By David PorterAn Arcola family has recovered fromCOVID-19 but they're still hunkering down athome. Tim Froese said all five members of hisfamily that tested positive for the novel coron-avirus have been cleared by doctors.He said he was the first to have symptoms ofthe virus while his wife, Patty, the only onewho had to be hospitalized, was the last torecover. The family accounts for nearly half ofthe confirmed coronavirus cases in DouglasCounty."We're doing fabulous," Tim Froese said lastweek. "... We were very lucky."The new virus, which is believed to haveoriginated with bats in China, affects people indifferent ways, and it was no different with theFroese family. Tim Froese said one daughternever exhibited symptoms while others had avariety of ills including chest pain, aches,coughs, etc. He described it as the worst fluhe's ever had. To put that into perspective, he said he hadpreviously contracted the H1N1 virus, which

Volume 153 — Number 52 THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 8 PAGES

Birthplace of Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann & Andy www.arcolarecordherald.com Serving Arcola since 1866

Coaches say local conference sports season unlikely

Arcola family recovers from COVID-19

IHSA cancels state series

Council again rejects Otto’s bidto save old Metropolitan Block

Arcola High School teachers and staff mem-bers came together to surprise high school sen-iors by distributing yard signs to each of the 58members of the Class of 2020. Seniors wereencouraged to submit videos and photos ofthemselves with their signs to enter to winprizes in categories such as “Rider Pride,” “BestBed Head,” etc. When passing by a house displaying a Class

of 2020 sign, residents are asked to honk toshow their support of the class.Myles Bott won “Best Bed Head.” VictoriaSchuman won “Best Rider Spirit” (she lives inSullivan but attends Arcola High School, andstaff made the trip to Sullivan to make sure shewas included). Braedyn Edwards won “BestReaction,” and Mason Myers won “First Entry.”The winners will receive $25 gift cards.

By David PorterIn Wilmer Otto’s case, if at firstyou do succeed, try, try again.Otto is wanting to save the oldMetropolitan Block in downtownArcola from destruction despitethe head start age and neglect hashad toward that end. It’s been justa smidgeon under two years that

the historic building suffered ablow-out on its east end, and themammoth building has been opento the elements ever since.As the building languished, liensand lawsuits complicated recov-ery efforts as Otto sought toacquire the building from EricaThieman. He asked the city to help

pay for the restoration plan hepresented to them, and theyagreed to commit TIF (tax incre-ment financing) money toward itif certain criteria were met. TheArcola Foundation was alsotapped to help, and their fundingwas interdependent with thecity’s.

But when a second collapseoccurred in March, the CityCouncil pulled its funding commit-ment of $115,000. By then, it hadalready secured a court order toforce Thieman to raze the build-ing, but the judge delayed the

Senior support — signs of the times

FREEFor the M

onthOf April

By Daniel L. Chamness. It is disappointing, but not unexpected. On Tuesday in the late morning hours, theIllinois High School Association officially can-celed all spring playoffs, meaning no regionals,sectionals or state finals on any level thisspring. While some schools are still seeking a possi-bility to have some contests, it does not appearthat the Arcola Purple Riders will be amongthem. "There has been no discussion with theschool board or the administration," said NickLindsey, the Arcola Purple Rider athletic direc-tor and football coach. "My guess is we willobviously err on the side of safety of our fansand athletes. It is unfortunate for our seniors,especially, but the health and well-being is ournumber one priority."As the spring state finals and other proceed-ing playoffs were canceled, there was someconcern among Purple Rider coaches that thefall sports could be affected as well. One ofthose coaches is Tommy Eddleman, one of thefootball assistants and the head boys trackcoach. "I don't see us having any meets," saidEddleman. "With football starting in the sum-mer, it will be very tough to do anything. Whoknows at this point if we will even be able topractice football this summer."The IHSA also takes the stance that if thegovernor opens up the state, there can bechances for teams to play against other teams.But, it now depends on what the next move by

MYLES BOTT received Best Bed Head award. Photo by Kris Bott.

See IHSA on page 4

See FAMILY on page 8

See CITY COUNCIL on page 2

FROM LEFT, Morgan, Tim, Patty, Chase and Mattison Froese, all tested positive for COVID-19but have recovered from the novel coronavirus. Submitted photo.

Strides AgainstHunger updateThe 2020 “Strides Against Hunger”5K/1Mile Race/Walk, originally set for April18 and recently postponed, has now been can-celed due to continued coronavirus concernspreventing a rescheduling for later this year.Race entry fees are being returned. Race spon-sors will be contacted soon by the Arcola FoodPantry Board Race Committee. The 2020 “Strides Against Hunger”5K/1Mile Race/Walk, originally set for April18 and recently postponed, has now been can-celed due to continued coronavirus concernspreventing a rescheduling for later this year.Race entry fees are being returned. Race spon-sors will be contacted soon by the Arcola FoodPantry Board Race Committee. Food Pantry openThe Arcola Food Pantry is open and givingout food every Thursday 12-2 and 4-6 at theArcola Food Pantry, 126 South Locust, 268-5122. New clients need photo ID and proof ofaddress in Douglas County. If anyone living inArcola needs food and is unable to come to thepantry, please call Janice Gee at 962-1640.Library closuresThe Regular Monthly meeting of the ArcolaPublic Library District Board of Trustees wascanceled this past Monday, April 13, 2020, dueto the pandemic restrictions. Further monthlymeeting of the board will be suspended untilthe corona virus guidelines allow for publicmeetings. The library is closed indefinitely dueto the coronavirus shut-down.No burning for nowThe City is banning burning during theCOVID-19 disaster declaration. This is onlyshort term and will be lifted once we canreturn to some sense of normalcy.PostponedThe Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd annualDaddy Daughter Dance is canceled for April 25,2020. It will be rescheduled. The date will beannounced as soon as possible.Also the Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May3 has been cancelled and will not be resched-uled.Fire truck birthdayIf a child in Arcola is celebrating a birthdayduring the shelter-in-place order, the ArcolaFire Protection will send an engine with lightsand sirens to the house. For information or torequest a truck, visit their Facebook page.Coronavirus hotlineNeed more info about the coronavirus orsuspect a case? Gov. JB Pritzker said theIllinois Dept. of Public Health has set up ahotline at 1-800-889-3931. Info also is avail-able on the agency’s website,idph.illinois.gov. Douglas County coron-avirus hotline: 801-997-0019.Línea directa de coronavirus¿Necesita más información sobre el coro-navirus o sospecha un caso? El gobernadorJB Pritzker dijo que el Departamento deSalud Pública de Illinois ha establecido unalínea directa al 1-800-889-3931. La informa-ción también está disponible en el sitio webde la agencia, idph.illinois.gov. Línea directade coronavirus del condado de Douglas:801-997-0019.