Page 2 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 3 Reader Submission Darwin “Spud” Newhouse The Heroes Spud volunteers and gives his talents generously. He has helped build 9 veteran tiny homes for the Central Illinois Veterans Commission. - Annie Coers 04 Gene Hickey 08 12 Bill Post Remembering Betty GailWagner 18 Gillette Ransom 22 Earnest Jeckel Emden Fire Protection District 26 Mike Kavanugh
Page 4 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Gene Hickey Dictionary.com defines a hero as “a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal.” Gene Hickey embodies that definition in its entirety. While he served in the Marines, his dedication to his country and his community did not end there. Even though his military service is long behind him, Hickey still serves in many capacities for people of Lincoln and Logan County, especially the veteran community. One of Hickey’s most notable roles is Commander of the American Legion. He is currently serving his fourth term in the position. As Commander, Hickey oversees just about everything that goes on at the Legion. He runs the meetings that are held there and oversees all the committees the Legion has, like the house and bar committees. In addition to this, Hickey is responsible for taking care of all cemetery flags, as well as setting up for every veteran event that takes place there. He coordinates with everyone, gets the speakers, and just makes sure that everything that needs to happen does. While this is a large responsibility, it is not nearly the entirety Hickey’s service. Hickey also does all the dirt work for the tiny homes that are built for veterans by the Central
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 5 Illinois Veterans Commission (CIVC). When asked how he came about doing this, Hickey stated that he just volunteered. “Nobody asked me. I just told them, ‘if you need some help, I’ll help.” Hickey uses his own equipment when he volunteers, seeing as he used to be an equipment operator. Hickey is an active member of the Marine Corps League (MCL) and is the State Commandant of Illinois District 4. This means that Hickey oversees seven detachments of the MCL. They used to provide medical equipment to veterans but were unable to do it at the capacity they wanted to. Part of the reason for this is a limit that is put on how much money the MCL can bring in each year. This being the case, Hickey and several others with the MCL established the Veterans Medical Group. With this group, Hickey has provided all kinds of medical equipment, such as hospital beds, scooters, lifts, wheelchairs, ramps, and more. Hickey shared that over thirty ramps have been installed since the Veterans Medical Group was created. The group tries to stay within fifty miles of Lincoln but has gone farther to provide needed equipment. Hickey also serves as the Senior Vice President with the 40 & 8. With the 40 & 8, Hickey got the ball rolling on updating the veterans’ memorial at the Logan County Safety Complex on the corner of Broadway and North Hamilton Streets in Lincoln. This is something Hickey himself helped with the renovation of. In addition, Hickey helps raise money for nursing scholarships with this group. As if all this were not enough, Hickey and his dog Maverick are part of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs through the MCL. Being a part of this group, Hickey and Maverick go to a convention once a year and help raise money for kids in children's hospitals. Last year, over $90,000 was donated to the Texas Children’s Hospital, and this year they will be fundraising in August for the Indianapolis Children’s Hospital. Members of the veteran community have nothing but good things to say about Hickey. Dan Benedict, with the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) and one of LDN’s 2025 picks for Hometown Hero, spoke on Hickey’s all around character and willingness to go out of his way. Benedict stated that he met Hickey through the board that oversees the VAC, as Hickey is on this board. He also knows him through the Legion and the Forty & Eight. In the time that he has known Hickey, he has
Page 6 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 been nothing but reliable. “He’s kind of the go to guy if you need to get something veterans related done,” Benedict said. “If he can’t do it, he knows somebody who will do it. But most of the time he is probably already involved.” Vince Long, one of LDN’s 2024 picks for Hometown Heroes, also spoke on Hickey’s reliability. Among other places, Long knows Hickey through serving on the honor guard together. Long described Hickey as a good leader, saying that he is willing to do the things that others forget about. “If something starts to fall by the wayside… he is one of the first to jump in and take care of that for you,” Long said. “There have been times when we couldn’t get anybody else to do something… and if you say something to Gene, he will make sure the job gets done.” Fellow veteran and longtime friend of Hickey, Jim Harnacke, also had a few things to say. Like Benedict and Long, Harnacke spoke on Hickey’s reliability and how much he does for the veteran community. “He has a hand in just about everything veterans related,” Harnacke said. He also spoke on how Hickey has stepped up since the passing of Joe Schaler, the founder