The Optimist Club of Delavan added fresh energy to its ranks at the February 12 regular meeting, where three new members—Debbie Woiwode, Mike Whiteman, and Tammy Whiteman—were formally sworn into the organization. Club President Adele Wheeler administered the oath, welcoming the trio into the club’s long standing mission of supporting youth and community service in Delavan.

Wheeler noted that each new member brings valuable experience and enthusiasm to the club’s growing list of initiatives. The induction marks renewed community interest in the club.

On February 20th and 21st, junior Elisha Waggoner proudly represented the Mighty Panther Speech Team at the IHSA State Speech Competition. While competing in one of fifteen events—Prose Reading—Elisha showed off his true talent and skills he has acquired in the past year. After months of preparation, practice, and dedication, Elisha delivered a performance at the biggest stage in Illinois high school speech. Although he was competing against some of the most talented students across the state, he earned an impressive 14th-place finish.

Qualifying for the IHSA State Competition requires a lot of hard work. To advance, Elisha had to first place in the top four at the Regional competition finals. After moving on, Elisha then had to secure top-three at the Sectional finals. Since every round is judged completely up to different judges’ opinions, each round required not only skill and interpretation, but also poise, confidence, and the ability to connect with the judges through storytelling.

Prose Reading challenges competitors to bring a written story to life through voice, facial expressions, and gesturing. Competitors compete with a book and demonstrate emotional depth and characterization through reading and acting their material. Elisha’s dedication to refining his piece and perfecting his delivery is clear throughout his State journey.

Placing 14th at State as a junior is a testament to Elisha’s hard work and talent. With another year ahead of him, Elisha will continue to carry his newfound skills into the next year. With that, his experience at State will undoubtedly motivate him, and the rest of his team, to continue striving for greater success.

The Mighty Panther Speech Team is proud of Elisha’s commitment and achievements he has shown throughout the season. We cannot wait to see what he and the rest of the speech team will have to offer next year as they continue to build on the year’s triumphs.

Edward “Ed” Dean Springer, 50, of Tremont, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

He was born June 20, 1975 in Pekin to  Marvin D. and Lousie Taylor Springer.  He married Jodi Held on December 7, 2012 in Delavan and she survives.

Also surviving are his mother, Louise Springer of Delavan; mother-in-law, Terry Held of Norman, OK; three stepchildren, Reed (Laramie) Heberling of Ohio, Dyland and Christian Vickery of Raymond; foreign exchange student friend, Gerald Flitch Schwall of Austria; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; his many  hunting buddies.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Springer in 2012; his father-in-law, Gary Held; and many aunts and uncles; and his best fur buddy Ron in August of 2026.

Ed graduated from Tremont High School.

Ed worked for Sommer Bros. Seed Company in Pekin after High School.  He then farmed with his cousin, Doug Springer and was an independent seed contractor for multiple seed companies.

He grew up and attended the Hopedale Mennonite Church in Hopedale for many years.

He enjoyed whitetail deer hunting in Illinois, wild boar hunting in Texas, and fishing. One of his greatest joys in life was being able to work alongside his stepson, Reed, for a time.

His memorial service was held at 11:30 am, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Hopedale Mennonite Church.  Pastor Kurt Walker officiated.  Burial will be in Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale at a later date.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont handled the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Tremont Rescue or Tremont Fire Department.

Levi Douglas Zimmer, 5 days, of Tremont, passed away February 23, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

He was born February 18, 2026 in Peoria to Brady and Elizabeth (Kennell) Zimmer, and they survive.

Also surviving are maternal grandparents, Steve and Joy Kennell of Metamora; paternal grandparents, Doug and Beth Zimmer of Delavan; maternal great-grandparents, Joe and Pat Kennell of Metamora; and paternal great-grandmother, Janet Zimmer of San Jose; siblings, Noah, Isaac, and Sophia Zimmer of Tremont.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Harold and Maurine Zobrist, Duane and Eleanor Sampen, and Bill Zimmer.

Levi’s name means “to be joined together.” The family takes comfort in knowing that they will always be joined together with Levi and, more importantly, that Levi is joined with Jesus for all eternity.

Levi’s funeral will be at 10:30 am Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Northfield Christian Fellowship in Tremont with a meal to follow. Doug Rumbold and Matt Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Tremont. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Northfield Christian Fellowship or Kailey’s Krew. Kailey’s Krew is a non-profit named for Brady’s cousin who passed away from leukemia at the age of 14.

The Hopedale Medical Foundation will distribute over $28,000 in agriculture and healthcare scholarships this year, continuing a long-running commitment to supporting local students pursuing careers in high‑need fields. Since launching the program in 1980, the Foundation has awarded more than $625,000 in scholarship aid to area graduates.

