Friday News on WGFA, August 21, 2009 >
It was a tornado…. 1st Nat’l Bank of Gilman acquired…. Old Settlers Reunion underway…. Iroquois County Treasurer seeks re-election…. GOP Day at State Fair….
WX > High near 74 today, 50% chance of showers and T-storms. Weekend outlook: partly sunny Saturday, high near 74, sunny Sunday, high near 75.
> The First National Bank of Gilman has been acquired by the Edgar County Bank & Trust of Paris, IL. The President of the Gilman bank says the acquisition is a positive move and one that’ll save local jobs while providing customers security in a rapidly changing market.
“We are looking forward to being a part of the Edgar County Bank & Trust family,” said Gilman Bank President Dale Warmbir. “We believe ECBT can offer our customers the security and personal attention found in a small town bank. Our employees have stood stead fast in these trying times and now we have stability and a future. We are ready to move forward with ECBT.”
ECBT President W. Eric Volkmann announced Thursday, the business move will secure up to 20 jobs at both the Gilman and Watseka locations and ensure clients stability and security in an unsteady economy. First National Bank of Gilman has served the Iroquois County market since 1869 and is one of the few banks whose doors remained open throughout the Great Depression. Edgar County Bank & Trust Co. has served Paris, IL and surrounding communities since 1873.
> An EF1 tornado has been confirmed by National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists…occurring Wednesday, August 19…north of Watseka, Illinois in Iroquois County. The winds peaked at 105 mph, based on witness accounts, radar information and other data provided by emergency management personnel. The tornado is estimated to have hit at 6:15 pm.
The NWS survey team and Iroquois County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) confirmed damage at three sites north of Watseka, tracking northeasterly from Illinois Route 1 toward Cable Line Road.
> Iroquois County Treasurer Mindy Kuntz Hagan is announcing her candidacy for re-election next year. The Sheldon resident has 29 years experience in county and state government. She was first elected to the Treasurer’s post in 2006. Before that, she managed the Illinois Secretary of State’s drivers service office in Watseka for eight years. She previously worked in the county clerk’s office for 18 years when her father–the late John Kuntz–was clerk. Mindy served as deputy-clerk.
> Cissna Park’s Old Settlers Reunion started yesterday and runs thru Saturday. It’s the 122nd annual Old Settlers and one of the longest-running observances in Illinois. The event has been sponosred by the American Legion Post 527 since 1946. A flag raising ceremony get it started Thursday evening. Most of the events are in the village park. The Old Settlers Parade steps off at noon Saturday.
> Fireworks in Watseka September 6th. The July 4th Fireworks display, cancelled due to weather, are re-scheduled for Sunday night, Sept 6th near the Iroquois County Courthouse. Sponsored by the Watseka Knights of Columbus. Donations are accepted at the First Trust & Savings Bank.
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