October 25, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that tomorrow's Neighborhood Cafe which will be held at The Grove Community Church at 12 noon, will be the last one for the summer. Everyone is welcomed for a free meal and fellowship.
“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that tomorrow's Neighborhood Cafe which will be held at The Grove Community Church at 12 noon, will be the last one for the summer. Everyone is welcomed for a free meal and fellowship.
“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1812 – War of 1812: The American frigate, USS United States, commanded by Stephen Decatur, captures the British frigate HMS Macedonian.
- 1995 – A commuter train slams into a school bus in Fox River Grove, Illinois, killing seven students.
- 2001 – Microsoft releases Windows XP, which becomes one of Microsoft's most successful operating systems.
October 24, 2023
Attention Halloween Enthusiasts:
There is only 4 days left until the Village of Altona's 6th Annual Trunk or Treat. Have you started planning your trunk/displays? Will you become our next winner for the BEST display? This is for coveted bragging rights and it does also come with a prize for the winner. See the flyer for complete details and good luck.
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” - Alexander Graham Bell
This Day in History:
Attention Halloween Enthusiasts:
There is only 4 days left until the Village of Altona's 6th Annual Trunk or Treat. Have you started planning your trunk/displays? Will you become our next winner for the BEST display? This is for coveted bragging rights and it does also come with a prize for the winner. See the flyer for complete details and good luck.
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” - Alexander Graham Bell
This Day in History:
- 1861 – The first transcontinental telegraph line across the United States is completed.
- 1911 – Orville Wright remains in the air nine minutes and 45 seconds in a glider at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.
- 1929 – "Black Thursday" on the New York Stock Exchange.
- 2003 – Concorde makes its last commercial flight.
October 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The month of October is nearing its end, but the Halloween festivities are almost here. Are you ready to get your party on? The following is a list of upcoming events that you may want to mark your calendars for...
*** Tuesdays & Thursdays: Seniors Exercise Class at The Grove Community Church from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.
*** Thursday 26th: Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church. 12 noon. This will be the last one for the current year. Please come for a free meal, and fellowship.
*** Saturday, 28th: The 6th Annual Village of Altona Trunk or Treat. It will be held in Johnson-Pyle Park (directly behind Altona Food & Gas) from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. Adults are encouraged to decorate their trunks and/or displays and be entered for the BEST Trunk/Display contest. There will be a prize for the winner. This is a coveted bragging rights contest, as our current reigning champion has won this designation for 4 out of the pat 5 years. Will your display be enough to upset our current champ? Will you be the winner? Let's find out. Good luck to all the entries, and remember, this is just for fun. See flyer for complete details.
*** Saturday, 28th: The General Store Tap will be hosting their 3rd Annual Halloween Party. The kids had their fun earlier in the day, now it the adults turn to dress up in costume. The party begins at 8 pm with the judging at 10 pm. There will be $225 worth of total prize money given out. Please see The General Store Tap Facebook page for further details.
*** Tuesday, 31st: Happy Halloween! Trick or Treat times for the Village of Altona will be from 5pm - 8pm. Please turn on your porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from the ghosts and goblins.
- Children: Please make sure that your vision is not compromised by your costume, and to only travel with groups of other children if you are not with your parents. Also make sure that you carry a flashlight as it gets dark early now and to cross the street at a lighted intersection.
- Also on Halloween night: The Grove Community Church will be having their annual Halloween Hot Dog Dinner. Free for the Trick or Treaters and their families. Stop in and warm up with a meal. See flyer for a complete meal.
- Be sure to stop by the Ransom Memorial Public Library for Halloween treats and to pick up a free book. See flyer for complete details.
“What is once well done is done forever.” - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The month of October is nearing its end, but the Halloween festivities are almost here. Are you ready to get your party on? The following is a list of upcoming events that you may want to mark your calendars for...
*** Tuesdays & Thursdays: Seniors Exercise Class at The Grove Community Church from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.
*** Thursday 26th: Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church. 12 noon. This will be the last one for the current year. Please come for a free meal, and fellowship.
*** Saturday, 28th: The 6th Annual Village of Altona Trunk or Treat. It will be held in Johnson-Pyle Park (directly behind Altona Food & Gas) from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. Adults are encouraged to decorate their trunks and/or displays and be entered for the BEST Trunk/Display contest. There will be a prize for the winner. This is a coveted bragging rights contest, as our current reigning champion has won this designation for 4 out of the pat 5 years. Will your display be enough to upset our current champ? Will you be the winner? Let's find out. Good luck to all the entries, and remember, this is just for fun. See flyer for complete details.
*** Saturday, 28th: The General Store Tap will be hosting their 3rd Annual Halloween Party. The kids had their fun earlier in the day, now it the adults turn to dress up in costume. The party begins at 8 pm with the judging at 10 pm. There will be $225 worth of total prize money given out. Please see The General Store Tap Facebook page for further details.
*** Tuesday, 31st: Happy Halloween! Trick or Treat times for the Village of Altona will be from 5pm - 8pm. Please turn on your porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from the ghosts and goblins.
- Children: Please make sure that your vision is not compromised by your costume, and to only travel with groups of other children if you are not with your parents. Also make sure that you carry a flashlight as it gets dark early now and to cross the street at a lighted intersection.
- Also on Halloween night: The Grove Community Church will be having their annual Halloween Hot Dog Dinner. Free for the Trick or Treaters and their families. Stop in and warm up with a meal. See flyer for a complete meal.
- Be sure to stop by the Ransom Memorial Public Library for Halloween treats and to pick up a free book. See flyer for complete details.
“What is once well done is done forever.” - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
- 1666 – The most intense tornado on record in English history, an F4 storm on the Fujita scale or T8 on the TORRO scale, strikes the county of Lincolnshire, with winds of more than 213 miles per hour (343 km/h).
- 1707 – The First Parliament of the Kingdom of Great Britain convenes.
- 1864 – American Civil War: The Battle of Westport is the last significant engagement west of the Mississippi River, ending in a Union victory.
- 1970 – Gary Gabelich sets a land speed record in a rocket-powered automobile called the Blue Flame, fueled with natural gas.
- 2001 – Apple Computer releases the iPod.
October 22, 2023
“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” - Romans 10:1
This Day in History:
“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.” - Romans 10:1
This Day in History:
- 1784 – Russia founds a colony on Kodiak Island, Alaska.
- 1836 – Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.
- 1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis: President Kennedy, after internal counsel from Dwight D. Eisenhower, announces that American reconnaissance planes have discovered Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba, and that he has ordered a naval "quarantine" of the Communist nation.
- 2012 – Cyclist Lance Armstrong is formally stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after being charged for doping.
October 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that October is National Fire Prevention Month. Winter months see an increased risk of house fires. Did you read the insert that came in your Ameren Illinois power bill this month. There is good safety information in there. If you didn't read it, the information is supplied in this posting. You may click on the following link to learn how to prevent house fires. Please consider volunteering for your local fire department.
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/october/national-fire-prevention-month-october
“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.” - George Santayana
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that October is National Fire Prevention Month. Winter months see an increased risk of house fires. Did you read the insert that came in your Ameren Illinois power bill this month. There is good safety information in there. If you didn't read it, the information is supplied in this posting. You may click on the following link to learn how to prevent house fires. Please consider volunteering for your local fire department.
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/october/national-fire-prevention-month-october
“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.” - George Santayana
This Day in History:
- 1797 – In Boston Harbor, the 44-gun United States Navy frigate USS Constitution is launched.
- 1879 – Thomas Edison applies for a patent for his design for an incandescent light bulb.
- 1959 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower approves the transfer of all US Army space-related activities to NASA, including most of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency.
- 1973 – Fred Dryer of the Los Angeles Rams becomes the first player in NFL history to score two safeties in the same game.
- 2021 – A shooting occurs on the set of the film Rust, in which actor Alec Baldwin discharged a prop weapon which had been loaded, killing the director of photography, Halyna Hutchins, and injuring director Joel Souza.
October 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due today if you have not already paid it. Please make every attempt to pay your bill today to avoid the late fee's that will be applied for failure to paying the bill on time. The Village accepts cash, debit/credit cards or your good check for payment. If you can't make it to Compton Accounting by their 4 pm closing time today, you are encouraged to pay your bill online at: www.comptonaccounting.com/payment to avoid those extra penalty fees. Thank you to everyone for paying your bills on time. It saves shutting people off for lack of payment.
“The things you really need are few and easy to come by; but the things you can imagine you need are infinite, and you will never be satisfied.” - Epicurus
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due today if you have not already paid it. Please make every attempt to pay your bill today to avoid the late fee's that will be applied for failure to paying the bill on time. The Village accepts cash, debit/credit cards or your good check for payment. If you can't make it to Compton Accounting by their 4 pm closing time today, you are encouraged to pay your bill online at: www.comptonaccounting.com/payment to avoid those extra penalty fees. Thank you to everyone for paying your bills on time. It saves shutting people off for lack of payment.
“The things you really need are few and easy to come by; but the things you can imagine you need are infinite, and you will never be satisfied.” - Epicurus
This Day in History:
- 1774 – American Revolution: The Continental Association, a nonconsumption and nonimportation agreement against the British Isles and the British West Indies, is adopted by the First Continental Congress.
- 1803 – The United States Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1818 – The Convention of 1818 is signed between the United States and the United Kingdom, which settles the Canada–United States border on the 49th parallel for most of its length.
- 1944 – Liquefied natural gas leaks from storage tanks in Cleveland and then explodes, leveling 30 blocks and killing 130 people.
- 1944 – American general Douglas MacArthur fulfills his promise to return to the Philippines when he comes ashore during the Battle of Leyte.
- 2003 – The Sloan Great Wall, once the largest cosmic structures known to humanity, is discovered by students at Princeton University.
October 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that Compton Accounting is closed today for a staff appreciation day. For those needing to make their water bill payments, please either use the mail slot in the front door or make your payments online. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for paying your bills on time.
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.” - Unknown
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that Compton Accounting is closed today for a staff appreciation day. For those needing to make their water bill payments, please either use the mail slot in the front door or make your payments online. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for paying your bills on time.
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.” - Unknown
This Day in History:
- 1512 – Martin Luther becomes a doctor of theology.
- 1781 – American Revolutionary War: The siege of Yorktown comes to an end.
- 1789 – John Jay is sworn in as the first Chief Justice of the United States.
- 1864 – American Civil War: The Battle of Cedar Creek ends the last Confederate threat to Washington, DC.
- 1960 – The United States imposes a near-total trade embargo against Cuba.
- 2003 – Mother Teresa is beatified by Pope John Paul II.
- 2019 – Members of Parliament met at the House of Lords to discuss the United Kingdom's Brexit deal, this was the first Saturday sitting in Parliament since 3 April 1982 during the Falklands War.
October 18, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Does it seem that there has been a lot of things to do this year within the Village of Altona? You'd be right to think that. Our various organizations have sponsored all sorts of activities and dinner fundraisers. But did you know that the Village is not yet done with its activities? Nope, in fact some might say that the partying is just beginning. In fact here is a listing of events and activities for the remainder of October. Please plan on attending those that may apply to you....
Tonight: October 18th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The General Store Tap will be celebrating Oktoberfest with brats and trimmings, free will donation for the Sweep the Ceiling which will go to the Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Squad. All October beer will be $1.00 off and they will also be playing German music.
Saturday, October 28th: It's the 6th Annual Village of Altona Trunk or Treat. Located behind Altona Food & Gas at Johnson-Pyle Park from 1 pm to 3 pm. Kids wear your costumes. Prize awarded to the Best Trunk/Display. Will you be the winner for the coveted bragging rights for the Best Display? Will you be able to unseat our current reigning champion? Use your imagination and bring your "A" game. Good luck. See the flyer for details.
Saturday, October 28th: 3rd Annual Halloween Costume Party for the adults at The General Store Tap. The fun starts at 8 pm with judging beginning at 10 pm. There will be a total of $225 worth of prize money given away as well as drink specials and treats to be determined as of this posting. The kids had their fun earlier this afternoon, now its time for the adults to have theirs.
Tuesday, October 31st: Happy Halloween! Trick or Treat hours for the Village of Altona will be from 5 pm - 8 pm. Please turn on your front porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from all the spooky ghosts and goblins. Turn them off when you're done with your candy or have enough of being scared.
*** Children, please be sure to only visit houses who's front porch lights are on. Carry a flashlight. Cross the street only at intersections where it is safe to do so. Make sure that your costume does NOT impede your vision, and make sure that the vehicular traffic can see you. It is best to walk with your parents or with a group of others.
*** Parents: If you are not planning on walking with your children, please be sure that they understand the importance of being safe while Trick or Treating. Vehicles may not see them.
Tuesday, October 31st: The Grove Community Church will once again be having their Annual Halloween Hot Dog Dinner. All Trick or Treaters and their families are welcome to stop in for a free meal and to warm up. See the flyer for details.
“Sometimes creativity is a compulsion, not an ambition.” - Edward Norton
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Does it seem that there has been a lot of things to do this year within the Village of Altona? You'd be right to think that. Our various organizations have sponsored all sorts of activities and dinner fundraisers. But did you know that the Village is not yet done with its activities? Nope, in fact some might say that the partying is just beginning. In fact here is a listing of events and activities for the remainder of October. Please plan on attending those that may apply to you....
Tonight: October 18th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The General Store Tap will be celebrating Oktoberfest with brats and trimmings, free will donation for the Sweep the Ceiling which will go to the Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Squad. All October beer will be $1.00 off and they will also be playing German music.
Saturday, October 28th: It's the 6th Annual Village of Altona Trunk or Treat. Located behind Altona Food & Gas at Johnson-Pyle Park from 1 pm to 3 pm. Kids wear your costumes. Prize awarded to the Best Trunk/Display. Will you be the winner for the coveted bragging rights for the Best Display? Will you be able to unseat our current reigning champion? Use your imagination and bring your "A" game. Good luck. See the flyer for details.
Saturday, October 28th: 3rd Annual Halloween Costume Party for the adults at The General Store Tap. The fun starts at 8 pm with judging beginning at 10 pm. There will be a total of $225 worth of prize money given away as well as drink specials and treats to be determined as of this posting. The kids had their fun earlier this afternoon, now its time for the adults to have theirs.
Tuesday, October 31st: Happy Halloween! Trick or Treat hours for the Village of Altona will be from 5 pm - 8 pm. Please turn on your front porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from all the spooky ghosts and goblins. Turn them off when you're done with your candy or have enough of being scared.
*** Children, please be sure to only visit houses who's front porch lights are on. Carry a flashlight. Cross the street only at intersections where it is safe to do so. Make sure that your costume does NOT impede your vision, and make sure that the vehicular traffic can see you. It is best to walk with your parents or with a group of others.
*** Parents: If you are not planning on walking with your children, please be sure that they understand the importance of being safe while Trick or Treating. Vehicles may not see them.
Tuesday, October 31st: The Grove Community Church will once again be having their Annual Halloween Hot Dog Dinner. All Trick or Treaters and their families are welcome to stop in for a free meal and to warm up. See the flyer for details.
“Sometimes creativity is a compulsion, not an ambition.” - Edward Norton
This Day in History:
- 1648 – Boston shoemakers form the first American labor organization.
- 1867 – United States takes possession of Alaska after purchasing it from Russia for $7.2 million. Celebrated annually in the state as Alaska Day.
- 1898 – The United States takes possession of Puerto Rico from Spain.
- 1944 – World War II: Soviet Union begins the liberation of Czechoslovakia from Nazi Germany.
- 1954 – Texas Instruments announces the first transistor radio.
- 2019 – NASA Astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch take part in the first all-female spacewalk when they venture out of the International Space Station to replace a power controller.
October 17, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due by the 4:30 p.m. close of business on Friday, October 20th. Please be sure to pay your bill prior to this time if you haven't done so already to avoid any late fees or finance charges added to your bill. Please either drop your bill off at Compton Accounting or pay online at:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. The Village accepts CA$H, Debit & Credit cards, and your good check for payment. Thank you to all who have paid their bill on time. It helps keep the operation running in good order.
“As individuals, we hardly have any control over the world. At best, what we can do is try controlling ourselves.” - Dr. Prem Jagyasi
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due by the 4:30 p.m. close of business on Friday, October 20th. Please be sure to pay your bill prior to this time if you haven't done so already to avoid any late fees or finance charges added to your bill. Please either drop your bill off at Compton Accounting or pay online at:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. The Village accepts CA$H, Debit & Credit cards, and your good check for payment. Thank you to all who have paid their bill on time. It helps keep the operation running in good order.
“As individuals, we hardly have any control over the world. At best, what we can do is try controlling ourselves.” - Dr. Prem Jagyasi
This Day in History:
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: British General John Burgoyne surrenders his army at Saratoga, New York.
- 1781 – American Revolutionary War: British General Charles, Earl Cornwallis surrenders at the Siege of Yorktown.
- 1814 – Eight people die in the London Beer Flood.
- 1860 – First The Open Championship (referred to in North America as the British Open).
- 1907 – Marconi begins the first commercial transatlantic wireless service.
- 1931 – Al Capone is convicted of income tax evasion.
- 1979 – Mother Teresa is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
- 2019 – Drug dealers in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico force the government to back down on an arrest
October 16, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
For those needing to make water bill payments; Compton Accounting will be closed this Thursday, October 19th. Please either use the mail slot in the front door or make your payments online. Please read the flyer for complete details. Thank you for paying your bills on time.
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
Attention Village Residents:
For those needing to make water bill payments; Compton Accounting will be closed this Thursday, October 19th. Please either use the mail slot in the front door or make your payments online. Please read the flyer for complete details. Thank you for paying your bills on time.
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
October 16, 2023
Attention ROWVA Residents:
Congratulations to the R.O.W.V.A. Marching Tigers on their 2nd place finish in Class 1A at the 52nd Annual Illinois Marching Band Championships held in Champaigne-Urbana this past Saturday. R.O.W.V.A. competed against Watseka, Tri-Valley, and Blue Ridge.
Did you know that if you can't physically attend a home game for ROWVA-WIlliamsfield Cougars, that you can still watch the game from home or on your mobile device? Visit the ROWVA High School website at:
www.rowva.k12.il.us/live-feed
Thank you for supporting our youth!
Attention ROWVA Residents:
Congratulations to the R.O.W.V.A. Marching Tigers on their 2nd place finish in Class 1A at the 52nd Annual Illinois Marching Band Championships held in Champaigne-Urbana this past Saturday. R.O.W.V.A. competed against Watseka, Tri-Valley, and Blue Ridge.
Did you know that if you can't physically attend a home game for ROWVA-WIlliamsfield Cougars, that you can still watch the game from home or on your mobile device? Visit the ROWVA High School website at:
www.rowva.k12.il.us/live-feed
Thank you for supporting our youth!
October 16, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The following article from the Knox County Health Department is being republished from the Knox County Farm Bulletin. For those who are concerned about Breast Cancer, please consult with your personal doctor and/or the Knox County Health Department after reading this article. Hopefully you'll never have to experience this health issue. But early detection of any type of cancer or disease is always your best chance of survival.
“Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” - Oprah Winfrey
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The following article from the Knox County Health Department is being republished from the Knox County Farm Bulletin. For those who are concerned about Breast Cancer, please consult with your personal doctor and/or the Knox County Health Department after reading this article. Hopefully you'll never have to experience this health issue. But early detection of any type of cancer or disease is always your best chance of survival.
“Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” - Oprah Winfrey
This Day in History:
- 1384 – Jadwiga is crowned King of Poland, although she is a woman.
- 1780 – The Great Hurricane of 1780 finishes after its sixth day, killing between 20,000 and 24,000 residents of the Lesser Antilles.
- 1875 – Brigham Young University is founded in Provo, Utah.
- 1923 – Walt Disney and his brother, Roy, founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, today known as The Walt Disney Company.
- 2017 – Storm Ophelia strikes the U.K. and Ireland causing major damage and power loss.
October 15, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The 6th Annual Trunk or Treat which will be held on Saturday, October 28th, is just two weeks away; do you have your costumes or trunk designs all ready to go? Adults, will your trunk or display design be enough to be crowned our new reigning champion? The Keith Holland family has won this bragging rights honor for 4 out of the past 5 years. This contest of the adults is fun and its for bragging rights. Will your design be enough to win? Bring your best, and let's see what our current champions will do this year. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes. The event will be held in Johnson-Pyle park just behind the gas station from 1 pm- 3 pm. See the flyer for complete details.
“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into impossible.” - Arthur C. Clarke
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The 6th Annual Trunk or Treat which will be held on Saturday, October 28th, is just two weeks away; do you have your costumes or trunk designs all ready to go? Adults, will your trunk or display design be enough to be crowned our new reigning champion? The Keith Holland family has won this bragging rights honor for 4 out of the past 5 years. This contest of the adults is fun and its for bragging rights. Will your design be enough to win? Bring your best, and let's see what our current champions will do this year. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes. The event will be held in Johnson-Pyle park just behind the gas station from 1 pm- 3 pm. See the flyer for complete details.
“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into impossible.” - Arthur C. Clarke
This Day in History:
- 1582 – Adoption of the Gregorian calendar begins, eventually leading to near-universal adoption.
- 1783 – The Montgolfier brothers' hot air balloon makes the first human ascent, piloted by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier.
- 1878 – The Edison Electric Light Company begins operation.
- 1989 – Wayne Gretzky becomes the all-time leading points scorer in the NHL.
- 2001 – NASA's Galileo spacecraft passes within 180 km of Jupiter's moon Io.
- 2008 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closes down 733.08 points, or 7.87%, the second worst percentage drop in the Dow's history.
October 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Add to your Halloween night activities; The Grove Community Church will once again have their annual Halloween supper of Hot Dogs and Hot Chocolate for all trick or treaters and their families. Stop in to warm up and get a meal while you are out and about.
“Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will evade you, but if you notice the other things around you, it will gently come and sit on your shoulder.” - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Add to your Halloween night activities; The Grove Community Church will once again have their annual Halloween supper of Hot Dogs and Hot Chocolate for all trick or treaters and their families. Stop in to warm up and get a meal while you are out and about.
“Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will evade you, but if you notice the other things around you, it will gently come and sit on your shoulder.” - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
- 1774 – American Revolution: The First Continental Congress denounces the British Parliament's Intolerable Acts and demands British concessions.
- 1863 – American Civil War: Confederate troops under the command of A. P. Hill fail to drive the Union Army completely out of Virginia.
- 1884 – George Eastman receives a U.S. Government patent on his new paper-strip photographic film.
- 1888 – Louis Le Prince films the first motion picture, Roundhay Garden Scene.
- 1908 – The Chicago Cubs defeat the Detroit Tigers, 2–0, clinching the 1908 World Series; this would be their last until winning the 2016 World Series.
- 1912 – Former president Theodore Roosevelt is shot and mildly wounded by John Flammang Schrank. With the fresh wound in his chest, and the bullet still within it, Roosevelt delivers his scheduled speech.
- 1962 – The Cuban Missile Crisis begins when an American reconnaissance aircraft takes photographs of Soviet ballistic missiles being installed in Cuba.
- 1964 – Martin Luther King Jr. receives the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolence.
- 1968 – Apollo program: The first live television broadcast by American astronauts in orbit is performed by the Apollo 7 crew.
- 2003 – The Steve Bartman Incident takes place at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.
October 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Be sure to mark your calendars for October 18th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; as The General Store Tap will be celebrating Oktoberfest with brats and trimmings. A free will donation for the Sweep the Ceiling which will go to the Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Squad. All October beer will be $1.00 off and they will also be playing German music. Come for the fun out of the sun.
Attention Area Residents:
Be sure to mark your calendars for October 18th, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; as The General Store Tap will be celebrating Oktoberfest with brats and trimmings. A free will donation for the Sweep the Ceiling which will go to the Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Squad. All October beer will be $1.00 off and they will also be playing German music. Come for the fun out of the sun.
October 13, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
October is National Women's Small Business Month. The Village of Altona would like to give a big THANK YOU to all of the women who have either owned or managed businesses within the Village. Your operating skills have helped the Village to thrive. Please continue to support the businesses in Altona. To learn more about National Women's Small Business Month, please click on the following link:
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/pop-culture-lifestyle/national-womens-small-business-month-october
“You become what you give your attention to” - Epicurus
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
October is National Women's Small Business Month. The Village of Altona would like to give a big THANK YOU to all of the women who have either owned or managed businesses within the Village. Your operating skills have helped the Village to thrive. Please continue to support the businesses in Altona. To learn more about National Women's Small Business Month, please click on the following link:
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/pop-culture-lifestyle/national-womens-small-business-month-october
“You become what you give your attention to” - Epicurus
This Day in History:
- 1775 – The Continental Congress establishes the Continental Navy (predecessor of the United States Navy).
- 1792 – In Washington, D.C., the cornerstone of the United States Executive Mansion (known as the White House since 1818) is laid.
- 1892 – Edward Emerson Barnard is first to discover a comet by photographic means.
- 1903 – The Boston Red Sox win the first modern World Series, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in the eighth game.
- 2010 – The mining accident in Copiapó, Chile ends as all 33 trapped miners arrive at the surface after a record 69 days underground.
October 12,. 2023
Attention Area Residents:
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This disease effects 1 in 8 women and 1 in 1000 men in the United States. Click on the following links to learn more about Breast Cancer.
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/october/breast-cancer-awareness-month-october
Susan G. Komen Foundation
“I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities.” - Whoopi Goldberg
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This disease effects 1 in 8 women and 1 in 1000 men in the United States. Click on the following links to learn more about Breast Cancer.
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/october/breast-cancer-awareness-month-october
Susan G. Komen Foundation
“I am where I am because I believe in all possibilities.” - Whoopi Goldberg
This Day in History:
- 1692 – The Salem witch trials are ended by a letter from Province of Massachusetts Bay Governor William Phips.
- 1773 – America's first insane asylum opens.
- 1892 – The Pledge of Allegiance is first recited by students in many US public schools.
- 1901 – President Theodore Roosevelt officially renames the "Executive Mansion" to the White House.
- 1970 – Vietnam War: Vietnamization continues as President Richard Nixon announces that the United States will withdraw 40,000 more troops before Christmas.
- 1973 – President Nixon nominates House Majority Leader Gerald R. Ford as the successor to Vice President Spiro T. Agnew.
- 2019 – The Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans, which is under construction, collapses, killing two and injuring 20.
October 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
October is National Fire Prevention Month. Winter months see an increased risk of house fires. Please click on the following link to learn how to prevent house fires. Please consider volunteering for your local fire department.
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/october/national-fire-prevention-month-october
“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” - John Wooden
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
October is National Fire Prevention Month. Winter months see an increased risk of house fires. Please click on the following link to learn how to prevent house fires. Please consider volunteering for your local fire department.
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/october/national-fire-prevention-month-october
“It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” - John Wooden
This Day in History:
- 1138 – A massive earthquake strikes Aleppo; it is one of the most destructive earthquakes ever.
- 1890 – In Washington, D.C., the Daughters of the American Revolution is founded.
- 1910 – Piloted by Arch Hoxsey, Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first U.S. president to fly in an airplane.
- 1950 – CBS's field-sequential color system for television is the first to be licensed for broadcast by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
- 1968 – NASA launches Apollo 7, the first successful crewed Apollo mission.
- 2000 – NASA launches STS-92, the 100th Space Shuttle mission.
- 2001 – The Polaroid Corporation files for federal bankruptcy protection.
October 10, 2023
Attention Seniors:
Come to the Seniors Exercise class at The Grove Community Church for a stretch and good health this morning from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. They look forward to your fellowship.
“Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember.” - Seneca
This Day in History:
Attention Seniors:
Come to the Seniors Exercise class at The Grove Community Church for a stretch and good health this morning from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. They look forward to your fellowship.
“Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember.” - Seneca
This Day in History:
- 1492 – The crew of Christopher Columbus's ship, the Santa Maria, attempt a mutiny.
- 1780 – The Great Hurricane of 1780 kills 20,000–30,000 in the Caribbean.
- 1845 – In Annapolis, Maryland, the Naval School (later the United States Naval Academy) opens with 50 students.
- 1846 – Triton, the largest moon of the planet Neptune, is discovered by English astronomer William Lassell.
- 1913 – U.S. President Woodrow Wilson triggers the explosion of the Gamboa Dike, completing major construction on the Panama Canal.
- 1964 – The Tokyo Summer Olympics opening ceremony is the first to be relayed live by satellites.
- 1967 – The Outer Space Treaty comes into force.
- 2018 – Hurricane Michael makes landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. It kills 57 people in the United States, 45 in Florida, and causes an estimated $25.1 billion in damage.
October 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory beginning tonight from midnight 12:00 A.M. until 8:00 A.M. tomorrow morning. Please cover any sensitive plants and vegetation that you do not want damaged or killed off. Please click on the following link to read the advisory:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2602231&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory beginning tonight from midnight 12:00 A.M. until 8:00 A.M. tomorrow morning. Please cover any sensitive plants and vegetation that you do not want damaged or killed off. Please click on the following link to read the advisory:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2602231&areaId=knox
October 9, 2023
Attention Village and Area Residents:
The following is a listing of known activities which will be happening in the month of October within the of Altona. We the residents of Altona know how to party and have a good time, so please mark your calendars for those fun events which may apply to you.
Every Tuesday & Thursday: Seniors Exercise class from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. Come for some low impact stretching and camaraderie. Meet some new friends. Enjoy the stretch!
Tuesday, October 10th: The Altona Lions Club will be having another drive-thru pork chop dinner at The Grove Community Church from 5 pm - 7 pm. Please take the night off from cooking and support them. This is a great organization that has done many great things for our community throughout the years and there will soon be another great improvement to our Village thanks to the Lions Club, so thank you for supporting them. What will it be? You'll soon find out. LOL.
2nd & 4th Thursday: Neighborhood Cafe at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church. Come for a free meal and fellowship.
Wednesday, October 18th: Come to The General Store Tap from 4 pm - 8pm and celebrate Octoberfest with brats and trimmings. Free will donation for Sweep the Ceiling which will go to the Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Squad. All Octoberfest beer will be $1.00 off. They will be playing some German music. So come have some fun and donate to a worthy cause.
Friday, October 20th: Water bills are due. Please be sure to have your payments in before the 4 pm close of business at Compton Accounting to avoid late fee charges. You may either pay in-person or online at
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. As always, the Village accepts cash, credit/debit cards, or your good check for payment.
Saturday, October 28th: The Village of Altona 6th Annual Trunk or Treat from 1 pm - 3 pm at Johnson-Pyle Park (directly behind the gas station). Kids are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes. Adults are encouraged to dress up their cars/trucks or create displays. There will be a prize for the best display. Will you be our next reigning champion for the bragging rights? The Holland family has won this event 4 out of the past 5 years and they are our current champions. What will they have in store this year? And how will you defeat them? Everyone is encouraged to bring their "A" game, so come out and join the fun.
Saturday, October 28th: Attention Adults! The kids will had their fun earlier this afternoon; now it's time for you to have yours. The General Store Tap will be having their 3rd Annual Halloween costume party starting at 8pm, with the judging to begin at 10 pm. $225 in total prize money will be given out. Drink specials and treats to be determined.
Tuesday, October 31st: Halloween Trick or Treat hours will be from 5 pm - 8 pm. Please turn on your front porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from the children, ghosts and goblins. Turn off your light if you get too scared or had enough fun. HA!
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”- Paulo Coelho
This Day in History:
Attention Village and Area Residents:
The following is a listing of known activities which will be happening in the month of October within the of Altona. We the residents of Altona know how to party and have a good time, so please mark your calendars for those fun events which may apply to you.
Every Tuesday & Thursday: Seniors Exercise class from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. Come for some low impact stretching and camaraderie. Meet some new friends. Enjoy the stretch!
Tuesday, October 10th: The Altona Lions Club will be having another drive-thru pork chop dinner at The Grove Community Church from 5 pm - 7 pm. Please take the night off from cooking and support them. This is a great organization that has done many great things for our community throughout the years and there will soon be another great improvement to our Village thanks to the Lions Club, so thank you for supporting them. What will it be? You'll soon find out. LOL.
2nd & 4th Thursday: Neighborhood Cafe at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church. Come for a free meal and fellowship.
Wednesday, October 18th: Come to The General Store Tap from 4 pm - 8pm and celebrate Octoberfest with brats and trimmings. Free will donation for Sweep the Ceiling which will go to the Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Squad. All Octoberfest beer will be $1.00 off. They will be playing some German music. So come have some fun and donate to a worthy cause.
Friday, October 20th: Water bills are due. Please be sure to have your payments in before the 4 pm close of business at Compton Accounting to avoid late fee charges. You may either pay in-person or online at
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. As always, the Village accepts cash, credit/debit cards, or your good check for payment.
Saturday, October 28th: The Village of Altona 6th Annual Trunk or Treat from 1 pm - 3 pm at Johnson-Pyle Park (directly behind the gas station). Kids are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes. Adults are encouraged to dress up their cars/trucks or create displays. There will be a prize for the best display. Will you be our next reigning champion for the bragging rights? The Holland family has won this event 4 out of the past 5 years and they are our current champions. What will they have in store this year? And how will you defeat them? Everyone is encouraged to bring their "A" game, so come out and join the fun.
Saturday, October 28th: Attention Adults! The kids will had their fun earlier this afternoon; now it's time for you to have yours. The General Store Tap will be having their 3rd Annual Halloween costume party starting at 8pm, with the judging to begin at 10 pm. $225 in total prize money will be given out. Drink specials and treats to be determined.
Tuesday, October 31st: Halloween Trick or Treat hours will be from 5 pm - 8 pm. Please turn on your front porch lights if you wish to receive a visit from the children, ghosts and goblins. Turn off your light if you get too scared or had enough fun. HA!
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”- Paulo Coelho
This Day in History:
- 1604 – Kepler's Supernova is the most recent supernova to be observed within the Milky Way.
- 1701 – The Collegiate School of Connecticut (later renamed Yale University) is chartered in Old Saybrook.
- 1790 – A severe earthquake in northern Algeria causes severe damage and a tsunami in the Mediterranean Sea and kills three thousand.
- 1812 – War of 1812: In a naval engagement on Lake Erie, American forces capture two British ships: HMS Detroit and HMS Caledonia.
- 1919 – The Cincinnati Reds win the World Series, resulting in the Black Sox Scandal.
- 2007 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average reaches its all-time high of 14,164 points before rapidly declining due to the 2007-2008 financial crises.
October 8, 2023
Attention ROWVA Area Residents:
Congratulations to the ROWVA High School Marching Tigers on their 1st place win at the 42nd Annual Metamora Marching Band Field Invitational. They also received the Best Winds caption award. ROWVA competed against Jacksonville, Monmouth-Roseville, and Streator Township in Class 3 A. ROWVA's overall scores from a combined 19 schools in Class 1A - 4A placed them in 3rd place overall.
For those who wish to view the scores, click on the following link:
drive.google.com/file/d/16uClBePrYyvWQMNGe5JOQqopoeCGKyPz/view
Attention ROWVA Area Residents:
Congratulations to the ROWVA High School Marching Tigers on their 1st place win at the 42nd Annual Metamora Marching Band Field Invitational. They also received the Best Winds caption award. ROWVA competed against Jacksonville, Monmouth-Roseville, and Streator Township in Class 3 A. ROWVA's overall scores from a combined 19 schools in Class 1A - 4A placed them in 3rd place overall.
For those who wish to view the scores, click on the following link:
drive.google.com/file/d/16uClBePrYyvWQMNGe5JOQqopoeCGKyPz/view
October 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Harvest is in full swing, and deer hunting season has begun. Please look out for both farm equipment and deer. Let's have a safe fall. Please don't drive distracted texting, or drinking and driving.
Altona Lions Club Drive-thru Pork Chop Dinner at The Grove Church on Tuesday, October 10th from 5 - 7 pm. Thank you for your support.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” - Proverbs 12:11
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Harvest is in full swing, and deer hunting season has begun. Please look out for both farm equipment and deer. Let's have a safe fall. Please don't drive distracted texting, or drinking and driving.
Altona Lions Club Drive-thru Pork Chop Dinner at The Grove Church on Tuesday, October 10th from 5 - 7 pm. Thank you for your support.
“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” - Proverbs 12:11
This Day in History:
- 1862 – American Civil War: The Confederate invasion of Kentucky is halted at the Battle of Perryville.
- 1871 – Slash-and-burn land management, months of drought, and the passage of a strong cold front cause the Peshtigo Fire, the Great Chicago Fire and the Great Michigan Fires to break out.
- 1921 – KDKA in Pittsburgh's Forbes Field conducts the first live broadcast of a football game.
- 1956 – The New York Yankees's Don Larsen pitches the only perfect game in a World Series.
- 2001 – U.S. President George W. Bush announces the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security.
- 2014 – Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person in the United States to be diagnosed with Ebola, dies.
October 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
As you travel the roads this fall enjoying the fall colors, craft shows, and area scenic drives; please remember not to lose focus when driving. The fall harvest is underway and the farmers are very busy hauling their grain and equipment to and from their fields and to the elevators. The archery deer season also has begun, and with their rut and the farmers harvest, the deer are moving so please slow down and be extra careful when driving. Hunters, please click on the following link to view the IDNR 2023-2024 Hunting and Trapping Digest and view the changes for this year.....
dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/hunting/documents/hunttrapdigest.pdf
“There is no greater beauty or charm than what we can find in nature.” - Todd Romano
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
As you travel the roads this fall enjoying the fall colors, craft shows, and area scenic drives; please remember not to lose focus when driving. The fall harvest is underway and the farmers are very busy hauling their grain and equipment to and from their fields and to the elevators. The archery deer season also has begun, and with their rut and the farmers harvest, the deer are moving so please slow down and be extra careful when driving. Hunters, please click on the following link to view the IDNR 2023-2024 Hunting and Trapping Digest and view the changes for this year.....
dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/hunting/documents/hunttrapdigest.pdf
“There is no greater beauty or charm than what we can find in nature.” - Todd Romano
This Day in History:
- 1691 – The charter for the Province of Massachusetts Bay is issued.
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: The Americans defeat British forces under general John Burgoyne in the Second Battle of Saratoga, also known as the Battle of Bemis Heights, compelling Burgoyne's eventual surrender.
- 1780 – American Revolutionary War: American militia defeat royalist irregulars led by British major Patrick Ferguson at the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina, often regarded as the turning point in the war's Southern theater.
- 1826 – The Granite Railway begins operations as the first chartered railway in the U.S.
- 1913 – Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving vehicle assembly line.
- 1950 – Mother Teresa establishes the Missionaries of Charity.
- 1996 – Fox News Channel begins broadcasting.
- 2001 – The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan begins with an air assault and covert operations on the ground, starting the longest war in American history.
- 2002 – The Space Shuttle Atlantis launches on STS-112 to continue assembly of the International Space Station.
- 2016 – In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the death toll rises to over 800.
October 6, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Would you like to take a night off from cooking? Well this Tuesday October 10th you can. The Altona Lions Club will be having another drive through dinner at The Grove Church from 5-7pm. Thank you in advance for supporting this great local organization that supports our Village.
Attention Area Residents:
Would you like to take a night off from cooking? Well this Tuesday October 10th you can. The Altona Lions Club will be having another drive through dinner at The Grove Church from 5-7pm. Thank you in advance for supporting this great local organization that supports our Village.
October 6, 2023
“You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught upon either one.” - John Wooden
This Day in History:
“You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught upon either one.” - John Wooden
This Day in History:
- 1884 – The Naval War College of the United States is founded in Rhode Island.
- 1979 – Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit the White House.
- 2007 – Jason Lewis completes the first human-powered circumnavigation of the Earth.
- 2010 – Instagram, a mainstream photo-sharing application, is founded.
- 2018 – The United States Senate confirms Brett Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court Associate Justice, ending a contentious confirmation process.
October 5, 2023
“There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means.” - Calvin Coolidge
This Day in History:
“There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means.” - Calvin Coolidge
This Day in History:
- 1607 – Assassins attempt to kill Venetian statesman and scientist Paolo Sarpi.
- 1789 – French Revolution: The Women's March on Versailles effectively terminates royal authority.
- 1813 – War of 1812: The Army of the Northwest defeats a British and Native Canadian force threatening Detroit.
- 1905 – The Wright brothers pilot the Wright Flyer III in a new world record flight of 24 miles in 39 minutes.
- 1947 – President Truman makes the first televised Oval Office address.
- 2011 – In the Mekong River massacre, two Chinese cargo boats are hijacked and 13 crew members murdered.
October 4, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder so that you don't get scared around 1:20 pm this afternoon when everyone's phones goes off. FEMA and the FCC will testing the nation's alert systems. This is only a test to make sure that the alert systems are working as intended. To learn more about today's test, please click on the following link:
www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023
September was Emergency Preparedness Month. To learn about how to be prepared and to build an emergency kit, should a disaster were too strike, as well as other things; visit the Health & Safety page on the Village's website to review the entire educational series. Health & Safety
“Curiosity is the most powerful thing you own.” - James Cameron
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder so that you don't get scared around 1:20 pm this afternoon when everyone's phones goes off. FEMA and the FCC will testing the nation's alert systems. This is only a test to make sure that the alert systems are working as intended. To learn more about today's test, please click on the following link:
www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023
September was Emergency Preparedness Month. To learn about how to be prepared and to build an emergency kit, should a disaster were too strike, as well as other things; visit the Health & Safety page on the Village's website to review the entire educational series. Health & Safety
“Curiosity is the most powerful thing you own.” - James Cameron
This Day in History:
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: Troops under George Washington are repelled by British troops under William Howe.
- 1895 – Horace Rawlins wins the first U.S. Open Men's Golf Championship.
- 1927 – Gutzon Borglum begins sculpting Mount Rushmore.
- 2006 – WikiLeaks is launched.
October 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This is just a reminder that tomorrow afternoon at approximately 1:20 pm; FEMA and the FCC will be conducting a nationwide test of both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) System. If you would like to read about what these tests are about in order to not to be surprised when all wireless devices go off simultaneously, please click on the following link for complete details:
www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023
“Wisdom is what’s left after we’ve run out of personal opinions.” - Cullen Hightower
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
This is just a reminder that tomorrow afternoon at approximately 1:20 pm; FEMA and the FCC will be conducting a nationwide test of both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) System. If you would like to read about what these tests are about in order to not to be surprised when all wireless devices go off simultaneously, please click on the following link for complete details:
www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023
“Wisdom is what’s left after we’ve run out of personal opinions.” - Cullen Hightower
This Day in History:
- 1789 – George Washington proclaims Thursday November 26, 1789 a Thanksgiving Day.
- 1863 – The last Thursday in November is declared as Thanksgiving Day by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.
- 1985 – The Space Shuttle Atlantis makes its maiden flight, carrying two DSCS-III Satellites on STS-51-J.
- 2022 – Svante Pääbo is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
October 2, 2023
Attention Area Fun Seeking Adults:
Just a reminder that Saturday October 28th from 1pm - 3pm at Johnson-Pyle Park (located behind the Altona Food & Gas station) will be the 6th Annual Trunk or Treat in the Village of Altona. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and Trick or Treat from everyone's vehicles. Adults are encouraged to dress up themselves, along with their vehicles or displays. This event is a lot of fun and very competitive for bragging rights, and there will be a small prize for the adults, so start making your plans if you haven't done so. The Holland family is our reigning champion's and have won this event 4 out of the past 5 years. Will you be the one to unseat our current champion? Please see the flyer for complete details.
“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” - Dale Carnegie
This Day in History:
Attention Area Fun Seeking Adults:
Just a reminder that Saturday October 28th from 1pm - 3pm at Johnson-Pyle Park (located behind the Altona Food & Gas station) will be the 6th Annual Trunk or Treat in the Village of Altona. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and Trick or Treat from everyone's vehicles. Adults are encouraged to dress up themselves, along with their vehicles or displays. This event is a lot of fun and very competitive for bragging rights, and there will be a small prize for the adults, so start making your plans if you haven't done so. The Holland family is our reigning champion's and have won this event 4 out of the past 5 years. Will you be the one to unseat our current champion? Please see the flyer for complete details.
“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” - Dale Carnegie
This Day in History:
- 1789 – The United States Bill of Rights is sent to the various States for ratification.
- 1835 – Texas Revolution: Mexican troops attempt to disarm the people of Gonzales, but encounter stiff resistance from a hastily assembled militia.
- 1967 – Thurgood Marshall is sworn in as the first African-American justice of the United States Supreme Court.
- 2019 – A privately-owned Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress conducting a living history exhibition flight crashes shortly after takeoff from Windsor Locks, Connecticut, killing seven.
October 1, 2023
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” - Proverbs 3:5-6
This Day in History:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” - Proverbs 3:5-6
This Day in History:
- 1890 – Yosemite National Park is established by the U.S. Congress.
- 1903 – Baseball: The Boston Americans play the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first game of the modern World Series.
- 1931 – The George Washington Bridge in the United States is opened, linking New Jersey and New York.
- 2017 – Fifty-eight people are killed and 869 others injured in a mass shooting at a country music festival at the Las Vegas Strip in the United States; the gunman, Stephen Paddock, later commits suicide.
September 30, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On Wednesday, October 4th at approximately 1:20 pm CT; FEMA and the FCC will be conducting a nationwide test of both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) System. If you would like to read about what these tests are about in order to not to be surprised when all wireless devices go off simultaneously, please click on the following link for complete details:
www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023
With this posting, this concludes National Preparedness Month. The Village of Altona has presented you information from FEMA and other governmental agencies, as well as general information found on the internet to help you learn how to prepare for a disaster or an emergency. If you haven't viewed the month long series yet, nor if you have started building an emergency kit; you are encouraged to review this month long series. For your convenience, this series is listed by date on the Village's Health & Safety page on our website. Just click on the direct link in this posting. You may also find it through the following:
1) https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/
2) Hover your mouse over the homepage tab that says "Village Information"
3) From there, follow the drop down box to the bottom that says "Health & Safety" and click on it.
The purpose behind National Emergency Preparedness Month is to teach everyone in the country the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters. When disaster strikes, emergency services may not be able to come to your aid in a timely manner due to current conditions on the ground. You may be on your own for up to 72 hours. It is important to have an emergency kit for everyone in your family to be able to sustain yourself for a minimum of three days. Please review this series to give you some ideas on making a plan and building a kit that works for you and your family. Information on how to prepare can be found at the following websites:
www.ready.gov/
https://www2.illinois.gov/ready/Pages/default.aspx
www.redcross.org/store/preparedness
There are numerous videos on YouTube where you can find all sorts of information. Don't be afraid to look for those videos made by the "Prepper" community as these people know how to be prepared. Caution is advised on some of those videos, as the views by some may be considered quite extreme. The Village doesn't endorse nor discourage the opinions of these YouTubers. However, some of their opinions may be very helpful in creating your own plans. Thank you for participating by reading and watching the content all this month.
Make A Plan - Build A Kit - Stay Informed!
"It's the little things that make life wonderful." - Anonymous
Attention Area Residents:
On Wednesday, October 4th at approximately 1:20 pm CT; FEMA and the FCC will be conducting a nationwide test of both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) System. If you would like to read about what these tests are about in order to not to be surprised when all wireless devices go off simultaneously, please click on the following link for complete details:
www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023
With this posting, this concludes National Preparedness Month. The Village of Altona has presented you information from FEMA and other governmental agencies, as well as general information found on the internet to help you learn how to prepare for a disaster or an emergency. If you haven't viewed the month long series yet, nor if you have started building an emergency kit; you are encouraged to review this month long series. For your convenience, this series is listed by date on the Village's Health & Safety page on our website. Just click on the direct link in this posting. You may also find it through the following:
1) https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/
2) Hover your mouse over the homepage tab that says "Village Information"
3) From there, follow the drop down box to the bottom that says "Health & Safety" and click on it.
The purpose behind National Emergency Preparedness Month is to teach everyone in the country the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters. When disaster strikes, emergency services may not be able to come to your aid in a timely manner due to current conditions on the ground. You may be on your own for up to 72 hours. It is important to have an emergency kit for everyone in your family to be able to sustain yourself for a minimum of three days. Please review this series to give you some ideas on making a plan and building a kit that works for you and your family. Information on how to prepare can be found at the following websites:
www.ready.gov/
https://www2.illinois.gov/ready/Pages/default.aspx
www.redcross.org/store/preparedness
There are numerous videos on YouTube where you can find all sorts of information. Don't be afraid to look for those videos made by the "Prepper" community as these people know how to be prepared. Caution is advised on some of those videos, as the views by some may be considered quite extreme. The Village doesn't endorse nor discourage the opinions of these YouTubers. However, some of their opinions may be very helpful in creating your own plans. Thank you for participating by reading and watching the content all this month.
Make A Plan - Build A Kit - Stay Informed!
"It's the little things that make life wonderful." - Anonymous
September 29, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Throughout National Preparedness Month, the Village of Altona has been offering informational tips from FEMA and other resources to try and educate the public on how to prepare for an emergency or disaster. Today's topic is about preparing for those furry members of your family - your pets. Unfortunately during a disaster, some pets get left behind. Some survive, some get lost, some parish, and all of them probably get hungry, thirsty and scared. Like individual family members, your pets are an important part of your family and have special needs which need to be properly provided for.
The following videos are some examples of what you can find on YouTube to help you prepare for your pets. The views and opinions of these YouTubers and agencies are theirs, and are not necessarily endorsed by nor discouraged by the Village of Altona; but they are being shared to you for informational purposes only as a sample of the content that can be found. Please watch them (or others that you may find) and use your best judgement on what you think is best for your pets needs, and build a kit for them.
Pet Emergency Preparedness (UC Davis Veterinary Medicine): www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uAxzFxA_ko
City of Kirkland, Washington Seminar on Emergency Preparedness for Pet Owners:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ha1xxEg30c
Cats: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgyiKlbjiB0
Dogs: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6RdtKkFkNQ
How To Bug Out With Pets In An Emergency: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEqukuBfLRY
Attention Area Residents:
Throughout National Preparedness Month, the Village of Altona has been offering informational tips from FEMA and other resources to try and educate the public on how to prepare for an emergency or disaster. Today's topic is about preparing for those furry members of your family - your pets. Unfortunately during a disaster, some pets get left behind. Some survive, some get lost, some parish, and all of them probably get hungry, thirsty and scared. Like individual family members, your pets are an important part of your family and have special needs which need to be properly provided for.
The following videos are some examples of what you can find on YouTube to help you prepare for your pets. The views and opinions of these YouTubers and agencies are theirs, and are not necessarily endorsed by nor discouraged by the Village of Altona; but they are being shared to you for informational purposes only as a sample of the content that can be found. Please watch them (or others that you may find) and use your best judgement on what you think is best for your pets needs, and build a kit for them.
Pet Emergency Preparedness (UC Davis Veterinary Medicine): www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uAxzFxA_ko
City of Kirkland, Washington Seminar on Emergency Preparedness for Pet Owners:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ha1xxEg30c
Cats: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgyiKlbjiB0
Dogs: www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6RdtKkFkNQ
How To Bug Out With Pets In An Emergency: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEqukuBfLRY
September 29, 2023
“So long as we live among men, let us cherish humanity.” - Andre Gide
This Day in History:
“So long as we live among men, let us cherish humanity.” - Andre Gide
This Day in History:
- 1789 – The United States Department of War first establishes a regular army with a strength of several hundred men.
- 1885 – The first practical public electric tramway in the world is opened in Blackpool, England.
- 1907 – The cornerstone is laid at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (better known as Washington National Cathedral) in Washington, D.C.
- 1988 – NASA launches STS-26, the first Space Shuttle mission since the Challenger disaster.
- 1990 – Construction of the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (better known as Washington National Cathedral) is completed in Washington, D.C.
- 2005 – John Roberts is confirmed as Chief Justice of the United States.
- 2008 – The stock market crashes after the first United States House of Representatives vote on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act fails, leading to the Great Recession.
September 28, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today in National Preparedness Month, we will talk about fire safety. Your home is your most important investment. The home protects you from the eliminates, it is were you live, and create cherished memories with your family. The loss of your home due to a fire would surely qualify as a personal disaster to you. You have home owners insurance to help you rebuild should a catastrophe occur; but what are you doing to prevent a fire or at least get out if you can't stop it? Do you have smoke alarms? If so - GREAT! Smoke alarms save lives. But are you religiously changing the batteries in them every 6 months? How old are they? They need to be replaced every 10 years. The State of Illinois has a law requiring that all smoke detectors in Illinois be the type with the non-replaceable 10 year battery. No more remembering to change the batteries every 6 months. Now you just replace your detector every 10 years. The detector will chirp when it is time to replace it just like your current detector chirps when it is time to replace the batteries. You should have a smoke detector for every bedroom, kitchen, basement, and hallway. You can't have too many.
Do you have a rope ladder to help with the evacuation of the second floor? These are designed to evacuate the upstairs should you get trapped up there and can't get down the stairs. It is a good idea to have one in every bedroom.
Do you have a fire extinguisher? If not, it is a good idea to have one. A fire extinguisher is portable and you can take it with you anywhere. It is actually a good idea to have one in the house, the garage, in your boat, and in each vehicle. While the extinguisher will put out the fire, it will also create a mess afterwards. But choosing between putting out a fire and creating a mess with an extinguisher versus letting one's house burn up; it's a no brainer that everyone would rather clean up the fire extinguisher mess.
Since most fires start in the kitchen (such as grease fires), did you know that there are other products that can work as well? Did you know that Baking Soda will extinguish a grease fire, but only if they're a small fire. It will take a lot of baking soda to do the job, and you will want to store it in a metal container with a lid (and not glass as glass will shatter) on the counter for quick access. Have you ever heard of a fire blanket? PreparedHero has a product called a fire blanket. Depending on the size of fire (for example a stove or grill fire) you simply take the blanket out of the bag and smother the fire with it. It can also potentially be reusable.
Please click on the following link to learn more:
order.preparedhero.com/efb?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20534832613&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoIOMjvjDgQMVMiazAB2CNgoKEAAYASAAEgJOKfD_BwE
The Village neither endorses nor discourages the use of this product, nor does it get anything from the company mentioning its product. The link however is provided for you for informational purposes should you decide if you wish to learn more about it and have an extra layer of preparedness for your home. Can you think of other ways to prevent a fire in the home? Remember, should you have to evacuate your home to a fire, you'll want all of your important papers and emergency kits at the ready to grab on your way out the door.
Want to learn more about fires and prevention? Join your local volunteer fire department. They could use your help.
Attention Area Residents:
Today in National Preparedness Month, we will talk about fire safety. Your home is your most important investment. The home protects you from the eliminates, it is were you live, and create cherished memories with your family. The loss of your home due to a fire would surely qualify as a personal disaster to you. You have home owners insurance to help you rebuild should a catastrophe occur; but what are you doing to prevent a fire or at least get out if you can't stop it? Do you have smoke alarms? If so - GREAT! Smoke alarms save lives. But are you religiously changing the batteries in them every 6 months? How old are they? They need to be replaced every 10 years. The State of Illinois has a law requiring that all smoke detectors in Illinois be the type with the non-replaceable 10 year battery. No more remembering to change the batteries every 6 months. Now you just replace your detector every 10 years. The detector will chirp when it is time to replace it just like your current detector chirps when it is time to replace the batteries. You should have a smoke detector for every bedroom, kitchen, basement, and hallway. You can't have too many.
Do you have a rope ladder to help with the evacuation of the second floor? These are designed to evacuate the upstairs should you get trapped up there and can't get down the stairs. It is a good idea to have one in every bedroom.
Do you have a fire extinguisher? If not, it is a good idea to have one. A fire extinguisher is portable and you can take it with you anywhere. It is actually a good idea to have one in the house, the garage, in your boat, and in each vehicle. While the extinguisher will put out the fire, it will also create a mess afterwards. But choosing between putting out a fire and creating a mess with an extinguisher versus letting one's house burn up; it's a no brainer that everyone would rather clean up the fire extinguisher mess.
Since most fires start in the kitchen (such as grease fires), did you know that there are other products that can work as well? Did you know that Baking Soda will extinguish a grease fire, but only if they're a small fire. It will take a lot of baking soda to do the job, and you will want to store it in a metal container with a lid (and not glass as glass will shatter) on the counter for quick access. Have you ever heard of a fire blanket? PreparedHero has a product called a fire blanket. Depending on the size of fire (for example a stove or grill fire) you simply take the blanket out of the bag and smother the fire with it. It can also potentially be reusable.
Please click on the following link to learn more:
order.preparedhero.com/efb?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20534832613&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoIOMjvjDgQMVMiazAB2CNgoKEAAYASAAEgJOKfD_BwE
The Village neither endorses nor discourages the use of this product, nor does it get anything from the company mentioning its product. The link however is provided for you for informational purposes should you decide if you wish to learn more about it and have an extra layer of preparedness for your home. Can you think of other ways to prevent a fire in the home? Remember, should you have to evacuate your home to a fire, you'll want all of your important papers and emergency kits at the ready to grab on your way out the door.
Want to learn more about fires and prevention? Join your local volunteer fire department. They could use your help.
September 28, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Village of Altona 6th Annual Trunk or Treat is just one month away. If you are planning on entering a booth or vehicle trunk, have you started designing your displays yet? This is a very competitive bragging rights competition. Saturday, October 28th from 1 pm - 3 pm is the time and it will be held at Johnson-Pyle Park in front of the fire department. Please the flyer for complete details, and we hope to see you there.
“Remember, happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.” - Dale Carnegie
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The Village of Altona 6th Annual Trunk or Treat is just one month away. If you are planning on entering a booth or vehicle trunk, have you started designing your displays yet? This is a very competitive bragging rights competition. Saturday, October 28th from 1 pm - 3 pm is the time and it will be held at Johnson-Pyle Park in front of the fire department. Please the flyer for complete details, and we hope to see you there.
“Remember, happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.” - Dale Carnegie
This Day in History:
- 1779 – American Revolution: Samuel Huntington is elected President of the Continental Congress, succeeding John Jay.
- 1787 – The Congress of the Confederation votes to send the newly written United States Constitution to the state legislatures for approval.
- 1892 – The first night game for American football takes place in a contest between Wyoming Seminary and Mansfield State Normal.
- 1941 – Ted Williams achieves a .406 batting average for the season, and becomes the last major league baseball player to bat .400 or better.
- 1951 – CBS makes the first color televisions available for sale to the general public, but the product is discontinued less than a month later.
- 2008 – Falcon 1 becomes the first privately developed liquid-fuel ground-launched vehicle to put a payload into orbit by the RatSat mission.
- 2018 – The 7.5 Mw 2018 Sulawesi earthquake, which triggered a large tsunami, leaves 4,340 dead and 10,679 injured.
September 27, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Yesterday during National Preparedness Month, we looked at the scenario of what you would do if the nuclear reactor in Cordova had an incident where you had to evacuate your home. Today let's look at a different scenario. These scenario's are designed to get you to think about how you would prepare for a given disaster. Each disaster is different, but basic knowledge and supplies in an emergency kit should help in any given disaster. So what would you do in the following scenario?
Scenario: There is a major winter snow and ice storm. Power lines are down, and the roads are closed and drifted shut - they are totally impassable. You are forced to shelter at home. Will you survive? With no power, you have no heat and your pipes could freeze and you will get cold. What is your plan? If you have a whole house natural gas or propane back up generator, you will run off generator power until power is restored. You will be able to run your furnace to stay warm, cook on your stove, as well as prevent your food in your refrigerators and freezers from spoiling. But what if you don't have a whole house generator? Do you have a smaller portable generator? If so you can at least run certain appliances one at a time *** be sure to follow ALL safety guidelines when doing so as this can be very dangerous. If you don't have any type of generators, do you have a gas stove? If so, you can still cook. No gas stove? Do you have an outdoor grill? If so, you can still cook providing you had topped off all of your LP tanks, or had purchased whatever fuel source your grill requires after the summer grilling season. Do you have a wood fireplace? If so, you can not only stay warm, but you can also cook over that fire - providing of course you have already stored wood to burn in it. Remember in this scenario, the roads are impassable, so getting these items when you need them is not an option.
There are numerous types of disaster situations that could occur. It is hard to plan for them all, but to survive any type of disaster or emergency starts with a plan, and any plan is better than no plan at all. Remember the saying that we learned earlier this month from the "prepper" world; "Two is one and one is none." This simply means that you must have a backup plan. Having no backup plan is the same as having no plan at all should your original plan fail. Hopefully by now you have learned the basics that can potentially save your life or keep you somewhat comfortable until help can arrive.
“Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort. If you strive for the top and miss, you’ll still beat the pack.” - Gerald R. Ford
Attention Area Residents:
Yesterday during National Preparedness Month, we looked at the scenario of what you would do if the nuclear reactor in Cordova had an incident where you had to evacuate your home. Today let's look at a different scenario. These scenario's are designed to get you to think about how you would prepare for a given disaster. Each disaster is different, but basic knowledge and supplies in an emergency kit should help in any given disaster. So what would you do in the following scenario?
Scenario: There is a major winter snow and ice storm. Power lines are down, and the roads are closed and drifted shut - they are totally impassable. You are forced to shelter at home. Will you survive? With no power, you have no heat and your pipes could freeze and you will get cold. What is your plan? If you have a whole house natural gas or propane back up generator, you will run off generator power until power is restored. You will be able to run your furnace to stay warm, cook on your stove, as well as prevent your food in your refrigerators and freezers from spoiling. But what if you don't have a whole house generator? Do you have a smaller portable generator? If so you can at least run certain appliances one at a time *** be sure to follow ALL safety guidelines when doing so as this can be very dangerous. If you don't have any type of generators, do you have a gas stove? If so, you can still cook. No gas stove? Do you have an outdoor grill? If so, you can still cook providing you had topped off all of your LP tanks, or had purchased whatever fuel source your grill requires after the summer grilling season. Do you have a wood fireplace? If so, you can not only stay warm, but you can also cook over that fire - providing of course you have already stored wood to burn in it. Remember in this scenario, the roads are impassable, so getting these items when you need them is not an option.
There are numerous types of disaster situations that could occur. It is hard to plan for them all, but to survive any type of disaster or emergency starts with a plan, and any plan is better than no plan at all. Remember the saying that we learned earlier this month from the "prepper" world; "Two is one and one is none." This simply means that you must have a backup plan. Having no backup plan is the same as having no plan at all should your original plan fail. Hopefully by now you have learned the basics that can potentially save your life or keep you somewhat comfortable until help can arrive.
“Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort. If you strive for the top and miss, you’ll still beat the pack.” - Gerald R. Ford
September 27, 2023
“Life becomes easier and more beautiful when we can see the good in other people.” - Roy T. Bennett
This Day in History:
“Life becomes easier and more beautiful when we can see the good in other people.” - Roy T. Bennett
This Day in History:
- 1777 – American Revolution: Lancaster, Pennsylvania becomes the capital of the United States for one day after Congress evacuates Philadelphia.
- 1825 – The world's first public railway to use steam locomotives, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, is ceremonially opened.
- 1908 – Production of the Model T automobile begins at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit.
- 2019 – Over two million people participated in worldwide strikes to protest climate change across 2,400 locations worldwide.
September 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
As September's National Preparedness Month starts to come to an end, hopefully you have gained some knowledge to protect your family should a disaster happen in your neighborhood or surrounding area.
To test that knowledge, let's spend a few days with some scenarios. These scenarios may or may not be realistic, but they are designed to get your mind to think in the proper mindset on what you may do in various situations.....
Scenario: Cordova, Illinois has a nuclear power plant which is approximately 50 miles away. There is a major nuclear accident, and the authorities have mandated an evacuation area of at least 100 miles in any given direction. Do you know what you would do, or where you would go? Since you are already 50 miles away, you will only need to go a minimum of 50 miles away to be in the clear (compared to those who live closer who would need to travel further). Would you try and book a hotel somewhere in Peoria or further away? While this may sound like a good idea, thousands of people who are evacuating the entire area will have the same idea as well. Most likely everyone in your family has a smart phone; if so (and if it works), you can have everyone attempt to call for reservations somewhere to book your room while you are concentrating on driving during the evacuation. But what if you are by yourself? Do you have a GM vehicle which is equipped with On Star? On Star may be able to book your reservation for you. Since everyone within the 100 mile area will be evacuating, finding hotels just outside of the evacuation zone could be very difficult and the need to travel further for your hotel room is more likely. Do you have a tent or some type of RV? If so, this could be a better option, and your RV can give you some comforts of home, as well as plenty of storage for your emergency supplies that you have taken with you. Not everyone owns these camping items, so a campground or state park somewhere within the safe zone may be the better choice at it may be less crowded than a hotel. Did you know that some big box stores will even allow you to spend the night or two in your RV in their parking lots? This is called boon docking. Just get permission first. But evacuating any area will not happen unless your vehicles are filled up with gas and you have the proper fuel for your RVs. Do you have at least a half of a tank of gas in your vehicle? Do you have spare gas cans at home which are filled for your vehicles or camping generators? The lines at the gas stations will be long with people needing gas, so those extra cans that you have on hand may be enough to get you out of the immediate danger zone to where you can fill up.
Can you think of something else that you could or would do in the above scenario? When you start thinking about various scenarios, think about what could go wrong and what you would need to do to make the best of that situation.
“Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.” - Andrew Jackson
Attention Area Residents:
As September's National Preparedness Month starts to come to an end, hopefully you have gained some knowledge to protect your family should a disaster happen in your neighborhood or surrounding area.
To test that knowledge, let's spend a few days with some scenarios. These scenarios may or may not be realistic, but they are designed to get your mind to think in the proper mindset on what you may do in various situations.....
Scenario: Cordova, Illinois has a nuclear power plant which is approximately 50 miles away. There is a major nuclear accident, and the authorities have mandated an evacuation area of at least 100 miles in any given direction. Do you know what you would do, or where you would go? Since you are already 50 miles away, you will only need to go a minimum of 50 miles away to be in the clear (compared to those who live closer who would need to travel further). Would you try and book a hotel somewhere in Peoria or further away? While this may sound like a good idea, thousands of people who are evacuating the entire area will have the same idea as well. Most likely everyone in your family has a smart phone; if so (and if it works), you can have everyone attempt to call for reservations somewhere to book your room while you are concentrating on driving during the evacuation. But what if you are by yourself? Do you have a GM vehicle which is equipped with On Star? On Star may be able to book your reservation for you. Since everyone within the 100 mile area will be evacuating, finding hotels just outside of the evacuation zone could be very difficult and the need to travel further for your hotel room is more likely. Do you have a tent or some type of RV? If so, this could be a better option, and your RV can give you some comforts of home, as well as plenty of storage for your emergency supplies that you have taken with you. Not everyone owns these camping items, so a campground or state park somewhere within the safe zone may be the better choice at it may be less crowded than a hotel. Did you know that some big box stores will even allow you to spend the night or two in your RV in their parking lots? This is called boon docking. Just get permission first. But evacuating any area will not happen unless your vehicles are filled up with gas and you have the proper fuel for your RVs. Do you have at least a half of a tank of gas in your vehicle? Do you have spare gas cans at home which are filled for your vehicles or camping generators? The lines at the gas stations will be long with people needing gas, so those extra cans that you have on hand may be enough to get you out of the immediate danger zone to where you can fill up.
Can you think of something else that you could or would do in the above scenario? When you start thinking about various scenarios, think about what could go wrong and what you would need to do to make the best of that situation.
“Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.” - Andrew Jackson
September 26, 2023
“People are very open-minded about new things - as long as they’re exactly like the old ones.” - Charles Kettering
This Day in History:
“People are very open-minded about new things - as long as they’re exactly like the old ones.” - Charles Kettering
This Day in History:
- 1777 – American Revolution: British troops occupy Philadelphia.
- 1789 – George Washington appoints Thomas Jefferson the first United States Secretary of State.
- 1905 – Albert Einstein publishes the third of his Annus Mirabilis papers, introducing the special theory of relativity.
- 1914 – The United States Federal Trade Commission is established by the Federal Trade Commission Act.
- 1981 – Nolan Ryan sets a Major League record by throwing his fifth no-hitter.
- 2009 – Typhoon Ketsana hits the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, causing 700 fatalities.
September 25, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
As we are winding down National Preparedness Month, hopefully you have started creating your emergency plans and building your kits to be prepared should the event of a disaster or other event occur and emergency services are not available to you. Let's recap some items that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you have in your home kits. The opinions of this YouTuber are his and the Village of Altona doesn't necessarily endorses nor discourages his views. The video is designed to give you ideas. The only bad plan is not having a plan, nor being prepared at all. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s5WALuhrVA
Attention Area Residents:
As we are winding down National Preparedness Month, hopefully you have started creating your emergency plans and building your kits to be prepared should the event of a disaster or other event occur and emergency services are not available to you. Let's recap some items that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you have in your home kits. The opinions of this YouTuber are his and the Village of Altona doesn't necessarily endorses nor discourages his views. The video is designed to give you ideas. The only bad plan is not having a plan, nor being prepared at all. www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s5WALuhrVA
September 25, 2023
“Moonlight drowns out all the brightest stars.” - J.R.R. Tolkien
This Day in History:
“Moonlight drowns out all the brightest stars.” - J.R.R. Tolkien
This Day in History:
- 1690 – Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick, the first newspaper to appear in the Americas, is published for the first and only time.
- 1789 – The United States Congress passes twelve constitutional amendments: the ten known as the Bill of Rights, the (unratified) Congressional Apportionment Amendment, and the Congressional Compensation Amendment.
- 1890 – The United States Congress establishes Sequoia National Park.
- 1974 – Dr. Frank Jobe performs first ulnar collateral ligament replacement surgery (better known as Tommy John surgery) on baseball player Tommy John.
- 1992 – NASA launches the Mars Observer. Eleven months later, the probe would fail while preparing for orbital insertion.
- 2018 – Bill Cosby is sentenced to three to ten years in prison for aggravated sexual assault.
September 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today during National Preparedness Month, our video will address the needs for women. Let's face it, men and women are different, and women need certain things. We will once again view a video from our YouTuber Pam, and she will address those needs that women need to take into account when creating evacuation kits or "bug out bags". As with all of the YouTube videos shown during this month, the opinions of those YouTubers are theirs and are not necessarily endorsed nor discouraged by the Village of Altona. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gAdmN3G_jo. Please feel free to take any ideas shown from any of the videos this month and incorporate them when building your own preparedness kits should a disaster were too occur.
"The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple." - Oscar Wilde
Attention Area Residents:
Today during National Preparedness Month, our video will address the needs for women. Let's face it, men and women are different, and women need certain things. We will once again view a video from our YouTuber Pam, and she will address those needs that women need to take into account when creating evacuation kits or "bug out bags". As with all of the YouTube videos shown during this month, the opinions of those YouTubers are theirs and are not necessarily endorsed nor discouraged by the Village of Altona. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gAdmN3G_jo. Please feel free to take any ideas shown from any of the videos this month and incorporate them when building your own preparedness kits should a disaster were too occur.
"The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple." - Oscar Wilde
September 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
"It's a great day to be above the grass" and "Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits" - Cowboy Kent Rollins.
As quoted by Kent, it is a great day to be above the grass, and who doesn't like fresh homemade biscuits with melted butter or topped with sausage gravy. Farmers grow the grain that makes the flour that makes those biscuits, and we are now starting into harvest season. Farmers will be traveling from the fields to other fields, elevators, or storage facilities with their crops. Please be mindful of their big equipment as you travel the roadways as it is hard for them to see other vehicles. Please give them space and be prepared for them to make sudden sharp turns into fields. By driving defensively and giving them their space, this will help cut down on accidents.
Farmers: As you burn the midnight oil trying to get your crops in, please work safely. Don't take short cuts. Remember to turn off your equipment when working them, especially around any PTO's. Take plenty of breaks and even a nap if need be. If everyone works together and safely whether it be on the roads or in the fields, we can have a safe harvest.
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
"It's a great day to be above the grass" and "Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits" - Cowboy Kent Rollins.
As quoted by Kent, it is a great day to be above the grass, and who doesn't like fresh homemade biscuits with melted butter or topped with sausage gravy. Farmers grow the grain that makes the flour that makes those biscuits, and we are now starting into harvest season. Farmers will be traveling from the fields to other fields, elevators, or storage facilities with their crops. Please be mindful of their big equipment as you travel the roadways as it is hard for them to see other vehicles. Please give them space and be prepared for them to make sudden sharp turns into fields. By driving defensively and giving them their space, this will help cut down on accidents.
Farmers: As you burn the midnight oil trying to get your crops in, please work safely. Don't take short cuts. Remember to turn off your equipment when working them, especially around any PTO's. Take plenty of breaks and even a nap if need be. If everyone works together and safely whether it be on the roads or in the fields, we can have a safe harvest.
This Day in History:
- 1789 – The United States Congress passes the Judiciary Act, creating the office of the Attorney General and federal judiciary system and ordering the composition of the Supreme Court.
- 1869 – Black Friday (1869): Gold prices plummet after United States President Ulysses Grant orders the Treasury to sell large quantities of gold after Jay Gould and James Fisk plot to control the market.
- 1890 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy.
- 1906 – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims Devils Tower in Wyoming as the nation's first National Monument.
- 1960 – USS Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is launched.
- 2005 – Hurricane Rita makes landfall in the United States, devastating portions of southwestern Louisiana and extreme southeastern Texas.
September 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Throughout the month of September during National Preparedness Month, the Village of Altona has once again teamed up with the federal and state government to help share information and videos about the importance of having an emergency plan and a kit should a disaster occur. We've shared information about food for sheltering in place as well as evacuating. In today's video, we will show a video from a YouTuber who will discuss a little more in depth about creating your own "bug out bag", but with a little twist. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeCWJr3zrMA. Pam lives in the western states, she is a professor, a homesteader, and one might also call her a "prepper" (or at least one who is preparedness minded).
Information from these YouTube videos are being shared strictly for informational purposes for your own research on the given topic. The opinions of these YouTubers are theirs, and are not necessarily endorsed nor discouraged by the Village of Altona. Emergency services may not be available for 72 hours depending on the disaster at hand and conditions on the ground; ultimately it will be up to you to be able to sustain yourself during that time until emergency services can come to your aid. Make a Plan - Build a Kit - Stay Informed!
