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.

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.

Editor’s Note

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.

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.

On a crisp December evening, the shimmer of the city’s Christmas tree on Locust Street provided the perfect backdrop for what has now become a beloved holiday tradition. For the third consecutive year, local musicians Jan Winkler and Gail Strunk performed an original Christmas song in front of the community tree — a celebration that blends music, history, and hometown pride.

A Song Rooted in Tradition

The featured piece, “Our Hometown Christmas Tree,” was written and composed by Winkler in 2023. More than just a seasonal tune, the song honors Delavan’s century-old custom of placing a Christmas tree in the middle of Main Street (Locust), a practice that began in the early 1900s. Winkler’s lyrics and melody capture the spirit of gathering around the tree, a symbol of unity and joy that has endured through generations.

The Performance

This year’s rendition saw Winkler strumming her acoustic guitar while Strunk added rhythm with the tambourine. Friends and neighbors gathered around, their laughter and voices weaving into the music. The performance wasn’t just about the song — it was about community.

Michael Winkler, Jan’s brother, filmed the event, ensuring that the moment could be shared beyond Locust Street. The video was later posted to Facebook, where it quickly drew attention from locals and former residents alike, many of whom cherish the chance to reconnect with their hometown’s traditions.

To view videos of the Winkler/Strunk musical experience, visit Jan Winkler’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jan.winkler.9.

A Growing Tradition

What began in 2023 as a heartfelt tribute has now grown into a three-year tradition. Each December, Winkler performs this original Christmas song live at the tree and shared online. The annual event has become a marker of the season, reminding residents that the holidays are not only about lights and decorations, but also about the stories and songs that bind a community together.

Community Spirit

For those who attended, the performance was more than entertainment — it was a chance to celebrate Delavan’s heritage. The Locust Street tree has long been a centerpiece of holiday life, and Winkler’s music adds a modern layer to that legacy. “It’s about keeping the tradition alive,” one attendee remarked, “and making sure our kids know the joy of gathering together.”

Looking Ahead

With three years now behind them, Winkler and Strunk show no signs of slowing down. Each performance builds on the last, and anticipation grows for what they will bring to the tree in future Decembers. The combination of original songwriting, live performance, and community participation has created something uniquely Delavan — a tradition that honors the past while looking forward to the future.

As the lights twinkled on Locust Street and voices joined in song, the evening captured the essence of small-town Christmas: music, friendship, and a shared sense of belonging.

On Sunday, December 14, more than 80 people braved snow and extreme cold to gather in the Nave of the Delavan Baptist Church for the annual Awana Christmas program. Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the evening blended music, storytelling, and fellowship into a celebration of the birth of Christ.

Musical Prelude

As attendees arrived, Susan Litwiller filled the sanctuary with Christmas favorites on piano, setting a warm and festive tone. She accompanied all of the songs throughout the program. Before the formal program began, Zach and Jeremiah Wheeler entertained the audience with a piano recital. Zach performed “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, followed by Jeremiah’s lively rendition of “Deck the Halls.”

The Awana Program

Awana, which stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (from 2 Timothy 2:15), is a global children’s ministry that helps young people learn Scripture, grow in faith, and develop leadership skills through activities, games, and service. At Delavan Baptist Church, Awana members are active participants in worship and community events, and the Christmas program offered them a chance to share their talents and faith with the congregation.

The Christmas Story in Song and Symbol

The program unfolded in segments, each telling a part of the Nativity story. Awana members invited attendees to join in by approaching the altar to don props symbolizing the story being told. From the lectern, members recited poems, followed by carols that complemented each scene:

• Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem — “Away in a Manger”
• The angels’ announcement — “Angels We Have Heard on High”
• The shepherds’ journey — “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
• The wise men’s arrival — “We Three Kings”

The program concluded with a rousing rendition of “Joy to the World”, signifying the arrival of the Christ-child. As a joyful encore, the congregation joined together in “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Message and Fellowship

Pastor Andy offered a brief but heartfelt Christmas message, reminding attendees of the hope and joy found in the season. He then invited everyone to continue the celebration with a soup dinner and treats in the fellowship hall, where warmth and conversation carried the spirit of the evening well beyond the sanctuary.