Retired police chief Robert Bane passed away last Sunday. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends, he was a great man and will be missed. He had a long career in law enforcement, with many jobs as patrolman in several towns and finally he came to work here in Paxton. He was a patrolman at first and then worked his way up and became our poice chief in 2006. He always treated people fairly and with respect, and always tried to help people too. I had the pleasure of dealing with Mr. Bane on several occasions at city council meetings and other times and I feel honored and grateful to have known him. He worked very hard to make our community a safer and happier place to live. We will all miss him..
Yearly Archives: 2019
Veterans Day 2019
Thank you to all our Veterans. Your service to our country is GREATLY APPRECIATED,
Today is a day to Honor our Veterans past and present. A day we set aside as a Nation to say Thank you to the many Men and Women who serveand have served in our Armed Forces. This is a great thing and I think we could be doing alot more for our Vets. Countless Vets are homeless, and many vets still struggle to get proper health care for injuries (physical as well as emotional) they got defending our country. They deserve much MUCH more. So please enjoy this day and reach out to those vets in your family and social circle and let them know that you appreciate them. And if your not already actively involved PLEASE GET INVOLVED….. There are many ways you can help through the many wonderful organizations out there You can also write your political leaders and let them know that Vets derserve quality health care and they should not be living on the streets…. It is up to all of us to change this. Below is a just a few links and there are many more people out there helping our Veterans.
A History of Veterans Day HERE
Some facts about Vetrans Day HERE
Some wonderful organizations
The D.A.V.
Happy Birthday America
Happy birthday America, another year of proving to the world that this is indeed the greatest nation on earth. So lets all take some time out to reflect and share with our children just exactly what this celebration is all about. Let us remeber that this is the day that our fore-fathers offically declared their independence from Britian. Independence from tyranny, independence to set a new government dedicated to its citizens, dedicated to new freedoms and guarantees to insure those freedoms remained untouched by tyrants. A new nation separate from the church where people were free from religion and the persecution that was everywhere at the time. Freedom to worship as they pleased without fear o fpersecution from the church or government.
Freedom of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. A just nation with just laws for everyone. A nation where one has the right to free speeech with out fear .These are but a few of the many freedoms and rghts we now have and enjoy. Thanks to our fore fathers and the many men and women who fought for those freedoms from the very beginning of our nation.
Happy Birthday America, may you enjoy many, many more,,,,,
The Womens Club and The Vet’s Memorial
Our Memorial sign is a tribute to all the men and women who serve and have served our nation and communities. It was originally dedicated in 1991 by the Womens Club of Paxton. In the midst of Operation Desert Storm The Women club decided a there was a need for a Memrial to honor all our nations Veterans. The nenbers made and sold over 1200 small patriotic label pins for fifty cents each, and with donations from individuals and other organizations were able to raise $3000.00 for the sign. With this money and the help of many volunteers The Memorial sign, lighting, and a 30ft. flag pole were installedat the sane location where it is tohis day. The land was originally donated by the Pizza man restuarant ( Now Monicals). Because the flag was and is flown everyday in all types of weather it must be changed every couple of months. The flags were paid for by the Womens club and changed when needed by members of the American Legion. In 1992 and 1993 bushes and perinnials were added.
The womens club has done many other wonderful things for our community through the years and continues thise efforts to day. In 1984 the club restored the Gazebo at Glen cemetery. The Gazebo was origanally built in 1895. In 1991 the Club promoted a project to plant 25 new Maple, Linden, and Redbud trees to relace the many trees that had been lot since the cemetary wasa first laid out in 1876. This project was to serve as a living symbol of rememberance for the former residents and families buried in Glen cemetery.
In the early 1970’s in the Club accepted the challenge to “Light the Bridges” on the “cut out” that connect the east andwest side of town. This projecy coast more than $6000.00.
In 1967 The Club took on the major project of rrestoring the pavillion in Pells park. If the Women had not stepped up, the pavillion was likey to be tore down. This major renovation cost over $10,000.00.which was raised with thehelp of other civic organizations and personal donations. We all love this pavillion and it get “ALOT” of use year after year. Later in 1973, the Club solicited donations of sand, brick, mortor and shingles to redo the lunch stand at Pells park. Another wonderful gift from the Womens club. Thes are jus a few of the many things that the Womens Clubs has done over years.
As the new caretakers of tthe Memorial sign we are honored to pick up the torch and do our part to keep the legacy alive. To all the members of the Womens club then and now THANK YOU………
Flag Raisng Ceremony 2009
At last the big day had arrived and we wanted everything to be perfect. We rented a small canopy and chairs in case folks needs to get out of the weather.
And slowly the folks started to show up, including some visitors from out of town who were driving through at the time.
Now as more folks gahters in Monicals parking lot, it was time to get started. With the help of Glen Kaiser we were lucky enough to get some Legion volunteers who graciously came to Ceremoniously raise the new flag. While two men hoisted the flag the bugler played taps. Then each of the guest speakers spoke to the crowd about the importance of honoring our Veterans, Sheriff Doran shared a history of the bugle tune we know as Taps. Our Speakers were Les Mathews, Mayor Bill Ingold, Ford county Sheriff Mark Doran, and Congressman Shane Cultra. Special guests in the crowd included State Prosecuter Matt Fitton ( Now Judge Fitton), Police Chief Bob Bane and Sgt Yates, several State Police officers, Fire Chief Denny Kingren and crew, as well as 2 of Paxton’s mail carriers who are veterans themselves and also Dr. Jeff Reynolds and guest..This in addition to the familys that came out to show thier support.
On a special note, It must’ve been a special honor for Mayor Ingold, and Fire Chief Denny Kingren to take part in the rededication of the sign that thier mothers had created almost 20 years prior..
The Rebuild 2009
After removing the old sign and coming up with a new design, the idea was taken to Tommy at Signs and Designs in Paxton. New panels were purchased and the panel braces were repainted.
While Les Mathews and Mark Marshall repainted the panels and metal panel covers, Tommy began the hard task of putting on all the logo’s and lettering. All of the lettering, and logos’s were donated by Tommy. When all of this was done, it was time to put it all back together. Many volunteers helped out after work and on weekends until the sign was finished and ready for the Flag raisng ceremony on Veterans Day.
Next, The Flag Raing Ceremony