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| Don't miss the new video restaurant tour by clicking the link above. |
September 1, 2009
HHS Lady Ducks…hit the courts on Monday evening for their season opener with Delavan. Havana's volleyball team has grown in popularity in recent years and it was great to see a good crowd at the gym to welcome these talented girls back. There are a lot more photos to be seen, just click the link below.
September 2, 2009
Oktoberfest…is just around the corner for Havana. Everything will kick off on Friday, September 11th with the Parade beginning at 6:00 pm. The photo at right is from Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 6:04 pm and clicking on the arrow in the blue box will allow you to view one of the many video clips which was part of 62644.com in those days. At that time, this was considered a pretty good quality digital video but with the advancement of technology videos of that technology range can now be made on $100 flip cameras regularly seen on places such as Facebook. In just a couple of days 62644.com will realize a long planned and awaited return to using video technology in producing this online publication. The first view of this new feature will quite striking as it will not be cheap technology, but the quality you have grown to expect only from 62644.com. You will soon begin seeing full blown professional broadcast quality High Definition 1920 x 1080 video right here. So get used to clicking that button above, as they say stay tuned...film at 11.
September 3, 2009
One of your best friends…that you never want to see on any holiday trip. Most will think first about getting a ticket if you have a tendency of starting out a little too late and try to make that up on the highways. But think for a moment as we approach Labor Day Weekend, this officer like all the other emergency personnel out there working while we play will be the ones who will do everything they can to save your life should it be necessary. Thank you to all of these EMT's, Fire Fighters, and Law Enforcement Officers for the very tough jobs all of you do. So please everyone, do not make one of these folks your best friend over the weekend, leave early, don't drink and drive, and don't text and drive.
Be safe out there.
September 4, 2009
Time for a test…Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do what you can then go for it. You have to start somewhere, since money usually determines how high on the cliff you get to start at we all have different levels of starting points. So with nothing particular in mind to shoot a test video of on a Thursday evening I decided that the Illinois River was as good as anything so now it's up to you to click the arrow in the photo above. Everyone have a great weekend!
September 5, 2009
From the ashes…The first section of the foundation of the future new Town House was being poured on Friday afternoon of September 4th. Where there were three owners of the Plaza prior to the fire which consumed the entire complex, Ed Ray now owns the entire property. It is good to see construction beginning. The historic restaurant had been for sale for some time.
September 6, 2009
Fall colors…are beginning to arrive here in Central Illinois. Look closely at the trees and you will see the beginning of the remarkable transformation of fall beginning. Gee, where did summer go? The next thing you know it will be time for Oktoberfest and then the Spoon River Drive...did someone say Christmas? How time does fly by.
September 7, 2009
The Manito Popcorn Festival was going strong over Labor Day Weekend and Tim Oest was there to capture the festivities. To see more please click the link below.
September 8, 2009
Pamida Center has joined
in the fight against teen drug use in Havana. Jason Blanchette of
September 9, 2009
In just two days
September 10, 2009
HHS has a great Journalism Department…and Mrs. McCandless makes it an interesting and productive experience for those involved. Back in my high school days, I have fond memories of working on the school yearbook and our other publications. When Mrs. McCandless asked me to come back again this year to talk with the students about photography I was very happy to go over and spend some time with these great students. They do a wonderful job on the yearbook every year, an experience that teaches these students many different aspects of the business world today. These students have a lot of talent and as one example just look at these photographs which were taken by Seth Lesemann.
September 11, 2009
They're waiting…in a matter of hours now these magical steeds will be thrilling wide-eyed youngsters should it be their first merry-go-round ride or their 100th. Havana's Oktoberfest kicks off Friday at 6:00 pm with the annual parade. Then it's time to party like a rock star, well maybe a country star would be more appropriate. There will be something for everyone at the fest and should you be a HHS sports fan the Ducks Varsity team will be trying to make it 3-0 against Knoxville HS at 7:00 at Art Dufelmeier Field, GO DUCKS!
September 12, 2009
Lots of shots for this day…is really true. I have a ton of photos from the parade and from the game. I am processing them overnight and hope to have them up tomorrow. Plus I have a little extra for all of you this time. I figured it was time to break out the video camera and give it a better test. So please bear with me just a little longer and have fun at Oktoberfest while I work on all this and thinking about how good a brat and a beer would taste about right now. Have fun everyone, but be safe out there.
September 13, 2009
Ending or beginning?…One can not always tell by a photograph. The 2009 Oktoberfest has come and gone but lots of memories of old friends, new friends, fun times, and surely a headache or two remain along with many photographs and even a couple of videos for you folks who couldn't make it. Just click the links below to view them.
