Delavan Churches Offer Christmas Eve Services
By Robert Fang
Published: December 21, 2025
Delavan’s churches are opening their doors on Christmas Eve, offering a variety of worship opportunities for families, visitors, and anyone seeking a moment of peace and celebration before Christmas Day. Each congregation brings its own traditions to the evening, from early services to music-filled gatherings.
St. Mary’s will hold the earliest known Christmas Eve service in town, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The parish invites the community to join in a traditional Catholic celebration of the Nativity, offering a reverent and family-friendly option for those who prefer an earlier service or have evening plans.
Christ Lutheran will welcome worshippers with special Christmas music starting at 6:45 p.m., leading into their 7:00 p.m. candlelight service. The congregation encourages attendees to arrive early to enjoy the pre-service music, which has become a cherished part of their Christmas Eve tradition.
The Delavan United Methodist Church will also hold its Christmas Eve service at 7:00 p.m., preceded by a 6:30 p.m. performance from the church choir. The choir’s annual Christmas program is a highlight for many, setting a joyful and reflective tone for the evening worship.
First Presbyterian will also hold its Christmas Eve service at 7:00 p.m. The congregation invites the community to join in a warm, traditional celebration of Christmas, offering another meaningful option for those attending evening services.
With multiple service times and musical offerings, Delavan residents have several meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas Eve. Each church welcomes all who wish to gather in fellowship, reflection, and celebration of the season.
Delavan’s churches are opening their doors on Christmas Eve, offering a variety of worship opportunities for families, visitors, and anyone seeking a moment of peace and celebration before Christmas Day. Each congregation brings its own traditions to the evening, from early services to music-filled gatherings.
Photo Caption: Interim City Administrator Eric Diekhoff presents outgoing City Treasurer Gail Mitchell with a gift on behalf of the City of Delavan in recognition of her 17 years of service..
Mitchell Steps Down; Stockman Appointed City Treasurer
By Robert Fang
Published: December 21, 2025
After more than 17 years of dedicated service to the City of Delavan, City Treasurer Gail Mitchell has stepped down from the position she has held since October 2007. Her tenure was formally honored at the most recent Delavan City Council meeting, where city officials expressed deep appreciation for her long-standing commitment to the community.
During the meeting, Interim City Administrator Eric Diekhoff presented Mitchell with a gift on behalf of the city, recognizing her steady leadership and the vital role she played in maintaining Delavan’s financial health over nearly two decades. Council members thanked Mitchell for her professionalism, reliability, and service to residents.
The council also moved to fill the vacancy created by Mitchell’s departure. In a unanimous vote, members approved the appointment of April Stockman as the new City Treasurer. City Clerk Tia Galloway administered the oath of office, officially welcoming Stockman into her new role.
City leaders expressed confidence in Stockman’s ability to continue the strong financial stewardship that has defined the treasurer’s office.
Mitchell’s retirement marks the close of a significant chapter in Delavan’s administrative history, and the city extended its gratitude once more for her years of service.
Photo Caption: The 2026 Delavan FFA Officers stand proudly with their faculty advisors. From left: Mr. Theo Allen (Faculty Advisor), Isaac Meeker (Reporter), Mason Ziegler (Secretary), Jaxton Westbrook (President), McKinleigh Sipka (Vice President), Lily Carlton (Treasurer), Coriell Green (Sentinel), and Mrs. Nicole Phillips (Faculty Advisor)..
FFA Celebrates Successful Year
Delavan FFA 2025 Family & Community Potluck
By Robert Fang
Published: December 19, 2025
The Delavan FFA chapter hosted its annual Family and Community Potluck Dinner on December 17, 2025, at the American Legion Post 382, bringing together students, families, and local supporters for an evening of recognition, gratitude, and celebration. The event highlighted the chapter’s commitment to leadership, service, and agricultural education, with special honors for outstanding members and contributors.
Greenhand Degree
Awarded to first-year members, this honor recognizes students who have demonstrated a solid understanding of FFA’s mission, history, and opportunities. Recipients showed commitment to developing their supervised agricultural experiences and learning the foundations of leadership.
Chapter Degree
Given to second-year members, this degree highlights continued growth in agricultural projects, leadership roles, and community involvement. Students earning this honor have advanced their skills while contributing meaningfully to the chapter’s activities.
State Degree
The highest honor presented at the state level, this degree recognizes exceptional dedication, achievement in supervised agricultural experiences, and leadership beyond the local chapter. It is a prestigious milestone, with only a small percentage of members statewide achieving this recognition.
The ceremony recognized students earning Greenhand, Chapter, and State FFA Degrees. Greenhand FFA Degree recipients included:
Chapter FFA Degree recipients included:
State FFA Degree recipient:
Future Farmer Scholarships
These awards support students pursuing higher education in agriculture or related fields. Recipients were chosen for their academic excellence, dedication to supervised agricultural experiences, and commitment to advancing the future of farming.
