Page 2 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 3 Table of Contents 04 Ladonna Gass 10 Dan Benedict 14 Lincoln Park District 18 Peter & Andrea Niehaus 22 Kathie Williams 26 Bill Donath 30 United Way of Logan County 32 Reader Submissions A hero is a person who is admired for their courageous acts, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. They often act selflessly to help others, even in the face of danger. In essence, a hero is someone who inspires and motivates others with their actions and character.
Page 4 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Many in Emden know Ladonna Gass for her work at the Whistle Stop Library. She is also a part of the Emden Historical Society, which has quite a bit of information and memorabilia from the village of Emden. Ladonna Gass The Whistle Stop Library The Whistle Stop Library was an old train depot for the Emden Railway that Gass converted into a library with help from a number of friends. Emden Railway was originally located on Emden’s main street where the post office is now located. Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 5 In 1971, Ruthann Fink and her husband moved the depot to the Whistle Stop park to help preserve the building. Gass had talked to Emden mayors about the depot for a library, but it was not until Ivan Rademaker was mayor that she was granted permission by the town. Rademaker and the town board told her that she would have to finance the work herself. The depot was in good condition structurally. Gass said the building was still in its glory but needed major cleaning. She and Emden resident Holly Moore spent hours cleaning the floors and painting the walls. Gass began setting up the library in 2006 when Emden Grade School stopped having summer reading programs. Gass wanted to start doing summer programs at the library by 2007. When the library opened in 2007, Gass was able to start doing summer library programs as she had hoped. She chose the name Whistle Stop Library because it was located in Whistle Stop Park. Continue -- Other libraries donated books. To get funds, Gass had to do some fundraising. At the time, she worked at Kroger and was able to raise some funds there through selling hot dogs and chips. The Boy Scouts also contributed some funds. Contributions also came in from various individuals after they read an article about the depot. Because the building sat on railroad ties and was in an area of Emden where water collected after rains, the library’s foundation began sinking into the ground. By 2010, the library needed a new foundation. After Gass realized the library needed a new foundation, she got an estimate of $15,000 for the work. Gass raised some of the money herself and got some help from Emden’s Community Chest and from Orvil Township. She also had a garage sale during Route 66 weekend sales. Gass had raised $10,000 but still needed $5,000 more dollars. Then, someone told her about the Danner Trust in Mt. Pulaski that would give money to places like libraries.
Page 6 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 In order to receive money, Gass had to write up a story about the Whistle Stop and send photos to the head of the Danner Trust. She was told there were several applicants and the $5000 in available funds might have to be divided between the applicants. Then Gass got a call from someone on the board for the Danner Trust and found out they had decided to give her all $5000. She was told to pay the contractor using the money she already had, and they would cover the rest. The contractor lifted the building and put in a new foundation, but after paying him, the funds for the library were depleted. Back in 2008, Gass met a woman from Pekin who asked her husband Earl to transfer her family’s home movies to DVD. After months of work, the Gasses took the DVDs to her. The woman paid him $60 for the work. In 2014, Gass received a letter from an attorney in Pekin that someone had left a donation for the library in her will. All Gass needed to do was fill out some paperwork. Soon another envelope from the attorney’s arrived with a check for $10,000. Gass found out the woman her husband had made the DVDs for had gone to the attorney soon after she got the DVDs and changed her will to leave money for the library. A program about the library on Illinois Stories was another way people found out about the work Gass did at the library. The story helped bring in some funding. Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 7 The community took note of the hard work Gass was doing, too. On December 3, 2009, Mayor Rademaker recognized Gass with a Mayoral proclamation for being a recipient of the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award. The proclamation notes that “Studs Terkel recognized the extraordinary accomplishments of ordinary people in his chronicles of American life.” Therefore, the Illinois Humanities Council “initiated the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award to honor those humanities heroes whose efforts are often unnoticed and unsung.” Ladonna Gass received the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award because she “has kept the humanities alive in Emden through her work on Whistle Stop Library.” Additionally, the proclamation said, “of her many contributions to the community, [Gass] is being honored specifically for singlehandedly bringing the Whistle Stop Library in Emden to life, simultaneously preserving a historical landmark and giving the gift of books to the community.” Back in 2010, when the Whistle Stop Library was in its early days, Judy Busby and Bill Gossett interviewed Gass on their viewpoint show. In that interview, Gass said, “the great thing about that is I can keep the library’s reading material fresh with new stuff from people that are avid readers that read a book and they're done with it.” She is always happy to get new items because then she can rotate other items out and what's donated can be donated to someone else. Gass also told them in the interview that she looks forward to kids coming in and has bean bag chairs where kids can come in and just talk about their day and she will listen. From the time she opened the Whistle Stop Library, Gass has tried to keep the reading material always fresh and current. Though the building is small, it holds many books. Many years after the library opened, Gass has continued to have books for everyone from children to young adults to adults. There are even reference books and maps, so the library has a little of everything. The middle room is filled with children’s books and DVDs. There are bean bags on the floor and children can come in to read or just visit. Gass likes to talk to them about how Continue --
