News

Wilford Gaddis of Sullivan has filed a lawsuit against his father-in-law, Fred Baker of Windsor Township, seeking ,000 in damages. The lawsuit alleges that Baker alienated Mrs. Gaddis’ affections, which is a result of the domestic troubles between Mr. and Mrs. Gaddis.

Reynolds Creed was arrested on Friday for transporting liquor in Newton. He was caught by Sheriff K.Y. Jones with the liquor in a new Ford coupe. In another incident, C.H. Richardson, a musician with the Campbell Bros. circus, was arrested for stealing a diamond cluster ring valued at ,500. Richardson sold the diamonds in Frankfort and Logansport, Indiana.

50 Years Ago, 1973

A disagreement has arisen between James O’Neal, chairman of the Mattoon Planning Commission, and Carol Specht, a member of the Mattoon League of Women Voters, regarding public involvement in the revision of the 1959 Mattoon Zoning Ordinance. Both O’Neal and Specht believe that active participation from the public is important in updating the ordinance. The Mattoon Planning Commission and Mattoon Zoning Board of Appeals have been meeting jointly since January to work on a general overhaul of the outdated zoning ordinance. O’Neal has encouraged the public to attend the monthly joint meetings of the two boards, while Specht suggests the creation of a citizens’ advisory committee to involve more people in the revision process.

During the Arthur Centennial ball held in the Arthur business district, Mrs. Theodore (Anna) Russell was announced as the Arthur Centennial queen. The 70-year-old Mrs. Russell was chosen as the centennial queen and received prizes including a 1973 Chevrolet Vega automobile and a diamond ring.

25 Years Ago, 1998

The 20th anniversary of Eastern Illinois University’s Celebration, a festival of the arts and humanities, is expected to be different from past years due to the possibility of no rain. The organizers usually anticipate rain during Celebration weekend, but the current forecast looks promising. The Celebration aims to bring together students and the community by transforming EIU’s campus.

The trial of murder suspect Charles Drum was moved out of Coles County to Vermilion County in order to ensure a fair trial. Drum, along with two codefendants, is accused of the beating and strangulation death of Mattoon resident Shane Ellison. The trial, originally scheduled to begin on September 1, was delayed until November 4. If found guilty, Drum could face the death penalty.

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