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Published in The Pantagraph on March 1, 2026
By Bill Flick
Some careers begin with polished interviews, big offers, grand promotions. Mine? Launched on a bar stool at a beloved, legendary place ... Lucca Grill, at East and Market in downtown Bloomington.
It began with six words, back in November 1981, at an afterwork beer with a new boss: "You want another Pabst Blue Ribbon?"
The man asking: Peter Thieriot, an heir of the revered San Francisco Chronicle family and whose company had just purchased The Pantagraph and named him publisher, way out in the hinterlands of Bloomington, Illinois.
Thieriot was from San Francisco. They somehow didn't have Pabst Blue Ribbon there while here it was brewed, for years, just up the road in Peoria Heights.
And he loved it.
A couple PBRs in, I made a moistened pitch: "You know," I said, "your new newspaper acquisition could use another columnist."
"Hmmm," he said, perhaps even sober. "Send me three samples."
And so now, 45 years afterward, here we are.
That's nearly 7,000 "samples" later.
That's at least 4.9 million words — all written in and about a place that, in my mind, might just be America at its most real. Bloomington-Normal. Hard-working. Unassuming.
Quietly progressive, educated, a place where people go about their lives, raise their families, look out for one another... where their kids who grow up and inevitably leave for what seem like bigger places and alleged better horizons ... and one day (OK, this is my own belief) realize what they once had.
Over these 45 years, I've lost count of the people met. The stories shared. The laughs. The kindness. That's been the job. And the gift.
Somewhere along the way, I figured out something important: A local newspaper isn't about a writer. It's about the readers. Let them tell the stories. Let them be part of it.
That's what launched "Flick Lite."
And truth be told, the biggest beneficiary of all those years has probably been... me.
Arriving in B-N in late 1976,1 was just another newcomer who somehow didn't work for State Farm or Illinois State University.
And somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the place. You don't get enormously rich working at a newspaper. But you do get something else... moments you could never plan for. Standing on a golf green at Crestwicke Country Club with Alice Cooper. Riding in a car around B-N, "On The Road," with CBS' legendary Charles Kuralt. Spending a morning in the Oval Office with Ronald Reagan, reliving his Central Illinois past. Talking green slopes at Fox Creek with Arnold Palmer. Watching Barack Obama pluck a horsefly out of the air and then watching that big toothy grin when he caught it. Standing next to John Mellencamp on a LeRoy porch, at an event for then presidential candidate John Edwards, as Mellencamp smoked yet another Marlboro Red. On a cruise ship, in Monaco, in the south of France, on another "Flick trip misadventure," with an executive from NASA who's telling the most amazing story about Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon, and what Armstrong actually also did while on the moon. Beside a urinal in Urbana, sharing a moment of happenstance — and after washing them, a handshake — with Sen. Edward Kennedy. With iconic rock band, Styx, as they do a sound check inside Redbird Arena, standing so near and so loud as they produced music, my ear drums are still always programmed to "Mr. Roboto."
When it all began in Bloomington-Normal, actually now 50 years ago for me, when first a sportswriter, then a news reporter, then a column hack, it would have been hard to imagine local newspapers across America and their Jeffersonian foundation would ever be threatened.
Today, it's very real. So I'll say this, simply: Please keep supporting this grand newspaper, The Pantagraph, with an enormous history, one of Illinois' best, in both readership and advertising.
It matters.
As some things pass, fewer seem to realize how important a local newspaper is. As for me... This will be a last regularly scheduled Sunday column. I hope to drop in, every month or three, as a guest columnist. The plan is to continue sharing a "Flick Fact." Daily! (Keep those emails and facts coming!) If you're not yet on Facebook and/or keeping up with the Bill Flick page there, please join as a friend or follower.
Future Flick trips?
Somewhere on the planet?
Sure! Stay tuned. But mostly... I just want to say thank you all. For reading. For sharing your stories. For letting this little corner be part of your lives. It's meant more than can be put into words and, God knows, I've spewed out a lot of them. So if you find yourself at Lucca Grill one of these days ... ... have a Pabst Blue Ribbon for me. I'll consider it a toast to a career well lived and a grand trip for all of us.
Bill Flick is at bflick pantagraph.com
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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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