A defining feature of  theDelavan United Methodist Church—and one of the community’s most recognizable pieces of 19th‑century craftsmanship—is now undergoing its first major restoration in nearly 150 years. The large stained‑glass window in the church’s nave, an original element installed when this section of the building was dedicated in 1876, was carefully removed this week after routine maintenance revealed structural concerns.

The discovery came during scheduled work on the church’s exterior storm windows. As crews inspected the protective coverings, they noticed that several stained‑glass panels behind them had begun to loosen within their frame. Given the age of the window and the risk of further deterioration, church leaders acted quickly to bring in specialists to assess the situation.

Jacksonville Stained Glass of Jacksonville, Illinois—a firm with decades of experience restoring historic church windows across the Midwest—was contracted to handle the delicate project. Their team arrived early in the week and began the painstaking process of removing the window section by section. Because of its size and age, the window could not be taken out in one piece. Instead, each portion was carefully detached, labeled, and prepared for transport to the company’s restoration studio.

According to the restoration team, the work ahead will focus on releading and reframing the window. Releading involves replacing the lead channels that hold each piece of glass in place, a necessary step when the original lead has weakened over time. Reframing ensures the entire structure will be stable and secure once reinstalled. Both processes are common in the preservation of stained glass from the late 1800s, when craftsmanship was intricate but materials were not designed to last indefinitely.

Church members say the temporary absence of the window has already changed the feel of the nave, where the colorful glass has cast its familiar glow for generations of worshippers. Still, they view the restoration as an important investment in preserving a piece of Delavan’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

The full restoration is expected to take several weeks, though the timeline may shift depending on what the craftsmen find once the window is fully disassembled. When the work is complete, the window will be returned and reinstalled piece by piece, restoring its place as a centerpiece of the church’s interior and a landmark of the community.

A Saturday afternoon equipment accident led to widespread service disruptions and a lengthy power outage in Delavan, after a farm tractor struck multiple overhead power and communication lines just after 1 p.m. According to Delavan’s Police Chief, Michael Evans, both Delavan Fire and Delavan Police responded immediately to the scene, where they found significant infrastructure damage stretching along the impacted roadway.

Officials reported that five utility poles were damaged, several of them completely snapped, leaving lines tangled, sagging or down across the area. The extent of the damage forced Ameren and communication crews to shut down service while they worked to stabilize the site and begin repairs.

Residents across Delavan experienced a nine‑hour power outage, with electricity remaining off throughout the afternoon and evening as crews worked in difficult conditions to remove debris, replace poles and safely rehang lines. Power was ultimately restored around 10 p.m., bringing relief to homes and businesses that had been without service since early afternoon.

Even after electricity returned, the work was far from over. Utility crews remained on scene late into the night and continued cleanup efforts into Sunday. Their tasks included removing the broken poles, clearing damaged line sections and completing the installation of new infrastructure to ensure long‑term reliability.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident, though officials emphasized that the damage could have been far worse given the number of lines involved and the potential hazards created when poles break or fall.

The outage affected a wide portion of the community, disrupting weekend routines and prompting many residents to check on neighbors, especially those who rely on powered medical equipment or have limited mobility. Local officials thanked the public for their patience and urged continued caution around work zones as crews finalize repairs.

The Delavan Police Department noted that the investigation into the circumstances of the tractor strike is ongoing. Meanwhile, Ameren and communication providers are assessing the full extent of the infrastructure loss and the long‑term repairs needed.

As of Sunday afternoon, cleanup operations were complete, and service remained stable. Officials report all remaining debris and damaged materials have been cleared, with no further outages anticipated.

The Optimist Club of Delavan celebrated another successful year of service and sunshine as it hosted its annual Bike Repair Clinic on Saturday, April 25, drawing one of its largest turnouts to date. More than 20 bicycles belonging to local youth rolled through the Delavan Police Department City Garage, where volunteers spent the morning making sure every rider could hit the spring streets safely and confidently.

The clinic—offered free to all kids 18 and under—has become a beloved spring tradition in Delavan, giving families an easy way to get bikes tuned up after a long winter. This year’s crew of Optimist volunteers stayed busy with a steady stream of repairs, from basic tune‑ups to tire repairs and replacements, along with brake adjustments and full brake replacements when needed. Many bikes arrived with low air, squeaky chains, or wobbly wheels, and each left in better shape than it came.

Organizers said they were thrilled with the turnout and grateful for the community’s continued support. The clinic not only promotes safety but also encourages kids to stay active, explore the outdoors and enjoy the independence that comes with a well‑maintained bicycle.

Parents and young riders alike expressed appreciation for the hands‑on help and friendly atmosphere. For some families, the clinic has become an annual stop before summer break begins.

The Optimist Club of Delavan continues to focus on programs that uplift local youth, and the success of this year’s Bike Repair Clinic reinforces the club’s mission of bringing out the best in kids—one repaired tire, tightened brake and tuned‑up bike at a time.
With spring in full swing, Delavan’s young cyclists are now ready to ride.

Heaven ushered in a hero of the faith as Theodore “Ted” E. Schmidgall was welcomed home. Ted, 91, of Armington, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Hopedale Nursing Home.

He was born on December 22, 1934 to Edgar and Lora (Sinn) Schmidgall in Bloomington. Ted graduated from Minier High School and served in the United States Army. He married Judith Lynn Gravett, the love of his life, on Feb. 16, 1957 in Normal.  Judy was promoted to heaven on December 4, 2015.

Ted farmed in the Armington area his entire life and he was a devoted member of the Minier Assembly of God church where he served in various leadership capacities. 

Ted’s legacy of faithfulness, humility, humor and hard work as well as his love for the Lord and his family was an inspiration to all and will continue on through those who love him.  Ted loved his kids and grandkids deeply and they brought him much joy.  He will be greatly missed but we do not mourn as those without hope.  We look forward to seeing him again.  “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” I Corinthians 15:55

Surviving are two sons; Philip (Kimberlee) Schmidgall of Tremont and Mark (Kimberly) Schmidgall of Mackinaw; one daughter; Elaine (Steve) Furr of McCordsville, IN; 14 grandchildren: Jared (Stacy) Schmidgall, Joel (Brianna) Johnson, Joshua (Carrie) Johnson, Jacob (Abbie) Johnson, Rebekah (Justin) Fritch, Hannah (Curt) Musselman, Mary (Derek) Neville, Abigail (Ryan) King, Rachel (Luke) Lowery, Elizabeth (Ethan) Pennington, Ellie (Derek) Burgin, Luke (Nicole) Furr, Jordan Furr and Kasidy (Nathan) Juve; 27 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Dan (Pat) Schmidgall of Groveland and Ed (Judy) Schmidgall of Naperville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ken, Rich and Robert; and two sisters, Bonnie and Linda.

The memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 6,  at Minier Assembly of God Church. Visitation will be held on Friday evening,  June 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. as well as 10 a.m. on Saturday before the service.  Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Minier is handling the arrangements. There will be a private burial at Minier Cemetery.

Ted was generous in his giving to the Lord’s work. To honor his memory we ask in lieu of flowers that Memorials be made to Minier Assembly of God Missions.