The Delavan City Council this week confronted the growing reality of cyber threats to municipal systems, debating whether to purchase insurance coverage designed to protect against digital attacks.

Police Chief Michael Evans strongly urged the council to secure cyber insurance, warning that the city’s systems remain vulnerable without such protection. “The risks are real, and the consequences of a breach could be devastating for the city operations and residents alike,” Evans said.

The council reviewed an offer of coverage from a carrier, but Alderman Douglas Bury raised concerns after noting language in the cover letter that questioned the solvency of the provider. Following the discussion, Alderman Joe Watts moved to table the matter, with Alderman Joshua Lusher seconding. The motion carried unanimously, with council members agreeing to seek quotes from other carriers before proceeding, but all agreed on the necessity of coverage.

Lessons From East Peoria’s Breach

The urgency of Delavan’s deliberations was underscored by a recent cyberattack on neighboring East Peoria. Officials there confirmed that the city’s third-party emergency alert system, OnSolve CodeRED, was breached “recently” by what they described as an organized cybercriminal group.

For years, East Peoria relied on CodeRED to send alerts through its police, fire, public works, and communications departments, as well as to share information from City Hall, EastSide Centre, special events, and the Fon du Lac Park District.

According to Crisis24, the company behind CodeRED, data associated with the program was removed during or after the attack and “appears to have been published online.” The compromised information may include names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and passwords linked to subscriber profiles.

Officials stressed that the breach was contained to the platform, which has since been decommissioned. A replacement system, “CODERED by Crisis24,” has been launched using backup data, transferring all residents who signed up by March 31. Crisis24 issued a statement expressing regret and urging subscribers to change any reused passwords immediately.

A Growing Threat

The East Peoria incident highlights the vulnerabilities cities face as they rely more heavily on digital platforms to serve residents. For Delavan, the breach serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of proactive measures.

The holiday season is officially underway in Delavan as city crews began work this week to install the town’s annual Christmas tree on Locust Street, just north of the intersection with 4th Street.

The towering evergreen, a centerpiece of the city’s seasonal celebrations, is carefully positioned each year to welcome residents and visitors alike. Crews used heavy equipment Wednesday morning to secure the tree in place, ensuring it will stand tall through December’s winter winds.

Once the tree is secured, crews will begin stringing thousands of lights. The Dispatch has not yet received information on whether an official tree-lighting ceremony will take place, but will provide updates as soon as details are available.

Residents strolling downtown paused to watch the work, snapping photos and sharing memories of past celebrations. For many, the sight of the tree rising above Locust Street marks the true beginning of the Christmas season in Delavan.

A special thanks goes to local business B&W Tree Service and its owner, Bill Birky, whose assistance in raising the tree has been a valued part of this tradition for many years.

Hopedale Medical Center has recognized Natalie Lessen as one of its two November Employees of the Month, celebrating her dedication and impact at Miss Mona’s Child Care Center.

For the past nine years, Lessen has been a cornerstone of the center, shaping young lives with care and consistency. Currently serving as the two-year-old teacher, she has also stepped into temporary director duties, balancing both roles with energy and commitment.

The person who nominated Lessen for Employee of the Month praised her unwavering devotion, noting, “Natalie ensures that our children are cared for every single day.”

From classroom lessons to administrative responsibilities, Lessen’s work reflects her passion for early childhood education and her ability to nurture both children and colleagues. Her recognition highlights the essential role child care professionals play in supporting families and strengthening the community.

The Delavan Dispatch congratulates Natalie on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her continued service to local families.

Delavan residents woke up Saturday, November 29, to the season’s first major winter storm—a powerful system that blanketed Central Illinois in nearly ten inches of snow and brought daily life to a halt.

The heavy snowfall, which began before dawn and continued into the evening, left roads treacherous and caused a wave of closures and cancellations across the community.

Panthers Game Called Off

The Delavan Panthers were set to play their final matchup in the Bill Ruck Basketball Tournament in Mount Pulaski on Saturday night. Instead, the game was canceled as travel conditions deteriorated. Tournament organizers cited safety concerns for players, families, and fans.

Churches Close Their Doors

Sunday morning brought more disruption. The Delavan Methodist Church announced the cancellation of its worship service, a rare move underscoring the severity of the storm. Pastor and church leaders urged members to stay safe at home, promising to resume services next week.

Sunday Morning Breakfast Postponed

The American Legion’s traditional Sunday breakfast, a popular gathering spot for families and veterans alike, was also called off. Organizers said the decision was made to protect volunteers and attendees from icy roads and lingering snowdrifts.

A Rare November Snowfall

According to regional reports, Delavan received between 9 and 10 inches of snow, placing it among the hardest-hit towns in Tazewell County. Neighboring Logan County recorded similar totals, with the National Weather Service in Lincoln reporting 9.9 inches. For many residents, the storm was one of the largest November snowfalls in recent memory.

Community Response

Crews worked tirelessly through the weekend to clear streets, while neighbors pitched in with plows to help clear driveways. Despite the challenges, the storm also brought moments of quiet beauty—snow-covered yards and festive lights glowing against the white backdrop.

The holiday season in Delavan officially began Wednesday evening as volunteers from the Delavan Park District gathered in Veterans Park to raise Christmas trees for the annual Sponsorship program. Despite battling high winds and a sharp drop in temperature, the crew worked steadily to secure each tree and string them with festive lights, ensuring the park will shine brightly for the community throughout December.

The effort was not without challenge. Gusts whipped across the open grounds, shaking trees and tugging at strands of lights, while the sudden chill foreshadowed the winter storm predicted to arrive on Saturday. Yet the volunteers pressed on, determined to uphold a tradition that has become a cornerstone of Delavan’s holiday celebrations.

Each tree in Veterans Park represents a local sponsorship, with families, businesses, and organizations contributing to the display. The program not only brightens the park but also symbolizes the town’s collective spirit of giving and remembrance. As the lights flickered on against the cold night sky, the scene reflected both resilience and warmth—a reminder that community shines brightest in challenging conditions.

Park District organizers expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ dedication, noting that their work ensures Veterans Park remains a beacon of holiday cheer. Residents are encouraged to visit the park in the coming weeks to enjoy the display and reflect on the strength of the community that makes it possible.