The Delavan Historical Society welcomed community members to the historic Colony House last Sunday for an afternoon of history, hospitality and hometown pride as part of Delavan’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Visitors were greeted by Historical Society board members who helped bring Delavan’s past to life through engaging presentations, tours and conversation. One of the afternoon’s highlights was Jim Sullivan’s portrayal of Edward C. Delavan, the town’s namesake. In character, Sullivan answered questions from guests and shared stories about the founding of Delavan, offering a unique and entertaining look at the community’s early history.

Inside the Colony House, Mary Ruth Lowry guided visitors through the historic building, showcasing artifacts and displays that illustrated the rich heritage of Delavan. Guests had the opportunity to learn about the people, places and events that helped shape the community over the generations.
Outside, guests gathered in the shade to enjoy refreshments and fellowship. Patti Martin and Janice Allgood served water and watermelon throughout the afternoon, helping visitors stay cool while they visited with friends and neighbors.

The welcoming atmosphere was further enhanced by Sandra Denman and Jeanie Farris, who kept guests engaged with lively conversation and plenty of laughter. Their friendly presence helped make the event feel like a community reunion as much as a historical celebration.

Following the open house, the festivities continued with a patriotic golf cart parade led by Lowry. Participants decorated their golf carts and joined the procession through Delavan’s historic Lincoln Mile.

The Lincoln Mile consists of 10 markers located throughout Delavan that identify places where Abraham Lincoln directly impacted life in the community. During the tour, Lowry shared stories and historical insights at each stop, blending fascinating facts with a generous dose of humor. The result was an educational and entertaining journey that gave participants a deeper appreciation for Delavan’s unique connection to the nation’s 16th president.

By the end of the afternoon, attendees left with a greater understanding of local history and a renewed sense of community spirit. The event successfully combined learning, laughter and patriotism, proving once again that history can indeed be fun when shared with friends and neighbors.

Residents looking for a way to give back to their community are being encouraged to consider serving on the Delavan Township Park Board.

In a recent social media post, the Delavan Park District highlighted the important role volunteers play in maintaining local programs and community involvement. 

The park board’s primary mission is to create and maintain community engagement by offering recreational activities in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. Officials described the role as fast-paced and demanding but emphasized that a strong commitment to service and community is the most important qualification.

Board members help support programs and initiatives that provide recreational opportunities for residents of all ages while working to strengthen community connections through local events and activities.

Individuals interested in serving are invited to attend park district meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of each month unless otherwise noted. Meeting agendas are posted at the batting cages.

Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held at 101 E. 1st St. in Delavan.

The Delavan Optimist Club is celebrating continued growth and community involvement with the addition of three new members: Steve Watts, Kelly Watts and John Wiser.

Steve and Kelly Watts, a husband-and-wife team, recently joined the organization and bring a shared commitment to community service and volunteerism. Their membership strengthens the club’s mission of supporting local youth and promoting optimism throughout the Delavan area.

The addition of John Wiser carries special significance for the club. Wiser was the founding president of the Delavan Optimist Club when it was established in 1982. More than four decades later, his return to the organization marks a meaningful connection between the club’s beginnings and its future.

Club members welcomed the new additions during a recent meeting, noting that each brings unique experiences, talents and enthusiasm. Wiser’s historical perspective and longstanding ties to the organization are expected to be especially valuable as the club continues its work in the community.

Club leaders expressed their excitement about the growth in membership and the opportunities it creates for future projects. They noted that new ideas, fresh energy and a willingness to serve are essential ingredients for a successful service organization.

With Steve and Kelly Watts joining the effort and founding president John Wiser returning to the fold, the Delavan Optimist Club looks forward to building on its proud tradition of service while continuing to make a positive difference in the community for years to come.

Ward 3 Alderman Douglas Bury has resigned from the Delavan City Council, submitting a letter of resignation to Mayor Adam White immediately prior to the council’s Tuesday, July 21 meeting.

In his resignation letter, Bury cited personal reasons for stepping down from his position and stated that his resignation was effective immediately.
Bury expressed his appreciation to the residents of Delavan for their support during his time in office and extended his best wishes to city leadership moving forward.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Delavan for the opportunity,” Bury wrote, adding that he wished Mayor White and the members of the City Council continued success in the future.

Bury is the longest serving member of the current City Council. He has participated in numerous council discussions and decisions affecting the community during his tenure.

Mayor White informed council members of the resignation at the start of Tuesday’s meeting. The council is expected to address the vacancy in accordance with city procedures and determine the process for selecting or appointing a successor to represent Ward 3.