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." - Helen Keller
Attention Area Residents:
Throughout the month of September during National Preparedness Month, the Village of Altona has once again teamed up with the federal and state government to help share information and videos about the importance of having an emergency plan and a kit should a disaster occur. We've shared information about food for sheltering in place as well as evacuating. In today's video, we will show a video from a YouTuber who will discuss a little more in depth about creating your own "bug out bag", but with a little twist. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeCWJr3zrMA. Pam lives in the western states, she is a professor, a homesteader, and one might also call her a "prepper" (or at least one who is preparedness minded).
Information from these YouTube videos are being shared strictly for informational purposes for your own research on the given topic. The opinions of these YouTubers are theirs, and are not necessarily endorsed nor discouraged by the Village of Altona. Emergency services may not be available for 72 hours depending on the disaster at hand and conditions on the ground; ultimately it will be up to you to be able to sustain yourself during that time until emergency services can come to your aid. Make a Plan - Build a Kit - Stay Informed!
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." - Helen Keller
September 23, 2023
Attention Area Motorists:
This is a safety message: Have you ever heard of "Scott's Law" or otherwise refereed to as the "Move Over Law? Scott's Law was passed in Illinois to honor Chicago Firefighter Scott Gillen after he was struck and killed by a passing motorist while working an accident along the side of the road. Simply put, if an emergency or road maintenance vehicle is along side of the road with its lights flashing, then you MUST move over into the other lane. The law has been updated to include ANY vehicle with its hazards lights flashing or a utility, road maintenance, or emergency vehicles. You are required to move over into the other lane to pass if safely to do so. If you cannot safely do so, then you MUST SLOW DOWN and turn on your hazards until you get by the area. You can be fined up to $10,000 if you don't. Police are pulling people over for this, so please don't be one of them. MOVE OVER and help safe a life. Thank you.
“Manners don’t cost a thing, but the impression of rudeness can be very costly” - Unknown
This Day in History:
Attention Area Motorists:
This is a safety message: Have you ever heard of "Scott's Law" or otherwise refereed to as the "Move Over Law? Scott's Law was passed in Illinois to honor Chicago Firefighter Scott Gillen after he was struck and killed by a passing motorist while working an accident along the side of the road. Simply put, if an emergency or road maintenance vehicle is along side of the road with its lights flashing, then you MUST move over into the other lane. The law has been updated to include ANY vehicle with its hazards lights flashing or a utility, road maintenance, or emergency vehicles. You are required to move over into the other lane to pass if safely to do so. If you cannot safely do so, then you MUST SLOW DOWN and turn on your hazards until you get by the area. You can be fined up to $10,000 if you don't. Police are pulling people over for this, so please don't be one of them. MOVE OVER and help safe a life. Thank you.
“Manners don’t cost a thing, but the impression of rudeness can be very costly” - Unknown
This Day in History:
- 1561 – King Philip II of Spain issues cedula, ordering a halt to colonizing efforts in Florida.
- 1779 – American Revolution: John Paul Jones, naval commander of the United States, on board the USS Bonhomme Richard, wins the Battle of Flamborough Head.
- 1846 – Astronomers Urbain Le Verrier, John Couch Adams and Johann Gottfried Galle collaborate on the discovery of Neptune.
- 1905 – Norway and Sweden sign the Karlstad Treaty, peacefully dissolving the Union between the two countries.
- 2004 – Over 3,000 people die in Haiti after Hurricane Jeanne produces massive flooding and mudslides.
September 22, 2023
CONGRATULATIONS to the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars on their 35-18 Homecoming victory over South Fulton (Astoria) Rebels. The Cougars still remain undefeated at 5-0. Thank you for coming out and supporting our youth to a victory. For those who couldn't make it to the game it was a good one. Please try and make one this season and cheer on the kids. Thank you to all the alumni that showed up and participated in the band. You sounded great.
CONGRATULATIONS to the ROWVA-Williamsfield Cougars on their 35-18 Homecoming victory over South Fulton (Astoria) Rebels. The Cougars still remain undefeated at 5-0. Thank you for coming out and supporting our youth to a victory. For those who couldn't make it to the game it was a good one. Please try and make one this season and cheer on the kids. Thank you to all the alumni that showed up and participated in the band. You sounded great.
September 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
We are blessed to live in a rural area. We live a quality of life like no other. Unfortunately, living in a rural area has its challenges; such as, not having a full time fire or ambulance department, and having longer wait times for essential services to be restored during a storm or disaster. We are however very blessed to have dedicated volunteers that come to our aid when we call for help. In today's video during National Preparedness Month, we will show the fourth and final video in our series from Sedgwick County, KS Emergency Management, titled: Disaster Preparedness - Get Involved. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWAjrn5Tze4.
It takes time and effort to become a good firefighter, or an EMT. THANK YOU to ALL of the volunteers who serve either on our fire departments or ambulance district. Without your dedication and sacrifice, we would really be in a hurtful situation with longer response times.
Please consider volunteering and getting involved in any of the following local or county organizations:
1) Altona Fire Department: Contact Fire Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064 or stop by the TBA.
2) Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance District: Contact Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468.
3) Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Team: Contact Bob Hennenfent at 309-368-0620. You do not need to own a snowmobile. There are other things that you can do.
*** For the following, please contact Knox County Emergency Agency Director Randy Hovind at
[email protected]
4) Knox County Storm Spotters: They offer training each spring to whomever wishes to attend and learn about how to identify dangerous weather conditions. This group is used to help notify the public's alert systems of impending storms such as tracking tornadoes.
5) Knox County Amateur's Radio Club: This is a group of Ham radio operators with their own tower within the county. Knox County EMA would be able to use them in case of a complete loss of communications throughout the county in a large-scale disaster.
6) Knox County also has a Spontaneous Volunteer Management Team: This puts together a massive bunch of volunteers when the need arises to provide human service assistance with things like Food, Water, and Commodity Distribution and Mass Care Sheltering. The county would notify the public should such a need were to arise.
7) Attention Scuba Divers: If you would like to use your knowledge and skillset as a scuba diver and would be interested in volunteering in water rescues; contact the Copperas Creak Dive Team with the Copperas Creak Fire Protection District at 309-647-9522. Knox County doesn't have a dive team, and many area fire departments call on these fine folks when water tragedies occur. Perhaps someday if there is enough interest, Knox County will once again have a dive team.
So as you can see, there are many ways in which you can get involved and help during a disaster or emergency. Please consider volunteering. Many hands make for light work, so please become a hero and join one of the above organizations today BEFORE disaster strikes. Thank you.
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know.” - A.A. Milne
Attention Area Residents:
We are blessed to live in a rural area. We live a quality of life like no other. Unfortunately, living in a rural area has its challenges; such as, not having a full time fire or ambulance department, and having longer wait times for essential services to be restored during a storm or disaster. We are however very blessed to have dedicated volunteers that come to our aid when we call for help. In today's video during National Preparedness Month, we will show the fourth and final video in our series from Sedgwick County, KS Emergency Management, titled: Disaster Preparedness - Get Involved. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWAjrn5Tze4.
It takes time and effort to become a good firefighter, or an EMT. THANK YOU to ALL of the volunteers who serve either on our fire departments or ambulance district. Without your dedication and sacrifice, we would really be in a hurtful situation with longer response times.
Please consider volunteering and getting involved in any of the following local or county organizations:
1) Altona Fire Department: Contact Fire Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064 or stop by the TBA.
2) Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance District: Contact Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468.
3) Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Team: Contact Bob Hennenfent at 309-368-0620. You do not need to own a snowmobile. There are other things that you can do.
*** For the following, please contact Knox County Emergency Agency Director Randy Hovind at
[email protected]
4) Knox County Storm Spotters: They offer training each spring to whomever wishes to attend and learn about how to identify dangerous weather conditions. This group is used to help notify the public's alert systems of impending storms such as tracking tornadoes.
5) Knox County Amateur's Radio Club: This is a group of Ham radio operators with their own tower within the county. Knox County EMA would be able to use them in case of a complete loss of communications throughout the county in a large-scale disaster.
6) Knox County also has a Spontaneous Volunteer Management Team: This puts together a massive bunch of volunteers when the need arises to provide human service assistance with things like Food, Water, and Commodity Distribution and Mass Care Sheltering. The county would notify the public should such a need were to arise.
7) Attention Scuba Divers: If you would like to use your knowledge and skillset as a scuba diver and would be interested in volunteering in water rescues; contact the Copperas Creak Dive Team with the Copperas Creak Fire Protection District at 309-647-9522. Knox County doesn't have a dive team, and many area fire departments call on these fine folks when water tragedies occur. Perhaps someday if there is enough interest, Knox County will once again have a dive team.
So as you can see, there are many ways in which you can get involved and help during a disaster or emergency. Please consider volunteering. Many hands make for light work, so please become a hero and join one of the above organizations today BEFORE disaster strikes. Thank you.
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know.” - A.A. Milne
September 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight is HOMECOMING NIGHT at the ROWVA High School. Game starts at 7 pm vs. South Fulton. If you were ever in the band, you are invited to join the band tonight to play in pre-game as part of the alumni band. Rehearsal starts at 5:30 pm. So whether you come as part of the band, or just to watch game; thank you for supporting our youth to a victory.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight is HOMECOMING NIGHT at the ROWVA High School. Game starts at 7 pm vs. South Fulton. If you were ever in the band, you are invited to join the band tonight to play in pre-game as part of the alumni band. Rehearsal starts at 5:30 pm. So whether you come as part of the band, or just to watch game; thank you for supporting our youth to a victory.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi
This Day in History:
- 1692 – The last hanging of those convicted of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials; others are all eventually released.
- 1776 – Nathan Hale is hanged for spying during the American Revolution.
- 1862 – A preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation is released by Abraham Lincoln.
- 1993 – A barge strikes a railroad bridge near Mobile, Alabama, causing the deadliest train wreck in Amtrak history. Forty-seven passengers are killed.
- 2013 – At least 75 people are killed in a suicide bombing at a Christian church in Peshawar, Pakistan.
September 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today during National Preparedness Month, we will be watching our third video in the series from Sedgwick County, KS Emergency Management titled: Disaster Preparedness - Stay Informed: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2qq4PYj9rg. Do you know how to stay informed during a disaster? Did you know that the Knox County Emergency Management Agency has implemented the Code Red alert system for our county? When you sign up, you will not only get alerts on your phone for our area, but any other area in the country that happens to have this system. You will be notified of alerts when you are traveling in that particular area, say on vacation. To sign up for this free service, visit this website: ci.galesburg.il.us/news_detail_T2_R431.php. Please share this information with friends, neighbors and loved ones. The purpose of National Preparedness Month is to educate the public on how they can survive a disaster should emergency services are delayed or unable in coming to your aid.
*** On October 4th, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) along with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) will be teaming up to conduct a test of the national Emergency Alert System. This is include all television stations, radio, and wireless devices. The tests are scheduled to start at approximately 2:20 pm ET, or 1:20 pm our time. For complete information about this test, please click on the following link:
www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today during National Preparedness Month, we will be watching our third video in the series from Sedgwick County, KS Emergency Management titled: Disaster Preparedness - Stay Informed: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2qq4PYj9rg. Do you know how to stay informed during a disaster? Did you know that the Knox County Emergency Management Agency has implemented the Code Red alert system for our county? When you sign up, you will not only get alerts on your phone for our area, but any other area in the country that happens to have this system. You will be notified of alerts when you are traveling in that particular area, say on vacation. To sign up for this free service, visit this website: ci.galesburg.il.us/news_detail_T2_R431.php. Please share this information with friends, neighbors and loved ones. The purpose of National Preparedness Month is to educate the public on how they can survive a disaster should emergency services are delayed or unable in coming to your aid.
*** On October 4th, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) along with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) will be teaming up to conduct a test of the national Emergency Alert System. This is include all television stations, radio, and wireless devices. The tests are scheduled to start at approximately 2:20 pm ET, or 1:20 pm our time. For complete information about this test, please click on the following link:
www.fema.gov/press-release/20230803/fema-and-fcc-plan-nationwide-emergency-alert-test-oct-4-2023
September 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that tomorrow night is Homecoming night at ROWVA High School. Game is at 7 pm. If you were in band, the ROWA Marching Tigers invites you to play along with them during their pre-game show. Rehearsal is at 5:30 pm. Call the band room at 309-483-6371 or email Director Wes Anderson at
[email protected] with your questions or further information. GO RW COUGARS!
“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that tomorrow night is Homecoming night at ROWVA High School. Game is at 7 pm. If you were in band, the ROWA Marching Tigers invites you to play along with them during their pre-game show. Rehearsal is at 5:30 pm. Call the band room at 309-483-6371 or email Director Wes Anderson at
[email protected] with your questions or further information. GO RW COUGARS!
“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
- 1776 – Part of New York City is burned shortly after being occupied by British forces.
- 1780 – American Revolutionary War: Benedict Arnold gives the British the plans to West Point.
- 1809 – British Secretary of War Lord Castlereagh and Foreign Secretary George Canning meet in a duel on Putney Heath, with Castlereagh wounding Canning in the thigh.
- 1934 – A large typhoon hits western Honshū, Japan, killing more than 3,000 people.
- 1938 – The Great Hurricane of 1938 makes landfall on Long Island in New York. The death toll is estimated at 500–700 people.
- 2001 – America: A Tribute to Heroes is broadcast by over 35 network and cable channels, raising over $200 million for the victims of the September 11 attacks.
- 2003 – The Galileo spacecraft is terminated by sending it into Jupiter's atmosphere.
September 20, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Yesterday in our review of how to prepare for disasters, we learned how to build an emergency kit. Today we are going to watch the second video in our series from Sedgwick County, KS Emergency Management titled, Disaster Preparedness - Make A Plan: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m_id2F23sw Please review all of the information presented so far as many times as necessary to help you with your preparedness plans.
Attention Area Residents:
Yesterday in our review of how to prepare for disasters, we learned how to build an emergency kit. Today we are going to watch the second video in our series from Sedgwick County, KS Emergency Management titled, Disaster Preparedness - Make A Plan: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m_id2F23sw Please review all of the information presented so far as many times as necessary to help you with your preparedness plans.
September 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due by the 4 pm closing time at Compton Accounting. If you have already paid your bill, THANK YOU! If you have not paid it yet, please do so to avoid the late payment penalty charge. Please either stop by today during office hours prior to 4 pm or pay online by clicking on the following link: www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it.” - Yann Martel
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due by the 4 pm closing time at Compton Accounting. If you have already paid your bill, THANK YOU! If you have not paid it yet, please do so to avoid the late payment penalty charge. Please either stop by today during office hours prior to 4 pm or pay online by clicking on the following link: www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it.” - Yann Martel
This Day in History:
- 1881 – U.S. President Chester A. Arthur is sworn in upon the death of James A. Garfield the previous day.
- 1893 – Charles Duryea and his brother road-test the first American-made gasoline-powered automobile.
- 1973 – Billie Jean King beats Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes tennis match at the Houston Astrodome.
- 1982 – NFL season: American football players in the National Football League begin a 57-day strike.
- 2001 – In an address to a joint session of Congress and the American people, U.S. President George W. Bush declares a "War on Terror".
- 2017 – Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, resulting in 2,975 deaths, US$90 billion in damage, and a major humanitarian crisis.
September 19, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
We are over halfway through National Preparedness Month. Hopefully you have been taking the time to watch the daily posting of videos and websites on how to prepare yourself and family members should some sort of emergency or disaster were to occur and help is was unavailable. Hopefully you have started to prepare for such emergencies in order to relieve the chaos that will sure to come. In the next few videos, we will review what has been learned so far. Feel free to review any or all of the materials as many times as needed. Today's video is from the Sedgwick County, KS Emergency Management, titled Disaster Preparedness - Build A Kit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-0hsW1tOmU
Attention Area Residents:
We are over halfway through National Preparedness Month. Hopefully you have been taking the time to watch the daily posting of videos and websites on how to prepare yourself and family members should some sort of emergency or disaster were to occur and help is was unavailable. Hopefully you have started to prepare for such emergencies in order to relieve the chaos that will sure to come. In the next few videos, we will review what has been learned so far. Feel free to review any or all of the materials as many times as needed. Today's video is from the Sedgwick County, KS Emergency Management, titled Disaster Preparedness - Build A Kit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-0hsW1tOmU
September 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that water bills are due tomorrow by the close of business at 4 pm at Compton Accounting. For your convenience the Village accepts cash, debit/credit cards, and your good check. You may also pay online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment.
Don't forget review the educational videos and other information during Emergency Preparedness Month.
“You learn something every day if you pay attention.” - Ray LeBlond
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that water bills are due tomorrow by the close of business at 4 pm at Compton Accounting. For your convenience the Village accepts cash, debit/credit cards, and your good check. You may also pay online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment.
Don't forget review the educational videos and other information during Emergency Preparedness Month.
“You learn something every day if you pay attention.” - Ray LeBlond
This Day in History:
- 1778 – The Continental Congress passes the first United States federal budget.
- 1862 – American Civil War: Union troops under William Rosecrans defeat a Confederate force commanded by Sterling Price.
- 1995 – The Washington Post and The New York Times publish the Unabomber manifesto.
- 2011 – Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees surpasses Trevor Hoffman to become Major League Baseball's all-time career saves leader with 602.
September 18, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
So far during National Preparedness Month our focus has been on sharing a variety of tips on how to prepare yourself and your family should some sort of disaster comes your way and emergency services are not able to assist you for a given length of time. The past couple of days have been spent talking about food storage for sheltering in place. There are many ways to stock up on food. You can buy extra canned goods when you shop at the grocery store; you can either grow your own in a garden or visit a roadside stand and purchase fresh produce that you can for later consumption (canned food can lasts for years if done properly); or you can simply buy what is called "Emergency Food" which is today's topic. Any of these previous methods will help you to survive when you shelter in place.
But what happens if you have to evacuate or you simply don't have the storage space for a larger pantry for your canned goods? Do you have the right foods in your pantry to take with you? Emergency food may be an option for you in this case. If you must evacuate (or "bug out" as they say in the Prepper community), then all you need is hot water to cook these meals. There are numerous companies that make these dehydrated and freeze dried meals, and many of these companies food will last for up to 25 -30 years. The best thing to do is contact the the companies with your questions, and ask if they will send you a free sample, or if you can purchase a sample kit at a small cost in order to try their food prior to placing large orders. This way when you make your purchase, you are buying something that you will actually eat and not waste your money on. Some of these products can be purchased at Walmart or Bass Pro Shop. All of them sell online along with other emergency supplies as well.
The following link will take you to a video showing a montage of a several different companies that offer Emergency Food for sale.
youtu.be/sF09RG8uynY.
The following is a website listing of the more popular major brands of Emergency Foods to help you with your research.
wisefoodstorage.com/
mypatriotsupply.com/
mountainhouse.com/
4patriots.com/
augasonfarms.com
valleyfoodstorage.com
sustain.com
Attention Area Residents:
So far during National Preparedness Month our focus has been on sharing a variety of tips on how to prepare yourself and your family should some sort of disaster comes your way and emergency services are not able to assist you for a given length of time. The past couple of days have been spent talking about food storage for sheltering in place. There are many ways to stock up on food. You can buy extra canned goods when you shop at the grocery store; you can either grow your own in a garden or visit a roadside stand and purchase fresh produce that you can for later consumption (canned food can lasts for years if done properly); or you can simply buy what is called "Emergency Food" which is today's topic. Any of these previous methods will help you to survive when you shelter in place.
But what happens if you have to evacuate or you simply don't have the storage space for a larger pantry for your canned goods? Do you have the right foods in your pantry to take with you? Emergency food may be an option for you in this case. If you must evacuate (or "bug out" as they say in the Prepper community), then all you need is hot water to cook these meals. There are numerous companies that make these dehydrated and freeze dried meals, and many of these companies food will last for up to 25 -30 years. The best thing to do is contact the the companies with your questions, and ask if they will send you a free sample, or if you can purchase a sample kit at a small cost in order to try their food prior to placing large orders. This way when you make your purchase, you are buying something that you will actually eat and not waste your money on. Some of these products can be purchased at Walmart or Bass Pro Shop. All of them sell online along with other emergency supplies as well.
The following link will take you to a video showing a montage of a several different companies that offer Emergency Food for sale.
youtu.be/sF09RG8uynY.
The following is a website listing of the more popular major brands of Emergency Foods to help you with your research.
wisefoodstorage.com/
mypatriotsupply.com/
mountainhouse.com/
4patriots.com/
augasonfarms.com
valleyfoodstorage.com
sustain.com
September 18, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a quick reminder of some upcoming events this week that may be of interest to you....
Tuesday 19th & Thursday 21st: Seniors Exercise class from 9:30 am. - 10:30 a.m. at The Grove Community Church. Come for the camaraderie and a stretch. Meet new people. Stay healthy!
Wednesday 20th: Water bills are due at Compton Accounting office by their 4 p.m. closing time. For your convenience the Village accepts CA$H, Debit/Credit cards, or good check for payment. You may pay in-person, mail in your payment, drop it off in the mail slot in their front door to save a stamp, or online at
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment.
Friday, 22nd: ROWVA High School Homecoming game at 7 pm at the high school in Oneida. If you were a ROVA or ROWVA band member in school, the band would love for you to join them in their pre-game festivities. Contact the band room at 309-483-6371 or email Director Wes Anderson at [email protected] for details. Come join the fun.
September is National Preparedness Month. This month is set aside by the federal government (FEMA) as well as state and local governments to educate the public on the importance of learning how to prepare ahead of time for emergencies and disasters. The reason is, when disaster occurs, emergency personnel may not be able to reach you. You must be able to sustain yourself until emergency services can reach you. Please read the daily posts on the Village's Facebook page, the Village website, or www.ready.gov or www.ready.illinois.gov to learn more. BE SAFE!
“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a quick reminder of some upcoming events this week that may be of interest to you....
Tuesday 19th & Thursday 21st: Seniors Exercise class from 9:30 am. - 10:30 a.m. at The Grove Community Church. Come for the camaraderie and a stretch. Meet new people. Stay healthy!
Wednesday 20th: Water bills are due at Compton Accounting office by their 4 p.m. closing time. For your convenience the Village accepts CA$H, Debit/Credit cards, or good check for payment. You may pay in-person, mail in your payment, drop it off in the mail slot in their front door to save a stamp, or online at
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment.
Friday, 22nd: ROWVA High School Homecoming game at 7 pm at the high school in Oneida. If you were a ROVA or ROWVA band member in school, the band would love for you to join them in their pre-game festivities. Contact the band room at 309-483-6371 or email Director Wes Anderson at [email protected] for details. Come join the fun.
September is National Preparedness Month. This month is set aside by the federal government (FEMA) as well as state and local governments to educate the public on the importance of learning how to prepare ahead of time for emergencies and disasters. The reason is, when disaster occurs, emergency personnel may not be able to reach you. You must be able to sustain yourself until emergency services can reach you. Please read the daily posts on the Village's Facebook page, the Village website, or www.ready.gov or www.ready.illinois.gov to learn more. BE SAFE!
“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
This Day in History:
- 1793 – The first cornerstone of the United States Capitol is laid by George Washington.
- 1870 – Old Faithful Geyser is observed and named by Henry D. Washburn.
- 1977 – Voyager I takes the first distant photograph of the Earth and the Moon together.
- 2014 – Scotland votes against independence from the United Kingdom, by 55% to 45%.
September 17, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Living in the midwest, we are fortunate that we don't have to worry much about tragedies such as wildfires like they experience out west, or hurricanes like our country's coastal regions. But we can have strong winds storms such as the 112 mph Derecho wind storm that had occurred on August 10, 2020 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; or the storm in Altona on August 25th, 2021 that had caused downed power lines; severe damage to (including the uprooting) of numerous trees; destruction of buildings and vehicles. We also experience flooding, along with winter snow and ice storms. Soon, winter will be upon us. Will Old Man Winter dump a blizzard on us? Is your home or business ready for it should one comes?
In today's video during National Preparedness Month, we visit with Brad from Wisconsin. His video will give you some ideas on how you can prepare for the upcoming winter. The time to prepare for an emergency or disaster is BEFORE it happens, and since disaster doesn't make an appointment on your calendar; the time to prepare is now. www.youtube.com/watch?v=iktGIMPmIb4
Please be sure to share these tips with your family and friends. The idea behind Emergency Preparedness Month is make sure everyone is safe should emergency personnel cannot get to you during a disaster or some other form of crisis.
Attention Area Residents:
Living in the midwest, we are fortunate that we don't have to worry much about tragedies such as wildfires like they experience out west, or hurricanes like our country's coastal regions. But we can have strong winds storms such as the 112 mph Derecho wind storm that had occurred on August 10, 2020 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; or the storm in Altona on August 25th, 2021 that had caused downed power lines; severe damage to (including the uprooting) of numerous trees; destruction of buildings and vehicles. We also experience flooding, along with winter snow and ice storms. Soon, winter will be upon us. Will Old Man Winter dump a blizzard on us? Is your home or business ready for it should one comes?
In today's video during National Preparedness Month, we visit with Brad from Wisconsin. His video will give you some ideas on how you can prepare for the upcoming winter. The time to prepare for an emergency or disaster is BEFORE it happens, and since disaster doesn't make an appointment on your calendar; the time to prepare is now. www.youtube.com/watch?v=iktGIMPmIb4
Please be sure to share these tips with your family and friends. The idea behind Emergency Preparedness Month is make sure everyone is safe should emergency personnel cannot get to you during a disaster or some other form of crisis.
September 17, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The churches of Altona welcomes you to worship with them. The Village of Altona is fortunate to have three churches in our community for your spiritual needs - Bethany Baptist Church, The Grove Community Church, and Immanuel Lutheran Church, and each of them invite you to come worship with them. For your convenience there is also a page on the Village of Altona website called Church Listings which not only has links to their websites but contact information as well.
May “The Lord Bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” - Numbers 6:24-26
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The churches of Altona welcomes you to worship with them. The Village of Altona is fortunate to have three churches in our community for your spiritual needs - Bethany Baptist Church, The Grove Community Church, and Immanuel Lutheran Church, and each of them invite you to come worship with them. For your convenience there is also a page on the Village of Altona website called Church Listings which not only has links to their websites but contact information as well.
May “The Lord Bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” - Numbers 6:24-26
This Day in History:
- 1787 – The United States Constitution is signed in Philadelphia.
- 1849 – American abolitionist Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery.
- 1908 – The Wright Flyer flown by Orville Wright, with Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge as passenger, crashes, killing Selfridge, who becomes the first airplane fatality.
- 2001 – The New York Stock Exchange reopens for trading after the September 11 attacks, the longest closure since the Great Depression.
- 2006 – Fourpeaked Mountain in Alaska erupts, marking the first eruption for the volcano in at least 10,000 years.
September 16, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
In yesterday's video from Guildbrook Farm, Jamie explained how to build a 3 week working pantry in order to have enough food on hand should a disaster or job loss were to occur. In today's video, we will once again visit with Jamie as she explains how to build a pantry that will last a full year. While one may think that having that much food stored is extreme or not needed, I doubt that she had to worry about having enough food to feed her family during the food shortages that the entire country went through during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click to watch the video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuM17eG1nao
September is National Preparedness Month. There are many things to consider when learning to prepare for emergencies or disasters. Please scroll back and review any of the previous videos and materials that has been discussed so far, and as many times as needed; then Create a plan - Build a kit & Stay Informed! Please share the information that is being presented this month with family, friends or post on your social media platforms.
Remember, the purpose behind National Emergency Preparedness Month is to inform and teach the public how to survive should a disaster were to occur and emergency personnel cannot get to you. You may very well be on your own. By taking precautions this month and learning how to prepare (and actually doing it) could either mean the difference between life or death; or it could mean surviving a situation in comfort or being completely miserable with absolutely nothing. Preparing for an emergency or disaster after the event has happened is too late.
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou
Attention Area Residents:
In yesterday's video from Guildbrook Farm, Jamie explained how to build a 3 week working pantry in order to have enough food on hand should a disaster or job loss were to occur. In today's video, we will once again visit with Jamie as she explains how to build a pantry that will last a full year. While one may think that having that much food stored is extreme or not needed, I doubt that she had to worry about having enough food to feed her family during the food shortages that the entire country went through during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click to watch the video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuM17eG1nao
September is National Preparedness Month. There are many things to consider when learning to prepare for emergencies or disasters. Please scroll back and review any of the previous videos and materials that has been discussed so far, and as many times as needed; then Create a plan - Build a kit & Stay Informed! Please share the information that is being presented this month with family, friends or post on your social media platforms.
Remember, the purpose behind National Emergency Preparedness Month is to inform and teach the public how to survive should a disaster were to occur and emergency personnel cannot get to you. You may very well be on your own. By taking precautions this month and learning how to prepare (and actually doing it) could either mean the difference between life or death; or it could mean surviving a situation in comfort or being completely miserable with absolutely nothing. Preparing for an emergency or disaster after the event has happened is too late.
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Maya Angelou
September 16, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills will be due Wednesday, September 20th by 4 p.m. closing time at Compton Accounting. The Village accepts cash, credit/debit cards or your good check for payment. Please adjust your schedules if you need to make an in-person payment. To make an online payment, please visit www.comptonaccounting.com/payment or call 1-844-484-8881 for questions or payment over the phone. Thank you for paying your bills on time. It helps to keep your shower on.
“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” - Charles Dickens
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills will be due Wednesday, September 20th by 4 p.m. closing time at Compton Accounting. The Village accepts cash, credit/debit cards or your good check for payment. Please adjust your schedules if you need to make an in-person payment. To make an online payment, please visit www.comptonaccounting.com/payment or call 1-844-484-8881 for questions or payment over the phone. Thank you for paying your bills on time. It helps to keep your shower on.
“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” - Charles Dickens
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: The Battle of Harlem Heights is fought.
- 1822 – French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel, in a "note" read to the Academy of Sciences, reports a direct refraction experiment verifying David Brewster's hypothesis that photoelasticity (as it is now known) is stress-induced birefringence.
- 1908 – The General Motors Corporation is founded.
- 2004 – Hurricane Ivan makes landfall in Gulf Shores, Alabama as a Category 3 hurricane.
September 15, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
When you think of the term "Prepper", what comes to your mind? Is it a crazy person living off the grid and alone in a bunker somewhere in Montana with a 20 year supply of food, 500 gallons of fuel, and ten thousand rounds of ammunition - stored, just waiting for the world to come to an end? While one might think that this example is extreme and excessive, one can't argue the fact that he isn't prepared for what may come his way. But did you know that if someone just had an extra case of peanut butter or tuna fish, along with some extra cases of bottled water, that, that too is considered a form of being prepared? It is just on a different scale.
This is what National Preparedness Month is all about. Learning how to prepare for some sort of disaster or emergency that will disrupt your life. The more prepared you are, the more likely you will be able to survive it without too much stress or discomfort considering what is at hand. Regardless if you believe in "climate change" or not, disasters happen ever year, and we are constantly reminded of these tragic events on the news. While certain parts of the country are more prone than others for certain disasters (like hurricanes on the coastal areas, wildfires in the west, tornados or flooding in the mid-west); it is up to you to be prepared to survive the disaster in your area should emergency services are not able to respond to help you for days.
During an emergency or disaster, you must be able to eat. It is important to have a supply of food on hand should an event occur. You will also need a way to prepare that food as well. Do you have an outdoor grill? If so, have you replenished your fuel that you used this summer (LP, charcoal, wood pellets, etc) that operates that grill? If you don't have a back up generator to run your kitchen stove, during a power outage you may need to cook on the grill. Replenish your fuel source while supplies are still available in the stores before you may need them. If you end up not using it, then you are already to go for next summer's grilling season. In the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, do you remember the empty store shelves of basic items such as toilet paper, canned foods, baking supplies to bake your own bread, meat, eggs, etc.? Did you consider planting a garden or purchase fresh vegetables from a road side stand to can, only to find it hard to find the canning supplies that you needed? Now would be a good time to purchase those canning supplies and preserve that produce for future use.
As you educate yourself in learning how to prepare for different types of disasters or emergencies, don't be afraid to get ideas online such as from YouTube. The "Prepper" community has numerous videos on YouTube. Many channels offer good common sense advice while others may seem a little far out there. They all have one thing in common - they know how to be prepared for any situation, and there is something that can be learned from them. In today's video, we will learn from Jamie from Guildbrook Farm, as she explains how to "Start a 3 Week Prepper Food Pantry." www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk7yKcaGjA
Attention Area Residents:
When you think of the term "Prepper", what comes to your mind? Is it a crazy person living off the grid and alone in a bunker somewhere in Montana with a 20 year supply of food, 500 gallons of fuel, and ten thousand rounds of ammunition - stored, just waiting for the world to come to an end? While one might think that this example is extreme and excessive, one can't argue the fact that he isn't prepared for what may come his way. But did you know that if someone just had an extra case of peanut butter or tuna fish, along with some extra cases of bottled water, that, that too is considered a form of being prepared? It is just on a different scale.
This is what National Preparedness Month is all about. Learning how to prepare for some sort of disaster or emergency that will disrupt your life. The more prepared you are, the more likely you will be able to survive it without too much stress or discomfort considering what is at hand. Regardless if you believe in "climate change" or not, disasters happen ever year, and we are constantly reminded of these tragic events on the news. While certain parts of the country are more prone than others for certain disasters (like hurricanes on the coastal areas, wildfires in the west, tornados or flooding in the mid-west); it is up to you to be prepared to survive the disaster in your area should emergency services are not able to respond to help you for days.
During an emergency or disaster, you must be able to eat. It is important to have a supply of food on hand should an event occur. You will also need a way to prepare that food as well. Do you have an outdoor grill? If so, have you replenished your fuel that you used this summer (LP, charcoal, wood pellets, etc) that operates that grill? If you don't have a back up generator to run your kitchen stove, during a power outage you may need to cook on the grill. Replenish your fuel source while supplies are still available in the stores before you may need them. If you end up not using it, then you are already to go for next summer's grilling season. In the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, do you remember the empty store shelves of basic items such as toilet paper, canned foods, baking supplies to bake your own bread, meat, eggs, etc.? Did you consider planting a garden or purchase fresh vegetables from a road side stand to can, only to find it hard to find the canning supplies that you needed? Now would be a good time to purchase those canning supplies and preserve that produce for future use.
As you educate yourself in learning how to prepare for different types of disasters or emergencies, don't be afraid to get ideas online such as from YouTube. The "Prepper" community has numerous videos on YouTube. Many channels offer good common sense advice while others may seem a little far out there. They all have one thing in common - they know how to be prepared for any situation, and there is something that can be learned from them. In today's video, we will learn from Jamie from Guildbrook Farm, as she explains how to "Start a 3 Week Prepper Food Pantry." www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk7yKcaGjA
September 15, 2023
Attention ROWVA Residents:
Tonights ROWVA High School football game is in Princeville. Click on the following link to view all of the schools athletic events. Try and attend a game and cheer on our youth to a victory! docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VnxodLNE48tXrTMJY-JbcX_djlypEtSgJfLt0Gj6Deg/edit#gid=0
“Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.” - Sir James Dewar
This Day in History:
Attention ROWVA Residents:
Tonights ROWVA High School football game is in Princeville. Click on the following link to view all of the schools athletic events. Try and attend a game and cheer on our youth to a victory! docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VnxodLNE48tXrTMJY-JbcX_djlypEtSgJfLt0Gj6Deg/edit#gid=0
“Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.” - Sir James Dewar
This Day in History:
- 1789 – The United States "Department of Foreign Affairs", established by law in July, is renamed the Department of State and given a variety of domestic duties.
- 1862 – American Civil War: Confederate forces capture Harpers Ferry, Virginia (present-day Harpers Ferry, West Virginia).
- 1945 – A hurricane strikes southern Florida and the Bahamas, destroying 366 airplanes and 25 blimps at Naval Air Station Richmond.
- 1947 – Typhoon Kathleen hit the Kantō region in Japan killing 1,077.
- 2004 – National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman announces lockout of the players' union and cessation of operations by the NHL head office.
- 2008 – Lehman Brothers files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the largest bankruptcy filing in U.S. history.
September 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
So far this month during National Preparedness Month, our preparedness videos have focused on some general things that could happen and how to build an emergency kit. Now let's dive a little deeper into learning about those kits, as well as another important thing that we all need in order to survive any type of disaster or emergency for longer periods of time - FOOD. The next few videos will talk about what to pack or store for longer emergencies such as storms, power outages, COVID pandemics, or other supply chain interruptions.
Supply chain interruptions you may ask? Yes. Last year if you remember, the nations railroads were about to go on strike due to the lack of an agreement with their union contracts. The nations railroads haul everything from raw materials to finished products, as well as fuel and your meats and produce across the country. Do you remember the food shelves being empty during the pandemic? Are you prepared should another supply chain disruption were to occur? Do you have a generator to keep your refrigerators, freezers, and electric stoves operating during a prolonged power outage? Do you have your everyday items stockpiled should the shelves go bare again? Have you gotten into gardening or at least acquiring fresh produce from a road side stand or farmer's market and can for future use?
Remember, these are only general ideas and guidelines in these videos as your individual needs will vary from someone else. Surviving any type of emergency or disaster starts with taking that first step - Making a plan. Let's watch Oklahoma State University Extension Food Specialist Barbara Brown as she gives some ideas on what to put in your food kits. www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7jfeaf9xT0
"If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." - Nora Roberts
Attention Area Residents:
So far this month during National Preparedness Month, our preparedness videos have focused on some general things that could happen and how to build an emergency kit. Now let's dive a little deeper into learning about those kits, as well as another important thing that we all need in order to survive any type of disaster or emergency for longer periods of time - FOOD. The next few videos will talk about what to pack or store for longer emergencies such as storms, power outages, COVID pandemics, or other supply chain interruptions.
Supply chain interruptions you may ask? Yes. Last year if you remember, the nations railroads were about to go on strike due to the lack of an agreement with their union contracts. The nations railroads haul everything from raw materials to finished products, as well as fuel and your meats and produce across the country. Do you remember the food shelves being empty during the pandemic? Are you prepared should another supply chain disruption were to occur? Do you have a generator to keep your refrigerators, freezers, and electric stoves operating during a prolonged power outage? Do you have your everyday items stockpiled should the shelves go bare again? Have you gotten into gardening or at least acquiring fresh produce from a road side stand or farmer's market and can for future use?
Remember, these are only general ideas and guidelines in these videos as your individual needs will vary from someone else. Surviving any type of emergency or disaster starts with taking that first step - Making a plan. Let's watch Oklahoma State University Extension Food Specialist Barbara Brown as she gives some ideas on what to put in your food kits. www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7jfeaf9xT0
"If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." - Nora Roberts
September 14, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that Senior's Exercise class begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Grove Community this morning. Come out and enjoy the stretch and the camaraderie. Today at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church will also be The Neighborhood Cafe. Come hungry and bring a friend. See the flyers for complete details.
“Finding your purpose is a lifelong adventure. Enjoy the journey.” - Todd Stocker
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that Senior's Exercise class begins at 9:30 a.m. at The Grove Community this morning. Come out and enjoy the stretch and the camaraderie. Today at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church will also be The Neighborhood Cafe. Come hungry and bring a friend. See the flyers for complete details.
“Finding your purpose is a lifelong adventure. Enjoy the journey.” - Todd Stocker
This Day in History:
- 1814 – Battle of Baltimore: The poem Defence of Fort McHenry is written by Francis Scott Key. The poem is later used as the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner
- 1901 – U.S. President William McKinley dies after being mortally wounded on September 6 by anarchist Leon Czolgosz and is succeeded by Vice President Theodore Roosevelt.
- 2022 – Death of Queen Elizabeth II: The Queen's coffin is taken from Buckingham Palace, placed on a gun carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and moved in a procession to Westminster Hall for her lying in state over the next four days with The Queue stretching for miles along the River Thames.
September 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. So far in our video series, our videos have merely just touched the surface on how you should have an emergency kit in order to be prepared for some sort of disaster. But what should you have in it? Today's video gets a little bit more specific on giving you some ideas. Every disaster kit is different because everyone is unique and their needs are different. Please watch this video to give you some ideas to help you think about what you may need to have in your emergency kit should you be forced to evacuate for whatever reason. You don't have to go out and buy everything right away as it can be expensive. However, if you gradually pick up those items as you do your normal shopping or see them on sale, you will either save money or won't feel the financial burden as much compared to doing it all at once.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tYkK0gC2Gc
*** Note: Since COVID-19 seems to be raising its ugly head again, you may consider adding N-95 face masks, hand sanitizer, sanitizer wipes or other cleaning needs in your emergency kits as well.
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. So far in our video series, our videos have merely just touched the surface on how you should have an emergency kit in order to be prepared for some sort of disaster. But what should you have in it? Today's video gets a little bit more specific on giving you some ideas. Every disaster kit is different because everyone is unique and their needs are different. Please watch this video to give you some ideas to help you think about what you may need to have in your emergency kit should you be forced to evacuate for whatever reason. You don't have to go out and buy everything right away as it can be expensive. However, if you gradually pick up those items as you do your normal shopping or see them on sale, you will either save money or won't feel the financial burden as much compared to doing it all at once.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tYkK0gC2Gc
*** Note: Since COVID-19 seems to be raising its ugly head again, you may consider adding N-95 face masks, hand sanitizer, sanitizer wipes or other cleaning needs in your emergency kits as well.
September 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
For those who would like to leave a legacy for your family and help a worthwhile organization at the same time; the Altona Historical Society is still selling brick which you can have engraved for the patio addition for the new elevator as part of the second story renovation project at the Ransom Memorial Public Library. Remember, any donations will be matched up to $50,000. Please see the flyers for details. Thank you to all for your donations for this very worthwhile project, and THANK YOU to the volunteers at the Altona Historical Society for your hard work.
“No one rises to low expectations.” - Les Brown
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
For those who would like to leave a legacy for your family and help a worthwhile organization at the same time; the Altona Historical Society is still selling brick which you can have engraved for the patio addition for the new elevator as part of the second story renovation project at the Ransom Memorial Public Library. Remember, any donations will be matched up to $50,000. Please see the flyers for details. Thank you to all for your donations for this very worthwhile project, and THANK YOU to the volunteers at the Altona Historical Society for your hard work.
“No one rises to low expectations.” - Les Brown
This Day in History:
- 1609 – Henry Hudson reaches the river that would later be named after him – the Hudson River.
- 1788 – The Philadelphia Convention sets the date for the first presidential election in the United States, and New York City becomes the country's temporary capital.
- 1814 – In a turning point in the War of 1812, the British fail to capture Baltimore. During the battle, Francis Scott Key composes his poem "Defence of Fort McHenry", which is later set to music and becomes the United States' national anthem.
- 1956 – The IBM 305 RAMAC is introduced, the first commercial computer to use disk storage.
- 2008 – Hurricane Ike makes landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast of the United States, causing heavy damage to Galveston Island, Houston, and surrounding areas.
September 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
During this National Preparedness Month, our videos and information so far have stressed the importance of building a kit should you need to leave or "bug out". But what happens when a disaster happens and you must "stay home"? Would you know what to do? In episode 10 in our series "Disaster & Preparedness", we learn about how to shelter in place. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjpoh7lGqLg
Attention Area Residents:
During this National Preparedness Month, our videos and information so far have stressed the importance of building a kit should you need to leave or "bug out". But what happens when a disaster happens and you must "stay home"? Would you know what to do? In episode 10 in our series "Disaster & Preparedness", we learn about how to shelter in place. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjpoh7lGqLg
September 12, 2023
Attention Area Children and Parents:
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28th. The Village of Altona will be having its 6th Annual Trunk or Treat from 1 pm - 3 pm at Johnson-Pyle Park located behind the gas station. There will be lots of candy given out so be sure to dress up in your Halloween costume. Adults, there will be prizes given out for the best trunk/booth that is decorated. So start making plans now to design that great trunk or booth that will win. This is a fun free event for all. See the flyer for complete details. We hope to see you next month. Good luck!
“Life is really fun, if only we give it a chance.” - Tim Hansel
This Day in History:
Attention Area Children and Parents:
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28th. The Village of Altona will be having its 6th Annual Trunk or Treat from 1 pm - 3 pm at Johnson-Pyle Park located behind the gas station. There will be lots of candy given out so be sure to dress up in your Halloween costume. Adults, there will be prizes given out for the best trunk/booth that is decorated. So start making plans now to design that great trunk or booth that will win. This is a fun free event for all. See the flyer for complete details. We hope to see you next month. Good luck!
“Life is really fun, if only we give it a chance.” - Tim Hansel
This Day in History:
- 1857 – The SS Central America sinks about 160 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, drowning a total of 426 passengers and crew, including Captain William Lewis Herndon. The ship was carrying 13–15 tons of gold from the California Gold Rush.
- 1984 – Dwight Gooden sets the baseball record for strikeouts in a season by a rookie with 276, previously set by Herb Score with 246 in 1954. Gooden's 276 strikeouts that season, pitched in 218 innings, set the current record.
- 2011 – The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City opens to the public.
September 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
As you are watching these disaster preparedness videos and building your emergency kits, hopefully you are trying to think of all the different types of disasters that could cause mayhem for your family. Do you and your children know what to do should your house catch on fire? In episode 9 in our series "Disaster & Preparedness: Fire: Get Out!"; today's video addresses that particular disaster. Be sure that your children know what to do, and have them watch these videos too. www.youtube.com/watch?v=W46ENJt-cSU
Preparation starts with getting yourself in the right mindset. Study the different types of disasters. Think about what you will need and how you will deal with each disaster - and PRACTICE. Doing these will make you successful in coping with whatever disaster brings to your door.
Attention Area Residents:
As you are watching these disaster preparedness videos and building your emergency kits, hopefully you are trying to think of all the different types of disasters that could cause mayhem for your family. Do you and your children know what to do should your house catch on fire? In episode 9 in our series "Disaster & Preparedness: Fire: Get Out!"; today's video addresses that particular disaster. Be sure that your children know what to do, and have them watch these videos too. www.youtube.com/watch?v=W46ENJt-cSU
Preparation starts with getting yourself in the right mindset. Study the different types of disasters. Think about what you will need and how you will deal with each disaster - and PRACTICE. Doing these will make you successful in coping with whatever disaster brings to your door.
September 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Patriot Day; a day of remembrance. On September 11, 2001 al Qaeda Islamic extremist terrorists hijacked four airliners and attacked the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, as well as a fourth unsuccessful attempt.
The first plane, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center (Tower 1) at 8:46 a.m. The second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, was flown into World Trade Center (WTC 2, the South Tower) was hit at 9:02 a.m. and collapsed at 9:59 a.m. The hijackers flew a third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, into the western facade of the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia at 9:37 a.m. The fourth plane hijacked on 9-11, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in an open field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m. after the passengers on board revolted against the hijackers. It is believed that these hijackers were going to fly the plane into our nations Capitol since our elected officials were in session at that time.
If you would like to read about this tragic day, the National Parks Service has a recap of the timeline at the following link... www.nps.gov/flni/learn/historyculture/flight93story.htm. Let us never forget this tragic day in our nations history. Please fly your flag at half-mast in remembrance of the innocent victims.
“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust, their courage nerves a thousand living men.” - Minot J. Savage
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Patriot Day; a day of remembrance. On September 11, 2001 al Qaeda Islamic extremist terrorists hijacked four airliners and attacked the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, as well as a fourth unsuccessful attempt.
The first plane, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center (Tower 1) at 8:46 a.m. The second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, was flown into World Trade Center (WTC 2, the South Tower) was hit at 9:02 a.m. and collapsed at 9:59 a.m. The hijackers flew a third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, into the western facade of the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia at 9:37 a.m. The fourth plane hijacked on 9-11, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in an open field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m. after the passengers on board revolted against the hijackers. It is believed that these hijackers were going to fly the plane into our nations Capitol since our elected officials were in session at that time.
If you would like to read about this tragic day, the National Parks Service has a recap of the timeline at the following link... www.nps.gov/flni/learn/historyculture/flight93story.htm. Let us never forget this tragic day in our nations history. Please fly your flag at half-mast in remembrance of the innocent victims.
“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust, their courage nerves a thousand living men.” - Minot J. Savage
This Day in History:
- 1789 – Alexander Hamilton is appointed the first United States Secretary of the Treasury.
- 1857 – The Mountain Meadows massacre: Mormon settlers and Paiutes massacre 120 pioneers at Mountain Meadows, Utah.
- 1997 – NASA's Mars Global Surveyor reaches Mars.
- 2001 – The September 11 attacks, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks killing 2,996 people using four aircraft hijacked by 19 members of al-Qaeda. Two aircraft crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, a third crashes into The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, and a fourth into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
September 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. There are many types of disasters that both Mother Nature and mankind can dish out. One of those disasters that we can experience here in the midwest is a tornado. Do you know what to do? Let's watch episode eight in our series of "Disaster & Preparedness series: Get down, get out or seal up." www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iWC5qIP1oY
“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” - George Lucas
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. There are many types of disasters that both Mother Nature and mankind can dish out. One of those disasters that we can experience here in the midwest is a tornado. Do you know what to do? Let's watch episode eight in our series of "Disaster & Preparedness series: Get down, get out or seal up." www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iWC5qIP1oY
“Always remember, your focus determines your reality.” - George Lucas
September 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
HAPPY Grandparents Day for those who are fortunate enough to have grandchildren. They bring a lot of joy I'm sure. The good thing about having grandchildren is that when you spoil them to no end and fill them up full of sugar and get them all wired up.... you get to have your sweet revenge on your own children by sending them home for them to deal with. Today is Grandparents Day for the rest of us, so do something nice for them if you can. Take them to church, out for dinner, stop by for a visit under a nice shade tree, or just give them a call if you aren't able to visit them in person. If they are no longer with you, then visit their grave if you can.
“I can relax in the shade only because those who came before me planted and nurtured the tree.” - Warren Buffett
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
HAPPY Grandparents Day for those who are fortunate enough to have grandchildren. They bring a lot of joy I'm sure. The good thing about having grandchildren is that when you spoil them to no end and fill them up full of sugar and get them all wired up.... you get to have your sweet revenge on your own children by sending them home for them to deal with. Today is Grandparents Day for the rest of us, so do something nice for them if you can. Take them to church, out for dinner, stop by for a visit under a nice shade tree, or just give them a call if you aren't able to visit them in person. If they are no longer with you, then visit their grave if you can.
“I can relax in the shade only because those who came before me planted and nurtured the tree.” - Warren Buffett
This Day in History:
- 1608 – John Smith is elected council president of Jamestown, Virginia.
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: Nathan Hale volunteers to spy for the Continental Army.
- 1813 – The United States defeats a British Fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812.
- 1960 – At the Summer Olympics in Rome, Abebe Bikila becomes the first sub-Saharan African to win a gold medal, winning the marathon in bare feet.
- 2017 – Hurricane Irma makes landfall on Cudjoe Key, Florida as a Category 4, after causing catastrophic damage throughout the Caribbean. Irma resulted in 134 deaths and $64.76 billion (2017 USD) in damage.
September 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Do you leave life to chance? Or, do you plan for life's unexpected problems? Don't press your luck, for failure to prepare yourself for some sort of disaster is like getting into the boxing ring with Mike Tyson without knowing how to box. You would be setting yourself up to be knocked out by his punch. September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Please take this time to learn how to prepare for an emergency and look for ways on how to minimize the situation of those disasters. As we go through this month, we will go further in depth on ways to better prepare. In the meantime, please watch episode seven of Disaster and Preparedness: Put Disaster Down for the Count. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhLM-oQYQUo
Attention Area Residents:
Do you leave life to chance? Or, do you plan for life's unexpected problems? Don't press your luck, for failure to prepare yourself for some sort of disaster is like getting into the boxing ring with Mike Tyson without knowing how to box. You would be setting yourself up to be knocked out by his punch. September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Please take this time to learn how to prepare for an emergency and look for ways on how to minimize the situation of those disasters. As we go through this month, we will go further in depth on ways to better prepare. In the meantime, please watch episode seven of Disaster and Preparedness: Put Disaster Down for the Count. www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhLM-oQYQUo
September 9, 2023
Attention ROVA/ROWVA Alumni Band Members:
Just a reminder that Friday, September 22 will be ROWVA's Homecoming. The current band director is inviting all former band members to play with the band during pre-game. Come out and join the fun. For questions, music, or instrument use, please contact Director Wes Anderson at 309-483-6371 or email him at [email protected]. Please read the flyer for details. We hope to see you there.
“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.” - Mary Main Morrissey
This Day in History:
Attention ROVA/ROWVA Alumni Band Members:
Just a reminder that Friday, September 22 will be ROWVA's Homecoming. The current band director is inviting all former band members to play with the band during pre-game. Come out and join the fun. For questions, music, or instrument use, please contact Director Wes Anderson at 309-483-6371 or email him at [email protected]. Please read the flyer for details. We hope to see you there.
“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.” - Mary Main Morrissey
This Day in History:
- 1776 – The Continental Congress officially names its union of states the United States.
- 1791 – Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is named after President George Washington.
- 1850 – The Compromise of 1850 transfers a third of Texas's claimed territory to federal control in return for the U.S. federal government assuming $10 million of Texas's pre-annexation debt.
- 1850 – California is admitted as the thirty-first U.S. state.
- 1956 – Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time.
- 1994 – Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on STS-64.
- 2015 – Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.
- 2016 – The government of North Korea conducts its fifth and reportedly biggest nuclear test. World leaders condemn the act, with South Korea calling it "maniacal recklessness".
September 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Winning the game against a disaster or life's emergencies is like playing a game of chess. First, you not only need to learn how to prepare for a disaster (or in this case the game of chess); but second, you also need to study your opponent's moves (all the different types of disasters and emergencies) in order to win the game and come out on top. It all starts with education, which is why September is National Preparedness Month. So start today by learning about the different types of disasters, then make out a plan to help you and your family win the game against a disaster or life's unexpected emergencies. For help in learning how to make a plan, visit
www.ready.gov or www.ready.illinois.gov
Let's watch episode six of "Disaster Meets Preparedness: What's Your Next Move?"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ0KmkguD4U
Attention Area Residents:
Winning the game against a disaster or life's emergencies is like playing a game of chess. First, you not only need to learn how to prepare for a disaster (or in this case the game of chess); but second, you also need to study your opponent's moves (all the different types of disasters and emergencies) in order to win the game and come out on top. It all starts with education, which is why September is National Preparedness Month. So start today by learning about the different types of disasters, then make out a plan to help you and your family win the game against a disaster or life's unexpected emergencies. For help in learning how to make a plan, visit
www.ready.gov or www.ready.illinois.gov
Let's watch episode six of "Disaster Meets Preparedness: What's Your Next Move?"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ0KmkguD4U
September 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight's ROWVA-Williamsfield high school football game is an away game at United High School starting at 7 pm. For complete sports scheduling and band competitions, please visit the ROWVA website at www.rowva.k12.il.us/. Come out and cheer on our youth to a victory!
“Character is the source from which self-respect springs.” - Joan Didion
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight's ROWVA-Williamsfield high school football game is an away game at United High School starting at 7 pm. For complete sports scheduling and band competitions, please visit the ROWVA website at www.rowva.k12.il.us/. Come out and cheer on our youth to a victory!
“Character is the source from which self-respect springs.” - Joan Didion
This Day in History:
- 1810 – The Tonquin sets sail from New York Harbor with 33 employees of John Jacob Astor's newly created Pacific Fur Company on board. After a six-month journey around the tip of South America, the ship arrives at the mouth of the Columbia River and Astor's men establish the fur-trading town of Astoria, Oregon.
- 1966 – The landmark American science fiction television series Star Trek premieres with its first-aired episode, "The Man Trap".
- 2022 – Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom dies at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after reigning for 70 years. Her son Charles, Prince of Wales, ascends the throne upon her death as Charles III.
September 7, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
At tonight's Village board meeting, the board had changed our street signage ordinance to make the intersection of West North Street and North Olin Street a 4-Way STOP Intersection. The purpose of this is to help slow down traffic for all the children who reside in that part of town. In the coming weeks our Village employee will be installing the 4-Way STOP signs at that intersection. Please be on the lookout now or even start adhering to the change now in order not to blow the future installed stop signs and be ticketed by the Knox County Sheriff's Department when they do their patrols. - Thank you and please slow down and look out for the children in town.
Attention Village Residents:
At tonight's Village board meeting, the board had changed our street signage ordinance to make the intersection of West North Street and North Olin Street a 4-Way STOP Intersection. The purpose of this is to help slow down traffic for all the children who reside in that part of town. In the coming weeks our Village employee will be installing the 4-Way STOP signs at that intersection. Please be on the lookout now or even start adhering to the change now in order not to blow the future installed stop signs and be ticketed by the Knox County Sheriff's Department when they do their patrols. - Thank you and please slow down and look out for the children in town.
September 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. What better way to learn about preparedness than to read a book about it. Do you know what to do if the power grid ever were to go down? Do you have a backup generator, an emergency supply of food, medicine, or an alternative cooking and heat source to sustain yourself for at least 72 hours? A good book to read about power outages is "Lights Out" By Ted Koppel, a New York Times Bestseller.
The purpose of learning how to be prepared for Mother Nature's Disasters or life's emergencies is so disasters don't have the last word. Let's watch episode five of "Disaster and Preparedness: Don't Let Disaster Have the Last Word".... www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZXYlLelq1M
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. What better way to learn about preparedness than to read a book about it. Do you know what to do if the power grid ever were to go down? Do you have a backup generator, an emergency supply of food, medicine, or an alternative cooking and heat source to sustain yourself for at least 72 hours? A good book to read about power outages is "Lights Out" By Ted Koppel, a New York Times Bestseller.
The purpose of learning how to be prepared for Mother Nature's Disasters or life's emergencies is so disasters don't have the last word. Let's watch episode five of "Disaster and Preparedness: Don't Let Disaster Have the Last Word".... www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZXYlLelq1M
September 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
For those who have Mid-Century Communications for their telephone service; tonight is their annual meeting which is being held at Spoon River Valley School, 35265 N. IL Hwy. 97, London Mills. Doors open at 5:00 pm for registration and meal, and the business meeting starts at 7 pm. Don't forget to take your book that you had received in the mail to get your $25 attendance credit as well as be registered for the drawings.
“None fills the void like the company of a true friend.” - Rishi H. Sanghani
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
For those who have Mid-Century Communications for their telephone service; tonight is their annual meeting which is being held at Spoon River Valley School, 35265 N. IL Hwy. 97, London Mills. Doors open at 5:00 pm for registration and meal, and the business meeting starts at 7 pm. Don't forget to take your book that you had received in the mail to get your $25 attendance credit as well as be registered for the drawings.
“None fills the void like the company of a true friend.” - Rishi H. Sanghani
This Day in History:
- 1630 – The city of Boston, Massachusetts, is founded in North America.
- 1778 – American Revolutionary War: France invades Dominica in the British West Indies, before Britain is even aware of France's involvement in the war.
- 1876 – In Northfield, Minnesota, Jesse James and the James–Younger Gang attempt to rob the town's bank but are driven off by armed citizens.
- 1921 – In Atlantic City, New Jersey, the first Miss America Pageant, a two-day event, is held.
- 2008 – The United States government takes control of the two largest mortgage financing companies in the US, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
September 6, 2023
Congratulations to the ROWVA High School Marching Tigers for winning 1st place at the Monmouth Prime Beef Festival Parade today. Attention ROVA/ROWVA alumni band members. October 22nd is homecoming and you are invited to play pre-game with the band. Contact Director Wes Anderson at the band room at 309-483-6371 or email Director Anderson at [email protected] for complete details and music. Come out and have some fun.
Congratulations to the ROWVA High School Marching Tigers for winning 1st place at the Monmouth Prime Beef Festival Parade today. Attention ROVA/ROWVA alumni band members. October 22nd is homecoming and you are invited to play pre-game with the band. Contact Director Wes Anderson at the band room at 309-483-6371 or email Director Anderson at [email protected] for complete details and music. Come out and have some fun.
September 6, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
By now you know that September is National Preparedness Month, the month which is set aside by the federal and state government to help educate you on the importance of being prepared should an emergency or disaster were to strike in your area. If a disaster were to hit your community and you had to evacuate, do you have a plan? Do you know where you would go on this unexpected journey? If the disaster were to require you to shelter in place, would you know what to do? Do you have the necessary supplies on hand to handle the situation? This is the month to sit down, write out your plans for all sorts of disasters or life's emergencies, and to build your emergency kits. Episode four of "Disaster and Preparedness: Should I Stay or Should I Go", talks about this in order to get you to start thinking and making plans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD_FSV7i3Bs
Attention Area Residents:
By now you know that September is National Preparedness Month, the month which is set aside by the federal and state government to help educate you on the importance of being prepared should an emergency or disaster were to strike in your area. If a disaster were to hit your community and you had to evacuate, do you have a plan? Do you know where you would go on this unexpected journey? If the disaster were to require you to shelter in place, would you know what to do? Do you have the necessary supplies on hand to handle the situation? This is the month to sit down, write out your plans for all sorts of disasters or life's emergencies, and to build your emergency kits. Episode four of "Disaster and Preparedness: Should I Stay or Should I Go", talks about this in order to get you to start thinking and making plans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD_FSV7i3Bs
September 6, 2023
“One always has time enough, if one will apply it well.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
This Day in History:
“One always has time enough, if one will apply it well.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
This Day in History:
- 1620 – The Pilgrims sail from Plymouth, England on the Mayflower to settle in North America.
- 1781 – American Revolutionary War: The Battle of Groton Heights takes place, resulting in a British victory.
- 1803 – British scientist John Dalton begins using symbols to represent the atoms of different elements.
- 1901 – Leon Czolgosz, an unemployed anarchist, shoots and fatally wounds US President William McKinley at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.
- 2022 – Russo-Ukrainian War: Ukraine begins its Kharkiv counteroffensive, surprising Russian forces and retaking over 3,000 square kilometers of land, recapturing the entire Kharkiv Oblast west of the Oskil River, within the next week.
September 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
You protect your family in several ways. You have life insurance so that there is financial stability for when you are gone; You keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a kitchen fire; and you train your children how to dial 911 in case of an emergency. But should an emergency or disaster were to occur, do you really know what to do? September is National Preparedness Month, and preparing yourself for life's, or Mother Nature's disasters is a journey. Those emergencies or disasters can come in many forms. Watch the news and you can see how many of our fellow citizens were not prepared. It all stars with a plan, and a kit. Please watch episode three in our video series titled "Disaster and Preparedness: It's not Rocket Science".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrPXBlZhlA
Attention Area Residents:
You protect your family in several ways. You have life insurance so that there is financial stability for when you are gone; You keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a kitchen fire; and you train your children how to dial 911 in case of an emergency. But should an emergency or disaster were to occur, do you really know what to do? September is National Preparedness Month, and preparing yourself for life's, or Mother Nature's disasters is a journey. Those emergencies or disasters can come in many forms. Watch the news and you can see how many of our fellow citizens were not prepared. It all stars with a plan, and a kit. Please watch episode three in our video series titled "Disaster and Preparedness: It's not Rocket Science".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMrPXBlZhlA
September 5, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a list of known activities or events within the Village. Please mark your calendars for those which may apply to you.
1) The 2023-2034 ROWVA High School academic and athletic school year is in full swing. Please visit www.rowva.k12.il.us/ for your informational needs or contact the school directly.
2) Seniors Exercise class meets each Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. All seniors are welcome to join, the cost is free. Come meet new friends and get some low impact stretching for better health. Contact Margaret Swanson with any questions.
3) Trash Days are on Wednesdays.
4) The Neighborhood Cafe meets at 12 noon on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month. The cost is free. Come for the fellowship.
5) The Altona Historical Society is still selling memorial bricks to help raise funds for the new elevator for their restoration project of the Library Hall second floor. The bricks will be placed in the patio area which will show your support. You and your family can leave a legacy. This project will be a great benefit to the Village. Thank you in advance for your support. Please see the form for more information or contact an Altona Historical Society member with your questions.
6) Sunday, September 10th is Grandparents Day. Please spend some time or do something nice for them today.
7) Monday, September 11th is Patriot Day. Please fly your American flag on this day if you have one and let us never forget the attack by terrorists on the World Trade Center in New York that killed so many of our fellow countrymen.
8) Wednesday, September 20th - Water bills are due by the close of business at 4 pm. Please either mail, or drop your payments at Compton Accounting prior to the deadline. If you cannot make it to their office to make your payment, you may pay online by visiting the following link - www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. The Village accepts cash, debit or credit cards, or your good check for payments.
9) Friday, September 22nd is ROWVA Homecoming. Please plan on attending the game at in Oneida at the high school and cheer on our team. Attention ROVA/ROWVA Alumni Band members. Director Wes Anderson would like to have you come and participate during pregame and play with the band. Please contact him at the band office at 309-483-6371 or email him at [email protected] to get the music sent to you or questions about borrowing instruments. Come join the fun!
10) Saturday, September 23rd - Autumn begins.
“A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.” - Jean De La Fontaine
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a list of known activities or events within the Village. Please mark your calendars for those which may apply to you.
1) The 2023-2034 ROWVA High School academic and athletic school year is in full swing. Please visit www.rowva.k12.il.us/ for your informational needs or contact the school directly.
2) Seniors Exercise class meets each Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. All seniors are welcome to join, the cost is free. Come meet new friends and get some low impact stretching for better health. Contact Margaret Swanson with any questions.
3) Trash Days are on Wednesdays.
4) The Neighborhood Cafe meets at 12 noon on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month. The cost is free. Come for the fellowship.
5) The Altona Historical Society is still selling memorial bricks to help raise funds for the new elevator for their restoration project of the Library Hall second floor. The bricks will be placed in the patio area which will show your support. You and your family can leave a legacy. This project will be a great benefit to the Village. Thank you in advance for your support. Please see the form for more information or contact an Altona Historical Society member with your questions.
6) Sunday, September 10th is Grandparents Day. Please spend some time or do something nice for them today.
7) Monday, September 11th is Patriot Day. Please fly your American flag on this day if you have one and let us never forget the attack by terrorists on the World Trade Center in New York that killed so many of our fellow countrymen.
8) Wednesday, September 20th - Water bills are due by the close of business at 4 pm. Please either mail, or drop your payments at Compton Accounting prior to the deadline. If you cannot make it to their office to make your payment, you may pay online by visiting the following link - www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. The Village accepts cash, debit or credit cards, or your good check for payments.
9) Friday, September 22nd is ROWVA Homecoming. Please plan on attending the game at in Oneida at the high school and cheer on our team. Attention ROVA/ROWVA Alumni Band members. Director Wes Anderson would like to have you come and participate during pregame and play with the band. Please contact him at the band office at 309-483-6371 or email him at [email protected] to get the music sent to you or questions about borrowing instruments. Come join the fun!
10) Saturday, September 23rd - Autumn begins.
“A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.” - Jean De La Fontaine
This Day in History:
- 1698 – In an effort to Westernize his nobility, Tsar Peter I of Russia imposes a tax on beards for all men except the clergy and peasantry.
- 1774 – First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia.
- 1882 – The first United States Labor Day parade is held in New York City.
- 1996 – Hurricane Fran makes landfall near Cape Fear, North Carolina as a Category 3 storm with 115 mph sustained winds. Fran caused over $3 billion in damage and killed 27 people.
- 2022 – Liz Truss is declared the winner of the UK Conservative Party leadership election, beating Rishi Sunak
September 4, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. In episode two of our video series "A tale of Disaster and Preparedness", we will learn how to keep mayhem at a minimum. Let's watch... youtu.be/lkr93WBEiaM
Remember, during an emergency or disaster, emergency services may be swamped with calls and their response time to you may be severely delayed due to being short staffed or current on the ground conditions. It is important to be prepared for situations in order for you and your family to temporarily sustain yourselves until emergency services can get to you.
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. In episode two of our video series "A tale of Disaster and Preparedness", we will learn how to keep mayhem at a minimum. Let's watch... youtu.be/lkr93WBEiaM
Remember, during an emergency or disaster, emergency services may be swamped with calls and their response time to you may be severely delayed due to being short staffed or current on the ground conditions. It is important to be prepared for situations in order for you and your family to temporarily sustain yourselves until emergency services can get to you.
September 4, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Happy Labor Day! Today is the unofficial end of summer. What are your plans? Will it be going to Galesburg and watching the ROWVA Marching Tigers in the parade which kicks off at 10 a.m.; or perhaps having a cookout with family and friends? Regardless of your plans, please have a fun and safe holiday weekend. Remember if you choose to celebrate with alcohol - choose a designated driver, DON'T Drink & Drive! The ramifications is just not worth it. At the very least, you'll spend $10's of thousand of dollars in legal fees and go to jail; at the worst you could kill yourself or someone else. All the police agencies will be out in full force today looking for speeders, seat belt violators and impaired drivers. So Choose to Stay Alive and Don't Drink and Drive. Thank you.
“Character builds slowly, but it can be torn down with incredible swiftness.” - Faith Baldwin
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Happy Labor Day! Today is the unofficial end of summer. What are your plans? Will it be going to Galesburg and watching the ROWVA Marching Tigers in the parade which kicks off at 10 a.m.; or perhaps having a cookout with family and friends? Regardless of your plans, please have a fun and safe holiday weekend. Remember if you choose to celebrate with alcohol - choose a designated driver, DON'T Drink & Drive! The ramifications is just not worth it. At the very least, you'll spend $10's of thousand of dollars in legal fees and go to jail; at the worst you could kill yourself or someone else. All the police agencies will be out in full force today looking for speeders, seat belt violators and impaired drivers. So Choose to Stay Alive and Don't Drink and Drive. Thank you.
“Character builds slowly, but it can be torn down with incredible swiftness.” - Faith Baldwin
This Day in History:
- 1666 – In London, England, the most destructive damage from the Great Fire occurs.
- 1781 – Los Angeles is founded as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora La Reina de los Ángeles (The Village of Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels) by 44 Spanish settlers.
- 1886 – American Indian Wars: After almost 30 years of fighting, Apache leader Geronimo, with his remaining warriors, surrenders to General Nelson Miles in Arizona.
- 1888 – George Eastman registers the trademark Kodak and receives a patent for his camera that uses roll film.
- 1998 – Google is founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two students at Stanford University.
- 2002 – The Oakland Athletics win their 20th consecutive game, an American League record.
September 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today during National Preparedness Month, we will be starting our first of a few different video series entitled "A tale of Disaster and Preparedness". Today in episode one we will meet our characters "Disaster" and "Preparedness". Let's see what we can learn from them.... youtu.be/IWVevsBhLBo
Attention Area Residents:
Today during National Preparedness Month, we will be starting our first of a few different video series entitled "A tale of Disaster and Preparedness". Today in episode one we will meet our characters "Disaster" and "Preparedness". Let's see what we can learn from them.... youtu.be/IWVevsBhLBo
September 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that the police will be out in full force this weekend looking for seat belt violators, distracted driving, and impaired drivers of any type. Please choose a designated driver if you plan on celebrating the holiday weekend with alcohol. DON'T Drink & Drive. Thank you.
“…he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things…” - Psalm 107:9
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that the police will be out in full force this weekend looking for seat belt violators, distracted driving, and impaired drivers of any type. Please choose a designated driver if you plan on celebrating the holiday weekend with alcohol. DON'T Drink & Drive. Thank you.
“…he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things…” - Psalm 107:9
This Day in History:
- 1666 – The Royal Exchange burns down in the Great Fire of London.
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: During the Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the Flag of the United States is flown in battle for the first time.
- 1783 – American Revolutionary War: The war ends with the signing of the Treaty of Paris by the United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain.
- 1895 – John Brallier becomes the first openly paid professional American football player, when he was paid US$10 by David Berry, to play for the Latrobe Athletic Association in a 12–0 win over the Jeanette Athletic Association.
- 1935 – Sir Malcolm Campbell reaches a speed of 304.331 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, becoming the first person to drive an automobile over 300 mph.
- 2017 – North Korea conducts its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.
September 2, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. This is the time of year where varies governmental agencies stress the importance of being prepared for any type of emergency or disasters. As we watch the news, it seems that there is always some sort of disaster happening somewhere in the country. Recently Lahaina Town on the Hawaiian island of Maui was destroyed by wildfires. Hurricane Idalia blasted Florida and Georgia recently. Last month a tornado had hit the small town of Baring, Missouri, population of 124 causing a lot of devastation and wiping out their Post Office, homes, and businesses.
While we may not feel the physical destruction of a hurricane, we do feel the pain in our wallets when lumber prices go up due to lumber shortages here because of the need to rebuild after the disasters in other parts of the country.
Do you know how to plan for an emergency or a disaster? If not, that is what this month is all about. The first step is to make a plan and have an emergency kit. The following are some websites that will help you in this first step.
www.ready.gov
www.ready.illinois.gov
www.redcross.org/store/preparedness
Attention Area Residents:
September is National Preparedness Month. This is the time of year where varies governmental agencies stress the importance of being prepared for any type of emergency or disasters. As we watch the news, it seems that there is always some sort of disaster happening somewhere in the country. Recently Lahaina Town on the Hawaiian island of Maui was destroyed by wildfires. Hurricane Idalia blasted Florida and Georgia recently. Last month a tornado had hit the small town of Baring, Missouri, population of 124 causing a lot of devastation and wiping out their Post Office, homes, and businesses.
While we may not feel the physical destruction of a hurricane, we do feel the pain in our wallets when lumber prices go up due to lumber shortages here because of the need to rebuild after the disasters in other parts of the country.
Do you know how to plan for an emergency or a disaster? If not, that is what this month is all about. The first step is to make a plan and have an emergency kit. The following are some websites that will help you in this first step.
www.ready.gov
www.ready.illinois.gov
www.redcross.org/store/preparedness
September 2, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Labor Day weekend is upon us which brings the unofficial end to summer. While you may be enjoying this last summer weekend with parties, BBQ's etc with family and friends; please remember that law enforcement will be out in full force this weekend looking for speeders, distractive driving (i.e. texting while driving), as well as impaired drivers of any strip (drugs and alcohol). PLEASE! If you are planning on consuming alcohol, DON'T Drink & Drive! Choose a designated driver. It just isn't worth the risk of causing an accident or the death of someone. Enjoy the weekend!
“You will learn your best lessons from the worst people.” - Nitya Prakash
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Labor Day weekend is upon us which brings the unofficial end to summer. While you may be enjoying this last summer weekend with parties, BBQ's etc with family and friends; please remember that law enforcement will be out in full force this weekend looking for speeders, distractive driving (i.e. texting while driving), as well as impaired drivers of any strip (drugs and alcohol). PLEASE! If you are planning on consuming alcohol, DON'T Drink & Drive! Choose a designated driver. It just isn't worth the risk of causing an accident or the death of someone. Enjoy the weekend!
