MXMAS: Thats Motorcross for Christmas

Back in the day, Glen Ellyn’s Jim Lambert was a frequent visitor to the motorcross track in Wapella. Jim tells fine tales of traveling to the village brotherly love and even coming back with some hardware from a race or two. Jim is seen pictured below - #767 actually and he’s in a nice spot in the race.

Jim is having a tough bout right now and is in the hospital today fighting away just like he fought in his Motorcross day in Jimtown. The staff at wapella.com wishes Jim and his family all the best at Christmas and knows that the same fighting spirit that he showed in Wapella will prevail.

Godspeed Jim Lambert! Note: also pictured below is a recent snapshot of Jim in a Billy Jack hat.

Good Day For A Long Tall Glass of Leo Sayer

Big Tip of the Rock and Roll Glass to AJW who just purchased a (disputably short) copy of The Very Best of Leo Sayer. Sayer has been on the charts in the UK for 4 decades now, with his good time rock and roll (maybe not for his good hair and good looks).

Sayer hit the USA with a few hits and the steely determination to make it big back in 1973 prompting one Wildcat now living in Downer's Grove to shoot with

Just purchased and not just because of Leo’s hair or his fabulous shoes. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, When I Need You, More Than I Can Say……..it doesn’t get any better.

The Pride of New Athens Illinois: Congratulations Dorrel Norman Elvert "Whitey" Herzog

The Hall of Fame welcomes the great one, Whitey Herzog. Here's Whitey in action:


“I just got 45 games dumber.”
— Herzog after Bruce Sutter signed with the Atlanta Braves after the 1984 season.

“The Yankees have got (Rich) Gossage and (Sparky) Lyle. We’ve got Hungo, Mungo, the Duck and the Bird.”
— When Herzog’s Royals met the Yankees in the 1978 playoffs, the Yankees had a more high-priced and effective bullpen than the Royals’ four of Al Hrabosky, Steve Mingori, Marty Pattin and Doug Bird.

“We need three kinds of pitching — lefthanded, righthanded and relief.”
— Discussing some of the bad pitching staffs he had to endure in his several managerial stops, notably the 1973 Texas Rangers.

“Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it.”
— Thankful for all he’s received since he played his last big-league game in 1963.

“People said I had my own type of baseball, ‘Whiteyball.’ I don’t know about that. But I knew we were going to run. I knew we had to run.”
— On his championship teams featuring a running game designed for spacious Busch Stadium and its artificial turf.

“If I would say who taught me the most, it would be Casey Stengel. He told me things about fundamentals that I had never heard before.”
— Herzog on the New York Yankees’ Hall of Fame manager.

“I knew the first time I didn’t win, I was going to get fired.”
— Talking about his days in Kansas City when he was not in favor with owner Ewing Kauffman. When Herzog’s Royals finished three games off the pace in 1979 after three straight division titles, he was dismissed.

“Where the hell you been? I got trades to make.”
— Herzog to a Post-Dispatch reporter in December 1980, in a Dallas hotel lobby. Herzog, who had just taken over as the Cardinals’ general manager, either acquired or sent away 25 players in the next four days at baseball’s winter meetings. “Everybody thought I was crazy.”

“He’s another Baby Ruth.”
— Analysis of the June 1984 day in Chicago when Cubs second baseman Ryan Sandberg hit two home runs off relief ace Bruce Sutter in the same game.

Return of Really Stupid Music Video

There was something quite naive about the early 1980's MTV music video and the idea that a slopped together video recording with dubbed over vocals would somehow change the music world. Also, half-dressed women show up for no apparent reason. Come on, who actually though ZZ Top would be more appealing visually than on record?

The music world didn't change all that much, though movies and TV went to shorter cuts, punchier gags, and lower production values/stripped down performances. Night Ranger with Sister Christian, Survivor, The Bangles all were video hits that may have stalled (even quicker) without video.

Butch Walker is the busiest guy in show business producing hits, promoting shows, and even performing himself. I can't grip whether this video is a parody or he actually thinks it is profound to do a voice over saying

I don't want to drive around
And listen to your burned CD's
Through your sh***y car speakers
Of every band you think you've discovered
It's just gonna make me feel insecure

I'll go with a parody, but the song is still catchy, and the video is ridiculously amusing.
Rock on Butch Walker (who looks like he might be from Waynesville) with "The Weight of Her"

Hog City Will Not Sleep Till There is Bovine Justice

I hereby pledge the full faith and resources of Wapella.com to stop this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Clinton Police Department is seeking the public's help investigating a burglary to a local business.

