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Published in The Delavan Times on December 17, 2025
This is the last issue of The Delavan Times you will receive. It is with much sadness and many tears that I must inform you, The Delavan Times is closing Wednesday, December 31, 2025. I am retiring.
Many thoughts have crossed my mind in reaching this decision. I have followed the footsteps of my grandfather, J. Ross Arnold, and my mother, Ruth Marie Arnold Larimore.
The initial newspaper to be published in Delavan was the Delavan Advertiser, which appeared November 30, 1867, as an independent newspaper under the management of C. R. Fiske. It was printed in a building on the west side of Locust Street, where the Christian Church was later located, next to what is now the city building. After two years, Mr. Fiske sold the paper to John Culbertson, whose strong Democratic ideas changed the policy of the independent paper to that of his own convictions. During the campaign of 1872, the Advertiser supported Charles O'Connor for president, probably the only newspaper in the state for that candidate. Mr. Culbertson, who published the paper for nearly 40 years, sold out to T. H. Smedley who later disposed of it to Keefer and Keefer
Seven years after the founding of the Advertiser, Joseph F. Reed founded The Delavan Times. It was a four-page, eight-column paper, a large portion of which was set in six-point type. No local news was carried on the front page, which was devoted exclusively to state, national and foreign news The Times, because of competition, carried more than a little spice in its editorials, and soon commanded a great deal of favorable comment, developing a large circulation for a country weekly, During the operation of the first Tazewell County Fair, The Times was published daily. The paper was acquired by the firm of Boyd and Quigley in 1880 and sold a short time later to Newman and Beatty. Mr. Newman left the firm and Guy Beatty operated it alone until 1889. Then he and his brother, Starr Beatty, purchased the Tazewell County Press, a third newspaper, which had recently been started by Mr. Reed. The Times and Press were then combined as The Deiavan Times-Press. In 1893, Starr Beatty became sole owner, changing its named to the Tri-County Times. Under his management, it became the outstanding Republican organ of the county. A consolidation of the Advertiser was effected by Mr. Beatty in 1918.
When J. Ross Arnold bought the paper in September 1928, the name was changed to The Delavan Times and the policy announced as independent. J. Ross came to Delavan from Vermont, Illinois, where he had published The Vermont News. He had learned the printing trade at the Astoria Argus and he had also published the Ipava News and been employed by the Canton Daily Ledger. Arnold retired in 1953, however, he still returned several times a week until the age of 94 to operate the job press. In 1954, the paper was sold to James E. Foster, who came from Peoria and the Journal Star. After several transient editors, who did not remain long, the business was leased in 1963 by Ruth Marie (Arnold) and Harold Larimore, who later purchased the building and business. Ruth Marie published The Times until 1998, when the business was turned over to her eldest daughter, Sandra.
To explain why the newspaper is no longer viable probably does not need to be said, however, after 2008, when the economy took a dive, it has been a real struggle. Most of this is due to social media. People post information on Facebook and do not contribute to their local newspaper. It is not just Deiavan, many newspapers have folded. At one time, all the small towns around had a newspaper, and many were printed at The Deiavan Times. The COVID situation did not help the situation. Many subscribers left because they were not working and could not pay the extra money for a newspaper. Advertisers quit advertising and you canno^ operate a newspaper without advertising. There are approximately 25 businesses in Deiavan who could advertise, but only less than six that do. These reasons, coupled with other extenuating circumstances, have caused us to make the decision to shut down operations. We thank all the advertisers and subscribers for their support. We could not have reached 151 plus years without you. I will miss all of you. (Guess I will have to learn to use my phone so I will know what is going on in Delavan.)
A complete copy of The Delavan Times from 1874 is on microfilm at Ayer Public Library and at the Illinois State Library in Springfield.
Thanks again for all your support. It is truly appreciated.
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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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