With Bury’s departure, a vacancy now exists on the Delavan City Council, ending more than seven years of public service to the city.
The Delavan Dispatch will provide updates as additional information regarding the Ward 3 vacancy becomes available.

LINCOLN, Ill. – Nicholas W. “Nick” Carson, 43, of Lincoln, formerly of Delavan, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

Nick was born on September 15, 1982, in Peoria, Ill., the son of Ronald and Tammy (Black) Carson. 

Nick is survived by his father, Ron (Susie) Carson; sister, Jessica (Matthew) Wrage; maternal grandparents, Richard and Marge Bottenberg; nephew, Ryan and niece, Anna.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Tammy and paternal grandparents, Richard and Sylvia Carson. 

Nick was a big guy with a big heart. He had two golden retrievers, Ollie and Shep, who he loved more than anything. Nick enjoyed collecting baseball cards. He was a funny and fun-loving guy who loved his family and friends. Nick graduated in 2001 from Delavan High School. He worked as a service technician and was a valuable employee at Hicks Gas in Lincoln. Nick will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  

A visitation for Nick will be held from 4 -7 pm on Thursday, July 30, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, July 31, at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan where Nick will be laid to rest next to his mother, Tammy. Memorials may be made in Nick’s name to the Humane Society of Logan County. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln. 

The City of Delavan is exploring a possible change to the way residential garbage and recycling services are provided and is asking residents to weigh in before any decisions are made.

City officials recently announced they are evaluating a city-wide waste collection program that would operate through a single contracted provider. Under the model being considered, the city would coordinate residential garbage and recycling collection for the entire community rather than having residents arrange service individually.

According to information released by the city, the approach is commonly used in communities similar to Delavan and is intended to create a more consistent and organized waste collection system.

As part of the evaluation process, the city plans to solicit proposals from all interested providers, including both local and national companies. Officials said all qualified providers will be reviewed using the same evaluation criteria, allowing the city to compare service levels and pricing structures before making any recommendations.

No final decisions have been made, and city leaders emphasized that the process remains in the information-gathering stage.

Several potential benefits have been identified if Delavan were to move to a coordinated collection program. Those benefits include more consistent service throughout the community, more predictable and transparent pricing for residents, simplified billing administered through the city and improved handling of customer service issues.

City officials also noted that a community-wide contract could create opportunities for reduced costs through group-based pricing. According to the city’s statement, similar programs in other communities have sometimes produced savings ranging from 30% to 50% compared with individually contracted waste collection services.

The city is seeking public feedback to help guide the discussion. Officials want to hear from residents regarding their current level of satisfaction with existing garbage and recycling services, their interest in a coordinated city-wide program and any concerns or considerations they believe should be taken into account.

The topic comes at a time when many municipalities are reviewing waste collection systems in an effort to improve service efficiency and manage costs. While supporters of coordinated service often point to cost stability and administrative simplicity, community feedback is typically a key factor in determining whether such a change moves forward.

Delavan residents are encouraged to participate in the process by sharing their opinions with city officials. Feedback can be submitted by contacting City Hall directly or by completing the online survey available through the city’s website.

Officials stressed that public input will play an important role as the city evaluates options and considers whether a city-wide program would be beneficial for Delavan residents.

Residents interested in providing feedback can visit www.delavanil.org, or contact Delavan City Hall at (309) 244-7146.

For now, city leaders say the goal is to gather information, compare proposals from providers, and better understand community preferences.

Renovations are officially underway at the Delavan Dollar General, with the store now closed as crews work to transform the location into a Dollar General Market.

The temporary closure began July 19 and is expected to continue through either Thursday or Friday, according to information previously shared by store employee Angie LiCalzi. Customers are advised to make alternate shopping arrangements until the work is completed and the store is ready to reopen.

The remodel marks a significant upgrade for the Delavan location. Once renovations are finished, the store will operate as a DG Market, a larger-format version of the traditional Dollar General store. The concept is designed to serve as a full-service neighborhood grocery store while continuing to offer the everyday household products shoppers have come to expect.

In addition to health and beauty products, cleaning supplies, seasonal merchandise and other general retail items, DG Market stores feature an expanded grocery selection. Customers can expect access to fresh produce, meat, dairy products and frozen foods, allowing residents to purchase a wider variety of groceries closer to home.

The conversion is expected to be especially beneficial for local shoppers seeking greater convenience and additional food options within the community. While Dollar General stores have long carried packaged food and household essentials, the DG Market format significantly expands those offerings.

Workers have been busy inside the store throughout the closure, rearranging departments and preparing the building for its new layout. Although an exact reopening date has not yet been announced, store officials anticipate welcoming customers back by the end of the week.

The store’s management has thanked customers for their patience during the brief shutdown.