Page 8 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 their day is going and will listen to them share their worries. In the back room of the library, Gass sometimes sets up crafts. She keeps a variety of games there for kids to come in and play. There are also special events during the holiday seasons and a summer program Gass hosts on Thursdays during June and July. Lisa Rohlfs said some of the summer programs Gass has had are [about] Legos, camping, trains and animals. There have also been programs focusing on American Girl dolls. This summer’s programs include the topics rocks, Jacque Cousteau, Legos and Scooby Doo. Emden resident Joyce Klokkenga appreciates what Gass does at the library. Klokkenga said, “it is always a delight to go to the Whistle Stop Library and be greeted with a smile and a conversation by Ladonna Gass. Ladonna knows each patron’s favorite author and will find those books for me.” Klokkenga also said, “Ladonna has a heart for children and will do something special for each holiday. In the summer, she has an informative library time for children each week [where she] passes out treats and small gifts for the kids. Ladonna gives back to Emden with her enthusiasm.” The Biven’s family really appreciates the work Gass does. Chris Bivens said, “Ladonna has been a blessing to my family and our community. Her warm inviting personality draws the youth of Emden to the Whistle Stop Library every year. Ladonna has put in so much time and effort to bless our community with programs and events that are both fun and educational for the children.” Bivens said, “I have enjoyed many conversations with Ladonna as well during these events.” Gary Dodson said Gass helped him with the library at the Oasis Senior Center. Many of the books they had were romance novels and Gass donated several books on various topics. In turn, he helped her find out more information about her ancestors from Emden, Germany, a sister city to Emden. Another thing Gass is involved with is the Emden Historical Society. Gass said she and her husband started working with the Historical Society when Bob Cross started offering cemetery walks in both Emden and Hartsburg. Earl Gass videotaped these walks as community members described the lives of long deceased members of the two communities. Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 9 Soon, Gass and her husband joined the Emden Historical Society. She said members of the Emden Historical Society care for the old Bethel School just outside of Emden and holds open houses in the society’s building on Emden’s main street. Every year, the fourth grade class from Emden Grade School also comes for a tour of the Emden Historical Society at the end of the year. At Christmas, Gass said they do cookie walks. She also tries to keep the windows decorated for the holidays. The Emden Historical Society meets the third Thursday of every month. They open the second Saturday of every month from 9 to 11:30. Gass said they need younger members since many of the members are in their 70s and 80s and a couple in their 90s. In 2020, Gass said the Emden Historical Society hosted a window decorating contest with judges from outside the community. When Emden celebrated 150 years in 2021, Gass and Lori Lessen co-chaired the Sesquicentennial celebration. Gass, Lessen and the rest of the committee planned many special activities for the celebration. Between her work with the Whistle Stop Library and the Emden Historical Society, Ladonna Gass is an asset to the community of Emden. [Angela Reiners]
Page 10 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Dan Benedict Logan County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) Veterans are often referred to as heroes. Logan County is full of these veteran heroes, several of whom have been named a hometown hero in past Lincoln Daily News magazines. Veterans such as Vince Long and Joe Schaler have been granted this honor, and today Dan Benedict will join that list. Benedict is one of the people chosen to be highlighted in this year’s Hometown Heroes magazine, and for good reason. Benedict served in the Air Force for 23 years, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He had many notable accomplishments during his time in the service. According to Dan’s military bio, he was “critical in preventing the Space Shuttle Atlantis from colliding with a satellite upon reentering the Earth’s atmosphere.” In addition to this, he helped create a rescue plan to save a downed military pilot, worked with Navy Seals to locate and destroy GPS jammers near the Iraq border, and created the Korean Theater of Operations Electronic Warfare contingency response to North Korea’s artillery shelling of South Korea. Once his time in the service was over, he came home but was not satisfied with his time serving being finished. Benedict stated, Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 11 “I still wanted to serve in some capacity.” In October of 2016, Benedict was hired to be the superintendent for the Logan County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC). Benedict helps veterans in several ways, such as assisting with VA home loan certificates of eligibility and helping veterans navigate the VA healthcare system. If Benedict is not able to help a veteran himself, he always finds someone who can and gets the veteran in contact with them. Before the Logan County VAC was established, Benedict said, veterans assistance on these issues was very limited to the county’s veterans. A state veterans service officer would come to the Oasis Senior Center once or twice a month, and