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Republished from the Woodford County Journal
EUREKA – Woodford County Journal Editor Cheryl Wolfe will retire Dec. 31, bringing her 39-year career at the weekly newspaper to a close.
Wolfe's extensive portfolio of award-winning stories has contributed to her having one of the most recognized names in communities throughout Woodford County. Her news stories, features, editorials, and columns earned her numerous awards in multiple categories from the Illinois Press Association, National Newspaper Association, and the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association throughout her career.
"I always enjoyed writing and I wrote my first 'book' in longhand, which was really just a long story, when I was 10 years old,” Wolfe said. “But I never expected to make a career out of it. I never expected to be able to say I've had an award-winning career either.”
Wolfe's newspaper career actually started in high school, when she worked on the Chiefs' Chatter staff at Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School, and wrote school news for the Tazewell County News. She continued news writing at Illinois Central College, where she worked on the Harbinger staff.
Wolfe started writing news professionally, reporting local news for the Roanoke Review in 1980 when that publication and the Woodford County Journal were owned by Burrus Dickinson. Eventually, her assignments expanded into other areas, including writing feature articles, covering local government board meetings, school boards, and sports, along with editing, production work and general office work.
"One of the things I've enjoyed the most about my job is the growth of duties where I was always learning something new,” Wolfe said. “This job taught me many things, including how to keep a baseball scorebook, how to use a basketball 'shorthand' to cover a game, how to take a good action photo, how to use a computer plus multiple versions of software, and how to design newspaper pages and lay them out both by hand and on the computer. I love that I had that opportunity.”
A frequent presence in local government board rooms, Wolfe's news stories detailing the actions of local governing bodies have been frequently praised by officials for their thorough descriptions and balanced point of view. Of course, there were also times when officials didn't like what she wrote.
"I believe the public should know and hold their local government bodies accountable for how they use the tax dollars available to them,” she said. “I have learned more about tax levies, zoning laws, curbs, gutters, street maintenance and water treatment than I ever really wanted to, but I think it's important for people to know what their money does for their community. I have always tried to report fairly, presenting both sides of issues to let the people decide how they feel about it. And, I am a strong proponent for transparency in government, even when it poses difficulties for public officials."
Wolfe said while board meetings are important stories for the public, some of her favorite stories to write have been feature articles.
"Many times when I would contact someone to write a feature story, people would be reluctant to be interviewed. I've heard many people say what they were doing wasn't interesting or worth a story in the paper, but I disagreed,” she said. I've said many times over the years, 'Everyone has a story to tell, and this one is worth telling.’ If they would talk to me, I could write a story about what they said. I feel very fortunate to have been the one to tell their stories in print and make it a written part of history."
Wolfe's feature stories have included everything from stories about war veterans and where they served, 100th birthday celebrations, all kinds of animals from goats to ostriches, community and charity events, acts of human kindness, unusual hobbies and poignant stories about the human spirit that touch the heart.
"My work has been such an education,” she said. “What other job do you get to learn that sheep are grazers, but goats are browsers when it comes to the food they eat?”
Wolfe is also well-known for her editorial column, From the Wolfe Den, which began its regular appearance in 1985 when she became editor of the Roanoke Review. Her column, originally titled A Personal Story, featured aspects of smalltown Midwest living and often co-starred her family and children.
"I started writing columns about my family because that's what I knew best, and I thought people could relate to it,” she said. “And, honestly, my family is very entertaining. Little did I know it's one of the most memorable parts of the Journal for many subscribers.”
From the Wolfe Den appeared on a regular cadence in the Journal for nearly 30 years. In recent editions, Wolfe has republished some of her favorites with extended epilogues.
"I started rerunning some of my old columns because many people told me how much they enjoyed them, and I also had many people ask me about my family and what they are up to now,” Wolfe said. “When I started going through my columns, I discovered they are a detailed anthology of my family's life and experiences, which is a true gift.”
As she heads into retirement, Wolfe plans to continue writing the next chapter of her family anthology, featuring her husband, children and grandchildren. She also plans to spend more time doing the things she already loves to do while finding time to enjoy new challenges and experiences.
"A friend once told me, 'I don't like to write, but I love having written,' ” she said. “I find that very true, especially at this point in my life. Looking into my retirement, I won't be writing as much. But, I love having written so much for this newspaper and this community.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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