September 14, 2009
The Varsity Ducks…went up against Knoxville on Friday night in one heck of a battle to go 3-0 for the season. It was quite a game and the Ducks played a very good game, actually leading for a large part of it. But in the end it was only two points that separated the two teams. With the final score of 14-12 our Ducks can be proud of their efforts. This Friday it's off to Lewistown for a 7:00 game. I plan on being there for more photos and videos. Videos? Yes, you will find 15 HD Videos from Friday night's game by clicking the link below. See you in Lewistown on Friday for more.
September 15, 2009
The South Side…When I saw this shot I began remembering a much different Havana of many years ago. This was a time when Havana's South Side was the heart and soul of this town. Businesses with names such as: Crescent Forge & Shovel, Attwood, Tracer Industries, and Wheeling to name a few, were all up and running at full speed with good jobs being very plentiful, the town of over 7,000 at that time, was booming and blooming. The history of Havana is long, colorful, and yes, even rowdy but today these fading memories of better days gone live on as skeletal remains of Havana's pride and strength.
September 16, 2009
Steve Meyer…is one Havana resident who loves to surf Main Street as much as he loves surfing the net. Steve is actually a technician for Casscomm who happened to be a big part of this year's Havana Oktoberfest. Casscomm's Marketing & Public Relations Director, Erynn Snedeker developed a special "Oktoberfest Surf the Net Promotion" and Steve became the perfect surfer to hang ten all the way down Main Street. He also tells us that the great promotion offers a Free internet install, 1st month free, and the 2nd month $20 off. For more information visit their website by CLICKING HERE . Steve was pretty solid on that board, it's not easy to ride the waves of our brick streets and throw candy at the same time...maybe those are special surfin Nike's.
September 17, 2009
The Havana Water Tower…is probably Havana's most significant remaining historic landmark. In the past the loss of other such landmarks as The Taylor House Hotel (Illinois first 3-story commercial building), The C, P, & St. L Depot, and various other historical buildings, homes, and structures have been tragic losses historically.
Havana's water tower was built in the same year as the Eiffel Tower, 1889. The Havana tower is the fourth oldest in Illinois. Designed by F. William Raider, it holds 50,000 gallons and was the town's only water supply until 1962. It was designated an American Water Landmark by the American Water Works Association in 1982 and a Preserved Historic Place by the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. The tower remains in operation today.
For a look back into Havana's history check out the 3 page history section by CLICKING HERE .
September 18, 2009
Water levels…in the Illinois River are as low as most remember right now. The Illinois River has seen both extremes this year. The current level is reported officially as 5.7 feet for today by the NWS.
Speaking of Ducks, don't forget the Varsity game is at Lewistown beginning at 7:00. I will be there to gather photographs and more HD Video for you if you can't make the game.
September 19, 2009
Ducks Vs. Indians…has been a great rival for many, many years. Tonight was no exception. In a jam-packed Lewistown HS stadium on a very beautiful Friday night, the carnival atmosphere turned to some football at 7:00 pm. I had to leave at halftime when the score was 27-0 Indians with the final score for the game at 41-8. The links below will take you to the photographs and videos. Many of you have asked about purchasing the HD Videos and that is now possible just see the instructions in the galleries.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
We will have some more additions to the website for you next week to begin kicking off Homecoming Week all leading up to the Homecoming game against South Fulton on October 2. So stay tuned.
September 20, 2009
Park District boat ramps…are in their final stages and the low river levels are playing an important role in being able to finalize this project. This photo was actually taken late last week and work was in full swing. For one I look forward to seeing the final results of the new ramps and the Nature Center facility. This will be a great addition to Havana's riverfront.
September 21, 2009
Meet Tiffanie Bell…"Tiff" is a Senior this year at HHS and has been involved in something she loves while in high school, Journalism. I am proud to announce that Tiffanie will be doing regular stories for 62644.com about some of the interesting things going on at HHS in a column we are calling "In the Halls at HHS". She will be reporting on interesting projects, interesting students and teachers, and what's happening In the Halls of HHS. I think you will find this to be very interesting, I know I am looking forward to this. Thank you for your efforts Tiff!
You will notice that there is a new link in the navigation column at left, IN THE HALLS , you may use it now to see the first installment and to check on regular updates from Tiffanie.
September 22, 2009
Brenda Rothert…is not only a very talented writer you will recognize from the Peoria Journal Star but she is also becoming a very good photographer. Brenda is now the Director of Communications and Member Services for Spoon River Electric Cooperative based in Canton. She took this photo of the company Lineman and Line Clearance workers posing before the Canton Friendship Festival Parade Saturday. The group dressed as “green men” to promote energy efficiency and to hand out postcards to be sent to U.S. Senators Durbin and Burris about pending climate change legislation.