that would be it. While this was something, it was extremely limited. The establishment of the VAC helped fill this void, making the assistance veterans need available when they need it. Benedict was also instrumental in getting the Logan County VAC moved to its new home at the John Logan Building at 122 N. McLean Street in Lincoln. Previously, it was located in the Logan County Courthouse, and Benedict shared that this created a barrier for some veterans. In an interview about the new location, Benedict stated that some veterans are not always very keen on the idea of going into a government building. In addition to that, some of them may not have been able to climb the stairs and were unaware of the exterior elevator on the southeast side of the building. A wheelchair ramp was added to the VAC’s new location to eliminate this issue. Benedict also stated that having the VAC in its own dedicated space may remove that barrier for veterans not wanting to enter a government building. Many people in the community were very excited to talk about Benedict and share why they believe he should be a hometown hero. Long stated that he was on the VAC board as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) representative when Benedict was hired in 2016. Long referred to Benedict as a “Godsend to all veterans in Logan County.” He also praised the work Benedict has done, stating that no one can “beat the work he does.” Long had trouble putting his thoughts on Benedict into words, not believing that words could do Benedict’s accomplishments and contributions to the veteran community justice. “You can’t describe a guy like that,” Long said, “he’s the greatest.” The next person to speak on Benedict and his accomplishments was Marsha Fernandes. She described Benedict as “one of the best human Continue --
Page 12 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 beings I know.” She also shared that, to date, Benedict “has procured over $2.3 million in benefits for our veterans.” Fernandes continued, praising Benedict for his ability to cut through the red tape and roadblocks that veterans in the community face. Next, Fernandes talked on how, even when he is not at work, Benedict is always trying to help veterans. “Even when Dan is not in his office,” Fernandes said, “he approaches veterans and talks with them about the VAC to see how he can help.” Stephanie Lucas also had some things to say about Benedict. Lucas was recently hired to the VAC office and now works very closely with Benedict daily. Lucas had worked in the same building as Benedict for about six and a half years before joining him at the VAC. When asked over the phone why Benedict deserves to be called a hometown hero, Lucas requested that she send her answer in written form. Due to her immense respect for Benedict, she was concerned that her words, if not prepared, would not accurately portray him the way he should be. In Lucas’s written answer, she had this to say: “he deserves to be called a Hometown Hero because he altruistically dedicates himself to helping other veterans through his work as the Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission and Third Division Vice President of the IACVAC.” Benedict is someone who has fought long and hard for the veterans of Logan County. Benedict is someone who truly cares deeply about veterans. He is dedicated to serving them in the best way he can and has evidently been doing a fantastic job at it. Everyone talked to had nothing but great things to say and struggled to have just their words convey what makes Benedict so worthy of being called a hero. In Benedict’s own words, “I took the uniform off, and now instead of serving my country I serve my country’s veterans.” This is why Dan Benedict is worthy of being called a hometown hero. [Matt Boutcher]
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Page 14 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Lincoln’s “Hidden Gem:” The Lincoln Park District is Lincoln’s Hometown Hero for Over 60 Years Where else in Lincoln can you swim, lift, Spin, pickleball, dance, and golf? And perhaps all in the same day? Affectionately known as “The Rec,” the Lincoln Park District (LPD) offers leisure and enrichment activities for all ages all year round. The mission of the Lincoln Park District is “to enhance the quality and availability of leisure opportunities to meet the diverse needs of the community by providing recreational programs, facilities and park areas for the benefit of current and future generations.” LPD Fitness Manager Jennifer Prather says that she “often hear[s] people call the Lincoln Park District a ‘hidden gem.’” In fact, one of her goals is “to continue building awareness in our community about everything the Lincoln Park District has to offer. We truly have something for everyone!” The LPD offers a wide range of programs, amenities, and recreational opportunities to meet the varied interests and ages of the Lincoln community. LPD facilities include basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball courts inside the sports complex, as well as ball fields for baseball, softball, and t-ball and a driving range for golf practice on the grounds. The sports complex contains a fully equipped gym with free weights, weight machines, cardio machines, a sauna, locker room, and personal training. The aerobics room hosts over 30 fitness classes every week, including classes designed especially for “Active Agers.” Prather states, “One of our most popular areas is the Fit Zone. Our specialized group fitness classes are a community favorite. We offer a wide variety of classes at different times throughout the day to accommodate all schedules, along with unique programming designed to keep things fresh and fun. Many people don’t realize our group fitness classes are open to anyone ages 14 and up, and we offer classes starting as early as 5:15 a.m. and running into the evening with our last class beginning at 6:45 p.m.” Sheralyn Bolton, fitness instructor at LPD for the past six years, adds that “as a fitness instructor for 25 years, this the most well-trained, professional, and certified staff I have ever worked with. I love water fitness classes in the summer, playing in the water and being in the sunshine. I love that we offer a wide variety of fitness classes-- beginner and advanced-- so you will never get bored.” Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 15 The LPD organizes sports leagues for youth and adults and Prather pointed out additional “free programs throughout the year including Yoga in the Park, Health & Wellness sessions, Meet and Mingles, and periodic Free Fitness Weeks to help encourage new participants to get involved.” Area youth can take advantage of children’s summer camps, which this year include art, music, chess, theater, nature, invention camps, and a cheer clinic. The facility boasts conference rooms and a beautifully renovated ballroom available for rental. The LPD is also responsible for maintaining multiple parks and green spaces in different locations in the city of Lincoln. In addition to facilities available year round, some of the various special events at the LPD include Halloween trick-or-treating for families, community fireworks on the 4th of July, Balloons Over 66 5k and kids’ Fun Run in August, Easter egg hunts, dance lessons, and dances. The popular Health Fair returned this spring as the Wellness Expo bringing vendors from around central Illinois to the LPD to offer information and education about physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellness. During the summer, the LPD Aquatic Center is the place to be on long hot days. Families and individuals may purchase a season pass or pay daily to enjoy the public swim hours, including the water slide and toddler pool. Family swim nights are every Tuesday evening with half price admission. The pool is available for rental for private pool parties and offers a concession stand. Children can take swimming lessons at the aquatic center, and adults can take advantage of morning and evening water fitness classes. Mornings also offer adult lap swim and toddler time, with public swim beginning at noon every day. The second Friday of each month during the summer, the LPD Aquatic Center hosts Family Fun Days with themed activities and decorations. Pool admission on Family Fun Days is a donation of items to various local charities. Themes are chosen by the lifeguards, and this summer’s first Family Fun Day will be June 13 with a Western Theme. Donations on this day will be for the Lincoln/ Logan Food Pantry. July 11 is a Sports Theme with donations for Moms Who Care as the admission price. August 8 will be a Luau Theme with donations once again going to the Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry. The Aquatic Center has been hosting theme days for several years to provide wholesome fun and an affordable opportunity for families to enjoy the Aquatic Center together.
Page 16 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 The Lincoln Park District is governed by a Board of Commissioners “composed of five community-elected members who serve four-year terms without compensation. Their primary role is to establish policies for the Park District, ensuring it meets the community's recreational and park needs. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, all members are united by a dedication to serving the community's interests.” The community’s interests are varied and broad. Prather states, “We also enjoy collaborating with a variety of local organizations such as the Lincoln Memorial Hospital Collaborative, Rotary, 3rd Fridays and Balloons Over 66 Weekend just to name a few. There’s always something happening at the Lincoln Park District.” According to their website, the LPD, as a municipal park district, “utilizes local tax dollars,” however “74% of all revenue for the Lincoln Park District comes from nontax sources.” Revenue from memberships and other registration fees as well as grants and donations support the park district and its recreational opportunities in the community of Lincoln. To this end, the LPD started a foundation. The Lincoln Park District Foundation was organized “to enable future development and support of projects and events that help preserve, restore and manage our natural and recreational opportunities… The Lincoln Park District is looking to the future, we want to make sure our facility and our involvement in the community is maintained for years to come.” As a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, the LPD foundation enables community members to make taxdeductible donations. The hope is to build the Foundation “to protect all properties of the park district for years to come and to continue offering programs and events which positively impact the lives of our community members.” The LPD Foundation helps support programming such as Lincoln’s Independence Day celebration and fireworks and youth scholarships for activities such as swim lessons. Through the LPD Foundation, community partnerships, and community support, the administration of the LPD plans for many more years of service, programs, and events for the people of Lincoln. One of Prather's goals is to “help expand our programming so that there is always something new and exciting for people of all ages to enjoy.” LPD Director Becky Strait says that what she likes best about the LPD is “knowing that our staff is serving the community every single day by working to offer valuable recreational spaces and programs.” Strait notes the current improvements to their parks and the parking lot project at the sports complex, and she hopes to “continue the legacy that the visionaries of the Lincoln Park District began over 60 years ago!” Lincoln’s “hidden gem,” the Lincoln Park District, offers many valuable opportunities to the residents of Lincoln. Learn more about the Lincoln Park District, at https://www.lincolnparkdistrict.com/ [Stephanie Hall]