“You will learn your best lessons from the worst people.” - Nitya Prakash
This Day in History:
- 1666 – The Great Fire of London breaks out and burns for three days, destroying 10,000 buildings, including Old St Paul's Cathedral.
- 1789 – The United States Department of the Treasury is founded.
- 1885 – Rock Springs massacre: In Rock Springs, Wyoming, 150 white miners, who are struggling to unionize so they could strike for better wages and work conditions, attack their Chinese fellow workers killing 28, wounding 15 and forcing several hundred more out of town.
- 1901 – Vice President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt utters the famous phrase, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" at the Minnesota State Fair.
- 1912 – Arthur Rose Eldred is awarded the first Eagle Scout award of the Boy Scouts of America.
- 1935 – The Labor Day Hurricane, the most intense hurricane to strike the United States, makes landfall at Long Key, Florida, killing at least 400.
- 2008 – Google launches its Google Chrome web browser.
- 2019 – Hurricane Dorian, a category 5 hurricane, devastates the Bahamas, killing at least five.
September 1, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The federal government has dedicated September as being National Preparedness Month. The reason for this is to educate the public on how to be prepared should some form of emergency or disaster (whether it be natural or man-made) were to occur. Depending on the disaster at hand, emergency services may not be able to reach you in time. If this unfortunate occurrence were to happen to you, then you need to be able to address the situation at hand. This is the intent of this month long series on Emergency Preparedness. This series is designed to teach you how to prepare, as well as to think about what you would do during various types of disasters. While every possible scenario cannot be addressed in this series, it is hoped that it will expand your knowledge for you to be able to survive should emergency help not be able to arrive right away. It is ultimately up to YOU to be able to take care of yourself and your family during these trying times. Let's begin by clicking on the following link: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-preparedness-month/
Attention Area Residents:
The federal government has dedicated September as being National Preparedness Month. The reason for this is to educate the public on how to be prepared should some form of emergency or disaster (whether it be natural or man-made) were to occur. Depending on the disaster at hand, emergency services may not be able to reach you in time. If this unfortunate occurrence were to happen to you, then you need to be able to address the situation at hand. This is the intent of this month long series on Emergency Preparedness. This series is designed to teach you how to prepare, as well as to think about what you would do during various types of disasters. While every possible scenario cannot be addressed in this series, it is hoped that it will expand your knowledge for you to be able to survive should emergency help not be able to arrive right away. It is ultimately up to YOU to be able to take care of yourself and your family during these trying times. Let's begin by clicking on the following link: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-preparedness-month/
September 1, 2023
Attention Village & Area Residents:
The calendar has turned to September, and while autumn doesn't officially start until the 23rd, Labor Day weekend is here and that marks the unofficial end of summer. This month the daily postings will be a little bit different. While the daily reminders of upcoming events, inspirational Quotes of the Day, as well as the trivia This Day in History will still be posted; September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. As with the past several years, the Village of Altona, along with the state of Illinois and FEMA will be doing an educational series on the importance of being prepared during an emergency or some sort of disaster. This matter is so important that it will have a posting all of its own. The Village hopes that everyone watches the videos, reads the posts, and check out the links provided from various governmental agencies and take the time to learn how to prepare for emergencies and to protect your families.
Walnut Grove Retirees: Today is your monthly luncheon. However today it will not be at The Grove Community Church, instead it will be held at the Knox County Nursing Home. Please attend and have a nice visit with Gary Main and the rest of the residents that you may know who reside there.
“Always concentrate on how far you’ve come, rather than how far you have left to go.” - Anonymous
This Day in History:
Attention Village & Area Residents:
The calendar has turned to September, and while autumn doesn't officially start until the 23rd, Labor Day weekend is here and that marks the unofficial end of summer. This month the daily postings will be a little bit different. While the daily reminders of upcoming events, inspirational Quotes of the Day, as well as the trivia This Day in History will still be posted; September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. As with the past several years, the Village of Altona, along with the state of Illinois and FEMA will be doing an educational series on the importance of being prepared during an emergency or some sort of disaster. This matter is so important that it will have a posting all of its own. The Village hopes that everyone watches the videos, reads the posts, and check out the links provided from various governmental agencies and take the time to learn how to prepare for emergencies and to protect your families.
Walnut Grove Retirees: Today is your monthly luncheon. However today it will not be at The Grove Community Church, instead it will be held at the Knox County Nursing Home. Please attend and have a nice visit with Gary Main and the rest of the residents that you may know who reside there.
“Always concentrate on how far you’ve come, rather than how far you have left to go.” - Anonymous
This Day in History:
- 1774 – Massachusetts Bay colonists rise up in the bloodless Powder Alarm.
- 1878 – Emma Nutt becomes the world's first female telephone operator when she is recruited by Alexander Graham Bell to the Boston Telephone Dispatch Company.
- 1897 – The Tremont Street Subway in Boston opens, becoming the first underground rapid transit system in North America.
- 1982 – The United States Air Force Space Command is founded.
- 2008 – Iraq War: The United States Armed Forces transfers control of Anbar Province to the Iraqi Armed Forces.
August 31, 2023
Attention Area Seniors:
Would you like to meet new friends? Would you like a chance to stay fit and healthy? There is nothing to fear. Come join your fellow seniors for a stretch at The Grove Church for Seniors Exercise Class. This is a fun low impact why to help stay fit. The group would love to have you join them. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. See the flyer and make this part of your weekly routine.
“Fear can only grow in darkness. Once you face fear with light, you win.” - Steve Maraboli
This Day in History:
Attention Area Seniors:
Would you like to meet new friends? Would you like a chance to stay fit and healthy? There is nothing to fear. Come join your fellow seniors for a stretch at The Grove Church for Seniors Exercise Class. This is a fun low impact why to help stay fit. The group would love to have you join them. They meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. See the flyer and make this part of your weekly routine.
“Fear can only grow in darkness. Once you face fear with light, you win.” - Steve Maraboli
This Day in History:
- 1776 – William Livingston, the first Governor of New Jersey, begins serving his first term.
- 1864 – During the American Civil War, Union forces led by General William T. Sherman launch an assault on Atlanta.
- 1997 – Diana, Princess of Wales, her partner Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul die in a car crash in Paris.
- 2002 – Typhoon Rusa, the most powerful typhoon to hit South Korea in 43 years, made landfall, killing at least 236 people.
August 30, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Would you like to help with a worthwhile cause? Would you like to leave a legacy for the future? You can do both by purchasing an engraved brick from the Altona Historical Society's Brick Project. This fundraiser is to help pay for the new elevator for the Ransom Memorial Library Hall. See the flyer below and THANK YOU for helping this project turn into a reality. This project will enhance the Village tremendously.
“You must get involved to have an impact.” - John H. Holcomb
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Would you like to help with a worthwhile cause? Would you like to leave a legacy for the future? You can do both by purchasing an engraved brick from the Altona Historical Society's Brick Project. This fundraiser is to help pay for the new elevator for the Ransom Memorial Library Hall. See the flyer below and THANK YOU for helping this project turn into a reality. This project will enhance the Village tremendously.
“You must get involved to have an impact.” - John H. Holcomb
This Day in History:
- 1862 – American Civil War: Battle of Richmond: Confederates under Edmund Kirby Smith rout Union forces under General William "Bull" Nelson.
- 1963 – The Moscow–Washington hotline between the leaders of the U.S. and the Soviet Union goes into operation.
- 2021 – The last remaining American troops leave Afghanistan, ending U.S. involvement in the war.
August 29, 2023
Attention Walnut Grove Seniors:
This Friday will be your monthly luncheon. It will be a Sack Luncheon this month. Instead of meeting at The Grove Community Church; you will be meeting at the Knox County Nursing Home to visit Gary Main and others that you may know who reside there. So be sure to come out for a good visit. Be sure to see the flyer and contact Margaret Swanson with your questions.
Attention Walnut Grove Seniors:
This Friday will be your monthly luncheon. It will be a Sack Luncheon this month. Instead of meeting at The Grove Community Church; you will be meeting at the Knox County Nursing Home to visit Gary Main and others that you may know who reside there. So be sure to come out for a good visit. Be sure to see the flyer and contact Margaret Swanson with your questions.
August 29, 2023
Attention Seniors:
Just a reminder that this morning is Senior's Exercise day at The Grove Community Church. Come join the camaraderie with your fellow seniors while you give your muscles a healthy stretch. Class is from 9:30 am - 10:30 am, no judgments. This is just a fun way to exercise and visit. They'd love for you to join them.
“Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” - Epicurus
This Day in History:
Attention Seniors:
Just a reminder that this morning is Senior's Exercise day at The Grove Community Church. Come join the camaraderie with your fellow seniors while you give your muscles a healthy stretch. Class is from 9:30 am - 10:30 am, no judgments. This is just a fun way to exercise and visit. They'd love for you to join them.
“Remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” - Epicurus
This Day in History:
- 1786 – Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising of Massachusetts farmers, begins in response to high debt and tax burdens.
- 1898 – The Goodyear tire company is founded in Akron, Ohio
- 1966 – The Beatles perform their last concert before paying fans at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.
- 2005 – Hurricane Katrina devastates much of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, killing up to 1,836 people and causing $125 billion in damage.
August 28, 2023
Attention All Former ROVA/ROWVA High School Band Members:
The 2023 ROWVA School District's school year is in full swing. Their students are hard at work both academically and in athletics. Regardless if you had graduated in 2023 or 1923, you are being asked to participate in the ROWVA Alumni Marching Band. September 22nd, 2023 is Homecoming Night at ROWVA. Come play with the current band and relive your Good 'Ol Days. The Pre-Game music selections will be: "Hey Baby!", "Sweet Caroline", "Get Down Tonight", and the National Anthem. So dust off your old instrument and start practicing as this is sure to be a fun night so be sure to plan on attending. Rehearsal for the event will be at 5:30 pm. If you need an instrument or have questions, please contact the Band Office at 309-483-6371 or email Dir. Anderson at [email protected] Please see the flyer for details.
“Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn.” - Albert Einstein
This Day in History:
Attention All Former ROVA/ROWVA High School Band Members:
The 2023 ROWVA School District's school year is in full swing. Their students are hard at work both academically and in athletics. Regardless if you had graduated in 2023 or 1923, you are being asked to participate in the ROWVA Alumni Marching Band. September 22nd, 2023 is Homecoming Night at ROWVA. Come play with the current band and relive your Good 'Ol Days. The Pre-Game music selections will be: "Hey Baby!", "Sweet Caroline", "Get Down Tonight", and the National Anthem. So dust off your old instrument and start practicing as this is sure to be a fun night so be sure to plan on attending. Rehearsal for the event will be at 5:30 pm. If you need an instrument or have questions, please contact the Band Office at 309-483-6371 or email Dir. Anderson at [email protected] Please see the flyer for details.
“Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn.” - Albert Einstein
This Day in History:
- 1789 – William Herschel discovers a new moon of Saturn: Enceladus.
- 1830 – The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's new Tom Thumb steam locomotive races a horse-drawn car, presaging steam's role in U.S. railroads.
- 1957 – U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond begins a filibuster to prevent the United States Senate from voting on the Civil Rights Act of 1957; he stopped speaking 24 hours and 18 minutes later, the longest filibuster ever conducted by a single Senator.
- 2003 – In "one of the most complicated and bizarre crimes in the annals of the FBI", Brian Wells dies after becoming involved in a complex plot involving a bank robbery, a scavenger hunt, and a homemade explosive device.
August 27, 2023
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord…” - Proverbs 19:17
This Day in History:
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord…” - Proverbs 19:17
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: Members of the 1st Maryland Regiment repeatedly charged a numerically superior British force during the Battle of Long Island, allowing General Washington and the rest of the American troops to escape.
- 1832 – Black Hawk, leader of the Sauk tribe of Native Americans, surrenders to U.S. authorities, ending the Black Hawk War.
- 1859 – Petroleum is discovered in Titusville, Pennsylvania, leading to the world's first commercially successful oil well.
- 1918 – Mexican Revolution: Battle of Ambos Nogales: U.S. Army forces skirmish against Mexican Carrancistas in the only battle of World War I fought on American soil.
- 2011 – Hurricane Irene strikes the United States east coast, killing 47 and causing an estimated $15.6 billion in damage.
August 26, 2023
“Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” - Philip Stanhope
This Day in History:
“Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” - Philip Stanhope
This Day in History:
- 1748 – The first Lutheran denomination in North America, the Pennsylvania Ministerium, is founded in Philadelphia.
- 1863 – The Swedish-language liberal newspaper Helsingfors Dagblad proposed the current blue-and-white cross flag as the flag of Finland.
- 1920 – The 19th amendment to United States Constitution takes effect, giving women the right to vote.
- 2021 – During the 2021 Kabul airlift, a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport kills 13 US military personnel and at least 169 Afghan civilians.
August 25, 2023
“We can love completely what we cannot completely understand.” - Norman Maclean
This Day in History:
“We can love completely what we cannot completely understand.” - Norman Maclean
This Day in History:
- 1609 – Galileo Galilei demonstrates his first telescope to Venetian lawmakers.
- 1758 – Seven Years' War: Frederick II of Prussia defeats the Russian army at the Battle of Zorndorf.
- 1814 – War of 1812: On the second day of the Burning of Washington, British troops torch the Library of Congress, United States Treasury, Department of War, and other public buildings.
- 1914 – World War I: The library of the Catholic University of Leuven is deliberately destroyed by the German Army. Hundreds of thousands of irreplaceable volumes and Gothic and Renaissance manuscripts are lost.
- 1916 – The United States National Park Service is created.
- 2003 – NASA successfully launches the Spitzer Space Telescope into space.
- 2012 – Voyager 1 spacecraft enters interstellar space becoming the first man-made object to do so.
August 24, 2023
August 24, 2023
Attention Seniors:
Feeling sluggish, stiff, or just plain lonely? Then join your fellow seniors this morning for Seniors Exercise at The Grove Community Church from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. Come for your health or just come for the camaraderie. Either way for fellow seniors will be glad to see you. So don't put it off until another day, come out for a healthy stretch and meet some new friends.
“Someday is not a day of the week.” - Janet Dailey
This Day in History:
Attention Seniors:
Feeling sluggish, stiff, or just plain lonely? Then join your fellow seniors this morning for Seniors Exercise at The Grove Community Church from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. Come for your health or just come for the camaraderie. Either way for fellow seniors will be glad to see you. So don't put it off until another day, come out for a healthy stretch and meet some new friends.
“Someday is not a day of the week.” - Janet Dailey
This Day in History:
- 1814 – British troops invade Washington, D.C. and during the Burning of Washington the White House, the Capitol and many other buildings are set ablaze.
- 1949 – The treaty creating the North Atlantic Treaty Organization goes into effect.
- 1991 – Ukraine declares itself independent from the Soviet Union.
- 1992 – Hurricane Andrew makes landfall in Homestead, Florida as a Category 5 hurricane, causing up to $25 billion (1992 USD) in damages.
- 2006 – The International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefines the term "planet" such that Pluto is now considered a dwarf planet.
August 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Excessive Heat Warning that the National Weather Service issued on Sunday still remains in effect until 10 pm tomorrow night. Please continue to stay out of the heat and drink plenty of fluids. Be sure to bring your pets indoors as well. Please stay indoors in the A/C as much as possible, and if you must do any outdoor work, do so early in the morning when it is cooler and do it in the shade. Please continue to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly. For complete details on this Excessive Heat Warning, please click on the following link.....
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2584501&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The Excessive Heat Warning that the National Weather Service issued on Sunday still remains in effect until 10 pm tomorrow night. Please continue to stay out of the heat and drink plenty of fluids. Be sure to bring your pets indoors as well. Please stay indoors in the A/C as much as possible, and if you must do any outdoor work, do so early in the morning when it is cooler and do it in the shade. Please continue to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly. For complete details on this Excessive Heat Warning, please click on the following link.....
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2584501&areaId=knox
August 23, 2023
“I wonder how many people I’ve looked at all my life and never seen.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
“I wonder how many people I’ve looked at all my life and never seen.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: King George III delivers his Proclamation of Rebellion to the Court of St James's stating that the American colonies have proceeded to a state of open and avowed rebellion.
- 1864 – American Civil War: The Union Navy captures Fort Morgan, Alabama, thus breaking Confederate dominance of all ports on the Gulf of Mexico except Galveston, Texas.
- 1904 – The automobile tire chain is patented.
- 2011 – A magnitude 5.8 (class: moderate) earthquake occurs in Virginia. Damage occurs to monuments and structures in Washington, D.C. and the resulted damage is estimated at 200 million–300 million USD.
- 2011 – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is overthrown after the National Transitional Council forces take control of Bab al-Azizia compound during the Libyan Civil War.
August 22, 2023
Attention Area Seniors:
Seniors meet twice a week (Tuesday's & Thursday's) from 9:30 am - 10:30 am to exercise, and to converse. All seniors are welcome and they would love to have you join them. Please join them at The Grove Community Church for a stretch and to stay healthy.
“Pessimism never won any battle.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower
This Day in History:
Attention Area Seniors:
Seniors meet twice a week (Tuesday's & Thursday's) from 9:30 am - 10:30 am to exercise, and to converse. All seniors are welcome and they would love to have you join them. Please join them at The Grove Community Church for a stretch and to stay healthy.
“Pessimism never won any battle.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower
This Day in History:
- 1791 – The Haitian slave revolution begins in Saint-Domingue, Haiti.
- 1851 – The first America's Cup is won by the yacht America.
- 1902 – The Cadillac Motor Company is founded.
- 1902 – Theodore Roosevelt becomes the first President of the United States to make a public appearance in an automobile.
- 2003 – Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore is suspended after refusing to comply with a federal court order to remove a rock inscribed with the Ten Commandments from the lobby of the Alabama Supreme Court building.
- 2007 – The Texas Rangers defeat the Baltimore Orioles 30–3, the most runs scored by a team in modern Major League Baseball history.
August 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Warning until 10 pm this Thursday evening, Expect Dangerous heat indexes from 105 - 115 each day. Be sure to stay in the air-conditioning when possible, and drink plenty of fluids especially if you must be outdoors. Please check up on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and bring your pets indoors. If you must work outdoors, be safe and take plenty of breaks in the shade. For complete details of this Excessive Heat Warning, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2584501&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Warning until 10 pm this Thursday evening, Expect Dangerous heat indexes from 105 - 115 each day. Be sure to stay in the air-conditioning when possible, and drink plenty of fluids especially if you must be outdoors. Please check up on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and bring your pets indoors. If you must work outdoors, be safe and take plenty of breaks in the shade. For complete details of this Excessive Heat Warning, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2584501&areaId=knox
August 21, 2023
“Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.” - Orison Sweet Maiden
This Day in History:
“Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.” - Orison Sweet Maiden
This Day in History:
- 1858 – The first of the Lincoln–Douglas debates is held in Ottawa, Illinois.
- 1883 – An F5 tornado strikes Rochester, Minnesota, leading to the creation of the Mayo Clinic.
- 1888 – The first successful adding machine in the United States is patented by William Seward Burroughs.
- 1911 – The Mona Lisa is stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, a Louvre employee.
- 1959 – United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs an executive order proclaiming Hawaii the 50th state of the union. Hawaii's admission is currently commemorated by Hawaii Admission Day.
- 1993 – NASA loses contact with the Mars Observer spacecraft.
- 2000 – American golfer Tiger Woods wins the 82nd PGA Championship and becomes the first golfer since Ben Hogan in 1953 to win three majors in a calendar year.
- 2017 – A solar eclipse traverses the continental United States.
August 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due today. If you haven't already paid your bill yet, please either drop your payment off in the front mail slot at Compton Accounting or pay online using the following link: www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. There is a 10% penalty which gets applied to the unpaid balance if you do not pay your bill on time. You can avoid these extra charges by making sure you bill is paid today. Thank you for paying your bills on time.
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” - Johann Sebastian Bach
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due today. If you haven't already paid your bill yet, please either drop your payment off in the front mail slot at Compton Accounting or pay online using the following link: www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. There is a 10% penalty which gets applied to the unpaid balance if you do not pay your bill on time. You can avoid these extra charges by making sure you bill is paid today. Thank you for paying your bills on time.
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” - Johann Sebastian Bach
This Day in History:
- 1794 – Northwest Indian War: United States troops force a confederacy of Shawnee, Mingo, Delaware, Wyandot, Miami, Ottawa, Chippewa, and Potawatomi warriors into a disorganized retreat at the Battle of Fallen Timbers.
- 1858 – Charles Darwin first publishes his theory of evolution through natural selection in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London, alongside Alfred Russel Wallace's same theory.
- 1866 – President Andrew Johnson formally declares the American Civil War over.
- 1920 – The first commercial radio station, 8MK (now WWJ), begins operations in Detroit.
- 1920 – The National Football League is organized as the American Professional Football Conference in Canton, Ohio
- 2020 – Joe Biden gives his acceptance speech virtually for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
August 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Water bills are due tomorrow. Since Compton Accounting is closed on the weekends, please either place your payment in a provided envelope on the front door at Compton's and insert it in the mail slot, or make your payment online using the following link www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you.
“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” - Mary Anne Radmacher
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Water bills are due tomorrow. Since Compton Accounting is closed on the weekends, please either place your payment in a provided envelope on the front door at Compton's and insert it in the mail slot, or make your payment online using the following link www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you.
“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” - Mary Anne Radmacher
This Day in History:
- 1692 – Salem witch trials: In Salem, Province of Massachusetts Bay, five people, one woman and four men, including a clergyman, are executed after being convicted of witchcraft.
- 1782 – American Revolutionary War: Battle of Blue Licks: The last major engagement of the war, almost ten months after the surrender of the British commander Charles Cornwallis following the Siege of Yorktown.
- 1848 – California Gold Rush: The New York Herald breaks the news to the East Coast of the United States of the gold rush in California (although the rush started in January).
- 1909 – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens for automobile racing. William Bourque and his mechanic are killed during the first day's events.
- 2004 – Google Inc. has its initial public offering on Nasdaq.
- 2005 – The first-ever joint military exercise between Russia and China, called Peace Mission 2005 begins.
August 18, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that water bills are due this Sunday on the 20th. Since Compton Accounting is not open on the weekends, please make every effort to have your bill paid by the end of business today at 4 pm if you need in person payment assistance. If you do not need in person payment assistance, you may simply drop off your payment in the front mail drop off slot or pay online by clicking the following link. Thank you for paying your bill on time. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.” - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that water bills are due this Sunday on the 20th. Since Compton Accounting is not open on the weekends, please make every effort to have your bill paid by the end of business today at 4 pm if you need in person payment assistance. If you do not need in person payment assistance, you may simply drop off your payment in the front mail drop off slot or pay online by clicking the following link. Thank you for paying your bill on time. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.” - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
- 1864 – American Civil War: Battle of Globe Tavern: Union forces try to cut a vital Confederate supply-line into Petersburg, Virginia, by attacking the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad.
- 1938 – The Thousand Islands Bridge, connecting New York, United States, with Ontario, Canada, over the Saint Lawrence River, is dedicated by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- 1940 – World War II: The Hardest Day air battle, part of the Battle of Britain, takes place. At that point, it is the largest aerial engagement in history with heavy losses sustained on both sides.
- 2005 – A massive power blackout hits the Indonesian island of Java; affecting almost 100 million people, it is one of the largest and most widespread power outages in history.
August 17, 2023
Attention Seniors:
This morning from 9:30 am until 10:30 am is exercise day at The Grove Community Church. Come out, meet new people, and stretch those muscles. It's important to stay in good health. They would love to have you join them.
“Hearts are the strongest when they beat in response to noble ideals.” - Ralph Bunche
This Day in History:
Attention Seniors:
This morning from 9:30 am until 10:30 am is exercise day at The Grove Community Church. Come out, meet new people, and stretch those muscles. It's important to stay in good health. They would love to have you join them.
“Hearts are the strongest when they beat in response to noble ideals.” - Ralph Bunche
This Day in History:
- 1807 – Robert Fulton's North River Steamboat leaves New York City for Albany, New York, on the Hudson River, inaugurating the first commercial steamboat service in the world.
- 1998 – Lewinsky scandal: US President Bill Clinton admits in taped testimony that he had an "improper physical relationship" with White House intern Monica Lewinsky; later that same day he admits before the nation that he "misled people" about the relationship.
- 2008 – American swimmer Michael Phelps becomes the first person to win eight gold medals at one Olympic Games.
August 16, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
This is just a reminder that water bills are due on Sunday, August 20th. Since the due date is on a Sunday this month, and the fact that Compton Accounting is closed on the weekends; please try and make ever effort to make your in-person transactions with them this week before their closing time of 4 pm on Friday. For your convenience the Village accepts ca$h, debit or credit cards, or your good check for payment. Either drop off your payment inside and place your payment in the basket, or after hours drop off your payment in the mail drop box in the front door, or you may also pay online by clicking on the following link.... www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” - Anthony Robbins
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
This is just a reminder that water bills are due on Sunday, August 20th. Since the due date is on a Sunday this month, and the fact that Compton Accounting is closed on the weekends; please try and make ever effort to make your in-person transactions with them this week before their closing time of 4 pm on Friday. For your convenience the Village accepts ca$h, debit or credit cards, or your good check for payment. Either drop off your payment inside and place your payment in the basket, or after hours drop off your payment in the mail drop box in the front door, or you may also pay online by clicking on the following link.... www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” - Anthony Robbins
This Day in History:
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: The Americans led by General John Stark rout British and Brunswick troops under Friedrich Baum at the Battle of Bennington in Walloomsac, New York.
- 1858 – U.S. President James Buchanan inaugurates the new transatlantic telegraph cable by exchanging greetings with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. However, a weak signal forces a shutdown of the service in a few weeks.
- 1954 – The first issue of Sports Illustrated is published.
- 2008 – The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago is topped off at 1,389 feet (423 m), at the time becoming the world's highest residence above ground-level.
August 15, 2023
Attention Area Parents:
As you know, today started a new school year. In order to be informed on what is going on with the ROWVA School District, be sure to bookmark their website and stay involved in your child's education. An informed parent is an educated parent. Enjoy the school year. www.rowva.k12.il.us/
“A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes
This Day in History:
Attention Area Parents:
As you know, today started a new school year. In order to be informed on what is going on with the ROWVA School District, be sure to bookmark their website and stay involved in your child's education. An informed parent is an educated parent. Enjoy the school year. www.rowva.k12.il.us/
“A moment’s insight is sometimes worth a life’s experience.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes
This Day in History:
- 1843 – The Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu, Hawaii is dedicated. Now the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, it is the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States.
- 1914 – The Panama Canal opens to traffic with the transit of the cargo ship SS Ancon.
- 2013 – At least 27 people are killed and 226 injured in an explosion in southern Beirut near a complex used by Lebanon's militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. A previously unknown Syrian Sunni group claims responsibility in an online video.
- 2013 – The Smithsonian announces the discovery of the olinguito, the first new carnivorous species found in the Americas in 35 years.
August 14, 2023
Attention School-aged Children:
The excitement begins tomorrow, another beginning of yet another school year. Be sure to go to bed early tonight in order to get a good night's sleep to start the school year off right. Good luck tomorrow and may you have a wonderful school year filled with knowledge, joy, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
“Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
This Day in History:
Attention School-aged Children:
The excitement begins tomorrow, another beginning of yet another school year. Be sure to go to bed early tonight in order to get a good night's sleep to start the school year off right. Good luck tomorrow and may you have a wonderful school year filled with knowledge, joy, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
“Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
This Day in History:
- 1784 – Russian colonization of North America: Awa’uq Massacre: The Russian fur trader Grigory Shelikhov storms a Kodiak Island Alutiit refuge rock on Sitkalidak Island, killing 500+ Alutiit. The consequent subjugation of the Alutiiq on Kodiak Island allows Shelikhov to establish the first permanent Russian settlement in Alaska at Three Saints Bay.
- 1885 – Japan's first patent is issued to the inventor of a rust-proof paint.
- 1893 – France becomes the first country to introduce motor vehicle registration.
- 1920 – The 1920 Summer Olympics, having started four months earlier, officially open in Antwerp, Belgium, with the newly-adopted Olympic flag and the Olympic oath being raised and taken at the Opening Ceremony for the first time in Olympic history.
- 1935 – Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act, creating a government pension system for the retired.
August 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustee's; i'd like to thank everyone who had attended the 7th Annual Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance Service Trap Shoot Fundraiser. 76 shooters had registered for the event and it was well attended. Thank you for you continued support of those who support us during our time of need. If you are interested in becoming an EMT or First Responder and helping out your community; contact AOW Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468, or Altona Fire Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064. Like the Marines, they could use a few good people.
Derrick R. Appell
Village President
Village of Altona
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustee's; i'd like to thank everyone who had attended the 7th Annual Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance Service Trap Shoot Fundraiser. 76 shooters had registered for the event and it was well attended. Thank you for you continued support of those who support us during our time of need. If you are interested in becoming an EMT or First Responder and helping out your community; contact AOW Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468, or Altona Fire Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064. Like the Marines, they could use a few good people.
Derrick R. Appell
Village President
Village of Altona
August 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance Service's 7th Annual Trap Shoot Fundraiser. It is held north of Galesburg at 245 Moshier Hill Rd. Watch for the signs. There will be many silent auction items to bid on, food for purchase provided by HennHouseBBQ, and plenty of action to see during this tournament. So plan on coming out and support our local ambulance service. Proceeds will go to purchase needed items for the ambulance service. Registration to shoot begins at 10 am, warmups at 11 am, and the competition will start at 12 noon. Call 309-371-8065 with any questions that you may have. Thank you for your support.
Attention Area Residents:
Today is the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance Service's 7th Annual Trap Shoot Fundraiser. It is held north of Galesburg at 245 Moshier Hill Rd. Watch for the signs. There will be many silent auction items to bid on, food for purchase provided by HennHouseBBQ, and plenty of action to see during this tournament. So plan on coming out and support our local ambulance service. Proceeds will go to purchase needed items for the ambulance service. Registration to shoot begins at 10 am, warmups at 11 am, and the competition will start at 12 noon. Call 309-371-8065 with any questions that you may have. Thank you for your support.
August 13, 2023
Attention School-aged Children:
Final reminder, don't forget to bring your school backpacks with you to church today. The Immanuel Lutheran Church will be having a "Blessing of the Backpacks" today during their 10:15 am worship service. See the flyer for details.
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” - Psalm 103:6
This Day in History:
Attention School-aged Children:
Final reminder, don't forget to bring your school backpacks with you to church today. The Immanuel Lutheran Church will be having a "Blessing of the Backpacks" today during their 10:15 am worship service. See the flyer for details.
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” - Psalm 103:6
This Day in History:
- 1779 – American Revolutionary War: The Royal Navy defeats the Penobscot Expedition with the most significant loss of United States naval forces prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- 1898 – Carl Gustav Witt discovers 433 Eros, the first near-Earth asteroid to be found.
- 1900 – The steamer Deutschland of Hamburg America Lines set a new record for the eastward passage when it docked on Plymouth, England, five days, 11 hours and 45 minutes after sailing from New York, breaking by three hours, six minutes its previous mark in its maiden voyage in July.
- 2015 – At least 76 people are killed and 212 others are wounded in a truck bombing in Baghdad, Iraq.
August 12, 2023
Attention Shooters:
There still may be time to sign up your teams for tomorrow's 7th Annual AOW Trap Shoot Fundraiser. Whether you wish to shoot or not, there will be silent auctions, food and plenty of action to watch. Registration begins at 10 am, warmups start at 11 am, and the exploding event starts at high noon. Call 309-371-8065 for complete details. Thank you for supporting our local heroes that come to our aid during our time of need.
Attention Shooters:
There still may be time to sign up your teams for tomorrow's 7th Annual AOW Trap Shoot Fundraiser. Whether you wish to shoot or not, there will be silent auctions, food and plenty of action to watch. Registration begins at 10 am, warmups start at 11 am, and the exploding event starts at high noon. Call 309-371-8065 for complete details. Thank you for supporting our local heroes that come to our aid during our time of need.
August 12, 2023
Attention School Children:
This is just a reminder that Tuesday, August 15th will be your first day of school. Tomorrow morning during the 10:15 am worship service at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altona; they will be "Blessing the Backpacks". You are encouraged to bring your backpacks to church with you and get a blessing for the upcoming school year. Please see the flyer for details. Have a wonderful and safe school year.
“Everything is possible.” - Elie Wiesel
This Day in History:
Attention School Children:
This is just a reminder that Tuesday, August 15th will be your first day of school. Tomorrow morning during the 10:15 am worship service at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altona; they will be "Blessing the Backpacks". You are encouraged to bring your backpacks to church with you and get a blessing for the upcoming school year. Please see the flyer for details. Have a wonderful and safe school year.
“Everything is possible.” - Elie Wiesel
This Day in History:
- 1492 – Christopher Columbus arrives in the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the New World.
- 1851 – Isaac Singer is granted a patent for his sewing machine.
- 1898 – The Hawaiian flag is lowered from ʻIolani Palace in an elaborate annexation ceremony and replaced with the flag of the United States to signify the transfer of sovereignty from the Republic of Hawaii to the United States.
- 1981 – The IBM Personal Computer is released.
- 1994 – Major League Baseball players go on strike, eventually forcing the cancellation of the 1994 World Series.
August 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Are you a gun enthusiasts? Are you a 2nd Amendment supporter? Or do you just simply like to support local organizations? Well Sunday, August 13th will be the 7th Annual AOW Ambulance Service Trap Shoot Fundraiser. Registration begins at 10am, warmups @ 11am, and the competition itself starts at 12 noon (note the times are earlier this year as in the past). Watch for the signs north of Galesburg as you head to 245 Moshier Hill Rd. Hennhouse BBQ will there providing the food that you can purchase. There will be plenty of silent auction items that you can bid on as well. For complete information or questions on how you can compete, call 309-371-8065. Come out and support our local heroes.
Attention Area Residents:
Are you a gun enthusiasts? Are you a 2nd Amendment supporter? Or do you just simply like to support local organizations? Well Sunday, August 13th will be the 7th Annual AOW Ambulance Service Trap Shoot Fundraiser. Registration begins at 10am, warmups @ 11am, and the competition itself starts at 12 noon (note the times are earlier this year as in the past). Watch for the signs north of Galesburg as you head to 245 Moshier Hill Rd. Hennhouse BBQ will there providing the food that you can purchase. There will be plenty of silent auction items that you can bid on as well. For complete information or questions on how you can compete, call 309-371-8065. Come out and support our local heroes.
August 11, 2023
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for our area until 7 am. WQAD-TV News Channel 8 is reporting the possibility of tornado winds in the area as well. Please click on the following link to view the warning and tune to WQAD -TV for complete details. Be safe.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2579380&areaId=knox
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for our area until 7 am. WQAD-TV News Channel 8 is reporting the possibility of tornado winds in the area as well. Please click on the following link to view the warning and tune to WQAD -TV for complete details. Be safe.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2579380&areaId=knox
August 11, 2023
“Doesn’t matter what a person’s name is as long as he behaves himself.” - L.M. Montgomery
This Day in History:
“Doesn’t matter what a person’s name is as long as he behaves himself.” - L.M. Montgomery
This Day in History:
- 1929 – Babe Ruth becomes the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his career with a home run at League Park in Cleveland, Ohio.
- 1934 – The first civilian prisoners arrive at the Federal prison on Alcatraz Island.
- 1942 – Actress Hedy Lamarr and composer George Antheil receive a patent for a Frequency-hopping spread spectrum communication system that later became the basis for modern technologies in wireless telephones, two-way radio communications, and Wi-Fi.
August 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Do you like being an informed voter? Do you like to speak with or "interview" the candidates to get a better feel to see if their views on the issues matches your beliefs? Well if so, tonight at the Knox County Fairgrounds, the Knox County Republican Central Committee will be hosting an Ice Cream Social Fundraiser. Candidates from various offices will be available to meet you and answer your questions. There will be ice cream, cookies, cakes, hot dogs and nachos available for purchase, as well as raffle tickets for a Yeti Tundra Haul 45 cooler. The event is from 5 pm - 7 pm. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“You must train your intuition - you must trust the small voice inside you which tells you exactly what to say, what to decide.” - Ingrid Bergman
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Do you like being an informed voter? Do you like to speak with or "interview" the candidates to get a better feel to see if their views on the issues matches your beliefs? Well if so, tonight at the Knox County Fairgrounds, the Knox County Republican Central Committee will be hosting an Ice Cream Social Fundraiser. Candidates from various offices will be available to meet you and answer your questions. There will be ice cream, cookies, cakes, hot dogs and nachos available for purchase, as well as raffle tickets for a Yeti Tundra Haul 45 cooler. The event is from 5 pm - 7 pm. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“You must train your intuition - you must trust the small voice inside you which tells you exactly what to say, what to decide.” - Ingrid Bergman
This Day in History:
- 1861 – American Civil War: Battle of Wilson's Creek: A mixed force of Confederate, Missouri State Guard, and Arkansas State troops defeat outnumbered attacking Union forces in the southwestern part of the state.
- 1971 – The Society for American Baseball Research is founded in Cooperstown, New York.
- 2020 – Derecho in Iowa becomes the most costly thunderstorm disaster in U.S. history
August 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a friendly reminder of some events that are happening tomorrow...
Senior's Exercise at The Grove Community Church from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.
Neighborhood Cafe at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church. Come hungry.
Knox County Republican Central Committee will be having an Ice Social at the Knox County Fairgrounds from 5pm - 7pm. Bring a lawn chair, eat some ice cream, meet the candidates and listen to their positions on the topics to become an informed voter. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Who you are speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a friendly reminder of some events that are happening tomorrow...
Senior's Exercise at The Grove Community Church from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.
Neighborhood Cafe at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church. Come hungry.
Knox County Republican Central Committee will be having an Ice Social at the Knox County Fairgrounds from 5pm - 7pm. Bring a lawn chair, eat some ice cream, meet the candidates and listen to their positions on the topics to become an informed voter. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Who you are speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1173 – Construction of the campanile of the Cathedral of Pisa (now known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa) begins; it will take two centuries to complete.
- 1854 – American Transcendentalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau publishes his memoir Walden.
- 1907 – The first Boy Scout encampment concludes at Brownsea Island in southern England.
- 2012 – Shannon Eastin becomes the first woman to officiate an NFL game.
August 8, 2023
Attention Seniors:
Senior's exercise class is today from 9:30 - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. They would love to have you come join them. Come for a stretch and meet new people.
“What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.” - C.S. Lewis
This Day in History:
Attention Seniors:
Senior's exercise class is today from 9:30 - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. They would love to have you come join them. Come for a stretch and meet new people.
“What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.” - C.S. Lewis
This Day in History:
- 1794 – Joseph Whidbey leads an expedition to search for the Northwest Passage near Juneau, Alaska.
- 1863 – American Civil War: Following his defeat in the Battle of Gettysburg, General Robert E. Lee sends a letter of resignation to Confederate President Jefferson Davis (which is refused upon receipt).
- 1988 – The first night baseball game in the history of Chicago's Wrigley Field (game was rained out in the fourth inning).
- 2000 – Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley is raised to the surface after 136 years on the ocean floor and 30 years after its discovery by undersea explorer E. Lee Spence.
August 7, 2023
“The world owes you nothing because the universe has already given you everything.” - Matshona Dhliwayo
This Day in History:
“The world owes you nothing because the universe has already given you everything.” - Matshona Dhliwayo
This Day in History:
- 1782 – George Washington orders the creation of the Badge of Military Merit to honor soldiers wounded in battle. It is later renamed to the more poetic Purple Heart.
- 1890 – Anna Månsdotter, found guilty of the 1889 Yngsjö murder, became the last woman to be executed in Sweden.
- 2007 – At AT&T Park, Barry Bonds hits his 756th career home run to surpass Hank Aaron's 33-year-old record.
August 6, 2023
Attention School Aged Students:
Don't forget that next Sunday, August 13th at the Immanuel Lutheran Church during their 10:15 am worship service; they will be blessing your backpacks as you return to school on Tuesday, August 15th. So as you attend church, don't forget to bring your back packs with you to church for a back to school blessing. See flyer for details.
“Praying that all is well with you.” - III John 1:2
This Day in History:
Attention School Aged Students:
Don't forget that next Sunday, August 13th at the Immanuel Lutheran Church during their 10:15 am worship service; they will be blessing your backpacks as you return to school on Tuesday, August 15th. So as you attend church, don't forget to bring your back packs with you to church for a back to school blessing. See flyer for details.
“Praying that all is well with you.” - III John 1:2
This Day in History:
- 1787 – Sixty proof sheets of the Constitution of the United States are delivered to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- 1890 – At Auburn Prison in New York, murderer William Kemmler becomes the first person to be executed by electric chair.
- 1945 – World War II: Hiroshima, Japan is devastated when the atomic bomb "Little Boy" is dropped by the United States B-29 Enola Gay. Around 70,000 people are killed instantly, and some tens of thousands die in subsequent years from burns and radiation poisoning.
- 2012 – NASA's Curiosity rover lands on the surface of Mars.
August 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Do you like a good old fashion Ice Cream Social? Well then you are in luck. Mark your calendars, because on Thursday, August 10th from 5pm - 7 pm at the Knox County Fairgrounds, the Knox County Republican Central Committee will be having an ice cream social fundraiser. Ice cream / cake is $5.00. Add Hot Dog / Nacho for a $10 donation. Take outs will be available. There will be a raffle for a Yeti Tundra Haul 45 cooler. Those tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. If you would like to purchase raffle tickets ahead of the social, please contact Fred McGunnigal at 309-509-2213 and he will make arrangements with you. The Republican candidates will be at the social for you to meet, get to know and to ask them questions about their positions of the issues in order for you to become an informed voter. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you in advance and they hope to see you there.
“The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.” - John F. Kennedy
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Do you like a good old fashion Ice Cream Social? Well then you are in luck. Mark your calendars, because on Thursday, August 10th from 5pm - 7 pm at the Knox County Fairgrounds, the Knox County Republican Central Committee will be having an ice cream social fundraiser. Ice cream / cake is $5.00. Add Hot Dog / Nacho for a $10 donation. Take outs will be available. There will be a raffle for a Yeti Tundra Haul 45 cooler. Those tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. If you would like to purchase raffle tickets ahead of the social, please contact Fred McGunnigal at 309-509-2213 and he will make arrangements with you. The Republican candidates will be at the social for you to meet, get to know and to ask them questions about their positions of the issues in order for you to become an informed voter. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you in advance and they hope to see you there.
“The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.” - John F. Kennedy
This Day in History:
- 1620 – The Mayflower departs from Southampton, England, carrying would-be settlers, on its first attempt to reach North America; it is forced to dock in Dartmouth when its companion ship, the Speedwell, springs a leak.
- 1735 – Freedom of the press: New York Weekly Journal writer John Peter Zenger is acquitted of seditious libel against the royal governor of New York, on the basis that what he had published was true.
- 1861 – American Civil War: In order to help pay for the war effort, the United States government levies the first income tax as part of the Revenue Act of 1861 (3% of all incomes over US$800; rescinded in 1872).
- 1957 – American Bandstand, a show dedicated to the teenage "baby-boomers" by playing the songs and showing popular dances of the time, debuts on the ABC television network.
- 2015 – The Environmental Protection Agency at Gold King Mine waste water spill releases three million gallons of heavy metal toxin tailings and waste water into the Animas River in Colorado.
August 4, 2023
Attention Walnut Grove Retirees:
Today at The Grove Community Church at 12 noon; the Seniors group will be celebrating all of the August birthdays. Come out today and wish everyone a Happy Birthday!
“Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.” - Storm Jameson
This Day in History: If today is your birthday - Have a very Happy Birthday!
Attention Walnut Grove Retirees:
Today at The Grove Community Church at 12 noon; the Seniors group will be celebrating all of the August birthdays. Come out today and wish everyone a Happy Birthday!
“Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.” - Storm Jameson
This Day in History: If today is your birthday - Have a very Happy Birthday!
- 1693 – Date traditionally ascribed to Dom Perignon's invention of champagne; it is not clear whether he actually invented champagne, however he has been credited as an innovator who developed the techniques used to perfect sparkling wine.
- 1790 – A newly passed tariff act creates the Revenue Cutter Service (the forerunner of the United States Coast Guard).
- 1873 – American Indian Wars: While protecting a railroad survey party in Montana, the United States 7th Cavalry, under Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer clashes for the first time with the Cheyenne and Lakota people near the Tongue River; only one man on each side is killed.
- 1944 – The Holocaust: A tip from a Dutch informer leads the Gestapo to a sealed-off area in an Amsterdam warehouse, where they find and arrest Jewish diarist Anne Frank, her family, and four others.
- 1977 – U.S. President Jimmy Carter signs legislation creating the United States Department of Energy.
- 1987 – The Federal Communications Commission rescinds the Fairness Doctrine which had required radio and television stations to present controversial issues "fairly".
- 2020 – At least 220 people are killed and over 5,000 are wounded when 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate explodes in Beirut, Lebanon.
August 3, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that the Altona Fire Department will be doing an annual testing of their fire hoses this morning from 7:30 am to about 12 noon. Park Street in front of the station will be closed during this time frame to allow them to do their testing. Please find an alternate route during your travels. The street will be opened back up after they are done. For those residents living in that area of town, your water may get a little bit of sediment or water pressures may be different. This is normal during fire hydrant usage. Things will return to normal after they get finished, just give it a little bit of time. Thank you for your patience and understanding while the fire department does their annual tests on equipment to make sure that it is in reliable and working condition in order to put the fire out at your house. Pray that never happens.
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that the Altona Fire Department will be doing an annual testing of their fire hoses this morning from 7:30 am to about 12 noon. Park Street in front of the station will be closed during this time frame to allow them to do their testing. Please find an alternate route during your travels. The street will be opened back up after they are done. For those residents living in that area of town, your water may get a little bit of sediment or water pressures may be different. This is normal during fire hydrant usage. Things will return to normal after they get finished, just give it a little bit of time. Thank you for your patience and understanding while the fire department does their annual tests on equipment to make sure that it is in reliable and working condition in order to put the fire out at your house. Pray that never happens.
August 3, 2023
Attention Parents:
Final reminder that today at the Knox County Health Department from 10 am - 6 pm., they are administering back to school immunizations. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” - Willa Cather
This Day in History:
Attention Parents:
Final reminder that today at the Knox County Health Department from 10 am - 6 pm., they are administering back to school immunizations. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” - Willa Cather
This Day in History:
- 1795 – Treaty of Greenville is signed, ending the Northwest Indian War in the Ohio Country.
- 1829 – The Treaty of Lewistown is signed by the Shawnee and Seneca peoples, exchanging land in Ohio for land west of the Mississippi River.
- 1852 – Harvard University wins the first Boat Race between Yale University and Harvard. The race is also known as the first ever American intercollegiate athletic event.
- 1859 – The American Dental Association is founded in Niagara Falls, New York.
- 1900 – The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is founded.
- 2004 – The pedestal of the Statue of Liberty reopens after being closed since the September 11 attacks.
August 2, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Tomorrow morning from 7:30 am to about 12 noon, the 100 block of Park Street in front of the fire station will be closed off to traffic in order for the fire department to do some required annual testing of their fire hoses per NFPA. This will be an annual event from here on out. Please make other driving routes. The street will be opened back up when the testing is done. They will be using the fire hydrant located on the E. Main & Park Sts. For those residents in that area, you may experience some irregularities with your water. This is normal with this type of usage out of a hydrant and it will settle back to normal eventually, so please be patient. Thank you.
Attention Village Residents:
Tomorrow morning from 7:30 am to about 12 noon, the 100 block of Park Street in front of the fire station will be closed off to traffic in order for the fire department to do some required annual testing of their fire hoses per NFPA. This will be an annual event from here on out. Please make other driving routes. The street will be opened back up when the testing is done. They will be using the fire hydrant located on the E. Main & Park Sts. For those residents in that area, you may experience some irregularities with your water. This is normal with this type of usage out of a hydrant and it will settle back to normal eventually, so please be patient. Thank you.
August 2, 2023
Attention School Aged Parents:
Just another reminder that if your children need their back to school immunizations, the Knox County Health Department will be administering them tomorrow from 10 am - 6pm. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it.” - Rene’ Descartes
This Day in History:
Attention School Aged Parents:
Just another reminder that if your children need their back to school immunizations, the Knox County Health Department will be administering them tomorrow from 10 am - 6pm. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it.” - Rene’ Descartes
This Day in History:
- 1776 – The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence took place.
- 1790 – The first United States Census is conducted.
- 1870 – Tower Subway, the world's first underground tube railway, opens in London, England, United Kingdom.
- 1923 – Vice President Calvin Coolidge becomes U.S. President upon the death of President Warren G. Harding.
- 2005 – Air France Flight 358 lands at Toronto Pearson International Airport and runs off the runway, causing the plane to burst into flames leaving 12 injuries and no fatalities.
August 1, 2023
Attention Seniors,
Just a reminder that Senior's Exercise is this morning from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. Come out and meet new friends and limber up those muscles and joints.
On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank all of the various individuals, businesses, churches, and community organizations who had donated funds to go towards the Project Back To School Altona. Your donations helped 39 children with the supplies they need to help with your education.
“Patience and fortitude conquer all things.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Seniors,
Just a reminder that Senior's Exercise is this morning from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church. Come out and meet new friends and limber up those muscles and joints.
On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank all of the various individuals, businesses, churches, and community organizations who had donated funds to go towards the Project Back To School Altona. Your donations helped 39 children with the supplies they need to help with your education.
“Patience and fortitude conquer all things.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1876 – Colorado is admitted as the 38th U.S. state.
- 1950 – Guam is organized as an unincorporated territory of the United States as the President Harry S. Truman signs the Guam Organic Act.
- 2007 – The I-35W Mississippi River bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapses during the evening rush hour, killing 13 people and injuring 145.
July 31, 2023
Attention Area Residents,
Just a couple of reminders of things that are taking place this week that may be of interest to you.
Seniors Exercise Class at The Grove Community Church Tuesday's & Thursday's from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to meet new friends and to give those muscles a stretch.
Parents: Thursday, August 3rd from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., the Knox County Health Department will be giving Back To School Immunizations. See the flyer for complete details.
“I have learned that to be with those I like is enough,” - Walt Whitman
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents,
Just a couple of reminders of things that are taking place this week that may be of interest to you.
Seniors Exercise Class at The Grove Community Church Tuesday's & Thursday's from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to meet new friends and to give those muscles a stretch.
Parents: Thursday, August 3rd from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., the Knox County Health Department will be giving Back To School Immunizations. See the flyer for complete details.
“I have learned that to be with those I like is enough,” - Walt Whitman
This Day in History:
- 1790 – The first U.S. patent is issued, to inventor Samuel Hopkins for a potash process.
- 1874 – Patrick Francis Healy became the first African-American inaugurated as president of a predominantly white university, Georgetown University.
- 1964 – Ranger program: Ranger 7 sends back the first close-up photographs of the moon, with images 1,000 times clearer than anything ever seen from earth-bound telescopes.
- 1971 – Apollo program: the Apollo 15 astronauts become the first to ride in a lunar rover.
- 1999 – Discovery Program: Lunar Prospector: NASA intentionally crashes the spacecraft into the Moon, thus ending its mission to detect frozen water on the Moon's surface.
- 2012 – Michael Phelps breaks the record set in 1964 by Larisa Latynina for the most medals won at the Olympics.
-
July 30, 2023
Attention Area Students:
Mark your calendars to attend church at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 13th at 10:15 am, as during the serve they will be Blessing your backpacks to head off to school. So bring your backpacks with you to church. See the flyer for complete details.
"Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" – Psalm 80:3
This Day in History:
Attention Area Students:
Mark your calendars to attend church at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 13th at 10:15 am, as during the serve they will be Blessing your backpacks to head off to school. So bring your backpacks with you to church. See the flyer for complete details.
"Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" – Psalm 80:3
This Day in History:
- 1729 – Founding of Baltimore, Maryland.
- 1859 – First ascent of Grand Combin, one of the highest summits in the Alps.
- 1956 – A joint resolution of the U.S. Congress is signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, authorizing In God We Trust as the U.S. national motto.
- 1965 – U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Social Security Act of 1965 into law, establishing Medicare and Medicaid.
- 2003 – In Mexico, the last 'old style' Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the assembly line.
July 29, 2023
Attention Parents of Altona Grade Schoolers:
A final reminder that this morning is the last day to pick up school supplies for your children. Today from 9:00 am until 11:30 am at the Ransom Memorial Public Library, you may bring your Pre-K thru 6th Grade child to the library to pick up your needed classroom specific supplies. Please read the flyer for complete details. This program is made possible due to the generosity of individuals, businesses, civic organizations and the churches of our community. THANK YOU to each of you who have made this possible.
“Do all things with love.” - Og Mandino
This Day in History:
Attention Parents of Altona Grade Schoolers:
A final reminder that this morning is the last day to pick up school supplies for your children. Today from 9:00 am until 11:30 am at the Ransom Memorial Public Library, you may bring your Pre-K thru 6th Grade child to the library to pick up your needed classroom specific supplies. Please read the flyer for complete details. This program is made possible due to the generosity of individuals, businesses, civic organizations and the churches of our community. THANK YOU to each of you who have made this possible.
“Do all things with love.” - Og Mandino
This Day in History:
- 1775 – Founding of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps: General George Washington appoints William Tudor as Judge Advocate of the Continental Army.
- 1871 – The Connecticut Valley Railroad opens between Old Saybrook, Connecticut and Hartford, Connecticut in the United States.
- 1907 – Sir Robert Baden-Powell sets up the Brownsea Island Scout camp in Poole Harbour on the south coast of England. The camp runs from August 1 to August 9 and is regarded as the foundation of the Scouting movement.
- 2005 – Astronomers announce their discovery of the dwarf planet Eris.
July 28, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for our area until 9 pm tonight. Please stay indoors and in the air conditioning at all possible as heat index values will be over 110 degrees. Please check on your friends, neighbors, and especially the elderly. If you must work outdoors, try and limit the work in the morning. For complete details of this Excessive Heat Warning, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2568296&areaId=knox
For information about how to stay hydrated and to learn the differences between Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke and how to prevent any of these Heat illnesses, please read the following flyer. Let's all try and stay cool and safe. Be sure to bring your pets indoors with you as they don't like this heat either.
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for our area until 9 pm tonight. Please stay indoors and in the air conditioning at all possible as heat index values will be over 110 degrees. Please check on your friends, neighbors, and especially the elderly. If you must work outdoors, try and limit the work in the morning. For complete details of this Excessive Heat Warning, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2568296&areaId=knox
For information about how to stay hydrated and to learn the differences between Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke and how to prevent any of these Heat illnesses, please read the following flyer. Let's all try and stay cool and safe. Be sure to bring your pets indoors with you as they don't like this heat either.
July 28, 2023
Attention Altona Grade School Parents:
Are you struggling to find the money to send your children back to school? The Project Back To School Altona program may be able to help. If your child is from the ages of Pre-K thru 6th grade and are in need of school supplies, please bring your child to the Ransom Memorial Public Library this evening from 5 pm - 7 pm; or Saturday morning from 9 am - 11:30 am to pick up your list of supplies. Back packs available if they need one. Please see the flyer for complete details. A special THANK YOU to all of the individuals, businesses, community organizations and churches of Altona that donate to make this program possible.
"What sunshine is too flowers, smiles are to humanity.” - Joseph Addison
This Day in History:
Attention Altona Grade School Parents:
Are you struggling to find the money to send your children back to school? The Project Back To School Altona program may be able to help. If your child is from the ages of Pre-K thru 6th grade and are in need of school supplies, please bring your child to the Ransom Memorial Public Library this evening from 5 pm - 7 pm; or Saturday morning from 9 am - 11:30 am to pick up your list of supplies. Back packs available if they need one. Please see the flyer for complete details. A special THANK YOU to all of the individuals, businesses, community organizations and churches of Altona that donate to make this program possible.
"What sunshine is too flowers, smiles are to humanity.” - Joseph Addison
This Day in History:
- 1854 – USS Constellation (1854), the last all-sail warship built by the United States Navy and now a museum ship in Baltimore Harbor, is commissioned.
- 1896 – The city of Miami is incorporated.
- 1984 – Olympic Games: Games of the XXIII Olympiad: The summer Olympics were opened in Los Angeles.
- 2001 – Australian Ian Thorpe becomes the first swimmer to win six gold medals at a single World Championship meeting.
- 2002 – Nine coal miners trapped in the flooded Quecreek Mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, are rescued after 77 hours underground.
July 27, 2023
Attention Youth:
Today is the last day of Vacation Bible School. May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe in this coming school year.
Altona kids: Don't forget about the handing out of school supplies beginning tomorrow evening from 5pm - 7 pm at the Ransom Memorial Public Library. Please see the flyer for complete details.
"Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning." - William Arthur Ward
This Day in History:
Attention Youth:
Today is the last day of Vacation Bible School. May the Lord Bless you and keep you safe in this coming school year.
Altona kids: Don't forget about the handing out of school supplies beginning tomorrow evening from 5pm - 7 pm at the Ransom Memorial Public Library. Please see the flyer for complete details.
"Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning." - William Arthur Ward
This Day in History:
- 1663 – The English Parliament passes the second Navigation Act requiring that all goods bound for the American colonies have to be sent in English ships from English ports. After the Acts of Union 1707, Scotland would be included in the Act.
- 1789 – The first U.S. federal government agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, is established (it will be later renamed Department of State).
- 1866 – The first permanent transatlantic telegraph cable is successfully completed, stretching from Valentia Island, Ireland, to Heart's Content, Newfoundland.
- 1921 – Researchers at the University of Toronto, led by biochemist Frederick Banting, prove that the hormone insulin regulates blood sugar.
- 1929 – The Geneva Convention of 1929, dealing with treatment of prisoners-of-war, is signed by 53 nations.
- 1940 – The animated short A Wild Hare is released, introducing the character of Bugs Bunny.
- 2002 – Ukraine airshow disaster: A Sukhoi Su-27 fighter crashes during an air show at Lviv, Ukraine killing 77 and injuring more than 500 others, making it the deadliest air show disaster in history.
- 2005 – After an incident during STS-114, NASA grounds the Space Shuttle, pending an investigation of the continuing problem with the shedding of foam insulation from the external fuel tank.
July 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory beginning at 11 am this morning and lasting until 7 pm Friday. Expect Heat Indexes to reach 110 degrees. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you must be outdoors, but it is best to stay in the shade or in the air conditioning. Please bring your pets inside and do NOT leave pets or children in a car. Check up on your friends, neighbors and the elderly. For complete details about this Heat Advisory, please click on the following link. Let's all be safe out there. Thank you.
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2567143&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory beginning at 11 am this morning and lasting until 7 pm Friday. Expect Heat Indexes to reach 110 degrees. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you must be outdoors, but it is best to stay in the shade or in the air conditioning. Please bring your pets inside and do NOT leave pets or children in a car. Check up on your friends, neighbors and the elderly. For complete details about this Heat Advisory, please click on the following link. Let's all be safe out there. Thank you.
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2567143&areaId=knox
July 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a couple of reminders....
Today is National Speed Awareness Day. Law enforcement from EVERY agency will be out in full force cracking down on speeders. Please save the time and expense of a ticket and SLOW DOWN. Set your cruise control to the speed limit. Let's all be safe out there.
Also have you registered your child for school yet? The website for the R.O.W.V.A. school district is www.rowva.k12.il.us/. Please refer to it for all of your school questions or give them a call.
Attention Area Residents:
Just a couple of reminders....
Today is National Speed Awareness Day. Law enforcement from EVERY agency will be out in full force cracking down on speeders. Please save the time and expense of a ticket and SLOW DOWN. Set your cruise control to the speed limit. Let's all be safe out there.
Also have you registered your child for school yet? The website for the R.O.W.V.A. school district is www.rowva.k12.il.us/. Please refer to it for all of your school questions or give them a call.
July 26, 2023
Attention Area Youth:
Have you signed up for and been attending Vacation Bible School? Read the flyer for complete details. Thank you to all of the volunteers from the Immanuel Lutheran & The Grove Community Church for sponsoring annual event and teaching the teachings of Christ to our youth.
“You cannot change your designation overnight, but you can change direction overnight.” - Jim Rohn
This Day in History:
Attention Area Youth:
Have you signed up for and been attending Vacation Bible School? Read the flyer for complete details. Thank you to all of the volunteers from the Immanuel Lutheran & The Grove Community Church for sponsoring annual event and teaching the teachings of Christ to our youth.
“You cannot change your designation overnight, but you can change direction overnight.” - Jim Rohn
This Day in History:
- 1775 – The office that would later become the United States Post Office Department is established by the Second Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania takes office as Postmaster General.
- 1847 – Liberia declares its independence from the United States. France and the United Kingdom are the first to recognize the new nation.
- 1861 – American Civil War: George B. McClellan assumes command of the Army of the Potomac following a disastrous Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run.
- 1908 – United States Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte issues an order to immediately staff the Office of the Chief Examiner (later renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation).
- 1947 – Cold War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman signs the National Security Act of 1947 into United States law creating the Central Intelligence Agency, United States Department of Defense, United States Air Force, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the United States National Security Council.
- 1990 – The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is signed into law by President George H. W. Bush.
- 2016 – Hillary Clinton becomes the first female nominee for President of the United States by a major political party at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
July 25, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Altona Fire Department has a Facebook page. Please click on the following link, like and follow them to receive all of the updates on things that they are doing.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095186560352&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Also, tomorrow is National Speed Awareness Day. ALL law enforcement from EVERY jurisdiction will be out looking for speeders. Please SLOW DOWN to avoid a ticket. Use your cruise control, and don't forget to pull over to give them room.
Attention Area Residents:
The Altona Fire Department has a Facebook page. Please click on the following link, like and follow them to receive all of the updates on things that they are doing.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095186560352&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Also, tomorrow is National Speed Awareness Day. ALL law enforcement from EVERY jurisdiction will be out looking for speeders. Please SLOW DOWN to avoid a ticket. Use your cruise control, and don't forget to pull over to give them room.
July 25, 2023
Attention Altona Parents and Grade School Students:
The first day of school is August 15th (A Day). Have you started your back to school shopping yet? If your student is between the grades of Pre-K and 6th grade, there is help available for you. Due to the generosity of the churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals from the Village of Altona, there are school supplies available for you in which you can pick up and save you some money during these inflationary times. Please read the flyer for the dates, times as well as all the particulars of this event.
Also, for those whom may be interested; today from 10 am until 6 pm, the Knox County Health Department is providing Back-to-School Immunizations. Please read the flyer for complete details. The Village also has an article posted on our Health & Safety page from the Knox County Health Department in regards to immunizations. Please click on the links if you'd like to read it or any of the numerous other articles about keeping your family healthy and safe. altonaillinois.weebly.com/health--safety.html
“I wish you music to help with the burdens of life, and to help you release your happiness to others.” - Ludwig Van Beethoven
This Day in History:
Attention Altona Parents and Grade School Students:
The first day of school is August 15th (A Day). Have you started your back to school shopping yet? If your student is between the grades of Pre-K and 6th grade, there is help available for you. Due to the generosity of the churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals from the Village of Altona, there are school supplies available for you in which you can pick up and save you some money during these inflationary times. Please read the flyer for the dates, times as well as all the particulars of this event.
Also, for those whom may be interested; today from 10 am until 6 pm, the Knox County Health Department is providing Back-to-School Immunizations. Please read the flyer for complete details. The Village also has an article posted on our Health & Safety page from the Knox County Health Department in regards to immunizations. Please click on the links if you'd like to read it or any of the numerous other articles about keeping your family healthy and safe. altonaillinois.weebly.com/health--safety.html
“I wish you music to help with the burdens of life, and to help you release your happiness to others.” - Ludwig Van Beethoven
This Day in History:
- 1783 – American Revolutionary War: The war's last action, the Siege of Cuddalore, is ended by a preliminary peace agreement.
- 1861 – American Civil War: The United States Congress passes the Crittenden–Johnson Resolution, stating that the war is being fought to preserve the Union and not to end slavery, in the wake of the defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run.
- 1866 – The United States Congress passes legislation authorizing the rank of General of the Army. Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant becomes the first to be promoted to this rank.
- 1994 – Israel and Jordan sign the Washington Declaration, that formally ends the state of war that had existed between the nations since 1948.
- 2010 – WikiLeaks publishes classified documents about the War in Afghanistan, one of the largest leaks in U.S. military history.
July 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Vacation Bible School starts tonight and ends Thursday in Altona. Please see the attached flyer for complete details. Contact either the Immanuel Lutheran Church or The Grove Community Church with any questions or needing help registering your child. You may also click on the QR Code on the flyer.
“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” - Leonardo Da Vinci
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Vacation Bible School starts tonight and ends Thursday in Altona. Please see the attached flyer for complete details. Contact either the Immanuel Lutheran Church or The Grove Community Church with any questions or needing help registering your child. You may also click on the QR Code on the flyer.
“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” - Leonardo Da Vinci
This Day in History:
- 1847 – After 17 months of travel, Brigham Young leads 148 Mormon pioneers into Salt Lake Valley, resulting in the establishment of Salt Lake City.
- 1866 – Reconstruction: Tennessee becomes the first U.S. state to be readmitted to Congress following the American Civil War.
- 1935 – The Dust Bowl heat wave reaches its peak, sending temperatures to 109 °F (43 °C) in Chicago and 104 °F (40 °C) in Milwaukee.
- 2013 – A high-speed train derails in Spain rounding a curve with an 80 km/h (50 mph) speed limit at 190 km/h (120 mph), killing 78 passengers.
July 23, 2023
Attention Parents:
Vacation Bible School starts tomorrow. This is sponsored by the Immanuel Lutheran Church and The Grove Community Churches of Altona. Please sign your children up today during church or click on the QR Code on the attached flyer to register. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” - the things God has prepared for those who love him.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9
This Day in History:
Attention Parents:
Vacation Bible School starts tomorrow. This is sponsored by the Immanuel Lutheran Church and The Grove Community Churches of Altona. Please sign your children up today during church or click on the QR Code on the attached flyer to register. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” - the things God has prepared for those who love him.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9
This Day in History:
- 1829 – In the United States, William Austin Burt patents the typographer, a precursor to the typewriter.
- 1903 – The Ford Motor Company sells its first car.
- 1962 – Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
- 2012 – The Solar storm of 2012 was an unusually large coronal mass ejection that was emitted by the Sun which barely missed the Earth by nine days. If it hit, it would have caused up to US$2.6 trillion in damages to electrical equipment worldwide.
July 22, 2023
Attention Altona Residents:
Has the current economy have you struggling to make ends meet? Are you wondering how you are going to afford to send your kids back to school this fall with the increased cost of school supplies? Well thanks to the generosity of various Altona churches, businesses, organizations and individuals, that burden can be partially lifted. Next week on Friday, July 28th from 5 pm - 7 pm & on Saturday, July 29th from 9 am - 11:30 am at the Ransom Memorial Public Library, your PRE -K through 6th grade child can pick up school supplies from the printed class room lists. Please see the attached flyer for complete details. Thank you to everyone who has donated for this worthwhile program to help out the youth of our community.
“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” - Joseph Campbell
This Day in History:
Attention Altona Residents:
Has the current economy have you struggling to make ends meet? Are you wondering how you are going to afford to send your kids back to school this fall with the increased cost of school supplies? Well thanks to the generosity of various Altona churches, businesses, organizations and individuals, that burden can be partially lifted. Next week on Friday, July 28th from 5 pm - 7 pm & on Saturday, July 29th from 9 am - 11:30 am at the Ransom Memorial Public Library, your PRE -K through 6th grade child can pick up school supplies from the printed class room lists. Please see the attached flyer for complete details. Thank you to everyone who has donated for this worthwhile program to help out the youth of our community.
“Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” - Joseph Campbell
This Day in History:
- 1598 – William Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice, is entered on the Stationers' Register. By decree of Queen Elizabeth, the Stationers' Register licensed printed works, giving the Crown tight control over all published material.
- 1686 – Albany, New York is formally chartered as a municipality by Governor Thomas Dongan.
- 1793 – Alexander Mackenzie reaches the Pacific Ocean becoming the first recorded human to complete a transcontinental crossing of North America.
- 1893 – Katharine Lee Bates writes "America the Beautiful" after admiring the view from the top of Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs, Colorado.
- 1937 – New Deal: The United States Senate votes down President Franklin D. Roosevelt's proposal to add more justices to the Supreme Court of the United States.
- 1942 – The United States government begins compulsory civilian gasoline rationing due to the wartime demands.
- 2019 – Chandrayaan 2, the second lunar exploration mission developed by Indian Space Research Organisation after Chandrayaan 1 is launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in a GSLV Mark III M1. It consists of a lunar orbiter, and also included the Vikram lander, and the Pragyan lunar rover.
July 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that Vacation Bible School starts Monday evening, July 24th. Please contact either the Immanuel Lutheran Church, or The Grove Community Church to sign up, or see the flyer for complete details along with the QR Code.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” - Nelson Mandela
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that Vacation Bible School starts Monday evening, July 24th. Please contact either the Immanuel Lutheran Church, or The Grove Community Church to sign up, or see the flyer for complete details along with the QR Code.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” - Nelson Mandela
This Day in History:
- 1865 – In the market square of Springfield, Missouri, Wild Bill Hickok shoots and kills Davis Tutt in what is regarded as the first western showdown.
- 1873 – At Adair, Iowa, Jesse James and the James–Younger Gang pull off the first successful train robbery in the American Old West.
- 1904 – Louis Rigolly, a Frenchman, becomes the first man to break the 100 mph (161 km/h) barrier on land. He drove a 15-liter Gobron-Brillié in Ostend, Belgium.
- 1925 – Malcolm Campbell becomes the first man to exceed 150 mph (241 km/h) on land. At Pendine Sands in Wales, he drives Sunbeam 350HP built by Sunbeam at a two-way average speed of 150.33 mph (242 km/h).
- 1983 – The world's lowest temperature in an inhabited location is recorded at Vostok Station, Antarctica at −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F).
- 2011 – NASA's Space Shuttle program ends with the landing of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-135 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
July 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Finally reminder that water bills are due by the close of business today at 4:00 pm. Please make every attempt to pay your bill on time to avoid the late fee charges. Why? Because...
"A penny saved is a penny earned." - Benjamin Franklin.
If you can not stop by the office today to pay your bill, consider paying online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment.
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Finally reminder that water bills are due by the close of business today at 4:00 pm. Please make every attempt to pay your bill on time to avoid the late fee charges. Why? Because...
"A penny saved is a penny earned." - Benjamin Franklin.
If you can not stop by the office today to pay your bill, consider paying online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment.
This Day in History:
- 1738 – Canadian explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de La Vérendrye reaches the western shore of Lake Michigan.
- 1807 – Nicéphore Niépce is awarded a patent by Napoleon for the Pyréolophore, the world's first internal combustion engine, after it successfully powered a boat upstream on the river Saône in France.
- 1903 – The Ford Motor Company ships its first automobile.
- 1940 – California opens its first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway.
- 1968 – The first International Special Olympics Summer Games are held at Soldier Field in Chicago, with about 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.
- 2021 – American businessman Jeff Bezos flies to space aboard New Shepard NS-16 operated by his private spaceflight company Blue Origin.
July 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due TOMORROW by the close of business at 4 pm at Compton Accounting. Please drop your payment either in the front door slot (if they are closed today when you get home from work), or place in the Altona basket on the front counter. If you need to electronic payment; the Village accepts cash, debit/credit cards and your good check for payment. You may also pay online by visiting www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you for paying your bill early. It saves you late fees.
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.” - Theodore Roosevelt
This Day in History;
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due TOMORROW by the close of business at 4 pm at Compton Accounting. Please drop your payment either in the front door slot (if they are closed today when you get home from work), or place in the Altona basket on the front counter. If you need to electronic payment; the Village accepts cash, debit/credit cards and your good check for payment. You may also pay online by visiting www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you for paying your bill early. It saves you late fees.
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.” - Theodore Roosevelt
This Day in History;
- 1701 – Representatives of the Iroquois Confederacy sign the Nanfan Treaty, ceding a large territory north of the Ohio River to England.
- 1845 – Great New York City Fire of 1845: The last great fire to affect Manhattan begins early in the morning and is subdued that afternoon. The fire kills four firefighters and 26 civilians and destroys 345 buildings.
- 1943 – World War II: Rome is heavily bombed by more than 500 Allied aircraft, inflicting thousands of casualties.
- 1977 – The world's first Global Positioning System (GPS) signal was transmitted from Navigation Technology Satellite 2 (NTS-2) and received at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at 12:41 a.m. Eastern time (ET).
- 2018 – The Knesset passes the controversial Nationality Bill, which defines the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people.
July 18, 2023
Attention Kids!
Today at the Knox County 4-H Fair, they will be having their Annual Ag Olympics. Get mom or dad to take and watch all the fun these 4-Hers have. Inquire how you can join. The Ag Olympics starts 30 minutes after the final show concludes. See flyer for details.
“The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” - Robertson Davies
This Day in History:
Attention Kids!
Today at the Knox County 4-H Fair, they will be having their Annual Ag Olympics. Get mom or dad to take and watch all the fun these 4-Hers have. Inquire how you can join. The Ag Olympics starts 30 minutes after the final show concludes. See flyer for details.
“The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.” - Robertson Davies
This Day in History:
- 1723 - Johann Sebastian Bach leads the first performance of his cantata Erforsche mich, Gott, und erfahre mein Herz, BWV 136, in Leipzig on the eighth Sunday after Trinity.
- 1862 – First ascent of Dent Blanche, one of the highest summits in the Alps.
- 1914 – The U.S. Congress forms the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps, giving official status to aircraft within the U.S. Army for the first time.
- 2013 – The Government of Detroit, with up to $20 billion in debt, files for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
July 17, 2023
Attention Parents:
There are several activities and events coming up that your children may be interested in. Please mark your calendars for those events that may apply to you.
Today, July 17th: Knox County 4-H Fair Ice Cream Social. Located at the Show Ring at the Knox County Fairgrounds in Knoxville. Time is 6pm, prior to the 4-H Alumni Showmanship Show. See flyer for details.