According to the Department, Toohill Beef located at 600 East Van Buren Street was burglarized some time on November 20^th. Officers indicate the owner of the business discovered that a person or persons had broken out a window on the south side of the business. The suspect(s) then entered the business and made off with some choice and prime meat products, a cell phone, and an undisclosed amount of cash. The burglary is believed to have occurred late on November 19^th or early on November 20^th.

If you have any information regarding these crimes or any other crimes please call Clinton Crime Stoppers at 935-3333. Callers remain anonymous and will receive a cash reward up to $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest.

Mean Woman on Friday Afternoon

Enjoy a Mean Woman with Eric Clapton and Carl Perkins from an old HBO special. 2X the Guitar Power. Perkins costume and haircut is pure Hog City. Clapton looks like he has been watching Miami Vice.

11/11 Veterans Saluted

As always Wapella.com salutes those who served the country in military service. Here's a piece from the Clinton Public, re-arranging a celebration in honor of 2 regiments from DeWitt County. Waving the flag high today.

September 1, 1864

PUBLIC MEETING.

The following are the proceedings of a public meeting held in Clinton on the 26th of August 1864.

On motion, Col. J. J. KELLY was appointed Chairman, and H. S. GREENE, Secretary.

Whereas, The citizens of DeWitt county in extending a reception to the returned members of the 41st Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, on the 25th inst., and which reception was intended for all returned soldiers, unintentionally omitted to tender a formal invitation to the members of the 20th Regiment and other volunteers, and

Whereas, It is the desire of the people to manifest their regard for all our brave soldiers alike. Therefore be it

Resolved, That a public dinner be tendered by the citizens of DeWitt county to the 20th and 41st Regiments, and that all the gallant men who are or have been in the service of the United States, be cordially invited to attend.

Resolved, That said dinner be given at Clinton, at the hour of 2 o'clock, on the 9th day of September next.

Resolved, That Col. J. J. Kelly be a committee of one, to procure speakers.

Resolved, The Chairman appoint a committee of six persons to make arrangements for said dinner.

The Chairman therefore appointed the following persons to constitute said committee: John P. Mitchell, M. A. Morris, H. G. Tyler, William Haynie, R. H. Wheeler and F. E. Morgan.

Resolved, That the following named persons be a committee on finance: Barzilla Campbell, James DeLand and W. B. Smith of Clintonia; W. Y. McCord, of Santa Anna; W. H. Lafferty, of Rutledge; John Johnson, of Wilson; I. F. Emery, of Wapella; Wm. Robb, of Waynesville; Jacob Swigart, of DeWitt; G. B. Lemon, of Harp; J. R. Hall, of Barnett; W. H. Martin, of Nixon; I. Davenport, of Creek; Jonah Lingal, of Texas; J. A. Kinley, of Tunbridge.

Resolved, That the ladies of the county be earnestly requested to cooperate with the managing committee above named, in furthering the objects of this meeting, and that said committee take steps to secure the aid of the ladies of the county.

Resolved, That Captains North, Dannison and Harrell, and Lieut. Kelly, and all the other returned officers, be requested to procure the attendance of their respective commands, and of all who have at any time served the Nation as American soldiers.

Resolved, That the above proceedings be published in the CLINTON PUBLIC.

J. J. Kelly, Ch'mn
H. S. Greene, Sec'y

---

September 1, 1864

Arrangements for the Soldiers' Dinner.

The following committees have been appointed:
On Flags and Banners— N. E. Wheeler.
On Vocal Music— W. B. Smith, M. M. DeLevis and A. M. Werner.
On Provisions and tables:

Mrs. M. Danison	Mrs. H. Crossley
Mrs. B. Campbell	Mrs. J. Conklin
Mrs. R. R. Crang	Mrs. J. H. Hill
Mrs. D. Crang	Mrs. D. Hall
Mrs. Geo. Armstrong	Mrs. N. W. Smith
Mrs. Joel Wilson	Mrs. W. Catterlin
Mrs. J. E. Wightman	Mrs. O. F. Morrison
Mrs. Ab. Phares	Mrs. M. M. DeLevis
Mrs. E. Orahood	Mrs. T. S. Dickerson
Mrs. O. Lakin	Mrs. Wm. Bishop
Mrs. M. Donahue	Mrs. C. P. Ford
Mrs. Wm. Clagg, Jr.	Mrs. G. F. Phillips
Mrs. F. H. Bogar	Mrs. Stevens
Mrs. J. B. Hunt	Mrs. J. Lisenby
Mrs. R. Phares	Mrs. S. Smith
Mrs. J. Wightwick	Mrs. E. Kent
Mrs. Dr. Wright	Mrs. J. J. Kelly
Mrs. L. D. Hovey	Mrs. A. Argo
Mrs. I. N. Coltrin	Mrs. Richards
Mrs. S. Edmiston	Mrs. R. H. Wheeler
Mrs. M. Mohrle	Mrs. M. A. Morris
Mrs. L. S. McGraw	Mrs. Dr. Edmiston

The lady committee is expected to have the exclusive charge of the tables, provisions and all the arrangements of the same, before and during the Dinner. They are requested to wear a narrow blue ribbon as a distinguishing badge.