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Page 18 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Peter & Andrea Neihaus ...an asset to the Elkhart Community With businesses in downtown Elkhart, Peter and Andrea Neihaus are a valuable part of the Elkhart community. In this area, Peter Neihaus has done quite a bit of construction. For example, Niehaus helped restore the house Paul Beaver grew up in along with many other places in Elkhart and Lincoln. There are also a couple of houses on Elkhart Hill Niehaus restored. A July 1, 2022, Lincoln Daily News article says when Bob Neal bought the “former home of Jessie Gillett, and arguably the oldest home in Logan County” he “called upon the multitalented Peter Niehaus for various aspects of the renovation.” Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 19 This house has great historical significance in Logan County because as the article says, “[it] was built by John Latham, son of Judge James Latham, who was not only the first pioneer in Logan County, but also the first Indian Agent for the State of Illinois. The home was built around 1834, and upon John Latham’s death was purchased by John D. Gillett, who later willed it to his daughter Jesse Gillett.” Niehaus has also helped revitalize downtown Elkhart by renovating an old building in Elkhart. The building once housed the old general merchant’s store, and the Peter and Andrea Niehaus hoped to open a store and café there. The buildings once housed the Brennan’s Store and later Lanterman’s store. At an August 2024 Elkhart Historical Society dinner lecture, Niehaus said when he and his wife bought the old general merchant’s store in Elkhart, it needed quite a bit of work. For example, when Niehaus pulled up the old plush carpet in the building, the whole floor fell into the basement. After extensive renovation, the buildings now house two storefronts called Horsefeathers and the Little Foxes. Horsefeathers is an antique shop that sells candies, cookies, homemade jams, antiques, pottery and paintings. There are also greeting cards, paper products and Route 66 souvenirs. During Christmas on Vinegar Hill, held annually the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Horsefeathers is one of the shopping stops. Andrea Niehaus often has Christmas items and stocking stuffers available. The Little Foxes is attached to the building Horsefeathers and offers specialty food, vintage tins, antique cookware and other items. Continue --
Page 20 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Gillette Ransom said Peter and Andrea Niehaus retrofitted the buildings to be a gift shop but decided having a restaurant too would bring more people in. Ransom said their shop adds to the downtown and keeps it alive. They are good neighbors in both the business and residential district. In the back of these stores is the Wild Hare Café. The café serves sandwiches, soups, salads, dessert and beverages. Peter Niehaus also makes Sunday comfort food specials like Beef Curry and Swedish meatballs. Though the café is only open a few days a week, it is a popular stop bringing in people from nearby towns. Its location on Route 66, right off Interstate 55, makes it a popular draw for people from all over. When people eat in the café, Peter Niehaus often stops by the tables in the restaurant to talk to the customers. At the Elkhart Historical Society Dinner Lectures, Peter and Andrea Niehaus often make specialty dishes like curry. The menu for the August 24 dinner lecture included Chicken curry with sides such as chutney, tomato and onion and cucumber with yogurt followed by dessert. Peter Niehaus went around to each table to describe what they had made. Gillette Ransom said they have been part of the team of merchants in the village who have worked together for many years to produce events like the spring fling and fall art tour. Something else Ransom said is that when Peter and Andrea Niehaus help with EHS dinner lectures serving food and hosting the lecture keeps money in the village. It also gives society a boost, plus saves them money. Irene Ralph of Springfield has eaten at Wild Hare Café and said she loves hearing Niehaus’ stories about German food. Ralph has German ancestors and she and Niehaus have shared stories with one another about the food their German grandmothers cooked. Elkhart Library Director Sarah Wilson said Niehaus is a nice guy and valuable part of the community. Bill and Kathy Cosby own Richardson’s Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 21 Repair, which is on the same block as the store and café. They said Peter and Andrea Niehaus are good neighbors on the square in Elkhart. Peter Niehaus brings them cookies all the time, which they appreciate. Ransom said the Niehaus’s are very generous to the community. When someone is ill, they will often send soup. In 2017, a 36 feet long by 8 feet tall mural was mounted on the side of the buildings owned by the Niehaus. The mural was sponsored by the Elkhart Historical Society and Peter and Andrea Niehaus. The design and artwork were done by Renee Baldwin Sisk, who is Andrea Niehaus’ sister. This mural depicts 22 landmarks in the community and provides a way of celebrating the town’s history. People coming off the highway on Route 66 can see the mural when they enter the town while also learning something about the history of the town. An October 16, 2017, Lincoln Daily News article by Nila Smith about the mural’s unveiling said, “Renee Sisk and her sister Andrea Niehaus worked many months on the project, with Renee being the primary artist, and Andrea working under her.” Peter Niehaus said, “one of the more challenging aspects of the mural was its size. In order to make something large and noteworthy, the mural had been done in fourfoot sections. The artwork had been done in the Niehaus home, and the artists could fit only three, four-foot sections into the work area at a time. To Peter Niehaus, the challenge “was making sure that though the sections were done individually, the end product would need to come together with precision. He noted that in his opinion at least, the ladies had done a fantastic job of it.” The day the mural was officially unveiled, Andrea Niehaus gave the lion’s share of the success to her sister Renee. She said Renee had arranged the layout and done all the drawing and much of the detailed painting. Andrea laughingly said, ‘I painted a lot of trees and hills.’” As Ransom said, the work Peter and Andrea Niehaus do is quite an added ingredient in how to keep a village alive. She said it keeps people coming to Elkhart instead of at the big shopping centers. By shopping in Elkhart, people can experience the small town camaraderie. The café and the shops are open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am to 2:30 pm, so head on over to meet Peter and Andrea Niehaus and enjoy some good shopping and great food. [Angela Reiners]