Tuesday, July 18th: Come out and watch the Annual 4-H Ag Olympics. Check out all the fun that our area 4-H 'ers have in 4-H. Speak to a leader about joining. Ag Olympics will begin 30 minutes after the last show of the day. See flyer for details.
Monday, July 24th - 27th: Vacation Bible School starts. Sponsored by the Immanuel Lutheran & The Grove Community Churches. Time starts at 6 pm until 8 pm. Call one of the churches to sign up or scan the QR Code. See the flyer for complete details.
Tuesday, July 25th & Thursday, August 3rd: Back -to - School Immunizations at the Knox County Health Department. 10 am - 6 pm both days. The Village of Altona has an article from the Knox County Health Department posted on our Health and Safety page in regards to immunizations. Please click on the links to read the article. altonaillinois.weebly.com/health--safety.html Please see the flyer for complete details.
Friday, July 28th & Saturday July 29th: Project Back To School Altona. It's beginning to be that time of year again where it is time to start preparing your children to go back to school. Project Back To School Altona has two different dates and times where you may pick up school supplies if needed to help your child prepare for school. Friday, July 28th from 5pm to 7pm and Saturday, July 29th from 9 am to 11:30 am are the two collection times. A school supply list from each class room list will be handed out to all PRE-K through 6th grade Altona students. Backpacks will also be available for those students who may need one. Thank you to all our local churches, businesses, and organizations for making this annual event possible. All donations are greatly appreciated. Please see the flyer for complete details. Good luck in school this fall kids!
Sunday, August 13th: The Immanuel Lutheran Church will be having a Blessing of the Backpacks during their 10:15 am church services. All teachers and students are are welcomed and encouraged to bring your backpacks to church to receive a blessing for the upcoming school year. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” - Roy T. Bennett
This Day in History:
Attention Parents:
There are several activities and events coming up that your children may be interested in. Please mark your calendars for those events that may apply to you.
Today, July 17th: Knox County 4-H Fair Ice Cream Social. Located at the Show Ring at the Knox County Fairgrounds in Knoxville. Time is 6pm, prior to the 4-H Alumni Showmanship Show. See flyer for details.
Tuesday, July 18th: Come out and watch the Annual 4-H Ag Olympics. Check out all the fun that our area 4-H 'ers have in 4-H. Speak to a leader about joining. Ag Olympics will begin 30 minutes after the last show of the day. See flyer for details.
Monday, July 24th - 27th: Vacation Bible School starts. Sponsored by the Immanuel Lutheran & The Grove Community Churches. Time starts at 6 pm until 8 pm. Call one of the churches to sign up or scan the QR Code. See the flyer for complete details.
Tuesday, July 25th & Thursday, August 3rd: Back -to - School Immunizations at the Knox County Health Department. 10 am - 6 pm both days. The Village of Altona has an article from the Knox County Health Department posted on our Health and Safety page in regards to immunizations. Please click on the links to read the article. altonaillinois.weebly.com/health--safety.html Please see the flyer for complete details.
Friday, July 28th & Saturday July 29th: Project Back To School Altona. It's beginning to be that time of year again where it is time to start preparing your children to go back to school. Project Back To School Altona has two different dates and times where you may pick up school supplies if needed to help your child prepare for school. Friday, July 28th from 5pm to 7pm and Saturday, July 29th from 9 am to 11:30 am are the two collection times. A school supply list from each class room list will be handed out to all PRE-K through 6th grade Altona students. Backpacks will also be available for those students who may need one. Thank you to all our local churches, businesses, and organizations for making this annual event possible. All donations are greatly appreciated. Please see the flyer for complete details. Good luck in school this fall kids!
Sunday, August 13th: The Immanuel Lutheran Church will be having a Blessing of the Backpacks during their 10:15 am church services. All teachers and students are are welcomed and encouraged to bring your backpacks to church to receive a blessing for the upcoming school year. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” - Roy T. Bennett
This Day in History:
- 1771 – Bloody Falls massacre: Chipewyan chief Matonabbee, traveling as the guide to Samuel Hearne on his Arctic overland journey, massacres a group of unsuspecting Inuit.
- 1821 – The Kingdom of Spain cedes the territory of Florida to the United States.
- 1955 – Disneyland is dedicated and opened by Walt Disney in Anaheim, California.
- 2018 – Scott S. Sheppard announces that his team has discovered a dozen irregular moons of Jupiter.
July 16, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This week's postings is all about our youth. Do you realize that 2023 is more than half over? Kids, do you realize that your summer is half over as well, and that before you know it you'll be back in school? Just because school is out doesn't mean that your education has to end for the summer. You just finished the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program, and hopefully you had learned some things reading your books. Next Monday, July 24th begins the Annual Vacation Bible School sponsored by the Immanuel Lutheran and The Grove Community Churches. Spiritual education is just as important as your regular schooling. Please see the flyer for complete details. May God be with you in your spiritual journey.
Also, tomorrow night July 17th at the Knox County 4-H Show beginning at 6:00 pm, there will be a 4-H Ice Cream Social. Come out and support the Walnut Grove Progressors, see all of their projects, as well as the rest of Knox County's 4-H youth. See flyer for details.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” - John 1: 1& 14
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
This week's postings is all about our youth. Do you realize that 2023 is more than half over? Kids, do you realize that your summer is half over as well, and that before you know it you'll be back in school? Just because school is out doesn't mean that your education has to end for the summer. You just finished the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program, and hopefully you had learned some things reading your books. Next Monday, July 24th begins the Annual Vacation Bible School sponsored by the Immanuel Lutheran and The Grove Community Churches. Spiritual education is just as important as your regular schooling. Please see the flyer for complete details. May God be with you in your spiritual journey.
Also, tomorrow night July 17th at the Knox County 4-H Show beginning at 6:00 pm, there will be a 4-H Ice Cream Social. Come out and support the Walnut Grove Progressors, see all of their projects, as well as the rest of Knox County's 4-H youth. See flyer for details.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” - John 1: 1& 14
This Day in History:
- 1790 – The District of Columbia is established as the capital of the United States after signature of the Residence Act.
- 1858 – The last apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France.
- 1861 – American Civil War: At the order of President Abraham Lincoln, Union troops begin a 25-mile march into Virginia for what will become the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the war.
- 1915 – At Treasure Island on the Delaware River in the United States, the First Order of the Arrow ceremony takes place and the Order of the Arrow is founded to honor American Boy Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law.
- 1956 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus closes its last "Big Tent" show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; due to changing economics, all subsequent circus shows will be held in arenas.
- 2004 – Millennium Park, considered Chicago's first and most ambitious early 21st-century architectural project, is opened to the public by Mayor Richard M. Daley.
July 15, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
“The world needs dreamers, and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” - Sarah Ban Breathnach
..... and that is exactly what the Altona Historical Society is doing. A few years ago they had a dream of renovating the second floor of our historic Ransom Memorial Public Library and to put it to good use for the Village. Their dream is coming true. So, are you looking for a fun activity to do this evening? Would you like to take the night off from cooking supper? Then come to the Village of Altona where the Altona Historical Society will be sponsoring the Altona Community Cookout in front of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. The Village is shutting down the street for this party. So from 5 pm - 7 pm, come out for FREE Carriage rides, tours of the second floor remodeling job, and to visit with old friends or even make some new ones. For a free will donation you will get a pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and a drink. A generous donor is matching ALL funds raised between now and the end of the year up to $50,000. Let's help them make this goal! See the flyers for complete details and we hope to see you tonight.
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
“The world needs dreamers, and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” - Sarah Ban Breathnach
..... and that is exactly what the Altona Historical Society is doing. A few years ago they had a dream of renovating the second floor of our historic Ransom Memorial Public Library and to put it to good use for the Village. Their dream is coming true. So, are you looking for a fun activity to do this evening? Would you like to take the night off from cooking supper? Then come to the Village of Altona where the Altona Historical Society will be sponsoring the Altona Community Cookout in front of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. The Village is shutting down the street for this party. So from 5 pm - 7 pm, come out for FREE Carriage rides, tours of the second floor remodeling job, and to visit with old friends or even make some new ones. For a free will donation you will get a pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and a drink. A generous donor is matching ALL funds raised between now and the end of the year up to $50,000. Let's help them make this goal! See the flyers for complete details and we hope to see you tonight.
This Day in History:
- 1741 – Aleksei Chirikov sights land in Southeast Alaska. He sends men ashore in a longboat, making them the first Europeans to visit Alaska.
- 1870 – Reconstruction Era of the United States: Georgia becomes the last of the former Confederate states to be readmitted to the Union.
- 1910 – In his book Clinical Psychiatry, Emil Kraepelin gives a name to Alzheimer's disease, naming it after his colleague Alois Alzheimer.
- 2006 – Twitter, later one of the largest social media platforms in the world, is launched.
July 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 pm for our area. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that the atmosphere is favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. Click on the following link to read the watch....
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 pm for our area. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that the atmosphere is favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information. Click on the following link to read the watch....
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454
July 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! Yet another BIG EVENT in the Village of Altona! The Altona Community Cookout sponsored by the Altona Historical Society. Come out and enjoy free carriage rides, tours of the second floor remodeling of historic Library Hall; and get a meal of pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and drink for a free will donation. A gracious and generous donor has agreed to match ALL donations received from July 15th until the end of the year up to $50,000. Thank you to this donor who wished to remain anonymous. Let's honor their challenge by being as generous as we can with our funds for this worthwhile cause. Please see the flyers for complete details. Thank you.
“Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! Yet another BIG EVENT in the Village of Altona! The Altona Community Cookout sponsored by the Altona Historical Society. Come out and enjoy free carriage rides, tours of the second floor remodeling of historic Library Hall; and get a meal of pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and drink for a free will donation. A gracious and generous donor has agreed to match ALL donations received from July 15th until the end of the year up to $50,000. Thank you to this donor who wished to remain anonymous. Let's honor their challenge by being as generous as we can with our funds for this worthwhile cause. Please see the flyers for complete details. Thank you.
“Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1798 – The Sedition Act of 1798 becomes law in the United States making it a federal crime to write, publish, or utter false or malicious statements about the United States government.
- 1874 – The Chicago Fire of 1874 burns down 47 acres of the city, destroying 812 buildings, killing 20, and resulting in the fire insurance industry demanding municipal reforms from Chicago's city council.
- 1881 – American outlaw Billy the Kid is shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in the Maxwell House at Fort Sumner, New Mexico.
- 1911 – Harry Atwood, an exhibition pilot for the Wright brothers, is greeted by President Taft after he lands his aeroplane on the South Lawn of the White House, having flown from Boston.
- 2015 – NASA's New Horizons probe performs the first flyby of Pluto, and thus completes the initial survey of the Solar System.
July 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
A couple more socialized events coming up this week if you care to meet and converse with either new people or friends from old...
Today at 12 noon is another Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church. Come on out for a free meal. Just bring yourself, your appetite and maybe even a friend. See the flyer for complete details.
This Saturday evening, July 15th; the Altona Historical Society will be sponsoring an Altona Community Cookout from 5 pm - 7 pm in front of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. The Village will be closing the 100 block of East Main Street around 3 pm or so in order for the library to set up. It will reopen after the clean up later that evening. Come on out for the party. For a free will donation you will enjoy a pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and a drink. There will be carriage rides and tours of the 2nd floor remodel. Come and check out their progress. The Altona Historical Society will be selling bricks to help fundraise the walkway and patio to the new elevator addition. All donations received between July 15th and the end of year will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $50,000. This is a very nice jester by this individual; let's honor them by donating the most that you can. This is a very worthwhile project that will enhance the quality of living in our town. Please be generous with your donations. Thank you and see the flyers for complete details.
“No great thing is created suddenly.” - Epictetus
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
A couple more socialized events coming up this week if you care to meet and converse with either new people or friends from old...
Today at 12 noon is another Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church. Come on out for a free meal. Just bring yourself, your appetite and maybe even a friend. See the flyer for complete details.
This Saturday evening, July 15th; the Altona Historical Society will be sponsoring an Altona Community Cookout from 5 pm - 7 pm in front of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. The Village will be closing the 100 block of East Main Street around 3 pm or so in order for the library to set up. It will reopen after the clean up later that evening. Come on out for the party. For a free will donation you will enjoy a pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and a drink. There will be carriage rides and tours of the 2nd floor remodel. Come and check out their progress. The Altona Historical Society will be selling bricks to help fundraise the walkway and patio to the new elevator addition. All donations received between July 15th and the end of year will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $50,000. This is a very nice jester by this individual; let's honor them by donating the most that you can. This is a very worthwhile project that will enhance the quality of living in our town. Please be generous with your donations. Thank you and see the flyers for complete details.
“No great thing is created suddenly.” - Epictetus
This Day in History:
- 1787 – The Congress of the Confederation enacts the Northwest Ordinance establishing governing rules for the Northwest Territory. It also establishes procedures for the admission of new states and limits the expansion of slavery.
- 1863 – New York City draft riots: In New York City, opponents of conscription begin three days of rioting which will be later regarded as the worst in United States history.
- 1930 – The inaugural FIFA World Cup begins in Uruguay.
- 2011 – United Nations Security Council Resolution 1999 is adopted, which admits South Sudan to member status of United Nations.
July 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
For those who weren't able to attend and watch the 2023 Annual Altona Fireworks, or if you would just like to see them again, a video of the show is posted on the Village of Altona FaceBook page. Thank you everyone who had attended and donated money towards them. It is with your donations that help make this event possible. Thank you for making this annual event a successful one.
www.facebook.com/watch/?v=685697830243733&extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=l2pjGR&ref=sharing
Derrick R. Appell
Village President,
Village of Altona
Attention Area Residents:
For those who weren't able to attend and watch the 2023 Annual Altona Fireworks, or if you would just like to see them again, a video of the show is posted on the Village of Altona FaceBook page. Thank you everyone who had attended and donated money towards them. It is with your donations that help make this event possible. Thank you for making this annual event a successful one.
www.facebook.com/watch/?v=685697830243733&extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=l2pjGR&ref=sharing
Derrick R. Appell
Village President,
Village of Altona
July 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tomorrow will be another Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church. Come out for a free meal and fellowship.
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tomorrow will be another Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church. Come out for a free meal and fellowship.
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
This Day in History:
- 1776 – Captain James Cook begins his third voyage.
- 1862 – The Medal of Honor is authorized by the United States Congress.
- 1962 – The Rolling Stones perform for the first time at London's Marquee Club.
- 2001 – Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-104, carrying the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station.
July 11, 2023
Attention Seniors:
Today is Seniors Exercise Day at The Grove Community Church. Come out for a stretch for the mind and body from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. Meet some new people or reconnect with friends of old.
“We meet no ordinary people in our lives.” - C.S. Lewis
This Day in History:
Attention Seniors:
Today is Seniors Exercise Day at The Grove Community Church. Come out for a stretch for the mind and body from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. Meet some new people or reconnect with friends of old.
“We meet no ordinary people in our lives.” - C.S. Lewis
This Day in History:
- 1798 – The United States Marine Corps is re-established; they had been disbanded after the American Revolutionary War.
- 1801 – French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons makes his first comet discovery. In the next 27 years he discovers another 36 comets, more than any other person in history.
- 1914 – Babe Ruth makes his debut in Major League Baseball.
July 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
If you think that it seems that there is always something to do in the Village of Altona, you'd be correct. The following is the list of known activities for this week within the Village...
Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:30 am - 10:30 am: Seniors Exercise at The Grove Community Church. Come out for a stretch and meet some new friends.
2nd & 4th Thursday's of the month: Neighborhood Cafe, 12 noon at The Grove Community Church. Come hungry, bring a friend. Free meal.
Saturday, July 15th: Altona Community Cookout from 5pm - 7pm in front of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. The Village will be closing E. Main Street down around 3 pm to set up for this street party. For a free will donation, you can get a Pork Chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and a drink. Come see the progress of the second floor Library Hall renovations. This event is sponsored by the Altona Historical Society. Information about their brick fundraiser will be on hand. Any donations received between July 15th and the end of the year will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $50,000. See flyers for complete details.
“Do the best you can in every task, no matter how important it may seem at the time.” - Sandra Day O’Connor
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
If you think that it seems that there is always something to do in the Village of Altona, you'd be correct. The following is the list of known activities for this week within the Village...
Tuesday's and Thursday's from 9:30 am - 10:30 am: Seniors Exercise at The Grove Community Church. Come out for a stretch and meet some new friends.
2nd & 4th Thursday's of the month: Neighborhood Cafe, 12 noon at The Grove Community Church. Come hungry, bring a friend. Free meal.
Saturday, July 15th: Altona Community Cookout from 5pm - 7pm in front of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. The Village will be closing E. Main Street down around 3 pm to set up for this street party. For a free will donation, you can get a Pork Chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and a drink. Come see the progress of the second floor Library Hall renovations. This event is sponsored by the Altona Historical Society. Information about their brick fundraiser will be on hand. Any donations received between July 15th and the end of the year will be matched by an anonymous donor up to $50,000. See flyers for complete details.
“Do the best you can in every task, no matter how important it may seem at the time.” - Sandra Day O’Connor
This Day in History:
- 1778 – American Revolution: Louis XVI of France declares war on the Kingdom of Great Britain.
- 1850 – U.S. President Millard Fillmore is sworn in, a day after becoming president upon Zachary Taylor's death.
- 1999 – In women's association football, the United States defeated China in a penalty shoot-out at the Rose Bowl near Los Angeles to win the final match of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. The final was watched by 90,185 spectators, which set a new world record for attendance at a women's sporting event.
- 2019 – The last Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the line in Puebla, Mexico. The last of 5,961 "Special Edition" cars will be exhibited in a museum.
July 9, 2023
Attention Summer Reading Program Readers:
This afternoon at 1 pm will be the End of Summer Reading Movie Party!!! Be at the AMC Theater in Galesburg at 12:30 pm to watch Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken. Congratulations on all the books that you had read. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:21
This Day in History:
Attention Summer Reading Program Readers:
This afternoon at 1 pm will be the End of Summer Reading Movie Party!!! Be at the AMC Theater in Galesburg at 12:30 pm to watch Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken. Congratulations on all the books that you had read. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:21
This Day in History:
- 1776 – George Washington orders the Declaration of Independence to be read out to members of the Continental Army in Manhattan, while thousands of British troops on Staten Island prepare for the Battle of Long Island.
- 1850 – U.S. President Zachary Taylor dies after eating raw fruit and iced milk; he is succeeded in office by Vice President Millard Fillmore.
- 1943 – World War II: The Allied invasion of Sicily begins, leading to the downfall of Mussolini and forcing Hitler to break off the Battle of Kursk.
- 2011 – South Sudan gains independence and secedes from Sudan.
July 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank everyone who had come out and to see the annual Altona Firemen's Softball and Fireworks show. As usual it was a fantastic show. Thank you to the firemen for sponsoring this event; thank you to all of the volunteers that had helped in any way whether it was cooking, setting up the sound system, or collecting donations. This event would not have been successful without you. But most of all, a special thank you to everyone who had donated funds towards this annual event. It couldn't have taken place without your generous donations. See you all next year!
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank everyone who had come out and to see the annual Altona Firemen's Softball and Fireworks show. As usual it was a fantastic show. Thank you to the firemen for sponsoring this event; thank you to all of the volunteers that had helped in any way whether it was cooking, setting up the sound system, or collecting donations. This event would not have been successful without you. But most of all, a special thank you to everyone who had donated funds towards this annual event. It couldn't have taken place without your generous donations. See you all next year!
July 8, 2023
Attention Kids and Area Residents:
Hey Kids! Just a reminder that the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program comes to an end today. Please return your books that you've borrowed and enter for the prize drawings. Will you be the BIG WINNER? Be sure to read the flyer about tomorrow's Movie Night.
Area Residents: Tonight (weather permitting) the skies over the Village of Altona will light up with fireworks during the Annual Altona Fireman's Fireworks and Community Softball game held at Milroy Field at the former grade school. Food will be ready for purchase beginning at 5:30 pm, with the softball game at 6 pm (anyone interested in playing just show up with your glove); and the fireworks will begin at dusk. Rain date will be Sunday. While we needed the recent rains to help with the drought, let's pray for nice weather to dry things up and have a nice evening for the event. Please consider donating generously as it is with your grateful donations that make this event successful every year. Thank you in advance and enjoy the show.
“We have only one story. All novels, all poetry, are built on the never-ending contest in ourselves of good and evil.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
Attention Kids and Area Residents:
Hey Kids! Just a reminder that the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program comes to an end today. Please return your books that you've borrowed and enter for the prize drawings. Will you be the BIG WINNER? Be sure to read the flyer about tomorrow's Movie Night.
Area Residents: Tonight (weather permitting) the skies over the Village of Altona will light up with fireworks during the Annual Altona Fireman's Fireworks and Community Softball game held at Milroy Field at the former grade school. Food will be ready for purchase beginning at 5:30 pm, with the softball game at 6 pm (anyone interested in playing just show up with your glove); and the fireworks will begin at dusk. Rain date will be Sunday. While we needed the recent rains to help with the drought, let's pray for nice weather to dry things up and have a nice evening for the event. Please consider donating generously as it is with your grateful donations that make this event successful every year. Thank you in advance and enjoy the show.
“We have only one story. All novels, all poetry, are built on the never-ending contest in ourselves of good and evil.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
- 1776 – Church bells (possibly including the Liberty Bell) are rung after John Nixon delivers the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence of the United States.
- 1889 – The first issue of The Wall Street Journal is published.
- 1948 – The United States Air Force accepts its first female recruits into a program called Women in the Air Force (WAF).
- 2011 – Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched in the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program.
July 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents & Businesses:
Last night at the Village of Altona monthly board meeting, Mid Century Communications recognized the Village of Altona as being a Smart Rural Community. Fiber is the BEST technology available in today's marketplace to participate in educational and economic opportunities such as telework. If you are looking to expand your horizons but lack the internet infrastructure to meet your needs. Look to the Village of Altona and Mid Century Communications. Together, let us help you. The Village of Altona is Open For Business.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/
Attention Area Residents & Businesses:
Last night at the Village of Altona monthly board meeting, Mid Century Communications recognized the Village of Altona as being a Smart Rural Community. Fiber is the BEST technology available in today's marketplace to participate in educational and economic opportunities such as telework. If you are looking to expand your horizons but lack the internet infrastructure to meet your needs. Look to the Village of Altona and Mid Century Communications. Together, let us help you. The Village of Altona is Open For Business.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/
July 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
- Final reminder that today at 12 noon is the Walnut Grove Retirees Pot Luck luncheon at The Grove Community Church. Bring a dish to pass, your appetite and maybe a friend.
- Kids; don't forget that tomorrow is the final day for the Ransom Memorial Day Public Library Summer Reading Program. Be sure to stop in the library and pick up your take home craft and enter for the prize drawings.
- Tomorrow evening beginning at 6 pm, will be the Annual Altona Firemen Community Softball Game and Fireworks Show at Milroy Field. Fireworks at Dusk. Please donate generously as it is your donations that helps them put on our great show. Thank you.
“I believe in America because we a have great dream, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.” - Wendell L. Wilkie
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
- Final reminder that today at 12 noon is the Walnut Grove Retirees Pot Luck luncheon at The Grove Community Church. Bring a dish to pass, your appetite and maybe a friend.
- Kids; don't forget that tomorrow is the final day for the Ransom Memorial Day Public Library Summer Reading Program. Be sure to stop in the library and pick up your take home craft and enter for the prize drawings.
- Tomorrow evening beginning at 6 pm, will be the Annual Altona Firemen Community Softball Game and Fireworks Show at Milroy Field. Fireworks at Dusk. Please donate generously as it is your donations that helps them put on our great show. Thank you.
“I believe in America because we a have great dream, and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.” - Wendell L. Wilkie
This Day in History:
- 1898 – US President William McKinley signs the Newlands Resolution annexing Hawaii as a territory of the United States.
- 1958 – US President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the Alaska Statehood Act into law.
- 2019 – The United States women's national soccer team defeated the Netherlands 2–0 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final in Lyon, France.
July 6, 2023
Attention Seniors and Children:
- Exercise class this morning at The Grove Community Church from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.
- Tomorrow 12 Noon, Walnut Grove Retirees Potluck at The Grove Community Church.
- Saturday; Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program comes to an end. Keep reading those books, enter for the prize drawings and be sure to pick up your take home craft.
- Saturday; Community Softball Game at 6pm; Food available starting at 5:30 pm; Fireworks at Dusk
“If you always support the correct principles then you will never get the wrong results!” - Andrew Jackson
This Day in History:
Attention Seniors and Children:
- Exercise class this morning at The Grove Community Church from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.
- Tomorrow 12 Noon, Walnut Grove Retirees Potluck at The Grove Community Church.
- Saturday; Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program comes to an end. Keep reading those books, enter for the prize drawings and be sure to pick up your take home craft.
- Saturday; Community Softball Game at 6pm; Food available starting at 5:30 pm; Fireworks at Dusk
“If you always support the correct principles then you will never get the wrong results!” - Andrew Jackson
This Day in History:
- 1854 – In Jackson, Michigan, the first convention of the United States Republican Party is held.
- 1933 – The first Major League Baseball All-Star Game is played in Chicago's Comiskey Park. The American League defeated the National League 4–2.
- 2013 – A 73-car oil train derails in the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec and explodes into flames, killing at least 47 people and destroying more than 30 buildings in the town's central area.
July 5, 2023
Attention Walnut Grove Seniors: Just another reminder of some upcoming events that you might wish to attend....
Tomorrow, July 6th: Seniors Exercise class from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church.
Friday, July 7th: Walnut Grove Retirees Potluck. In case you haven't heard, your monthly pot luck lunches are back on, 12 Noon at The Grove Community Church. Come hungry, bring a friend.
Saturday, July 8th (rain date 9th): Annual Altona Firemen Community Softball Game and Fireworks Show. See flyer for complete details.
“America is a tune. It must be sung together.” - Gerald Stanley Lee
This Day in History:
Attention Walnut Grove Seniors: Just another reminder of some upcoming events that you might wish to attend....
Tomorrow, July 6th: Seniors Exercise class from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church.
Friday, July 7th: Walnut Grove Retirees Potluck. In case you haven't heard, your monthly pot luck lunches are back on, 12 Noon at The Grove Community Church. Come hungry, bring a friend.
Saturday, July 8th (rain date 9th): Annual Altona Firemen Community Softball Game and Fireworks Show. See flyer for complete details.
“America is a tune. It must be sung together.” - Gerald Stanley Lee
This Day in History:
- 1775 – The Second Continental Congress adopts the Olive Branch Petition.
- 1865 – The United States Secret Service begins operation.
- 1915 – The Liberty Bell leaves Philadelphia by special train on its way to the Panama–Pacific International Exposition. This is the last trip outside Philadelphia that the custodians of the bell intend to permit.
- 2016 – The Juno space probe arrives at Jupiter and begins a 20-month survey of the planet.
July 4, 2023
Happy Birthday America!!! On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to wish everyone a very safe and Happy 4th of July. Please drink responsively and choose a designated driver if consuming alcohol. Buzzed driving is still drunk driving and the police will be out in full force today looking for speeders, seat belt violators as well as impaired drivers regardless of the substance consumed. Please give your keys to somebody else. The Altona Firemen will be having their annual Fireworks show this Saturday on July 8th. Please see the flyer for complete details about the annual Community Softball game and fireworks.
As a reminder, the shooting off of fireworks in the State of Illinois is illegal and they will NOT be tolerated to be let off within the Village limits. If you have an inconsiderate neighbor who likes to shoot them off (especially after 10 pm) Call 911. The Knox County Sheriff's Department is already on standby to respond to any calls received. Please let the professionals deal with shooting the fireworks for your safety.
If you would like to learn about today's holiday, please click on the following link:
www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
“Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.” - Abraham Lincoln
This Day in History:
Happy Birthday America!!! On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to wish everyone a very safe and Happy 4th of July. Please drink responsively and choose a designated driver if consuming alcohol. Buzzed driving is still drunk driving and the police will be out in full force today looking for speeders, seat belt violators as well as impaired drivers regardless of the substance consumed. Please give your keys to somebody else. The Altona Firemen will be having their annual Fireworks show this Saturday on July 8th. Please see the flyer for complete details about the annual Community Softball game and fireworks.
As a reminder, the shooting off of fireworks in the State of Illinois is illegal and they will NOT be tolerated to be let off within the Village limits. If you have an inconsiderate neighbor who likes to shoot them off (especially after 10 pm) Call 911. The Knox County Sheriff's Department is already on standby to respond to any calls received. Please let the professionals deal with shooting the fireworks for your safety.
If you would like to learn about today's holiday, please click on the following link:
www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th
“Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.” - Abraham Lincoln
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress.
- 1818 – US Flag Act of 1818 goes into effect creating a 13 stripe flag with a star for each state. New stars would be added on 4th of July after a new state had been admitted.
- 1831 – Samuel Francis Smith writes "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" for the Boston, Massachusetts July 4 festivities.
- 1960 – Due to the post-Independence Day admission of Hawaii as the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959, the 50-star flag of the United States debuts in Philadelphia, almost ten and a half months later (see Flag Acts (United States)).
- 2009 – The Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to the public after eight years of closure due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks.
July 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
As we gear up and celebrate America's birthday, let's not forget to celebrate responsibly. If consuming alcohol, please choose a designated driver and please Don't Drink & Drive. The police will be out in full force looking for speeders, seat belt violators as well as drivers driving impaired from drugs or alcohol. Give your keys to someone else and live to party another day.
For those who normally attend the City of Galva's Freedom Fest. They are still having their celebration, however it is the Village's understanding their fireworks have been postponed until this Saturday, July 8th which is the same day as Altona's. If you situate yourself in the right location around Altona you can watch both shows. So plan on attending Altona instead of Galva this year for a double feature.
“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.” - Elenor Roosevelt
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
As we gear up and celebrate America's birthday, let's not forget to celebrate responsibly. If consuming alcohol, please choose a designated driver and please Don't Drink & Drive. The police will be out in full force looking for speeders, seat belt violators as well as drivers driving impaired from drugs or alcohol. Give your keys to someone else and live to party another day.
For those who normally attend the City of Galva's Freedom Fest. They are still having their celebration, however it is the Village's understanding their fireworks have been postponed until this Saturday, July 8th which is the same day as Altona's. If you situate yourself in the right location around Altona you can watch both shows. So plan on attending Altona instead of Galva this year for a double feature.
“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.” - Elenor Roosevelt
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: George Washington takes command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- 1863 – American Civil War: The final day of the Battle of Gettysburg culminates with Pickett's Charge.
- 1913 – Confederate veterans at the Great Reunion of 1913 reenact Pickett's Charge; upon reaching the high-water mark of the Confederacy they are met by the outstretched hands of friendship from Union survivors.
- 2013 – Egyptian coup d'état: President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi is overthrown by the military after four days of protests all over the country calling for Morsi's resignation, to which he did not respond. President of the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt Adly Mansour is declared acting president.
July 2, 2023
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." - Isaiah 40:31
This Day in History:
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." - Isaiah 40:31
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolution: The Continental Congress adopts a resolution severing ties with the Kingdom of Great Britain although the wording of the formal Declaration of Independence is not adopted until July 4.
- 1881 – Charles J. Guiteau shoots and fatally wounds U.S. President James A. Garfield (who will die of complications from his wounds on September 19).
- 1962 – The first Walmart store, then known as Wal-Mart, opens for business in Rogers, Arkansas.
- 2002 – Steve Fossett becomes the first person to fly solo around the world nonstop in a balloon.
July 1, 2023
Attention Village & Area Residents:
Today is July 1st. The year is half over, and there are 177 days left until Christmas. Where did the time go? If you think that the year has flown by because there has been so many events going on throughout the Village of Altona, you'd be correct, and "The Village" isn't slowing down either. The following is a list of known activities going on in town for the month of July. Please mark your calendars for those that may apply to you, and keep watching for daily reminders of currently known and new activities, and read the posted flyers for complete details. If your organization is planning an event, please contact Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123 to discuss ways to promote it free of charge.
Tuesday, July 4th: While America celebrates its birthday and you are enjoying the holiday with your family and friends, there are a few reminders that unfortunately need to mentioned. When celebrating with alcohol, please choose a designated driver. Let's not let a moment of stupidness turn into a tragedy for many. Give your keys to someone else. Getting pulled over for drinking while buzzed or drunk can not only cost you a jail sentence and thousands of dollars, it could also cost someone their live. The police will be out in full force as they are during all holidays looking for speeders, seat belt violators and impaired drivers of any stripe.
Also as a reminder, shooting off fireworks within the Village is AGAINST Illinois State law. While it may be fun and legal to cross state lines to purchase them, setting them off in Illinois can get you a ticket. If you plan on setting them off within the Village (especially after 10 pm), FORGET IT! Your neighbors WILL call the police on you. This behavior of letting off fireworks in town after 10 pm during the night when people are trying to sleep will NOT BE TOLERATED! It is BULL SHIT and you need to have some respect for your neighbors. These fireworks can be heard all over town and people work at all different times and shifts and they need their sleep. If you wish to break the law and set them off, then please go find a quiet place in the country and do it there - NOT IN TOWN! It is best to go to a professionally run display such as the Annual Altona Firemen Fireworks show on Saturday, July 8th or some other community's show to view them. It is also safer this way and you won't blow your hand or arm off. May everyone have a happy, safe, and respectful July 4th holiday. Happy Birthday America! Thank you to all veterans who have served our great nation to provide us with our freedoms we cherish today.
Seniors: Did you know that you can partake in a free exercise class? Every Tuesday & Thursday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church, you can come socialize and give those muscles a stretch for good health. They would love to have you come and stretch with them.
Friday, July 7: Walnut Grove Retirees - In case you haven't heard, the Walnut Grove Retirees ("Seniors") are back to having their monthly Pot Luck Picnics at The Grove Community Church. Bring a dish to pass and a friend and enjoy the fellowship and meet new friends.
Kids: The Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program will come to an end on Saturday, July 8th. Please continue to check out those library books, register for the prizes, and pick up your take home craft. Will you be the winner of one of the great prizes? Will you read the most books? Don't quit now, keep reading!
Saturday July 8th: The Altona Fire Department Presents Softball and Fireworks. Beginning at 5:30 pm at Milroy Field at the former grade school; Pork Burgers, Pork Chops, and Hot Dogs will be for sale, and the Community Softball Game begins at 6 pm. Fireworks are at Dusk. Thank you in advance for donating your dollars to help put their wonderful show on. Donation cans are also located at Altona Food & Gas and the General Store Tap. Please give generously. Thank you.
Every 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 12 Noon The Neighborhood Cafe is serving a free meal. Come for the fellowship and bring a friend. The Cafe is held at The Grove Community Church.
Saturday, July 15th: The Altona Historical Society is having an Altona Community Cookout in front of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. For a free will donation you will receive a pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and a drink. There will be free carriage rides, and tours of the second floor renovations done so far. Come out for a visit and have some fun. Information about brick sales will also be available.
Thursday, July 20th: Water Bills are due. Please be sure to either mail in, or drop off your water bill payments in the mail slot after hours, or bring them inside and pay at the counter during office hours at Compton Accounting. If you need to make electronic payments, either visit Compton Accounting in person or make payments online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
Monday, July 24th - Thursday, 27th: Vacation Bible School at the Grove Community Church. A light meal will be served during VBS. Please sign up your children at either Immanuel Lutheran Church or The Grove Community Church, or scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up online.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winton Churchill
This Day in History:
Attention Village & Area Residents:
Today is July 1st. The year is half over, and there are 177 days left until Christmas. Where did the time go? If you think that the year has flown by because there has been so many events going on throughout the Village of Altona, you'd be correct, and "The Village" isn't slowing down either. The following is a list of known activities going on in town for the month of July. Please mark your calendars for those that may apply to you, and keep watching for daily reminders of currently known and new activities, and read the posted flyers for complete details. If your organization is planning an event, please contact Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123 to discuss ways to promote it free of charge.
Tuesday, July 4th: While America celebrates its birthday and you are enjoying the holiday with your family and friends, there are a few reminders that unfortunately need to mentioned. When celebrating with alcohol, please choose a designated driver. Let's not let a moment of stupidness turn into a tragedy for many. Give your keys to someone else. Getting pulled over for drinking while buzzed or drunk can not only cost you a jail sentence and thousands of dollars, it could also cost someone their live. The police will be out in full force as they are during all holidays looking for speeders, seat belt violators and impaired drivers of any stripe.
Also as a reminder, shooting off fireworks within the Village is AGAINST Illinois State law. While it may be fun and legal to cross state lines to purchase them, setting them off in Illinois can get you a ticket. If you plan on setting them off within the Village (especially after 10 pm), FORGET IT! Your neighbors WILL call the police on you. This behavior of letting off fireworks in town after 10 pm during the night when people are trying to sleep will NOT BE TOLERATED! It is BULL SHIT and you need to have some respect for your neighbors. These fireworks can be heard all over town and people work at all different times and shifts and they need their sleep. If you wish to break the law and set them off, then please go find a quiet place in the country and do it there - NOT IN TOWN! It is best to go to a professionally run display such as the Annual Altona Firemen Fireworks show on Saturday, July 8th or some other community's show to view them. It is also safer this way and you won't blow your hand or arm off. May everyone have a happy, safe, and respectful July 4th holiday. Happy Birthday America! Thank you to all veterans who have served our great nation to provide us with our freedoms we cherish today.
Seniors: Did you know that you can partake in a free exercise class? Every Tuesday & Thursday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at The Grove Community Church, you can come socialize and give those muscles a stretch for good health. They would love to have you come and stretch with them.
Friday, July 7: Walnut Grove Retirees - In case you haven't heard, the Walnut Grove Retirees ("Seniors") are back to having their monthly Pot Luck Picnics at The Grove Community Church. Bring a dish to pass and a friend and enjoy the fellowship and meet new friends.
Kids: The Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program will come to an end on Saturday, July 8th. Please continue to check out those library books, register for the prizes, and pick up your take home craft. Will you be the winner of one of the great prizes? Will you read the most books? Don't quit now, keep reading!
Saturday July 8th: The Altona Fire Department Presents Softball and Fireworks. Beginning at 5:30 pm at Milroy Field at the former grade school; Pork Burgers, Pork Chops, and Hot Dogs will be for sale, and the Community Softball Game begins at 6 pm. Fireworks are at Dusk. Thank you in advance for donating your dollars to help put their wonderful show on. Donation cans are also located at Altona Food & Gas and the General Store Tap. Please give generously. Thank you.
Every 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 12 Noon The Neighborhood Cafe is serving a free meal. Come for the fellowship and bring a friend. The Cafe is held at The Grove Community Church.
Saturday, July 15th: The Altona Historical Society is having an Altona Community Cookout in front of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. For a free will donation you will receive a pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and a drink. There will be free carriage rides, and tours of the second floor renovations done so far. Come out for a visit and have some fun. Information about brick sales will also be available.
Thursday, July 20th: Water Bills are due. Please be sure to either mail in, or drop off your water bill payments in the mail slot after hours, or bring them inside and pay at the counter during office hours at Compton Accounting. If you need to make electronic payments, either visit Compton Accounting in person or make payments online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
Monday, July 24th - Thursday, 27th: Vacation Bible School at the Grove Community Church. A light meal will be served during VBS. Please sign up your children at either Immanuel Lutheran Church or The Grove Community Church, or scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up online.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winton Churchill
This Day in History:
- 1643 – First meeting of the Westminster Assembly, a council of theologians ("divines") and members of the Parliament of England appointed to restructure the Church of England, at Westminster Abbey in London.
- 1770 – Lexell's Comet is seen closer to the Earth than any other comet in recorded history, approaching to a distance of 0.0146 astronomical units (2,180,000 km; 1,360,000 mi).
- 1863 – American Civil War: The Battle of Gettysburg begins.
- 1963 – ZIP codes are introduced for United States mail.
- 2020 – The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement replaces NAFTA.
June 30, 2023
Attention Area Kids:
Have you been reading this summer? Will you be the one to read the most books? There are only 8 more days to the end of the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program. Be sure to visit the library to check out and read those books, enter for the great prizes to be given away, as well as picking up your craft to take home to make. See the flyer for complete details. Good luck on the drawing.
“Nobody ever got ready by waiting. You only get ready by starting.” - John C. Maxwell
This Day in History:
Attention Area Kids:
Have you been reading this summer? Will you be the one to read the most books? There are only 8 more days to the end of the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program. Be sure to visit the library to check out and read those books, enter for the great prizes to be given away, as well as picking up your craft to take home to make. See the flyer for complete details. Good luck on the drawing.
“Nobody ever got ready by waiting. You only get ready by starting.” - John C. Maxwell
This Day in History:
- 1794 – Northwest Indian War: Native American forces under Blue Jacket attack Fort Recovery.
- 1882 – Charles J. Guiteau is hanged in Washington, D.C. for the assassination of U.S. President James Garfield.
- 1906 – The United States Congress passes the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act.
- 2019 – Donald Trump becomes the first sitting US President to visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
June 29, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Mark Saturday, July 8th on your calendars as the skies will be lit with fireworks during the Annual Altona Firemen's Fireworks Show. Fireworks will be a dusk. This annual show cannot happen if not for your donations, so please be generous when donating. There are donation cans located at Altona Food & Gas as well as The General Store Tap. Thank you in advance for donating and helping the show to continue to be the great show that it is.
“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” - Elenor Roosevelt
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Mark Saturday, July 8th on your calendars as the skies will be lit with fireworks during the Annual Altona Firemen's Fireworks Show. Fireworks will be a dusk. This annual show cannot happen if not for your donations, so please be generous when donating. There are donation cans located at Altona Food & Gas as well as The General Store Tap. Thank you in advance for donating and helping the show to continue to be the great show that it is.
“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” - Elenor Roosevelt
This Day in History:
- 1786 – Alexander Macdonell and over five hundred Roman Catholic highlanders leave Scotland to settle in Glengarry County, Ontario.
- 1889 – Hyde Park and several other Illinois townships vote to be annexed by Chicago, forming the largest United States city in area and second largest in population at the time.
- 1956 – The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 is signed by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, officially creating the United States Interstate Highway System.
- 2007 – Apple Inc. releases its first mobile phone, the iPhone.
June 28, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Please mark your calendars, because on Saturday, July 15th from 5 pm - 7 pm, the Ransom Memorial Public Library Hall will be open for all to see the beautiful restoration. At that time, the Altona Historical Society will also be hosting a Community Cookout in front of the library. E. Main Street will be closed during this little festival so there will be plenty of room to eat in the street. For a free will donation you can enjoy a delicious pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and drink. There will be FREE carriage rides to enjoy as well. More details to come so stay tuned.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” - Albert Einstein
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Please mark your calendars, because on Saturday, July 15th from 5 pm - 7 pm, the Ransom Memorial Public Library Hall will be open for all to see the beautiful restoration. At that time, the Altona Historical Society will also be hosting a Community Cookout in front of the library. E. Main Street will be closed during this little festival so there will be plenty of room to eat in the street. For a free will donation you can enjoy a delicious pork chop sandwich, baked beans, chips, brownie and drink. There will be FREE carriage rides to enjoy as well. More details to come so stay tuned.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” - Albert Einstein
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: Thomas Hickey, Continental Army private and bodyguard to General George Washington, is hanged for mutiny and sedition.
- 1870 – The US Congress establishes the first federal holidays (New Year Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas).
- 1894 – Labor Day becomes an official US holiday.
- 1902 – The U.S. Congress passes the Spooner Act, authorizing President Theodore Roosevelt to acquire rights from Colombia for the Panama Canal.
- 2004 – Iraq War: Sovereign power is handed to the interim government of Iraq by the Coalition Provisional Authority, ending the U.S.-led rule of that nation.
June 27, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Annual Altona Firemen's Fireworks will be Saturday, July 8th. The show will once again begin at dusk. Stay tuned for information about the Annual Community Softball Game. Fireworks donation cans are located at both Altona Food & Gas as well as the General Store Tap. Please give generously as our their great show cannot happen without your donations. Thank you in advance.
“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” - Martin Luther King Jr.
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The Annual Altona Firemen's Fireworks will be Saturday, July 8th. The show will once again begin at dusk. Stay tuned for information about the Annual Community Softball Game. Fireworks donation cans are located at both Altona Food & Gas as well as the General Store Tap. Please give generously as our their great show cannot happen without your donations. Thank you in advance.
“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” - Martin Luther King Jr.
This Day in History:
- 1760 – Anglo-Cherokee War: Cherokee warriors defeat British forces at the Battle of Echoee near present-day Otto, North Carolina.
- 1844 – Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith, are killed by a mob at the Carthage, Illinois jail.
- 1914 – The Illinois Monument is dedicated at Cheatham Hill in what is now the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
- 2013 – NASA launches the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, a space probe to observe the Sun.
June 26, 2023
Attention Area Kids:
Just a reminder that the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program is in its final weeks. Have you been checking out your books and entering for the prize drawings? If not, there is still time. Stop by the library, check out a book, enter the drawings, and pick up your take home craft to make. Will you read the most books this sumner?
“The path to wisdom is paved with humility.” - Tim Fargo
This Day in History:
Attention Area Kids:
Just a reminder that the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program is in its final weeks. Have you been checking out your books and entering for the prize drawings? If not, there is still time. Stop by the library, check out a book, enter the drawings, and pick up your take home craft to make. Will you read the most books this sumner?
“The path to wisdom is paved with humility.” - Tim Fargo
This Day in History:
- 1794 – French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of Fleurus marked the first successful military use of aircraft.
- 1886 – Henri Moissan isolated elemental Fluorine for the first time.
- 1934 – United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Federal Credit Union Act, which establishes credit unions.
- 2015 – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, 5–4, that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marriage under the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
June 25, 2023
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” - Titus 3:8
This Day in History:
“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” - Titus 3:8
This Day in History:
- 1788 – Virginia becomes the tenth state to ratify the United States Constitution.
- 1876 – Battle of the Little Bighorn and the death of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer.
- 1947 – The Diary of a Young Girl (better known as The Diary of Anne Frank) is published.
- 2022 – Russo-Ukrainian War: The Battle of Sievierodonetsk ends after weeks of heavy fighting with the Russian capture of the city, leading to the Battle of Lysychansk.
June 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
We are entering tournament time for the summer baseball/softball seasons. If you are interested in visiting one of the leagues tournaments, please click on the following link to view all of the different leagues schedules. Please contact the coach with any particular questions that you may have. Cheer on our youth to a victory!
Altona Baseball Association Summer Baseball/Softball League Schedules
“The best revenge is massive success.” - Frank Sinatra
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
We are entering tournament time for the summer baseball/softball seasons. If you are interested in visiting one of the leagues tournaments, please click on the following link to view all of the different leagues schedules. Please contact the coach with any particular questions that you may have. Cheer on our youth to a victory!
Altona Baseball Association Summer Baseball/Softball League Schedules
“The best revenge is massive success.” - Frank Sinatra
This Day in History:
- 1779 – American Revolutionary War: The Great Siege of Gibraltar begins.
- 1880 – First performance of O Canada at the Congrès national des Canadiens-Français. The song would later become the national anthem of Canada.
- 1922 – The American Professional Football Association is renamed the National Football League.
- 2022 – In Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that the U.S. Constitution does not assign the authority to regulate abortions to the federal government, thereby returning such authority to the individual states. This overturns the prior decisions in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992).
June 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The following is a list of a few items that some of you may be interested in......
The Bi-County Summer Baseball/Softball seasons are winding down and it is getting to be tournament time. Tonight will be the Altona 14U Girls Softball teams last regular scheduled home game at Milroy Field which begins at 7:30 pm. Come out and cheer them on to a victory as they head into their tournament. Be sure to check the entire season and tournament schedules by clicking on the following link: Altona Baseball Association Summer Baseball/Softball League Schedules
Attention Deer Hunters:
Just a reminder that June 30th is the deadline for applying for the second lottery for deer permits. July 11th is the deadline for the third lottery.
Attention Travelers:
Should anyone be traveling to Randolph County, where Sparta, Illinois is located, a Black Bear has crossed the Mississippi and is wandering around someplace. AVOID the bear. Don't leave food in your car or camper - or anything they can smell that might be yummy. I have read where they love donuts. Please don't feed the bear donuts as it may stay for awhile and ask for coffee too. This would make one heck of a story that you probably would rather not have to tell. If you see it, give it its space.
“Distance not only gives nostalgia, but perspective, and maybe objectivity.” - Robert Morgan
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The following is a list of a few items that some of you may be interested in......
The Bi-County Summer Baseball/Softball seasons are winding down and it is getting to be tournament time. Tonight will be the Altona 14U Girls Softball teams last regular scheduled home game at Milroy Field which begins at 7:30 pm. Come out and cheer them on to a victory as they head into their tournament. Be sure to check the entire season and tournament schedules by clicking on the following link: Altona Baseball Association Summer Baseball/Softball League Schedules
Attention Deer Hunters:
Just a reminder that June 30th is the deadline for applying for the second lottery for deer permits. July 11th is the deadline for the third lottery.
Attention Travelers:
Should anyone be traveling to Randolph County, where Sparta, Illinois is located, a Black Bear has crossed the Mississippi and is wandering around someplace. AVOID the bear. Don't leave food in your car or camper - or anything they can smell that might be yummy. I have read where they love donuts. Please don't feed the bear donuts as it may stay for awhile and ask for coffee too. This would make one heck of a story that you probably would rather not have to tell. If you see it, give it its space.
“Distance not only gives nostalgia, but perspective, and maybe objectivity.” - Robert Morgan
This Day in History:
- 1860 – The United States Congress establishes the Government Printing Office.
- 1894 – The International Olympic Committee is founded at the Sorbonne in Paris, at the initiative of Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
- 1926 – The College Board administers the first SAT exam.
- 1994 – NASA's Space Station Processing Facility, a new state-of-the-art manufacturing building for the International Space Station, officially opens at Kennedy Space Center.
- 2012 – Ashton Eaton breaks the decathlon world record at the United States Olympic Trials.
- 2013 – Nik Wallenda becomes the first man to successfully walk across the Grand Canyon on a tight rope.
June 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Looking for some fellowship and a free meal? Today at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church will be another Neighborhood Cafe. Just bring yourself and perhaps even a friend and enjoy everyone's company. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” - Jacques Maritain
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Looking for some fellowship and a free meal? Today at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church will be another Neighborhood Cafe. Just bring yourself and perhaps even a friend and enjoy everyone's company. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” - Jacques Maritain
This Day in History:
- 1870 – The United States Department of Justice is created by the U.S. Congress.
- 1942 – The Pledge of Allegiance is formally adopted by US Congress.
- 2009 – A Washington D.C Metro train traveling southbound near Fort Totten station collides into another train waiting to enter the station. Nine people are killed in the collision (eight passengers and the train operator) and at least 80 others are injured.
June 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The following is a list of known current and upcoming events. Please mark your calendars for those that may apply to you...
1). Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program will come to an end on July 8th. Kids, it isn't too late to start reading, enter for the prize drawings and take a craft home to make. Please visit the library and check out all the fun.
2). Tomorrow June 22nd: Neighborhood Cafe at 12 Noon at The Grove Community Church. Bring a friend. Cost is free.
3). Saturday, July 8th: The Annual Altona Firemen's Firework's Show will be at Dusk. The annual softball game is being planned and full details will be announced. There are donation cans at both Altona Food & Gas and at the General Store Tap. Please give generously as it helps them to continue to put on a wonderful show. Please watch for further details.
4). Vacation Bible School will be Monday July 24th - Thursday July 27th from 6 pm - 8 pm. See the flyer for complete details.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Confucius
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The following is a list of known current and upcoming events. Please mark your calendars for those that may apply to you...
1). Ransom Memorial Public Library Summer Reading Program will come to an end on July 8th. Kids, it isn't too late to start reading, enter for the prize drawings and take a craft home to make. Please visit the library and check out all the fun.
2). Tomorrow June 22nd: Neighborhood Cafe at 12 Noon at The Grove Community Church. Bring a friend. Cost is free.
3). Saturday, July 8th: The Annual Altona Firemen's Firework's Show will be at Dusk. The annual softball game is being planned and full details will be announced. There are donation cans at both Altona Food & Gas and at the General Store Tap. Please give generously as it helps them to continue to put on a wonderful show. Please watch for further details.
4). Vacation Bible School will be Monday July 24th - Thursday July 27th from 6 pm - 8 pm. See the flyer for complete details.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Confucius
This Day in History:
- 1788 – New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the Constitution of the United States.
- 1898 – The United States captures Guam from Spain. The few warning shots fired by the U.S. naval vessels are misinterpreted as salutes by the Spanish garrison, which was unaware that the two nations were at war.
- 1982 – John Hinckley is found not guilty by reason of insanity for the attempted assassination of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
- 2006 – Pluto's newly discovered moons are officially named Nix and Hydra.
June 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents & Area Children:
Just a reminder that the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summary Reading Program is still in full swing. Be sure to stop in and check out your books, enter for the prize drawings and pick up your craft to make at home. Will you read the most books? See the flyer for complete details.
Village residents; another reminder that water bills are due by the close of business today at 4 pm. Please either drop off your payment at Compton Accounting or pay your bill online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.” - Erma Bomcheck
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents & Area Children:
Just a reminder that the Ransom Memorial Public Library Summary Reading Program is still in full swing. Be sure to stop in and check out your books, enter for the prize drawings and pick up your craft to make at home. Will you read the most books? See the flyer for complete details.
Village residents; another reminder that water bills are due by the close of business today at 4 pm. Please either drop off your payment at Compton Accounting or pay your bill online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.” - Erma Bomcheck
This Day in History:
- 1782 – The U.S. Congress adopts the Great Seal of the United States.
- 1840 – Samuel Morse receives the patent for the telegraph.
- 1975 – The film Jaws is released in the United States, becoming the highest-grossing film of that time and starting the trend of films known as "summer blockbusters".
- 2003 – The Wikimedia Foundation is founded in St. Petersburg, Florida.
June 19, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that today is the last day of Free Fishing Days in Illinois. No license is needed. Fishing can be a good way to relax. Like they say, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work anytime. Good luck and reel in your supper.
“I do not fix problems. I fix my thinking. Then problems fix themselves.” - Louise L. Hay
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that today is the last day of Free Fishing Days in Illinois. No license is needed. Fishing can be a good way to relax. Like they say, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work anytime. Good luck and reel in your supper.
“I do not fix problems. I fix my thinking. Then problems fix themselves.” - Louise L. Hay
This Day in History:
- 1846 – The first officially recorded, organized baseball game is played under Alexander Cartwright's rules on Hoboken, New Jersey's Elysian Fields with the New York Base Ball Club defeating the Knickerbockers 23–1. Cartwright umpired.
- 1910 – The first Father's Day is celebrated in Spokane, Washington.
- 2012 – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange requested asylum in London's Ecuadorian Embassy for fear of extradition to the US after publication of previously classified documents including footage of civilian killings by the US army.
June 18, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish every father a Happy Father's Day! May you be able to find some time today and relax. For those whom might be interested, this weekend in the state of Illinois is Free Fishing Weekend. You do NOT need any licenses or stamps to fish throughout the state. Please see the flyer for complete details and good luck with your catch.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:28 - 29
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish every father a Happy Father's Day! May you be able to find some time today and relax. For those whom might be interested, this weekend in the state of Illinois is Free Fishing Weekend. You do NOT need any licenses or stamps to fish throughout the state. Please see the flyer for complete details and good luck with your catch.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:28 - 29
This Day in History:
- 1778 – American Revolutionary War: The British Army abandons Philadelphia.
- 1812 – The United States declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812.
- 1928 – Aviator Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly in an aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean (she is a passenger; Wilmer Stultz is the pilot and Lou Gordon the mechanic).
- 2009 – The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), a NASA robotic spacecraft is launched.
June 17, 2023
Welcome More On 34 Shoppers! The Village of Altona welcomes all who have decided to stop by our town. We hope that you find the deals that you are looking for. We have a little bit of everything here this weekend. We invite you to stop at our businesses while you are visiting with us. To help you navigate through town, the following link will take you to our "More On 34" webpage which will list all of the known yard sales in town along with a link to a map of our town to help you find them. Good luck, and thank you again for stopping and shopping with us. "More on 34" Father's Day Weekend
“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” - Harriet Beecher Stow
This Day in History:
Welcome More On 34 Shoppers! The Village of Altona welcomes all who have decided to stop by our town. We hope that you find the deals that you are looking for. We have a little bit of everything here this weekend. We invite you to stop at our businesses while you are visiting with us. To help you navigate through town, the following link will take you to our "More On 34" webpage which will list all of the known yard sales in town along with a link to a map of our town to help you find them. Good luck, and thank you again for stopping and shopping with us. "More on 34" Father's Day Weekend
“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” - Harriet Beecher Stow
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: Colonists inflict heavy casualties on British forces while losing the Battle of Bunker Hill.
- 1876 – American Indian Wars: Battle of the Rosebud: One thousand five hundred Sioux and Cheyenne led by Crazy Horse beat back General George Crook's forces at Rosebud Creek in Montana Territory.
- 1901 – The College Board introduces its first standardized test, the forerunner to the SAT.
- 2021 – Juneteenth National Independence Day, was signed into law by President Joe Biden, to become the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.
June 16, 2023
Welcome More On 34 Yard Sale Shoppers!
The Village of Altona would like to welcome you and invite all shoppers to check out all the yard sales within "The Village". You will find just about everything here in town. You never know what kind of bargains you'll find from clothes to cars to houseware items. Thank you for stopping by our town. While you are in town, be sure to fill up your gas tank and grab some snacks and drinks for your yard sale journey at the Altona Food & Gas; take a break with a cocktail at the General Store Tap; and check out our other stores. For a complete listing of known yard sales in town, please click on the following link: "More on 34" Father's Day Weekend
“You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.” - Audrey Hepburn
This Day in History:
Welcome More On 34 Yard Sale Shoppers!
The Village of Altona would like to welcome you and invite all shoppers to check out all the yard sales within "The Village". You will find just about everything here in town. You never know what kind of bargains you'll find from clothes to cars to houseware items. Thank you for stopping by our town. While you are in town, be sure to fill up your gas tank and grab some snacks and drinks for your yard sale journey at the Altona Food & Gas; take a break with a cocktail at the General Store Tap; and check out our other stores. For a complete listing of known yard sales in town, please click on the following link: "More on 34" Father's Day Weekend
“You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.” - Audrey Hepburn
This Day in History:
- 1858 – Abraham Lincoln delivers his House Divided speech in Springfield, Illinois.
- 1903 – The Ford Motor Company is incorporated.
- 2012 – The United States Air Force's robotic Boeing X-37B spaceplane returns to Earth after a classified 469-day orbital mission.
June 15, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday is More On 34! These are the BEST days to have a yard sale and sell your unwanted items. If you are planning on having a yard sale, please call Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123 to have your address added to the growing list. This is a free service to help direct people to your sale. Good luck and may you sell all of your stuff and make your wallet heavy with CA$H!
To view the addresses that have been reported so far, please visit the following webpage:
"More on 34" Father's Day Weekend
Need some helpful tips for a successful yard sale? Click on these helpful websites:
https://www.extraspace.com/blog/home-organization/how-to-prepare-for-a-garage-sale/
www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/garage-sale-tips
Remember to price to sell. Get your kids involved and make some signage to attract people to stop. Be sure to have your yard mowed and that your home has some "Curb Appeal", if your home looks unpleasant, your potential customers may just drive or walk on by. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs
“One of the greatest discoveries a person makes is to find they can do what they were afraid they couldn’t do.” - Henry Ford
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday is More On 34! These are the BEST days to have a yard sale and sell your unwanted items. If you are planning on having a yard sale, please call Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123 to have your address added to the growing list. This is a free service to help direct people to your sale. Good luck and may you sell all of your stuff and make your wallet heavy with CA$H!
To view the addresses that have been reported so far, please visit the following webpage:
"More on 34" Father's Day Weekend
Need some helpful tips for a successful yard sale? Click on these helpful websites:
https://www.extraspace.com/blog/home-organization/how-to-prepare-for-a-garage-sale/
www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/garage-sale-tips
Remember to price to sell. Get your kids involved and make some signage to attract people to stop. Be sure to have your yard mowed and that your home has some "Curb Appeal", if your home looks unpleasant, your potential customers may just drive or walk on by. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs
“One of the greatest discoveries a person makes is to find they can do what they were afraid they couldn’t do.” - Henry Ford
This Day in History:
- 1502 – Christopher Columbus lands on the island of Martinique on his fourth voyage.
- 1667 – The first human blood transfusion is administered by Dr. Jean-Baptiste Denys.
- 1752 – Benjamin Franklin proves that lightning is electricity (traditional date, the exact date is unknown).
- 1864 – Arlington National Cemetery is established when 200 acres (0.81 km2) of the Arlington estate (formerly owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee) are officially set aside as a military cemetery by U.S. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.
- 1916 – United States President Woodrow Wilson signs a bill incorporating the Boy Scouts of America, making them the only American youth organization with a federal charter.
- 2022 – Microsoft retires its ubiquitous Internet Explorer after 26 years in favor of its new browser, Microsoft Edge.
June 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Flag Day, the day that we honor the American flag. To learn more about the history of our flag and what this day is all about, please click on the following link www.history.com/news/what-is-flag-day. If you have an American flag that is torn or no longer in a condition to be respectfully used; tonight, beginning at 6 pm at the Oneida American Legion Post 727, the Legion will be having their 2nd Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony. Please bring a lawn chair and any American flags that you may have that need to be properly disposed of. Thank you to the American Legion for providing this service, and THANK YOU to all veteran who have served this great nation. See the flyer for complete details.
“There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.” - EMMA
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Flag Day, the day that we honor the American flag. To learn more about the history of our flag and what this day is all about, please click on the following link www.history.com/news/what-is-flag-day. If you have an American flag that is torn or no longer in a condition to be respectfully used; tonight, beginning at 6 pm at the Oneida American Legion Post 727, the Legion will be having their 2nd Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony. Please bring a lawn chair and any American flags that you may have that need to be properly disposed of. Thank you to the American Legion for providing this service, and THANK YOU to all veteran who have served this great nation. See the flyer for complete details.
“There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.” - EMMA
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: the Continental Army is established by the Continental Congress, marking the birth of the United States Armed Forces.
- 1846 – Bear Flag Revolt begins: Anglo settlers in Sonoma, California, start a rebellion against Mexico and proclaim the California Republic.
- 1900 – Hawaii becomes a United States territory.
- 2017 – US Republican House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, and three others, are shot and wounded by a terrorist while practicing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game.
June 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
With all of your preparations getting ready for this weekend's More On 34 Yard Sales, are you feeling worn out and just not feeling like cooking supper? Well tonight at The Grove Community Church, the Altona Lions Club will be fixing a Drive Thru dinner like they did during the pandemic. For a free will donation you will get a pork chop sandwich, chips and a bottle of water. So let them do the cooking tonight.
So how are your More On 34 yard sale plans going? The Village of Altona would like to help. Village residents, if you would like to advertise your yard sale, the Village would like to put your address on a list to help people direct them to your sale. Simply let Village President Derrick Appell know at 309-484-2123. May you have a very profitable sale. "More on 34" Father's Day Weekend or www.facebook.com/altonaparks?mibextid=LQQJ4d
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” - Ernest Hemingway
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
With all of your preparations getting ready for this weekend's More On 34 Yard Sales, are you feeling worn out and just not feeling like cooking supper? Well tonight at The Grove Community Church, the Altona Lions Club will be fixing a Drive Thru dinner like they did during the pandemic. For a free will donation you will get a pork chop sandwich, chips and a bottle of water. So let them do the cooking tonight.
So how are your More On 34 yard sale plans going? The Village of Altona would like to help. Village residents, if you would like to advertise your yard sale, the Village would like to put your address on a list to help people direct them to your sale. Simply let Village President Derrick Appell know at 309-484-2123. May you have a very profitable sale. "More on 34" Father's Day Weekend or www.facebook.com/altonaparks?mibextid=LQQJ4d
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” - Ernest Hemingway
This Day in History:
- 1525 – Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, against the celibacy rule decreed by the Roman Catholic Church for priests and nuns.
- 1625 – King Charles I of England marries Catholic princess Henrietta Maria of France and Navarre, at Canterbury.
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette lands near Charleston, South Carolina, in order to help the Continental Congress to train its army.
- 1805 – Lewis and Clark Expedition: Scouting ahead of the expedition, Meriwether Lewis and four companions sight the Great Falls of the Missouri River.
- 1966 – The United States Supreme Court rules in Miranda v. Arizona that the police must inform suspects of their Fifth Amendment rights before questioning them (colloquially known as "Mirandizing").
- 2002 – The United States withdraws from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.
June 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The following is a listing of events happening this week that you may be interested in.....
1) The Ransom Memorial Public Library's Summer Reading Program is in full swing. Kids, please be sure to stop in and check out your books, enter for the prize drawings, as well as pick up your take home craft. Will you read the most books? Please see the flyer for complete details.
2) Tuesday, June 13th. the Altona Lions Club will be having a drive thru pork chop dinner at The Grove Community Church from 5 - 7 pm. Pick up a pork chop, chips & water for a free will donation. Please see the flyer for complete details.
3) Wednesday, June 14th - Flag Day. The Oneida American Legion Post 727 will be having their 2nd Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Legion Hall. Bring your own lawn chair as well as any old, torn, or disfigured American flags that need to be retired. The Post will be performing the proper disposal ceremonies for our great country's symbol. Please see the flyer for complete details.
4) Friday & Saturday, June 16th & 17th. MORE ON 34! This is the HUGE 120 miles of yard sales from Galesburg - Aurora. 100's if not thousands of vehicles will be driving through our communities during this sale. This is absolutely the very BEST time to have a yard. While sales can be a lot of work, isn't it satisfying to finally get rid of those unwanted items that you have laying around? Isn't it a good feeling to see all the extra space once those items are gone? But more importantly, isn't it a wonderful feeling to see ALL that extra ca$h in your pocket? In today's economy when everything is high, who couldn't use some extra dough? Village residents: If you are planning on having a sale, and would like to post your address for free on the Village's website and Facebook pages, please contact President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Good luck with your sale.
www.facebook.com/altonaparks?mibextid=LQQJ4d Please see the flyer for complete details.
youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” - John Muir
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The following is a listing of events happening this week that you may be interested in.....
1) The Ransom Memorial Public Library's Summer Reading Program is in full swing. Kids, please be sure to stop in and check out your books, enter for the prize drawings, as well as pick up your take home craft. Will you read the most books? Please see the flyer for complete details.
2) Tuesday, June 13th. the Altona Lions Club will be having a drive thru pork chop dinner at The Grove Community Church from 5 - 7 pm. Pick up a pork chop, chips & water for a free will donation. Please see the flyer for complete details.
3) Wednesday, June 14th - Flag Day. The Oneida American Legion Post 727 will be having their 2nd Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Legion Hall. Bring your own lawn chair as well as any old, torn, or disfigured American flags that need to be retired. The Post will be performing the proper disposal ceremonies for our great country's symbol. Please see the flyer for complete details.
4) Friday & Saturday, June 16th & 17th. MORE ON 34! This is the HUGE 120 miles of yard sales from Galesburg - Aurora. 100's if not thousands of vehicles will be driving through our communities during this sale. This is absolutely the very BEST time to have a yard. While sales can be a lot of work, isn't it satisfying to finally get rid of those unwanted items that you have laying around? Isn't it a good feeling to see all the extra space once those items are gone? But more importantly, isn't it a wonderful feeling to see ALL that extra ca$h in your pocket? In today's economy when everything is high, who couldn't use some extra dough? Village residents: If you are planning on having a sale, and would like to post your address for free on the Village's website and Facebook pages, please contact President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Good luck with your sale.
www.facebook.com/altonaparks?mibextid=LQQJ4d Please see the flyer for complete details.
youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” - John Muir
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American War of Independence: British general Thomas Gage declares martial law in Massachusetts. The British offer a pardon to all colonists who lay down their arms. There would be only two exceptions to the amnesty: Samuel Adams and John Hancock, if captured, were to be hanged.
- 1817 – The earliest form of bicycle, the dandy horse, is driven by Karl von Drais.
- 1939 – The Baseball Hall of Fame opens in Cooperstown, New York.
- 2018 – United States President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un of North Korea held the first meeting between leaders of their two countries in Singapore.
June 11, 2023
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” - Romans 12:17
This Day in History:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” - Romans 12:17
This Day in History:
- 1776 – The Continental Congress appoints Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston to the Committee of Five to draft a declaration of independence.
- 1895 – Paris–Bordeaux–Paris, sometimes called the first automobile race in history or the "first motor race", takes place.
- 1919 – Sir Barton wins the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first horse to win the U.S. Triple Crown.
- 2002 – Antonio Meucci is acknowledged as the first inventor of the telephone by the United States Congress.
June 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
A couple of items that have come to the Village's attention that you may be interested in:
Tuesday, June 13th: The Altona Lions Club will be offering a Pork Chop, chips, and water dinner at The Grove Community Church from 5 pm - 7 pm. Cost is a Free Will Donation.
Wednesday, June 14th: The Oneida Legion Post 727 at 6 pm will be having their 2nd Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony. This will be held at the Legion Post. Bring your own lawn chair as well as any old American flag that needs to be retired.
“See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see.” - Wayne Dyer
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
A couple of items that have come to the Village's attention that you may be interested in:
Tuesday, June 13th: The Altona Lions Club will be offering a Pork Chop, chips, and water dinner at The Grove Community Church from 5 pm - 7 pm. Cost is a Free Will Donation.
Wednesday, June 14th: The Oneida Legion Post 727 at 6 pm will be having their 2nd Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony. This will be held at the Legion Post. Bring your own lawn chair as well as any old American flag that needs to be retired.
“See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see.” - Wayne Dyer
This Day in History:
- 1692 – Salem witch trials: Bridget Bishop is hanged at Gallows Hill near Salem, Massachusetts, for "certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcraft and Sorceries".
- 1786 – A landslide dam on the Dadu River created by an earthquake ten days earlier collapses, killing 100,000 in the Sichuan province of China.
- 1898 – Spanish–American War: In the Battle of Guantánamo Bay, U.S. Marines begin the American invasion of Spanish-held Cuba.
- 1944 – In baseball, 15-year-old Joe Nuxhall of the Cincinnati Reds becomes the youngest player ever in a major-league game.
- 2003 – The Spirit rover is launched, beginning NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission.
June 9, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Next week will be a busy week within the Village. Tuesday night from 5 pm - 7pm, the Lions Club will be offering a drive thru pork chop dinner for $5.00 at The Grove Community Church parking lot.
Next week is also More On 34 on Friday & Saturday, June 16th & 17th. It takes time to properly prep for a yard sale. Hundreds of cars will be driving through town. This is the BEST time to make money off of your item. In today's world where everything is expensive and where it may be hard to make ends meet, who couldn't use a few extra dollars in their pocket, right? The Village encourages everyone to have a yard sale, and make some money, while also getting rid of those unwanted stuff. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs
June 16 - 19 is also Illinois Free Fishing Day. No fishing license or stamp required. Fishing can be a fun and relaxing sport. Take your kids if they have never been, or take yourself if it has been awhile. See the flyer for full details. If you're too busy to fish, you're just too busy.
"Go for it. The future is promised to no one." - Wayne W. Dyer
This day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Next week will be a busy week within the Village. Tuesday night from 5 pm - 7pm, the Lions Club will be offering a drive thru pork chop dinner for $5.00 at The Grove Community Church parking lot.
Next week is also More On 34 on Friday & Saturday, June 16th & 17th. It takes time to properly prep for a yard sale. Hundreds of cars will be driving through town. This is the BEST time to make money off of your item. In today's world where everything is expensive and where it may be hard to make ends meet, who couldn't use a few extra dollars in their pocket, right? The Village encourages everyone to have a yard sale, and make some money, while also getting rid of those unwanted stuff. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs
June 16 - 19 is also Illinois Free Fishing Day. No fishing license or stamp required. Fishing can be a fun and relaxing sport. Take your kids if they have never been, or take yourself if it has been awhile. See the flyer for full details. If you're too busy to fish, you're just too busy.
"Go for it. The future is promised to no one." - Wayne W. Dyer
This day in History:
- 1862 – American Civil War: Stonewall Jackson concludes his successful Shenandoah Valley Campaign with a victory in the Battle of Port Republic; his tactics during the campaign are now studied by militaries around the world.
- 1973 – In horse racing, Secretariat wins the U.S. Triple Crown.
- 2010 – At least 40 people are killed and more than 70 wounded in a suicide bombing at a wedding party in Arghandab, Kandahar.
June 8, 2023
Attention Altona Residents:
Just another reminder that next weekend (Friday & Saturday) is More On 34! 120 miles of yard sales from Galesburg to Aurora. This is the BEST TIME to have a yard sale and make some money on all of those unwanted items. So start going through those closets, the attic, garage, basement and out buildings to see what you can sell because one man's junk is another man's treasure as they say. Here are some tips for a successful yard sale:
- Get your kids involved by making some attractive signs to help get people to stop.
- Make your property look attractive, because a "junky" looking home will cause them to keep moving on.
- Make your items look the best that they can. Wash the clothes, clean up the tools, etc...
- Price to SELL! While everyone wants to make as much money on the sale as possible, you also want to get rid of the item, that is the entire purpose of the sale. Price your items to sell so that your customer doesn't wish to keep looking down the road for a better bargain on the same or similar item.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs. Good Luck on your sale.
“Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you’re not really losing it. You’re just passing it on to someone else.” - Mitch Album
This Day in History:
Attention Altona Residents:
Just another reminder that next weekend (Friday & Saturday) is More On 34! 120 miles of yard sales from Galesburg to Aurora. This is the BEST TIME to have a yard sale and make some money on all of those unwanted items. So start going through those closets, the attic, garage, basement and out buildings to see what you can sell because one man's junk is another man's treasure as they say. Here are some tips for a successful yard sale:
- Get your kids involved by making some attractive signs to help get people to stop.
- Make your property look attractive, because a "junky" looking home will cause them to keep moving on.
- Make your items look the best that they can. Wash the clothes, clean up the tools, etc...
- Price to SELL! While everyone wants to make as much money on the sale as possible, you also want to get rid of the item, that is the entire purpose of the sale. Price your items to sell so that your customer doesn't wish to keep looking down the road for a better bargain on the same or similar item.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs. Good Luck on your sale.
“Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious, you’re not really losing it. You’re just passing it on to someone else.” - Mitch Album
This Day in History:
- 1789 – James Madison introduces twelve proposed amendments to the United States Constitution in Congress.
- 1861 – American Civil War: Tennessee secedes from the Union.
- 1966 – The National Football League and American Football League announced a merger effective in 1970.
- 2009 – Two American journalists are found guilty of illegally entering North Korea and sentenced to 12 years of penal labour.
June 7, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Education should be something that never stops once we graduate. The more we learn, the more we know, the greater life's opportunities has for us all. One never knows when the knowledge we gain through learning will come in handy. Tonight is no exception. Tonight at the Village of Altona Municipal Building, the AOW Ambulance Service will be educating the public on how to recognize a cardiac event; teach you how to deliver CPR as well as how to use an automatic external defibrillator. These are useful life skills that may come in hand someday. Who knows, you may need to perform these skills on a friend or loved one someday. Please consider attending this class. See the flyer for complete details and call AOW Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468 for complete details.
Attention Children: Just another reminder that the Ransom Memorial Public Library's Summer Reading Program is in full swing. Be sure to stop in at the library to learn something new by checking out a book, sign up for the drawing to win cool prizes, as well as pick up your free take home craft. Everything that there is to learn can be found in a book. Will you read the most books this summer? Please read the flyer for complete details.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” - B.B. King
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Education should be something that never stops once we graduate. The more we learn, the more we know, the greater life's opportunities has for us all. One never knows when the knowledge we gain through learning will come in handy. Tonight is no exception. Tonight at the Village of Altona Municipal Building, the AOW Ambulance Service will be educating the public on how to recognize a cardiac event; teach you how to deliver CPR as well as how to use an automatic external defibrillator. These are useful life skills that may come in hand someday. Who knows, you may need to perform these skills on a friend or loved one someday. Please consider attending this class. See the flyer for complete details and call AOW Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468 for complete details.
Attention Children: Just another reminder that the Ransom Memorial Public Library's Summer Reading Program is in full swing. Be sure to stop in at the library to learn something new by checking out a book, sign up for the drawing to win cool prizes, as well as pick up your free take home craft. Everything that there is to learn can be found in a book. Will you read the most books this summer? Please read the flyer for complete details.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” - B.B. King
This Day in History:
- 1776 – Richard Henry Lee presents the "Lee Resolution" to the Continental Congress. The motion is seconded by John Adams and will lead to the United States Declaration of Independence.
- 1862 – The United States and the United Kingdom agree in the Lyons–Seward Treaty to suppress the African slave trade.
- 1982 – Priscilla Presley opens Graceland to the public; the bathroom where Elvis Presley died five years earlier is kept off-limits.
- 2000 – The United Nations defines the Blue Line as the border between Israel and Lebanon.
June 6, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that tomorrow night at the Village of Altona Municipal Building beginning at 6:30 pm, AOW will be teaching a class on First Aid training and CPR. Learn how to recognize a cardiac arrest, learn how to use an auto external defibrillator. Gain hands on experience. These are valuable skills that could come in handy one day. Please call Sally Keener with your questions about the class at 309-368-6468.
“Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.” - Benjamin Disraeli
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that tomorrow night at the Village of Altona Municipal Building beginning at 6:30 pm, AOW will be teaching a class on First Aid training and CPR. Learn how to recognize a cardiac arrest, learn how to use an auto external defibrillator. Gain hands on experience. These are valuable skills that could come in handy one day. Please call Sally Keener with your questions about the class at 309-368-6468.
“Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.” - Benjamin Disraeli
This Day in History:
- 1844 – The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is founded in London.
- 1925 – The original Chrysler Corporation was founded by Walter Chrysler from the remains of the Maxwell Motor Company.
- 1933 – The first drive-in theater opens in Camden, New Jersey.
- 1934 – New Deal: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 into law, establishing the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- 2002 – Eastern Mediterranean event. A near-Earth asteroid estimated at ten meters in diameter explodes over the Mediterranean Sea between Greece and Libya. The explosion is estimated to have a force of 26 kilotons, slightly more powerful than the Nagasaki atomic bomb.
June 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents Both Adults & Kids!!!!
Attention Kids:
Just because school is out for the summer doesn't mean that your learning has to end, no sir re. How is that you ask? Well today starts the Ransom Memorial Public Library 2023 Summer Reading Program. The entire universe is at your fingertips when you read a book. You name it, from learning to take care of pets, to building a rocket, learning how to babysit or even learn about your favorite Super Hero's can be found in a book. So stop by the library and check out a book, sign up to win some prizes and pick up your craft to take home. The reading program starts today and will end July, 8th. Be sure to read the flyer for complete details. Will you read the most books? Will you end up winning one of the awesome prizes? Stop in and see Donna for all of the particulars.... and happy reading.
Attention Adults:
Summer learning isn't just for the kids, adults can learn too. This Wednesday, June 7th at the Village of Altona Municipal Building, you can learn first aid and CPR from the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Service. These skills may save a life one day, perhaps even one of your own family members. The class begins at 6:30 pm. Call AOW Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468 for complete details.
“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” - Mark Twain
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents Both Adults & Kids!!!!
Attention Kids:
Just because school is out for the summer doesn't mean that your learning has to end, no sir re. How is that you ask? Well today starts the Ransom Memorial Public Library 2023 Summer Reading Program. The entire universe is at your fingertips when you read a book. You name it, from learning to take care of pets, to building a rocket, learning how to babysit or even learn about your favorite Super Hero's can be found in a book. So stop by the library and check out a book, sign up to win some prizes and pick up your craft to take home. The reading program starts today and will end July, 8th. Be sure to read the flyer for complete details. Will you read the most books? Will you end up winning one of the awesome prizes? Stop in and see Donna for all of the particulars.... and happy reading.
Attention Adults:
Summer learning isn't just for the kids, adults can learn too. This Wednesday, June 7th at the Village of Altona Municipal Building, you can learn first aid and CPR from the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Service. These skills may save a life one day, perhaps even one of your own family members. The class begins at 6:30 pm. Call AOW Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468 for complete details.
“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” - Mark Twain
This Day in History:
- 1837 – Houston is incorporated by the Republic of Texas.
- 1968 – Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan.
- 2001 – Tropical Storm Allison makes landfall on the upper-Texas coastline as a strong tropical storm and dumps large amounts of rain over Houston. The storm causes $5.5 billion in damages, making Allison the second costliest tropical storm in U.S. history.
June 4, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
It is once again beginning to be that time of year again - More On 34! 120 miles of yard sales from Galesburg to Aurora. With inflation increasing the cost of everything at the stores, people will be looking for deals. There is no better time to have a yard sale and attempt to get rid of unwanted items than on this Father's Day weekend event. So start now to prepare for it by going through your closets, attic, basement and outbuildings and look for those unwanted items to sell and make some money off of them. Remember that one man's junk is another's treasure. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” - Jeremiah 17:7
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
It is once again beginning to be that time of year again - More On 34! 120 miles of yard sales from Galesburg to Aurora. With inflation increasing the cost of everything at the stores, people will be looking for deals. There is no better time to have a yard sale and attempt to get rid of unwanted items than on this Father's Day weekend event. So start now to prepare for it by going through your closets, attic, basement and outbuildings and look for those unwanted items to sell and make some money off of them. Remember that one man's junk is another's treasure. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ri_DIBszUs
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” - Jeremiah 17:7
This Day in History:
- 1855 – Major Henry C. Wayne departs New York aboard the USS Supply to procure camels to establish the U.S. Camel Corps.
- 1912 – Massachusetts becomes the first state of the United States to set a minimum wage.
- 2010 – Falcon 9 Flight 1 is the maiden flight of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 40.
June 3, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Today is the day to get your pets their rabies shots if you haven't yet done so as the Knox County Sheriff's Department Rabies Clinic comes to Altona. Today from 1 pm - 3 pm at the fire station, Dr. Lundeen will be there to administer the shots. Illinois State law requires that all dogs and cats four (4) months old and older to have a rabies shot. There are fees involved which are listed on the flyer. Please refer to the flyer for complete details. Remember that a vaccinated pet is a happy pet.
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” - Friedrich Nietzsche
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Today is the day to get your pets their rabies shots if you haven't yet done so as the Knox County Sheriff's Department Rabies Clinic comes to Altona. Today from 1 pm - 3 pm at the fire station, Dr. Lundeen will be there to administer the shots. Illinois State law requires that all dogs and cats four (4) months old and older to have a rabies shot. There are fees involved which are listed on the flyer. Please refer to the flyer for complete details. Remember that a vaccinated pet is a happy pet.
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” - Friedrich Nietzsche
This Day in History:
- 1781 – Jack Jouett begins his midnight ride to warn Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia legislature of an impending raid by Banastre Tarleton.
- 1889 – The first long-distance electric power transmission line in the United States is completed, running 14 miles (23 km) between a generator at Willamette Falls and downtown Portland, Oregon.
- 1916 – The National Defense Act is signed into law, increasing the size of the United States National Guard by 450,000 men.
- 2013 – The trial of United States Army private Chelsea Manning for leaking classified material to WikiLeaks begins in Fort Meade, Maryland.
June 2, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This is just a reminder that tomorrow from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Altona Fire Station, the Knox County Sheriff's Department will be having their next stop for the annual rabies clinic. Illinois State law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies. Please bring your pet here tomorrow or at another stop located on the attached flyer. There are costs for the shot and that information is located on the flyer. Thank you for being a responsible pet owner and vaccinating your pet.
“Peace begins when expectation ends.” - Sri Chinmoy
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
This is just a reminder that tomorrow from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Altona Fire Station, the Knox County Sheriff's Department will be having their next stop for the annual rabies clinic. Illinois State law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies. Please bring your pet here tomorrow or at another stop located on the attached flyer. There are costs for the shot and that information is located on the flyer. Thank you for being a responsible pet owner and vaccinating your pet.
“Peace begins when expectation ends.” - Sri Chinmoy
This Day in History:
- 1774 – Intolerable Acts: The Quartering Act is enacted, allowing a governor in colonial America to house British soldiers in uninhabited houses, outhouses, barns, or other buildings if suitable quarters are not provided.
- 1835 – P. T. Barnum and his circus start their first tour of the United States.
- 1953 – The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey becomes the first British coronation and one of the first major international events to be televised.
- 2003 – Europe launches its first voyage to another planet, Mars. The European Space Agency's Mars Express probe launches from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan.
June 1, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Do you own an antique, classic, or just a cool vehicle? Do you like to go to car shows and just look at all of the old styles of cars from yesteryear? For those who may be interested, Buda, IL has a car show this Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm. Registration begins at 9 am and it's only a $2 entry fee. Prizes for 1st - 3rd placement. See the flyer for complete details.
Attention Area Residents:
Do you own an antique, classic, or just a cool vehicle? Do you like to go to car shows and just look at all of the old styles of cars from yesteryear? For those who may be interested, Buda, IL has a car show this Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm. Registration begins at 9 am and it's only a $2 entry fee. Prizes for 1st - 3rd placement. See the flyer for complete details.
June 1, 2023
Attention Village & Area Residents & Children:
It seems that time has just flown by this year, in fact this year is almost half over with. Where did the time go? There has been many activities within "The Village" so far this year and there are more activities still to come. The following is an overview of the known activities for the upcoming month. Please mark your calendars for those which may apply to you....
The summer Baseball/Softball season is still in progress. Please see the team schedules that have been posted previously to find a game that you wish to attend, and cheer on Altona to a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!
Saturday, June 3rd: The Knox County Sheriff's Department Rabies Vaccination Clinic. 1 pm - 3 pm at the Altona Fire Station. Dr. Lundeen will be administering the shots. Illinois State law requires that ALL dogs and cats 4 months old or older be vaccinated against rabies. Please see the attached flyer for complete details and costs. If you haven't taken your pet to your veterinarian for their annual shots, please take advantage of this day. A vaccinated pet is a happy pet. Thank you.
Monday, June 5th - July 8th: Summer Reading Program 2023! Kids, be sure to enter the drawing each week to win one of the awesome prizes. Stop by the Ransom Memorial Public Library for complete details, check out a book and pick up your take home craft. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Wednesday, June 7th: Learn basic first aid and learn CPR. The AOW Ambulance Service is offering a class to the general public on how to recognize a cardiac event, learn how to deliver CPR, how to use an auto external Defibrillator. The skills that you will learn in this class may just save a life one day. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Thursday, June 8th & 22nd: The Grove Community Church's Neighborhood Cafe is still going on the second and fourth Thursday's of the month at 12 noon. Just bring yourself or a friend and enjoy the free meal and fellowship. See the flyer for complete details.
Friday & Saturday, June 16th & 17th: MORE ON 34! It is that time again when the very BEST time to have a yard sale has come. More On 34, 120 miles of yard sales from Galesburg to Aurora is always the Friday and Saturday of Father's Day weekend. Start now if you haven't done so already and get ready to make some money, as hundreds if not thousands of cars will be driving through town during this event. Give them a reason to stop by your sale. Advertise. Give your property some "curb appeal" to make them stop, as an unkept property may give false impressions in your potential customers mind as to the quality of items you have to sell. Price your items to sell. You want your customer to spend their money with you, NOT with your neighbor down the street for the same or similar item. Good luck with your sale. If you plan on having a sale, please let Village President Derrick Appell know at 309-484-2123 and I will help advertise this on the Village's website and Facebook for you for free.
Friday, June 16 - 19th: Illinois Free Fishing Days. No Illinois fishing license is needed during this four day event. Fishing can be a fun activity for the entire family. Fishing can be therapeutic and relaxing from your daily rat race. If you've never been or if its been awhile, grab your pole and throw a line in the water. See the flyer for complete details.
Sunday, June 18th: Father's Day. Be sure to do something nice for dad.
Tuesday, June 20th: Just a reminder that water bills are due. Thank you for paying your bills on time. It saves you money by not having to pay late fees, and it assures the revenue needed to maintain a quality water system.
Saturday, June 24th: Living in a rural area like we do, it is always a good idea to teach our children the dangers that exist on a farm. That is what Farm Safety Camp is for, teaching our children how to be safe. For complete details about this year's camp, call 309-342-2036 or visit their facebook page at KonxCoFSC.
The Annual Altona Firemen's Fireworks has been set for Saturday, July 8th. There are donation cans set out at Altona Food & Gas as well as the General Store Tap. Please donate to this cause, as the more funds that are raised, the better the show. Thank you in advance for your donations.
Monday, July 24th - Thursday, July 27th: Vacation Bible School from 6 pm - 8 pm at The Grove Community Church. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas.” - Ernest Hemingway
This Day in History:
Attention Village & Area Residents & Children:
It seems that time has just flown by this year, in fact this year is almost half over with. Where did the time go? There has been many activities within "The Village" so far this year and there are more activities still to come. The following is an overview of the known activities for the upcoming month. Please mark your calendars for those which may apply to you....
The summer Baseball/Softball season is still in progress. Please see the team schedules that have been posted previously to find a game that you wish to attend, and cheer on Altona to a V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!
Saturday, June 3rd: The Knox County Sheriff's Department Rabies Vaccination Clinic. 1 pm - 3 pm at the Altona Fire Station. Dr. Lundeen will be administering the shots. Illinois State law requires that ALL dogs and cats 4 months old or older be vaccinated against rabies. Please see the attached flyer for complete details and costs. If you haven't taken your pet to your veterinarian for their annual shots, please take advantage of this day. A vaccinated pet is a happy pet. Thank you.
Monday, June 5th - July 8th: Summer Reading Program 2023! Kids, be sure to enter the drawing each week to win one of the awesome prizes. Stop by the Ransom Memorial Public Library for complete details, check out a book and pick up your take home craft. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Wednesday, June 7th: Learn basic first aid and learn CPR. The AOW Ambulance Service is offering a class to the general public on how to recognize a cardiac event, learn how to deliver CPR, how to use an auto external Defibrillator. The skills that you will learn in this class may just save a life one day. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Thursday, June 8th & 22nd: The Grove Community Church's Neighborhood Cafe is still going on the second and fourth Thursday's of the month at 12 noon. Just bring yourself or a friend and enjoy the free meal and fellowship. See the flyer for complete details.
Friday & Saturday, June 16th & 17th: MORE ON 34! It is that time again when the very BEST time to have a yard sale has come. More On 34, 120 miles of yard sales from Galesburg to Aurora is always the Friday and Saturday of Father's Day weekend. Start now if you haven't done so already and get ready to make some money, as hundreds if not thousands of cars will be driving through town during this event. Give them a reason to stop by your sale. Advertise. Give your property some "curb appeal" to make them stop, as an unkept property may give false impressions in your potential customers mind as to the quality of items you have to sell. Price your items to sell. You want your customer to spend their money with you, NOT with your neighbor down the street for the same or similar item. Good luck with your sale. If you plan on having a sale, please let Village President Derrick Appell know at 309-484-2123 and I will help advertise this on the Village's website and Facebook for you for free.
Friday, June 16 - 19th: Illinois Free Fishing Days. No Illinois fishing license is needed during this four day event. Fishing can be a fun activity for the entire family. Fishing can be therapeutic and relaxing from your daily rat race. If you've never been or if its been awhile, grab your pole and throw a line in the water. See the flyer for complete details.
Sunday, June 18th: Father's Day. Be sure to do something nice for dad.
Tuesday, June 20th: Just a reminder that water bills are due. Thank you for paying your bills on time. It saves you money by not having to pay late fees, and it assures the revenue needed to maintain a quality water system.
Saturday, June 24th: Living in a rural area like we do, it is always a good idea to teach our children the dangers that exist on a farm. That is what Farm Safety Camp is for, teaching our children how to be safe. For complete details about this year's camp, call 309-342-2036 or visit their facebook page at KonxCoFSC.
The Annual Altona Firemen's Fireworks has been set for Saturday, July 8th. There are donation cans set out at Altona Food & Gas as well as the General Store Tap. Please donate to this cause, as the more funds that are raised, the better the show. Thank you in advance for your donations.
Monday, July 24th - Thursday, July 27th: Vacation Bible School from 6 pm - 8 pm at The Grove Community Church. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas.” - Ernest Hemingway
This Day in History:
- 1796 – Tennessee is admitted as the 16th state of the United States.
- 1812 – War of 1812: U.S. President James Madison asks the Congress to declare war on the United Kingdom.
- 1980 – Cable News Network (CNN) begins broadcasting.
- 2004 – Oklahoma City bombing co-conspirator Terry Nichols is sentenced to 161 consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.
May 31, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
It's once again Home Opener Night at Milroy Field in the Village of Altona; but this time it is the T-baller's turn to start their baseball season. Tonight at 6 pm, Oneida 2 takes on Altona 1. So come on out for some good old fashion free entertainment and cheer on Altona 1 onto victory. Please see their schedule for games. Thank you to all the coaches for volunteering and teaching our youth.
"Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinary well." - John W. Gardner
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
It's once again Home Opener Night at Milroy Field in the Village of Altona; but this time it is the T-baller's turn to start their baseball season. Tonight at 6 pm, Oneida 2 takes on Altona 1. So come on out for some good old fashion free entertainment and cheer on Altona 1 onto victory. Please see their schedule for games. Thank you to all the coaches for volunteering and teaching our youth.
"Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinary well." - John W. Gardner
This Day in History:
- 1859 – The clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, which houses Big Ben, starts keeping time.
- 1955 – The U.S. Supreme Court expands on its Brown v. Board of Education decision by ordering district courts and school districts to enforce educational desegregation "at all deliberate speed."
- 2003 – Air France retires its fleet of Concorde aircraft.
May 30, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank all of our volunteers of both the Altona Fire Department as well as Altona -Oneida - Wataga Ambulance District. These fine folks are our local heroes that drop everything in their personal lives to come to our aid during our darkest hours. If you see one of these volunteers, please thank them and give them the recognition that they deserve.
If you would like to volunteer for either the Altona Fire Department or AOW; please contact either Fire Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064 or AOW Director Sally Keener at 309-484-4311 respectively.
“Beautiful souls are shaped by ugly experiences.” - Mashona Dhliwayo
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank all of our volunteers of both the Altona Fire Department as well as Altona -Oneida - Wataga Ambulance District. These fine folks are our local heroes that drop everything in their personal lives to come to our aid during our darkest hours. If you see one of these volunteers, please thank them and give them the recognition that they deserve.
If you would like to volunteer for either the Altona Fire Department or AOW; please contact either Fire Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064 or AOW Director Sally Keener at 309-484-4311 respectively.
“Beautiful souls are shaped by ugly experiences.” - Mashona Dhliwayo
This Day in History:
- 1806 – Future U.S. President Andrew Jackson kills Charles Dickinson in a duel.
- 1911 – At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the first Indianapolis 500 ends with Ray Harroun in his Marmon Wasp becoming the first winner of the 500-mile auto race.
- 2020 – The Crew Dragon Demo-2 launches from the Kennedy Space Center, becoming the first crewed orbital spacecraft to launch from the United States since 2011 and the first commercial flight to the International Space Station.
May 29, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
As we celebrate the holiday today with family and friends, let us not forget the REAL reason for today. Honoring all of the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our country in order that we can enjoy our freedoms. Let us also not forget the families of the fallen as they have served as well. To learn more about the history of today, please click on the following link to watch a short video: play.history.com/videos/memorial-day
Memorial Day services today are once again presented by Altona's Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion Post #390. Services at the Walnut Grove Cemetery will be at 10:30 a.m.; and the Altona Cemetery will be at 11 a.m. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn will officiate.
Veterans - Thank you for your service to our country. If you would like to join our local American Legion Post, please contact Commander Pat Welch at 309-484-2042. They could use the help.
“Better to fight for something than to live for nothing.” - General George S. Patton
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
As we celebrate the holiday today with family and friends, let us not forget the REAL reason for today. Honoring all of the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our country in order that we can enjoy our freedoms. Let us also not forget the families of the fallen as they have served as well. To learn more about the history of today, please click on the following link to watch a short video: play.history.com/videos/memorial-day
Memorial Day services today are once again presented by Altona's Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion Post #390. Services at the Walnut Grove Cemetery will be at 10:30 a.m.; and the Altona Cemetery will be at 11 a.m. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn will officiate.
Veterans - Thank you for your service to our country. If you would like to join our local American Legion Post, please contact Commander Pat Welch at 309-484-2042. They could use the help.
“Better to fight for something than to live for nothing.” - General George S. Patton
This Day in History:
- 1790 – Rhode Island becomes the last of North America's original Thirteen Colonies to ratify the Constitution and become one of the United States.
- 1848 – Wisconsin is admitted as the 30th U.S. state.
- 1932 – World War I veterans begin to assemble in Washington, D.C., in the Bonus Army to request cash bonuses promised to them to be paid in 1945.
- 1999 – Space Shuttle Discovery completes the first docking with the International Space Station.
- 2004 – The National World War II Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.
May 28, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder about the open house today at the Altona Fire Department for Jim Andrews on his retirement as Fire Chief. THANK YOU Jim for your many years of service and helping to protect our community. Welcome new Fire Chief Keith Holland.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Services will once again be provided by Altona's Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion Post #390. Walnut Grove Cemetery will be at 10:30 a.m. and the Altona Cemetery will be at 11 a.m. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn to pro-side. Please fly your American flag if you own one and remember what the day is truly about.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” - 1 John 4:7
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder about the open house today at the Altona Fire Department for Jim Andrews on his retirement as Fire Chief. THANK YOU Jim for your many years of service and helping to protect our community. Welcome new Fire Chief Keith Holland.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Services will once again be provided by Altona's Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion Post #390. Walnut Grove Cemetery will be at 10:30 a.m. and the Altona Cemetery will be at 11 a.m. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn to pro-side. Please fly your American flag if you own one and remember what the day is truly about.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” - 1 John 4:7
This Day in History:
- 1754 – French and Indian War: In the first engagement of the war, Virginia militia under the 22-year-old Lieutenant colonel George Washington defeat a French reconnaissance party in the Battle of Jumonville Glen in what is now Fayette County in southwestern Pennsylvania.
- 1892 – In San Francisco, John Muir organizes the Sierra Club.
- 1937 – Volkswagen, the German automobile manufacturer, is founded.
- 2002 – The last steel girder is removed from the original World Trade Center site. Cleanup duties officially end with closing ceremonies at Ground Zero in Manhattan, New York City.
May 27, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a couple reminders of upcoming events this weekend.....
Tomorrow from 12 noon until 3pm at the Altona Fire Station; there will be an open house to celebrate Jim Andrews for his dedication and many years serving as our fire chief. Thank you for your service Jim. You can also welcome your new Fire Chief, Keith Holland. See the flyer for complete details.
Monday, May 28, 2023: Memorial Day Services will once again be sponsored by the Altona Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion Post #390. Walnut Grove Cemetery services begin at 10:30 a.m.; and the Altona Cemetery services begin at 11 a.m.. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn will be officiating. Please fly your flags on this day if you own one. If you are a veteran please contact Commander Pat Welch at 309-484-2042 about joining. Like the Marines, they could use a few good people. Thank you for your service.
Remember that the police will be out in full force this weekend. They will be looking for speeders, seat belt violators and impaired drivers regardless of the substance, so please DON'T DRINK & DRIVE. Choose a designated driver. Let's all be safe and enjoy another holiday.
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” - Robert Frost
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a couple reminders of upcoming events this weekend.....
Tomorrow from 12 noon until 3pm at the Altona Fire Station; there will be an open house to celebrate Jim Andrews for his dedication and many years serving as our fire chief. Thank you for your service Jim. You can also welcome your new Fire Chief, Keith Holland. See the flyer for complete details.
Monday, May 28, 2023: Memorial Day Services will once again be sponsored by the Altona Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion Post #390. Walnut Grove Cemetery services begin at 10:30 a.m.; and the Altona Cemetery services begin at 11 a.m.. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn will be officiating. Please fly your flags on this day if you own one. If you are a veteran please contact Commander Pat Welch at 309-484-2042 about joining. Like the Marines, they could use a few good people. Thank you for your service.
Remember that the police will be out in full force this weekend. They will be looking for speeders, seat belt violators and impaired drivers regardless of the substance, so please DON'T DRINK & DRIVE. Choose a designated driver. Let's all be safe and enjoy another holiday.
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” - Robert Frost
This Day in History:
- 1813 – War of 1812: In Canada, American forces capture Fort George.
- 1896 – The F4-strength St. Louis–East St. Louis tornado hits in St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, killing at least 255 people and causing over $10 million in damage.
- 1927 – The Ford Motor Company ceases manufacture of the Ford Model T and begins to retool plants to make the Ford Model A.
- 2016 – Barack Obama is the first president of United States to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and meet Hibakusha.
May 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder about events for this Memorial Day weekend....
First of all; since this is Memorial Day weekend - the unofficial start of summer; you may be spending the weekend with family and friends outside having BBQ cookouts. If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, please do NOT drink and drive. Choose a designated driver. No sense in ruining families lives (including your own) by making a terrible mistake like killing someone at worst or you going to jail at best. The police will be out in full force as usual during the holidays looking for speeders, seat belt violators, and impaired drivers regardless of the substance. Again, please choose a designated driver and DON'T DRINK & DRIVE. Let's start the summer off being safe. Thank you.
Sunday, May 28th, from 12 Noon until 3 pm; There will be an Open House at the Altona Fire Department to celebrate the retirement of Jim Andrews as Fire Chief. Please come and congratulate Jim on his many years of service and welcome our new Fire Chief Keith Holland. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Monday, May 29th: Memorial Day Services will once again be sponsored by the Altona Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion. The Walnut Grove Cemetery services begins at 10:30 A.M.; and the Altona Cemetery services begin at 11 A.M. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn from Bethany Baptist Church will be officiating. If you have an American flag, please fly it today.
******************************************************************************************************* Attention Area Veterans. If you would like to join your local American Legion, please contact Commander Pat Welch at 309-484-2042. Your country is asking for you to serve once again. Thank you for your service.
*******************************************************************************************************
“There is nothing in the world so much admired as a man who knows how to bear unhappiness with courage.” - Lucius Annaeus Seneca
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder about events for this Memorial Day weekend....
First of all; since this is Memorial Day weekend - the unofficial start of summer; you may be spending the weekend with family and friends outside having BBQ cookouts. If you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages, please do NOT drink and drive. Choose a designated driver. No sense in ruining families lives (including your own) by making a terrible mistake like killing someone at worst or you going to jail at best. The police will be out in full force as usual during the holidays looking for speeders, seat belt violators, and impaired drivers regardless of the substance. Again, please choose a designated driver and DON'T DRINK & DRIVE. Let's start the summer off being safe. Thank you.
Sunday, May 28th, from 12 Noon until 3 pm; There will be an Open House at the Altona Fire Department to celebrate the retirement of Jim Andrews as Fire Chief. Please come and congratulate Jim on his many years of service and welcome our new Fire Chief Keith Holland. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Monday, May 29th: Memorial Day Services will once again be sponsored by the Altona Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion. The Walnut Grove Cemetery services begins at 10:30 A.M.; and the Altona Cemetery services begin at 11 A.M. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn from Bethany Baptist Church will be officiating. If you have an American flag, please fly it today.
******************************************************************************************************* Attention Area Veterans. If you would like to join your local American Legion, please contact Commander Pat Welch at 309-484-2042. Your country is asking for you to serve once again. Thank you for your service.
*******************************************************************************************************
“There is nothing in the world so much admired as a man who knows how to bear unhappiness with courage.” - Lucius Annaeus Seneca
This Day in History:
- 1783 – A Great Jubilee Day held at North Stratford, Connecticut, celebrates the end of fighting in the American Revolution.
- 1868 – The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson ends with his acquittal by one vote.
- 1927 – The last Ford Model T rolls off the assembly line after a production run of 15,007,003 vehicles.
- 2020 – Protests triggered by the murder of George Floyd erupt in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, before becoming widespread across the United States and around the world.
May 25, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today at 12 Noon will be another Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church. You only need to bring yourself or perhaps a friend for a meal and fellowship. Thank you Grove Church for putting this activity together. See the flyer for complete details.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” - Atticus Finch
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today at 12 Noon will be another Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church. You only need to bring yourself or perhaps a friend for a meal and fellowship. Thank you Grove Church for putting this activity together. See the flyer for complete details.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” - Atticus Finch
This Day in History:
- 1787 – After a delay of 11 days, the United States Constitutional Convention formally convenes in Philadelphia after a quorum of seven states is secured.
- 1865 – In Mobile, Alabama, around 300 people are killed when an ordnance depot explodes.
- 1935 – Jesse Owens of Ohio State University breaks three world records and ties a fourth at the Big Ten Conference Track and Field Championships in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- 2011 – Oprah Winfrey airs her last show, ending her 25-year run of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
May 24, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Summer ball season is in full swing and the 8U Girls Softball team has a home game tonight at Milroy Field at 6pm against Oneida. Please see the following summer ball schedules for all of our teams. Come out and cheer on our youth to a victory. Go Altona!!!!
“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” - Vince Lombardi
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Summer ball season is in full swing and the 8U Girls Softball team has a home game tonight at Milroy Field at 6pm against Oneida. Please see the following summer ball schedules for all of our teams. Come out and cheer on our youth to a victory. Go Altona!!!!
“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” - Vince Lombardi
This Day in History:
- 1738 – John Wesley is converted, essentially launching the Methodist movement; the day is celebrated annually by Methodists as Aldersgate Day and a church service is generally held on the preceding Sunday.
- 1844 – Samuel Morse sends the message "What hath God wrought" (a biblical quotation, Numbers 23:23) from a committee room in the United States Capitol to his assistant, Alfred Vail, in Baltimore, Maryland, to inaugurate a commercial telegraph line between Baltimore and Washington D.C.
- 1935 – The first night game in Major League Baseball history is played in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the Cincinnati Reds beating the Philadelphia Phillies 2–1 at Crosley Field.
- 2019 – Under pressure over her handling of Brexit, British Prime Minister Theresa May announces her resignation as Leader of the Conservative Party, effective as of June 7.
May 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The following is a list of upcoming events within the Village of Altona. Please mark your calendars for those events which may apply to you.....
Thursday, May 25th: Neighborhood Cafe at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church. Come for a free meal. You don't need to bring a thing.... well perhaps a friend to help share in the fellowship. See the flyer for complete details.
Sunday, May 28th: Altona Fire Department Open House from 1-3 pm. Come celebrate the Retirement of Jim Andrews as Fire Chief, and welcome your new Fire Chief Keith Holland. THANK YOU Jim for all of your years of dedication on the fire department.
Monday, May 29th: Memorial Day Services sponsored by the Altona Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion.
Walnut Grove Cemetery services begins at 10:30 am; Altona Cemetery services begin at 11 am. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn will be officiating. If you would like to learn a little about the history of Memorial Day, please click on the following link nationaldaycalendar.com/memorial-day-last-monday-in-may/.
**** Attention Area Veterans. If you would like to join your local American Legion, please contact Commander Pat Welch at 309-484-2042. Your country is asking for you to serve once again. Thank you for your service.
The 2023 Summer Baseball/Softball Leagues continue. Please see the previous posting of schedules for home game nights.
Saturday, June 3rd: Knox County Rabies Vaccination Clinics. 1pm -3pm at the Altona Fire Station. Dr. Lundeen will be administering rabies shots. Registration fees are $10 for each 1 year altered dog, and $20 for each unaltered dog. $25 for each 3 year altered dog, and $5 for each 1 year altered cat, $15 for each 1 year unaltered cat, plus the cost for vaccination. Remember that not only is a vaccinated pet is a happy pet; Illinois State law requires that all dogs and cats 4 months old and older to be vaccinated for rabies and register them with the county. Please see the attached flyer for complete details.
“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home.” - Mother Teresa
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The following is a list of upcoming events within the Village of Altona. Please mark your calendars for those events which may apply to you.....
Thursday, May 25th: Neighborhood Cafe at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church. Come for a free meal. You don't need to bring a thing.... well perhaps a friend to help share in the fellowship. See the flyer for complete details.
Sunday, May 28th: Altona Fire Department Open House from 1-3 pm. Come celebrate the Retirement of Jim Andrews as Fire Chief, and welcome your new Fire Chief Keith Holland. THANK YOU Jim for all of your years of dedication on the fire department.
Monday, May 29th: Memorial Day Services sponsored by the Altona Ekstedt-Hurd American Legion.
Walnut Grove Cemetery services begins at 10:30 am; Altona Cemetery services begin at 11 am. Pastor Bob Nutzhorn will be officiating. If you would like to learn a little about the history of Memorial Day, please click on the following link nationaldaycalendar.com/memorial-day-last-monday-in-may/.
**** Attention Area Veterans. If you would like to join your local American Legion, please contact Commander Pat Welch at 309-484-2042. Your country is asking for you to serve once again. Thank you for your service.
The 2023 Summer Baseball/Softball Leagues continue. Please see the previous posting of schedules for home game nights.
Saturday, June 3rd: Knox County Rabies Vaccination Clinics. 1pm -3pm at the Altona Fire Station. Dr. Lundeen will be administering rabies shots. Registration fees are $10 for each 1 year altered dog, and $20 for each unaltered dog. $25 for each 3 year altered dog, and $5 for each 1 year altered cat, $15 for each 1 year unaltered cat, plus the cost for vaccination. Remember that not only is a vaccinated pet is a happy pet; Illinois State law requires that all dogs and cats 4 months old and older to be vaccinated for rabies and register them with the county. Please see the attached flyer for complete details.
“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home.” - Mother Teresa
This Day in History:
- 1788 – South Carolina ratifies the United States Constitution as the eighth American state.
- 1846 – Mexican–American War: President Mariano Paredes of Mexico unofficially declares war on the United States.
- 1934 – American bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde are ambushed by police and killed in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.
- 2021 – A cable car falls from a mountain near Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, killing 14 people.
May 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight at Milroy Field in the Village of Altona, it will be Home Opener Night for the 8U Girls Softball team and that action starts at 6 pm vs. Alpha 2. So come out and cheer on our youth to a victory. The Altona Lions Club will be cooking out so why not have supper at the ball diamond tonight? Be sure to see the season schedule for all of the free games! Good luck Altona!
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight at Milroy Field in the Village of Altona, it will be Home Opener Night for the 8U Girls Softball team and that action starts at 6 pm vs. Alpha 2. So come out and cheer on our youth to a victory. The Altona Lions Club will be cooking out so why not have supper at the ball diamond tonight? Be sure to see the season schedule for all of the free games! Good luck Altona!
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
- 1804 – The Lewis and Clark Expedition officially begins as the Corps of Discovery departs from St. Charles, Missouri.
- 1906 – The Wright brothers are granted U.S. patent number 821,393 for their "Flying-Machine".
- 2011 – An EF5 tornado strikes Joplin, Missouri, killing 158 people and wreaking $2.8 billion in damages, the costliest and seventh-deadliest single tornado in U.S. history.
May 21, 2023
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; I'd like to welcome the new interim Pastor for Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Kristine Dohrmann. Church services start at 10:15 if you would like to attend and meet her.
Congratulations to entire R.O.W.V.A. Class of 2023! Your graduation today is your greatest achievement so far in your life. Cherish this moment, and may the rest of your life be filled with joy and success.
“Give thanks to the God of Gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords. His faithful love endures forever.” - Psalm 136: 2-4
This Day in History:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; I'd like to welcome the new interim Pastor for Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pastor Kristine Dohrmann. Church services start at 10:15 if you would like to attend and meet her.
Congratulations to entire R.O.W.V.A. Class of 2023! Your graduation today is your greatest achievement so far in your life. Cherish this moment, and may the rest of your life be filled with joy and success.
“Give thanks to the God of Gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords. His faithful love endures forever.” - Psalm 136: 2-4
This Day in History:
- 1881 – The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton in Washington, D.C.
- 1927 – Charles Lindbergh touches down at Le Bourget Field in Paris, completing the world's first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
- 2017 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performed their final show at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
May 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
First of all, i'd like to thank everyone who had participated in yesterday's annual Clean Up Day by getting rid of your unwanted items. Our homes are our biggest investment and it only makes sense to keep them up and looking the nicest that they can be. Getting rid of clutter and unwanted or unnecessary junk is an easy way to keep your resale value up. They say that one man's junk is another man's treasure, and that the early bird gets the worm.... well the scavengers that were out taking claim to your unwanted items at 3 a.m. on Thursday morning thank you for your items discarded.
Second, one last reminder that water bills are due today. Since Compton Accounting is not open on Saturday's, please either place your water bill in the front door mail slot in an envelope or pay your bill online using the following link www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you all for paying your bills on time. It saves you money by not having to pay the penalty charges.
Derrick R. Appell
Village President
“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” - Carl Bard
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
First of all, i'd like to thank everyone who had participated in yesterday's annual Clean Up Day by getting rid of your unwanted items. Our homes are our biggest investment and it only makes sense to keep them up and looking the nicest that they can be. Getting rid of clutter and unwanted or unnecessary junk is an easy way to keep your resale value up. They say that one man's junk is another man's treasure, and that the early bird gets the worm.... well the scavengers that were out taking claim to your unwanted items at 3 a.m. on Thursday morning thank you for your items discarded.
Second, one last reminder that water bills are due today. Since Compton Accounting is not open on Saturday's, please either place your water bill in the front door mail slot in an envelope or pay your bill online using the following link www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you all for paying your bills on time. It saves you money by not having to pay the penalty charges.
Derrick R. Appell
Village President
“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” - Carl Bard
This Day in History:
- 1861 – American Civil War: The state of Kentucky proclaims its neutrality, which will last until September 3 when Confederate forces enter the state. Meanwhile, the State of North Carolina secedes from the Union.
- 1940 – The Holocaust: The first prisoners arrive at a new concentration camp at Auschwitz.
- 2019 – The International System of Units (SI): The base units are redefined, making the international prototype of the kilogram obsolete.
May 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a couple of last minute reminders...
Today is the Annual Village-wide Clean Up Day. All of your items need to be out to the curb by 6 am this morning as the garbage truck is only making one pass through town. Hopefully everyone has taken advantage of this once a year event to get rid of your unwanted and cluttered up items. Nuisance ordinance violations will soon be mailed out to those who failed to clean up their properties. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Water bills are due tomorrow. Since Compton Accounting is closed on Saturday's, if you need to make an in-person electronic payment, please call or see them today prior to their 4 pm closing today. If you don't need to make an in-person payment, you can either place your payment in the front mail slot or pay online by visiting the following website..... https://www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“When one comes to the essence of being, the shining wisdom of reality illumines all like the cloudless sky.” - Milarepa
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a couple of last minute reminders...
Today is the Annual Village-wide Clean Up Day. All of your items need to be out to the curb by 6 am this morning as the garbage truck is only making one pass through town. Hopefully everyone has taken advantage of this once a year event to get rid of your unwanted and cluttered up items. Nuisance ordinance violations will soon be mailed out to those who failed to clean up their properties. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Water bills are due tomorrow. Since Compton Accounting is closed on Saturday's, if you need to make an in-person electronic payment, please call or see them today prior to their 4 pm closing today. If you don't need to make an in-person payment, you can either place your payment in the front mail slot or pay online by visiting the following website..... https://www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“When one comes to the essence of being, the shining wisdom of reality illumines all like the cloudless sky.” - Milarepa
This Day in History:
- 1848 – Mexican–American War: Mexico ratifies the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo thus ending the war and ceding California, Nevada, Utah and parts of four other modern-day U.S. states to the United States for US$15 million.
- 1911 – Parks Canada, the world's first national park service, is established as the Dominion Parks Branch under the Department of the Interior.
- 2018 – The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is held at St George's Chapel, Windsor, with an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion.
May 18, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! The Annual Village of Altona Clean Up Day. Please have all of your items out to the curb by tonight as the garbage truck will only make one pass through town. Please be sure to read the flyer as to what is and is NOT allowed. Please ask a friend or neighbor to help you with those larger items. Thank you for cleaning up your properties. The Knox County Sheriff's Department will be informed of those individuals who have failed to clean up their properties for tickets to be issued. The Village does not wish to issue tickets; but complying with the ordinances and keeping our properties up to standards is the best way to avoid this.
“The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t.” - Marie Kondo
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! The Annual Village of Altona Clean Up Day. Please have all of your items out to the curb by tonight as the garbage truck will only make one pass through town. Please be sure to read the flyer as to what is and is NOT allowed. Please ask a friend or neighbor to help you with those larger items. Thank you for cleaning up your properties. The Knox County Sheriff's Department will be informed of those individuals who have failed to clean up their properties for tickets to be issued. The Village does not wish to issue tickets; but complying with the ordinances and keeping our properties up to standards is the best way to avoid this.
“The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t.” - Marie Kondo
This Day in History:
- 1860 – United States presidential election: Abraham Lincoln wins the Republican Party presidential nomination over William H. Seward, who later becomes the United States Secretary of State.
- 1917 – World War I: The Selective Service Act of 1917 is passed, giving the President of the United States the power of conscription.
- 2005 – A second photo from the Hubble Space Telescope confirms that Pluto has two additional moons, Nix and Hydra.
May 18, 2023
May 17, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight is the Home Opener Night for the 14 U Girls Softball. Tonight's game starts at 7:30 pm against Williamsfield at Milroy Field. So come on out for some free entertainment and cheer on our youth to a victory!!!
“My day begins and ends with gratitude and joy.” - Louise Hay
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight is the Home Opener Night for the 14 U Girls Softball. Tonight's game starts at 7:30 pm against Williamsfield at Milroy Field. So come on out for some free entertainment and cheer on our youth to a victory!!!
“My day begins and ends with gratitude and joy.” - Louise Hay
This Day in History:
- 1673 – Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette begin exploring the Mississippi River.
- 1792 – The New York Stock Exchange is formed under the Buttonwood Agreement.
- 1875 – Aristides wins the first Kentucky Derby with the jockey Oliver Lewis (2:37.75).
- 1900 – The children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, is first published in the United States. The first copy is given to the author's sister.
May 16, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight is Home Opener night!!! That's right, our boys home season starts tonight at Milroy Field in the Village of Altona, and you will be entertained by a double feature. Beginning at 6pm, the 10U Boys baseball team kicks off their home opener vs. Oneida. Then at 7:30 pm (or 30 minutes after the 10U Boys) you can watch the 12U Boys baseball team square off in their home opener vs. Cambridge. As usual the Altona Lions Club will be grilling out, so come out and cheer on the boys to a winning season. The tickets are cheap.....FREE! That's right, in today's economy when everything has gone up, why not take advantage of some free entertainment. So come out and cheer Altona on to a victory - Good Luck Boys!!!
“The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire.” - Robert Kiyosaki
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight is Home Opener night!!! That's right, our boys home season starts tonight at Milroy Field in the Village of Altona, and you will be entertained by a double feature. Beginning at 6pm, the 10U Boys baseball team kicks off their home opener vs. Oneida. Then at 7:30 pm (or 30 minutes after the 10U Boys) you can watch the 12U Boys baseball team square off in their home opener vs. Cambridge. As usual the Altona Lions Club will be grilling out, so come out and cheer on the boys to a winning season. The tickets are cheap.....FREE! That's right, in today's economy when everything has gone up, why not take advantage of some free entertainment. So come out and cheer Altona on to a victory - Good Luck Boys!!!
“The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire.” - Robert Kiyosaki
This Day in History:
- 1770 – The 14-year-old Marie Antoinette marries 15-year-old Louis-Auguste, who later becomes king of France.
- 1866 – The United States Congress establishes the nickel.
- 1988 – A report by the Surgeon General of the United States C. Everett Koop states that the addictive properties of nicotine are similar to those of heroin and cocaine.
- 2011 – STS-134 (ISS assembly flight ULF6), launched from the Kennedy Space Center on the 25th and final flight for Space Shuttle Endeavour.
May 15, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a list of upcoming events within the Village that you may be interested in....
Tuesday, May 16th: Home opener for both the 10U & 12U Boys Baseball. The 10 U starts at 6 pm against Oneida; with the 12 U beginning at 7:30 pm or 30 minutes after the first game. The 12 U Boys will be playing against Cambridge. As usual the Altona Lions Club will be serving their World Famous Pork Burgers. Come out for some free entertainment and cheer on our youth to a victory!
Wednesday, May 17th: Home opener for the 14U Girls Softball against Williamsfield. All 14U Girls games start at 7:30 pm or 30 minutes after the Jr. Girls' games.
Friday, May 19th: Annual Village-wide Clean Up Day. All items must be set out to the curb by 6pm, so it's best just to have it set out by Thursday night so that you don't miss the garbage truck as the contractor will ONLY be making one pass. You may begin to set out items throughout this week if you like. If you have larger items that you need help with, please contact a friend, neighbor, relative, a church or post on your favorite social media site. Don't just let that junk sit there. Please ask for help. If someone is willing to help others in town move items for them, please respond to this posting. Thank you in advance for volunteering and helping out your fellow residents. If you have any metal, appliances, or junk vehicles, give "Scraper Dave" a call at 309-351-4604 and he'll come and pick it up. Please see the flyers for complete details.
Saturday, May 20th: Water Bills are Due: Since Compton Accounting is not open on Saturday's, if you need to make an in-person electronic transaction, please make arrangements to pay your bill prior to Saturday. You may stop in anytime during the week and place your payment in the basket on the counter, place your payment in the front drop box after hours, or pay your bill online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you in advance for making your payments on time. It helps to pay the chlorine bill.
Baccalaureate at 7 pm at the Oneida High School. Congratulations to ALL of our high school graduates. May you have success in whatever life lays in front of you.
Sunday, May 21st: R.O.W.V.A High School Graduation at the high school in Oneida at 3pm. Congratulations on your lifelong accomplishment.
Monday, May 22nd: Home opener for the Girls 8U Softball against Alpha 2. Game starts at 6 pm. The Altona Lions Club will once again be grilling, so come out to the game for supper and cheer on our youth to a victory. It's FREE!!!
Thursday, May 25th: The Neighborhood Cafe is back! Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, The Grove Community Church will be serving a free lunch at 12 noon. So come out and enjoy a meal and fellowship.
“When we treat others with compassion, we empower their souls.” - Angie Cartwright
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a list of upcoming events within the Village that you may be interested in....
Tuesday, May 16th: Home opener for both the 10U & 12U Boys Baseball. The 10 U starts at 6 pm against Oneida; with the 12 U beginning at 7:30 pm or 30 minutes after the first game. The 12 U Boys will be playing against Cambridge. As usual the Altona Lions Club will be serving their World Famous Pork Burgers. Come out for some free entertainment and cheer on our youth to a victory!
Wednesday, May 17th: Home opener for the 14U Girls Softball against Williamsfield. All 14U Girls games start at 7:30 pm or 30 minutes after the Jr. Girls' games.
Friday, May 19th: Annual Village-wide Clean Up Day. All items must be set out to the curb by 6pm, so it's best just to have it set out by Thursday night so that you don't miss the garbage truck as the contractor will ONLY be making one pass. You may begin to set out items throughout this week if you like. If you have larger items that you need help with, please contact a friend, neighbor, relative, a church or post on your favorite social media site. Don't just let that junk sit there. Please ask for help. If someone is willing to help others in town move items for them, please respond to this posting. Thank you in advance for volunteering and helping out your fellow residents. If you have any metal, appliances, or junk vehicles, give "Scraper Dave" a call at 309-351-4604 and he'll come and pick it up. Please see the flyers for complete details.
Saturday, May 20th: Water Bills are Due: Since Compton Accounting is not open on Saturday's, if you need to make an in-person electronic transaction, please make arrangements to pay your bill prior to Saturday. You may stop in anytime during the week and place your payment in the basket on the counter, place your payment in the front drop box after hours, or pay your bill online at www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Thank you in advance for making your payments on time. It helps to pay the chlorine bill.
Baccalaureate at 7 pm at the Oneida High School. Congratulations to ALL of our high school graduates. May you have success in whatever life lays in front of you.
Sunday, May 21st: R.O.W.V.A High School Graduation at the high school in Oneida at 3pm. Congratulations on your lifelong accomplishment.
Monday, May 22nd: Home opener for the Girls 8U Softball against Alpha 2. Game starts at 6 pm. The Altona Lions Club will once again be grilling, so come out to the game for supper and cheer on our youth to a victory. It's FREE!!!
Thursday, May 25th: The Neighborhood Cafe is back! Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, The Grove Community Church will be serving a free lunch at 12 noon. So come out and enjoy a meal and fellowship.
“When we treat others with compassion, we empower their souls.” - Angie Cartwright
This Day in History:
- 1864 – American Civil War: Battle of New Market, Virginia: Students from the Virginia Military Institute fight alongside the Confederate army to force Union General Franz Sigel out of the Shenandoah Valley.
- 1905 – The city of Las Vegas founded in Nevada, United States.
- 2001 – A CSX EMD SD40-2 rolls out of a train yard in Walbridge, Ohio, with 47 freight cars, including some tank cars with flammable chemical, after its engineer fails to reboard it after setting a yard switch. It travels south driverless for 66 miles (106 km) until it was brought to a halt near Kenton. The incident became the inspiration for the 2010 film Unstoppable.
May 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish all mothers a Happy Mother's Day! You work hard raising your families, making ends meet, and keeping everything running ship shape. Thank you for everything that you do. Please take today and relax, and hopefully your family waits on you for a change. May you have a very Happy Mother's Day!!!
“Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Timothy 2:1 ESV
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish all mothers a Happy Mother's Day! You work hard raising your families, making ends meet, and keeping everything running ship shape. Thank you for everything that you do. Please take today and relax, and hopefully your family waits on you for a change. May you have a very Happy Mother's Day!!!
“Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Timothy 2:1 ESV
This Day in History:
- 1796 – Edward Jenner administers the first smallpox inoculation.
- 1800 – The 6th United States Congress recesses, and the process of moving the Federal government of the United States from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., begins the following day.
- 1900 – Opening of World Amateur championship at the Paris Exposition Universelle, also known as Olympic Games.
- 2010 – Space Shuttle Atlantis launches on the STS-132 mission to deliver the first shuttle-launched Russian ISS component — Rassvet. This was originally slated to be the final launch of Atlantis, before Congress approved STS-135.
May 13, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that tomorrow is Mother's Day. Don't forget to do something nice for her. After all, you wouldn't be here if it weren't for her.
“Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back.” - Thomas Sowell
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that tomorrow is Mother's Day. Don't forget to do something nice for her. After all, you wouldn't be here if it weren't for her.
“Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back.” - Thomas Sowell
This Day in History:
- 1846 – Mexican–American War: The United States declares war on the Federal Republic of Mexico following a dispute over the American annexation of the Republic of Texas and a Mexican military incursion.
- 1980 – An F3 tornado hits Kalamazoo County, Michigan. President Jimmy Carter declares it a federal disaster area.
- 2013 – American physician Kermit Gosnell is found guilty in Pennsylvania of murdering three infants born alive during attempted abortions, involuntary manslaughter of a woman during an abortion procedure, and other charges.
May 12, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
I'd like to take this time to publicly thank ALL of our volunteers within our community. Baseball/Softball games will start next week, but the coaches have been busy teaching and getting their teams ready for whats hope to be a winning, if not championship season. So THANK YOU to all of the coaches for your volunteerism. Please try and catch a game and cheer our youth on to a victory.
Thank you to all of our volunteer firefighters and EMT's with the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance Service. Your dedication to keeping our community safe cannot go without mention. You are our local hero's. THANK YOU for what you do. If you would like to become a local hero and volunteer for either the Altona Fire Department or AOW Ambulance Service; please contact Fire Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064 or Sally Keener at 309-484-4311 respectively.
Thank you to those who volunteer through your church. THANK YOU for doing the Lord's work. Your efforts are helping spread His word and is making Altona a better place to live.
Thank you to all the members of the Altona Lions Club. Your organization is a God's send for our community. Over the years you have funded countless projects that have vastly improved our Village. I ask that the community to continue to support the Altona Lions Club.
Thank you to the members of the Altona Historical Society. For your first project you have taken on quite a task. Once the 2nd floor of the Ransom Memorial Public Library is complete, it will be a tremendous asset to our community. Thank you for your hard work, and I ask that that community continues to help with your project.
There are countless of others that should be recognized for their deeds. Again, THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered. Your efforts have helped make the Village of Altona a great place to live in. I encourage everyone to continue to take pride in our Village and volunteer. You'll feel good about yourself in doing it. THANK YOU.
Derrick R. Appell
Village President, Village of Altona
“It’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.” - L.M. Montgomery
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
I'd like to take this time to publicly thank ALL of our volunteers within our community. Baseball/Softball games will start next week, but the coaches have been busy teaching and getting their teams ready for whats hope to be a winning, if not championship season. So THANK YOU to all of the coaches for your volunteerism. Please try and catch a game and cheer our youth on to a victory.
Thank you to all of our volunteer firefighters and EMT's with the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance Service. Your dedication to keeping our community safe cannot go without mention. You are our local hero's. THANK YOU for what you do. If you would like to become a local hero and volunteer for either the Altona Fire Department or AOW Ambulance Service; please contact Fire Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064 or Sally Keener at 309-484-4311 respectively.
Thank you to those who volunteer through your church. THANK YOU for doing the Lord's work. Your efforts are helping spread His word and is making Altona a better place to live.
Thank you to all the members of the Altona Lions Club. Your organization is a God's send for our community. Over the years you have funded countless projects that have vastly improved our Village. I ask that the community to continue to support the Altona Lions Club.
Thank you to the members of the Altona Historical Society. For your first project you have taken on quite a task. Once the 2nd floor of the Ransom Memorial Public Library is complete, it will be a tremendous asset to our community. Thank you for your hard work, and I ask that that community continues to help with your project.
There are countless of others that should be recognized for their deeds. Again, THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered. Your efforts have helped make the Village of Altona a great place to live in. I encourage everyone to continue to take pride in our Village and volunteer. You'll feel good about yourself in doing it. THANK YOU.
Derrick R. Appell
Village President, Village of Altona
“It’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.” - L.M. Montgomery
This Day in History:
- 1780 – American Revolutionary War: In the largest defeat of the Continental Army, Charleston, South Carolina is taken by British forces.
- 1862 – American Civil War: Union Army troops occupy Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- 1933 – President Roosevelt signs legislation creating the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, the predecessor of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
- 2002 – Former US President Jimmy Carter arrives in Cuba for a five-day visit with Fidel Castro, becoming the first President of the United States, in or out of office, to visit the island since the Cuban Revolution.
May 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Neighborhood Cafe is back!!! Every second and forth Thursday at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church; they will be serving a free meal. Bring yourself or bring a friend for food and fellowship. See the flyer for complete details.
“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” - Jane Austen
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The Neighborhood Cafe is back!!! Every second and forth Thursday at 12 noon at The Grove Community Church; they will be serving a free meal. Bring yourself or bring a friend for food and fellowship. See the flyer for complete details.
“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” - Jane Austen
This Day in History:
- 1889 – An attack upon a U.S. Army paymaster and escort results in the theft of over $28,000 and the award of two Medals of Honor.
- 1997 – Deep Blue, a chess-playing supercomputer, defeats Garry Kasparov in the last game of the rematch, becoming the first computer to beat a world-champion chess player in a classic match format.
- 2011 – An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 hits Lorca, Spain.
May 10, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
There are some residents within the Village who are looking for someone to mow their lawns. If you would like to make a few extra dollars and be willing to mow for people, either respond to this post or contact Village President Derrick Appell at (309)-484-2123 so that a list of names can be created and giving to those who are in need of this service. Perhaps we can all work together and help one another out with this need. Thank you.
“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” - Theodore Roosevelt
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
There are some residents within the Village who are looking for someone to mow their lawns. If you would like to make a few extra dollars and be willing to mow for people, either respond to this post or contact Village President Derrick Appell at (309)-484-2123 so that a list of names can be created and giving to those who are in need of this service. Perhaps we can all work together and help one another out with this need. Thank you.
“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” - Theodore Roosevelt
This Day in History:
- 1773 – The Parliament of Great Britain passes the Tea Act, designed to save the British East India Company by reducing taxes on its tea and granting it the right to sell tea directly to North America. The legislation leads to the Boston Tea Party.
- 1869 – The First transcontinental railroad, linking the eastern and western United States, is completed at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory with the golden spike.
- 1908 – Mother's Day is observed for the first time in the United States, in Grafton, West Virginia.
- 2005 – A hand grenade thrown by Vladimir Arutyunian lands about 20 m from U.S. President George W. Bush while he is giving a speech to a crowd in Tbilisi, Georgia, but it malfunctions and does not detonate.
May 9, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Due to the retirement of Thomas Rollins, T.R. Rubbish Service is no longer the garbage contractor for the Village of Altona. His son-in-law Bruce Bouchez of Bouchez's Trash Hauling is our new contractor. Nothing is changing. You can expect to receive the same great service with weekly garbage pick up on Wednesday's. As a reminder, Friday, May 19th will be Clean Up Day within the Village. Bouchez's Trash Hauling will only be making one pass through town, so PLEASE have everything out to the curb the night before. You may start throwing everything out throughout the week. If you need help dragging out large items, please start asking for help now. Perhaps someone in the community, social media, or one of the churches may know of someone willing to help. If you have any metal or old appliances, call Junker Dave" at 309-351-4604. Please see the flyers for complete details.
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” - Paulo Coelho
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Due to the retirement of Thomas Rollins, T.R. Rubbish Service is no longer the garbage contractor for the Village of Altona. His son-in-law Bruce Bouchez of Bouchez's Trash Hauling is our new contractor. Nothing is changing. You can expect to receive the same great service with weekly garbage pick up on Wednesday's. As a reminder, Friday, May 19th will be Clean Up Day within the Village. Bouchez's Trash Hauling will only be making one pass through town, so PLEASE have everything out to the curb the night before. You may start throwing everything out throughout the week. If you need help dragging out large items, please start asking for help now. Perhaps someone in the community, social media, or one of the churches may know of someone willing to help. If you have any metal or old appliances, call Junker Dave" at 309-351-4604. Please see the flyers for complete details.
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” - Paulo Coelho
This Day in History:
- 1865 – American Civil War: President Andrew Johnson issues a proclamation ending belligerent rights of the rebels and enjoining foreign nations to intern or expel Confederate ships.
- 1960 – The Food and Drug Administration announces it will approve birth control as an additional indication for Searle's Enovid, making Enovid the world's first approved oral contraceptive pill.
- 2001 – In Ghana, 129 football fans die in what became known as the Accra Sports Stadium disaster. The deaths are caused by a stampede (caused by the firing of tear gas by police personnel at the stadium) that followed a controversial decision by the referee.
May 8, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Your home is your largest investment that you'll ever make. So doesn't it make sense to want to make it look the best that it possibly can? Should you ever want to sell it, wouldn't you want the greatest return on your investment? This is just another reminder that the Annual Village Clean Up Day will be Friday, May 19th. Please take this opportunity now and go through your items to prepare to throw them away. You may set your items out to the curb throughout the week. NO REGULAR GARBAGE WILL BE ALLOWED ON CLEAN UP DAY. If you have old appliances, metal or junk cars; call "Junker Dave" at 309-351-4604 and he will dispose of them for you. Please see the flyers for complete details. Nuisance violations letters continue to go out in the mail. If your property is in violation of the Village ordinance and you haven't received a letter, you soon will get one. Please take this time now to clean up your properties and avoid the letter and a possible visit from the sheriff's department issuing tickets. Let's all take pride in our greatest investment. Together we can make Altona look the best that we can. You CAN do this. Thank you for taking pride in your properties.
“Some people can’t believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first.” - Sean Maguire
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Your home is your largest investment that you'll ever make. So doesn't it make sense to want to make it look the best that it possibly can? Should you ever want to sell it, wouldn't you want the greatest return on your investment? This is just another reminder that the Annual Village Clean Up Day will be Friday, May 19th. Please take this opportunity now and go through your items to prepare to throw them away. You may set your items out to the curb throughout the week. NO REGULAR GARBAGE WILL BE ALLOWED ON CLEAN UP DAY. If you have old appliances, metal or junk cars; call "Junker Dave" at 309-351-4604 and he will dispose of them for you. Please see the flyers for complete details. Nuisance violations letters continue to go out in the mail. If your property is in violation of the Village ordinance and you haven't received a letter, you soon will get one. Please take this time now to clean up your properties and avoid the letter and a possible visit from the sheriff's department issuing tickets. Let's all take pride in our greatest investment. Together we can make Altona look the best that we can. You CAN do this. Thank you for taking pride in your properties.
“Some people can’t believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first.” - Sean Maguire
This Day in History:
- 1541 – Hernando de Soto stops near present-day Walls, Mississippi, and sees the Mississippi River (then known by the Spanish as Río de Espíritu Santo, the name given to it by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1519).
- 1639 – William Coddington founds Newport, Rhode Island.
- 1794 – Branded a traitor during the Reign of Terror, French chemist Antoine Lavoisier, who was also a tax collector with the Ferme générale, is tried, convicted and guillotined in one day in Paris.
- 1886 – Pharmacist John Pemberton first sells a carbonated beverage named "Coca-Cola" as a patent medicine.
- 1970 – The Beatles release their 12th and final studio album Let It Be.
- 2019 – British 17-year-old Isabelle Holdaway is reported to be the first patient ever to receive a genetically modified phage therapy to treat a drug-resistant infection.
May 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has just updated the Severe Thunderstorm Watch to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning from 7:11 pm to 8:15 pm. Expect 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. To read the NWS Warning, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2512110&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has just updated the Severe Thunderstorm Watch to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning from 7:11 pm to 8:15 pm. Expect 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. To read the NWS Warning, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2512110&areaId=knox
May 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our area until 12 Midnight. Please click the following link to view the Watch details...
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2511885&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our area until 12 Midnight. Please click the following link to view the Watch details...
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2511885&areaId=knox
May 7, 2023
“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” - Psalm 32:9
This Day in History:
“Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” - Psalm 32:9
This Day in History:
- 1718 – The city of New Orleans is founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville.
- 1824 – World premiere of Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Vienna, Austria. The performance is conducted by Michael Umlauf under the composer's supervision.
- 1992 – Space Shuttle program: The Space Shuttle Endeavour is launched on its first mission, STS-49.
- 2000 – Vladimir Putin is inaugurated as president of Russia.
May 6, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is the first Saturday in May. That means it is the Village of Altona Village-Wide Yard Sale Day! The following address(s) have asked the Village to have their yard sales mentioned to the public.... Good luck and hopefully you'll find some deals.....
102 N. Filmore St. This is the Mike Cannon Estate. Most items will not be marked, please make a fair offer.
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today is the first Saturday in May. That means it is the Village of Altona Village-Wide Yard Sale Day! The following address(s) have asked the Village to have their yard sales mentioned to the public.... Good luck and hopefully you'll find some deals.....
102 N. Filmore St. This is the Mike Cannon Estate. Most items will not be marked, please make a fair offer.
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1861 – American Civil War: Arkansas secedes from the Union.
- 1915 – Babe Ruth, then a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, hits his first major league home run.
- 1998 – Steve Jobs of Apple Inc. unveils the first iMac.
- 2002 – Founding of SpaceX.
May 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Do you know the significance of today is (other than an excuse to drink margaritas or tequila)? Click on the following link to find out: nationaldaycalendar.com/cinco-de-mayo-may-5/
Just a final reminder that tomorrow kicks off the Summer Yard Sale Season within the Village of Altona. If you would like to have your yard sale mentioned free of charge on the Village's website and Facebook page, be sure to call Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Good luck with your sale.
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” - Arthur Ashe
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Do you know the significance of today is (other than an excuse to drink margaritas or tequila)? Click on the following link to find out: nationaldaycalendar.com/cinco-de-mayo-may-5/
Just a final reminder that tomorrow kicks off the Summer Yard Sale Season within the Village of Altona. If you would like to have your yard sale mentioned free of charge on the Village's website and Facebook page, be sure to call Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Good luck with your sale.
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” - Arthur Ashe
This Day in History:
- 1494 – On his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus sights Jamaica, landing at Discovery Bay and declares Jamaica the property of the Spanish crown.
- 1654 – Cromwell's Act of Grace, aimed at reconciliation with the Scots, proclaimed in Edinburgh.
- 1762 – Russia and Prussia sign the Treaty of St. Petersburg.
- 1862 – Cinco de Mayo: Troops led by Ignacio Zaragoza halt a French invasion in the Battle of Puebla in Mexico.
- 1904 – Pitching against the Philadelphia Athletics at the Huntington Avenue Grounds, Cy Young of the Boston Americans throws the first perfect game in the modern era of baseball.
- 2010 – Mass protests in Greece erupt in response to austerity measures imposed by the government as a result of the Greek government-debt crisis.
May 4, 2023
Attention Area Motorists:
Spring is here, and with that comes people driving recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, ATV's and UTV (a.k.a. Side by Sides). Please be aware of your surroundings and drive carefully so we don't have any accidents. Recreational users; please be sure to drive where motorists can see you as well as obey the laws. The following links are for your convenience to read about the Village of Altona's ATV ordinance, as well as the Knox County ordinance. It is IMPORTANT that you know both of these in order NOT to get a ticket from the sheriff's department. Thank you and drive safe.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” - Theophrastus
This Day in History:
Attention Area Motorists:
Spring is here, and with that comes people driving recreational vehicles such as motorcycles, ATV's and UTV (a.k.a. Side by Sides). Please be aware of your surroundings and drive carefully so we don't have any accidents. Recreational users; please be sure to drive where motorists can see you as well as obey the laws. The following links are for your convenience to read about the Village of Altona's ATV ordinance, as well as the Knox County ordinance. It is IMPORTANT that you know both of these in order NOT to get a ticket from the sheriff's department. Thank you and drive safe.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” - Theophrastus
This Day in History:
- 1776 – Rhode Island becomes the first American colony to renounce allegiance to King George III.
- 1871 – The National Association, the first professional baseball league, opens its first season in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- 1979 – Margaret Thatcher becomes the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- 2019 – The inaugural all-female motorsport series, W Series, takes place at Hockenheimring. The race was won by Jamie Chadwick, who would go on to become the inaugural season's champion.
May 3, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that the Village of Altona Village-wide Yard Sale Day starts this Saturday. If you would like to have your yard sale mentioned free of charge on both the Village website and Facebook page, please contact Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123.
For example; there will be a yard sale located at 102 Filmore. This is the Mike Cannon Estate. Most things will not be priced, make an offer.
You can have your sale mentioned too. But time is running out. Good luck on Saturday to all who are planning on having a sale.
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that the Village of Altona Village-wide Yard Sale Day starts this Saturday. If you would like to have your yard sale mentioned free of charge on both the Village website and Facebook page, please contact Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123.
For example; there will be a yard sale located at 102 Filmore. This is the Mike Cannon Estate. Most things will not be priced, make an offer.
You can have your sale mentioned too. But time is running out. Good luck on Saturday to all who are planning on having a sale.
May 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Spring is here and the farmers are traveling from field to field. Please S-L-O-W down when you drive and give them room. Their BIG slow moving equipment can only go so fast and sometimes they can't see you very well. Please give them the respect that they need and deserve around their equipment, and be careful when passing them and look out for any left hand turns that they may make. Farmers; while you are burning the midnight oil getting the crops planted, please be sure to take plenty of breaks and have a spotter when operating your equipment around power lines. Together we can all have a safe spring planting season.
“Don’t rule out working with your hands. It does not preclude using your head.” - Andy Rooney
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Spring is here and the farmers are traveling from field to field. Please S-L-O-W down when you drive and give them room. Their BIG slow moving equipment can only go so fast and sometimes they can't see you very well. Please give them the respect that they need and deserve around their equipment, and be careful when passing them and look out for any left hand turns that they may make. Farmers; while you are burning the midnight oil getting the crops planted, please be sure to take plenty of breaks and have a spotter when operating your equipment around power lines. Together we can all have a safe spring planting season.
“Don’t rule out working with your hands. It does not preclude using your head.” - Andy Rooney
This Day in History:
- 1802 – Washington, D.C. is incorporated as a city after Congress abolishes the Board of Commissioners, the District's founding government. The "City of Washington" is given a mayor-council form of government.
- 1952 – The Kentucky Derby is televised nationally for the first time, on the CBS network.
- 2000 – The sport of geocaching begins, with the first cache placed and the coordinates from a GPS posted on Usenet.
May 2, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Here is a list of things that are going on in town this month. Please be sure to check often as things are updated constantly as things are made aware of. Please mark your calendars for those that apply to you....
Friday, May 5th: Cinco de Mayo
Saturday, May 6th: Village-wide Yard Sale Day. Have a yard sale to clear out unwanted items and make some money. Please let Village President Derrick Appell know if you would like your sale mentioned for free on the Village's website and Facebook page.
Thursday's May 11th & 25th: The Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church is back every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month. Don't bring a thing, just yourself and maybe a friend for food and fellowship.
Sunday, May 14th: Mother's Day. Please be sure to remember to do something special for your mom. Without her, you wouldn't be born.
Tuesday, May 16th: Summer League Home Opener for the 10U & 12U Boys baseball starting at 6 pm. Come and cheer on the home team against Oneida. The Altona Lions Club will once again be serving their World Famous Pork Burgers all season. Come for supper and enjoy the game.
Wednesday, May 17th: Summer League Home Opener for the 14U Girls Softball starting at 7:30 pm. Cheer on the home team against Williamsfield. The Altona Lions Club will once again be serving their World Famous Pork Burgers all season. Come for supper and enjoy the game.
Friday, May 19th: Village-wide Clean Up Day! Please have all of your items set out to the curb by 6 am. You may set out all week long leading up the day. Please see the flyer for complete details. If you have metal that you need cleaned up, please call "Junker Dave" at 309-351-4604. See flyer for details.
Saturday, May 20th: Water bills are due. Since Compton Accounting is not open on the weekends; if you need to make in-person electronic payments, please see them PRIOR to Saturday for assistance. You may also pay your bill online by going to the following link. Thank you. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
Monday, May 22nd: Summer League Home Opener for the 8U Girls Softball starting at 6 pm. Cheer on the home team against Alpha 2. The Altona Lions Club will once again be serving their World Famous Pork Burgers all season. Come for supper and enjoy the game.
Monday, May 29th: Memorial Day. Further information on services to come in the near future. Please be sure to fly your flags.
Other future dates....
Saturday, June 3rd: The Annual Knox County Roaming Rabies Vaccination Clinics. Altona Fire Station 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Dr. Lundeen. Please be sure to read the flyer for complete details.
July 24th - 27th: Vacation Bible School. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.” - Meister Eckhart
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Here is a list of things that are going on in town this month. Please be sure to check often as things are updated constantly as things are made aware of. Please mark your calendars for those that apply to you....
Friday, May 5th: Cinco de Mayo
Saturday, May 6th: Village-wide Yard Sale Day. Have a yard sale to clear out unwanted items and make some money. Please let Village President Derrick Appell know if you would like your sale mentioned for free on the Village's website and Facebook page.
Thursday's May 11th & 25th: The Neighborhood Cafe at The Grove Community Church is back every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month. Don't bring a thing, just yourself and maybe a friend for food and fellowship.
Sunday, May 14th: Mother's Day. Please be sure to remember to do something special for your mom. Without her, you wouldn't be born.
Tuesday, May 16th: Summer League Home Opener for the 10U & 12U Boys baseball starting at 6 pm. Come and cheer on the home team against Oneida. The Altona Lions Club will once again be serving their World Famous Pork Burgers all season. Come for supper and enjoy the game.
Wednesday, May 17th: Summer League Home Opener for the 14U Girls Softball starting at 7:30 pm. Cheer on the home team against Williamsfield. The Altona Lions Club will once again be serving their World Famous Pork Burgers all season. Come for supper and enjoy the game.
Friday, May 19th: Village-wide Clean Up Day! Please have all of your items set out to the curb by 6 am. You may set out all week long leading up the day. Please see the flyer for complete details. If you have metal that you need cleaned up, please call "Junker Dave" at 309-351-4604. See flyer for details.
Saturday, May 20th: Water bills are due. Since Compton Accounting is not open on the weekends; if you need to make in-person electronic payments, please see them PRIOR to Saturday for assistance. You may also pay your bill online by going to the following link. Thank you. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
Monday, May 22nd: Summer League Home Opener for the 8U Girls Softball starting at 6 pm. Cheer on the home team against Alpha 2. The Altona Lions Club will once again be serving their World Famous Pork Burgers all season. Come for supper and enjoy the game.