Many thanks to Brenda for sending the great photo and to the green linemen, I am so sorry I missed your performance. GREAT JOB!
September 23, 2009
Havana Volleyball…is here and really fun to watch. Tuesday night the ladies took on North Fulton. Sadly I had to leave at the end of the JV game where the girls took two quick matches from the North Fulton team. The photographs are processed and the videos are uploading. They can be viewed by clicking the page link below.
There will be a special HHS Volleyball event on Monday, September 28th beginning with the Freshman team Vs. Midwest Central at 5:00 at the gym. This game will be followed at 6:00 by the Varsity teams in play. The matches will be in benefit of Breast Cancer Prevention and Awareness with all funds raised going to this cause. There will be special guests and a special halftime program. Find some pink clothing and come enjoy some exciting volleyball and help these teams support a great cause.
September 24, 2009
What would you do if two individuals entered your home or business uninvited and stole 91 of your possessions? What if you knew who stole your 91 items and you went and got them back only to have those same individuals return and steal your items for the second time? How would you feel when you saw your 91 items being sold by them at a profit for them? More than likely you would be pretty upset and call the police because you had proof of who did it, and more than likely those two individuals would be arrested...NOT!
September 25, 2009
Ready... All last week area farmers were saying they would hit the fields on Monday. With the rain taking center stage most of the week the area Farm to Market roads have not been as busy as planned, but my guess is that like always no matter what the circumstances it will all work out and this ear of corn will end up as part of that huge pile just off Route 97 South. With harvest season here be a little extra careful out there.
September 26, 2009
Intermet 2009... One year ago this month I published a story about the sale of Havana's former Intermet Manufacturing Plant ( CLICK HERE ). At that time the salvage operation was underway and since then I have had a number of questions from viewers as to the status and condition of the plant so I have taken new photos on September 25th and have been able to find some information to answer at least some of your questions.
For more CLICK HERE
September 27, 2009
Cycles... When you see the sight captured in the photograph above most of us think about rakes and all the work involved in removing one of the miracles of life from our lawns. Leaves are amazing creations and don't forget they do make great fertilizer for your lawn also. ;-) .
The
Fall Transition
Exciting new menu items top the list of what you will see and taste beginning Wednesday, September 30th. A beautiful new fall season is upon us and the same is now true at Sheridan Lane Restaurant. Salmon, duck, ribs, fish, and chicken are among the wonderful new Fare's to welcome in one of the most beautiful times of the year here in the Midwest. Sheridan Lane is a restaurant developed to please all of your senses when you visit here. The warmness of being among friends you will feel as you enter will soon mix with the sights and aromas of the creations developed and served here. We think you will truly enjoy your visit to Sheridan Lane and will find it a place you really like to be. With every detail of your meal created and prepared right on the premises your taste buds will be as happy as your wallet. Our meals are proudly priced to fit your budget as well as your pallet. We look forward to seeing you soon.
For those of you who have not visited us yet we have a new Video Tour for a glimpse of the changes you will notice on your first visit. Please CLICK HERE to view the video. We also have other information and news for you on our own special page here on 62644.com which can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
September 29, 2009
The Pink Team Won...When two great schools and volleyball teams come together on a Monday night, discard their school colors, don uniforms of a single color for one single great cause in front of a large crowd in the same color, everyone wins. Midwest Central came to HHS where both teams had a common goal in mind. Both teams and their house full of fans had all come together in dedication to the Memory of those we have lost to Breast Cancer, those who are survivors, and to a future free from this disease. All proceeds from tonight's events go to the Susan G Kommen Center for the Cure to benefit breast cancer research and prevention efforts.
Click the link for more...Volley for the Cure
September 30, 2009
The Transition to Fall...Is upon us everywhere we look. The shot here taken of Spoon River reminds me of many things which all taking place. As Central Illinois transforms from Summer to Fall we get a glimpse of something magical before the arrival of the stark contrast of Winter. Fall in Central Illinois is very beautiful visually and with this transition comes a number of great Fall festivals and events. The famous Spoon River Drive gives us the wonderful opportunity to visit the winding roads and rolling hills of Fulton County to enjoy all the events over the next two weekends. Today also brings the Fall Transition to Sheridan Lane Restaurant. I think you will be surprised and pleased with the seasonal change that will take place there both visually and for your palette as a new Fall menu begins today with many new great surprises.
