The Kids Golf Foundation of Sugar Grove, Illinois once again brought its mission of youth development to Delavan this past week, sponsoring the sixth annual Golf Camp for local students in grades 3–8. The week‑long program drew 30 enthusiastic participants, each eager to sharpen their skills and learn the fundamentals of the game.

Led by Delavan’s own coaching trio—Zach Damm, Kevin Knaggs and Steve Lusher—along with longtime local golf supporter Dennis Moehring, the camp offered a structured, station‑based approach to learning. Young golfers rotated through multiple skill areas, practicing driving, chipping, putting, stance, swing mechanics and course etiquette. A team of high school helpers tracked each participant’s progress and ensured smooth movement between stations.

The camp ran Monday, June 2 through Thursday, June 4, with sessions held either at the high school gym or on the track, depending on weather. On Friday, June 4, campers capped off their week with a special trip to Four Willows Golf Course in Mason City, where they put their new skills to the test on a real course.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the program is its accessibility. For just $25, each participant received a full week of instruction plus a free set of golf clubs, sized specifically to match the golfer’s height. This equipment‑based model is a hallmark of the Kids Golf Foundation, which has spent more than two decades expanding youth access to the sport across Illinois.

Founded in 1998, the Kids Golf Foundation focuses on teaching life skills—such as honesty, perseverance and sportsmanship—through the game of golf. The organization partners with schools, park districts and community groups to provide curriculum, equipment and training that make golf approachable for beginners. Their programs now reach thousands of young athletes each year.

In Delavan, the impact is clear. Coaches noted strong improvement across all age groups, with many participants showing increased confidence and enthusiasm by week’s end. For some, this camp marks the beginning of a long‑term interest in the sport; for others, it’s a chance to try something new in a supportive environment.

With another successful year complete, Delavan’s Golf Camp continues to grow as a beloved summer tradition—one that blends skill‑building, mentorship and community spirit on and off the course.

A physician who cared for generations of Delavan-area residents is preparing to mark a major milestone. Roger Neumann, a longtime primary care doctor in Delavan, will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 1, giving the community an opportunity to honor a man many still remember simply as “Doc.”

Born in Metamora, Illinois, Neumann served as a hospital corpsman during World War II before graduating from Goshen College and earning his medical degree from Northwestern University. He later found an opening for a medical practice in Delavan, a community he and his wife, LuEtta, chose in part because it allowed them to live near her family in Hopedale.

Neumann served as a primary care physician in Delavan from 1953 to 1992. During those decades, he and LuEtta made their home in Delavan and raised their three children, Ted, Paula and Joy. His work reflected a very different era in medicine: he visited patients at two hospitals seven days a week, held office hours on Saturday mornings and several evenings during the week, and made house calls for needs that today might send patients to urgent care or the emergency room.

Family members say Neumann often speaks with gratitude about the dedicated staff members who helped keep his office running smoothly and supported one another through the demands of a busy practice. He has also credited LuEtta for managing the household and family life during years when his medical schedule kept him constantly on call.

Now living in South Bend, Indiana, near his son Ted, Neumann will be honored at a family celebration in Goshen, Indiana, on June 27. Those who would like to send birthday greetings may email toles@duck.com or mail a card to 59257 High Pointe Drive, South Bend, IN 46614. For many in Delavan, the occasion is a chance to celebrate not only a 100th birthday, but also a lifetime of service to the community.

The Delavan Police Department is inviting families to Delavan Lake Park on Friday, June 12, for the first installment of its new Summer Movie Series, a community‑focused initiative designed to bring residents and officers together for an evening of outdoor fun.

Activities with Delavan Police Officers will begin at 7 p.m., offering games, kid‑friendly interactions and a relaxed opportunity for residents to meet the officers who serve the community. The featured film, Zootopia, will begin at dusk.

Admission is free, and residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments to enjoy the movie under the stars.
This is the first of three movie nights planned for the summer. Additional dates and featured films will be announced in the coming weeks.

Event Details  
Summer Movie Series – Movie Night #1  
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026  
Location: Delavan Lake Park  
Activities With Officers:  7 p.m.  
Movie Begins: Dusk  
Featured Film:  Zootopia  
Cost:  Free Admission  

For more information, residents may contact the Delavan Police Department through City Hall at (309) 244‑7146 or follow the City of Delavan on social media for updates.

The Summer Movie Series is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and building positive connections with residents of all ages.

A new scoreboard has been installed at the Delavan Park District’s Gardner Field, thanks to a generous donation facilitated by Dakota Carter through his employer, Rail Splitter Wind Farm of Hopedale. The project came together through strong community support, with multiple volunteers contributing time and labor. Among them, Jared Williams dedicated countless hours to painting, helping ensure the scoreboard was ready for the upcoming season. The upgrade marks a meaningful improvement for local athletes and fans.

Jeffrey Warren Foster, 62, of Armington, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026 in Mackinaw.

He was born October 1, 1963 in Springfield to John M. and Barbara A. Smith Foster.  He was united in marriage to Brandy Johnson in Armington.
Surviving are his wife, Brandy; his parents, John and Barb Foster of Minier; four children, Alexandria Foster of Normal, Joseph Sarver of Atlanta, Matthew (Jayden) of Armington, and Stephanie Foster of Atlanta; one grandchild due to arrive in December; one sister, Brenda (Jeff) Schneider of Armington; and one brother, Brian (Michelle) Foster of Monee.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Jeff graduated  from Olympia High School.

He worked with his father at Peine Inc in Minier for over 40 years.  Upon semi-retirement, he did seasonal work at HGN Fertilizer and plowed snow for IDOT in the winter.

Since childhood, he has been an avid Kansas City Chief fan and also a big KISS fan. He was very artistic and a gifted mechanic.  He was known for his generous heart and was a friend to all.

His funeral was held at 1:00 pm Friday, June 5, 2026 at Minier Christian Church.  Pastor Jim Webster officiated.  Visitation was from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, also at the church.  Private burial was in Minier Cemetery followed by a celebration of Jeff’s life at Minier Christian Church.  Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Minier handled the arrangements.

Although Jeff will be greatly missed by those who loved him, we are blessed with a lifetime of memories.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Home Sweet Home Mission or St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.