Monday, May 29th: Memorial Day. Further information on services to come in the near future. Please be sure to fly your flags.
Other future dates....
Saturday, June 3rd: The Annual Knox County Roaming Rabies Vaccination Clinics. Altona Fire Station 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Dr. Lundeen. Please be sure to read the flyer for complete details.
July 24th - 27th: Vacation Bible School. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.” - Meister Eckhart
This Day in History:
- 1611 – The King James Version of the Bible is published for the first time in London, England, by printer Robert Barker.
- 1863 – American Civil War: Stonewall Jackson is wounded by friendly fire while returning to camp after reconnoitering during the Battle of Chancellorsville. He succumbs to pneumonia eight days later.
- 1969 – The British ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2 departs on her maiden voyage to New York City.
- 2011 – Osama bin Laden, the suspected mastermind behind the September 11 attacks and the FBI's most wanted man, is killed by the United States special forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
May 1, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Happy May Day! Have you had your children make their May Day Baskets yet? Do you know what the significance of May Day is (other than a distress call for emergencies)? Then click on the following link to find out and have a little fun. nationaldaycalendar.com/may-day-may-1-2/
“If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living.” - Seneca
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Happy May Day! Have you had your children make their May Day Baskets yet? Do you know what the significance of May Day is (other than a distress call for emergencies)? Then click on the following link to find out and have a little fun. nationaldaycalendar.com/may-day-may-1-2/
“If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living.” - Seneca
This Day in History:
- 1486 – Christopher Columbus presents his plans discovering a western route to the Indies to the Spanish Queen Isabella I of Castile.
- 1707 – The Act of Union joining England and Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain takes effect.
- 1846 – The few remaining Mormons left in Nauvoo, Illinois, formally dedicate the Nauvoo Temple.
- 1956 – The polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk is made available to the public.
April 30, 2023
“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13
This Day in History:
“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13
This Day in History:
- 1789 – On the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York City, George Washington takes the oath of office to become the first President of the United States.
- 1803 – Louisiana Purchase: The United States purchases the Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, more than doubling the size of the young nation.
- 1947 – In Nevada, Boulder Dam is renamed Hoover Dam.
- 2009 – Chrysler files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
April 29, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
This is just a reminder that the Annual Village-Wide Clean Up Day will be Friday, May 19th. Be sure to read the flyer for complete details. As you are going doing your spring cleaning, if you come across any metal, old appliances, junk cars, etc., you don't have to wait until Clean Up Day to get rid of it. Contact "Scraper Dave", he can get rid of that metal for you. Please read the flyers for complete information. Let's try and make our properties look the best that they can. If we all do our part, then Altona will be the BEST looking town in our school district. Thank you for your cooperation.
“There are no boundaries - only possibilities.” - Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
This is just a reminder that the Annual Village-Wide Clean Up Day will be Friday, May 19th. Be sure to read the flyer for complete details. As you are going doing your spring cleaning, if you come across any metal, old appliances, junk cars, etc., you don't have to wait until Clean Up Day to get rid of it. Contact "Scraper Dave", he can get rid of that metal for you. Please read the flyers for complete information. Let's try and make our properties look the best that they can. If we all do our part, then Altona will be the BEST looking town in our school district. Thank you for your cooperation.
“There are no boundaries - only possibilities.” - Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche
This Day in History:
- 1861 – Maryland in the American Civil War: Maryland's House of Delegates votes not to secede from the Union.
- 1986 – A fire at the Central library of the Los Angeles Public Library damages or destroys 400,000 books and other items.
- 2004 – The final Oldsmobile is built in Lansing, Michigan, ending 107 years of vehicle production.
April 28, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that Saturday, May 6th will be the Annual Village-wide Yard Sale Day! The first Saturday in May always kicks off the summer yard sales season. So if you would like to try and clear out some unwanted items and make a few bucks, you still have time to get ready for it. Don't forget to place ad signs on the telephone poles (please remove them after your sale), get creative to attract people to stop and shop; and post on all of your social media sites. If you would like to have your address mentioned for free on the Village pages, please contact President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Good luck with your yard sale.
“And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that Saturday, May 6th will be the Annual Village-wide Yard Sale Day! The first Saturday in May always kicks off the summer yard sales season. So if you would like to try and clear out some unwanted items and make a few bucks, you still have time to get ready for it. Don't forget to place ad signs on the telephone poles (please remove them after your sale), get creative to attract people to stop and shop; and post on all of your social media sites. If you would like to have your address mentioned for free on the Village pages, please contact President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Good luck with your yard sale.
“And this I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
- 1611 – Establishment of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, the largest Catholic university in the world.
- 1788 – Maryland becomes the seventh state to ratify the United States Constitution.
- 1881 – Billy the Kid escapes from the Lincoln County jail in Mesilla, New Mexico killing two deputies on guard.
- 1930 – The Independence Producers hosted the first night game in the history of Organized Baseball in Independence, Kansas.
- 2004 – CBS News released evidence of the Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse. The photographs show rape and abuse from the American troops over Iraqi detainees.
April 27, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Please mark your calendars because the Neighborhood Cafe has returned. Come enjoy a meal and fellowship at The Grove Community Church every 2nd & 4th Thursday at Noon. beginning April 27th. That's right, starting TODAY! You don't need to bring a thing - Just yourself and perhaps even a friend. Please see the flyer for complete details.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart...love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:27-39
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Please mark your calendars because the Neighborhood Cafe has returned. Come enjoy a meal and fellowship at The Grove Community Church every 2nd & 4th Thursday at Noon. beginning April 27th. That's right, starting TODAY! You don't need to bring a thing - Just yourself and perhaps even a friend. Please see the flyer for complete details.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart...love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:27-39
This Day in History:
- 1861 – American President Abraham Lincoln suspends the writ of habeas corpus.
- 1981 – Xerox PARC introduces the computer mouse.
- 2011 – The 2011 Super Outbreak devastates parts of the Southeastern United States, especially the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee. Two hundred five tornadoes touched down on April 27 alone, killing more than 300 and injuring hundreds more.
April 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder that tonight at the Oneida fire station, there will be a first aid and CPR training beginning at 6:30 pm. Please contact Sally Keener for complete details at 309-368-6468. Thank you.
“Life only demands from you the strength you possess. Only one feat is possible - not to have run away.” - Dag Hammarskjold
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Final reminder that tonight at the Oneida fire station, there will be a first aid and CPR training beginning at 6:30 pm. Please contact Sally Keener for complete details at 309-368-6468. Thank you.
“Life only demands from you the strength you possess. Only one feat is possible - not to have run away.” - Dag Hammarskjold
This Day in History:
- 1564 – Playwright William Shakespeare is baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England (date of birth is unknown).
- 1607 – The Virginia Company colonists make landfall at Cape Henry.
- 1777 – Sybil Ludington, aged 16, rode 40 miles (64 km) to alert American colonial forces to the approach of the British regular forces
- 1865 – Union cavalry troopers corner and shoot dead John Wilkes Booth, assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, in Virginia.
- 1920 – Ice hockey makes its Olympic debut at the Antwerp Games with center Frank Fredrickson scoring seven goals in Canada's 12–1 drubbing of Sweden in the gold medal match.
- 2019 – Marvel Studios' blockbuster film, Avengers: Endgame, is released, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing the previous box office record of Avatar.
April 25, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
There are some upcoming events or programs that may be of interest to you. Please continue to read....
Wednesday, April 26th: There will be First Aid and CPR training at the Oneida Fire Department staring at 6:30pm for anyone who is interested in attending. Please call the AOW Ambulance District Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468 with your questions and enrollment. Thank you for getting the training to potentially save someone's life.
Are you struggling with your power or water bills? Then the Knox County Health Department may be able to assist you with one of their programs. Call them at 309-344-2224 and inquire about LIHEAP and LIWAT.
“You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.” - Sean Maguire
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
There are some upcoming events or programs that may be of interest to you. Please continue to read....
Wednesday, April 26th: There will be First Aid and CPR training at the Oneida Fire Department staring at 6:30pm for anyone who is interested in attending. Please call the AOW Ambulance District Director Sally Keener at 309-368-6468 with your questions and enrollment. Thank you for getting the training to potentially save someone's life.
Are you struggling with your power or water bills? Then the Knox County Health Department may be able to assist you with one of their programs. Call them at 309-344-2224 and inquire about LIHEAP and LIWAT.
“You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.” - Sean Maguire
This Day in History:
- 1898 – Spanish–American War: The United States Congress declares that a state of war between the U.S. and Spain has existed since April 21, when an American naval blockade of the Spanish colony of Cuba began.
- 1901 – New York becomes the first U.S. state to require automobile license plates.
- 2014 – The Flint water crisis begins when officials at Flint, Michigan switch the city's water supply to the Flint River, leading to lead and bacteria contamination upon the citizens.
April 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Do you know how to identify someone having a heart attack? Do you know how to perform CPR? Do you know about those defibrillators? Wednesday, April 26th at the Oneida Fire Station starting at 6:30 pm; you can learn the answer to these questions as well as about First Aid. Please see the flyer and contact Sally Keener at 309-368-6468 with your questions. Thank you. Saving someone's life can be in your hands.....
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” - Andy Dufresne
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Do you know how to identify someone having a heart attack? Do you know how to perform CPR? Do you know about those defibrillators? Wednesday, April 26th at the Oneida Fire Station starting at 6:30 pm; you can learn the answer to these questions as well as about First Aid. Please see the flyer and contact Sally Keener at 309-368-6468 with your questions. Thank you. Saving someone's life can be in your hands.....
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” - Andy Dufresne
This Day in History:
- 1704 – The first regular newspaper in British Colonial America, The Boston News-Letter, is published.
- 1800 – The United States Library of Congress is established when President John Adams signs legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress".
- 1953 – Winston Churchill is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
- 2005 – Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is inaugurated as the 265th Pope of the Catholic Church taking the name Pope Benedict XVI.
April 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Last reminder of today's Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser which is being held at The Grove Community Church. This event will take place from 10:30 am - 1 pm. All proceeds from this all you can eat free will donation dinner will benefit the Vacation Bible School this summer. Carry outs will be available. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you in advance for coming out and supporting this great cause.
“Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.” - Zechariah 10:1
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Last reminder of today's Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser which is being held at The Grove Community Church. This event will take place from 10:30 am - 1 pm. All proceeds from this all you can eat free will donation dinner will benefit the Vacation Bible School this summer. Carry outs will be available. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you in advance for coming out and supporting this great cause.
“Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.” - Zechariah 10:1
This Day in History:
- 1635 – The first public school in the United States, Boston Latin School, is founded in Boston.
- 1879 – Fire burns down the second main building and dome of the University of Notre Dame, which prompts the construction of the third, and current, Main Building with its golden dome.
- 1914 – First baseball game at Wrigley Field, then known as Weeghman Park, in Chicago.
- 2005 – The first YouTube video, titled "Me at the zoo", was published by co-founder Jawed Karim.
April 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that tomorrow is the Spaghetti Dinner which will be held at the Grove Community Church from 10:30 am - 1 pm. This is a free will donation and all proceeds benefit the Community Vacation Bible School. Please come out and support this great cause. See the flyer for complete information.
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that tomorrow is the Spaghetti Dinner which will be held at the Grove Community Church from 10:30 am - 1 pm. This is a free will donation and all proceeds benefit the Community Vacation Bible School. Please come out and support this great cause. See the flyer for complete information.
April 22, 2023
Attention Walnut Grove Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to thank the Walnut Grove Progressors 4-H Club for volunteering in the Village. Last Saturday the kids did a community service project of pulling the weeds around the Ransom Memorial Public Library as well as spread mulch in Johnson-Pyle Park. You all did a wonderful job. Earth Day doesn't just have to be celebrated on Earth Day, you can do something nice for the environment any day of the year. Thank you again to the 4-H club for helping to make Altona a little bit prettier.
Attention Walnut Grove Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to thank the Walnut Grove Progressors 4-H Club for volunteering in the Village. Last Saturday the kids did a community service project of pulling the weeds around the Ransom Memorial Public Library as well as spread mulch in Johnson-Pyle Park. You all did a wonderful job. Earth Day doesn't just have to be celebrated on Earth Day, you can do something nice for the environment any day of the year. Thank you again to the 4-H club for helping to make Altona a little bit prettier.
April 22, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Today is Earth Day! Each year on April 22nd, National Earth Day campaigns around the globe promotes ways to keep the Earth healthy and our planet livable. You don't have to be a card carrying environmentalist to do things that helps the earth. There are many ways in which you can participate:
Plant trees, flowers, and shrubs - trees provide shade that helps cut down on your electric use which saves you money. They also provide a nice place to relax in the outdoors and get out of the summer heat. They can also help with your property values.
Compost and create flower and vegetable gardens - Composting helps put nutrients back in the ground which helps flowers and vegetable gardens flourish. Flowers benefit insects such as honey bees which gives us that delicious treat on your toast. Gardens gives us fresh food without the added processed ingredients you find in canned items on the store shelf. This makes for healthier food.
Recycle - instead of throwing items that can be recycled in the trash, place them in a separate bag and take them to the recycling bin downtown. This saves on the landfill filling up. Recycling will give that item a second life and be turned into another product instead of just rotting away in the landfill.
Reduce & Reuse & Repurpose - Repurposing an item can save you money. Let's say you have a wooden picnic table that you are going to throw away because part of it is rotting out. Can some of the wood be salvaged? If so, can you repurpose that wood and build a shelf or something else out of it? This will save you money as well as eliminate items going into the landfill? Do you have animals in which you feed? Did you know that you can make a scoop out of a laundry soap bottle? These are only two examples on how to repurpose. Use your imagination or look online to find other ways.
Pick up trash - Go for a walk and take a bag with you. Picking up any trash that you see along the road or sidewalks and then placing them in a trash can will help make the Village look nicer. Inconsiderate people who litter or even just the wind blowing things around can create an eyesore. Be proactive and take the initiative. You CAN make a difference.
Walk or ride a bicycle - Not only is walking or going for a bike ride good exercise, it saves on the high price of gas. So if you need to run to the local store, walk or ride the bike instead. Get out and enjoy nature.
For more information about Earth Day and things that you can do, click on the following link:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-earth-day-april-22/
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” - Gaylord Nelson – Founder of Earth Day
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Today is Earth Day! Each year on April 22nd, National Earth Day campaigns around the globe promotes ways to keep the Earth healthy and our planet livable. You don't have to be a card carrying environmentalist to do things that helps the earth. There are many ways in which you can participate:
Plant trees, flowers, and shrubs - trees provide shade that helps cut down on your electric use which saves you money. They also provide a nice place to relax in the outdoors and get out of the summer heat. They can also help with your property values.
Compost and create flower and vegetable gardens - Composting helps put nutrients back in the ground which helps flowers and vegetable gardens flourish. Flowers benefit insects such as honey bees which gives us that delicious treat on your toast. Gardens gives us fresh food without the added processed ingredients you find in canned items on the store shelf. This makes for healthier food.
Recycle - instead of throwing items that can be recycled in the trash, place them in a separate bag and take them to the recycling bin downtown. This saves on the landfill filling up. Recycling will give that item a second life and be turned into another product instead of just rotting away in the landfill.
Reduce & Reuse & Repurpose - Repurposing an item can save you money. Let's say you have a wooden picnic table that you are going to throw away because part of it is rotting out. Can some of the wood be salvaged? If so, can you repurpose that wood and build a shelf or something else out of it? This will save you money as well as eliminate items going into the landfill? Do you have animals in which you feed? Did you know that you can make a scoop out of a laundry soap bottle? These are only two examples on how to repurpose. Use your imagination or look online to find other ways.
Pick up trash - Go for a walk and take a bag with you. Picking up any trash that you see along the road or sidewalks and then placing them in a trash can will help make the Village look nicer. Inconsiderate people who litter or even just the wind blowing things around can create an eyesore. Be proactive and take the initiative. You CAN make a difference.
Walk or ride a bicycle - Not only is walking or going for a bike ride good exercise, it saves on the high price of gas. So if you need to run to the local store, walk or ride the bike instead. Get out and enjoy nature.
For more information about Earth Day and things that you can do, click on the following link:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-earth-day-april-22/
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” - Gaylord Nelson – Founder of Earth Day
This Day in History:
- 1864 – The U.S. Congress passes the Coinage Act of 1864 that permitted the inscription In God We Trust be placed on all coins minted as United States currency.
- 1970 – The first Earth Day is celebrated.
- 2016 – The Paris Agreement is signed, an agreement to help fight global warming.
April 21, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
For those who haven't heard, our employee Jason Chasteen had fallen and hurt himself a couple of weeks ago. He had to undergo knee surgery and he is recuperating as best as he can. In the mean time, the Village had hired his some Adam to do some of the workload such as reading water meters and other things during Jason's absence. So please do not be alarmed if you happen to see a young man looking for water readers on your property, and please be patient if things don't get done quite as fast as you are accustomed too. Jason will return just as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Attention Village Residents:
For those who haven't heard, our employee Jason Chasteen had fallen and hurt himself a couple of weeks ago. He had to undergo knee surgery and he is recuperating as best as he can. In the mean time, the Village had hired his some Adam to do some of the workload such as reading water meters and other things during Jason's absence. So please do not be alarmed if you happen to see a young man looking for water readers on your property, and please be patient if things don't get done quite as fast as you are accustomed too. Jason will return just as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
April 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder of another fundraising dinner event. This Sunday, April 23rd from 10:30 am - 1 pm at The Grove Community Church; they will be having a free will donation Spaghetti Dinner. Take outs will be available. This is an all-you-can-eat spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, drinks and desert. Proceeds goes to support the upcoming Vacation Bible School. This event is presented by The Grove Community Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church. Please mark your calendars so you don't forget and read the flyer for complete details. Thank you in advance for supporting our churches in town.
“We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.” - Charles Kingsley
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder of another fundraising dinner event. This Sunday, April 23rd from 10:30 am - 1 pm at The Grove Community Church; they will be having a free will donation Spaghetti Dinner. Take outs will be available. This is an all-you-can-eat spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, drinks and desert. Proceeds goes to support the upcoming Vacation Bible School. This event is presented by The Grove Community Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church. Please mark your calendars so you don't forget and read the flyer for complete details. Thank you in advance for supporting our churches in town.
“We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about.” - Charles Kingsley
This Day in History:
- 1789 – John Adams sworn in as 1st US Vice President (nine days before George Washington)
- 1836 – Texas Revolution: The Battle of San Jacinto: Republic of Texas forces under Sam Houston defeat troops under Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
- 1918 – World War I: German fighter ace Manfred von Richthofen, better known as "The Red Baron", is shot down and killed over Vaux-sur-Somme in France.
- 2014 – The American city of Flint, Michigan switches its water source to the Flint River, beginning the ongoing Flint water crisis which has caused lead poisoning in up to 12,000 people, and 15 deaths from Legionnaires' disease, ultimately leading to criminal indictments against 15 people, five of whom have been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
April 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a friendly reminder that water bills are due TODAY by the close of business at 4 pm. If you can not make it to Compton Accounting to pay your bill by then, please pay your bill online to avoid the penalty fees. Water bills are always due on the 20th. Paying your bill on time and avoiding these fees is something that is under your control. Click on the following link to pay your bill online TODAY. Thank you.
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does.” - Josh Billings
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a friendly reminder that water bills are due TODAY by the close of business at 4 pm. If you can not make it to Compton Accounting to pay your bill by then, please pay your bill online to avoid the penalty fees. Water bills are always due on the 20th. Paying your bill on time and avoiding these fees is something that is under your control. Click on the following link to pay your bill online TODAY. Thank you.
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does.” - Josh Billings
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: The Siege of Boston begins, following the battles at Lexington and Concord.
- 1789 – George Washington arrives at Grays Ferry, Philadelphia, while en route to Manhattan for his inauguration.
- 1861 – American Civil War: Robert E. Lee resigns his commission in the United States Army in order to command the forces of the state of Virginia.
- 1972 – Apollo program: Apollo 16 lunar module, commanded by John Young and piloted by Charles Duke, lands on the moon.
- 2008 – Danica Patrick wins the Indy Japan 300 becoming the first female driver in history to win an Indy car race.
April 20, 2023
April 19, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
You may have heard about the recent tragedy of a 16 year old Maquon girl who died in an UTV accident (click on this link to read the article www.wgil.com/2023/04/11/her-infectious-smile-will-last-forever-spoon-river-valley-community-mourns-loss-of-student/ ). Safety should always come first when driving an ATV, UTV, or any vehicle. UTV's are legal to drive in some cities and in Knox County. If you plan on operating one of these machines, then it is extremely important that you familiarize yourself with both the Village of Altona ordinance as well as the Knox County ordinance in order to avoid tickets as well as to be safe. The links to read both of these ordinance are below. Thank you and be safe.
https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
“The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.” - Flannery O’ Connor
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
You may have heard about the recent tragedy of a 16 year old Maquon girl who died in an UTV accident (click on this link to read the article www.wgil.com/2023/04/11/her-infectious-smile-will-last-forever-spoon-river-valley-community-mourns-loss-of-student/ ). Safety should always come first when driving an ATV, UTV, or any vehicle. UTV's are legal to drive in some cities and in Knox County. If you plan on operating one of these machines, then it is extremely important that you familiarize yourself with both the Village of Altona ordinance as well as the Knox County ordinance in order to avoid tickets as well as to be safe. The links to read both of these ordinance are below. Thank you and be safe.
https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
“The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.” - Flannery O’ Connor
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: The war begins with an American victory in Concord during the battles of Lexington and Concord.
- 1861 – American Civil War: Baltimore riot of 1861: A pro-Secession mob in Baltimore attacks United States Army troops marching through the city.
- 1995 – Oklahoma City bombing: The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, USA, is bombed, killing 168 people including 19 children under the age of six.
- 2013 – Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev is killed in a shootout with police. His brother Dzhokhar is later captured hiding in a boat inside a backyard in the suburb of Watertown.
April 18, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Tax Day! Don't forget to file your taxes today.
“Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.” - Mario Fernandez
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Tax Day! Don't forget to file your taxes today.
“Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.” - Mario Fernandez
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolution: The British advancement by sea begins; Paul Revere and other riders warn the countryside of the troop movements.
- 1831 – The University of Alabama is founded in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
- 1906 – An earthquake and fire destroy much of San Francisco, California.
- 2019 – A redacted version of the Mueller report is released to the United States Congress and the public.
April 17, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued two Advisories....
A Wind Advisory which was issued yesterday evening is still in effect until 5 pm this evening. Expect wind gusts up to 45 mph.
A Frost Advisory which will go in effect at 10 pm this evening until 9 am Tuesday morning. Temperatures to get as low as 31 degrees and will create frost formation. Please cover up any flowers or sensitive plants, and be sure to drive carefully has their may some slippery areas on roads and bridges. And we all thought winter was over. Please click on the following link to read the complete Advisory.....
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2504735&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued two Advisories....
A Wind Advisory which was issued yesterday evening is still in effect until 5 pm this evening. Expect wind gusts up to 45 mph.
A Frost Advisory which will go in effect at 10 pm this evening until 9 am Tuesday morning. Temperatures to get as low as 31 degrees and will create frost formation. Please cover up any flowers or sensitive plants, and be sure to drive carefully has their may some slippery areas on roads and bridges. And we all thought winter was over. Please click on the following link to read the complete Advisory.....
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2504735&areaId=knox
April 17, 2023
“The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.” - B.F. Skinner
This Day in History:
“The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.” - B.F. Skinner
This Day in History:
- 1861 – The state of Virginia's secession convention votes to secede from the United States, later becoming the eighth state to join the Confederate States of America.
- 1961 – Bay of Pigs Invasion: A group of Cuban exiles financed and trained by the CIA lands at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba with the aim of ousting Fidel Castro.
- 2014 – NASA's Kepler space telescope confirms the discovery of the first Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of another star.
April 16, 2023
“I know that the LORD is great, that our LORD is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” - Psalm 135: 5-6
This Day in History:
“I know that the LORD is great, that our LORD is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” - Psalm 135: 5-6
This Day in History:
- 1881 – In Dodge City, Kansas, Bat Masterson fights his last gun battle.
- 1908 – Natural Bridges National Monument is established in Utah.
- 2008 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules in the Baze v. Rees decision that execution by lethal injection does not violate the Eighth Amendment ban against cruel and unusual punishment.
April 15, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that TAX DAY this year will be on Tuesday April 18th. Don't forget to file your taxes or request an extension prior to the deadline. Avoid a visit from one of the new 87,000 IRS agents.
“There’s more beauty in the truth, even if it is dreadful beauty.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that TAX DAY this year will be on Tuesday April 18th. Don't forget to file your taxes or request an extension prior to the deadline. Avoid a visit from one of the new 87,000 IRS agents.
“There’s more beauty in the truth, even if it is dreadful beauty.” - John Steinbeck
This Day in History:
- 1865 – President Abraham Lincoln dies after being shot the previous evening by actor John Wilkes Booth. Three hours later, Vice President Andrew Johnson is sworn in as President.
- 1923 – Insulin becomes generally available for use by people with diabetes.
- 2013 – Two bombs explode near the finish line at the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, killing three people and injuring 264 others.
April 14, 2023
“True humility is being able to accept criticisms as graciously as we accept compliments.” - Sabrina Newby
This Day in History:
“True humility is being able to accept criticisms as graciously as we accept compliments.” - Sabrina Newby
This Day in History:
- 1865 – U.S. President Abraham Lincoln is shot in Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth; Lincoln dies the following day.
- 1935 – The Black Sunday dust storm, considered one of the worst storms of the Dust Bowl, sweeps across the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles and neighboring areas.
- 2022 – Russian invasion of Ukraine: The Russian warship Moskva sinks.
April 13, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due next Thursday, May 20th by the close of business at 4pm. Be sure to stop in at Compton Accounting to drop off your payment, or mail in your payment early, If your schedule finds it hard to stop in during open hours, you can always make your payments online by visiting the following link. Thank you for your on time payments. It helps keep the water flowing through your pipes.
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.” - Hans Christian Andersen
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due next Thursday, May 20th by the close of business at 4pm. Be sure to stop in at Compton Accounting to drop off your payment, or mail in your payment early, If your schedule finds it hard to stop in during open hours, you can always make your payments online by visiting the following link. Thank you for your on time payments. It helps keep the water flowing through your pipes.
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.” - Hans Christian Andersen
This Day in History:
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: American forces are ambushed and defeated in the Battle of Bound Brook, New Jersey.
- 1829 – The Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 gives Roman Catholics in the United Kingdom the right to vote and to sit in Parliament.
- 1943 – The Jefferson Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C., on the 200th anniversary of President Thomas Jefferson's birth.
- 2017 – The US drops the largest ever non-nuclear weapon on Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
April 12, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
With spring, comes the time for spring cleaning. Whether that means taking the time to rake up the leaves, sticks and debris from the wrath of Mother Nature from our yards, or cleaning out our closets, scrubbing our walls, or just taking the time to plant flowers or vegetable gardens; it time to clean up and improve our properties. Letters have either gone out or soon will go out to property owners who are fragrantly in violation of the Village's nuisance ordinance. Please be proactive and address your properties prior to a letter going out to you and getting a visit from the sheriff's department and having tickets issued. The amount of these tickets are higher than the value of the junk that you have on your property. Thank you.
There are some opportunities available for everyone to clean up their properties...
1) Village-wide yard sale weekend starts Saturday, May 6th. This event is always the first weekend in May and it kicks off the summer yard sale season in the Village. So why not start now by going through everything in order to have a successful yard sale and make some extra money. You'll also want to make sure that your property is in good condition in order to help make people stop by. A "dirty" looking property may give those future customers the idea that you have nothing but junk for sale. You need to attract people to stop by in order to sell. Be sure to advertise that you are having a yard sale. Signs along the roads and social media platforms are good places to advertise. Feel free to contact Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123 to have your address mentioned on the Village's page.
2) Village Clean Up Day will be Friday, May 19th. Please see the flyer for complete details. You may set out your unwanted items beginning the week of the event. Let's get rid of all of our unwanted items once and for all.
3) More On 34 is always the Friday and Saturday of Father's Day weekend. This is the best time to sell your items.
4) If you have metal, take them to a scrap yard such as Galva Iron & Metal and ca$h these items in. If you have aluminum cans, either drop them off at the recycling bin downtown or take them to a recycling center such as Eagle Enterprises in Galva and ca$h them in. If you have unwanted vehicles, contact Nelson Auto Salvage in Victoria and sell it to them. Or, you can also contact a junker who will come to you such as Dave at 309-351-4604. Again the amounts of the fines from the sheriff's department is more than what your junk is worth. So please use one of the above options and save the ticket money. We could all use some extra ca$h can't we? Please take advantage of these opportunities.
Please see the flyers for complete details. Let's strive to make our Village the BEST looking town in our school district.
“Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose.” - C.S. Lewis
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
With spring, comes the time for spring cleaning. Whether that means taking the time to rake up the leaves, sticks and debris from the wrath of Mother Nature from our yards, or cleaning out our closets, scrubbing our walls, or just taking the time to plant flowers or vegetable gardens; it time to clean up and improve our properties. Letters have either gone out or soon will go out to property owners who are fragrantly in violation of the Village's nuisance ordinance. Please be proactive and address your properties prior to a letter going out to you and getting a visit from the sheriff's department and having tickets issued. The amount of these tickets are higher than the value of the junk that you have on your property. Thank you.
There are some opportunities available for everyone to clean up their properties...
1) Village-wide yard sale weekend starts Saturday, May 6th. This event is always the first weekend in May and it kicks off the summer yard sale season in the Village. So why not start now by going through everything in order to have a successful yard sale and make some extra money. You'll also want to make sure that your property is in good condition in order to help make people stop by. A "dirty" looking property may give those future customers the idea that you have nothing but junk for sale. You need to attract people to stop by in order to sell. Be sure to advertise that you are having a yard sale. Signs along the roads and social media platforms are good places to advertise. Feel free to contact Village President Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123 to have your address mentioned on the Village's page.
2) Village Clean Up Day will be Friday, May 19th. Please see the flyer for complete details. You may set out your unwanted items beginning the week of the event. Let's get rid of all of our unwanted items once and for all.
3) More On 34 is always the Friday and Saturday of Father's Day weekend. This is the best time to sell your items.
4) If you have metal, take them to a scrap yard such as Galva Iron & Metal and ca$h these items in. If you have aluminum cans, either drop them off at the recycling bin downtown or take them to a recycling center such as Eagle Enterprises in Galva and ca$h them in. If you have unwanted vehicles, contact Nelson Auto Salvage in Victoria and sell it to them. Or, you can also contact a junker who will come to you such as Dave at 309-351-4604. Again the amounts of the fines from the sheriff's department is more than what your junk is worth. So please use one of the above options and save the ticket money. We could all use some extra ca$h can't we? Please take advantage of these opportunities.
Please see the flyers for complete details. Let's strive to make our Village the BEST looking town in our school district.
“Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose.” - C.S. Lewis
This Day in History:
- 1606 – The Union Flag is adopted as the flag of English and Scottish ships.
- 1776 – American Revolution: With the Halifax Resolves, the North Carolina Provincial Congress authorizes its Congressional delegation to vote for independence from Britain.
- 1861 – American Civil War: Battle of Fort Sumter. The war begins with Confederate forces firing on Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina.
- 1945 – U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies in office; Vice President Harry S. Truman becomes President upon Roosevelt's death.
- 2009 – Zimbabwe officially abandons the Zimbabwean dollar as its official currency.
April 11, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Spring is here. The weather is starting to cooperate and our minds are starting to concentrate on working outside, cleaning up our yards from mother nature's storms, as well as planning those outdoor improvement projects for the year. Just a reminder, that at least 48 hours PRIOR to doing any digging, you NEED to call J.U.L.I.E. at 811. This is a free call. 811 is the nationwide Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators. When you call PRIOR to digging, all utility companies (power, gas, cable, telephone, water, sewer services) will come out and mark the areas where their services are located. This will allow you or your contractor to AVOID hitting those service lines and causing disruption for not only you but potentially your neighbors. If you don't call 811 and hit a service line, YOU may be liable for the entire bill. Cutting a fiber optic line for example can easily run $10,000 in repairs or more. Digging into a water or sewer line will surely make your neighbors mad at you for having services disrupted for hours. So please Dial 811 at least 48 business hours PRIOR to digging for your projects. Thank You.
“A minute’s success pays the failure of years.” - Robert Browning
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Spring is here. The weather is starting to cooperate and our minds are starting to concentrate on working outside, cleaning up our yards from mother nature's storms, as well as planning those outdoor improvement projects for the year. Just a reminder, that at least 48 hours PRIOR to doing any digging, you NEED to call J.U.L.I.E. at 811. This is a free call. 811 is the nationwide Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators. When you call PRIOR to digging, all utility companies (power, gas, cable, telephone, water, sewer services) will come out and mark the areas where their services are located. This will allow you or your contractor to AVOID hitting those service lines and causing disruption for not only you but potentially your neighbors. If you don't call 811 and hit a service line, YOU may be liable for the entire bill. Cutting a fiber optic line for example can easily run $10,000 in repairs or more. Digging into a water or sewer line will surely make your neighbors mad at you for having services disrupted for hours. So please Dial 811 at least 48 business hours PRIOR to digging for your projects. Thank You.
“A minute’s success pays the failure of years.” - Robert Browning
This Day in History:
- 1876 – The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is organized.
- 1976 – The Apple I is created.
- 2012 – A pair of great earthquakes occur in the Wharton Basin west of Sumatra in Indonesia. The maximum Mercalli intensity of this strike-slip doublet earthquake is VII (Very strong). Ten are killed, twelve are injured, and a non-destructive tsunami is observed on the island of Nias.
April 10, 2023
Attention Area Businesses:
If you would like to advertise your business on the Village's Baseball Diamond, please print off the attached form and submit them. You have your choice of single or double-sided signs to advertise. These will be hung on the outfield fence for public exposure only U.S. Rt. 34. These signs are locally made. Once the initial price is paid for the sign, it is just a simple smaller renewal fee to advertise your business. Please see the form and contact Village Trustee Nick Morris at 309-221-4686 for complete details about the signage program. All process goes to improve the ball park facilities. Thank you in advance for your support.
“Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm.” -Earl Nightingale
This Day in History:
Attention Area Businesses:
If you would like to advertise your business on the Village's Baseball Diamond, please print off the attached form and submit them. You have your choice of single or double-sided signs to advertise. These will be hung on the outfield fence for public exposure only U.S. Rt. 34. These signs are locally made. Once the initial price is paid for the sign, it is just a simple smaller renewal fee to advertise your business. Please see the form and contact Village Trustee Nick Morris at 309-221-4686 for complete details about the signage program. All process goes to improve the ball park facilities. Thank you in advance for your support.
“Creativity is a natural extension of our enthusiasm.” -Earl Nightingale
This Day in History:
- 1606 – The Virginia Company of London is established by royal charter by James I of England with the purpose of establishing colonial settlements in North America.
- 1710 – The Statute of Anne, the first law regulating copyright, comes into force in Great Britain.
- 1865 – American Civil War: A day after his surrender to Union forces, Confederate General Robert E. Lee addresses his troops for the last time.
- 1916 – The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) is created in New York City.
- 2019 – Scientists from the Event Horizon Telescope project announce the first ever image of a black hole, which was located in the centre of the M87 galaxy.
April 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank everyone for coming out yesterday to the annual Easter egg hunt. It was a beautiful day for it and very successful. There were well over 80 children in attendance and the eggs were gone in record time as usual. For those who had missed it, we hope that we will see you again next year. Thank you to all of the countless volunteers who make this year happen each. Whether you volunteered in the Altona Lions Club, the Ransom Memorial Public Library, helped stuff the eggs or put the eggs away, or even helped pick up sticks in the park from the recents storms; you helped make this event a success and it wouldn't have gone off as smooth as it did without you. THANK YOU to all volunteers. We hope to see everyone next year. Pictures of the event may be seen on the Ransom Memorial Public Library Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/AltonaPublicLibrary
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank everyone for coming out yesterday to the annual Easter egg hunt. It was a beautiful day for it and very successful. There were well over 80 children in attendance and the eggs were gone in record time as usual. For those who had missed it, we hope that we will see you again next year. Thank you to all of the countless volunteers who make this year happen each. Whether you volunteered in the Altona Lions Club, the Ransom Memorial Public Library, helped stuff the eggs or put the eggs away, or even helped pick up sticks in the park from the recents storms; you helped make this event a success and it wouldn't have gone off as smooth as it did without you. THANK YOU to all volunteers. We hope to see everyone next year. Pictures of the event may be seen on the Ransom Memorial Public Library Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/AltonaPublicLibrary
April 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
HAPPY EASTER!! On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish everyone very safe and Happy Easter. For those wishing to attend church services this morning, the Village has three churches for you to choose from. Below are their times of worship. As with any holiday, police will be out looking for speeders, seat belt violators and impaired drivers. So if you are planning on consuming alcohol at your family gatherings if you travel, please choose a designated driver and Don't Drink and Drive. Thank you and have a Blessed Easter.
Easter Sunday Services:
Bethany Baptist Church: 10 AM
The Grove Community Church: 9:30 AM
Immanuel Lutheran Church: Son Rise Service - Youth led (Confirmation & High School Classes) 9 AM
Light breakfast to follow. Traditional Easter Service with Communion at 10:15 AM
“According to His abundant mercy [He] has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” - 1 Peter 1:3, NKJV
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
HAPPY EASTER!! On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish everyone very safe and Happy Easter. For those wishing to attend church services this morning, the Village has three churches for you to choose from. Below are their times of worship. As with any holiday, police will be out looking for speeders, seat belt violators and impaired drivers. So if you are planning on consuming alcohol at your family gatherings if you travel, please choose a designated driver and Don't Drink and Drive. Thank you and have a Blessed Easter.
Easter Sunday Services:
Bethany Baptist Church: 10 AM
The Grove Community Church: 9:30 AM
Immanuel Lutheran Church: Son Rise Service - Youth led (Confirmation & High School Classes) 9 AM
Light breakfast to follow. Traditional Easter Service with Communion at 10:15 AM
“According to His abundant mercy [He] has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” - 1 Peter 1:3, NKJV
This Day in History:
- 1784 – The Treaty of Paris, ratified by the United States Congress on January 14, 1784, is ratified by King George III of the Kingdom of Great Britain, ending the American Revolutionary War. Copies of the ratified documents are exchanged on May 12, 1784.
- 1865 – American Civil War: Robert E. Lee surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia (26,765 troops) to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the war.
- 1992 – A U.S. Federal Court finds former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega guilty of drug and racketeering charges. He is sentenced to 30 years in prison.
- 2003 – Iraq War: Baghdad falls to American forces.
April 8, 2023
Attention Area Children!!!
After being postponed from last weeks storms, the BIG DAY is FINALLY here! That's right. Today at 3 pm at Johnson-Pyle park (located behind the gas station) will be the Annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt. Meet the Easter Bunny and have your picture taken with him, hunt for some candy in the Easter eggs, and be sure to take home a free book. Bring your parents and grand-parents for the fun. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.” - J.M. Power
This Day in History:
Attention Area Children!!!
After being postponed from last weeks storms, the BIG DAY is FINALLY here! That's right. Today at 3 pm at Johnson-Pyle park (located behind the gas station) will be the Annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt. Meet the Easter Bunny and have your picture taken with him, hunt for some candy in the Easter eggs, and be sure to take home a free book. Bring your parents and grand-parents for the fun. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.” - J.M. Power
This Day in History:
- 1605 – The city of Oulu, Finland, is founded by Charles IX of Sweden.
- 1730 – Shearith Israel, the first synagogue in continental North America, is dedicated.
- 1895 – In Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & Trust Co. the Supreme Court of the United States declares unapportioned income tax to be unconstitutional.
- 1913 – The 17th Amendment to the United States Constitution, requiring direct election of Senators, becomes law.
- 2005 – A solar eclipse occurs, visible over areas of the Pacific Ocean and Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela
April 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents & Kids:
Kids: Don't forget that tomorrow is the annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt. This event is sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and the Ransom Memorial Public Library. So be sure to thank them for all that they do. The hunt starts at 3 pm SHARP!!! So make sure that mom and dad don't make you late. Be sure to pick up your free book while you are there. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Today is Good Friday, the day that Christians believe that Jesus had died on the Cross. If you would like to visit one of our churches for Easter, please visit the following link. It will take you to the various links of the three churches in the Village of Altona. Have a safe and Happy Easter weekend. Church Listings
Good Friday Services: The Grove Community Church - 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday Services:
Bethany Baptist Church: 10 AM
The Grove Community Church: 9:30 AM
Immanuel Lutheran Church: Son Rise Service - Youth led (Confirmation & High School Classes) 9 AM
Light breakfast to follow. Traditional Easter Service with Communion at 10:15 AM
"Jesus Built us a bridge with 2 boards & 3 nails" - Sign on the Immanuel Lutheran Church
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents & Kids:
Kids: Don't forget that tomorrow is the annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt. This event is sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and the Ransom Memorial Public Library. So be sure to thank them for all that they do. The hunt starts at 3 pm SHARP!!! So make sure that mom and dad don't make you late. Be sure to pick up your free book while you are there. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Today is Good Friday, the day that Christians believe that Jesus had died on the Cross. If you would like to visit one of our churches for Easter, please visit the following link. It will take you to the various links of the three churches in the Village of Altona. Have a safe and Happy Easter weekend. Church Listings
Good Friday Services: The Grove Community Church - 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday Services:
Bethany Baptist Church: 10 AM
The Grove Community Church: 9:30 AM
Immanuel Lutheran Church: Son Rise Service - Youth led (Confirmation & High School Classes) 9 AM
Light breakfast to follow. Traditional Easter Service with Communion at 10:15 AM
"Jesus Built us a bridge with 2 boards & 3 nails" - Sign on the Immanuel Lutheran Church
This Day in History:
- 1798 – The Mississippi Territory is organized from disputed territory claimed by both the United States and the Spanish Empire. It is expanded in 1804 and again in 1812.
- 1862 – American Civil War: The Union's Army of the Tennessee and the Army of the Ohio defeat the Confederate Army of Mississippi near Shiloh, Tennessee.
- 1933 – Prohibition in the United States is repealed for beer of no more than 3.2% alcohol by weight, eight months before the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution. (Now celebrated as National Beer Day in the United States.)
- 2001 – NASA launches the 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter.
April 6, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder of an upcoming event which may seem for off still, but it will sneak up on you rather quickly. Next month the Village will have a couple of opportunities for you to try and get rid of unwanted items.
Saturday, May 6th: The first Saturday in May is always the Village-wide Yard Sale Day. This day kicks off the summer yard sale season within the Village. While this event being a month away may still seem a little far off, time will sneak up on you before you know it. It takes time to go through your closets and trying on clothes, clean out the garage and basement and do minor repairs on things to maximize your profits on the items in which you put out for sale. It takes time to price items and create those flashy "yard sale" signs to attract people to stop by your sale. While having a yard sale may be a little bit of work, it is also a way to make a few extra dollars; and with today's prices, couldn't you use a little more dough in your wallet?
Friday, May 19th: The Village of Altona Annual Clean Up Day. All items will need to be set out to the curb by 6:00 A.M. on this date. The garbage crews will ONLY make one pass through town. NO regular trash is to be set out. Please see the flyer for COMPLETE details of what is and is NOT allowed to be set out for Clean Up Day. Thank you.
The Village asks that ALL residents take advantage of this date as nuisance letters will be going out to individuals who fail to clean up their properties. Please take advantage of this time and service to clean up your properties and avoid a visit from the Sheriff's department for this violation. Thank you.
“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.” - Thomas Edison
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder of an upcoming event which may seem for off still, but it will sneak up on you rather quickly. Next month the Village will have a couple of opportunities for you to try and get rid of unwanted items.
Saturday, May 6th: The first Saturday in May is always the Village-wide Yard Sale Day. This day kicks off the summer yard sale season within the Village. While this event being a month away may still seem a little far off, time will sneak up on you before you know it. It takes time to go through your closets and trying on clothes, clean out the garage and basement and do minor repairs on things to maximize your profits on the items in which you put out for sale. It takes time to price items and create those flashy "yard sale" signs to attract people to stop by your sale. While having a yard sale may be a little bit of work, it is also a way to make a few extra dollars; and with today's prices, couldn't you use a little more dough in your wallet?
Friday, May 19th: The Village of Altona Annual Clean Up Day. All items will need to be set out to the curb by 6:00 A.M. on this date. The garbage crews will ONLY make one pass through town. NO regular trash is to be set out. Please see the flyer for COMPLETE details of what is and is NOT allowed to be set out for Clean Up Day. Thank you.
The Village asks that ALL residents take advantage of this date as nuisance letters will be going out to individuals who fail to clean up their properties. Please take advantage of this time and service to clean up your properties and avoid a visit from the Sheriff's department for this violation. Thank you.
“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.” - Thomas Edison
This Day in History:
- 1580 – One of the largest earthquakes recorded in the history of England, Flanders, or Northern France, takes place.
- 1652 – At the Cape of Good Hope, Dutch sailor Jan van Riebeeck establishes a resupply camp that eventually becomes Cape Town.
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: Ships of the Continental Navy fail in their attempt to capture a Royal Navy dispatch boat.
- 1896 – In Athens, the opening of the first modern Olympic Games is celebrated, 1,500 years after the original games are banned by Roman emperor Theodosius I.
- 1917 – World War I: The United States declares war on Germany.
- 2017 – U.S. military launches 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at an air base in Syria. Russia describes the strikes as an "aggression", adding they significantly damage US-Russia ties.
April 6, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 11:00 AM. To read about the Watch, click on the following link.....
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2500222&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 11:00 AM. To read about the Watch, click on the following link.....
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2500222&areaId=knox
April 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents & Children:
Just a couple of reminders...
First, today is the last day to submit your sealed bids for the vacant lot which is located at 613 N. Olin street. They must be submitted to Compton Accounting prior to the close of business TODAY by 4 pm. They will be opened up during tomorrow nights Village Board meeting at 7 pm. Details of the lot may be seen on the following Village of Altona website page... Property For Sale or For Rent
Second, attention kids... just a reminder that last week's postponed Easter Egg Hunt will be this Saturday, April 8th at 3 pm at Johnson-Pyle Park located behind the gas station. Come collect eggs, meet the Easter Bunny and have photos taken with him, as well as take home a free book. The event is sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and the Ransom Memorial Public Library. Please see the updated flyer for complete details. Thank you.
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents & Children:
Just a couple of reminders...
First, today is the last day to submit your sealed bids for the vacant lot which is located at 613 N. Olin street. They must be submitted to Compton Accounting prior to the close of business TODAY by 4 pm. They will be opened up during tomorrow nights Village Board meeting at 7 pm. Details of the lot may be seen on the following Village of Altona website page... Property For Sale or For Rent
Second, attention kids... just a reminder that last week's postponed Easter Egg Hunt will be this Saturday, April 8th at 3 pm at Johnson-Pyle Park located behind the gas station. Come collect eggs, meet the Easter Bunny and have photos taken with him, as well as take home a free book. The event is sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and the Ransom Memorial Public Library. Please see the updated flyer for complete details. Thank you.
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
This Day in History:
- 1621 – The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth, Massachusetts on a return trip to England.
- 1792 – United States President George Washington exercises his authority to veto a bill, the first time this power is used in the United States.
- 1862 – American Civil War: The Battle of Yorktown begins.
- 1933 – U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs two executive orders: 6101 to establish the Civilian Conservation Corps, and 6102 "forbidding the Hoarding of Gold Coin, Gold Bullion, and Gold Certificates" by U.S. citizens.
- 2018 – Agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid a slaughterhouse in Tennessee, detaining nearly 100 undocumented Hispanic workers in one of the largest workplace raids in the history of the United States.
April, 4, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has just issued a Tornado Watch for our area until 10 pm. This means that weather conditions are favorable for a tornado. Please pay attention to you NOAA All - Hazards Weather Radio, WGIL, or WQAD-TV News Channel 8 for details. To read about this Tornado Watch, please click on the following link: www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2499854&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has just issued a Tornado Watch for our area until 10 pm. This means that weather conditions are favorable for a tornado. Please pay attention to you NOAA All - Hazards Weather Radio, WGIL, or WQAD-TV News Channel 8 for details. To read about this Tornado Watch, please click on the following link: www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2499854&areaId=knox
April 4, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Election Day. Polls are open throughout the state from 6 AM - 7 PM. Please make your voices heard and vote. Today's elections are for local races, school boards, college trustees, library, city and township races, etc. For a sample ballot, please click on the following link....
co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sample-Ballot-Knox-County-2023CE.pdf
“There’s no shame in failing. The only shame is not giving things your best shot.” - Robin Williams
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Election Day. Polls are open throughout the state from 6 AM - 7 PM. Please make your voices heard and vote. Today's elections are for local races, school boards, college trustees, library, city and township races, etc. For a sample ballot, please click on the following link....
co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sample-Ballot-Knox-County-2023CE.pdf
“There’s no shame in failing. The only shame is not giving things your best shot.” - Robin Williams
This Day in History:
- 1818 – The United States Congress, affirming the Second Continental Congress, adopts the flag of the United States with 13 red and white stripes and one star for each state (20 at that time).
- 1968 – Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray at a motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
- 2010 – A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hits south of the Mexico-USA border, killing two and damaging buildings across the two countries.
April 3, 2023
Attention Walnut Grove Township & Village of Altona Residents:
Another reminder of tomorrow's Consolidated Elections. Your polling place will once again be at the Municipal Building located at 302 S. Depot Street from the hours of 6 AM - 7 PM. Please do you patriotic duty and turn out to vote. A sample ballot may be viewed by clicking on this link:
co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sample-Ballot-Knox-County-2023CE.pdf
“Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” - Maya Angelou
This Day in History:
Attention Walnut Grove Township & Village of Altona Residents:
Another reminder of tomorrow's Consolidated Elections. Your polling place will once again be at the Municipal Building located at 302 S. Depot Street from the hours of 6 AM - 7 PM. Please do you patriotic duty and turn out to vote. A sample ballot may be viewed by clicking on this link:
co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sample-Ballot-Knox-County-2023CE.pdf
“Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” - Maya Angelou
This Day in History:
- 1721 – Robert Walpole becomes, in effect, the first Prime Minister of Great Britain, though he himself denied that title.
- 1860 – The first successful United States Pony Express run from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, begins.
- 1968 – Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech; he was assassinated the next day.
- 2010 – Apple Inc. released the first generation iPad, a tablet computer.
April 2, 2023
Attention Walnut Grove Township Residents:
Just a reminder that this Tuesday, April 4th will be the Consolidated Elections for Illinois. These are the elections for local races such as, school boards, Village and Township races, etc. The Poll for Walnut Grove Township will once again be held at the Municipal Building in the Village of Altona located at 302 S. Depot St. (directly behind the water tower). The Poll will be open from 6 AM - 7 PM. Please be sure to vote. To see who all is running for the races, please click on the following link to see a sample ballot....
co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sample-Ballot-Knox-County-2023CE.pdf
“Choose life, so that you and your children may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:19
This Day in History:
Attention Walnut Grove Township Residents:
Just a reminder that this Tuesday, April 4th will be the Consolidated Elections for Illinois. These are the elections for local races such as, school boards, Village and Township races, etc. The Poll for Walnut Grove Township will once again be held at the Municipal Building in the Village of Altona located at 302 S. Depot St. (directly behind the water tower). The Poll will be open from 6 AM - 7 PM. Please be sure to vote. To see who all is running for the races, please click on the following link to see a sample ballot....
co.knox.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sample-Ballot-Knox-County-2023CE.pdf
“Choose life, so that you and your children may live.” - Deuteronomy 30:19
This Day in History:
- 1792 – The Coinage Act is passed by Congress, establishing the United States Mint.
- 1800 – Ludwig van Beethoven leads the premiere of his First Symphony in Vienna.
- 1917 – American entry into World War I: President Wilson asks the U.S. Congress for a declaration of war on Germany.
- 2006 – Over 60 tornadoes break out in the United States; Tennessee is hardest hit with 29 people killed.
April 1, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Due to the current weather conditions, the annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt which is sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and Ransom Memorial Public Library will be postponed until next week, April 8th at 3 pm. It will still be held at Johnson-Pyle park located behind the gas station. Please see the flyer for complete details. See you then with better weather hopefully.
Attention Area Residents:
Due to the current weather conditions, the annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt which is sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and Ransom Memorial Public Library will be postponed until next week, April 8th at 3 pm. It will still be held at Johnson-Pyle park located behind the gas station. Please see the flyer for complete details. See you then with better weather hopefully.
April 1, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
During yesterday evening's storm, the Village had experienced a downed power lines in the 100 block of N. Olin Street. While Ameren did come out during the night, they did not have the proper equipment nor man power to address the problem. These power lines and pole issues are still down and present. For your safety, PLEASE AVOID this area of town until Ameren can address this issue. Ameren has over 300 downed power lines throughout their system that they are addressing and they are asking for your patience. They have assured the Village that they will get the matter fixed as soon as they can. Thank you.
Attention Village Residents:
During yesterday evening's storm, the Village had experienced a downed power lines in the 100 block of N. Olin Street. While Ameren did come out during the night, they did not have the proper equipment nor man power to address the problem. These power lines and pole issues are still down and present. For your safety, PLEASE AVOID this area of town until Ameren can address this issue. Ameren has over 300 downed power lines throughout their system that they are addressing and they are asking for your patience. They have assured the Village that they will get the matter fixed as soon as they can. Thank you.
April 1, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Wind Advisory which was issued by the National Weather Service yesterday is still in effect until 1 PM this afternoon. Expect wind gusts of up to 50 mph. To read about this Wind Advisory, click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2497568&areaId=knox
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank Jim Andrews for your 42 years of voluntary service on the Altona Fire Department, over 20 years of which was served as Fire Chief. THANK YOU for helping to keep our fire district safe. Enjoy your retirement.
I'd also like to congratulate our new District Fire Chief Keith Holland into the position, and to Thank YOU and the rest of the volunteers for helping to keep Altona and the rest of the fire district residents safe during yesterday's stormy weather. For any resident who would like to volunteer and become a local hero, please contact District Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064 or stop by the TBA. If you would like to join the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance District and become an EMT, please contact District Coordinator Sally Keener at 309-484-4311. THANK YOU to all who volunteer to help make our communities a better place.
Attention Area Residents:
The Wind Advisory which was issued by the National Weather Service yesterday is still in effect until 1 PM this afternoon. Expect wind gusts of up to 50 mph. To read about this Wind Advisory, click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2497568&areaId=knox
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank Jim Andrews for your 42 years of voluntary service on the Altona Fire Department, over 20 years of which was served as Fire Chief. THANK YOU for helping to keep our fire district safe. Enjoy your retirement.
I'd also like to congratulate our new District Fire Chief Keith Holland into the position, and to Thank YOU and the rest of the volunteers for helping to keep Altona and the rest of the fire district residents safe during yesterday's stormy weather. For any resident who would like to volunteer and become a local hero, please contact District Chief Keith Holland at 309-484-2064 or stop by the TBA. If you would like to join the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance District and become an EMT, please contact District Coordinator Sally Keener at 309-484-4311. THANK YOU to all who volunteer to help make our communities a better place.
April 1, 2023
Attention Kids, Parents and Grandparents! The Easter Bunny is coming to town! And that isn't any April Fools joke either. Today at 3 p.m. at the Johnson-Pyle Park (located behind the gas station) will be the annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt (rain date on April 2nd). This event is for all children up to the 7th grade. Please see the flyer for complete details and do NOT be late or you will miss out on the action. Special thanks to the Altona Lions Club and the Ransom Memorial Public Library for sponsoring this event.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” -Mahatma Gandhi
This Day in History:
Attention Kids, Parents and Grandparents! The Easter Bunny is coming to town! And that isn't any April Fools joke either. Today at 3 p.m. at the Johnson-Pyle Park (located behind the gas station) will be the annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt (rain date on April 2nd). This event is for all children up to the 7th grade. Please see the flyer for complete details and do NOT be late or you will miss out on the action. Special thanks to the Altona Lions Club and the Ransom Memorial Public Library for sponsoring this event.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” -Mahatma Gandhi
This Day in History:
- 33 – According to one historian's account, Jesus Christ's Last Supper is held.
- 1789 – In New York City, the United States House of Representatives achieves its first quorum and elects Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania as its first Speaker.
- 1865 – American Civil War: Union troops led by Philip Sheridan decisively defeat Confederate troops led by George Pickett, cutting the Army of Northern Virginia's last supply line.
- 1924 – Adolf Hitler is sentenced to five years imprisonment for his participation in the "Beer Hall Putsch" but spends only nine months in jail.
- 2004 – Google launches its Email service Gmail.
March 31, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for our immediate area until 7 pm. Expected hazards include 70 mph wind gusts and quarter sized hail. These thunderstorms will be near Rio at 6:15 pm. Please tune to WQAD-TV Channel 8 for complete coverage of these storms and warnings. Please click on the following link to view complete details of this National Weather Service warning. Be safe.
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2498090&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for our immediate area until 7 pm. Expected hazards include 70 mph wind gusts and quarter sized hail. These thunderstorms will be near Rio at 6:15 pm. Please tune to WQAD-TV Channel 8 for complete coverage of these storms and warnings. Please click on the following link to view complete details of this National Weather Service warning. Be safe.
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2498090&areaId=knox
March 31, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Please tune to WQAD-TV News Channel 8. While the severe weather may look like it has passed and it may look nice outside now, this is what's called the calm before the storm. There is another wave of severe weather to our west. Please pay attention to local tv and radio updates, and as always...... be safe. Thank you to our local fire department weather spotters in our area for doing their best to inform the public of these severe weather storms.
Attention Area Residents:
Please tune to WQAD-TV News Channel 8. While the severe weather may look like it has passed and it may look nice outside now, this is what's called the calm before the storm. There is another wave of severe weather to our west. Please pay attention to local tv and radio updates, and as always...... be safe. Thank you to our local fire department weather spotters in our area for doing their best to inform the public of these severe weather storms.
March 31, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch beginning today at 11:45 AM until 8 PM tonight. A WATCH means that conditions are favorable for tornado activity and that conditions may change at any time. Please stay tuned to your All Hazards Radio, WGIL, or WQAD-TV News Channel 8 for details as weather conditions develop. If you haven't done so yet, please download the CODE RED App for Knox County and/or News Channel 8 weather app. Both of these will help keep you informed. Please click on the following link to read the latest Watch notification...
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2497670&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch beginning today at 11:45 AM until 8 PM tonight. A WATCH means that conditions are favorable for tornado activity and that conditions may change at any time. Please stay tuned to your All Hazards Radio, WGIL, or WQAD-TV News Channel 8 for details as weather conditions develop. If you haven't done so yet, please download the CODE RED App for Knox County and/or News Channel 8 weather app. Both of these will help keep you informed. Please click on the following link to read the latest Watch notification...
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2497670&areaId=knox
March 31, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory today beginning at 1 pm and lasting until 1 pm tomorrow. It will be windy throughout the day and evening with gusts up to 55 tonight. Please click on the following link to view the Advisory. This Advisory will likely change throughout the day.
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2497568&areaId=knox
News Channel 8 is reporting that we will be having widespread severe storms today and that conditions will be favorable for tornadoes. Please take the time now to prepare if you haven't done so already. Please pick up or secure any items around your property that you don't wish to blow away. Watch News Channel 8 or listen to WGIL for weather updates. Be sure to have your NOAA All-Hazards Radio turned on for updates. Do you know the difference between a Watch and a Warning? A Watch means to BE PREPARED. Severe storms are possible and near your area. A Warning means to TAKE ACTION. Severe weather has been spotted. While many communities may have outdoor weather sirens, these are designed to be heard when you are outside, NOT if you are inside. If a tornado warning is issued, the safest place is in an interior room away from on outside wall and without windows. News Channel 8 will be doing a YouTube Live this morning at 9am for complete updates of this pending storm. Go to www.wqad.com for the link to that. If you have questions about Severe Weather, you may send them a text message to Storm Track 8 until noon today to 309-304-0888. You should also download the News Channel Weather app as well as the CODE RED app which is a nationwide app that Knox County is a part of. Both of these apps can be found in your respective app stores on your mobile devices. Please stay informed and pray for no tornadoes. We've seen on the news how devastating these can be. Be safe.
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory today beginning at 1 pm and lasting until 1 pm tomorrow. It will be windy throughout the day and evening with gusts up to 55 tonight. Please click on the following link to view the Advisory. This Advisory will likely change throughout the day.
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2497568&areaId=knox
News Channel 8 is reporting that we will be having widespread severe storms today and that conditions will be favorable for tornadoes. Please take the time now to prepare if you haven't done so already. Please pick up or secure any items around your property that you don't wish to blow away. Watch News Channel 8 or listen to WGIL for weather updates. Be sure to have your NOAA All-Hazards Radio turned on for updates. Do you know the difference between a Watch and a Warning? A Watch means to BE PREPARED. Severe storms are possible and near your area. A Warning means to TAKE ACTION. Severe weather has been spotted. While many communities may have outdoor weather sirens, these are designed to be heard when you are outside, NOT if you are inside. If a tornado warning is issued, the safest place is in an interior room away from on outside wall and without windows. News Channel 8 will be doing a YouTube Live this morning at 9am for complete updates of this pending storm. Go to www.wqad.com for the link to that. If you have questions about Severe Weather, you may send them a text message to Storm Track 8 until noon today to 309-304-0888. You should also download the News Channel Weather app as well as the CODE RED app which is a nationwide app that Knox County is a part of. Both of these apps can be found in your respective app stores on your mobile devices. Please stay informed and pray for no tornadoes. We've seen on the news how devastating these can be. Be safe.
March 31, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight is the last Grove Community Church fish fry of the Lenten season. If you haven't stopped by to have some this year, please make every effort as it is good. Carryouts available. Proceeds goes toward Vacation Bible School. Please read the flyer for complete details.
“Outer order contributes to inner calm.” - Gretchen Rubin
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight is the last Grove Community Church fish fry of the Lenten season. If you haven't stopped by to have some this year, please make every effort as it is good. Carryouts available. Proceeds goes toward Vacation Bible School. Please read the flyer for complete details.
“Outer order contributes to inner calm.” - Gretchen Rubin
This Day in History:
- 1774 – American Revolution: The Kingdom of Great Britain orders the port of Boston, Massachusetts closed pursuant to the Boston Port Act.
- 1889 – The Eiffel Tower is officially opened.
- 1918 – Daylight saving time goes into effect in the United States for the first time.
- 2016 – NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko return to Earth after a yearlong mission at the International Space Station.
March 30, 2023
Attention Area Children:
Just another reminder that the Easter Bunny will be coming to the Village of Altona for annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and Ransom Memorial Public Library. The hunt starts sharply at 3 pm so DON'T BE LATE! or, you won't have any eggs to hunt. While you are here, get a picture taken with the Easter Bunny himself and pick out a free book. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“We are who we know ourselves to be.” - Laverne Cox
This Day in History:
Attention Area Children:
Just another reminder that the Easter Bunny will be coming to the Village of Altona for annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and Ransom Memorial Public Library. The hunt starts sharply at 3 pm so DON'T BE LATE! or, you won't have any eggs to hunt. While you are here, get a picture taken with the Easter Bunny himself and pick out a free book. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“We are who we know ourselves to be.” - Laverne Cox
This Day in History:
- 1822 – The Florida Territory is created in the United States.
- 1981 – U.S. President Ronald Reagan is shot in the chest outside a Washington, D.C., hotel by John Hinckley, Jr.; three others are wounded in the same incident.
- 2017 – SpaceX conducts the world's first re-flight of an orbital class rocket.
March 29, 2023
A VERY BIG THANK YOU to everyone in our area who have come out to support the various churches, businesses and organizations within the Village of Altona. It is because of your gracious generosity that allows these organizations help our community to be an ever better place to live. Thank you for supporting them.
“Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge.” - William Shakespeare
This Day in History:
A VERY BIG THANK YOU to everyone in our area who have come out to support the various churches, businesses and organizations within the Village of Altona. It is because of your gracious generosity that allows these organizations help our community to be an ever better place to live. Thank you for supporting them.
“Sweet mercy is nobility’s true badge.” - William Shakespeare
This Day in History:
- 1792 – King Gustav III of Sweden dies after being shot in the back at a midnight masquerade ball at Stockholm's Royal Opera 13 days earlier.
- 1806 – Construction is authorized of the Great National Pike, better known as the Cumberland Road, becoming the first United States federal highway.
- 1961 – The Twenty-third Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, allowing residents of Washington, D.C., to vote in presidential elections.
- 2004 – Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia join NATO as full members.
March 28, 2023
Attention ROWVA Parents & Youth:
This is just a reminder that the deadline to sign up for the Bi-County Summer Baseball/Softball League is March 31st. Students would've received this information at school. The signups are online this year and can be done through the following link. Good luck with your teams and have some fun this summer:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFRpVWiM2A1brkbQggykPSI77usrXamtgpdSeYJQl_a_B0pw/viewform
“There is no luck except where there is discipline.” - Old Irish Proverb
This Day in History:
Attention ROWVA Parents & Youth:
This is just a reminder that the deadline to sign up for the Bi-County Summer Baseball/Softball League is March 31st. Students would've received this information at school. The signups are online this year and can be done through the following link. Good luck with your teams and have some fun this summer:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFRpVWiM2A1brkbQggykPSI77usrXamtgpdSeYJQl_a_B0pw/viewform
“There is no luck except where there is discipline.” - Old Irish Proverb
This Day in History:
- 1862 – American Civil War: In the Battle of Glorieta Pass, Union forces stop the Confederate invasion of the New Mexico Territory. The battle began on March 26.
- 1990 – United States President George H. W. Bush posthumously awards Jesse Owens the Congressional Gold Medal.
- 2005 – An earthquake shakes northern Sumatra with a magnitude of 8.6 and killing over 1000 people.
March 27, 2023
Attention Area Children:
It is once again that time of year. A day that will be filled with cheer. A day filled with candy that will put a grin on your face from ear to ear. What am I talking about? This Saturday, April 1st will be the Annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt. It will once again be held at Johnson-Pyle Park (located behind the gas station) and it will start at 3 pm SHARP - so don't be late! Meet and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs and be sure to take home a free book. This event is free for children up to the 7th grade. Special thanks to the Altona Lions Club as well as the Ransom Memorial Public Library for sponsoring this annual event. Also thank you to all of the community members who had helped stuff the eggs with candy. Please see the flyer for complete details and rain date.
“He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul’s estate.” - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
Attention Area Children:
It is once again that time of year. A day that will be filled with cheer. A day filled with candy that will put a grin on your face from ear to ear. What am I talking about? This Saturday, April 1st will be the Annual Village of Altona Easter Egg Hunt. It will once again be held at Johnson-Pyle Park (located behind the gas station) and it will start at 3 pm SHARP - so don't be late! Meet and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs and be sure to take home a free book. This event is free for children up to the 7th grade. Special thanks to the Altona Lions Club as well as the Ransom Memorial Public Library for sponsoring this annual event. Also thank you to all of the community members who had helped stuff the eggs with candy. Please see the flyer for complete details and rain date.
“He enjoys true leisure who has time to improve his soul’s estate.” - Henry David Thoreau
This Day in History:
- 1794 – The United States Government establishes a permanent navy and authorizes the building of six frigates.
- 1814 – War of 1812: In central Alabama, U.S. forces under General Andrew Jackson defeat the Creek at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.
- 1964 – The Good Friday earthquake, the most powerful earthquake recorded in North American history at a magnitude of 9.2 strikes South Central Alaska, killing 125 people and inflicting massive damage to the city of Anchorage.
- 2020 – North Macedonia becomes the 30th member of NATO.
March 26, 2023
“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything.” - Philippians 4:6
This Day In History:
“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything.” - Philippians 4:6
This Day In History:
- 1830 – The Book of Mormon is published in Palmyra, New York.
- 1915 – The Vancouver Millionaires win the 1915 Stanley Cup Finals, the first championship played between the Pacific Coast Hockey Association and the National Hockey Association.
- 2017 – Russia-wide anti-corruption protests in 99 cities. The Levada Center survey showed that 38% of surveyed Russians supported protests and that 67 percent held Putin personally responsible for high-level corruption.
March 25, 2023
Good Morning Area Residents:
Come out for breakfast and visit with family, friends and neighbors as the Altona Lions Club will be serving Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs and Apple Sauce this morning at The Grove Community Church from 7 am - 9:30 am. Free Will Donation with proceeds to benefit the Village park. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting the Altona Lions Club, they do so much for our community.
“…If there’s something that makes you laugh, then every day’s going to be okay.” - Tom Hanks
This Day in History:
Good Morning Area Residents:
Come out for breakfast and visit with family, friends and neighbors as the Altona Lions Club will be serving Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs and Apple Sauce this morning at The Grove Community Church from 7 am - 9:30 am. Free Will Donation with proceeds to benefit the Village park. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting the Altona Lions Club, they do so much for our community.
“…If there’s something that makes you laugh, then every day’s going to be okay.” - Tom Hanks
This Day in History:
- 1655 – Saturn's largest moon, Titan, is discovered by Christiaan Huygens.
- 1708 – A French fleet anchors nears Fife Ness as part of the planned French invasion of Britain.
- 1865 – American Civil War: In Virginia, Confederate forces temporarily capture Fort Stedman from the Union.
- 1965 – Civil rights activists led by Martin Luther King Jr. successfully complete their 4-day 50-mile march from Selma to the capitol in Montgomery, Alabama.
- 2006 – Protesters demanding a new election in Belarus, following the rigged 2006 Belarusian presidential election, clash with riot police. Opposition leader Aleksander Kozulin is among several protesters arrested.
March 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is the fourth Friday of Lent, and that means tonight is the fourth fish fry of the Lenten season at The Grove Community Church. Supper starts at 5 pm and carryouts are available. Proceeds to benefit the Vacation Bible School. Please see the flyer for complete details.
And don't forget about the Altona Lions Pancake Breakfast tomorrow morning from 7 am - 9:30 am. Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, and Apple Sauce. Proceeds to benefit the park. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting our local churches and service organization.
“Be better to your neighbors, and you’ll have better neighbors.” - Ernest Tubb
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today is the fourth Friday of Lent, and that means tonight is the fourth fish fry of the Lenten season at The Grove Community Church. Supper starts at 5 pm and carryouts are available. Proceeds to benefit the Vacation Bible School. Please see the flyer for complete details.
And don't forget about the Altona Lions Pancake Breakfast tomorrow morning from 7 am - 9:30 am. Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, and Apple Sauce. Proceeds to benefit the park. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting our local churches and service organization.
“Be better to your neighbors, and you’ll have better neighbors.” - Ernest Tubb
This Day in History:
- 1765 – Great Britain passes the Quartering Act, which requires the Thirteen Colonies to house British troops.
- 1882 – Robert Koch announces the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis.
- 1921 – The 1921 Women's Olympiad began in Monte Carlo, becoming the first international women's sports event.
- 2003 – The Arab League votes 21–1 in favor of a resolution demanding an end to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
March 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This posting is to remind you of some upcoming events. Please mark your calendars for those that apply to you..
Friday Fish Fry's: Every Friday during Lent, the Grove Community Church is serving up delicious baked or fried fish, and sides. Please see the flyer for complete details, and THANK YOU for supporting our local churches.
Saturday, March 25th: Altona Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at the Grove Community Church from 7 am - 9:30 am. Free Will donation. Please see the flyer for complete details, and THANK YOU for supporting our local Lions Club.
Saturday, April 1st: Annual Village of Altona Egg Hunt sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and Ransom Memorial Public Library. The hunt starts at 3 pm SHARP!!! So don't be late. Meet the Easter Bunny and get your photo taken with him, and don't forget your free book. This event is for all children up the the 7th grade, rain date will be Sunday, April 2nd. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Thursday, April 6th: The Village of Altona will be opening sealed bids for the empty lot located at 613 N. Olin Street. Please make your bids count as the Village will not know how many bids there will be, nor how much these bids will be for until we open them that night at our monthly board meeting at 7 pm. If you would like to build a new home (stick or manufactured), this lot already has water and sewer located on it as an old home was torn down to make room for your next. Please click on the following link for complete details, and good luck with your bidding. Property For Sale or For Rent altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html
Saturday, May 6th: The first Saturday in May always kicks off the Village-wide Yard Sale season. Start going through your closets, basement, attic, garage, etc. and look for things to sell. Current economic conditions have things expensive, so why not try and make a few bucks to ease the burden and help make ends meet. If you wish to have a yard sale, let Village President Derrick Appell know and your address will be posted on the Village's website and Facebook page. So start planning today to have a successful yard sale.
Friday, May 19th: Annual Village-wide Clean Up Day! Attention Village Residents: Regardless if you have a yard sale to make some money on your unwanted items or not, Clean Up Day is designed to give you the opportunity to get rid of those items and to clean up your properties. Please take advantage of this date to clean up. Violation letters will be sent out to those properties who fail to clean up, so PLEASE avoid the hassle and take advantage of this date. You may start placing items to the curb at the beginning of the week. Please see the flyer for complete details as to what is and is NOT allowed. These restrictions are out of the Village's control. We apologize for any connivance.
Other events to be announced when reported to the Village. Stay tuned!!!
“Look at all you have accomplished today and use it as fuel to venture forth.” - Kerry Washington
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
This posting is to remind you of some upcoming events. Please mark your calendars for those that apply to you..
Friday Fish Fry's: Every Friday during Lent, the Grove Community Church is serving up delicious baked or fried fish, and sides. Please see the flyer for complete details, and THANK YOU for supporting our local churches.
Saturday, March 25th: Altona Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at the Grove Community Church from 7 am - 9:30 am. Free Will donation. Please see the flyer for complete details, and THANK YOU for supporting our local Lions Club.
Saturday, April 1st: Annual Village of Altona Egg Hunt sponsored by the Altona Lions Club and Ransom Memorial Public Library. The hunt starts at 3 pm SHARP!!! So don't be late. Meet the Easter Bunny and get your photo taken with him, and don't forget your free book. This event is for all children up the the 7th grade, rain date will be Sunday, April 2nd. Please see the flyer for complete details.
