130 Years Ago April 4, 1896 Rev. Charles S. Davies, of McCormick Theological Seminary, who received a call from the Presbyterian Church of this place, has notified the session that he will accept the same. The Presbyterians are well pleased and there is every indication that Rev. Davies will make a successful and popular pastor. He will occupy the pulpit next Sabbath morning and evening. "The Order of the Resurrection" will be the theme of the morning sermon. Col. A. J. Crops

As the Fairbury Fair celebrates its 150th anniversary, it is easy to think first of harness racing, Floral Hall exhibits, or the carnival midway. But in the late 1800s, one of the biggest draws was not on the ground at all. The real excitement was hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of feet above the fairgrounds, where daring aeronauts rose into the sky in fragile balloons, often finishing their flights with a parachute drop that left fairgoers staring upward in awe.   The 188

Fairbury City Council members Wednesday night approved a supplemental appropriation ordinance for the fiscal year ending April 30. “It was basically some purchases that came up through the year that we hadn’t had money appropriated for specifically, so we had to adjust the appropriation to allow for the spending of that money,” explained Mayor David Slagel. May 1 will mark the new fiscal year for the city and the council is expected to approve the new budget later this month.

A radio model, called "The Fairbury," was recently discovered. Some immediate questions that came to mind were, "Was this radio model named after Fairbury, Illinois, or Fairbury, Nebraska?" Fairbury native Carl Eilers was a world-renowned inventor and developer of radio, stereo, and television technology. Was this radio named in honor of Carl Eilers? Three Eilers brothers attended Fairbury Township High School. Paul and Carl were World War II veterans. Both Paul and Carl serv

Join the Friends of the Dominy Library for a comprehensive educational event exploring our community. Patty Haberkorn, executive director of Futures Unlimited, will provide a look inside Futures during the program on Saturday (March 28) starting at 1:30 p.m. in the White Community Room in the basement of Dominy Library. Haberkorn will explore the organization's history, provide an overview on programs, spotlight transportation and the behavioral health clinic and will take qu

Nathian Ray Harris, 67, of Florence, Missouri, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born February 14, 1959, in Fairbury, Illinois, the only child of Bernard and Viola (Wessel) Harris. Nathian graduated from Fairbury-Cropsey High School in 1977. On June 9, 1979, he married Judith A. VanAntwerp in Fairbury, and they shared 46 years together. In the late 1970s, he moved to Missouri with the goal of owning land. There, he built a lif

The recent advent of AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology is giving the average user new capabilities. A couple of years ago, when he was still Fairbury Postmaster, Mike Maffett suggested the author do a Fairbury history story about all the postmasters Fairbury has ever had. That idea was recorded in a growing list of potential future stories. However, one major problem quickly became apparent—how to actually develop a complete and accurate list.   Searching through nearly

A portrayal of The Last Supper will be presented by the Fairbury United Methodist Church on April 2. The solemn portrayal on Maundy Thursday starts at 8 p.m. and also includes Holy Communion. The performance is directed by Shannon Brown. For more information, call 309-377-3451.

130 Years Ago March 13, 1896 The protracted meetings at the Baptist Church closed Monday evening. These services resulted in thirty-two additions to the church, 29 of which were by baptism. Frank Wharton and George Tate were introduced to the Woodman goat Thursday evening. A. L. McKee, of Roberts, was in town Monday. He has almost recovered from his injuries received some time ago when he was kicked in the face by a horse. Married at the residence of the bride's parents, Wedn

Melissa Cooper with CARE Charity speaks to the Fairbury City Council Wednesday night. Melissa Cooper with the local CARE Charity appeared before members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday night seeking permission to hold a Fall Fling event featuring vendors, a car show, food trucks and kid activities. They would like to reserve North Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19. “We are always taking donations,” Cooper explained. Mayor David Slagel told Cooper Larry Ray, who ha