If all goes as planned, Delavan shoppers will soon be able to experience a refreshed store with a broader range of grocery items.

A piece of Delavan’s history has resurfaced thanks to local resident Mark Walsh, who uncovered a connection between his family, President Abraham Lincoln and the City of Delavan. 

Walsh, a native citizen of Delavan, inherited late president Abraham Lincoln’s signature as a wedding present. Being curious about its origins, Walsh began researching his family and town’s history and uncovered the secret behind the signature. Turns out, the signature was connected to one of Delavan’s earliest landmarks, the Phillips House hotel, which sat between 3rd and 4th street. The Phillips House once served as an important stop for travelers, which is why Abraham Lincoln stayed at the hotel during his travels through Illinois. 

Walsh’s research also uncovered a family connection to the hotel’s owner, Ira B. Hall. Hall married Sarah Hall, whose daughter, Florence Hall, later married Allen Trone. Trone was the maiden name of Walsh’s great-grandmother, Mabel Yurrington, who served as Delavan’s city clerk.

Beyond staying at the Phillips House, Lincoln also represented Hall in court on multiple occasions before his time as president. In 1843, while being accused of unlawfully detaining 10 stage horses and two harnesses, Lincoln was hired as his attorney to defend the hotel owner in the case. Almost a decade later, in 1852, Lincoln once again defended Hall in a dispute involving money that was owed to him by another individual.

Although the Phillips House was destroyed by a fire in 1880, its memories represent a significant part of Delavan’s history. Through Walsh’s family research and discovery of Lincoln’s signature, another chapter of the town’s past has come to light, offering residents a glimpse into the impact our small town has created over time and the ties Delavan has to one of America’s most influential presidents. What started as a wedding gift, has evolved into an important reminder that even small towns can have connections to national history, preserving stories that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Hopedale Medical Complex has earned a national 5-Star Rating from the National Rural Rating System for the second consecutive quarter of 2026, recognizing the organization’s quality, patient experience and community impact.

The rating places Hopedale Medical Complex among rural healthcare providers noted for strong outcomes and reliable, patient-centered care. The National Rural Rating System evaluates hospitals using nationally recognized patient experience and quality measures.

“Rural healthcare is deeply personal. Every patient interaction matters, and we are proud to provide care that is both clinically excellent and rooted in compassion,” said Emily Whitson, chief operating officer. “This recognition reflects the dedication and resilience of our entire team.”

Brock Slabach, chief operating officer of the National Rural Health Association, said rural hospitals serve as lifelines for their communities and that a 5-Star rating reflects clinical performance, leadership, teamwork and perseverance.

Officials said the recognition underscores the complex’s commitment to helping area residents access trusted, high-quality care close to home.

Lincoln Community Theatre will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Broadway musical Into the Woods July 23 through 26 at the Lincoln Community High School auditorium, bringing a familiar mix of fairy-tale characters, live music and local talent to the summer stage.

Directed by Ann Wolpert, the production features a live orchestra and a cast and crew drawn from Central Illinois. The musical follows well-known storybook figures whose wishes send them into the woods — and then explores what happens after those wishes come true.

The story centers on a Baker and his wife, who hope to have a child; Cinderella, who wants to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wants his cow to give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn a Witch’s curse has kept them from having a child, they set out to break it. Their quest brings the characters together, but the consequences of their choices return in unexpected ways.

The cast includes Tim Searby as the narrator, Melissa Cremeens as Cinderella, Josh Hellman as Jack, Kim Peterson-Quinn as Jack’s Mother, Jeff Prince as the Baker and Aubrey Hawkinson as the Baker’s wife. Sheralyn Bolton plays the Witch, Paige Zemsky plays Red Riding Hood, Marin Crombie plays Rapunzel and Hunter McKinney plays Rapunzel’s prince.

Additional cast members include Julie King as Stepmother, Jill Usherwood as Florinda, Shannon Radcliffe as Lucinda, Mike Koke and Kristina Morrow as Cinderella’s father and mother, Karenn Eales as Granny/Giant, Brian Bolton as Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince, Delavan’s own Cameron Connell as the Steward, Lacy Buss as Snow White and Abby Smith as Sleeping Beauty.

Vocal direction and accompaniment are provided by Dinelle Frankland. The set is designed and constructed by Jeff Prince, costumes are arranged by Kristen Green, and lighting and sound are designed by David Helm and Devin Vannoy.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23; Friday, July 24; and Saturday, July 25, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on July 26 at Lincoln Community High School, 1000 Railer Way, Lincoln. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for students, with a $1 cash discount. The box office opens one hour before showtime, and the auditorium opens 30 minutes before the performance. Seating is general admission.