Thursday, April 6th: The Village of Altona will be opening sealed bids for the empty lot located at 613 N. Olin Street. Please make your bids count as the Village will not know how many bids there will be, nor how much these bids will be for until we open them that night at our monthly board meeting at 7 pm. If you would like to build a new home (stick or manufactured), this lot already has water and sewer located on it as an old home was torn down to make room for your next. Please click on the following link for complete details, and good luck with your bidding. Property For Sale or For Rent altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html
Saturday, May 6th: The first Saturday in May always kicks off the Village-wide Yard Sale season. Start going through your closets, basement, attic, garage, etc. and look for things to sell. Current economic conditions have things expensive, so why not try and make a few bucks to ease the burden and help make ends meet. If you wish to have a yard sale, let Village President Derrick Appell know and your address will be posted on the Village's website and Facebook page. So start planning today to have a successful yard sale.
Friday, May 19th: Annual Village-wide Clean Up Day! Attention Village Residents: Regardless if you have a yard sale to make some money on your unwanted items or not, Clean Up Day is designed to give you the opportunity to get rid of those items and to clean up your properties. Please take advantage of this date to clean up. Violation letters will be sent out to those properties who fail to clean up, so PLEASE avoid the hassle and take advantage of this date. You may start placing items to the curb at the beginning of the week. Please see the flyer for complete details as to what is and is NOT allowed. These restrictions are out of the Village's control. We apologize for any connivance.
Other events to be announced when reported to the Village. Stay tuned!!!
“Look at all you have accomplished today and use it as fuel to venture forth.” - Kerry Washington
This Day in History:
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: Patrick Henry delivers his speech – "Give me liberty, or give me death!" – at St. John's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia.
- 1806 – After traveling through the Louisiana Purchase and reaching the Pacific Ocean, explorers Lewis and Clark and their "Corps of Discovery" begin their arduous journey home.
- 1909 – Theodore Roosevelt leaves New York for a post-presidency safari in Africa. The trip is sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution and National Geographic Society.
- 2010 – The Affordable Care Act becomes law in the United States.
March 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
No need to fix breakfast this Saturday, March 25th because the Altona Lions Club is having their Pancake Breakfast complete with scrambled eggs, sausage, and apple sauce. As always this breakfast aims to please your belly with delicious food. So come out the Grove Community church between the hours of 7 am - 9:30 am. This is a free will donation and proceeds goes to help beautify the park. So plan on coming out and visit with your friends, neighbors, and those whom you haven't seen in awhile. Thank you for supporting our local Lions Club.
“A laugh is a smile that bursts.” - Mary H. Waldrip
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
No need to fix breakfast this Saturday, March 25th because the Altona Lions Club is having their Pancake Breakfast complete with scrambled eggs, sausage, and apple sauce. As always this breakfast aims to please your belly with delicious food. So come out the Grove Community church between the hours of 7 am - 9:30 am. This is a free will donation and proceeds goes to help beautify the park. So plan on coming out and visit with your friends, neighbors, and those whom you haven't seen in awhile. Thank you for supporting our local Lions Club.
“A laugh is a smile that bursts.” - Mary H. Waldrip
This Day in History:
- 1621 – The Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony sign a peace treaty with Massasoit of the Wampanoags.
- 1765 – The British Parliament passes the Stamp Act that introduces a tax to be levied directly on its American colonies.
- 1894 – The Stanley Cup ice hockey competition is held for the first time, in Montreal, Canada.
- 1933 – Cullen–Harrison Act: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs an amendment to the Volstead Act, legalizing the manufacture and sale of "3.2 beer" (3.2% alcohol by weight, approximately 4% alcohol by volume) and light wines.
- 2006 – Three Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT) hostages are freed by British forces in Baghdad after 118 days of captivity and the murder of their colleague from the U.S., Tom Fox.
March 21, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder, if you are looking to purchase property to build a home, or for a home to either live in or rent as a money making opportunity; be sure to visit the Village of Altona's Property For Sale Or For Rent page on our website to check out the opportunities which await you.
If you would like to build a stick built or a modular home in order to move in and enjoy small town living sooner; then the Village of Altona is currently accepting sealed bid offers for an empty lot located at 613 N. Olin street. This lot is 143' x105' and has water and sewer lines installed. An older home was torn down to make room for someone's dream to come true. Bids will be opened at the April 6th Village Board meeting at 7 pm. Please submit ALL bids by Wednesday, April 5th. For complete instructions and description of the vacant lot, please visit altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html. It is unknown how many people are planning on bidding on this lot, so if you are interested, it is advised that you make your bids count. Good luck with your sealed bids and we'll see you April 6th.
“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” - Carol Burnett
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder, if you are looking to purchase property to build a home, or for a home to either live in or rent as a money making opportunity; be sure to visit the Village of Altona's Property For Sale Or For Rent page on our website to check out the opportunities which await you.
If you would like to build a stick built or a modular home in order to move in and enjoy small town living sooner; then the Village of Altona is currently accepting sealed bid offers for an empty lot located at 613 N. Olin street. This lot is 143' x105' and has water and sewer lines installed. An older home was torn down to make room for someone's dream to come true. Bids will be opened at the April 6th Village Board meeting at 7 pm. Please submit ALL bids by Wednesday, April 5th. For complete instructions and description of the vacant lot, please visit altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html. It is unknown how many people are planning on bidding on this lot, so if you are interested, it is advised that you make your bids count. Good luck with your sealed bids and we'll see you April 6th.
“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” - Carol Burnett
This Day in History:
- 1788 – A fire in New Orleans leaves most of the town in ruins.
- 1844 – The Baháʼí calendar begins. This is the first day of the first year of the Baháʼí calendar. It is annually celebrated by members of the Baháʼí Faith as the Baháʼí New Year or Náw-Rúz.
- 1965 – Martin Luther King Jr. leads 3,200 people on the start of the third and finally successful civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
- 2006 – The social media site Twitter is founded.
March 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due TODAY by 4pm. Please click on the following link if you cannot make it to Compton Accounting to pay your bill in person. Late fees will be assessed if your bill is not paid by 4pm. This fee is preventable. Please pay on time. Thank you. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude.” - Amy Tan
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due TODAY by 4pm. Please click on the following link if you cannot make it to Compton Accounting to pay your bill in person. Late fees will be assessed if your bill is not paid by 4pm. This fee is preventable. Please pay on time. Thank you. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment
“If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude.” - Amy Tan
This Day in History:
- 1760 – The Great Boston Fire of 1760 destroys 349 buildings.
- 1854 – The Republican Party of the United States is organized in Ripon, Wisconsin, US.
- 1916 – Albert Einstein publishes his general theory of relativity.
- 2015 – A Solar eclipse, equinox, and a supermoon all occur on the same day.
March 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due by the 4 p.m. close of business TOMORROW afternoon. To avoid the 10% late fee penalty, PLEASE pay your bill on time. If you can't make it to Compton Accounting to drop off your payment of cash, debit/credit card, or your good check; then please click on the following link and pay online. There is no sense in paying extra if you don't have too. Everything has gone up (food, gas, prices at the stores) and there isn't much that we can do about it. But paying your bill on time is something that you CAN control. So if you can't make it to Compton Accounting before the close of business at 4 pm, then click on this link. Thank you. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment.
“For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due by the 4 p.m. close of business TOMORROW afternoon. To avoid the 10% late fee penalty, PLEASE pay your bill on time. If you can't make it to Compton Accounting to drop off your payment of cash, debit/credit card, or your good check; then please click on the following link and pay online. There is no sense in paying extra if you don't have too. Everything has gone up (food, gas, prices at the stores) and there isn't much that we can do about it. But paying your bill on time is something that you CAN control. So if you can't make it to Compton Accounting before the close of business at 4 pm, then click on this link. Thank you. www.comptonaccounting.com/payment.
“For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16
This Day in History:
- 1649 – The House of Commons of England passes an act abolishing the House of Lords, declaring it "useless and dangerous to the people of England".
- 1831 – First documented bank heist in U.S. history, when burglars stole $245,000 (1831 values) from the City Bank (now Citibank) on Wall Street. Most of the money was recovered.
- 1918 – The US Congress establishes time zones and approves daylight saving time.
- 2008 – GRB 080319B: A cosmic burst that is the farthest object visible to the naked eye is briefly observed.
March 18, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
One must always check either the Village's "Current News" page on our website or our Facebook page daily for updates because you never know when something new will be added. Hot off the presses, the 2023 Altona Clean Up Day will be Friday, May 19th this year. This will be the third Friday in May, so a little bit later this year. This is good news, because now you have a little extra time to go through and search for unwanted items to throw away. Don't Delay - Start Today!!!
But why just throw those items away? Try and sell them first during the Annual Village-wide Yard Sale which is always the first weekend in May. This kicks off the summer yard sale season in the Village. If you start the process NOW of looking through all of your closets, dressers and totes trying on all of those clothes; digging through the attic and cleaning out the garage; cleaning , sorting, and pricing items; then by the time May gets here you will be all ready for your sale. DON'T wait until the last minute to do everything because you will surely miss something that you could've sold and made some money from. With high food, gas and electricity prices, couldn't you use some extra CA$H?
After your yard sale, if you don't plan on attempting to sell your unwanted stuff again during "More On 34" (which is always the Friday and Saturday of Father's Day weekend (June 16th & 17th this year); you can then throw those unwanted items away during the Village Clean Up Day on May 19th. BE SURE TO READ THE FLYER for what is allowed and NOT allowed. Many of these items are regulated by the landfill or state law. So PLEASE READ the flyer. You may start setting out those Clean Up Day items to the curb on May 13th. There will be plenty of reminders of that when the time nears.
So start today and let's finally get rid of our unwanted items for good. Thank you in advance for participating.
“The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it and expels it as an opportunity.” - Peter Drucker
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
One must always check either the Village's "Current News" page on our website or our Facebook page daily for updates because you never know when something new will be added. Hot off the presses, the 2023 Altona Clean Up Day will be Friday, May 19th this year. This will be the third Friday in May, so a little bit later this year. This is good news, because now you have a little extra time to go through and search for unwanted items to throw away. Don't Delay - Start Today!!!
But why just throw those items away? Try and sell them first during the Annual Village-wide Yard Sale which is always the first weekend in May. This kicks off the summer yard sale season in the Village. If you start the process NOW of looking through all of your closets, dressers and totes trying on all of those clothes; digging through the attic and cleaning out the garage; cleaning , sorting, and pricing items; then by the time May gets here you will be all ready for your sale. DON'T wait until the last minute to do everything because you will surely miss something that you could've sold and made some money from. With high food, gas and electricity prices, couldn't you use some extra CA$H?
After your yard sale, if you don't plan on attempting to sell your unwanted stuff again during "More On 34" (which is always the Friday and Saturday of Father's Day weekend (June 16th & 17th this year); you can then throw those unwanted items away during the Village Clean Up Day on May 19th. BE SURE TO READ THE FLYER for what is allowed and NOT allowed. Many of these items are regulated by the landfill or state law. So PLEASE READ the flyer. You may start setting out those Clean Up Day items to the curb on May 13th. There will be plenty of reminders of that when the time nears.
So start today and let's finally get rid of our unwanted items for good. Thank you in advance for participating.
“The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it and expels it as an opportunity.” - Peter Drucker
This Day in History:
- 1644 – The Third Anglo-Powhatan War begins in the Colony of Virginia.
- 1766 – American Revolution: The British Parliament repeals the Stamp Act.
- 1865 – American Civil War: The Congress of the Confederate States adjourns for the last time
- 1968 – Gold standard: The U.S. Congress repeals the requirement for a gold reserve to back US currency.
- 2014 – The parliaments of Russia and Crimea sign an accession treaty.
March 17, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
No need to cook supper tonight as the Village of Altona has two options for your dining pleasure while helping out local organizations at the same time. Remember, you can always support both.
The Grove Community Church will once again be serving fish as they are every Friday during Lent from 5pm - 7pm, carryouts available with proceeds to benefit their Youth Ministries and Vacation Bible School.
The General Store Tap is celebrating St. Paddy's Day by having their 2nd Annual "Sweep The Ceiling", where they will be offering a corned beef and cabbage dinner and take down all of the donations from the ceiling. This year's proceeds from the event goes to the ROWVA Music Boosters to further the musical education of our ROWVA students. Please see the flyers for both events and THANK YOU for supporting our Village's organizations and businesses.
“We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.” - Madeleine L’Engle
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
No need to cook supper tonight as the Village of Altona has two options for your dining pleasure while helping out local organizations at the same time. Remember, you can always support both.
The Grove Community Church will once again be serving fish as they are every Friday during Lent from 5pm - 7pm, carryouts available with proceeds to benefit their Youth Ministries and Vacation Bible School.
The General Store Tap is celebrating St. Paddy's Day by having their 2nd Annual "Sweep The Ceiling", where they will be offering a corned beef and cabbage dinner and take down all of the donations from the ceiling. This year's proceeds from the event goes to the ROWVA Music Boosters to further the musical education of our ROWVA students. Please see the flyers for both events and THANK YOU for supporting our Village's organizations and businesses.
“We can’t take any credit for our talents. It’s how we use them that counts.” - Madeleine L’Engle
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolution: The British Army evacuates Boston, ending the Siege of Boston, after George Washington and Henry Knox place artillery in positions overlooking the city.
- 1805 – The Italian Republic, with Napoleon as president, becomes the Kingdom of Italy, with Napoleon as King of Italy.
- 1942 – Holocaust: The first Jews from the Lvov Ghetto are gassed at the Belzec death camp in what is today eastern Poland.
- 2000 – Five hundred and thirty members of the Ugandan cult Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God die in a fire, considered to be a mass murder or suicide orchestrated by leaders of the cult. Elsewhere another 248 members are later found dead.
March 16, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Is the Luck of the 'Ol Irish call'n ya, or do you just like to drink green beer and celebrate the day? Tomorrow is St. Paddy's Day and the General Store Tap will be offering $3 pint Green Beer Drafts as well as a meal and Sweep the Ceiling of donations for the ROWVA Music Boosters. The meal starts at 5pm and when the food is gone it is gone, so be sure to come early and help the ROWVA Music Boosters further the music education of our students. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what’s right.” - Isaac Asimov
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Is the Luck of the 'Ol Irish call'n ya, or do you just like to drink green beer and celebrate the day? Tomorrow is St. Paddy's Day and the General Store Tap will be offering $3 pint Green Beer Drafts as well as a meal and Sweep the Ceiling of donations for the ROWVA Music Boosters. The meal starts at 5pm and when the food is gone it is gone, so be sure to come early and help the ROWVA Music Boosters further the music education of our students. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what’s right.” - Isaac Asimov
This Day in History:
- 1621 – Samoset, a Mohegan, visits the settlers of Plymouth Colony and greets them, "Welcome, Englishmen! My name is Samoset."
- 1792 – King Gustav III of Sweden is shot; he dies on March 29.
- 1802 – The Army Corps of Engineers is established to found and operate the United States Military Academy at West Point.
- 1995 – Mississippi formally ratifies the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, becoming the last state to approve the abolition of slavery. The Thirteenth Amendment was officially ratified in 1865.
- 2020 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average falls by 2,997.10, the single largest point drop in history and the second-largest percentage drop ever at 12.93%, an even greater crash than Black Monday (1929). This follows the U.S. Federal Reserve announcing that it will cut its target interest rate to 0–0.25%
March 15, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Friday nights are fish nights during Lent at The Grove Community Church. The fish is good and proceeds from this event goes towards their Youth Ministries and Vacation Bible School. So let them do the cooking this Friday night. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” - Mark Twain
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Friday nights are fish nights during Lent at The Grove Community Church. The fish is good and proceeds from this event goes towards their Youth Ministries and Vacation Bible School. So let them do the cooking this Friday night. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” - Mark Twain
This Day in History:
- 44 BC – The assassination of Julius Caesar takes place.
- 1672 – King Charles II of England issues the Royal Declaration of Indulgence, granting limited religious freedom to all Christians.
- 1783 – In an emotional speech in Newburgh, New York, George Washington asks his officers not to support the Newburgh Conspiracy. The plea is successful and the threatened coup d'état never takes place.
- 1820 – Maine is admitted as the twenty-third U.S. state.
- 1990 – Mikhail Gorbachev is elected as the first President of the Soviet Union.
- 2019 – Approximately 1.4 million young people in 123 countries go on strike to protest climate change.
March 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
National Day Calendar celebrates all sorts of fun and interesting dates everyday of the year. For example, today is National Write Down Your Story Day, Children's Craft Day, Learn About Butterflies Day, Pi Day (for all you math nerds), and Potato Chip Day. Click on the following link to learn about all of the fun days to celebrate throughout the year. nationaldaycalendar.com/march/
“It’s what we think we know that keeps us from learning.” - Claude Bernard
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
National Day Calendar celebrates all sorts of fun and interesting dates everyday of the year. For example, today is National Write Down Your Story Day, Children's Craft Day, Learn About Butterflies Day, Pi Day (for all you math nerds), and Potato Chip Day. Click on the following link to learn about all of the fun days to celebrate throughout the year. nationaldaycalendar.com/march/
“It’s what we think we know that keeps us from learning.” - Claude Bernard
This Day in History:
- 1663 – According to his own account, Otto von Guericke completes his book Experimenta Nova (ut vocantur) Magdeburgica de Vacuo Spatio, detailing his experiments on vacuum and his discovery of electrostatic repulsion.
- 1794 – Eli Whitney is granted a patent for the cotton gin.
- 1885 – The Mikado, a light opera by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, receives its first public performance at the Savoy Theatre in London.
- 1900 – The Gold Standard Act is ratified, placing the United States currency on the gold standard.
- 2019 – Cyclone Idai makes landfall near Beira, Mozambique, causing devastating floods and over 1,000 deaths.
March 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Spring brings a lot of activities in the Village of Altona. It is only March and we already have had two different Trivia Night fundraisers, a side by side run, a fireman's chili/soup luncheon and gun raffle, and currently we have Friday Night Fish Fry's during Lent. It is time once again to get your pencils out and mark your calendars for three more upcoming events which will be held here in the Village.
Friday, March 17th - St. Paddy's Day at the General Store Tap. It is their 2nd Annual "Sweep The Ceiling" fundraiser dinner for local groups. Last year all the money donated from the dinner and ceiling donations was given to the AOW Ambulance service. This year all proceeds will be donated to the ROWVA Music Boosters to help with the musical educational needs of our youth. The event starts at 5 pm and once the food is gone it is gone. Please see the flyer for full menu and details, and THANK YOU for supporting our youth.
Saturday, March 25th - Bring your appetite because the Altona Lions Club will once again be serving up a delicious Pancake Breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage and applesauce. This is a free will donation and all the proceeds will go to upgrading the community park. Breakfast will be from 7 am until 9:30 am, so come early before it's gone. Please see the flyer for complete details, and as always, THANK YOU for supporting our Altona Lions Club.
Saturday, April 1st - It's once again that time of year again, the Village of Altona Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids, meet the Easter Bunny and get your picture taken with him (nope this isn't no April Fools Joke, he will be here), hunt for eggs, and take home a free book. The event starts at 3 pm, but DON'T BE LATE as the eggs will vanish before you know it. This event is for all children up to the 7th grade. Thank you to the Altona Lions Club and the Ransom Memorial Public Library for sponsoring this event. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Sow good services; sweet remembrances will grow them.” - Madame De Stael
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Spring brings a lot of activities in the Village of Altona. It is only March and we already have had two different Trivia Night fundraisers, a side by side run, a fireman's chili/soup luncheon and gun raffle, and currently we have Friday Night Fish Fry's during Lent. It is time once again to get your pencils out and mark your calendars for three more upcoming events which will be held here in the Village.
Friday, March 17th - St. Paddy's Day at the General Store Tap. It is their 2nd Annual "Sweep The Ceiling" fundraiser dinner for local groups. Last year all the money donated from the dinner and ceiling donations was given to the AOW Ambulance service. This year all proceeds will be donated to the ROWVA Music Boosters to help with the musical educational needs of our youth. The event starts at 5 pm and once the food is gone it is gone. Please see the flyer for full menu and details, and THANK YOU for supporting our youth.
Saturday, March 25th - Bring your appetite because the Altona Lions Club will once again be serving up a delicious Pancake Breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage and applesauce. This is a free will donation and all the proceeds will go to upgrading the community park. Breakfast will be from 7 am until 9:30 am, so come early before it's gone. Please see the flyer for complete details, and as always, THANK YOU for supporting our Altona Lions Club.
Saturday, April 1st - It's once again that time of year again, the Village of Altona Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids, meet the Easter Bunny and get your picture taken with him (nope this isn't no April Fools Joke, he will be here), hunt for eggs, and take home a free book. The event starts at 3 pm, but DON'T BE LATE as the eggs will vanish before you know it. This event is for all children up to the 7th grade. Thank you to the Altona Lions Club and the Ransom Memorial Public Library for sponsoring this event. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Sow good services; sweet remembrances will grow them.” - Madame De Stael
This Day in History:
- 624 – The Battle of Badr, the first major battle between the Muslims and Quraysh.
- 1567 – The Battle of Oosterweel, traditionally regarded as the start of the Eighty Years' War.
- 1639 – Harvard College is named after clergyman John Harvard.
- 1781 – William Herschel discovers Uranus.
- 1862 – The Act Prohibiting the Return of Slaves is passed by the United States Congress, effectively annulling the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and setting the stage for the Emancipation Proclamation.
- 1930 – The news of the discovery of Pluto is announced by Lowell Observatory.
- 2013 – The 2013 papal conclave elects Pope Francis as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
March 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Do you know why Daylight Saving Time exists? Is it in order to change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? No, even though that is a good practice to go by. The following article by National Geographic may be of interest to you.
Why daylight saving time exists—at least for now
In the U.S., the Sunshine Protection Act made it feel like both sides of the aisle could agree on one thing: changing the clocks is outdated. So why are we still doing it?Read in National Geographic: https://apple.news/AdFMWrpVxQk2Qp0AP_Is3OA
Attention Area Residents:
Do you know why Daylight Saving Time exists? Is it in order to change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? No, even though that is a good practice to go by. The following article by National Geographic may be of interest to you.
Why daylight saving time exists—at least for now
In the U.S., the Sunshine Protection Act made it feel like both sides of the aisle could agree on one thing: changing the clocks is outdated. So why are we still doing it?Read in National Geographic: https://apple.news/AdFMWrpVxQk2Qp0AP_Is3OA
March 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. Don't forget to change the time of your clocks ahead 1 hour. Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke detectors as well. If your smoke detector is 10 years old or more, you NEED to replace the detector. *** NEW ILLINOIS LAW - Beginning January 1st, 2023, a new law in Illinois requires everyone to have a smoke detector that has a 10 year battery installed. For more information about this new law, please click on the following link: www.ifsa.org/prevention-resources/smoke-alarm-law/#:~:text=Effective%20January%201%2C%202023,alarms%20that%20are%20not%20hardwire.
“The Lord bless you and keep you: The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” - Numbers 6:24-26
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 a.m. Don't forget to change the time of your clocks ahead 1 hour. Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke detectors as well. If your smoke detector is 10 years old or more, you NEED to replace the detector. *** NEW ILLINOIS LAW - Beginning January 1st, 2023, a new law in Illinois requires everyone to have a smoke detector that has a 10 year battery installed. For more information about this new law, please click on the following link: www.ifsa.org/prevention-resources/smoke-alarm-law/#:~:text=Effective%20January%201%2C%202023,alarms%20that%20are%20not%20hardwire.
“The Lord bless you and keep you: The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” - Numbers 6:24-26
This Day in History:
- 1622 – Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier, founders of the Society of Jesus, are canonized by the Roman Catholic Church.
- 1811 – Peninsular War: A day after a successful rearguard action, French Marshal Michel Ney once again successfully delays the pursuing Anglo-Portuguese force at the Battle of Redinha.
- 1912 – The Girl Guides (later renamed the Girl Scouts of the USA) are founded in the United States.
- 2011 – A reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant explodes and releases radioactivity into the atmosphere a day after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
March 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Don't forget to move your clocks one hour ahead tonight before going to bed in order not to be late for church tomorrow.
Attention Area Residents:
Don't forget to move your clocks one hour ahead tonight before going to bed in order not to be late for church tomorrow.
March 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This has been Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois this week. Hopefully you have read through the flyers to get educated on the different types of severe weather and have started to prepare your households for them for the safety of your families. If you haven't, please scroll back and review this information as many times is needed. All levels of governments advise to get an All Hazards Weather Radio to help notify you of severe weather alerts. Knox County is now part of the nation-wide CODE RED system. Sign up and download the app. You can take this with you and it will notify you of severe weather and other safety notifications anywhere in the country that you may be in as long as that community is part of this nationwide system. Click on the following link to sign up for that. www.ci.galesburg.il.us/news_detail_T2_R431.php Again, severe weather can happen at anytime. Only you can prepare yourself and your family to be safe. Please review this flyer and visit the Health and Safety page on the Village of Altona website for all kinds of preparedness tips (see the September postings). A very smart man once said...
"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."
-- Ben Franklin
Attention Area Residents:
This has been Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois this week. Hopefully you have read through the flyers to get educated on the different types of severe weather and have started to prepare your households for them for the safety of your families. If you haven't, please scroll back and review this information as many times is needed. All levels of governments advise to get an All Hazards Weather Radio to help notify you of severe weather alerts. Knox County is now part of the nation-wide CODE RED system. Sign up and download the app. You can take this with you and it will notify you of severe weather and other safety notifications anywhere in the country that you may be in as long as that community is part of this nationwide system. Click on the following link to sign up for that. www.ci.galesburg.il.us/news_detail_T2_R431.php Again, severe weather can happen at anytime. Only you can prepare yourself and your family to be safe. Please review this flyer and visit the Health and Safety page on the Village of Altona website for all kinds of preparedness tips (see the September postings). A very smart man once said...
"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail."
-- Ben Franklin
March 11, 2023
Attention Area Trivia Buffs!
Tonight is the Altona Historical Society Trivia Night fundraiser at The Grove Community Church. Contact Jean Ann Erickson for table availability. Teams/tables are limited to 8 and it is $100 per table. All proceeds to benefit the second floor renovation of the Ransom Memorial Public Library Hall. Please see the flyer for complete details. Will any of the "Quotes of the Day" or "This Day in History" be any of the questions asked? One never knows. Registration begins at 5:30 pm with the trivia starting at 6 pm. There will be pizza and snacks available for donation as well. Good luck and have fun.
“Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.” - Unknown
This Day in History:
Attention Area Trivia Buffs!
Tonight is the Altona Historical Society Trivia Night fundraiser at The Grove Community Church. Contact Jean Ann Erickson for table availability. Teams/tables are limited to 8 and it is $100 per table. All proceeds to benefit the second floor renovation of the Ransom Memorial Public Library Hall. Please see the flyer for complete details. Will any of the "Quotes of the Day" or "This Day in History" be any of the questions asked? One never knows. Registration begins at 5:30 pm with the trivia starting at 6 pm. There will be pizza and snacks available for donation as well. Good luck and have fun.
“Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.” - Unknown
This Day in History:
- 1702 – The Daily Courant, England's first national daily newspaper, is published for the first time.
- 1861 – American Civil War: The Constitution of the Confederate States of America is adopted.
- 1985 – Mikhail Gorbachev is elected to the position of General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, making Gorbachev the USSR's de facto, and last, head of state.
- 2011 – An earthquake measuring 9.0 in magnitude strikes 130 km (81 mi) east of Sendai, Japan, triggering a tsunami killing thousands of people. This event also triggered the second largest nuclear accident in history, and one of only two events to be classified as a Level 7 on the International Nuclear Event Scale.
March 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois. Today's topic is on Lightning Safety. Did you know that from the years 2006 to 2021, 444 people in the United States died from lightning strikes? On average, that is 28 people each year according to reported deaths. Did you know that on average lightning strikes causes more deaths in the U.S. than tornadoes, floods or hurricanes? According to Dr. Jim Angel, State Climatologist for the State of Illinois, Illinois experiences 2-3 deaths and 8 serious injuries per year due to lightning (he also thinks that those figures or to low), and that a surprisingly percentage of deaths occur in either the first or last few strikes of a thunderstorm. Please view the following flyers for safety tips and what to do to stay safe.
Attention Area Residents:
This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois. Today's topic is on Lightning Safety. Did you know that from the years 2006 to 2021, 444 people in the United States died from lightning strikes? On average, that is 28 people each year according to reported deaths. Did you know that on average lightning strikes causes more deaths in the U.S. than tornadoes, floods or hurricanes? According to Dr. Jim Angel, State Climatologist for the State of Illinois, Illinois experiences 2-3 deaths and 8 serious injuries per year due to lightning (he also thinks that those figures or to low), and that a surprisingly percentage of deaths occur in either the first or last few strikes of a thunderstorm. Please view the following flyers for safety tips and what to do to stay safe.
March 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Let your apron stay on the hook tonight, because tonight is fish fry night at The Grove Community Church. Each Friday during the season of Lent, they will be cooking up fish during their annual fish fry's. The fish dinner is good, so please help them raise money for their Youth Ministries and Vacation Bible School. See the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting our churches and our youth.
“We do not need magic to transform our world.” - J. K . Rowling
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Let your apron stay on the hook tonight, because tonight is fish fry night at The Grove Community Church. Each Friday during the season of Lent, they will be cooking up fish during their annual fish fry's. The fish dinner is good, so please help them raise money for their Youth Ministries and Vacation Bible School. See the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting our churches and our youth.
“We do not need magic to transform our world.” - J. K . Rowling
This Day in History:
- 1762 – French Huguenot Jean Calas, who had been wrongly convicted of killing his son, dies after being tortured by authorities; the event inspired Voltaire to begin a campaign for religious tolerance and legal reform.
- 1891 – Almon Strowger patents the Strowger switch, a device which led to the automation of telephone circuit switching.
- 1969 – In Memphis, Tennessee, James Earl Ray pleads guilty to assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. He later unsuccessfully attempts to recant.
- 2006 – The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter arrives at Mars
March 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today's topic of Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois is on Severe Storms. Do you know the difference between a Severe Weather Watch and Severe Weather Warning? Do you have a NOAA All Hazards Radio or the CODE RED app downloaded on your smart phone to be notified of severe weather? Read the flyers below for this and more information. By taking the time now to get educated, you will be prepared for when severe weather strikes. Remember it can strike at any time and any time of the year...
Attention Area Residents:
Today's topic of Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois is on Severe Storms. Do you know the difference between a Severe Weather Watch and Severe Weather Warning? Do you have a NOAA All Hazards Radio or the CODE RED app downloaded on your smart phone to be notified of severe weather? Read the flyers below for this and more information. By taking the time now to get educated, you will be prepared for when severe weather strikes. Remember it can strike at any time and any time of the year...
March 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Plan on taking tomorrow night off from cooking supper, because it is the second fish fry of The Grove Community Church's annual "Fish'n 4 Mission" Lent Fish Fry season. If you missed out on last week's dinner, then you missed out on a wonderful meal. Serving times are from 5 pm - 7 pm and carryouts are available. Please see the flyer for complete details. Proceeds go towards their Youth Ministries & Vacation Bible School.
Also, don't forget about the Altona Historical Society's Trivia Night which will be held Saturday night at The Grove Community Church with team registration and food beginning at 5:30 pm. Contact Jean Ann Erickson for available table seating or see the flyer for complete details. Get your teams of eight together and good luck and have fun. Will any of the "This Day in History" or "Quotes of the Day" be asked during this event? One never knows.
“Renew your passions daily.” - Terri Guillemets
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Plan on taking tomorrow night off from cooking supper, because it is the second fish fry of The Grove Community Church's annual "Fish'n 4 Mission" Lent Fish Fry season. If you missed out on last week's dinner, then you missed out on a wonderful meal. Serving times are from 5 pm - 7 pm and carryouts are available. Please see the flyer for complete details. Proceeds go towards their Youth Ministries & Vacation Bible School.
Also, don't forget about the Altona Historical Society's Trivia Night which will be held Saturday night at The Grove Community Church with team registration and food beginning at 5:30 pm. Contact Jean Ann Erickson for available table seating or see the flyer for complete details. Get your teams of eight together and good luck and have fun. Will any of the "This Day in History" or "Quotes of the Day" be asked during this event? One never knows.
“Renew your passions daily.” - Terri Guillemets
This Day in History:
- 1796 – Napoléon Bonaparte marries his first wife, Joséphine de Beauharnais.
- 1842 – The first documented discovery of gold in California occurs at Rancho San Francisco, six years before the California Gold Rush.
- 1959 – The Barbie doll makes its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York.
- 2011 – Space Shuttle Discovery makes its final landing after 39 flights.
March 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois. Today we are going to talk about tornadoes. Do you know what to do? Do you know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning? Do you know what to do before, during and after the tornado? Do you have pets, and if so, do you know how to prepare them for the storm? Please review the flyers below to learn more.
Attention Area Residents:
This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois. Today we are going to talk about tornadoes. Do you know what to do? Do you know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning? Do you know what to do before, during and after the tornado? Do you have pets, and if so, do you know how to prepare them for the storm? Please review the flyers below to learn more.
March 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Looking to buy that first starter home or to downsize into a smaller one? Interested in getting into the rental business or for a lot to build on? The Village of Altona has these opportunities waiting for you. The Village owns a residential lot which will be sold via sealed bid. The bids will be opened at the April 6th board meeting at 7 pm. Information about all of these properties can be found on the Village's Property For Sale or For Rent page on our website. Be sure to check back often as the page is updated as properties become known for sale or for rent. Click on the following link for details.... altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html. Good luck with your purchase.
“Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” - Tom Lehrer
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Looking to buy that first starter home or to downsize into a smaller one? Interested in getting into the rental business or for a lot to build on? The Village of Altona has these opportunities waiting for you. The Village owns a residential lot which will be sold via sealed bid. The bids will be opened at the April 6th board meeting at 7 pm. Information about all of these properties can be found on the Village's Property For Sale or For Rent page on our website. Be sure to check back often as the page is updated as properties become known for sale or for rent. Click on the following link for details.... altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html. Good luck with your purchase.
“Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it.” - Tom Lehrer
This Day in History:
- 1775 – An anonymous writer, thought by some to be Thomas Paine, publishes "African Slavery in America", the first article in the American colonies calling for the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery.
- 1844 – King Oscar I ascends to the thrones of Sweden and Norway.
- 1936 – Daytona Beach and Road Course holds its first oval stock car race.
- 2004 – A new constitution is signed by Iraq's Governing Council.
March 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
This is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois. Do you have a plan on what to do when severe weather comes, or will you just wing it? Ask yourself the following questions now, then use this week to prepare so that you will be better prepared for when severe weather comes....
* How will you receive alerts & warnings? Cell phone, weather radio, television/radio? You can download a variety of apps. Knox County is now part of the nationwide CODE RED alert system. This will alert you anywhere in the country that you may be in when severe weather hits. See the earlier posting today for the link.
* Where will you shelter? Basement, interior room away from windows, ditch? Depending where you are will dictate where your shelter will be. You must have situational awareness to seek out the best shelter.
* How will you communicate with family? Are your cell phones charged? Do you carry a backup battery or charged charging block? Do you have a meeting location?
* How will you treat injuries? Eat or drink? Build a disaster kit, enough to last several days. September is Emergency Preparedness month. If you visit the "Health & Safety" page on the Village website, and scroll to the month of September; you will find daily postings of tips on how to prepare for a variety of disasters.
Attention Area Residents:
This is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois. Do you have a plan on what to do when severe weather comes, or will you just wing it? Ask yourself the following questions now, then use this week to prepare so that you will be better prepared for when severe weather comes....
* How will you receive alerts & warnings? Cell phone, weather radio, television/radio? You can download a variety of apps. Knox County is now part of the nationwide CODE RED alert system. This will alert you anywhere in the country that you may be in when severe weather hits. See the earlier posting today for the link.
* Where will you shelter? Basement, interior room away from windows, ditch? Depending where you are will dictate where your shelter will be. You must have situational awareness to seek out the best shelter.
* How will you communicate with family? Are your cell phones charged? Do you carry a backup battery or charged charging block? Do you have a meeting location?
* How will you treat injuries? Eat or drink? Build a disaster kit, enough to last several days. September is Emergency Preparedness month. If you visit the "Health & Safety" page on the Village website, and scroll to the month of September; you will find daily postings of tips on how to prepare for a variety of disasters.
March 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Did you know that Knox County is part of a nationwide emergency alert system? This system is called Code Red. Regardless if you are hanging out at home, or are traveling throughout the country on business or pleasure; if you are in a location anywhere in the country that uses Code Red, you will be notified of various alerts or warnings that are occurring in the area in which you are at. Signing up for the Code Red system is easy and free. Click on the following link to learn more and to enroll. After you enroll, simply download the app from your Android or iPhone app store to your cell phone. Stay Safe! www.ci.galesburg.il.us/news_detail_T2_R431.php
“Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.” - Roy T. Bennett
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Did you know that Knox County is part of a nationwide emergency alert system? This system is called Code Red. Regardless if you are hanging out at home, or are traveling throughout the country on business or pleasure; if you are in a location anywhere in the country that uses Code Red, you will be notified of various alerts or warnings that are occurring in the area in which you are at. Signing up for the Code Red system is easy and free. Click on the following link to learn more and to enroll. After you enroll, simply download the app from your Android or iPhone app store to your cell phone. Stay Safe! www.ci.galesburg.il.us/news_detail_T2_R431.php
“Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.” - Roy T. Bennett
This Day in History:
- 1658 – Treaty of Roskilde: After a devastating defeat in the Northern Wars (1655–1661), Frederick III, the King of Denmark–Norway is forced to give up nearly half his territory to Sweden.
- 1775 – An anonymous writer, thought by some to be Thomas Paine, publishes "African Slavery in America", the first article in the American colonies calling for the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery.
- 1844 – The Althing, the parliament of Iceland, was reopened after 45 years of closure.
- 1936 – Daytona Beach and Road Course holds its first oval stock car race.
- 2014 – In one of aviation's greatest mysteries, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, carrying a total of 239 people, disappears en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The fate of the flight remains unknown.
March 6, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Did you know that this is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois? Do you know what to do in case of a flood? First view the Quick Tips below then look at flyers, and finally visit the following website for tips on how to prepare and to keep you and your family safe: www.weather.gov/ilx/severe-prep#Flood
Quick Tips:
* Know the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning (see the photos).
* NEVER drive through flood waters - 12 inches of water can sweep a car off the road.
* NEVER drive around barricades.
* NEVER walk into floodwaters.
* TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN - Flood waters puts you and rescuers at risk.
Attention Area Residents:
Did you know that this is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois? Do you know what to do in case of a flood? First view the Quick Tips below then look at flyers, and finally visit the following website for tips on how to prepare and to keep you and your family safe: www.weather.gov/ilx/severe-prep#Flood
Quick Tips:
* Know the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning (see the photos).
* NEVER drive through flood waters - 12 inches of water can sweep a car off the road.
* NEVER drive around barricades.
* NEVER walk into floodwaters.
* TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN - Flood waters puts you and rescuers at risk.
March 6, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Are you concerned with flooding? Are you worried about the costs of damage that water could do to your home should a flood occur? Did you know that the Village of Altona is part of the National Flood Insurance Program, which allows you as the home owner to acquire flood insurance? We are! So simply ask your insurance agent about flood insurance and tell them that the Village of Altona participates in the NFIP. This is a requirement in order that you can get flood insurance.
“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterword.” - Vernon Law
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Are you concerned with flooding? Are you worried about the costs of damage that water could do to your home should a flood occur? Did you know that the Village of Altona is part of the National Flood Insurance Program, which allows you as the home owner to acquire flood insurance? We are! So simply ask your insurance agent about flood insurance and tell them that the Village of Altona participates in the NFIP. This is a requirement in order that you can get flood insurance.
“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterword.” - Vernon Law
This Day in History:
- 1788 – The First Fleet arrives at Norfolk Island in order to found a convict settlement.
- 1820 – The Missouri Compromise is signed into law by President James Monroe. The compromise allows Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, brings Maine into the Union as a free state, and makes the rest of the northern part of the Louisiana Purchase territory slavery-free.
- 1933 – Great Depression: President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares a "bank holiday", closing all U.S. banks and freezing all financial transactions.
- 2018 – Forbes names Jeff Bezos as the world's richest person, for the first time, at $112 billion net worth.
March 5, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory which will be in effect until 10:00 a.m.. Visibility can be from one half mile or less. Please drive carefully. For complete details on this Dense Fog Advisory, click on the following link: www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2480326&areaId=knox
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory which will be in effect until 10:00 a.m.. Visibility can be from one half mile or less. Please drive carefully. For complete details on this Dense Fog Advisory, click on the following link: www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454?alertId=2480326&areaId=knox
March 5, 2023
“God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when your return, he guards you now, he guards you always.” - Psalm 121:7-8 / The Message
This Day in History:
“God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when your return, he guards you now, he guards you always.” - Psalm 121:7-8 / The Message
This Day in History:
- 1770 – Boston Massacre: Five Americans, including Crispus Attucks, are fatally shot by British troops in an event that would contribute to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War (also known as the American War of Independence) five years later.
- 1836 – Samuel Colt patents the first production-model revolver, the .34-caliber.
- 1963 – American country music stars Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and their pilot Randy Hughes are killed in a plane crash in Camden, Tennessee.
- 2021 – Pope Francis begins a historical visit to Iraq amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 4, 2023
Attention Village & Area Residents:
The following is a list of activities and information that you may wish to either mark your calendars for, or pay attention too......
Friday Nights: We are in the season of Lent. The Grove Community Church is once again having their annual Fish Fry's from 5 pm to 7 pm. The Fish Fry dates are March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st. Carryouts are available and the proceeds will go towards their Youth Ministries as well as Vacation Bible School. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting our local churches.
Saturday, March 11th: The Altona Historical Society will be having a Trivia Night Fundraiser. Proceeds from this event will go towards the continued renovation of the 2nd floor of the Ransom Memorial Public Library Hall. Teams are limited to 8 people per table, cost is $100 per table. Registration begins at 5:30 pm with the trivia starting at 6:00 pm. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting the Altona Historical Society. Their project will be a tremendous addition to our Village when completed and it could not happen without your support. Thank you.
Sunday, March 12th: Daylight Saving Time Begins. Don't forget to change the time of your clocks ahead 1 hour. Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke detectors as well. If your smoke detector is 10 years old or more, you NEED to replace the detector. *** NEW ILLINOIS LAW - Beginning January 1st, 2023, a new law in Illinois requires everyone to have a smoke detector that has a 10 year battery installed. For more information about this new law, please click on the following link: www.ifsa.org/prevention-resources/smoke-alarm-law/#:~:text=Effective%20January%201%2C%202023,alarms%20that%20are%20not%20hardwire.
Friday, March 17th: The General Store Tap will be having their annual "Sweep The Ceiling" where all monies that have been thrown upon the ceiling will be taken down and donated. Last year the money was donated to the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance District. This year the money will be donated to the ROWVA Music Boosters. A flyer will be forthcoming about this event, so please continue to check back for those details.
Monday, March 20th: Water Bills Are Due! To avoid late payment charges or risking having your water shut off, please be sure to have your payments made on time. This will save you money. For your convenience, the Village accepts ca$h, debit or credit cards, or your good check. Please have your payment to Compton Accounting prior to their close of business at 4 pm.
Monday, March 20th: First Day of Spring! The calendar says that Old Man Winter has gone into his seasoned hibernation. What better time to start improving ourselves, lives and properties. This year the Annual Village-wide Yard Sale Day will be Saturday, May 6th (always the 1st Saturday in May). So what better time than now to start early, cleaning out everything to see what you should sell or what to throw away, since the annual Village-wide Clean Up Day will be coming soon as well. Details on that date will be forthcoming, so be sure to visit this site often for that information.
“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement…” - Marie Curie
This Day in History:
Attention Village & Area Residents:
The following is a list of activities and information that you may wish to either mark your calendars for, or pay attention too......
Friday Nights: We are in the season of Lent. The Grove Community Church is once again having their annual Fish Fry's from 5 pm to 7 pm. The Fish Fry dates are March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st. Carryouts are available and the proceeds will go towards their Youth Ministries as well as Vacation Bible School. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting our local churches.
Saturday, March 11th: The Altona Historical Society will be having a Trivia Night Fundraiser. Proceeds from this event will go towards the continued renovation of the 2nd floor of the Ransom Memorial Public Library Hall. Teams are limited to 8 people per table, cost is $100 per table. Registration begins at 5:30 pm with the trivia starting at 6:00 pm. Please see the flyer for complete details. Thank you for supporting the Altona Historical Society. Their project will be a tremendous addition to our Village when completed and it could not happen without your support. Thank you.
Sunday, March 12th: Daylight Saving Time Begins. Don't forget to change the time of your clocks ahead 1 hour. Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke detectors as well. If your smoke detector is 10 years old or more, you NEED to replace the detector. *** NEW ILLINOIS LAW - Beginning January 1st, 2023, a new law in Illinois requires everyone to have a smoke detector that has a 10 year battery installed. For more information about this new law, please click on the following link: www.ifsa.org/prevention-resources/smoke-alarm-law/#:~:text=Effective%20January%201%2C%202023,alarms%20that%20are%20not%20hardwire.
Friday, March 17th: The General Store Tap will be having their annual "Sweep The Ceiling" where all monies that have been thrown upon the ceiling will be taken down and donated. Last year the money was donated to the Altona-Oneida-Wataga Ambulance District. This year the money will be donated to the ROWVA Music Boosters. A flyer will be forthcoming about this event, so please continue to check back for those details.
Monday, March 20th: Water Bills Are Due! To avoid late payment charges or risking having your water shut off, please be sure to have your payments made on time. This will save you money. For your convenience, the Village accepts ca$h, debit or credit cards, or your good check. Please have your payment to Compton Accounting prior to their close of business at 4 pm.
Monday, March 20th: First Day of Spring! The calendar says that Old Man Winter has gone into his seasoned hibernation. What better time to start improving ourselves, lives and properties. This year the Annual Village-wide Yard Sale Day will be Saturday, May 6th (always the 1st Saturday in May). So what better time than now to start early, cleaning out everything to see what you should sell or what to throw away, since the annual Village-wide Clean Up Day will be coming soon as well. Details on that date will be forthcoming, so be sure to visit this site often for that information.
“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement…” - Marie Curie
This Day in History:
- 1493 – Explorer Christopher Columbus arrives back in Lisbon, Portugal, aboard his ship Niña from his voyage to what are now The Bahamas and other islands in the Caribbean.
- 1519 – Hernán Cortés arrives in Mexico in search of the Aztec civilization and its wealth.
- 1681 – Charles II grants a land charter to William Penn for the area that will later become Pennsylvania.
- 1797 – John Adams is inaugurated as the 2nd President of the United States of America, becoming the first President to begin his presidency on March 4.
- 1861 – The first national flag of the Confederate States of America (the "Stars and Bars") is adopted.
- 1933 – Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes the 32nd President of the United States. He was the last president to be inaugurated on March 4.
- 2020 – Nik Wallenda becomes the first person to walk on the Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua.
March 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight starts The Grove Community Church's Annual Fish Fries during Lent. They will be serving from 5 pm to 7 pm each Friday night. Proceeds goes to the Youth Ministries and Vacation Bible School. Carryouts available. See the flyer for complete details. No need to go to Galesburg for supper tonight, let the church do the cooking for you.
“When we appreciate every moment, the world is beautiful.” - Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tonight starts The Grove Community Church's Annual Fish Fries during Lent. They will be serving from 5 pm to 7 pm each Friday night. Proceeds goes to the Youth Ministries and Vacation Bible School. Carryouts available. See the flyer for complete details. No need to go to Galesburg for supper tonight, let the church do the cooking for you.
“When we appreciate every moment, the world is beautiful.” - Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
This Day in History:
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: The first amphibious landing of the United States Marine Corps begins the Battle of Nassau.
- 1873 – Censorship in the United States: The U.S. Congress enacts the Comstock Law, making it illegal to send any "obscene literature and articles of immoral use" through the mail.
- 1931 – The United States adopts The Star-Spangled Banner as its national anthem.
- 2005 – Steve Fossett becomes the first person to fly an airplane non-stop around the world solo without refueling.
March 2, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Once again we have reached the season of Lent, and that means that once again it is time for the Annual Grove Community Church's "FIshin 4 Mission" Fish Fries. Proceeds from this event will go towards their Youth Ministries & Vacation Bible School. The following Friday dates for this year's fish fries will be: March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. They will be serving from 5 pm to 7 pm each of the above dates. Carryout will be available. You will have your choice of baked or fried fish. Please see the flyer for pricing and complete details. Thank you for supporting the youth's spiritual studies.
“Be like seeds; do not see dirt thrown at you as your enemy, but as ground to grow.” - Matshona Dhliwayo
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Once again we have reached the season of Lent, and that means that once again it is time for the Annual Grove Community Church's "FIshin 4 Mission" Fish Fries. Proceeds from this event will go towards their Youth Ministries & Vacation Bible School. The following Friday dates for this year's fish fries will be: March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. They will be serving from 5 pm to 7 pm each of the above dates. Carryout will be available. You will have your choice of baked or fried fish. Please see the flyer for pricing and complete details. Thank you for supporting the youth's spiritual studies.
“Be like seeds; do not see dirt thrown at you as your enemy, but as ground to grow.” - Matshona Dhliwayo
This Day in History:
- 1657 – The Great Fire of Meireki begins in Edo (now Tokyo), Japan, causing more than 100,000 deaths before it exhausts itself three days later.
- 1776 – American Revolutionary War: Patriot militia units attempt to prevent capture of supply ships in and around the Savannah River by a small fleet of the Royal Navy in the Battle of the Rice Boats.
- 1807 – The U.S. Congress passes the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves, disallowing the importation of new slaves into the country.
- 1998 – Data sent from the Galileo spacecraft indicates that Jupiter's moon Europa has a liquid ocean under a thick crust of ice.
- 2002 – U.S. invasion of Afghanistan: Operation Anaconda begins, (ending on March 19 after killing 500 Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters, with 11 Western troop fatalities).
March 1, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Looking to purchase a home? Looking for a lot to build your home? Did you know that as a courtesy to the residents of Altona, that on the Village of Altona website there is a page that shows all the known properties that are either for sale or for rent? This is a free service that we offer our residents. To view the known available properties, click on the following link: altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html
“Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it a such.” - Henry Miller
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Looking to purchase a home? Looking for a lot to build your home? Did you know that as a courtesy to the residents of Altona, that on the Village of Altona website there is a page that shows all the known properties that are either for sale or for rent? This is a free service that we offer our residents. To view the known available properties, click on the following link: altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html
“Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it a such.” - Henry Miller
This Day in History:
- 1692 – Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba are brought before local magistrates in Salem Village, Massachusetts, beginning what would become known as the Salem witch trials.
- 1781 – The Articles of Confederation goes into effect in the United States.
- 1872 – Yellowstone National Park is established as the world's first national park.
- 1998 – Titanic became the first film to gross over $1 billion worldwide.
- 2003 – Management of the United States Customs Service and the United States Secret Service move to the United States Department of Homeland Security.
February 28, 2023
Attention Trivia Fans:
Just another reminder that the Altona Historical Society will be having a Trivia Night as a fundraiser on Saturday, March 11th. Team registration begins at 5:30 pm with the trivia to begin at 6:00 pm. This event will be held at The Grove Community Church. $100 per table with 8 people maximum per table. So gather the brain power from your friends and team up for a fun night. Food and drink available for donation and the proceeds from the event go towards the 2nd floor renovation of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. Please see the flyer for complete details and GOOD LUCK!
“Life is short, Time is fast. No replay, No rewind. So enjoy every moment as it comes.” - Lessons Taught By Life print
This Day in History:
Attention Trivia Fans:
Just another reminder that the Altona Historical Society will be having a Trivia Night as a fundraiser on Saturday, March 11th. Team registration begins at 5:30 pm with the trivia to begin at 6:00 pm. This event will be held at The Grove Community Church. $100 per table with 8 people maximum per table. So gather the brain power from your friends and team up for a fun night. Food and drink available for donation and the proceeds from the event go towards the 2nd floor renovation of the Ransom Memorial Public Library. Please see the flyer for complete details and GOOD LUCK!
“Life is short, Time is fast. No replay, No rewind. So enjoy every moment as it comes.” - Lessons Taught By Life print
This Day in History:
- 1638 – The Scottish National Covenant is signed in Edinburgh.
- 1835 – Elias Lönnrot signed and dated the first version of the Kalevala, the so-called foreword to the Old Kalevala.
- 1993 – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents raid the Branch Davidian church in Waco, Texas with a warrant to arrest the group's leader David Koresh. Four ATF agents and six Davidians die in the initial raid, starting a 51-day standoff.
- 2013 – Pope Benedict XVI resigns as the pope of the Catholic Church, becoming the first pope to do so since Pope Gregory XII, in 1415.
February 27, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd first like to THANK everyone for attending the annual Altona Firemen's Chili/Soup Luncheon which was held yesterday. Money raised from this event helps the firemen purchase items that tax dollars are not used for.
Also i'd like to THANK Pastor Collette Powell for her time serving the spiritual needs for the Village of Altona and surrounding area during her interim status at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. May the Lord guide you through your spiritual journey doing His work.
“If you are not growing, you are dying.” - Tony Robbins
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd first like to THANK everyone for attending the annual Altona Firemen's Chili/Soup Luncheon which was held yesterday. Money raised from this event helps the firemen purchase items that tax dollars are not used for.
Also i'd like to THANK Pastor Collette Powell for her time serving the spiritual needs for the Village of Altona and surrounding area during her interim status at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. May the Lord guide you through your spiritual journey doing His work.
“If you are not growing, you are dying.” - Tony Robbins
This Day in History:
- 380 – Edict of Thessalonica: Emperor Theodosius I and his co-emperors Gratian and Valentinian II declare their wish that all Roman citizens convert to Nicene Christianity.
- 1617 – Sweden and the Tsardom of Russia sign the Treaty of Stolbovo, ending the Ingrian War and shutting Russia out of the Baltic Sea.
- 1782 – American Revolutionary War: The House of Commons of Great Britain votes against further war in America.
- 1801 – Pursuant to the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801, Washington, D.C. is placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress.
- 1951 – The Twenty-second Amendment to the United States Constitution, limiting Presidents to two terms, is ratified.
- 2010 – An earthquake measuring 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale strikes central parts of Chile leaving over 500 victims, and thousands injured. The quake triggers a tsunami which strikes Hawaii shortly after.
February 26, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Would you like to take a meal off from cooking? If so, then let the Altona Firemen do that for you. Today from 11 am until 1 pm at the fire station, the Altona Firemen will be hosting their annual Chili/Soup Luncheon. This is a free will offering. Come out and visit with your friends and neighbors. There will be a 50/50 and any left over firearm raffle tickets may be purchased as well. You could win $500 cash, or a $600 credit at Galesburg Guns. See the flyers for complete details, and THANK YOU for supporting our local heroes who come to us in our time of need.
“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” - Michael John Babak
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Would you like to take a meal off from cooking? If so, then let the Altona Firemen do that for you. Today from 11 am until 1 pm at the fire station, the Altona Firemen will be hosting their annual Chili/Soup Luncheon. This is a free will offering. Come out and visit with your friends and neighbors. There will be a 50/50 and any left over firearm raffle tickets may be purchased as well. You could win $500 cash, or a $600 credit at Galesburg Guns. See the flyers for complete details, and THANK YOU for supporting our local heroes who come to us in our time of need.
“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” - Michael John Babak
This Day in History:
- 747 BC – According to Ptolemy, the epoch (origin) of the Nabonassar Era began at noon on this date. Historians use this to establish the modern BC chronology for dating historic events.
- 1616 – Galileo Galilei is formally banned by the Roman Catholic Church from teaching or defending the view that the earth orbits the sun.
- 1794 – The first Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen burns down.
- 1815 – Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from exile on the island of Elba.
- 1909 – Kinemacolor, the first successful color motion picture process, is first shown to the general public at the Palace Theatre in London.
- 2008 – The New York Philharmonic performs in Pyongyang, North Korea; this is the first event of its kind to take place in North Korea.
February 25, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Once again it is time for soup. Just a reminder that tomorrow the Altona Firemen will be having their annual Soup/Chili Luncheon Fundraiser at the Altona Fire Department. This event will be from 11 am - 1 pm and it will be a free will donation. While you are there, get in on the 50/50 raffles as well as the firearm raffle. This year the firearm raffle will be a $600 credit at Galesburg Guns where you can use it towards anything in the store; or if guns aren't your thing, you may take a $500 cash option, so something for everyone. If you would be interested in becoming a fireman or an EMT, please inquire while you are there. Please see the flyers for complete details and THANK YOU for supporting the Altona Firemen.
"Change your thoughts and you change your world." - Norman Vincent Peale
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Once again it is time for soup. Just a reminder that tomorrow the Altona Firemen will be having their annual Soup/Chili Luncheon Fundraiser at the Altona Fire Department. This event will be from 11 am - 1 pm and it will be a free will donation. While you are there, get in on the 50/50 raffles as well as the firearm raffle. This year the firearm raffle will be a $600 credit at Galesburg Guns where you can use it towards anything in the store; or if guns aren't your thing, you may take a $500 cash option, so something for everyone. If you would be interested in becoming a fireman or an EMT, please inquire while you are there. Please see the flyers for complete details and THANK YOU for supporting the Altona Firemen.
"Change your thoughts and you change your world." - Norman Vincent Peale
This Day in History:
- 1836 – Samuel Colt is granted a United States patent for his revolver firearm.
- 1969 Beatles begin recording Abbey Road album at Abbey Road Studio, London
- 2018 XXIII Winter Olympic Games close in Pyeongchang, Korea; Norway wins a record 39 medals, 14 gold
February 24, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Beginning today, there will be an additional area code to coincide with our 309 numbers to allow for the increase in demand for phone numbers. Nothing will change with your 309 area code. The new 861 area code will overlap the 309. For complete details, read the following below....
New 861 Area Code Coming to the Current 309 Area Code Region
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved the implementation of the new 861 area code to overlay the existing 309 area code region. Beginning on February 24, customers in the 309 area code overlay region may be assigned a number in the new 861 area code when they request new service or an additional line. A map of all Illinois area code boundaries (available via this link) was recently updated by ICC. More information on the implementation of the new 861 area code can be found via an ICC press release (available via this link).
“Creativity bleeds from the pen of inspiration.” - T.N. Suarez
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Beginning today, there will be an additional area code to coincide with our 309 numbers to allow for the increase in demand for phone numbers. Nothing will change with your 309 area code. The new 861 area code will overlap the 309. For complete details, read the following below....
New 861 Area Code Coming to the Current 309 Area Code Region
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved the implementation of the new 861 area code to overlay the existing 309 area code region. Beginning on February 24, customers in the 309 area code overlay region may be assigned a number in the new 861 area code when they request new service or an additional line. A map of all Illinois area code boundaries (available via this link) was recently updated by ICC. More information on the implementation of the new 861 area code can be found via an ICC press release (available via this link).
“Creativity bleeds from the pen of inspiration.” - T.N. Suarez
This Day in History:
- 1582 – With the papal bull Inter gravissimas, Pope Gregory XIII announces the Gregorian calendar.
- 1607 – L'Orfeo by Claudio Monteverdi, one of the first works recognized as an opera, receives its première performance.
- 1711 – Rinaldo by George Frideric Handel, the first Italian opera written for the London stage, is premièred.
- 1868 – Andrew Johnson becomes the first President of the United States to be impeached by the United States House of Representatives. He is later acquitted in the Senate.
- 1920 – The Nazi Party (NSDAP) was founded by Adolf Hitler in the Hofbräuhaus beer hall in Munich, Germany
- 2022 – Days after recognising Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states, Russian president Vladimir Putin orders a full scale invasion of Ukraine.
February 23, 2023
Attention Future Homeowners:
Thinking of building a home? Just a reminder that the Village of Altona will be selling 613 N. Olin street vacant lot by sealed bid. Please click on the following link for complete details. Good Luck and make sure that you make your bids count. altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html
“To win big, you sometimes have to take big risks.” - Bill Gates
This Day in History:
Attention Future Homeowners:
Thinking of building a home? Just a reminder that the Village of Altona will be selling 613 N. Olin street vacant lot by sealed bid. Please click on the following link for complete details. Good Luck and make sure that you make your bids count. altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html
“To win big, you sometimes have to take big risks.” - Bill Gates
This Day in History:
- 1778 – American Revolutionary War: Baron von Steuben arrives at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to help to train the Continental Army.
- 1836 – Texas Revolution: The Siege of the Alamo (prelude to the Battle of the Alamo) begins in San Antonio, Texas.
- 1927 – U.S. President Calvin Coolidge signs a bill by Congress establishing the Federal Radio Commission (later replaced by the Federal Communications Commission) which was to regulate the use of radio frequencies in the United States.
- 2008 – A United States Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber crashes on Guam, marking the first operational loss of a B-2.
February 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Ash Wednesday. The following link will take you to the Church Listing page on the Village's website which will direct you to the Altona churches websites. https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/church-listings.html
Immanuel Lutheran Church will have two times today in which to come for Communion and reflection. 12:00 Noon - 1 pm; and 6 pm -7 pm
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Ash Wednesday. The following link will take you to the Church Listing page on the Village's website which will direct you to the Altona churches websites. https://altonaillinois.weebly.com/church-listings.html
Immanuel Lutheran Church will have two times today in which to come for Communion and reflection. 12:00 Noon - 1 pm; and 6 pm -7 pm
February 22, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that this Sunday, February 26th will be the Annual Altona Firemen Soup Lunch Fundraiser from 11 am - 1 pm a the fire station. Come out and enjoy some good food and to see what's new at the station. Raffle tickets will be available while supplies last. Only 200 tickets will be available for sale and they are also available for purchase at the Altona TBA. Thank you for supporting our local heroes. See the flyers for complete details.
“…Whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” - Flora Edwards
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just another reminder that this Sunday, February 26th will be the Annual Altona Firemen Soup Lunch Fundraiser from 11 am - 1 pm a the fire station. Come out and enjoy some good food and to see what's new at the station. Raffle tickets will be available while supplies last. Only 200 tickets will be available for sale and they are also available for purchase at the Altona TBA. Thank you for supporting our local heroes. See the flyers for complete details.
“…Whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” - Flora Edwards
This Day in History:
- 1651 – St. Peter's Flood: A storm surge floods the Frisian coast, drowning 15,000 people.
- 1797 – The last Invasion of Britain begins near Fishguard, Wales.
- 1819 – By the Adams–Onís Treaty, Spain sells Florida to the United States for five million U.S. dollars.
- 1959 – Lee Petty wins the first Daytona 500.
- 2015 – A ferry carrying 100 passengers capsizes in the Padma River, killing 70 people.
February 21, 2023
Attention Trivia Fans:
Do you like to play Trivia? Do you like to test your knowledge? Do you like to converse and help our local organizations? If so, gather your teams together for the Altona Historical Society Trivia Night which will be held at The Grove Community Church on Saturday, March 11th. Registration begins at 5:30 pm with the Trivia competition starting at 6 pm. Maximum of 8 people per team/table. See the flyer for complete details. Will the "This Day in History" or "Quotes of the Day" be part of the trivia night? One never knows. Feel free to review all of them just in case.
“Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.” - Brian Adams
This Day in History:
Attention Trivia Fans:
Do you like to play Trivia? Do you like to test your knowledge? Do you like to converse and help our local organizations? If so, gather your teams together for the Altona Historical Society Trivia Night which will be held at The Grove Community Church on Saturday, March 11th. Registration begins at 5:30 pm with the Trivia competition starting at 6 pm. Maximum of 8 people per team/table. See the flyer for complete details. Will the "This Day in History" or "Quotes of the Day" be part of the trivia night? One never knows. Feel free to review all of them just in case.
“Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.” - Brian Adams
This Day in History:
- 1613 – Mikhail I is unanimously elected Tsar by a national assembly, beginning the Romanov dynasty of Imperial Russia.
- 1797 – A force of 1,400 French soldiers invaded Britain at Fishguard in support of the Society of United Irishmen. They were defeated by 500 British reservists.
- 1885 – The newly completed Washington Monument is dedicated.
- 1948 – NASCAR is incorporated.
- 2022 – In the Russo-Ukrainian crisis Russian President Vladimir Putin declares the Luhansk People's Republic and Donetsk People's Republic as independent from Ukraine, and moves troops into the region. The action is condemned by the United Nations.
February 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a final reminder that water bills are due by the close of business today at 4 pm. If you haven't paid your bill yet, please be sure to deliver your payment to Compton Accounting to avoid the late fee charges. If you cannot make it to their office before closing time, then please make your payments via the following link:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment paying on time saves you money and allows for the funds to operate the Village's water system. For your convenience, the Village accepts ca$h, debit/credit cards, or your good check for payment. Thank you to all who have paid their bills on time.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” - James Baldwin
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a final reminder that water bills are due by the close of business today at 4 pm. If you haven't paid your bill yet, please be sure to deliver your payment to Compton Accounting to avoid the late fee charges. If you cannot make it to their office before closing time, then please make your payments via the following link:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment paying on time saves you money and allows for the funds to operate the Village's water system. For your convenience, the Village accepts ca$h, debit/credit cards, or your good check for payment. Thank you to all who have paid their bills on time.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” - James Baldwin
This Day in History:
- 1521 – Juan Ponce de León sets out from Spain for Florida with about 200 prospective colonists.
- 1685 – René-Robert Cavelier establishes Fort St. Louis at Matagorda Bay thus forming the basis for France's claim to Texas.
- 1792 – The Postal Service Act, establishing the United States Post Office Department, is signed by United States President George Washington.
- 1864 – American Civil War: Battle of Olustee: The largest battle fought in Florida during the war.
- 1998 – American figure skater Tara Lipinski, at the age of 15, becomes the youngest Olympic figure skating gold-medalist at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
- 2003 – During a Great White concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island, a pyrotechnics display sets the Station nightclub ablaze, killing 100 and injuring over 200 others.
February 19, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that water bills are due tomorrow by close of business at 4 pm.
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.” - Proverbs 30:5-6
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just another reminder that water bills are due tomorrow by close of business at 4 pm.
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.” - Proverbs 30:5-6
This Day in History:
- 356 – The anti-paganism policy of Constantius II forbids the worship of pagan idols in the Roman Empire.
- 1674 – England and the Netherlands sign the Treaty of Westminster, ending the Third Anglo-Dutch War. A provision of the agreement transfers the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam to England.
- 1726 – The Supreme Privy Council is established in Russia.
- 1878 – Thomas Edison patents the phonograph.
- 1985 – William J. Schroeder becomes the first recipient of an artificial heart to leave the hospital.
- 2002 – NASA's Mars Odyssey space probe begins to map the surface of Mars using its thermal emission imaging system.
February 18, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due Monday, February 20th. Please be sure to pay your bill on time to avoid any late fees. The Village accepts Ca$h, credit or debit cards, or your good check for payment. Payments are due by the close of business at Compton Accounting at 4 pm. Please drop your payment off inside and place in the basket or to make an electronic payment. You may also pay online by visiting the following website, www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. As always, THANK YOU for paying your bills on time. It helps to keep the water flowing.
“Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.” - Marian Evans
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due Monday, February 20th. Please be sure to pay your bill on time to avoid any late fees. The Village accepts Ca$h, credit or debit cards, or your good check for payment. Payments are due by the close of business at Compton Accounting at 4 pm. Please drop your payment off inside and place in the basket or to make an electronic payment. You may also pay online by visiting the following website, www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. As always, THANK YOU for paying your bills on time. It helps to keep the water flowing.
“Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.” - Marian Evans
This Day in History:
- 1478 – George, Duke of Clarence, convicted of treason against his older brother Edward IV of England, is executed in private at the Tower of London.
- 1637 – Eighty Years' War: Off the coast of Cornwall, England, a Spanish fleet intercepts an important Anglo-Dutch merchant convoy of 44 vessels escorted by six warships, destroying or capturing 20 of them.
- 1791 – Congress passes a law admitting the state of Vermont to the Union, effective 4 March, after that state had existed for 14 years as a de facto independent largely unrecognized state.
- 1885 – Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is published in the United States.
- 1979 – Richard Petty wins a then-record sixth Daytona 500 after leaders Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough crash on the final lap of the first NASCAR race televised live flag-to-flag.
- 2021 – Perseverance, a Mars rover designed to explore Jezero crater on Mars, as part of NASA's Mars 2020 mission, lands successfully.
February 17, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
February is Children's Dental Health Month. The Village of Altona has posted an article from the Knox County Health Department on its Health & Safety page on its website. Please click on the link to read the article. While you are there, feel free to view other articles or Health & Safety tips.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/health--safety.html
“A year from now you will wish you had started today.” - Karen Lamb
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
February is Children's Dental Health Month. The Village of Altona has posted an article from the Knox County Health Department on its Health & Safety page on its website. Please click on the link to read the article. While you are there, feel free to view other articles or Health & Safety tips.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/health--safety.html
“A year from now you will wish you had started today.” - Karen Lamb
This Day in History:
- 1600 – On his way to be burned at the stake for heresy, at Campo de' Fiori in Rome, the philosopher Giordano Bruno has a wooden vise put on his tongue to prevent him continuing to speak.
- 1753 – In Sweden February 17 is followed by March 1 as the country moves from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.
- 1801 – 1800 United States presidential election: A tie in the Electoral College between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr is resolved when Jefferson is elected President of the United States and Burr Vice President by the United States House of Representatives.
- 1913 – The Armory Show opens in New York City, displaying works of artists who are to become some of the most influential painters of the early 20th century.
- 2006 – A massive mudslide occurs in Southern Leyte, Philippines; the official death toll is set at 1,126.
February 16, 2023
Attention ROWVA Residents:
Come out to the basketball game tonight at the high school in Oneida. Cheer on our team for a victory, and watch and enjoy all the entertainment. Game starts at 6 pm.
“We never know the love of a parent til we become parents ourselves.” - Henry Ward Beecher
This Day in History:
Attention ROWVA Residents:
Come out to the basketball game tonight at the high school in Oneida. Cheer on our team for a victory, and watch and enjoy all the entertainment. Game starts at 6 pm.
“We never know the love of a parent til we become parents ourselves.” - Henry Ward Beecher
This Day in History:
- 1699 – First Leopoldine Diploma is issued by the Holy Roman Emperor, recognizing the Greek Catholic clergy enjoyed the same privileges as Roman Catholic priests in the Principality of Transylvania.
- 1742 – Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, becomes British Prime Minister.
- 1862 – American Civil War: General Ulysses S. Grant captures Fort Donelson, Tennessee.
- 1968 – In Haleyville, Alabama, the first 9-1-1 emergency telephone system goes into service.
- 2006 – The last Mobile army surgical hospital (MASH) is decommissioned by the United States Army.
February 15, 2023
Attention Village & Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area beginning midnight tonight and lasting until 6 pm tomorrow night. Expect mixed precipitation with snow and ice accumulations from 1" - 3" inches, along with wind gusts as high as 30-35 mph. As a reminder; whenever the Village of Altona receives three (3") of snow or greater, the Village automatically goes under a snow emergency. Please remove your vehicles from the sides of the streets prior to this time in order to allow for quicker snow removal and a less chance of damage being done to your vehicles. The Village will NOT be held responsible for any damage done during a snow emergency. Thank you for your assistance and patience during this time. For complete details about this Winter Weather Advisory, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454
Attention Village & Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area beginning midnight tonight and lasting until 6 pm tomorrow night. Expect mixed precipitation with snow and ice accumulations from 1" - 3" inches, along with wind gusts as high as 30-35 mph. As a reminder; whenever the Village of Altona receives three (3") of snow or greater, the Village automatically goes under a snow emergency. Please remove your vehicles from the sides of the streets prior to this time in order to allow for quicker snow removal and a less chance of damage being done to your vehicles. The Village will NOT be held responsible for any damage done during a snow emergency. Thank you for your assistance and patience during this time. For complete details about this Winter Weather Advisory, please click on the following link:
www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454
February 15, 2023
Attention ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Band Members:
Just a reminder that the Alumni Pep Band Night will be tomorrow evening at the high school. Practice starts at 5pm with the game performance at 6pm. Please contact the band room at 309-483-6371 for details.
“If you quit on the process, you’re quitting on the result.” - Anonymous
This Day in History:
Attention ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Band Members:
Just a reminder that the Alumni Pep Band Night will be tomorrow evening at the high school. Practice starts at 5pm with the game performance at 6pm. Please contact the band room at 309-483-6371 for details.
“If you quit on the process, you’re quitting on the result.” - Anonymous
This Day in History:
- 1493 – While on board the Niña, Christopher Columbus writes an open letter (widely distributed upon his return to Portugal) describing his discoveries and the unexpected items he came across in the New World.
- 1637 – Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor.
- 1764 – The city of St. Louis is established in Spanish Louisiana (now in Missouri, USA).
- 1862 – American Civil War: Confederates commanded by Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd attack General Ulysses S. Grant's Union forces besieging Fort Donelson in Tennessee. Unable to break the fort's encirclement, the Confederates surrender the following day.
- 1965 – A new red-and-white maple leaf design is adopted as the flag of Canada, replacing the old Canadian Red Ensign banner.
- 2003 – Protests against the Iraq war take place in over 600 cities worldwide. It is estimated that between eight million and 30 million people participate, making this the largest peace demonstration in history.
February 14, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Happy Valentines' Day! Don't forget to do something nice for your sweetie today. Today is a good day to show the love for one another.
“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” - Ingrid Bergman
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Happy Valentines' Day! Don't forget to do something nice for your sweetie today. Today is a good day to show the love for one another.
“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” - Ingrid Bergman
This Day in History:
- 1613 – Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V of the Palatinate at Whitehall Palace, London.
- 1778 – The United States flag is formally recognized by a foreign naval vessel for the first time, when French Admiral Toussaint-Guillaume Picquet de la Motte renders a nine gun salute to USS Ranger, commanded by John Paul Jones.
- 1849 – In New York City, James Knox Polk becomes the first serving President of the United States to have his photograph taken.
- 1929 – Saint Valentine's Day Massacre: Seven people, six of them gangster rivals of Al Capone's gang, are murdered in Chicago.
- 2005 – YouTube is launched by a group of college students, eventually becoming the largest video sharing website in the world and a main source for viral videos.