Page 22 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Kathie Williams Downtown Lincoln Initiative What makes someone a hero? Everyone likely has their own answer to this question. Karen Castelein of Lincoln Daily News had her own thoughts on what makes someone a hero. “I always think of a hero as somebody who is willing to sacrifice time, effort, money, whatever it takes, to help another,” Castelein said. These comments made by Castelein were in reference to Lincoln’s own hometown hero, Kathie Williams. “She qualifies on those regards.” Williams is the owner of Small Town Creations on Lincoln’s Square and has been since she purchased the old Beans and Such and the Awards Shop in 2018. From there, she molded those two businesses together and added her own flare to create Small Town Creations. Having a business that sells awards, custom made items, and coffee beans all successfully is impressive, but not the reason Williams has been chosen as a hometown hero this year. That comes from all of the other things Williams has done and continues to do. Early on in the life of Small Town Creations, Williams partnered with Lisa Drew, former Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 23 owner of Sorrento’s Pizzeria, also located in downtown Lincoln. According to Drew, she had the idea to start a business group, of sorts. When going around to talk to the other local businesses on the Square, she entered Small Town Creations and met Williams. Drew stated that Williams was already putting together a list of all the business owners’ emails, and their goals aligned. After that, the pair worked together to create the Downtown Business Group, now known as the Downtown Lincoln Initiative (DLI). Over time, Williams began to spearhead the DLI, holding monthly meetings with the goal of improving the Square. In a recent interview, Williams shared that this group has been able to do things like establish Christmas Express and the carriage rides on the Square. The DLI has also supported events such as Retail Therapy. While Williams herself is not the one who established Retail Therapy, something many businesses on the Square participate in four times a year, the DLI supports it and helps get the word out about it. According to Nila Smith at Lincoln Daily News, Williams was also single-handedly responsible for bringing the Christmas trees to the Logan County Courthouse lawn each year. According to Smith, Williams wants her downtown to be like “a Hallmark movie.” Everything Williams does is to get the Square closer to that goal. Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch also had great things to say about Williams. Welch stated that when he thinks about Williams, he thinks about the role she has had in connecting the downtown businesses. Welch also stated that, in doing this, Williams has created “a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who visit.” Castelein also believed Williams' role in connecting the businesses on the Square was noteworthy for how it has assisted the businesses in functioning together. According to Castelein, Williams has gotten the Lincoln Police Department to talk to some of the business owners on issues such as security cameras and shoplifting. Williams has also created a system of communication between all the business owners. This allows them to keep in communication with one another if something is happening that the others should know about. As a result of this culture of collaboration that Williams has had a large part in establishing, Castelein stated that many of the business owners will also recommend each other's stores to their customers. Everyone talked to about Williams had only great things to say about her. “She deserves to be celebrated and recognized as our Continue --
Page 24 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Hometown Hero,” said Welch. “I'm honored to know her, and we are all blessed to have someone who cares about our community the way Kathie does… I believe Kathie is the epitome of a Hometown Hero.” Smith shared a story of her sister from the southern part of the state coming to visit Lincoln. Smith took her sister to the Square to do some shopping. While shopping, Smith’s sister looked at her and said “you never told me that you live in a Hallmark movie.” Smith shared that she was very excited to tell Williams about her sister’s comment Drew shared why she believes Williams should be considered a hometown hero. She stated that Williams deserves this honor because she “makes extra effort to make downtown what it should be.” Drew also stated that Williams helps hold all of the business owners together and keeps them all on the same page. Castelein stated that Williams is like the mom who has all of the kids come home to for Christmas every year. She said that Williams is “kind of the mom of downtown.” Williams has put an immense amount of time and effort into creating something for business owners and customers alike. Not only has she helped create a group where business owners on the Square can collaborate, but she has helped create a culture of collaboration. Williams' efforts into making the Square “what it should be” is a very noble endeavor and shows Williams’s love for Lincoln and her community. All of these reasons are why Kathie Williams truly is a hometown hero. [Matt Boutcher]