The 2026 awards are open to soon‑to‑be or previous graduates of Christian Life Academy, Dee‑Mack, Delavan, Hartsburg‑Emden, Midwest Central, Olympia, and Tremont High Schools, as well as home‑schooled seniors living within those districts. Applicants must have lived in the district for at least one year and be accepted or enrolled in an accredited associate, bachelor’s, or master’s program in either healthcare or agriculture.

Applications and full eligibility criteria are available online at hopedalemc.com/community-foundation/scholarships/hopedale-medical-foundation-scholarships or through local high school counseling offices. All materials must be received by Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Scholarships to Be Awarded in 2026

• $5,000 Michelle Anne Rossi Memorial Nursing Scholarship
• $4,500 Candice Blackert Nursing Scholarships — may be awarded in varying amounts based on applicant need
• $4,000 Thelma Alford Nursing Scholarship
• $3,000 Allen‑McCabe Healthcare Field Scholarship
• $3,000 Founder’s Healthcare Scholarship
• $2,000 John Rossi Memorial Nursing Scholarship — may be awarded separately or in addition to another award
• $2,000 Donna Bitner Springer Nursing Scholarship
• $1,000 Neil Alford, Jr. Agricultural Scholarship
• $1,000 Phyllis Martin Nursing Scholarship
• $1,000 Orville Augsburger/Dorene Oehler Scholarship
• $1,000 David Eckhardt Scholarship
• $1,000 Mary Sue Post, RN Nursing Scholarship

Questions may be directed to Mindy Peterson‑Lindsey at mpeterson-lindsey@hopdalemc.com or by calling (309) 449‑4290.

SPRINGFIELD — A proposal introduced in the Illinois House by State Representative Bill Hauter, M.D. (R Morton) would bar health care providers from performing gender reassignment surgeries on minors, a move he says responds to shifting guidance from major medical organizations.

Recent developments in medical guidance

In recent weeks, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued new recommendations advising that gender related surgeries be delayed until at least age 19. The American Medical Association followed by stating that it also believes such procedures for minors should be deferred until adulthood. According to Hauter, these changes represent a significant shift in the national medical landscape and raise questions about the evidence supporting surgical interventions for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.

Hauter said the updated positions underscore what he describes as a lack of strong evidence for performing these surgeries on minors. “In light of major medical organizations’ stunning new admission that transgender surgeries on minors are not backed by good evidence and should be delayed until adulthood, House Bill 4482 protects these vulnerable and confused children from the harms of ideology in medicine,” he said.

What House Bill 4482 would do

House Bill 4482 would create the Prohibition on Gender Reassignment Procedures Act. As introduced, the bill would prevent Illinois health care providers from performing or offering to perform medical procedures on minors when the purpose is to help the minor identify with a gender different from their sex or to treat distress arising from that discordance. The bill also outlines a private right of action for minors or parents who believe they were harmed, and authorizes the Attorney General to take action in cases of alleged violations.

Under the proposal, violations would be considered potential threats to public health and safety, triggering emergency action by the appropriate regulatory authority. The bill specifies that minors who undergo such procedures would not be held liable under the act.

Legislative status and next steps

HB 4482 was filed on January 16 and received its first reading on January 20. It has been assigned to the House Rules Committee, where many bills await further consideration before potentially advancing to a substantive committee. Several Republican lawmakers have since joined as co sponsors.

The proposal enters a broader national debate over the role of medical interventions for transgender youth, with states across the country taking varied approaches. Supporters argue the bill aligns Illinois with emerging medical caution, while opponents are expected to raise concerns about access to gender affirming care and the potential impact on transgender minors and their families.

As the legislative session continues, HB 4482 will remain a closely watched measure, particularly as lawmakers weigh evolving medical guidance, parental rights, and the state’s role in regulating youth health care.

The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office ARTIC Unit braved icy waters over the weekend, taking part in the annual Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois. Their efforts paid off in a big way: the team exceeded its fundraising goal, bringing in $1,550 to support local Special Olympics athletes.

Sheriff’s officials said the outpouring of community support made the difference. Residents, families, and local businesses contributed to the effort, helping the team push past its target and highlighting what the department described as the county’s “strength, inclusion, and commitment to opportunity.”

The ARTIC Unit—known for its role in specialized response and community outreach—participated not only as fundraisers but as ambassadors for the athletes they serve. The Sheriff’s Office publicly thanked the team members for their dedication and enthusiasm, noting that their willingness to jump into frigid water reflects the same spirit they bring to their work year round.

“This achievement reflects the strength of our community and its commitment to inclusion and opportunity,” the department shared. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support that helped us surpass our goal.”

The funds raised will help provide year round sports training, competitions, and inclusive programming for Special Olympics athletes across the region.