It happened in April

Do you remember these events that made the news during the month of April?

1974
Rev. Thomas Gorman, pastor of St. Church celebrated his Silver Jubilee of Priesthood.

The first ABC Fair benefiting the Lincolnwood Reading Center was held.

1975

Lighting was installed on the Raymond Park ball diamond.

1977  

The LHS Band, under the direction of Darrell Cannedy, was invited to compete in the first state-wide contest of "sweet 16" bands.

1985

George Weatherford, an employee of Myers Standard Station at I-55 and Rt. 48, was shot and killed during a robbery. 

The Veteran's Memorial was erected in April 1995.

1986

Panhandle School Board votes to move all district 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to Raymond at the end of the 1986 school year. At that time, the Waggoner Grade School, Farmersville gym and ag shop, and one building at Raymond Grade School were closed. 

1987

The Village Board agreed to accept Southern Meadows subdivision, developed by Merrill Wernsing. 

1988

A severe spring thunderstorm struck Raymond, blowing out windows at the laundromat and destroying the roof on the Jim and Colette Herrmann residence, as well as doing other damage. A hail storm one week later damaged numerous roofs in the area. 

A drought from late spring though summer and fall resulted in low crop yields. Local communities kept a close watch on water levels. 

1989

Village and township elections were held with the race for township road commissioner between James Mackay, Democrat, and William Vanzant, Independent, ending in a tie with each candidate receiving 233 votes. A coin toss conducted by the canvassing board gave Mackay the seat. Vanzant challenged and called for a recount which resulted in the same tie vote. 

Doyle Memorial Reading Center and others benefited from the generosity of Mae Sorrells who bequeathed $5,000 to the library, $5,000 to the Montgomery County 4-H Foundations, $2,000 to the Raymond Cemetery, and $10,000 to Hillsboro Hospital. 

1990

The Raymond Village Board voted to ban skateboarding on Main Street.

1994

Many area residents turned out to tour seven homes that were featured in the "Parade of Homes" held to benefit the Raymond-Harvel Community Fund. 

1995

The Veteran's Memorial at Veteran's Memorial Park was erected by members of the American Legion and Village Board and employees.