Students at Prairie Central High School in Fairbury will transition into a modified block schedule in the fall of 2027. “This is a process that has taken a long time,” PCHS Principal Wade Czerwonka told members of the PC Board of Education Tuesday night. Czerwonka refers to the new schedule as a positive for both students and teachers, saying the current system puts kids at a disadvantage when it comes to testing. He feels this would be a more natural pace for everyone involv

Residents of Fairbury and surrounding locations now have another option for local information and sports coverage, in addition to FairburyNews.net . Casson Media has purchased local radio station 93.7 FM, now known as Route 24 Radio, with the call letters of WPOK. The station is licensed to Pontiac and has a strong reach throughout all of Central Illinois. This is an expansion of the current Route 24 Radio online radio programming which adds the over-the-air component for sho

Many of us remember our grandparents having a hand-cranked Victrola record player in their homes. It is hard to imagine everyday life in America in the early 1920s. Radios were just being introduced, and there was no television or Internet. For home entertainment, many families read books, magazines, and local newspapers. Wealthier families might have an upright piano to play or sing along with. Card games and parlor games like checkers and dominoes were standard evening ente

130 Years Ago March 7, 1896 The framework of the new residence being built by J. K. Shook for C. W. Neitz on Ash Street is raised. The lady clerks of W. J. Bethard's east end emporium are taking their turns in enjoying their vacations nowadays. Grace Zehr was absent from her place last week, while this week Mattie Henry is absent. Miss Mayme Phillips closed a very successful term of school in district No. 6 last week. Belle Prairie — The Freeman land tenants are putting up "n

Joan M. Hall, 88, of Cropsey, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Serenity Villa in Fairbury, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:30 – 11:00 am at the Cropsey Methodist Church. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 am at Cropsey Methodist Church with Pastor Wayne Giermann officiating. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service. Memorial donations may be made in Joan’s name to the Cropsey Fire Dept. and the

JoAnn “Annie” Holmes, 86, Fairbury, died at 12:20 pm Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury. Annie was born September 28, 1939, in Fairbury, IL the daughter of Russell and Bernice Haab Lindenbaum. She married Merle Holmes on December 12, 1970, in Pontiac, IL. He preceded her in death on September 21, 2019. Survivors include one sister, Jane Righter, Fairbury, one niece, Lori (Randy) Weber, one nephew, Jeff (Diana) Lindenbaum, great nieces an

Michael Paul Hammond, 58, of Henry, formerly of Fairbury, passed away at 7:36 am, March 4, 2026, at OSF St. Clare Medical Center, Princeton. There will be a graveside service held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury with Pastor Charles Mendoza officiating. Visitation will be noon to 12:45 pm Wednesday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church of Fairbury. Michael was born, January 11, 1

The Fairbury Area Chamber of Commerce was founded by four businessmen in 1951. The year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of this organization.   It is hard to imagine the mood and business climate in Fairbury in the early 1950s. The Korean War started in 1950, and people were hoping it would end soon. The war ended in 1953, ushering in a stretch of peace and prosperity.   In the early 1950s, the economy was strong: factories were busy, farm prices were relatively good, and sma

The Fairbury water plant shown Wednesday evening. A quote has been approved by the Fairbury City Council to repair the bulk water service area at the city’s water treatment plant. Water Superintendent Mike Mellott recommended going with galvanized material because of its strength. “Both companies are quoting the same material,” Mellott explained. Mellott suggested the bulk water fill be shut down during winter or limited to the first shift to ensure it gets drained. While thi

130 Years Ago February 29, 1896 It is announced that J. A. Willhoite, of Colfax, has bought the interest of Wallace Hemphill in the drug firm of Payne & Hemphill. Fairbury Chapter, No. 198, O. E. S., conferred the degrees upon the following candidates on Tuesday evening: Mr. and Mrs. Fred E. Thomas, Mrs. E. A. Agard, Mrs. Thomas Scouler, Jr., and H. B. Taylor. A banquet was served following the work. Married at the residence of the bride's parents, on Thursday evening, Februa