Ag Legacy Scholarships
Designed to honor the heritage of agriculture in Illinois, these scholarships celebrate students who exemplify leadership, service, and a passion for sustaining rural communities. Winners demonstrated both scholastic achievement and a strong record of involvement in FFA and community activities.
Margaret Rose Memorial Fund Scholarship
Supports students passionate about plant biology and agricultural careers. This scholarship honors Margaret Allen’s legacy of learning and gardening, helping recipients purchase books and pursue studies in plant systems, genetics, and physiology.
Future Farmer Scholarships (Section 12 FFA Fair Series):
Ag Legacy Scholarships:
Margaret Rose Memorial Fund Scholarship:
Students and teams were honored for their achievements in CDEs, including Horse Judging, Agronomy, Forestry, Horticulture, Soils & Land Use, Creed Speaking, Ag Trivia Bowl, Envirothon, Livestock Judging, Dairy Products, Archery, Meat Judging, and Extemporaneous Public Speaking. Notable winners included:
Plot Committee:
Led a comparative analysis of corn varieties, harvesting 1,500 bushels and raising over $5,200 for scholarships and chapter activities. The project involved local seed dealers, farmers, and businesses, teaching students about planting, harvesting, and record keeping.
Feed the Farmer:
Organized by students to provide lunches to farmers during harvest season at local grain elevators. The project also collected donations for scholarships, supporting students’ participation in FFA activities.
Kiddie Tractor Pull:
Introduced over 70 children to agricultural machinery in a fun, interactive event. The goal was to engage young students and spark interest in FFA and agriculture.
Ag Olympics:
Designed to make agriculture fun for elementary students, encouraging future involvement in FFA. The event featured games and activities led by dedicated committee members.
Jumpstart Ag:
Focused on educating children about agriculture through hands-on activities, fostering curiosity and understanding of FFA’s mission.
Food Drive:
FFA teams collected canned goods for Christmas baskets, supporting 89 families in Delavan. This project exemplified the chapter’s commitment to community service.
Panther Pink Out:
A service project raising over $500 for Metavivor, supporting breast cancer research and awareness. The event included shirt sales and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting survivors and research efforts.
Committee leaders recognized for their contributions included:
Project MVPs:
The new Delavan FFA officer team for 2026 was installed:
The evening concluded with reflections from senior members and advisors, emphasizing the importance of service, leadership, and community support. The Delavan FFA Family and Community Potluck Dinner once again demonstrated the chapter’s dedication to fostering growth, opportunity, and lasting connections in Delavan.
Body of Missing Hopedale Man Found
By Robert Fang
Published: December 18, 2025
The search for a missing rural Hopedale man has come to a tragic end. Authorities confirmed Thursday afternoon that the body of Eric Burlingame, 59, was discovered along Shiloh Road in rural Tazewell County.
Burlingame had been reported missing on Sunday, December 14, after family members said they had not seen him for several days. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office issued a public appeal for assistance on December 15, noting that Burlingame did not have his phone or identification with him at the time of his disappearance. He was described as 5-foot-9 and weighing approximately 210 pounds.
On Thursday, December 18, the Tazewell County Coroner’s Office was contacted to respond to the scene. Burlingame was pronounced deceased at 1:30 p.m. No foul play is suspected, according to investigators. Authorities noted that the area where Burlingame was found had recently been covered in large snow drifts following this week’s winter storm.
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday afternoon to determine the official cause of death. The case remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police, the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tazewell County Coroner’s Office.
Photo Caption: The front facade of the Delavan Times building on Locust Street, a familiar landmark in the heart of downtown, now stands as a quiet reminder of the paper’s 151-year legacy..
Delavan Times Publishes Final Issue
By Robert Fang
Published: December 17, 2025
After more than 150 years of continuous publication, the Delavan Times has printed its final edition. The Wednesday, December 17, 2025, issue marked the end of a storied legacy for one of Illinois’ longest-running weekly newspapers.
Sandra Larimore-Denman, Editor and Publisher of the Times, announced the decision to retire and cease publication, closing a chapter that spans generations of her family’s stewardship. Denman succeeded her mother, Ruth Arnold Larimore, in 1998. Ruth herself had reclaimed the paper in 1963, continuing the work of her father, J. Ross Arnold, who purchased the Times in 1928.
The Delavan Times traces its roots back to 1874, serving as a steadfast voice for the community through wars, economic shifts, and the evolution of local journalism. For decades, it chronicled the lives of Delavan residents, reported on civic milestones, and provided a platform for community dialogue.
The closure reflects broader challenges facing local journalism nationwide, where family-owned papers struggle against rising costs, declining advertising revenue, and the digital transformation of news consumption.