of the CIVC and the tiny homes they make. “Whether [members of the community] need something from the Legion, need something from the Marine Corps League, the medical program, veterans’ tiny homes, the CIVC… Gene’s reliability is probably the thing I would have to say the most. He’s reliable and resilient.” Hickey was asked about what drives him to be as involved as he is and help as much as he does. “I just like helping other people,” he said, “especially the veterans… If somebody needs help, I’ll help them.” Hickey was quick to point out that he does not believe he is a hero, however. “I’m not really a hero; I’m just an average person who tries to help.” Unfortunately for Hickey, however, the definition of a hero is not based on the opinion of the hero in question, but the opinions of others. Based on the statements of Benedict, Long, and Harnacke, and the unrecorded statements of all those he has helped, Hickey very much fits the definition of a Hometown Hero of Logan County. Thank you for everything you do, Gene. [Matt Boutcher]
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Page 8 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Betty Gail Wagner In her golden years, long time Emden resident Betty Gail Wagner is still very active in her community. She is secretary of the Emden Historical Society board, serves on the Emden American Legion Post #506 Auxiliary and teaches Sunday school at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden. Though Wagner retired in 2010 after working at the Farmer’s State Bank in Emden for 40 years, retirement has not seemed to slow her down. Betty Gail Wagner has been the secretary at the Emden Historical Society Board for many years. Ladonna Gass, who serves on the board with Wagner, said, “she is above efficient, hardworking and everyone loves her. We would be lost without her. She is always smiling and so helpful in everything we do there as she also has a lot of knowledge about past history of our town. She is basically that way in everything she does. She is a true jewel!” Since Wagner was born and raised in this area and knows so much about the town, she served on the planning committee for the Village of Emden’s 100th anniversary in 1971, the 125th Anniversary in 1996 and the 150th anniversary in 2021. For the 100th Anniversary Committee, Wagner served as secretary. On the 125th Anniversary Committee in 1996, she served as treasurer. For both the 100th and 125th celebration, the committee had books printed that provide a history of Emden and many of the families with long time roots. Wagner is part of the Shirley family, which has been around the area for many years. A 1982 History of Logan County shows Wagner’s great grandparents, William and Elizabeth Shirley originally lived in Stomping Ground, Kentucky, but sometime in the 1800s, “they migrated to Logan County, Illinois, settling in the Musick community (call Musickville).”
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 9 Wagner’s grandparents, George and Louise Shirley, “were married on the first day of 1900 in Hartsburg, where they spent their entire life.” Galen and Roberta Shirley, Wagner’s parents, stayed in the area, so Wagner has also lived in this area her whole life. With all the work Wagner has done in the community, people who live in the village of Emden speak fondly of her. Emden resident Joli Crane says, “I have known Betty Gail since I was around three or four years old. She was my Sunday school teacher. I remember her teaching the class to weave our fingers together and bow our heads to pray. That same year, our Christmas program song was ‘Away in a Manger’. She took time to sing the song with us until we knew it by heart.” As a fellow member of American Legion Auxiliary Post #506, Crane says, “I have also learned a lot from Betty Gail about patriotism. She works year-round with the Auxiliary Post, going to meetings, preparing for the annual Memorial Day service at Bethel Church, collecting donations for veterans, and participating in other Auxiliary activities. Each year, Betty Gail cleans Bethel Church for the Memorial Day service, which includes dusting and sweeping. She also brings flowers for the altar each year. Some years, she serves as Auxiliary President and recites the dedication of the wreath to fallen veterans alongside the Legion Commander.” In addition, Crane says Betty Gail is also a great historian of Emden who serves on the boards of Bethel Church and the Emden Historical Society. “I have had the pleasure of hearing one of Betty Gail’s presentations on Bethel Church and School House. She provided me with great resources on Bethel when I was doing a project for one of my classes at ASU for my master’s in history. Betty Gail has done a lot in the community, and she continues to demonstrate a passion for her community and country.” John Cross, who has known Wagner for many years and goes to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with her, says, “Betty Gail Wagner has been and still is a wonderful blessing to both her community and church! Through kindness, humble service, and faithfulness, she has touched countless lives both young and old while quietly making a difference wherever there was a need. Betty Gail has truly let her light shine before others and her love of people has reflected God’s grace in all she does.”