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Page 26 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Logan County Historian Bill Donath If you want to know more about Logan County History, Bill Donath is a great person to contact. With Donath’s interest in the past and love of reading, he has done extensive research on Logan County history. Donath is a retired schoolteacher, and his love of learning is evident in the work he does at the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society. As a Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society member for over 20 years, Donath has served as an officer and board member of LCGHS for many of them. Longtime LCGHS member Roseanne Coers said, “Bill has served several times and is presently the Chairman of the Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society.” LCGHS member Rojean Logan has known Donath since childhood when they went to the same school. She recalls him being a quiet child. Donath is still somewhat quiet, doing quite a bit of research and projects for the genealogical and historical society. LCGHS member Gary Freese said, “I have always admired the quiet people who seemed to somehow do a lot of work in organizations and that describes Bill.” Freese listed a few of Donath’s projects. Donath has written several books including one on the Civil War in Logan County, another on the Spanish Flu in Logan County, two veteran books, and Generosity, a story of Red Cross in Logan County, especially during war. Freese said, the Quarterly the society produces is done by Bill and he also issues Society pioneer certificates. The vertical file of family histories is kept up to date by filing new material and names and Donath is also in process of digitizing these. Donath has made many indexes including one for early Lincoln Courier and many others. Many of those have been put on the Society’s computer. Continue --
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 27 Among other things Donath has done is serving as a chairman of the committee to get Abe Lincoln Statue on courthouse yard. In addition, Freese said Donath arranged to have many names of Civil war deaths in Logan County added to courthouse wall. Freese remembers the remodel of the rear room of the society and said Donath did a lot of work there including destruction, drywall, electrical wiring, ceiling tile, and painting. Freese also remembers when Bill found the old issues of Lincoln Courier all rolled up and dried out. He learned how to restore all these with a long process and ended up digitizing the once missing issues. Now, Donath is adding YouTube programs taken from [the programs on their monthly meeting] Monday nights and posting them for all to see. Though Joanne Marlin has not known Bill as long as the other people that have worked with him, she said, “I can tell you he has a lot of knowledge about history and just a lot of things. He does such a good job on the publication of the Roots and Branches [in addition to keeping up] the website and records and all kinds of stuff.” Marlin said, “He’s very easy to work with. We are very fortunate to have him as our president.” Gary Dodson first met Donath when he went into the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society building pretending to be an old friend of Donath’s. Dodson greeted Donath by asking how he was and saying it had been a long time since he had seen him. He said Donath was trying to recall who Dodson was. Not long after, Dodson started volunteering at LCGHS and even does workshops on ancestry. Donath’s love of history seems to rub off on those who are part of LCGHS. Longtime LCGHS member Roseanne Coers said “Donath is a man who knows the importance of preserving and promoting history. He painstakingly scans every piece of paper that comes into the center, so it can later be made available on the center computer or LCGHS website or in the Society's files. He [also] videotapes the speaker at our regular monthly meetings and posts it on YouTube.” Coers said, “When MKS closed, a corner of an upstairs room was found filled with old newspaper ads and some articles from the Continue --
Page 28 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 1800s and early 1900s. Evidently there might have been a printing press in the room putting out a newspaper during that time frame. Bill meticulously preserved those old papers, straightened them out, scanned them, and indexed them.” As Coers said, “There is no limit to what Bill Donath can and will do when preserving history. He has researched and printed a book on the Spanish Flu and another one on the Word War I Veterans of Logan County. If Bill is ever asked a question about a topic that he doesn't have an answer to, he will research it until he has most, if not all, of the information to share with the person or group asking.” Coers is thankful for Donath’s dedication and hard work in preserving and promoting the history of Logan County. Ongoing projects Donath is involved in many ongoing projects including organizing drawer file cabinets containing thousands of files for family surnames, towns and townships. In addition, Donath started and organized the extensive vertical file collection at LCGHS. This collection is now being reorganized and digitized. Something else Donath has indexed is the website of The Lincoln Herald on microfilm for the years 1859-1873. It is now available on the Society’s website. The Society’s Quarterly, Roots & Branches newsletter for the years 1979-2021 are another item Donath has indexed. There is also the Regan Collection indexed by Donath, which is now available on the Society’s website. John Regan compiled this Collection, made up of 36 volumes of newspaper clippings from Logan County. A major undertaking Donath worked on is the conservation of the Shew Collection, which contains nearly 800 issues of the Lincoln Herald. The Lincoln Herald is the oldest existing newspaper from Logan County, established in 1856. As Coers noted, copies of the Herald were found in the attic of the MKS Jewelry store when it was closed in 2017. The Shew family was most generous in their donation of these papers to LCGHS. This collection covers 1873-1882, 1884, 1889, 1894, 1895. The process Donath did to restore these papers consisted of humidifying and sanitizing the papers, pressing them, cleaning, photographing, digitizing and indexing every issue in the collection. Donath’s next major project is digitizing the records held by the Logan County Cemetery Maintenance District. In 2023, Donath started the YouTube channel logancoil1839, where he posts “how to” videos for working with collections of historically important information for Logan County. It also has videos of historical Information of Logan County residents. Books Donath has authored in the past twenty years include Logan County During the Civil War, The Early Years, Logan County's Civil War Dead, Generosity, The Story of Logan County During the Great War and
