Shoppers at the Delavan Dollar General should plan ahead this summer, as the store will temporarily close for a scheduled remodel beginning July 19.

According to store representative Angie LiCalzi, the location will be closed for several days while renovations take place, with work expected to continue through July 23 or July 24. During that period, customers will not be able to access the store, making it important to stock up on household essentials in advance.

The remodel is part of a transition that will convert the current store into a Dollar General Market, a format often referred to as a “mini market.” These upgraded locations typically offer an expanded selection of groceries, including fresh produce, refrigerated and frozen items, in addition to the store’s usual assortment of household goods, cleaning supplies, and everyday necessities.

While details of specific additions were not outlined, the shift to a mini market format is expected to broaden shopping options for local residents, providing more convenient access to food and staple items without needing to travel outside the community.

Store officials are encouraging customers to prepare for the temporary closure by purchasing needed items ahead of time. The brief disruption, they note, is part of a broader effort to enhance the shopping experience once the store reopens.

“Thank you to all our customers,” LiCalzi shared in a public notice, expressing appreciation for the community’s understanding during the renovation period.

Once construction is complete, the refreshed store is expected to reopen promptly, offering a wider variety of goods in a redesigned space intended to improve convenience and accessibility for Delavan shoppers.

Residents are advised to watch for updates regarding the exact reopening date as the project nears completion.

Family and friends are invited to help Lucile Tipps mark an extraordinary milestone as she celebrates her 105th birthday this summer.

An open house honoring Tipps will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Living Hope Community Church, 326 NW Jefferson Street in Hopedale. The church is handicap accessible and offers parking and entrances on both Jefferson and Madison streets.

Tipps, who turns 105 on July 9, is being recognized for “105 years of Loving Lucile,” according to the event announcement. Organizers encourage guests to stop in during the afternoon to share well wishes and celebrate her remarkable life.

A longtime family matriarch, Tipps is the mother of three daughters: Janice (the late Kerry) Wheelock, the late Jane (John) Harrison, and Carol (Denzil) Cain. Her family has grown to include eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren, with two more great-great-grandchildren expected.

Guests are asked not to bring gifts. However, those who feel compelled to give are invited to make a donation to Tremont Baptist Church or Living Hope Community Church in support of Operation Christmas Child.

The celebration offers an opportunity for the community to come together and honor a lifetime of memories, family, and faith while wishing Tipps a happy 105th birthday.

Despite steady rain, dozens of devoted heavy metal fans gathered at Lake Park on June 26 for the “Save the Stage” concert, a five hour showcase aimed at preserving one of Delavan’s longtime community landmarks.

Running from 1 to 6 p.m., the event featured a lineup of local metal bands whose thunderous performances echoed across the park, proving that bad weather could not dampen enthusiasm. Clad in black T shirts and inked with tattoos, attendees packed close to the stage, headbanging to shredding guitars and deep bass that could be felt as much as heard.

Organizer Adam Landrith, a Delavan native, said the concert was both a celebration and a call to action. Having first performed on the Lake Park stage years ago, Landrith wanted to give back to a place that helped launch his musical journey while drawing attention to the need for repairs and continued use of the structure.

The stage itself became part of the spectacle. From dramatic imagery, including a prop skull with theatrical blood, to relentless riffs and pounding drums, the musicians transformed the venue into a vivid demonstration of its potential when fully utilized.

Supporters mingled between sets, sharing stories and signing up to stay involved in efforts to maintain the stage for future generations. Many expressed hope that the event would spark broader community backing for restoration efforts.

As the final notes rang out into the damp evening air, the message remained clear: Lake Park’s stage is more than wood and paint. For artists like Landrith and fans alike, it is a cultural touchstone worth saving, rain or shine.

Kay Carole Schwarting, 94, of Mackinaw, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026 at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton, IL.

Kay was born on December 3, 1931, in Minier, Illinois, to Morris C. and Clara Velma (Fasse) Brenneman.  She married George Edwin Schwarting on September 21, 1952.  He preceded her in death in 2002.

Surviving are her children, Dan (Ann) Schwarting, Jon (Cathy) Schwarting, both of Mackinaw and Lisa (Terry) Dupureur of Armington.

Grandchildren are Heather Schwarting, Edwin (Joy) Schwarting, Adam (Emily) Schwarting, Amy (John) O’Brien, Abby (Andrew) Miller and Jorgi (fiancé Logan Demling) Dupureur.  Great grandchildren are Lena, Claire and Gus Schwarting, Sophie and George Schwarting, Jack and Kalyn O’Brien and Alden and Adley Miller.

She was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Carleen Brenneman, sister-in-law, Marise (Phil) Swanson, and other dear relatives and friends.

Kay was a member of the United Church of Christ in Minier which her ancestors helped start years ago and where she served on many committees.  She was a member of the Red Hat Society and The Sewing Club; she so enjoyed her monthly outings with the ladies.

Kay loved watching hummingbirds, antiquing with friends, shopping, and going dancing with George.  She was devoted to her family and thoroughly enjoyed going to various celebrations, ball games, trips, dining out, and just spending time with them whenever possible. 

Kay will be remembered for her beautiful smile, sweet demeanor and on occasion her quick wit.  She will be missed by family and friends. She led a full life, and she is rejoicing with Jesus now.

The family wishes to thank all her care takers when she was at home, the Villas of Hollybrook in Morton and Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton for their excellent care.