Page 10 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Cross says Betty Gail understands that the “little things” in life can make a positive impact on others. As a dedicated Sunday school teacher for 65+ years for nursery and kindergarteners, Betty Gail would deliver lessons for those students who were absent. “I know this firsthand because when my grandsons missed class, she would often drive the 32 miles round trip to take them their Sunday school lessons. I am always amazed at Betty Gail’s gift for giving readings in church, community events or special occasions. Her words were always shared with sincerity, grace, and heart!” Joyce Klokkenga serves on a ladies’ group at St. Peters with Wagner and says, “Our church women pack boxes for Lutheran World relief. We pack the boxes with kits and blankets and the boxes each weigh 30 to 40 pounds. Betty Gail comes to help volunteer with everything at church. We gently suggest that someone younger would be glad to carry the boxes to the waiting trailer. Well, that doesn’t happen, and Betty Gail joined right in with all the gals in October 2025.” Deb Wagner, who is one of Wagner’s daughters says, “My mom has always been active in the community. She has done a lot over the years, but a few examples that come to mind are she suggested planting trees and shrubs along the railroad tracks. I can remember her hauling buckets of water to water those little plants which now offer nice shade and help beautify the community. She was a Brownie Girl Scout leader when my sister and I were young; giving rides to girls who otherwise would not be able to attend. She has been a Sunday School teacher for over 65 years, and she loves children.” When Betty Gail was growing up, she attended Bethel, a one room schoolhouse from first to eighth grade. She now enjoys giving tours to her great-grandchildren and others telling stories about her school experiences. Deb says, “My mom helps keep Bethel School and Bethel Church clean and gets someone to do repairs when needed.” In addition, Deb says her mom appreciates the history of her community, as well as her country. She is active in the American Legion Auxiliary, and up until a few years ago marched with the color guard in parades. She is someone who likes to be actively involved, but to stay in the background. Everything Betty Gail Wagner does for the community and the church makes her a valuable asset and true hometown hero. [Angela Reiners]
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Page 12 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Remembering Bill Post A champion and hero for those who battled cancer Over the years the staff of Lincoln Daily News have met many people who left a wonderful impression. There are those whose outgoing personality, warm smile, upbeat attitude, and sheer commitment to the cause they represent leave us with a warm and happy feeling inside. Bill Post was one such person. The Logan County community lost Bill on May 8th, 2026, after he was hospitalized with a brief but severe illness. He will be missed by many people because he was active in so many things and a dedicated member of his church. He was also very dedicated to a cause that is near to the hearts of LDN’s owners, the American Cancer Society. Post was well known as being the luminaria guy. He worked tirelessly to raise money through the sale of luminaria to be displayed at the annual Relay for Life events in Logan County. For Post, it was about much more than raising money. The luminaria projects were established not only to raise money for the American Cancer Society but to remember and honor those who had lost the battle but gained the ultimate victory of peace and wellbeing in the life ever after. Post encouraged families to remember their loved ones by purchasing a paper bag that would be illuminated during a special lap at the annual relay events. The laps honoring those who had passed were a solemn and silent event. While family and friends of loved ones lost silently walked the laps, Post’s clear and steady voice reverently read aloud the names of those who were gone. From its inception to the last relay held, Post was there every year, doing his solemn duty,
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 13 Bill Post at the 2014 Relay for Life at Lincoln College Post reading the luminaria names at the 2015 Relay for Life event often accompanied by Donna Miles who assisted him in getting names organized and making sure no one was missed. Relay for Life continued on in communities across America until the Coronavirus Pandemic brought them to an end for the sake of safety to the health of participants, including several who were warriors or survivors. It was a sad situation for many in Logan County including Post. The Relay program went “virtual” but there was no place for the luminaria that Post had worked all those years to assure.
