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Joseph Michelich, Jr., 96, of Auburn died June 11 at Sunrise Nursing Home in Virden.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, June 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Edgewood Golf Course in Auburn. All friends and family are invited to attend.
He was born December 2, 1929, in Auburn, the only son of the late Joseph and Ida (Spagnoli) Michelich. He married the former Joyce D. MacKellar in 1951 in Detroit, Michigan.
His parents, needing to find gainful employment, moved from Auburn to Detroit to work in the auto industry. He graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit in 1947. While in high school and with his love of sports, he wrote sports for the East Side Shopper. He served In the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, Virginia for four years and returned to Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in journalism.
In 1959, he moved his family back to Auburn to purchase the Auburn Citizen and Divernon News newspapers. He went on to add newspapers The Chatham Clarion, The Pawnee Post and The Rochester Times in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Known then as South County Publications, he purchased The New Berlin Bee and The Pleasant Plains Press in 2000 and added The Riverton Register, Williamsville Sun-Times and the Tri-City Register in 2007.
He was active in the Southern Illinois Editorial Association (SIEA) served as president and was a member of the Illinois Press Association (IPA). The Auburn Citizen was a consistent award winner, taking first place in the General Excellence category in 1972, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1990, 1991, 1997, 1998 and 2000 as well as numerous awards for Best Editorial Page, Best Original Column (The Bystander) and Best Sports Coverage.
He was instrumental in the formation of Edgewood Country Club in Auburn, in 1963 serving as president. An avid golfer, he won the Edgewood club championship in 1965, 1966, 1969, 1975 and 1980.
He was also very involved in youth baseball, coaching the local PONY (Protect Our Nation’s Youth) league team for over 20 years and was the coach for the Central Illinois PONY League All-Star team for many years. He went on to be a member of the PONY Baseball and Softball International Board of Directors 1982-2006, serving as its Chairman of the Board in 2001-02, was named to the PONY Baseball and Softball Wall of Fame in 1982 was the Colt League World Series Tournament Director in Lafayette, Indiana from 1996-2006.
He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1988 and was honored by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association as a Friend of the Association in 2004.
He received many community awards over the years including Auburn VFW Service Award in 1976, the Auburn Ministerial Alliance service award in 1970, the Auburn Sertoma Service to Mankind Award in 1982, and was honored as a Friend of the County by the Sangamon County High School Principal’s Association in 2004.
Survivors include three children, Janet Deatherage of Auburn, Jill (Randall) Boomer of Jerseyville and Joe Michelich of Auburn; two granddaughters, Elizabeth (Jeff) Bowen of Townsend, Vermont and Katherine (Dennis) Pascall of Bloomington; seven great-grandchildren, Isabella, Jules and Lily Bowen and Patrick, Casey, Duncan and Ida Pascall and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife; son-in-law, Michael Deatherage and daughter-in-law, Connie Michelich.
Memorials may be made to the Auburn Emergency Squad or the Auburn Fire Department.
Bramley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2026 Media Contact Information: Contact: Betsy McCloskey betsy@plaidswan.com (563) 513-9499
Interactive America 250 experience to visit August 6–9
WEST BRANCH, Iowa — One of America's most recognizable traveling tributes to freedom and citizenship will arrive in West Branch this August as part of the grand reopening celebration of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. The Freedom Truck, a massive mobile museum touring the nation in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, will be on display August 6–9, 2026, at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The Freedom Truck is part of a fleet of six custom-built 18-wheelers traveling coast to coast as part of the America 250 movement. Featuring immersive exhibits, interactive technology, and educational experiences, the trucks bring America's story directly to communities, schools, military installations, and civic events across the country. Its appearance in West Branch coincides with the August 6 grand reopening of the newly renovated Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, creating a unique opportunity for visitors to experience both America's history and the legacy of one of the nation's most influential public servants. "Few places are more appropriate for a Freedom Truck visit than West Branch, Iowa," said Tom Schwartz, director for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. "As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, visitors can explore the story of our nation while also discovering the life and legacy of Herbert Hoover, whose commitment to service, humanitarian relief, and civic leadership continues to inspire generations." The Freedom Truck experience complements the broader America 250 celebration taking place across the nation and reinforces the importance of preserving and sharing America's story. That mission closely aligns with the work of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Hoover's own commitment to preserving the nation's historical record through the National Archives system. "The Freedom Truck provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors to connect the story of America's founding and democratic ideals with the place where Herbert Hoover's own story began," said Pete Swisher, superintendent of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. "As we welcome visitors to West Branch during this special celebration, we invite them to explore the birthplace, historic buildings, and landscapes that shaped one of America's most remarkable public servants." Long before presidential libraries became common, Herbert Hoover championed the preservation of government records and historical documents, helping strengthen efforts that ultimately shaped the modern National Archives. Today, his presidential library continues that mission by preserving and sharing documents, artifacts, and stories that help Americans better understand their history. Visitors to West Branch will have the opportunity to experience the Freedom Truck throughout its four-day stay while also exploring the newly reimagined museum, which features updated exhibits, immersive experiences, and expanded educational opportunities designed to connect new generations with Hoover's life and legacy. For more information about the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum grand reopening, visit hooverpresidentialfoundation.org. About the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum Located in West Branch, Iowa, The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum collects, preserves, and shares documents and artifacts that record the lives and times of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President and Lou Henry Hoover, First Lady, of the United States. The museum is part of the National Archives and Records Administration's Presidential Library system. MEDIA ALERT As members of the Midwest media community, we would like to extend a special invitation to an exclusive sneak preview of the newly renovated Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum before its public reopening. These media-only tours will offer a first look at the transformed galleries, exhibits, and visitor experience before visitors arrive. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the museum, capture photos and video, and speak with project leaders about the extensive renovation and the significance of this national historic destination. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum has undergone its most significant transformation in decades, and we are excited to share this important Iowa story with you before the doors officially reopen to the public on August 6. Please let us know if you would like to secure a date and time in July, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. Thank you for your continued coverage of stories that matter to our region!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2026 Media Contact Information: Contact: Alison Maley alison@ilprincipals.org 217-525-1383