Citizens of the town and county are expected to deliver their contributions of provisions to the committee of arrangements, who will be found at the Jewelry store of R. H. Wheeler, and at the Fair Grounds after 8 o'clock on the morning of Friday.

The procession will form on the East side of the Court House, at 10 o'clock a.m., under direction of Jas. DeLand, Chief Marshal.

Wapella.com Mourns the Passing of James Roy Troxel

James Roy (Dugan) Troxel, 78, of rural Dewitt died Thursday, Oct. 29, at St. John's Hospital, Springfield. Cremation rites were accorded at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.

Dugan was the son of Jay and Nellie Crum Troxel of Troxel Brothers Grocery in Wapella. He was a graduate of Wapella High School Class of 1949.

He married Shirley Ann Reynolds in Decatur, Oct. 19, 1968. She survives along with a daughter, Tawnya Fogarty, Chattanooga, Tenn; a stepson, Rick Reynolds, Wapella (WHS 80) and a sister, Iona (Vincent) Murphy (WHS 45), Wapella. His parents, two brothers, Eugene (who taught and coached at Wapella High) and Dean Troxel, a son, Terry Joe Troxel and a stepson, Larry Reynolds Jr preceded him in death.

He was a tool maker for R.W. Corp. for 42years and a retired member of I.A.M. He was an avid motorcycle rider, fisherman and camper.

Our condolences to the Troxel and Reynolds families.

Wapella Man Honored

Dennis "Black Jack" Toohill has been honored for his work in the field of Health Care. Toohill (WHS '82) went to Peoria for the award, where he was feted at a tradeshow. The Board of Wapella Historians has officially seconded this honor with the coveted Noveau Nomme de Guerre, Black Jack.

Panatagraph Story Below

CNA's honored

BLOOMINGTON - Hannah O'Neil and Dennis Toohill, certified nursing assistants at Heritage Manor, Bloomington, were nominated for the Illinois Health Care Association CNA of the Year award. Each was presented with a certificate of achievement during the recent 59th annual IHCA Convention and Tradeshow in Peoria.

O'Neil has worked at the nursing home for six years and is described as a hard worker who exhibits a positive attitude, promotes teamwork, is an excellent advocate for the residents and a mentor for new employees.

Toohill, formerly a business manager, went back to school to obtain his CNA certificate and became a licensed nursing home administrator. He is described as a team player whose goal is to improve the lives of all residents.

**

Way to go Black Jack!

Update: Happy 45th Birthday Black Jack!

Taylorville Man Defeated in Big Election

Jon Corzine, a 1965 graduate of Taylorville High School has been defeated in New Jersey's gubernatorial election, by a man named Chris Chritie, who kind of looks like former pro-wrestler Paul Christy, show at left with his manager Miss Bunny Love. Paul and Miss Bunny were known as the Bonny and Clyde of Pro Wrestling, (though I am not sure of the outlaw reference, would that be better as Bunny and Clyde?).

Paul and Miss Bunny are first-ever husband and wife team to be honored by the Cauliflower Alley Club. It's the pinnacle of a whirlwind career that has brought Christy money, fame -- and love.

Paul went to Mt Carmel High School on Chicago's South Side, the same high school as Donovan McNabb, Antoine Walker and Denny McClain, before taking up a career in the square circle.

Reflecting on a career spanning more than three decades led Christy to recently write a book, The Many Faces of Paul Christy. It's the story of Christy's life as he wrestled with the ups and downs of the mat game. He can't wait for this year's Cauliflower Alley Club ceremony to swap stories with fans, family, and friends alike.

To order a copy of The Many Faces of Paul Christy, please call 1-888-280-7715.

Jon Corzine (who kind of looks like DePaul Blue Demon and Chicago Bull Dave Corzine) g

rew up on a small family farm in Willey Station, Illinois and near Taylorville. After completing high school at Taylorville High School where he had been the football quarterback and basketball captain he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and graduated in 1969, earning Phi Beta Kappa honors. While in college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and served from 1969 until 1975, attaining the rank of sergeant. In 1970 he enrolled in the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, from which he received a Master of Business Administration degree in 1973.