Page 14 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 In October of 2017, Lincoln Daily News started the Paint the Paper Pink campaign in its daily editions. It was an opportunity for the community to show their support for Breast Cancer warriors by wearing pink shirts on Fridays throughout the month. The following year, LDN’s Karen (Hargis) Castelein, Roy Logan and Nila Smith started a Relay for Life team and worked with Cindy Guyette of Collision Concepts for the first ever Pink Pumpkin Auction. During COVID, the auction was suspended along with Relay for Life. When life returned to normal in 2021 the auction returned, but Relay for Life did not. Castelein reached out to the Regional Coordinator for the American Cancer Society and got ACS’s blessing on resuming the luminaria campaign as a portion of the auction. Then Post and Tonita Reifsteck, who was also a very longterm Relay for Life participant, were asked to take on collecting luminaria at the auction. Both were delighted to be asked and excited about bringing back something that was so important. Bill Post and Tonita Reifsteck collecting luminaria at the Pink Pumpkin Auction
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 15 Each year thereafter, the two were a big part of the annual ACS fundraisers held at Collision Concepts in Lincoln. In 2023, Bill and Tonita were honored with gifts at the auction from long term cancer survivor and warrior Kathleen Brumbaugh. Kathleen spoke about her personal appreciation for the love and support both had shown her over her years and years of battle. Reifsteck and Post had been serving the ACS for many years, but their relationship went beyond that. Tonita and her late husband Wally developed a friendship with Post that lasted throughout the years. When Reifsteck was asked to contribute to this article, she was Bill and Tonita seated, Kathleen Brumbaugh, Cindy Guyette, Annie Coers, Jennifer Luckhart, Chasity White and Elizabeth. Karen Castelein at the far left. happy to do so, saying first off “I could write a book!” She went on to say, “Bill Post was ‘Compassion.’ He shared his life caring for others, from his mother's long-term care to family and anyone he met, especially if touched by cancer. The RFL memorial luminaria bags were his personal connection in remembering each name, sharing some tidbit about them, he KNEW more on all in the county than even some families did! When it came to reading the names Bill shared each like it was his own kin. He cared and he did this even after RFL ended by Pink Pumpkin support each October. A true friend whom I, among so many, will miss. Oh yes! He was a great pie baker! God blessed us with Bill . RIP dear friend.” Karen Castelein also contributed saying, “He never met a stranger and thought the best of people. He had a contagious smile and loved life. He worked tirelessly for American Cancer because he loved people. He never said no to volunteer. ..he had a true servant heart.” Nila Smith added, “I first met Bill neigh on to 20 years ago when my husband Rich and I were invited to a sit-down dinner hosted by
Page 16 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Main Street Lincoln. We were fortunate to be seated at the table with Bill, who took a sincere interest in getting to know us. As the evening progressed it was like a reunion of long-lost friends getting caught up on each other’s lives. “What surprised me though, was that Bill was like a sponge, soaking in and retaining everything he learned. From that time on, each time I saw him out and about, it was once again that feeling of reuniting with an old friend. “Bill had an incredible memory and stored in his brain was a wealth of information. He knew a lot about the history of our community and could from memory give you a quick rundown of everything he knew pertaining to a specific topic. “Bill seemed to always be happy. He loved life, he loved interacting with people, and he loved the work he did for ACS. For him it was not just about raising funds, it was about remembering and honoring the many lives lost to cancer and giving comfort to their families. “Bill has left a hole in our lives that no other person will ever be able to completely fill.” Post was not only invested in the local Relay for life. He was involved with ACS in other ways. He annually attended the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Springfield and was a member of the ACS Central Illinois Board. In 2025 Post was honored by the ACS as a Career Volunteer for American Cancer Society in Central Illinois at the walk in Springfield. Kaitlyn Keen, MPH, Associate Director, Cancer Center Partnerships commented, “Since the beginning of Relay for Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, as a former ACS Central Illinois Board Member and everything in between, Bill has been there for all of it! When working on the Hometown Heroes Magazine each year, staff often define a hero as ‘an ordinary person who does extraordinary things.’ This definition fits Bill so well. He would tell you that he is nobody special, but we would have to disagree. He was special, and he will be greatly missed. Obituary William H. Post, 87, of Lincoln passed away on Friday May 8, 2026 at Springfield