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 29 Logan County During the Spanish Influenza Epidemic Committees Donath has served on include the 2009-2011 Civil War Statue Committee for replacement of the Civil War statue on the courthouse lawn, the 2012-2015 Abraham Lincoln Statue Committee for placement of a statue on the courthouse lawn. In addition, with Donath’s knowledge of civil war history, he provided Logan County Civil War historical background information for the Lincoln Heritage Museum's project: Our Cause Is Just, 2021. For cemetery walks and various events at Lincoln Heritage Museum Donath has portrayed his great-great grandfather, John F. Boy. Besides providing many programs at the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society Donath has also provided programs for Atlanta Historical Society, Elkhart Historical Society and Mt. Pulaski Historical Society. Various programs Donath did on WLCN's Viewpoint show with Judy Busby and Bill Gossett can be viewed on YouTube. Donath’s knowledge of history and work with LCGHS makes him a valuable asset to the community. [Angela Reiners]
Page 30 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 United Way Working to deliver help to people of all ages! of Logan County In the town of Lincoln people walk by shops in the town square, and visit restaurants to mingle with friends. However, one small office in the square works to deliver help across the county. Last year alone, the United Way of Logan County pledged $74,000 to a variety of local nonprofits such as the Salvation Army, Lincoln YMCA, and the Oasis Senior Citizens Center. As a branch of the global United Way network—active in over 35 countries—it joins a mission that has helped millions gain access to healthcare, education, and financial literacy. The United Way has assisted 2.2 million people with access to healthcare services as well as another 1.7 million with financial education. An interview with the Administrative Director of United Way of Logan County, Patti Schonauer, revealed her favorite program, the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. “Many families have lots of books in their home, but some don't.” Schonauer stated. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library works with families who have children ages five and under; giving each child one book per month. This means by the time they reach age five and are ready to go off to kindergarten, the child could acquire up to 60 books. “I just feel like a lot of kids in this area don't have access to libraries because they're so rural.” Schonauer said. It has been stated by the United Way of Logan County that children who received books from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library scored 21% better than their fellow classmates who were not in the program. Another vital service supported by United Way is the 2-1-1 network, a helpline that connects individuals to a wide range of local resources. This service assists people with a wide variety of services such as emergency counseling, food, healthcare, stable housing, veteran services, and childcare services. In a 2024 impact report, it is stated that there were 152 calls, 182 needs were identified, and 207 referrals were provided to those in need. “If they're in need, they can call 2-1-1 and they can find resources.” Schonauer stated, “
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 31 It also captures the needs of our community, so that we can go out to our community, our government, our agencies, and say, ‘Hey, our number one need according to 2-1-1 calls, is housing.’” Because of the impact that 2-1-1 has had on communities, the state of Illinois has assisted with the expansion of 2-1-1 across the state and is on track to have 100% coverage by the end of 2025. In the interview, Schonauer stated that partnerships with companies like Eaton Corporation make a big impact—employees can donate directly through payroll, with their company matching a portion of contributions. Schonauer explained that encouraging more workplace involvement across Logan County is a major goal for 2025, alongside exploring new fundraising efforts like a winter pickleball tournament. Despite their wide reach, United Way of Logan County stays rooted in local decision-making. A board of directors reviews applications from nonprofits each year and allocates funding based on need, community impact, and available resources. “It’s not just one person deciding,” Schonauer emphasized. “We have a diverse board that looks at what the impact is on the community.” [Sophia Larimore]
Page 32 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Reader Submission Elizabeth Cassidy’s heroes are... Roger Dale Sutton My Dad served in the Army during Vietnam. When he came home, he started at the Lincoln Rural Fire Department and served our community 32 years. Even in death he served others through organ and tissue donation through Gift Of Hope.
2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Page 33 Robert Sutton He served our country in the US Navy. Kenneth “Sonny” Sutton He served his country in the US Army. Ronald Sutton He served his country in the US Army.
Page 34 2025 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2025 Reader Submission Sophie Yeazle - My grandpa is the most selfless person I know. He is always willing to help anyone in need. He has never let me down and I don’t think he ever will. Grandpa Lynn was a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Jim Lynn James Lynn - A veteran who helps the community never asking for anything in return. Addison Yeazle - He is the most selfless, hardworking person I know. He would do anything for anyone and he always wants to help in any way that he can. He puts everyone before himself without hesitation.
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