For Delavan, the loss of the Times is more than the end of a publication—it is the closing of a cultural institution. Generations of readers grew up with the weekly ritual of the paper arriving on doorsteps, carrying stories of school events, church suppers, civic debates, and the everyday triumphs and trials of small-town life.
Community leaders expressed gratitude for the decades of service. “The Times was the heartbeat of Delavan,” said one longtime resident. “It kept us connected, informed, and proud of our town.”
As the presses fall silent, the legacy of the Delavan Times endures in the memories of its readers and the archives that preserve its voice. For nearly a century and a half, the paper stood as a testament to the power of local journalism—and to the dedication of the Arnold, Larimore, and Denman families who carried it forward.
The Delavan Dispatch extends its deepest gratitude to the Arnold, Larimore, and Denman families for their extraordinary dedication to keeping Delavan informed across generations. Their stewardship of the Delavan Times enriched our community immeasurably. Delavan was—and will remain—considerably better off for their commitment to local journalism.
Photo Caption: Farmhouse owners Laura and Josh Grys set the stage for Christmas Trivia Night, laying out the rules before the competition began..
Teachers Triumph at Christmas Trivia
South Pole Elves Win The Farmhouse Trivia Night
By Robert Fang
Published: December 16, 2025
The Farmhouse was brimming with holiday spirit last weekend as community members gathered for a lively Christmas Trivia Night. With twinkling lights, festive décor, and plenty of laughter, teams battled through multiple rounds of questions that tested their knowledge of holiday traditions, movies, and music.
Owners Josh and Laura Grys took center stage as the evening’s officiants, reading each question and keeping the contest moving with good humor and festive flair. Their warm presence set the tone for a night that was equal parts competitive and celebratory.
As the rounds unfolded, the competition grew fierce. Each set of questions brought new challenges, from identifying obscure Christmas movie characters to recalling the origins of classic Christmas customs. The scores were tallied after every round, keeping the crowd on edge and the teams determined to outwit one another.
When the final points were counted, one team stood above the rest: the South Pole Elves. Comprised of teachers from Delavan CUSD 703, the Elves showcased both camaraderie and quick thinking. The winning lineup included Theo Allen, Nate & Reka Brooks, Dave & Allison Knapik, and Jake & Sarah Tierney. Their victory was met with cheers and applause from the packed room, a testament to both their teamwork and their holiday knowledge.
Beyond the competition, the night was a celebration of community. Friends and families came together to share in the joy of the season, proving once again that Delavan’s traditions shine brightest when neighbors gather. The Farmhouse’s warm atmosphere, guided by Josh and Laura’s spirited hosting, made for a memorable evening that will surely become a cherished holiday tradition.
To keep up with all the fun events and exciting specials at The Farmhouse, be sure to follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/thefarmhouse61734.
Photo Caption: Delavan’s Hudson Briggs (#14) launches skyward at tip-off..
Panthers Surge Past Princeville for Second Straight Victory
By Robert Fang
Published: December 20, 2025
The Delavan Varsity Panthers closed out their pre‑holiday stretch with a commanding 59–46 win over the Princeville Princes on Saturday, December 20, marking their second consecutive victory and showcasing a team hitting its stride at just the right time.
Coming off Friday night’s dominant 58–26 performance against Hartsburg‑Emden—and shaking off Tuesday’s hard‑fought 76–65 loss to Peoria Christian—the Panthers took the floor Saturday with unmistakable purpose. From the opening tip, Delavan brought its “A” game, pushing the pace on offense and locking down defensively in one of their most complete outings of the season.
Delavan’s defense set the tone early, limiting Princeville’s looks and forcing the Princes to earn every point. Quick rotations, aggressive pressure, and disciplined rebounding kept the Panthers in control throughout the night.
On the offensive end, the Panthers were equally electric.
Hudson Briggs delivered a standout performance, leading the team with 19 points and an impressive 9 assists, orchestrating the offense with confidence and precision. Grady Burrell lit up the perimeter, knocking down four three‑pointers on his way to 16 points and adding 2 assists. James Pagel matched the hot shooting, draining three triples of his own and finishing with 15 points and 4 assists.
The trio’s combined firepower kept Delavan firmly ahead as the Panthers maintained their tempo and composure from start to finish.
With back‑to‑back wins and clear momentum, the Panthers now look ahead to their next matchup. The Panthers will hit the court in the Williamsfield Holiday Tournament beginning Friday, December 26, opening a weekend of competitive play against area teams.
A previous article incorrectly stated that “Delavan will suit up again on Saturday, January 3, when they travel to Greenview to open the new year on the road.” The correct information is that the Panthers will play in the Williamsfield Holiday Tournament beginning Friday, December 26.
Delavan’s Hudson Briggs (#14) launches skyward at tip-off.
The Delavan Varsity Panthers closed out their pre‑holiday stretch with a commanding 59–46 win over the Princeville Princes on Saturday, December 20, marking their second consecutive victory and showcasing a team hitting its stride at just the right time.