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 17 Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on January 6, 1939, the son of Henry F. and Helen (Boyer) Post. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ernest Walter Post, Henry F. Post Jr., and sisters Helen Beccue and Donna Roschnafsky. He is survived by nieces and nephews. He is the last of his immediate family. Graduated from Lincoln Jr. High in 1953 and Lincoln Community High School in 1957. He was employed by Reckitt-Benckister, (previously Lehn & Fink), for thirty-nine years, the time of the closure of the business in 1996. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield, IL, where he had served as deacon and was a member of Westminster Choir and various committees in the church. He was also a member of a Madrigal Singers Group in Decatur, IL for twenty-one years. He served on the Logan County Tourism Board, a volunteer at the Postville Courthouse and the KCB Historical Society in Middletown, IL. He served on the Regional Board of the American Cancer Society in Springfield, and on the Relay for Life of Logan County. Memorials may be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, Springfield, IL, or the American Cancer Society. Per William’s wishes, there will be no services held. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements. [Nila Smith]
Page 18 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Gillette Ransom
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 19 As someone who works hard to preserve her family heritage and town heritage, plus does a lot for others, lifelong Elkhart resident Gillette Ransom is a true hometown hero. Ransom is the great-great-granddaughter of John Dean Gillett, an early settler of Elkhart, and one of the three founders of Lincoln, Illinois. Gillett was known as both “Cattle King of America” and “Cattle King of the World” because of the many heads of cattle he shipped to Europe every year. The Gillett farm remained in the family for over 150 years until it was sold in 2017. A March 14, 2012, article in Lincoln Daily News says one of the goats Ransom was raising in partnership with Brett Conrady had triplets. The article notes “Ransom's interest in raising cattle, and now goats, may be genetic, as her great-great-grandfather John Dean Gillett was well-known for his prizewinning Shorthorn beef in the 1870s.” Though her production was on a much smaller scale, Ransom still continued the tradition of raising livestock. Those who are part of Elkhart’s business community shares stories about Ransom that show what she does for the community. Jamie Hobson, who works at Country Bumpkin in Elkhart says, “Gillette was in one of the groups that founded the Elkhart Historical Society in June of 1988 and has been on the board ever since. As the Historical Society’s website says, their mission is “to preserve and restore what is historically valuable and integral to the village of Elkhart—for the betterment of all.” In Ransom’s work with the Elkhart Historical Society, Hobson says, “She not only started the dinner lectures, but the annual Christmas Candlelight services that so many people look forward to every year.” The Christmas services at St. John’s Baptist Church in Elkhart have become so popular they started offering two services. Jean Tweet, who owns the store Birdsong just down the block from the Country Bumpkin says, “I am amazed with the wonderful Christmas programs she comes up with year after year that are so popular. Ditto for most of those dinner lectures she puts together month after month. Both of these keep curious, artsy people coming back to Elkhart, sometimes several times a year.” In addition, there are many other programs and projects that Ransom has had an active role in. For example, Hobson says Ransom helped start Elkhart’s Recycling program Earth Day of 1990, which continued until October of 2019. Ransom has helped with the Looking for Lincoln Wayside Sign, November 7, 2008, Chataqua in 1999, 2001, and 2002 and the Lincoln DVD, which was made in 2002, then added to and rereleased in 2018. Ransom played the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in 2003 video “From surveyor to President - A. Lincoln in Logan County.” Every spring for the past several years, Ransom has helped organize the Wildflower tours on Elkhart Hill in the spring. She has extensive knowledge of the flowers in the area and has given in depth talks on these tours. Ransom and the Elkhart Historical Society also organize an annual bird walk where birdwatchers can see various species of migratory birds.
