No more basement living for Scott family
GIFFORD — You’d be hard-pressed to find a busier place than Jim and Carol Scott’s basement in Gifford.That’s where their son Derin Scott, his wife and five kids — ages 2, 6 (twins), 14 and 17 — have...
View ArticleVliet the granddaddy of all Santas
There’s only one thing keeping him from slipping on any of his six Santa suits, jumping in his pickup with the “SANTA” vanity plates and resuming his five-decade career as Kris Kringle. “Mrs. Claus,”...
View ArticleGifford tavern opens in new location
GIFFORD — Let the record show that 52-year-old Dana Cler bought the first drink at the new North Forty, which opened at 10 a.m. Jan. 10.“It was 10:02,” he said. “Grey Goose vodka. And it was...
View ArticleAn Illini fan headed to Kentucky
Aleah Combs is a diehard Illinois fan. “But I might have to switch my loyalties if I’m to survive,” said the 18-year-old Rantoul Township High grad, who next month leaves for the University of...
View ArticleAnother Gifford family gets a new dwelling
GIFFORD — As we close in on the two-year anniversary of the Gifford tornado, rebuilding continues in the tiny Champaign County village.It takes 23 minutes for Hayley Marshall to drive from Ogden to...
View ArticleThe secret to a 70-year marriage
GIFFORD — Through a family member, I asked Edwin and Helen Clawson what it feels like to be married for 70 years.“Yesterday,” Edwin said, “when you marry the right person.”Edwin, 97, and Helen, 98,...
View ArticleFisher's Delaney named Farm Leader of Year scholarship winner
She’s a spunky 19-year-old who loves playing sports, riding four-wheelers and living on the farm.Fisher’s Courtney Delaney is this year’s recipient of The News-Gazette Farm Leader of the Year...
View ArticleArmy vet Buck takes balloon ride in stride
GIFFORD — To celebrate his 89th birthday, Ray Buck went for a ride.About 1,800 feet in the air.“What a view,” the Army veteran said. “Loved seeing all the area from so far up in the air.”read more
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