VOL. 182, NO. 50 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019 First National Bank Of Lacon Says Goodbye To Generous Donations Lift Christmas Fund Over $11,500 Longtime Employees As They Retire This Dec. treat for yourself and a tremendous the sign up. This fund is not just for The First National Bank of La- elor’s in Finance from ISU. Sign-Up For Assistance help for the community. children or not just for families, but con is saying goodbye and con- Tom Peugh, a former Ag loan Set For Tues., December 17 Around here, we can't avoid the for anyone who needs help, married gratulations to two longtime em- officer of the bank, has also retired hustle and bustle. We have set the or single, man, woman or child. We ployees. Dennis Herridge and Kim from the board of directors. A new As we begin this second week sign up dates to be Tuesday, De- don't want to miss anyone, and this Thompson will be retiring at the director, Mike Lambrecht manager of December, we want to send our cember 17 after 11 A.M. (please includes anyone - not just families end of this year, after each serv- of Jim’s IGA, has been appointed sincere appreciation to the families give us time to get the paper to the with children. ing over 40 years at the Bank. The by the board of directors. An open of Mickey Winkler and Larry For- press,) till 2:00 P.M. and from 6 to If you are in need of help, please bank would like to thank Dennis house will be held on Friday, De- sythe for kindly remembering the 7 p.m. We will have the sign up here sign up for the Lacon Home Journal and Kim for their dedication and cember 20th at the Bank for Dennis Christmas Fund. On behalf of the at the Lacon Home Journal, 204 S. Christmas Fund, and if you know years of service. Richard Weers and Kim. Please stop by the Bank community we extend our sympa- Washington St. The distribution of someone, please have them sign will be taking over for Herridge as that day for some refreshments and thy for their losses and our thank will be after 10 a.m. on Friday, up. Your names will remain confi- Chief Executive Officer. Weers is wish them well in their retirement. you. Their generosity and kindness Decmber 20 also here at the Lacon dential, and there are not a lot of currently Chief Financial Officer, The First National Bank of La- is so appreciated. Home Journal. questions asked. has been with the bank 15 years, con is proud to continue serving One day last week, we received Unfortunately, there are kids, The sign up will be Tuesday, and holds an MBA from Bradley our community as a family owned a check from the Marshall County from toddler to teen, who don't December 17 after 11 A.M. (please University. Serina Stickel has been bank for over 155 years, and wishes Motorcycle Club. This wonderful expect much, if anything for Christ- give us time to get the paper to the named Assistant Vice President. Dennis and Kimmy a very happy, group of people have fun while mas morning. Your thoughtful con- press,) till 2:00 P.M. and from 6 Serina has been in the financial in- healthy retirement! doing “good things.” Thank you to tributions will show them the true to 7 p.m. here at the Lacon Home dustry for 12 years and has a Bach- all of them and we hope they have spirit of the season. We've received Journal. Thank you for all your con- sunshine and warm weather for their several calls. One asks for “any help tributions. Donations may be made next “ride.” you can give”. at the Lacon Home Journal, 204 S. Marshall Putnam County Fair Announces Tracy If you are feeling the shopping Every year, we make a plea to the Washington St., Lacon, IL 61540 or Byrd As Musical Act For July 2020 Fair Concert stress of the season, treat yourself community to make sure that no one at the First National Bank. to a little “relief” by a donation to who is in need is missed. Please, if THIS WEEK'S DONATIONS the Lacon Home Journal Christmas you or someone you know needs "In Memory of Mickey Winkler"...880.00 Fund. It really is the perfect gift, a "In Loving Memory of Our Loved Ones. help this season, please come to (Continued On Page 2) L-S Ambulance Is Recipient Of “Denim For Dollars”

The Marshall-Putnam County “Holdin’ Heaven,” was Byrd’s Fair is proud to announce that the first hit in 1993, after which he country music legend Tracy Byrd went on to release a lineup of hits will be at the Marshall-Putnam that included “Watermelon Crawl,” County Fair on Thursday, July 16 “Big Love,” “I’m From the Coun- with Craig Gerdes opening the try,” “Ten Rounds With Jose Cu- show. The concert takes place in ervo,” “Drinkin’ Bone,” and “The Henry at the Marshall-Putnam Keeper of the Stars,” which earned County Fairgrounds. Gates will him the Song of the Year title at open at 5:30 p.m. and the show the 1996 ACM Awards. Byrd has will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are released 34 singles and 10 studio The staff at The First National to wear denim instead of the pro- cal organizations and are looking on sale now. (Continued On Page 2) Bank of Lacon is trading dollars for fessional dress code. This quarter forward to next quarters drawing. denim on Fridays with a quarterly the organization drawn to benefit Pictured above from left to right fundraiser drawing for local chari- from this fund raiser is The Lacon- are Jacey Ahrens, Greg Walters and ties. All of the staff members have Sparland Ambulance and it was Judy Boswell, all respresenting the made donations toward a fund, donated in the name of Erin Olson. Lacon-Sparland Ambulance and and the bank will then contribute All employees think that it is really Erin Olson of the First National matching funds for the privilege great to be able to help out our lo- Bank. Best Charities In America To Donate For the 38th time in the past 40 To help you maximize your im- World Resources Institute...... 98 years, charitable giving increased pact without jeopardizing your Health year over year in 2018, according financial health, WalletHub’s edi- Semper Fi Fund...... 97 to Giving USA. Americans do- tors compared more than 100 of Education nated a total of $427.71 billion – the most prominent U.S. charities DonorsChoose.org...... 93 nearly $292 billion of which came based on their financial perfor- Hurricane Relief from individual donors. Forecasts mance, transparency and popular- Direct Relief...... 93 call for a further increase in chari- ity. And we identified the best or- The Environment table giving in 2019, when the final ganization to donate to for each of Conservation Fund...... 90 figures are tallied, but much de- the most popular causes. Child-Abuse Prevention pends on how generous we feel this Here are the best charities to Prevent Child Abuse America holiday season. ’Tis indeed the sea- donate to: (National Office)...... 88 son for generosity, as a significant Wallet Hub Community Development portion of all charitable donations Charity/Category...... Score (Out of 100) Wounded Warriors are usually made in the month of Human Service Family Support...... 88 December. Rotary Foundation of Hunger There is no shortage of noble Rotary International...... 100 Action Against Hunger-USA..... 87 Midland Timberwolves’ Record Even At 3-3 After Six Games causes in need of support this year. Animals Homelessness But no one wants their money to PetSmart Charities...... 99 National Alliance to End Midland sophomore Ryan Rid- Wildcats as they cruised to a 73-47 Veterans dell handles the ball Tuesday night win. See complete write-up of all go to waste. So it’s fair to wonder Homelessness...... 86 which charity will make the best Fisher House Foundation...... 98 Religion against the Galva defense. The T- games and box scores on page 5. International Affairs Wolves had little trouble with the use of your donation. Samaritan's Purse...... 85 Will Be At The Please Bring Your Family To Enjoy Friday, tCookie Decorating December 20 tCrafts tHot Dogs tPopcorn Varna Fire t Station From 6 To 8 P.M. Some Hot Chocolate