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Springfield, Illinois — Brian Faulkner, principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, Illinois, will serve as president of the Illinois Principals Association for the 2026–2027 school year. Faulkner has selected IPA’s theme for the year as “Unlocking Potential,” which will be celebrated at the Education Leaders Annual Conference in October 2026. “Unlocking Potential is centered on the belief that leadership is not confined to a title—it exists within every member of a school community,” Faulkner said. “When we intentionally develop leadership capacity in educators, staff, and students, we create stronger collaboration, greater ownership, and learning experiences that support the success of every student.” Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director for the Illinois Principals Association, said, “Brian Faulkner is an exceptional leader. His colleagues constantly seek him out for guidance and support. Brian has served at all levels of the Association, which provides him the perspective and experience needed to ensure our members continue to receive the services they need to do what is best for their students.” Faulkner brings extensive middle-level education experience to the role. He began his career as a classroom teacher and later served as a dean of students in Valley View School District 365U. He then became an assistant principal in Huntley Community School District 158 before earning his first principalship in Itasca School District 10. Faulkner has served as principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School since 2015. A committed educational leader, Brian has been actively involved with the Illinois Principals Association, previously serving in numerous leadership roles, including Region Membership Chair, Region Director, State Director, and President-Elect. Brian Faulkner earned a Bachelor of Science with teacher certification from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s in educational leadership from Benedictine University. Outside of his professional life, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Katy, and their three daughters, Allison, Nora, and Avery. The Illinois Principals Association is a professional organization serving more than 7,000 educational leaders throughout Illinois. IPA supports principals, assistant principals, deans, and other school leaders through advocacy, professional learning, networking, and resources that strengthen leadership and improve outcomes for students. Learn more at www.ilprincipals.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2026 Media Contact Information: Contact: Cheri Breneman cheri@iafpd.org 217-525-6620
PEORIA — The Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts is a nonprofit organization representing more than 600 fire protection districts and 2,800 individual members throughout the state. The IAFPD mission is to support better governance by fire protection district officials through education, resources, communication, and legislation. The IAFPD hosted its 81st Annual Conference on June 11–13 in East Peoria for the first time. The three-day event brought together fire officials from Marion to Rockford and from Quincy to Danville, to meet at the Embassy Suites Riverfront Conference Center. Attendees took part in educational sessions focused on legal compliance, legislative updates, local government challenges, and fire department leadership practices. “Bringing together fire officials from every corner of Illinois strengthens our ability to address the challenges facing local government and emergency services," said Ken Yeakley of Hammond, the IAFPD director and conference chair. "We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event and look forward to building on that momentum in the years ahead." The IAFPD Conference embraced several fire service traditions, including a special tribute to America’s 250th birthday. The Peoria Fire Department raised a 15-foot American flag on a ladder truck, surrounded by fire and emergency vehicles. The ceremony included a grand entrance of a 9/11 Remembrance Exhibit, escorted by members of the East Peoria Fire Department, the East Peoria Police Department, and a group of motorcyclists. The audience then turned its attention to the National Anthem, performed by local music professional, Lee Wenger. The conference’s opening session paid tribute to a tragic day that profoundly affected our nation and the City of New York and forever changed the landscape of the fire service. The IAFPD welcomed two leaders from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), who shared their experiences confronting unprecedented challenges during and in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The evening weather provided the perfect setting for the conference’s social event, held on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the riverfront and city skyline. Attendees enjoyed a lively singalong performance by Marcell Guyton. The conference also invited fire protection districts to recognize the members of the Boards of Trustees for their years of service and/or outstanding service provided to their respective communities. Congratulations to Steve Gustafson of Hampshire Fire Protection District as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Service Award. Gustafson has served 49 years with the department, 19 as a trustee. Gustafson has been a regular attendee of the IAFPD Conference and other trustee training events. An annual memorial service held on Saturday honored fallen firefighters in Illinois and remembered members of the Association and friends of the Illinois fire service who passed away during the past year. The service led by newly elected IAFPD President Damon Schuldt included a traditional bell-ringing ceremony by Chaplain Richard Joyce, along with musical performances by Haley Richbark and David Fulton. The IAFPD extends its appreciation to the fire protection district officials who took time to attend the conference. The Association also thanks the City of East Peoria, the staff of Discover Peoria, and the employees of Embassy Suites Riverfront Conference Center for their professionalism, support, and hospitality during the Association’s first year at this location. The IAFPD 82nd Conference will return to the same venue on June 24-26, 2027, and expect even greater success! For more information, contact Cheri Breneman, Association Administrator at 217-525-6620 or email cheri@iafpd.org.