Page 20 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 In 2005, Ransom was instrumental in getting the John Parke Gillett Memorial Bridge named one of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Structures in Illinois by Landmarks Illinois. Ransom owns the Country Bumpkin Antiques and Collectibles in Elkhart. Hobson said in 1990, Ransom, her mom and her husband bought the building the Country Bumpkin is currently in and did a complete restoration. The Country Bumpkin opened in October of 2014 and is celebrating its twelfth anniversary this year. Besides everything Ransom has done for the village, she helps a lot of people. She is an active member of the Christian Church who does good works in the village spearheading new projects. Downtown business owner Andrea Niehaus, who runs Horsefeathers, Little Foxes and Wild Hare Café with her husband Peter Niehaus, said Gillette is always the first person to jump in when anybody needs help or advice. Niehaus says, “I remember years ago when Peter was having a serious health crisis and I didn't know how to deal with it, so I called her and she came to the house, called 911 and took charge, even going to the hospital with me. Another time my ancient car conked out on I-55. I called her and she ran over to pick me up and told me what to do next.” Ransom’s caring spirit extends to many people. Andrea Niehaus says, “She's very aware of our seniors in the village and has arranged get- togethers and meals if needed when someone is ill.” When the Niehaus’s beloved cat Marmalade died, Andrea said, “she buried him for me up on the farm in a grove of trees and marked the grave with stones and said a prayer. Gillette is a very kind and well-meaning person and always makes time to help out.” Hobson shares similar sentiments. She says, “Gillette really is a very sweet and genuine person. I met her when I worked at the [Elkhart Public] library in 2010, but I didn't really get to know her until she had posted an ad in 2016 looking for help around the Country Bumpkin.” Though Hobson had not worked with antiques before, she says, “I applied even though I knew nothing about antiques, but I thought it was kind of funny because one of the job requirements was a sense of humor. I thought she was joking but came to find out that's not
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 21 the case at all. I applied and talked to her and told her at the end of the interview, you know I don’t know anything about antiques, and she goes, really neither do I.” For Hobson and Ransom, it was the start of a wonderful friendship. Hobson says, “We have been through quite a bit together between the shops going through COVID. I work on her farm with her now and she really treats me like family.” Everybody that Hobson has ever spoken to has said that as well. Because Ransom is such a genuine person, Hobson is glad Ransom is being recognized for everything that she has done between the Historical Society, the shops and the village. As all Ransom has done in Elkhart shows, she is a valuable asset to her community. [Angela Reiners]
Page 22 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Earnest Jeckel Emden Fire Protection District When the siren goes off in Emden, whether it is 2 a.m. or 4 p.m., one person the Emden community has counted on for over six decades has been Earnest Jeckel. Earnest “Earnie” Jeckel has proudly served the Emden Fire Protection District for 61 years. He was Chief for 36 of those years. While he doesn’t go out on many calls anymore, he still serves during them, making sure someone is there to man the radios and ensure the firefighters have the necessary equipment. Jeckel joined the fire district in May of 1965. At the time, his uncle, Edward (Ed) Jeckel, was the fire chief. Earnest was inspired by his uncle, who was also the founder of Emden’s fire department in 1940 and remained on the squad until his passing. Not long after joining the fire district, Earnest remembers that before the current firehouse was built, the fire district was housed in the village hall. There was a fire call one evening, and several firefighters responded, but they couldn’t get the fire truck started. He recalls several firefighters pushing the firetruck down the main street before eventually getting it started and heading to the fire out in the country.