February 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory in effect from Tuesday, February 14th from 9 AM to 3 AM Wednesday, February 15th. Expect wind speeds from 25 - 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Please take the time now to secure anything that you do not wish to blow away or damage property. Please click on the following link for complete details... www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory in effect from Tuesday, February 14th from 9 AM to 3 AM Wednesday, February 15th. Expect wind speeds from 25 - 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Please take the time now to secure anything that you do not wish to blow away or damage property. Please click on the following link for complete details... www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454
February 13, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Thank you to those who had purchased Lincoln Day Dinner tickets for this Friday's annual Knox County Republican Central Committee fundraiser. The event has been SOLD OUT! The unsold raffle tickets must be turned in order to prepare for last minute sales during the event, so anyone who wishes to purchase a raffle ticket for either of the two gun or half hog raffles, please contact me tonight at 309-484-2123.
Raffle #1) Your choice of a Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle (.22 cal) OR 1/2 Hog + processing @ Harvester Meat Co. Canton, IL.
Raffle #2) Springfield 9mm Hellcat Pistol OR 1/2 Hog + processing @ Harvester Meat Co. Canton, IL
Tickets for both raffles are $10 each and you do NOT need to be present to win. Tonight is the last night that I will have these available. Thank you to all who have purchased them. Good luck.
Derrick R. Appell
Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman
Attention Area Residents:
Thank you to those who had purchased Lincoln Day Dinner tickets for this Friday's annual Knox County Republican Central Committee fundraiser. The event has been SOLD OUT! The unsold raffle tickets must be turned in order to prepare for last minute sales during the event, so anyone who wishes to purchase a raffle ticket for either of the two gun or half hog raffles, please contact me tonight at 309-484-2123.
Raffle #1) Your choice of a Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle (.22 cal) OR 1/2 Hog + processing @ Harvester Meat Co. Canton, IL.
Raffle #2) Springfield 9mm Hellcat Pistol OR 1/2 Hog + processing @ Harvester Meat Co. Canton, IL
Tickets for both raffles are $10 each and you do NOT need to be present to win. Tonight is the last night that I will have these available. Thank you to all who have purchased them. Good luck.
Derrick R. Appell
Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman
February 13, 2023
Attention ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Band Members:
Just another reminder that this Thursday night will be Alumni Band Night at the basketball game at the high school. Practice starts at 5pm with the performance during the game at 6pm. Please contact the band room at 309-483-6371 for a loaner instrument or further information. Sheet music for the nights performance can be found at this link: www.facebook.com/100083270474026/posts/pfbid02jsgWv5THanQ5NHP5GiKBK1eU7mMLmBUKriS421E2kz9w9r5JZKwckVLbqCZZWcPul/?mibextid=UUgoR4.
“The aim of life is self-development. To realize one’s nature perfectly - that is what each of us is here for.” - Oscar Wilde
This Day in History:
Attention ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Band Members:
Just another reminder that this Thursday night will be Alumni Band Night at the basketball game at the high school. Practice starts at 5pm with the performance during the game at 6pm. Please contact the band room at 309-483-6371 for a loaner instrument or further information. Sheet music for the nights performance can be found at this link: www.facebook.com/100083270474026/posts/pfbid02jsgWv5THanQ5NHP5GiKBK1eU7mMLmBUKriS421E2kz9w9r5JZKwckVLbqCZZWcPul/?mibextid=UUgoR4.
“The aim of life is self-development. To realize one’s nature perfectly - that is what each of us is here for.” - Oscar Wilde
This Day in History:
- 1692 – Massacre of Glencoe: Almost 80 Macdonalds at Glen Coe, Scotland are killed early in the morning for not promptly pledging allegiance to the new king, William of Orange.
- 1726 – Parliament of Negrete between Mapuche and Spanish authorities in Chile bring an end to the Mapuche uprising of 1723–26.
- 1880 – Thomas Edison observes Thermionic emission.
- 1954 – Frank Selvy becomes the only NCAA Division I basketball player ever to score 100 points in a single game.
- 2021 – Former U.S. President Donald Trump is acquitted in his second impeachment trial.
February 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Mark your calendars because the Altona Firemen will be having their Annual Chili/Soup Luncheon on Sunday, February 26th. It will be held at the Altona Fire station from 11 am - 2 pm. Come check out what's new at the fire station as well as fill your belly with some delicious chili or soup. They will also be having their annual gun raffle. Tickets are available while supplies last from any fireman or the Altona TBA. There will only be 200 tickets sold so you better hurry and purchase one as the odds of winning are much better than winning the Power Ball. See the flyers for complete details. Thank you for supporting our local heroes. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer fireman or an EMT, please inquire while you are there.
“No great deed, private or public, had ever been undertaken in a bliss of certainty.” - Leon Wieseltier
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Mark your calendars because the Altona Firemen will be having their Annual Chili/Soup Luncheon on Sunday, February 26th. It will be held at the Altona Fire station from 11 am - 2 pm. Come check out what's new at the fire station as well as fill your belly with some delicious chili or soup. They will also be having their annual gun raffle. Tickets are available while supplies last from any fireman or the Altona TBA. There will only be 200 tickets sold so you better hurry and purchase one as the odds of winning are much better than winning the Power Ball. See the flyers for complete details. Thank you for supporting our local heroes. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer fireman or an EMT, please inquire while you are there.
“No great deed, private or public, had ever been undertaken in a bliss of certainty.” - Leon Wieseltier
This Day in History:
- 1404 – The Italian professor Galeazzo di Santa Sophie performed the first post-mortem autopsy for the purposes of teaching and demonstration at the Heiligen–Geist Spital in Vienna.
- 1502 – Isabella I issues an edict outlawing Islam in the Crown of Castile, forcing virtually all her Muslim subjects to convert to Christianity.
- 1689 – The Convention Parliament declares that the flight to France in 1688 by James II, the last Roman Catholic British monarch, constitutes an abdication.
- 1733 – Georgia Day: Englishman James Oglethorpe founds Georgia, the 13th colony of the Thirteen Colonies, by settling at Savannah.
- 1855 – Michigan State University is established.
- 1915 – In Washington, D.C., the first stone of the Lincoln Memorial is put into place.
- 2019 – The country known as the Republic of Macedonia renames itself the Republic of North Macedonia in accordance with the Prespa agreement, settling a long-standing naming dispute with Greece.
February 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Super Bowl Sunday, an unofficial American holiday. Regardless if you are watching the big game or the Hallmark Channel, let the Altona Food & Gas do the cooking for you. They are offering a Super Bowl Special from 4 pm - 7 pm. (1) Pizza plus (2) cheese Bosco's for $11.99. Dial 309-484-2110 to call your order in, or just stop in to order and pick up other snacks and beverages of your choosing while you wait. Feel free to try your hand at the gaming machines while you wait as well. Thank you for shopping Altona Food & Gas, and enjoy your evening.
If you are attending someone's Super Bowl party, please choose a designated driver as the police will be out looking for seat belt violators, speeders and impaired drivers. Let's not let a night of fun turn into a night of tragedy. Thank you.
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Super Bowl Sunday, an unofficial American holiday. Regardless if you are watching the big game or the Hallmark Channel, let the Altona Food & Gas do the cooking for you. They are offering a Super Bowl Special from 4 pm - 7 pm. (1) Pizza plus (2) cheese Bosco's for $11.99. Dial 309-484-2110 to call your order in, or just stop in to order and pick up other snacks and beverages of your choosing while you wait. Feel free to try your hand at the gaming machines while you wait as well. Thank you for shopping Altona Food & Gas, and enjoy your evening.
If you are attending someone's Super Bowl party, please choose a designated driver as the police will be out looking for seat belt violators, speeders and impaired drivers. Let's not let a night of fun turn into a night of tragedy. Thank you.
February 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Are you having a Super Bowl party? If not, are you just planning on watching the game or commercials? Have you decided what you are going to fix? Let Altona Food & Gas do the cooking for you. They will be offering a pizza special on Super Bowl Sunday from 4 pm - 7 pm. One pizza plus two cheese Bosco's for $11.99. Call 309-484-2110 to call your order in, or stop and place your order and pick up your other snacks and beverages while you wait.
Thank you for shopping Altona Food & Gas, and may your team win.
Attention Area Residents:
Are you having a Super Bowl party? If not, are you just planning on watching the game or commercials? Have you decided what you are going to fix? Let Altona Food & Gas do the cooking for you. They will be offering a pizza special on Super Bowl Sunday from 4 pm - 7 pm. One pizza plus two cheese Bosco's for $11.99. Call 309-484-2110 to call your order in, or stop and place your order and pick up your other snacks and beverages while you wait.
Thank you for shopping Altona Food & Gas, and may your team win.
February 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that this Tuesday is Valentine's Day. So while you are out doing your shopping this weekend, don't forget to pick up that card, candy, or even that new washer and dryer for your sweetheart. Whatever you buy or do, don't get into the doghouse. Be kind and remember your sweetie.
“Falling in love consists merely in uncorking the imagination and bottling the common sense.” - Helen Rowland
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Just a reminder that this Tuesday is Valentine's Day. So while you are out doing your shopping this weekend, don't forget to pick up that card, candy, or even that new washer and dryer for your sweetheart. Whatever you buy or do, don't get into the doghouse. Be kind and remember your sweetie.
“Falling in love consists merely in uncorking the imagination and bottling the common sense.” - Helen Rowland
This Day in History:
- 1659 – The assault on Copenhagen by Swedish forces is beaten back with heavy losses.
- 1794 – First session of United States Senate opens to the public.
- 1808 – Jesse Fell burns anthracite on an open grate as an experiment in heating homes with coal.
- 1990 – Buster Douglas, a 42:1 underdog, knocks out Mike Tyson in ten rounds at Tokyo to win boxing's world Heavyweight title.
- 2013 – The Vatican confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI would resign the papacy as a result of his advanced age.
February 10, 2023
“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.” - Noel Langley
This Day in History:
“A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.” - Noel Langley
This Day in History:
- 1258 – Mongol invasions: Baghdad falls to the Mongols, bringing the Islamic Golden Age to an end.
- 1763 – French and Indian War: The Treaty of Paris ends the war and France cedes Quebec to Great Britain.
- 1861 – Jefferson Davis is notified by telegraph that he has been chosen as provisional President of the Confederate States of America.
- 1967 – The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified.
- 2021 – The traditional Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is canceled for the first time because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Please be on the lookout about a scam posing from Mid-Century Communication. Please see their post on Facebook for complete details and contact them with any questions. Please don't fall victim to scammers.
www.facebook.com/104561038946807/posts/pfbid02N5pDUMtZYPupGyT3znABgDiWHbaTdxZ6PoW11bpLxjU7Q28gZYcrfKohcYv8BHFbl/?mibextid=cr9u03
Attention Area Residents:
Please be on the lookout about a scam posing from Mid-Century Communication. Please see their post on Facebook for complete details and contact them with any questions. Please don't fall victim to scammers.
www.facebook.com/104561038946807/posts/pfbid02N5pDUMtZYPupGyT3znABgDiWHbaTdxZ6PoW11bpLxjU7Q28gZYcrfKohcYv8BHFbl/?mibextid=cr9u03
February 10, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Are you having a Super Bowl party? Have you decided what you are going to fix? Let Altona Food & Gas do the cooking for you. They will be offering a pizza special on Super Bowl Sunday from 4 pm - 7 pm. One pizza plus two cheese Bosco's for $11.99. Call 309-484-2110 to call your order in, or stop and place your order and pick up your other snacks and beverages while you wait.
Thank you for shopping Altona Food & Gas, and may your team win.
Attention Area Residents:
Are you having a Super Bowl party? Have you decided what you are going to fix? Let Altona Food & Gas do the cooking for you. They will be offering a pizza special on Super Bowl Sunday from 4 pm - 7 pm. One pizza plus two cheese Bosco's for $11.99. Call 309-484-2110 to call your order in, or stop and place your order and pick up your other snacks and beverages while you wait.
Thank you for shopping Altona Food & Gas, and may your team win.
February 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Tickets for the Knox County Republican Central Committee gun or 1/2 hog raffles are running out. There are two difference raffles available to choose from.
1) Springfield 9mm Hellcat Pistol OR 1/2 Hog + processing
2) Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle OR 1/2 Hog + processing
Both raffle ticket drawings are $10 each. If you are not wanting the firearm, you may choose the 1/2 hog which includes the processing; it's your choice, so there is something for everyone.
Please contact Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123 if you are interested in either or both of these raffles. The sale of these tickets are starting to come to a close. The drawing will be held on February 17th and you need not be present to win. So hurry up and call if you'd like to enter for either firearms or 1/2 hog. Thank you and good luck.
“It’s amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions.” - Charles F. Kettering
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Tickets for the Knox County Republican Central Committee gun or 1/2 hog raffles are running out. There are two difference raffles available to choose from.
1) Springfield 9mm Hellcat Pistol OR 1/2 Hog + processing
2) Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle OR 1/2 Hog + processing
Both raffle ticket drawings are $10 each. If you are not wanting the firearm, you may choose the 1/2 hog which includes the processing; it's your choice, so there is something for everyone.
Please contact Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123 if you are interested in either or both of these raffles. The sale of these tickets are starting to come to a close. The drawing will be held on February 17th and you need not be present to win. So hurry up and call if you'd like to enter for either firearms or 1/2 hog. Thank you and good luck.
“It’s amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions.” - Charles F. Kettering
This Day in History:
- 1539 – The first recorded race is held on Chester Racecourse, known as the Roodee.
- 1621 – Gregory XV becomes Pope, the last Pope elected by acclamation.
- 1775 – American Revolutionary War: The British Parliament declares Massachusetts in rebellion.
- 1825 – After no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes in the US presidential election of 1824, the United States House of Representatives elects John Quincy Adams as sixth President of the United States in a contingent election.
- 1964 – The Beatles make their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing before a record-setting audience of 73 million viewers across the United States.
- 2018 – Winter Olympics: Opening ceremony is performed in Pyeongchang County in South Korea.
February 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Annual Altona Firemen Soup Lunch Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, February 26th at the Altona Fire Station from 11 am - 1 pm. Come out and warm up with some delicious chili or soup. While you are there check out what is new at the fire station. The firemen are also having their annual gun raffle. This year's raffle will be a $600 credit at Galesburg Guns (good for anything in the store) or you may choose $500 cash. There will also be a 50/50 drawing. Come out and visit with your friends and THANK YOU for supporting the Altona Firemen.
“When we give ourselves compassion, we are opening our hearts in a way that can transform our lives.” - Kristin Neff
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The Annual Altona Firemen Soup Lunch Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, February 26th at the Altona Fire Station from 11 am - 1 pm. Come out and warm up with some delicious chili or soup. While you are there check out what is new at the fire station. The firemen are also having their annual gun raffle. This year's raffle will be a $600 credit at Galesburg Guns (good for anything in the store) or you may choose $500 cash. There will also be a 50/50 drawing. Come out and visit with your friends and THANK YOU for supporting the Altona Firemen.
“When we give ourselves compassion, we are opening our hearts in a way that can transform our lives.” - Kristin Neff
This Day in History:
- 1837 – Richard Johnson becomes the first Vice President of the United States chosen by the United States Senate.
- 1910 – The Boy Scouts of America is incorporated by William D. Boyce.
- 2013 – A blizzard disrupts transportation and leaves hundreds of thousands of people without electricity in the Northeastern United States and parts of Canada.
February 7, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Are you looking for a lot to build a new home? The Village of Altona is selling a residential lot located at 613 N. Olin Street via sealed bid. The old home was razed to make room for something new. This property has water and sewer hook ups still on the property. For complete information on this property, please click on the following link on the Village's Property For Sale or For Rent page on our website.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Are you looking for a lot to build a new home? The Village of Altona is selling a residential lot located at 613 N. Olin Street via sealed bid. The old home was razed to make room for something new. This property has water and sewer hook ups still on the property. For complete information on this property, please click on the following link on the Village's Property For Sale or For Rent page on our website.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/property-for-sale-or-for-rent.html
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
This Day in History:
- 1795 – The 11th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified.
- 1812 – The strongest in a series of earthquakes strikes New Madrid, Missouri.
- 1940 – The second full-length animated Walt Disney film, Pinocchio, premieres.
- 2013 – The U.S. state of Mississippi officially certifies the Thirteenth Amendment, becoming the last state to approve the abolition of slavery. The Thirteenth Amendment was formally ratified by Mississippi in 1995.
February 6, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a list of upcoming activities which are happening in Altona and surrounding area. If your group is having an event, let the Village help promote it. This website was created to help promote the Village and bring information to the public. Keep watching the Village's "Current News" page or Facebook page for details on all of these events.
Feb. 14th - Valentine's Day. Be sure to do something nice for your sweetie and show them how much you care.
Feb. 16th - ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Band Night. Pep band to play at the boy basketball game. Rehearsal starts at 5 p.m., contact the band room for questions, music or to borrow an instrument. 309-483-6371.
Feb. 17th - Lincoln Day Dinner sponsored by the Knox Co. Republican Party. 5pm at The Vault in Galesburg. Dinner tickets as well as both firearm or 1/2 hog tickets can be purchased from Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman Derrick Appell 309-484-2123. Please call for tickets or questions about the event.
Feb. 20th - President's Day. No School.
Feb. 20th - Water bills are due.
Feb. 22nd - Ash Wednesday. Please see the local churches websites or Facebook pages for service times.
Feb. 26th - The Annual Altona Firemen Chili/Soup Luncheon and gun raffle. 11 am - 2 pm at the fire station. Please see Keith Holland or any firemen for the gun raffle tickets.
Mar. 11th - Altona Historical Society Trivial Night. Registration 5:30pm Event 6pm.
“There is no reason not to follow your heart.” - Steve Jobs
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
The following is a list of upcoming activities which are happening in Altona and surrounding area. If your group is having an event, let the Village help promote it. This website was created to help promote the Village and bring information to the public. Keep watching the Village's "Current News" page or Facebook page for details on all of these events.
Feb. 14th - Valentine's Day. Be sure to do something nice for your sweetie and show them how much you care.
Feb. 16th - ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Band Night. Pep band to play at the boy basketball game. Rehearsal starts at 5 p.m., contact the band room for questions, music or to borrow an instrument. 309-483-6371.
Feb. 17th - Lincoln Day Dinner sponsored by the Knox Co. Republican Party. 5pm at The Vault in Galesburg. Dinner tickets as well as both firearm or 1/2 hog tickets can be purchased from Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman Derrick Appell 309-484-2123. Please call for tickets or questions about the event.
Feb. 20th - President's Day. No School.
Feb. 20th - Water bills are due.
Feb. 22nd - Ash Wednesday. Please see the local churches websites or Facebook pages for service times.
Feb. 26th - The Annual Altona Firemen Chili/Soup Luncheon and gun raffle. 11 am - 2 pm at the fire station. Please see Keith Holland or any firemen for the gun raffle tickets.
Mar. 11th - Altona Historical Society Trivial Night. Registration 5:30pm Event 6pm.
“There is no reason not to follow your heart.” - Steve Jobs
This Day in History:
- 1579 – The Archdiocese of Manila is made a diocese by a papal bull with Domingo de Salazar being its first bishop.
- 1685 – James II of England and VII of Scotland is proclaimed King upon the death of his brother Charles II.
- 1778 – American Revolutionary War: In Paris the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce are signed by the United States and France signaling official recognition of the new republic.
- 1862 – American Civil War: Forces under the command of Ulysses S. Grant and Andrew H. Foote give the Union its first victory of the war, capturing Fort Henry, Tennessee in the Battle of Fort Henry.
- 1988 – Michael Jordan makes his signature slam dunk from the free throw line inspiring Air Jordan and the Jumpman logo.
- 2018 – SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, a super heavy launch vehicle, makes its maiden flight.
February 5, 2023
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” - Isaiah 1:17-18
This Day in History:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” - Isaiah 1:17-18
This Day in History:
- 62 – Earthquake in Pompeii, Italy.
- 1869 – The largest alluvial gold nugget in history, called the "Welcome Stranger", is found in Moliagul, Victoria, Australia.
- 1971 – Astronauts land on the Moon in the Apollo 14 mission.
- 2019 – Pope Francis becomes the first Pope in history to visit and perform papal mass in the Arabian Peninsula during his visit to Abu Dhabi.
February 4, 2023
Attention All ATV Owners:
Final reminder of today's first Side By Side Run that The General Store Tap will be hosting. This run is just for fun and it is in celebration of the new Knox County Non-Highway Vehicle Ordinance. In order for you not to receive a ticket for operating your vehicle on Knox County roads, it is extremely important that you as the owner of any ATV/UTV, become familiar with both the Village of Altona as well as the Knox County ordinances which pertains to these vehicles. The Village of Altona wants your riding experience to be a joyful one, and not one that gets you a ticket by the Knox County Sheriff's Department. Please see the flyer for complete details of today's ride as well as the links to both of these ordinances. Please ride safe, have fun, and obey the traffic laws.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
“We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another.” - Thomas Merton
This Day in History:
Attention All ATV Owners:
Final reminder of today's first Side By Side Run that The General Store Tap will be hosting. This run is just for fun and it is in celebration of the new Knox County Non-Highway Vehicle Ordinance. In order for you not to receive a ticket for operating your vehicle on Knox County roads, it is extremely important that you as the owner of any ATV/UTV, become familiar with both the Village of Altona as well as the Knox County ordinances which pertains to these vehicles. The Village of Altona wants your riding experience to be a joyful one, and not one that gets you a ticket by the Knox County Sheriff's Department. Please see the flyer for complete details of today's ride as well as the links to both of these ordinances. Please ride safe, have fun, and obey the traffic laws.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
“We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another.” - Thomas Merton
This Day in History:
- 1555 – John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England.
- 1789 – George Washington is unanimously elected as the first President of the United States by the U.S. Electoral College.
- 1846 – The first Mormon pioneers make their exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois, westward towards Salt Lake Valley.
- 1941 – The United Service Organization (USO) is created to entertain American troops.
- 2004 – Facebook, a mainstream online social networking site, is founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin.
February 3, 2023
Attention All ATV Owners:
This is just another reminder of the first Side By Side Run that The General Store Tap will be hosting tomorrow. This run is just for fun and it is in celebration of the new Knox County Non-Highway Vehicle Ordinance. It is extremely important that you as the owner of any ATV/UTV become familiar with both the Village of Altona as well as the Knox County ordinances which pertains to these vehicles so that your riding experience can be a joyful one, and not one that gets you a ticket by the Knox County Sheriff's Department. Please see the flyer for complete details of the ride as well as the links to both of these ordinances. Please ride safe, have fun, and obey the traffic laws.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
“Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” - Franklin P. Jones
This Day in History:
Attention All ATV Owners:
This is just another reminder of the first Side By Side Run that The General Store Tap will be hosting tomorrow. This run is just for fun and it is in celebration of the new Knox County Non-Highway Vehicle Ordinance. It is extremely important that you as the owner of any ATV/UTV become familiar with both the Village of Altona as well as the Knox County ordinances which pertains to these vehicles so that your riding experience can be a joyful one, and not one that gets you a ticket by the Knox County Sheriff's Department. Please see the flyer for complete details of the ride as well as the links to both of these ordinances. Please ride safe, have fun, and obey the traffic laws.
altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
“Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” - Franklin P. Jones
This Day in History:
- 1690 – The colony of Massachusetts issues the first paper money in the Americas.
- 1781 – American Revolutionary War: British forces seize the Dutch-owned Caribbean island Sint Eustatius.
- 1809 – The Territory of Illinois is created by the 10th United States Congress.
- 1913 – The Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, authorizing the Federal government to impose and collect an income tax.
- 2007 – A Baghdad market bombing kills at least 135 people and injures a further 339.
February 2, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory beginning 12:00 am tomorrow morning and lasting until 10:00 am tomorrow. Expect wind chills to reach -15 degrees below zero. Please be sure to bundle up and bring your pets indoors. For complete information in regards to this advisory, please click on the following link, thank you. www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454
Attention Area Residents:
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory beginning 12:00 am tomorrow morning and lasting until 10:00 am tomorrow. Expect wind chills to reach -15 degrees below zero. Please be sure to bundle up and bring your pets indoors. For complete information in regards to this advisory, please click on the following link, thank you. www.accuweather.com/en/us/altona/61414/weather-warnings/2240454
February 2, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Groundhog Day. Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Will we have an early spring or six more weeks of winter? To view all of the festivities, click on the following link: www.groundhog.org/
“Find the courage to follow the trail your heart is leading you.” - Dodinsky
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Today is Groundhog Day. Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Will we have an early spring or six more weeks of winter? To view all of the festivities, click on the following link: www.groundhog.org/
“Find the courage to follow the trail your heart is leading you.” - Dodinsky
This Day in History:
- 1653 – New Amsterdam (later renamed The City of New York) is incorporated.
- 1709 – Alexander Selkirk is rescued after being shipwrecked on a desert island, inspiring Daniel Defoe's adventure book Robinson Crusoe.
- 1887 – In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the first Groundhog Day is observed.
- 1990 – Apartheid: F. W. de Klerk announces the unbanning of the African National Congress and promises to release Nelson Mandela.
- 2004 – Swiss tennis player Roger Federer becomes the No. 1 ranked men's singles player, a position he will hold for a record 237 weeks.
February 1, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank all of the volunteers of the Altona Volunteer Fire Department as well as the E.M.T.'s of the AOW Ambulance District in responding to the accident just west of town yesterday afternoon. It is your dedication and appreciation for your fellow man that draws you to coming to the aid of others during their time of need. You are truly our community's heroes. We are a much better community because of your dedicated efforts. Again, thank you for what you do. May God Bless you and keep you safe. If you would like to become one of our community's heroes; please contact either Keith Holland at 309-484-2064, or Sally Keener at 309-484-4311 (respectively). Please see the flyer for details.
“Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.” - John Heywood
This Day in History:
Today is National Dark Chocolate Day. Click here for more details - nationaldaycalendar.com/national-dark-chocolate-day-february-1/
Attention Village Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank all of the volunteers of the Altona Volunteer Fire Department as well as the E.M.T.'s of the AOW Ambulance District in responding to the accident just west of town yesterday afternoon. It is your dedication and appreciation for your fellow man that draws you to coming to the aid of others during their time of need. You are truly our community's heroes. We are a much better community because of your dedicated efforts. Again, thank you for what you do. May God Bless you and keep you safe. If you would like to become one of our community's heroes; please contact either Keith Holland at 309-484-2064, or Sally Keener at 309-484-4311 (respectively). Please see the flyer for details.
“Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.” - John Heywood
This Day in History:
- 1327 – The teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer.
- 1411 – The First Peace of Thorn is signed in Thorn (Toruń), Monastic State of the Teutonic Knights (Prussia).
- 1662 – The Chinese general Koxinga seizes the island of Taiwan after a nine-month siege.
- 1793 – French Revolutionary Wars: France declares war on the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
- 1865 – President Abraham Lincoln signs the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
- 1964 – The Beatles have their first number one hit in the United States with "I Want to Hold Your Hand".
- 2003 – Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during the reentry of mission SS-107 into the Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts aboard.
Today is National Dark Chocolate Day. Click here for more details - nationaldaycalendar.com/national-dark-chocolate-day-february-1/
January 31, 2023
Attention ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Band Members:
This is just another reminder that Thursday, February 16th will be the Alumni Pep Band Night which will be held during the boys basketball game. Rehearsal will start at 5:00 pm in the band room, followed by the performance during the game at 6:00 pm at the high school in Oneida. If you are needing a loaner instrument or have further questions, please contact Band Director Wes Anderson at 309-483-6371. Sheet music for the nights performance can be found at this link: www.facebook.com/100083270474026/posts/pfbid02jsgWv5THanQ5NHP5GiKBK1eU7mMLmBUKriS421E2kz9w9r5JZKwckVLbqCZZWcPul/?mibextid=UUgoR4.
“Procrastination is the thief of time.” - Charles Dickens
This Day in History:
Attention ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Band Members:
This is just another reminder that Thursday, February 16th will be the Alumni Pep Band Night which will be held during the boys basketball game. Rehearsal will start at 5:00 pm in the band room, followed by the performance during the game at 6:00 pm at the high school in Oneida. If you are needing a loaner instrument or have further questions, please contact Band Director Wes Anderson at 309-483-6371. Sheet music for the nights performance can be found at this link: www.facebook.com/100083270474026/posts/pfbid02jsgWv5THanQ5NHP5GiKBK1eU7mMLmBUKriS421E2kz9w9r5JZKwckVLbqCZZWcPul/?mibextid=UUgoR4.
“Procrastination is the thief of time.” - Charles Dickens
This Day in History:
- 314 – Pope Sylvester I is consecrated, as successor to the late Pope Miltiades.
- 1606 – Gunpowder Plot: Four of the conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, are executed for treason by hanging, drawing and quartering, for plotting against Parliament and King James.
- 1747 – The first venereal diseases clinic opens at London Lock Hospital.
- 1865 – American Civil War: The United States Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery, and submits it to the states for ratification.
- 1950 – President Truman orders the development of thermonuclear weapons.
- 2018 – Both a blue moon and a total lunar eclipse occur.
January 30, 2023
Attention Area UTV Owners:
This is just a reminder of the Knox County Non-Highway Vehicle Ordinance (Side by Sides, etc.) that is set to go into effect on Wednesday, February 1st. Please find the following links for you to read the ordinances for both Knox County (which will require a sticker), as well as the ATV Ordinance for the Village of Altona (which does NOT require a sticker). Be sure you have your Knox County sticker PRIOR to hitting the county roads to avoid getting a ticket from the Knox County Sheriff's Department. It is highly recommended that ALL ATV/UTV owners read both ordinances prior to operating your equipment. Please click on and read the following links....
altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
To kick off this Side By Side celebration for those who may own them, there will be a Side By Side Run starting at The General Store Tap on Saturday, February 4th beginning around 11:30 am. Please see the flyer for complete details.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - Benjamin Franklin (1736)
This Day in History:
Attention Area UTV Owners:
This is just a reminder of the Knox County Non-Highway Vehicle Ordinance (Side by Sides, etc.) that is set to go into effect on Wednesday, February 1st. Please find the following links for you to read the ordinances for both Knox County (which will require a sticker), as well as the ATV Ordinance for the Village of Altona (which does NOT require a sticker). Be sure you have your Knox County sticker PRIOR to hitting the county roads to avoid getting a ticket from the Knox County Sheriff's Department. It is highly recommended that ALL ATV/UTV owners read both ordinances prior to operating your equipment. Please click on and read the following links....
altonaillinois.weebly.com/knox-co-atv-ordinance.html
altonaillinois.weebly.com/2019-04-atv-operations.html
To kick off this Side By Side celebration for those who may own them, there will be a Side By Side Run starting at The General Store Tap on Saturday, February 4th beginning around 11:30 am. Please see the flyer for complete details.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - Benjamin Franklin (1736)
This Day in History:
- 1649 – Charles I of England is executed in Whitehall, London.
- 1789 – Tây Sơn forces emerge victorious against Qing armies and liberate the capital Thăng Long.
- 1835 – In the first assassination attempt against a President of the United States, Richard Lawrence attempts to shoot president Andrew Jackson, but fails and is subdued by a crowd, including several congressmen as well as Jackson himself.
- 1920 – Japanese carmaker Mazda is founded, initially as a cork-producing company.
- 2000 – Kenya Airways Flight 431 crashes into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ivory Coast, killing 169.
January 29, 2023
“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” - Matthew 16:27
This Day in History:
“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” - Matthew 16:27
This Day in History:
- 904 – Sergius III is elected pope, after coming out of retirement to take over the papacy from the deposed antipope Christopher.
- 1886 – Karl Benz patents the first successful gasoline-driven automobile.
- 1936 – The first inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame are announced. They were Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Matthewson, and Walter Johnson.
- 2009 – Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich is removed from office following his conviction of several corruption charges, including the alleged solicitation of personal benefit in exchange for an appointment to the United States Senate as a replacement for then-U.S. president-elect Barack Obama.
January 28, 2023
Attention Trivia Enthusiasts:
Did you enjoy The Grove Church's Mission Team's Trivia Night which was held a couple of weeks ago? Do you wish that you could do it again? If you couldn't attend the Mission Team's Trivia Night, do you wish that another Trivia Night would come along soon? Well, grab your teammates and start practicing because you are in luck. The Altona Historical Society will present their Trivia Night on Saturday, March 11th 2023. Team Registration will begin at 5:30 pm, with the main event starting at 6:00 pm. There will be pizza, pop, water and snacks available for donations. Table/team prices are $100 for 8 people. Will any of the "This Day in History" or daily quotes that have been published on the Village's Facebook page or website be one of the questions? One never knows, but it wouldn't hurt to review these however just in case. All proceeds from this fundraiser goes towards the 2nd floor renovations of the Ransom Memorial Public Library Hall. Thank you in advance for supporting the Altona Historical Society's fundraising efforts. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well.” - Horace Walpole
This Day in History:
Attention Trivia Enthusiasts:
Did you enjoy The Grove Church's Mission Team's Trivia Night which was held a couple of weeks ago? Do you wish that you could do it again? If you couldn't attend the Mission Team's Trivia Night, do you wish that another Trivia Night would come along soon? Well, grab your teammates and start practicing because you are in luck. The Altona Historical Society will present their Trivia Night on Saturday, March 11th 2023. Team Registration will begin at 5:30 pm, with the main event starting at 6:00 pm. There will be pizza, pop, water and snacks available for donations. Table/team prices are $100 for 8 people. Will any of the "This Day in History" or daily quotes that have been published on the Village's Facebook page or website be one of the questions? One never knows, but it wouldn't hurt to review these however just in case. All proceeds from this fundraiser goes towards the 2nd floor renovations of the Ransom Memorial Public Library Hall. Thank you in advance for supporting the Altona Historical Society's fundraising efforts. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well.” - Horace Walpole
This Day in History:
- 1521 – The Diet of Worms begins, lasting until May 25.
- 1624 – Sir Thomas Warner founds the first British colony in the Caribbean, on the island of Saint Kitts.
- 1754 – Sir Horace Walpole coins the word serendipity in a letter to a friend.
- 1851 – Northwestern University becomes the first chartered university in Illinois.
- 1915 – An act of the U.S. Congress creates the United States Coast Guard as a branch of the United States Armed Forces.
- 1981 – Ronald Reagan lifts remaining domestic petroleum price and allocation controls in the United States, helping to end the 1979 energy crisis and begin the 1980s oil glut.
- 1986 – Space Shuttle program: STS-51-L mission: Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrates after liftoff, killing all seven astronauts on board.
- 2021 – A nitrogen leak at a poultry food processing facility in Gainesville, Georgia kills six and injures at least ten.
January 27, 2023
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work” - Aristotle
This Day in History:
“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work” - Aristotle
This Day in History:
- 1343 – Pope Clement VI issues the papal bull Unigenitus to justify the power of the pope and the use of indulgences. Nearly 200 years later, Martin Luther would protest this.
- 1606 – Gunpowder Plot: The trial of Guy Fawkes and other conspirators begins, ending with their execution on January 31.
- 1785 – The University of Georgia is founded, the first public university in the United States.
- 1880 – Thomas Edison receives a patent for his incandescent lamp.
- 1967 – Cold War: The Soviet Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom sign the Outer Space Treaty in Washington, D.C., banning deployment of nuclear weapons in space, and limiting the usage of the Moon and other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes.
- 2010 – Apple announces the iPad.
January 26, 2023
"Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive." - Matt Cameron
This Day in History:
"Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive." - Matt Cameron
This Day in History:
- 1564 – The Council of Trent establishes an official distinction between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.
- 1699 – For the first time, the Ottoman Empire permanently cedes territory to the Christian powers.
- 1700 – The 8.7–9.2 Mw Cascadia earthquake takes place off the west coast of North America, as evidenced by Japanese records.
- 1837 – Michigan is admitted as the 26th U.S. state.
- 1915 – The Rocky Mountain National Park is established by an act of the U.S. Congress.
- 2009 – Nadya Suleman gives birth to the world's first surviving octuplets.
January 25, 2023
“Each one of us has a fire in our heart for something. It’s our goal in life to keep it lit.” - Mary Lou Retton
This Day in History:
“Each one of us has a fire in our heart for something. It’s our goal in life to keep it lit.” - Mary Lou Retton
This Day in History:
- 1858 – The Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn is played at the marriage of Queen Victoria's daughter, Victoria, and Friedrich of Prussia, and becomes a popular wedding processional.
- 1881 – Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell form the Oriental Telephone Company.
- 1980 – Mother Teresa is honored with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
January 24, 2023
“The world may be mean, but people don’t have to be, not if they refuse.” - Colson Whitehead
This Day in History:
“The world may be mean, but people don’t have to be, not if they refuse.” - Colson Whitehead
This Day in History:
- 1908 – The first Boy Scout troop is organized in England by Robert Baden-Powell.
- 1933 – The 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, changing the beginning and end of terms for all elected federal offices.
- 1984 – Apple Computer places the Macintosh personal computer on sale in the United States.
January 23, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The following upcoming events are being planned. Please mark your calendars for those events which may apply to you....
Tuesday, February 14th: Valentine's Day. Do something nice for your sweetie.
Thursday, February 16th: ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Pep Band Night. Calling all former ROWVA/ROVA band members! All alumni band members are invited to perform at the Boys basketball game at 6pm in Oneida. Rehearsal starts at 5pm in the band room. Please contact the band room at 309-483-6371 with any questions or for a loaner instrument. Let's all get together and have some fun.
Friday, February 17th: If you would like to speak with your Springfield elected officials; the Knox County Republican Central Committee will be having their annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser at "The Vault" on S. Kellogg Street in Galesburg. During the dinner event, there will be local state elected officials, a silent auction, 50/50 as well as a live auction. Some of the items to be auctioned off will be a Blackstone grill, freezer, hog, a firearm, as well as other items. Social hour begins at 5pm (perfect time to speak with your elected officials) and the dinner begins at 6pm. Tickets are $25. Please see the flyer for details.
There will also be two separate firearm raffles. One raffle will be for a Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle. The other raffle is for a Springfield 9mm Hellcat pistol. With both of these raffles, you get the choice of either the firearm or a 1/2 hog which includes the processing from Harvester Meat in Canton. Both raffle tickets are $10 each. Need not be present for the firearm raffles. For those interested, both the dinner tickets as well as the firearm tickets may be purchased from Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman Derrick Appell. Please call 309-484-2123 to make your arrangements.
Sunday, February 26th: The Altona Fire Department will be having their annual chili/soup luncheon and firearm raffle. This year's raffle will be a little different due to Illinois' new unconstitutional firearms law. This year you will have your choice of either a $600 credit at Galesburg Guns, Gear, and Ammo in Galesburg, or $500 cash. Tickets are $20 each, and may be purchased from any fire department member or at the Altona TBA. Please see the sample ticket for details. Thank you for supporting the fire department and good luck with all raffle tickets.
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” - Lao Tau
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
The following upcoming events are being planned. Please mark your calendars for those events which may apply to you....
Tuesday, February 14th: Valentine's Day. Do something nice for your sweetie.
Thursday, February 16th: ROWVA/ROVA Alumni Pep Band Night. Calling all former ROWVA/ROVA band members! All alumni band members are invited to perform at the Boys basketball game at 6pm in Oneida. Rehearsal starts at 5pm in the band room. Please contact the band room at 309-483-6371 with any questions or for a loaner instrument. Let's all get together and have some fun.
Friday, February 17th: If you would like to speak with your Springfield elected officials; the Knox County Republican Central Committee will be having their annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser at "The Vault" on S. Kellogg Street in Galesburg. During the dinner event, there will be local state elected officials, a silent auction, 50/50 as well as a live auction. Some of the items to be auctioned off will be a Blackstone grill, freezer, hog, a firearm, as well as other items. Social hour begins at 5pm (perfect time to speak with your elected officials) and the dinner begins at 6pm. Tickets are $25. Please see the flyer for details.
There will also be two separate firearm raffles. One raffle will be for a Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle. The other raffle is for a Springfield 9mm Hellcat pistol. With both of these raffles, you get the choice of either the firearm or a 1/2 hog which includes the processing from Harvester Meat in Canton. Both raffle tickets are $10 each. Need not be present for the firearm raffles. For those interested, both the dinner tickets as well as the firearm tickets may be purchased from Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman Derrick Appell. Please call 309-484-2123 to make your arrangements.
Sunday, February 26th: The Altona Fire Department will be having their annual chili/soup luncheon and firearm raffle. This year's raffle will be a little different due to Illinois' new unconstitutional firearms law. This year you will have your choice of either a $600 credit at Galesburg Guns, Gear, and Ammo in Galesburg, or $500 cash. Tickets are $20 each, and may be purchased from any fire department member or at the Altona TBA. Please see the sample ticket for details. Thank you for supporting the fire department and good luck with all raffle tickets.
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” - Lao Tau
This Day in History:
- 1556 – The deadliest earthquake in history, the Shaanxi earthquake, hits Shaanxi province, China. The death toll may have been as high as 830,000.
- 1789 – Georgetown College, the first Catholic university in the United States, is founded in Georgetown, Maryland (now a part of Washington, D.C.) when Bishop John Carroll, Rev. Robert Molyneux, and Rev. John Ashton purchase land for the proposed academy for the education of youth.
- 1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell is awarded her M.D. by the Geneva Medical College of Geneva, New York, becoming the United States' first female doctor.
- January 23, 1855 - John Moses Browning, famed American firearm inventor, is born in Ogden, Utah. He was the son of John Browning who was a gunsmith in Nauvoo, Illinois. John Moses Browning worked on designing firearms. He first made a wooden working model of the firearm. Once he had made the real thing, he burned the wooded prototype. He made lever and slide action designs but couldn’t come up with an idea of how to make a firearm work without manual operation of some type. In 1889, he watched reeds blow when guns were fired. He decided to try to harness the gasses that gunpowder produced to make a firearm operate. Three years later, J. M. Browning received a patent for a crude system that would automatically load and fire round after round, the first automatic firearm. Browning went on to design machine guns that are used to this day. Most interesting is that no significant advances in firearm designs have been introduced since John Moses Browning who died in 1926.
- January 23, 1957 - The Wham-O Toy Company produces its first batch of Frisbees. In 1967, they changed the design and added ridges to the Frisbee to make them more stable in flight. By 1977, Wham-O had sold over 100 million Frisbees. Now, several companies produce Frisbees. In 1994, the Mattel Toy Manufacturers bought the toy from Wham-O. No matter who makes the Frisbee, dogs around the world are happy and definitely have a lot of fun.
January 22, 2023
…”but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” - Ephesians 2:19b-20 ESV
This Day in History:
…”but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” - Ephesians 2:19b-20 ESV
This Day in History:
- 1506 – The first contingent of 150 Swiss Guards arrives at the Vatican.
- 1689 – The Convention Parliament convenes to determine whether James II and VII, the last Roman Catholic monarch of England, Ireland and Scotland, had vacated the thrones of England and Ireland when he fled to France in 1688.
- 1968 – Apollo 5 lifts off carrying the first Lunar module into space.
- 2002 – Kmart becomes the largest retailer in United States history to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
January 21, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
The weather forecast predicts snowfall accumulations anywhere between one to three (1"-3") inches this weekend. As a reminder, whenever the Village of Altona receives three (3") inches of snow, the Village automatically goes into a winter snow emergency. This means that your vehicles need to be removed from the sides of the streets in order for the Village to remove the snow more efficiently; this also reduces the chance of having your vehicle damaged. Please ask a neighbor to borrow their driveway if you don't have one. Thank you for your help in this matter to remove the snow more quickly.
Attention Village Residents:
The weather forecast predicts snowfall accumulations anywhere between one to three (1"-3") inches this weekend. As a reminder, whenever the Village of Altona receives three (3") inches of snow, the Village automatically goes into a winter snow emergency. This means that your vehicles need to be removed from the sides of the streets in order for the Village to remove the snow more efficiently; this also reduces the chance of having your vehicle damaged. Please ask a neighbor to borrow their driveway if you don't have one. Thank you for your help in this matter to remove the snow more quickly.
January 21, 2023
Attention ROWVA (ROVA) Band Alumni:
Have you been practicing your instruments? Are you interested in getting together and having some fun? In just 27 more days, the ROWVA (ROVA) Alumni band members will be performing during the February 16th basketball game. All former alumni band members are invited to play. If you need an instrument, please contact Band Director Wes Anderson at 309-483-6371. Sheet music for the nights performance can be found at this link:
www.facebook.com/100083270474026/posts/pfbid02jsgWv5THanQ5NHP5GiKBK1eU7mMLmBUKriS421E2kz9w9r5JZKwckVLbqCZZWcPul/?mibextid=UUgoR4. Call the band office for complete details. Let's everyone get together and have a good time.
“Without thinking and talking, there is no obstacle to get in the way of our enjoyment of present moment.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
This Day in History:
Attention ROWVA (ROVA) Band Alumni:
Have you been practicing your instruments? Are you interested in getting together and having some fun? In just 27 more days, the ROWVA (ROVA) Alumni band members will be performing during the February 16th basketball game. All former alumni band members are invited to play. If you need an instrument, please contact Band Director Wes Anderson at 309-483-6371. Sheet music for the nights performance can be found at this link:
www.facebook.com/100083270474026/posts/pfbid02jsgWv5THanQ5NHP5GiKBK1eU7mMLmBUKriS421E2kz9w9r5JZKwckVLbqCZZWcPul/?mibextid=UUgoR4. Call the band office for complete details. Let's everyone get together and have a good time.
“Without thinking and talking, there is no obstacle to get in the way of our enjoyment of present moment.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
This Day in History:
- 1793 – After being found guilty of treason by the French National Convention, Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine.
- 1861 – American Civil War: Jefferson Davis resigns from the United States Senate.
- 1981 – Production of the DeLorean sports car begins in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
- 2004 – NASA's MER-A (the Mars Rover Spirit) ceases communication with mission control. The problem lies in the management of its flash memory and is fixed remotely from Earth on February 6.
January 20, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due TODAY by 4 pm at the close of business. For your convenience, the Village accepts ca$h, debit/credit cards, or your good check for payment. Please either deliver your payment to Compton Accounting or pay your bill online by clicking on the following link:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Paying on time eliminates penalty fees and water shuts offs. Thank you to everyone for paying their bills on time.
“When one comes to the essence of being, the shining wisdom of reality illumines all like the cloudless sky.” - Milarepa
This Day in History:
Attention Village Residents:
Final reminder that water bills are due TODAY by 4 pm at the close of business. For your convenience, the Village accepts ca$h, debit/credit cards, or your good check for payment. Please either deliver your payment to Compton Accounting or pay your bill online by clicking on the following link:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Paying on time eliminates penalty fees and water shuts offs. Thank you to everyone for paying their bills on time.
“When one comes to the essence of being, the shining wisdom of reality illumines all like the cloudless sky.” - Milarepa
This Day in History:
- 1783 – The Kingdom of Great Britain signs preliminary articles of peace with the Kingdom of France, setting the stage for the official end of hostilities in the American Revolutionary War later that year.
- 1887 – The United States Senate allows the Navy to lease Pearl Harbor as a naval base.
- 1909 – Newly formed automaker General Motors (GM) buys into the Oakland Motor Car Company, which later becomes GM's long-running Pontiac division.
- 2021 – Joe Biden is inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States of America. At 78, he becomes the oldest person ever inaugurated. Kamala Harris becomes the first female Vice President of the United States.
January 19, 2023
Attention Area Gun Enthusiasts:
The Knox County Central Republican Committee will be having their annual Lincoln Day Dinner on February 17th at The Vault, in Galesburg. Not only will you hear from some of our area elected officials in Springfield, you will also be treated to a delicious meal, and have the opportunity to partake in silent auctions, 50/50 and a live auction as well. Some of the live auctioned items will be a Blackstone grill, a freezer, hog, firearm and many more items at this fundraiser. Tickets for this fundraising dinner and event are $25 each. Please see the flyer for complete information.
There are also two separate gun raffles. You do NOT need to be present for these two gun raffles. Both of these raffles you have a choice of taking either the firearm or the 1/2 hog which includes the processing from Harvester Meat Co. in Canton. So even if you are not interested in the firearm, you may choose the 1/2 hog option. Tickets for both of these firearms raffles are $10 each.
If you are interested in purchasing one or all of these tickets, they are available locally by contacting:
Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Thank you in advance and good luck in your drawings.
Derrick Appell
Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman
“Success in life should be determined by contributions, not accumulations.” - Arthur F. Lenehan
This Day in History:
Attention Area Gun Enthusiasts:
The Knox County Central Republican Committee will be having their annual Lincoln Day Dinner on February 17th at The Vault, in Galesburg. Not only will you hear from some of our area elected officials in Springfield, you will also be treated to a delicious meal, and have the opportunity to partake in silent auctions, 50/50 and a live auction as well. Some of the live auctioned items will be a Blackstone grill, a freezer, hog, firearm and many more items at this fundraiser. Tickets for this fundraising dinner and event are $25 each. Please see the flyer for complete information.
There are also two separate gun raffles. You do NOT need to be present for these two gun raffles. Both of these raffles you have a choice of taking either the firearm or the 1/2 hog which includes the processing from Harvester Meat Co. in Canton. So even if you are not interested in the firearm, you may choose the 1/2 hog option. Tickets for both of these firearms raffles are $10 each.
If you are interested in purchasing one or all of these tickets, they are available locally by contacting:
Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Thank you in advance and good luck in your drawings.
Derrick Appell
Walnut Grove Precinct Committeeman
“Success in life should be determined by contributions, not accumulations.” - Arthur F. Lenehan
This Day in History:
- 1607 – San Agustin Church in Manila is officially completed; it is the oldest church still standing in the Philippines.
- 1764 – Bolle Willum Luxdorph records in his diary that a mail bomb, possibly the world's first, has severely injured the Danish Colonel Poulsen, residing at Børglum Abbey.
- 1861 – American Civil War: Georgia joins South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama in declaring secession from the United States.
- 1953 – Almost 72 percent of all television sets in the United States are tuned into I Love Lucy to watch Lucy give birth.
- 2007 – Four-man Team N2i, using only skis and kites, completes a 1,093-mile (1,759 km) trek to reach the Antarctic pole of inaccessibility for the first time since 1965 and for the first time ever without mechanical assistance.
January 18, 2023
Attention Area Women:
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Please read the following article from the Knox County Health Department on what you can do for early detection.
“Make a total commitment today, to yourself, your goals, and your relationships. Hold nothing back.” - Brian Tracy
This Day in History:
Attention Area Women:
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Please read the following article from the Knox County Health Department on what you can do for early detection.
“Make a total commitment today, to yourself, your goals, and your relationships. Hold nothing back.” - Brian Tracy
This Day in History:
- 474 – Seven-year-old Leo II succeeds his maternal grandfather Leo I as Byzantine emperor. He dies ten months later.
- 1586 – The magnitude 7.9 Tenshō earthquake strikes Honshu, Japan, killing 8,000 people and triggering a tsunami.
- 1896 – An X-ray generating machine is exhibited for the first time by H. L. Smith.
- 1993 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is officially observed for the first time in all 50 US states.
- 2005 – The Airbus A380, the world's largest commercial jet, is unveiled at a ceremony in Toulouse, France
January 17, 2023
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due this Friday, January 20th by the close of business at 4 pm. Please stop in at Compton Accounting if you need to make any in-person transactions or just to drop off your bill with payment. For your convenience you may also pay your bill online by visiting:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Remember that there is a 10% penalty for late payment as well as a $50 reconnect fee to any account which has its service disconnected for lack of payment. So please save yourself those funds by paying your bills on time each month. Thank you.
“Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” - Christian D. Larson
This Day in History:
- 1377 – Pope Gregory XI reaches Rome, after deciding to move the Papacy back to Rome from Avignon.
Attention Village Residents:
Just a reminder that water bills are due this Friday, January 20th by the close of business at 4 pm. Please stop in at Compton Accounting if you need to make any in-person transactions or just to drop off your bill with payment. For your convenience you may also pay your bill online by visiting:
www.comptonaccounting.com/payment. Remember that there is a 10% penalty for late payment as well as a $50 reconnect fee to any account which has its service disconnected for lack of payment. So please save yourself those funds by paying your bills on time each month. Thank you.
“Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” - Christian D. Larson
This Day in History:
- 1377 – Pope Gregory XI reaches Rome, after deciding to move the Papacy back to Rome from Avignon.
- 1781 – American Revolutionary War: Battle of Cowpens: Continental troops under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan defeat British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton at the battle in South Carolina.
- 1917 – The United States pays Denmark $25 million for the Virgin Islands.
- 2002 – Mount Nyiragongo erupts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, displacing an estimated 400,000 people.
January 16, 2023
“A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there.” - Walt Disney
This Day in History:
“A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there.” - Walt Disney
This Day in History:
- 27 BC – Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus is granted the title Augustus by the Roman Senate, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.
- 1120 – Crusades: The Council of Nablus is held, establishing the earliest surviving written laws of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.
- 1780 – American Revolutionary War: Battle of Cape St. Vincent.
- 1883 – The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, establishing the United States Civil Service, is enacted by Congress.
- 1919 – Nebraska becomes the 36th state to approve the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. With the necessary three-quarters of the states approving the amendment, Prohibition is constitutionally mandated in the United States one year later.
- 2003 – The Space Shuttle Columbia takes off for mission STS-107 which would be its final one. Columbia disintegrated 16 days later on re-entry.
January 15, 2023
“How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy.” - Marcus Aurelius
This Day in History:
“How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbor says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy.” - Marcus Aurelius
This Day in History:
- 69 – Otho seizes power in Rome, proclaiming himself Emperor of Rome, beginning a reign of only three months.
- 1559 – Elizabeth I is crowned Queen of England and Ireland in Westminster Abbey, London.
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: New Connecticut (present-day Vermont) declares its independence.
- 1889 – The Coca-Cola Company, then known as the Pemberton Medicine Company, is incorporated in Atlanta.
- 1967 – The first Super Bowl is played in Los Angeles. The Green Bay Packers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 35–10.
- 2001 – Wikipedia, a free wiki content encyclopedia, goes online.
January 14, 2023
Attention Trivia Fans:
Tonight is the big night. Do you have your teams all picked out? Are you ready to battle to see who is the smartest when it comes to trivia? Will any of the this year's "This Day in History" be one of the questions during this event? Tonight at 5:30 pm at The Grove Community Church in Altona, they will be having their Mission Team Trivia Night fundraiser. Call or text 309-368-7683 to RSVP and also see the flyer for complete information. Cost is $80 for a team of 8. Pizza and snacks will also be available for a free will donation. Good luck tonight.
"The mind is what it thinks. To make it true, think true." - Nisargadatta Maharaj
This Day in History:
Attention Trivia Fans:
Tonight is the big night. Do you have your teams all picked out? Are you ready to battle to see who is the smartest when it comes to trivia? Will any of the this year's "This Day in History" be one of the questions during this event? Tonight at 5:30 pm at The Grove Community Church in Altona, they will be having their Mission Team Trivia Night fundraiser. Call or text 309-368-7683 to RSVP and also see the flyer for complete information. Cost is $80 for a team of 8. Pizza and snacks will also be available for a free will donation. Good luck tonight.
"The mind is what it thinks. To make it true, think true." - Nisargadatta Maharaj
This Day in History:
- 1784 – American Revolutionary War: Ratification Day, United States - Congress ratifies the Treaty of Paris with Great Britain.
- 1954 – The Hudson Motor Car Company merges with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation forming the American Motors Corporation.
- 2010 – Yemen declares an open war against the terrorist group al-Qaeda.
January 13, 2023
Attention Fun Seekers:
Just another reminder that tomorrow night is The Grove Mission Team Trivia Night which is being held at The Grove Community Church in Altona. The event starts at 5:30 pm. Please see the flyer for complete details and to make sure there are still tables available for your teams of 8. Good luck and have some fun.
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." - Albert Einstein
This Day in History:
Attention Fun Seekers:
Just another reminder that tomorrow night is The Grove Mission Team Trivia Night which is being held at The Grove Community Church in Altona. The event starts at 5:30 pm. Please see the flyer for complete details and to make sure there are still tables available for your teams of 8. Good luck and have some fun.
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." - Albert Einstein
This Day in History:
- 1815 – War of 1812: British troops capture Fort Peter in St. Marys, Georgia, the only battle of the war to take place in the state.
- 1942 – Henry Ford patents a soybean car, which is 30% lighter than a regular car.
- 2020 – The Thai Ministry of Public Health confirms the first case of COVID-19 outside China.
January 12, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Time is running out to get your teams together to compete in The Grove Mission Team Trivia Night. This fundraising event will be held this Saturday, January 14th starting at 5:30 pm. The cost for a team of 8 is $80, and there will also be pizza and snacks available for a free will donation. So grab all of your smart friends and put on your thinking caps, because you could be the winner of this year's event. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” - Marcus Aurelius
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Time is running out to get your teams together to compete in The Grove Mission Team Trivia Night. This fundraising event will be held this Saturday, January 14th starting at 5:30 pm. The cost for a team of 8 is $80, and there will also be pizza and snacks available for a free will donation. So grab all of your smart friends and put on your thinking caps, because you could be the winner of this year's event. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” - Marcus Aurelius
This Day in History:
- 1554 – Bayinnaung, who would go on to assemble the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, is crowned King of Burma.
- 1792 – Federalist Thomas Pinckney appointed first U.S. minister to Britain.
- 1915 – The United States House of Representatives rejects a proposal to require states to give women the right to vote.
- 1932 – Hattie Caraway becomes the first woman elected to the United States Senate.
- 2004 – The world's largest ocean liner, RMS Queen Mary 2, makes its maiden voyage.
January 11, 2023
Attention Area Residents & Gun Enthusiasts:
Do you like to speak with your elected officials when given the opportunity? Do you like to attend fundraising events, silent auctions, and participate in 50/50 drawings as well as gun raffles? The Knox County Republican Central Committee will have hosting their annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraising event on February 17th, at The Vault, located on S. Kellogg Street in Galesburg. The nights event will begin with a social hour at 5:00 pm with the dinner starting at 6 pm. There will be silent auctions, a 50/50, gun raffles as well as a regular auction. Some items that are to be auctioned off will be a Blackstone grill, a freezer, hog, fire pit, dinner for 8 at Weaver Farms in Peoria, a firearm, as well as other items. The cost for the dinner tickets as well as the rest of the nights events are $25 each.
There will also be two separate gun raffle drawings. Both of which the winner will have their choice of either a firearm or a half hog + processing from Harvester Meat Company in Canton, IL. One raffle is for is for a Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle or choice of a 1/2 hog. The other firearm raffle is for a Springfield 9mm Hellcat pistol or choice of a 1/2 hog. The cost of both of these firearm raffles drawings are $10 each. You do NOT need to be present to win these firearm raffle drawings.
Anyone who is interested in purchasing either the firearm tickets or the dinner tickets may contact Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Please see the flyers for complete details. Thank you and good luck.
Derrick Appell
Precinct Committeeman
Walnut Grove Precinct
Knox County Republican Party
“Chance is the first step you take, luck is what comes afterward.” - Amy Tan
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents & Gun Enthusiasts:
Do you like to speak with your elected officials when given the opportunity? Do you like to attend fundraising events, silent auctions, and participate in 50/50 drawings as well as gun raffles? The Knox County Republican Central Committee will have hosting their annual Lincoln Day Dinner fundraising event on February 17th, at The Vault, located on S. Kellogg Street in Galesburg. The nights event will begin with a social hour at 5:00 pm with the dinner starting at 6 pm. There will be silent auctions, a 50/50, gun raffles as well as a regular auction. Some items that are to be auctioned off will be a Blackstone grill, a freezer, hog, fire pit, dinner for 8 at Weaver Farms in Peoria, a firearm, as well as other items. The cost for the dinner tickets as well as the rest of the nights events are $25 each.
There will also be two separate gun raffle drawings. Both of which the winner will have their choice of either a firearm or a half hog + processing from Harvester Meat Company in Canton, IL. One raffle is for is for a Henry Classic Lever Action Rifle or choice of a 1/2 hog. The other firearm raffle is for a Springfield 9mm Hellcat pistol or choice of a 1/2 hog. The cost of both of these firearm raffles drawings are $10 each. You do NOT need to be present to win these firearm raffle drawings.
Anyone who is interested in purchasing either the firearm tickets or the dinner tickets may contact Derrick Appell at 309-484-2123. Please see the flyers for complete details. Thank you and good luck.
Derrick Appell
Precinct Committeeman
Walnut Grove Precinct
Knox County Republican Party
“Chance is the first step you take, luck is what comes afterward.” - Amy Tan
This Day in History:
- 1569 – First recorded lottery in England.
- 1693 – A powerful earthquake destroys parts of Sicily and Malta.
- 1805 – The Michigan Territory is created.
- 1908 – Grand Canyon National Monument is created.
January 10, 2023
Attention Trivia & Game Enthusiasts:
Time is running out to get your teams together for The Grove Mission Team Trivia Night which will be held this Saturday, January 14th at 5:30 pm at The Grove Community Church in Altona. Cost is $80 for a team of 8 people and pizza and snacks will be available for a free will donation. Please see the flyer for complete details and to RSVP. Will any of the "This Day in History" facts be questions at this year's upcoming event? One never knows. Thank you and good luck winning the event.
“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” - Anne Frank
This Day in History:
Attention Trivia & Game Enthusiasts:
Time is running out to get your teams together for The Grove Mission Team Trivia Night which will be held this Saturday, January 14th at 5:30 pm at The Grove Community Church in Altona. Cost is $80 for a team of 8 people and pizza and snacks will be available for a free will donation. Please see the flyer for complete details and to RSVP. Will any of the "This Day in History" facts be questions at this year's upcoming event? One never knows. Thank you and good luck winning the event.
“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” - Anne Frank
This Day in History:
- 49 BC – Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war.
- 236 – Pope Fabian succeeds Anterus to become the twentieth pope of Rome.
- 1776 – American Revolution: Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet Common Sense.
- 1861 – American Civil War: Florida becomes the third state to secede from the Union.
- 1946 – The United States Army Signal Corps successfully conducts Project Diana, bouncing radio waves off the Moon and receiving the reflected signals.
January 9, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
The Grove Community Church has just ask the Village to share their new website address with you. It is wearethegrove.church. Please bookmark this in your computer or visit it if this pertains to you. Thank you.
Attention Area Residents:
The Grove Community Church has just ask the Village to share their new website address with you. It is wearethegrove.church. Please bookmark this in your computer or visit it if this pertains to you. Thank you.
January 9, 2023
Attention R.O.W.V.A. & R.O.V.A. Alumni Band Members:
Do you remember all the fun that you had in band back in the day when you were in school? How would you like to relive your youth and play again? Well you can. On February 16th there will be a Pep Band Alumni Night! There will be a 5 pm rehearsal and the performance will be at 6 pm at the ROWVA High School. Please click on the following link for complete details as well as to view the sheet music. If you don't have your instrument, please contact the band room so that they can try and accommodate you. So download the music, dust off your instrument and start practicing for a fun night.
www.facebook.com/100083270474026/posts/pfbid02jsgWv5THanQ5NHP5GiKBK1eU7mMLmBUKriS421E2kz9w9r5JZKwckVLbqCZZWcPul/?mibextid=UUgoR4
“Life is a play. It’s not its length, but its performance that counts.” - Seneca
This Day in History:
Attention R.O.W.V.A. & R.O.V.A. Alumni Band Members:
Do you remember all the fun that you had in band back in the day when you were in school? How would you like to relive your youth and play again? Well you can. On February 16th there will be a Pep Band Alumni Night! There will be a 5 pm rehearsal and the performance will be at 6 pm at the ROWVA High School. Please click on the following link for complete details as well as to view the sheet music. If you don't have your instrument, please contact the band room so that they can try and accommodate you. So download the music, dust off your instrument and start practicing for a fun night.
www.facebook.com/100083270474026/posts/pfbid02jsgWv5THanQ5NHP5GiKBK1eU7mMLmBUKriS421E2kz9w9r5JZKwckVLbqCZZWcPul/?mibextid=UUgoR4
“Life is a play. It’s not its length, but its performance that counts.” - Seneca
This Day in History:
- 1788 – Connecticut becomes the fifth state to ratify the United States Constitution.
- 1861 – Mississippi becomes the second state to secede from the Union before the outbreak of the American Civil War.
- 1962 – Apollo program: NASA announces plans to build the C-5 rocket launch vehicle, then known as the "Advanced Saturn", to carry human beings to the Moon.
- 2007 – Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduces the original iPhone at a Macworld keynote in San Francisco.
January 8, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Did you make a yearly resolution, only to have lost it already? Have you felt that you need help with whatever has been bothering you, but you don't know where to turn? The churches of Altona invite you to attend one of their services and to explore what God has to offer. The following link will take you to the church listing page on the Village website. From there you will find the links to Bethany Baptist Church, The Grove Community Church, as well as Immanuel Lutheran Church. May 2023 find you at peace within yourself as well as the answers to your problems. altonaillinois.weebly.com/church-listings.html
"Try Daily Devotions Instead Of Yearly Resolutions." - Immanuel Lutheran Church
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Did you make a yearly resolution, only to have lost it already? Have you felt that you need help with whatever has been bothering you, but you don't know where to turn? The churches of Altona invite you to attend one of their services and to explore what God has to offer. The following link will take you to the church listing page on the Village website. From there you will find the links to Bethany Baptist Church, The Grove Community Church, as well as Immanuel Lutheran Church. May 2023 find you at peace within yourself as well as the answers to your problems. altonaillinois.weebly.com/church-listings.html
"Try Daily Devotions Instead Of Yearly Resolutions." - Immanuel Lutheran Church
This Day in History:
- 1790 – George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address in New York City.
- 1835 – US PresidentAndrew Jackson announces a celebratory dinner after having reduced the United States national debt to zero for the only time. (It is currently over $31 Trillion)
- 1964 – President Lyndon B. Johnson declares a "War on Poverty" in the United States.
- 2009 – A 6.1-magnitude earthquake in northern Costa Rica kills 15 people and injures 32.
January 7, 2023
Attention Families with Children:
Do your children enjoy watching cartoons? Do your children enjoy watching or playing Pokemon? Did you know that the Village of Altona has been invaded with Pokemon? Well, apparently so. Since children are the experts when it comes to Pokemon, the Village would like to ask that you spend some wholesome family time outside with your children and help us get rid of these creatures. All you have to do is download the Pokemon GO app from your app store on your mobile device, then wander around town collecting all the Pokemon creatures as we don't like to have trouble in town. Thank you for your help, and enjoy the memories that you will create on this adventure.
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” - Milton Berle
This Day in History:
Attention Families with Children:
Do your children enjoy watching cartoons? Do your children enjoy watching or playing Pokemon? Did you know that the Village of Altona has been invaded with Pokemon? Well, apparently so. Since children are the experts when it comes to Pokemon, the Village would like to ask that you spend some wholesome family time outside with your children and help us get rid of these creatures. All you have to do is download the Pokemon GO app from your app store on your mobile device, then wander around town collecting all the Pokemon creatures as we don't like to have trouble in town. Thank you for your help, and enjoy the memories that you will create on this adventure.
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” - Milton Berle
This Day in History:
- 1608 – Fire destroys Jamestown, Virginia.
- 1782 – The first American commercial bank, the Bank of North America, opens.
- 1894 – Thomas Edison makes a kinetoscopic film of someone sneezing. On the same day, his employee, William Kennedy Dickson, receives a patent for motion picture film.
- 1999 – The Senate trial in the impeachment of U.S. President Bill Clinton begins.
January 6, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Do you like to play games and have fun? Do you like trivia? Well then you are in luck, because The Grove Community Church's Mission Team is having a Trivia Night fundraiser on January 14th starting at 5:30 pm. There will be pizza and snacks for a free will donation. Teams of 8 will be $80. Please see the flyer for complete details, and good luck and have some fun.
“A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Do you like to play games and have fun? Do you like trivia? Well then you are in luck, because The Grove Community Church's Mission Team is having a Trivia Night fundraiser on January 14th starting at 5:30 pm. There will be pizza and snacks for a free will donation. Teams of 8 will be $80. Please see the flyer for complete details, and good luck and have some fun.
“A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes
This Day in History:
- 1322 – Stephen Uroš III is crowned King of Serbia, having defeated his half-brother Stefan Konstantin in battle. His son is crowned "young king" in the same ceremony.
- 1893 – The Washington National Cathedral is chartered by Congress. The charter is signed by President Benjamin Harrison.
- 1912 – New Mexico is admitted to the Union as the 47th U.S. state.
January 5, 2023
“Devotion to the truth is the hallmark of morality; there is no greater, nobler, more heroic form of devotion than the act of a man who assumes the responsibility of thinking.” - Ayn Rand
This Day in History:
“Devotion to the truth is the hallmark of morality; there is no greater, nobler, more heroic form of devotion than the act of a man who assumes the responsibility of thinking.” - Ayn Rand
This Day in History:
- 1781 – American Revolutionary War: Richmond, Virginia, is burned by British naval forces led by Benedict Arnold.
- 1914 – The Ford Motor Company announces an eight-hour workday and minimum daily wage of $5 in salary plus bonuses.
- 1972 – US President Richard Nixon announces the Space Shuttle program.
January 4, 2023
“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” - Clarence Thomas
This Day in History:
“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” - Clarence Thomas
This Day in History:
- 2010 Burj Khalifa is openedBurj Khalifa in Dubai is currently the world's tallest building, at 829.8 m (2,722 ft).
- 1958 Sputnik 1 falls to Earth from orbitThe Soviet Union was the first nation to send an artificial Earth satellite into space.
- 1948 Burma gains independence from the United KingdomBurma (Myanmar) came under British rule on January 1, 1886.
- 1896 Utah becomes the 45th state of the U.S.A.One condition for statehood was that a ban on polygamy had to be written into the state constitution.
- 1847 Samuel Colt sells his first revolverCaptain Samuel Walker of the Texas Rangers placed an order for 1000 revolver pistols after having witnessed their devastating effect.
January 3, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank everyone for supporting the businesses, churches and civic groups of Altona this past year. It is with your patronage that these entities prosper. With that, if you like to play trivia; then mark your calendars as The Grove Church Mission Team will be having a Trivia Night Fundraiser on January 14th starting at 5:30 pm at the church. Tables are $80 for a team of 8 people, so start getting your teams together. Pizza and snacks will be available for a free will donation. Call or text 309-368-7683 to RSVP. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.” - Robin Sharma
This Day in History:
1777 - The Battle of Princeton took place in the War of Independence, in which George Washington defeated the British forces, led by Cornwallis.
1888 - The drinking straw was patented by Marvin C. Stone.
1983 - Tony Dorsett (Dallas Cowboys) made the longest run from scrimmage in NFL history. Dorsett ran 99 yards in a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
2004 - NASA's Spirit rover landed on Mars. The craft was able to send back black and white images three hours after landing.
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees, i'd like to thank everyone for supporting the businesses, churches and civic groups of Altona this past year. It is with your patronage that these entities prosper. With that, if you like to play trivia; then mark your calendars as The Grove Church Mission Team will be having a Trivia Night Fundraiser on January 14th starting at 5:30 pm at the church. Tables are $80 for a team of 8 people, so start getting your teams together. Pizza and snacks will be available for a free will donation. Call or text 309-368-7683 to RSVP. Please see the flyer for complete details.
“Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life.” - Robin Sharma
This Day in History:
1777 - The Battle of Princeton took place in the War of Independence, in which George Washington defeated the British forces, led by Cornwallis.
1888 - The drinking straw was patented by Marvin C. Stone.
1983 - Tony Dorsett (Dallas Cowboys) made the longest run from scrimmage in NFL history. Dorsett ran 99 yards in a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
2004 - NASA's Spirit rover landed on Mars. The craft was able to send back black and white images three hours after landing.
January 2, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
Compton Accounting is closed today in observance of the New Year's holiday.
We have entered a new year. Springfield as passed over 180 laws that took effect yesterday. If you would like to read the new laws that will effect you this year, please click on the following link.
www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/images/PDFS/2022/bills-taking-effect-2023.pdf
“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.” - Taylor Swift
This Day in History:
Attention Area Residents:
Compton Accounting is closed today in observance of the New Year's holiday.
We have entered a new year. Springfield as passed over 180 laws that took effect yesterday. If you would like to read the new laws that will effect you this year, please click on the following link.
www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com/images/PDFS/2022/bills-taking-effect-2023.pdf
“This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.” - Taylor Swift
This Day in History:
- 533 – Mercurius becomes Pope John II, the first pope to adopt a new name upon elevation to the papacy.[3]
- 1777 – American Revolutionary War: American forces under the command of George Washington repulsed a British attack at the Battle of the Assunpink Creek near Trenton, New Jersey.[6]
- 1967 – Ronald Reagan, past movie actor and future President of the United States, is sworn in as Governor of California.[23]
January 1, 2023
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish everyone a very safe and Happy New Year!!! May all of your wishes and desires come true and that all of your families have good health. When you are celebrating this New Year with family and friends today, please be mindful that the police, as with any holiday, will be out in full force looking for speeders, seat belt violators and people driving under any type of influence. Please Don't Drink & Drive. Let's not start the year off with a tragedy. Please either choose a designated driver or make some other arrangements. Thank you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPnhaGWBnys
“A New Year has tiptoed in. Let’s go forward to meet it. Let’s welcome the 365 days it brings.” - Anusha Atukorala
This Day in History:
1863 – American Civil War: The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect in Confederate territory.
1877 – Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom is proclaimed Empress of India.
1885 – Twenty-five nations adopt Sandford Fleming's proposal for standard time (and also, time zones).
Attention Area Residents:
On behalf of the entire Village of Altona Board of Trustees; i'd like to wish everyone a very safe and Happy New Year!!! May all of your wishes and desires come true and that all of your families have good health. When you are celebrating this New Year with family and friends today, please be mindful that the police, as with any holiday, will be out in full force looking for speeders, seat belt violators and people driving under any type of influence. Please Don't Drink & Drive. Let's not start the year off with a tragedy. Please either choose a designated driver or make some other arrangements. Thank you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPnhaGWBnys
“A New Year has tiptoed in. Let’s go forward to meet it. Let’s welcome the 365 days it brings.” - Anusha Atukorala
This Day in History:
1863 – American Civil War: The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect in Confederate territory.
1877 – Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom is proclaimed Empress of India.
1885 – Twenty-five nations adopt Sandford Fleming's proposal for standard time (and also, time zones).