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 23 He recalls how they received fire calls. The telephone operator would activate the town whistle. There would be one ring if the call was for town and three rings if the call was for the country. The firefighters would then gather at the firehouse, and the telephone operator would advise them of the fire's location. Eventually, they would notify a handful of firefighters on their home phones. Currently, the firefighters have pagers activated through Logan County Dispatch. This is just one advancement that he has seen over his tenure with the fire department. He also recalls the time before air packs. The firefighters would hold the hose near their faces, and as the highpressure nozzle sprays water, it also pulls air along, creating a fan-like effect. Earnie became fire chief in 1986 and remained in that role until 2022, when he realized it was time to pass the torch to Nick Rohlfs. Earnest supports the new chief and his vision for the department, calling him an excellent leader. To become Emden’s fire chief, you must be elected by the firefighters, and then the trustees must approve the choice. Nick Rohlfs served with Jeckel for 26 years before succeeding him. Rohlfs says, “I learned how to lead a scene by watching and listening to him, whether it’s a fire or rescue call or a car wreck.” He added that Jeckel also helped him learn about the administrative side of the department, like reporting and tracking calls. The primary responsibilities of the fire chief are to handle the budget, train new firefighters, and select the best equipment to meet the department’s needs. They also work with other fire chiefs and provide mutual aid on calls in nearby communities. He says one of the biggest challenges of being chief is recruiting and retaining firefighters. Daniel Eeten, a volunteer firefighter who has served with Jeckel for more than 20 years, says, “his leadership and passion for the department are second to none.” Eeten said he always encouraged him, along with other firefighters, to take training to be prepared to respond to any type of call. He added that Jeckel “takes pride in maintaining the station and trucks so that they look their best and are ready to answer the call.” Another volunteer firefighter of over 20 years, Nic Coers, said he learned from Jeckel that the top priorities of the firefighters are to keep the public safe and to work with other departments to do so. Coers believes that Jeckel’s greatest contribution to the fire district was “keeping the department unified internally, and externally, as well as watching out for the fire district as a whole”.
Page 24 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Earnest shared the helmet he wore as chief and the custom sign he received as a gift from his daughter, Elizabeth. He shared the Larry Schroyer Award, presented to him by the Logan County ESDA for Lifetime Distinguished Service in Helping Others. Being on a volunteer fire department, you never know when a call will come in. This means sacrificing time with your family and sometimes putting yourself in harm’s way. Being in a small town makes it difficult to find volunteers. His wife, Jean, knew there was a need and was glad that Earnest could help. In small, close-knit communities like Emden, many of the firefighters are responding to calls for people they know. Jeckel stressed the importance of not getting upset and helping whoever needs it.
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 25 As chief, Jeckel feels that his biggest accomplishments were working with the trustees, providing new equipment for the firefighters, and recruiting and training EMTs. EMTs are needed as more calls are rescue calls rather than fire calls. For any new members of the district, Earnest hopes they will take the time to learn from veteran members of the squad, take available training, and show up to calls. Rohlfs said he believes Jeckel’s biggest contribution to the department was “his friendship, commitment to the community, and keeping our department moving forward with modern equipment.” Rohlfs shared that he enjoys talking with Jeckel after returning from a call. He especially enjoys the late-night ones. Nick shared, “After a call is over, we’re usually wound up, so we sit at the firehouse, talk about the call, town history, or whatever the subject may be until we wind down.” This shows the connection that Jeckel has fostered between himself and the firefighters over the years. The respect and admiration that the Emden firefighters have for Jeckel is evident when they speak of him. Not only does Earnest have a passion for serving and protecting others, but he has also instilled that passion in multiple generations of volunteer firefighters, making him a true hometown hero. [Joli Boerma Crane]
Page 26 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Mike Kavanaugh Since we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, it seems only right to honor those who have served our country. This hometown hero has served his country and community and continues to show up when called. Mike Kavanaugh of Emden, IL, served as a Marine in the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines. He continues to serve the community he has called home since 1998 through the Legion and by lending a helping hand where he can. Mike joined the Marines because he wanted to prove to himself that he could do it. He said they are the toughest branch to get into. Between his active and inactive time in the Marines, he served for 8.5 years. He has continued to serve veterans for decades after his time in the service. As a Vietnam-era veteran, Mike explained that veterans were not warmly received upon returning from the war. Therefore, he has dedicated his life to honoring other veterans and ensuring they receive the respect and dignity they deserve. Mike has been a member of the American Legion for 30 years and served as commander of American Legion Post #506 for over 20 years. He is also the commander of 40 & 8 Voiture #985 in Lincoln, where he has been a member for 17 years. One of the hardest, but most important, parts of his job as commander is finding people willing to serve in honor guards to pay their respects to veterans. His work as commander of 40 & 8 consists of organizing fundraisers for their main projects: nursing scholarships
2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 27 and food pantry donations. These fundraisers include summer cookouts, a Henry Rifle raffle, and a hog raffle. Mike served as a trustee on the Village of Emden Board of Trustees and eventually as mayor. As mayor, Mike ensured that Emden was a safe and clean place to live. He helped with town-wide clean-up days on hot summer days and hung the town's Christmas lights in the winter. He kept a watchful eye on the village to make it a safe place to live. Another well-known project that Mike organizes each year is Emden’s Angel Tree. The Angel Tree program was started by Derek Johnson and Mike’s wife, Laura Kavanaugh, when the Country Companies office was still in town. This also served as the first Toys for Tots collection point in Emden. After the Country office closed, Mike and Laura continued the tradition of helping children at Christmas time. Now, they set up Christmas trees in local businesses that contain angels with a general description of the child and their wish list. Community members then select their angels and purchase Christmas gifts. They return with gifts, and Mike and Laura deliver those gifts to the children. Locally, they help provide Christmas gifts for between 50 and 75 children each year. Several current, and former, Emden residents will readily confirm the characteristics that make Mike a hometown hero. Brent Chapman of Emden, a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #506, says Mike has been tireless in his efforts to keep the American Legion post in Emden alive. Chapman added, “He supports local veterans by helping them with any issues they may have.” He noted that Mike supported the community by serving as mayor. Legion member James Boerma of Emden said that he admires Mike’s dedication to veterans and his friends. He said that Mike has always worked hard to ensure Emden veterans receive their final salute with an honor guard and in other Legion events. He said Mike is a true and good friend who is always there to help. Jorene Boerma of Emden, who has known Mike for well over 20 years, said that Mike is always there to help. He has assisted with family emergencies, car troubles, and cat troubles. Jorene shared a story about Mike helping the family when one of their mischievous cats got stuck in a floor vent when the cover malfunctioned and the cat went exploring. She said they searched and searched for the cat, and finally saw her peek out from the vent, but she ran right back down.
Page 28 2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 When she called Mike, he went out to the old farmhouse and down to the basement. He knocked on the vents and drove the cat back up to the main floor. Jorene noted that this is one of the more humorous stories and that Mike has also helped in more serious ways and is always just a phone call away. Donald Coers of Emden, who works with Mike, says Mike never turns anyone down when they ask for help. He also said that Mike did a lot for the Village of Emden when he was mayor, and that he is always doing something to help veterans. Angela Reiners of Emden who has known Mike for many years said, “He is someone who does a lot for the community, which shows how much he cares.” Angel Zamora, a former Emden resident, said Mike helped her family in many ways. She explained that he used his expertise as a mechanic and helped her daughter when she was buying her first car. He has helped Angel when her car broke down. She said, “he picked it up, let me know what was wrong, fixed it, and brought it back.” She added that he helped the family move by lending them his trailer. She admires his work with the Angel Tree, his work as mayor, and with the Legion. She said, “He is such a solid, honorable man that I am blessed to call my friend.” Mike Kavanaugh has served his country and his community. He has honored and helped countless veterans. He is there for his friends when they need a helping hand in the big moments, when they are sitting on the side of the road in need of a car repair, or in the little moments when a four-legged friend needs to be rescued. Mike's dedication to veterans, service to his community, and loyalty to his friends make him a true hometown hero. [Joli Boerma Crane]
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