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By:

Abigail Shields, Website Editor

Staff photos by Abigail Shields.

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The Borden Church of Christ is hosting Family Fun Night on Friday, July 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The church is located at 426 W. Water St., Borden.

A sensational evening of family fun has been planned, including a foam-tastic party with food, games, crafts and amazing givaways.

The public is invited.

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Congresswoman Erin Houchin was deeply honored to host Jason and Mandy Hughes of Osgood, Indiana, parents of the late Carson Hughes, in Washington, D.C. last week. Carson, a Jac-Cen-Del student, was a passionate outdoorsman who channeled his love for nature through the art of photography.

Carson’s art teacher posthumously submitted his photograph titled “Breakfast Time” for the Congressional Art Competition. This poignant piece not only won the 2024 competition for Indiana’s Ninth District but also earned the prestigious People’s Choice Award.

“Carson’s photograph beautifully captures the essence of nature and showcases his incredible talent,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “It is a fitting tribute to his memory that his work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for countless visitors to see.”

Jason and Mandy Hughes traveled to Washington, D.C., to accept Carson’s award and participate in the ceremony honoring his work. Congresswoman Houchin expressed her gratitude to the Hughes family for sharing Carson’s remarkable talent with the nation.

“We are thrilled that Carson’s work is now on display in our nation’s capital,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “Thank you, Jason and Mandy, for allowing us to celebrate Carson’s legacy through his extraordinary art.”

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By:

Abigail Shields, Website Editor

"The Trump Experience" team

Team "Grimace Elite"

The "Salem 8" team

Many teams turned out for the 3-On-3 Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, July 3, which is part of the Pekin 4th of July Festival.

Adult winners were "The Trump Experience," which included players Regan Uebelhor, Patrick Mitchell and Lucas Mitchell.

The 14U winners were the "Grimace Elite" team, composed of Macon Simpson, Clayton Monroe, Blake Schuler-Scanlin and Michael David-Settle.

The 14U team placing second place was "Salem 8," with players Mason Quinlin, Jaden Warren, Carter Richards and Cole Martin.

Staff photos by Abigail Shields

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By:

Abigail Shields, Website Editor

Winners of the Pekin July 4th Queen Contest were (from left) Lillie Perry, first runner-up, and Lila Blevins, queen.

The 2024 Pekin July 4th Queens Court includes (from left) Abby Short, Lillie Perry, Harleyanne Blevins, Lila Blevins and Annastasia Gonzalez.

Lilia Blevins was crowned the 2024 Pekin 4th of July Festival Queen. She is a member of the East Washington High School Class of '24 and is the daughter of Paul and Jennifer Blevins.

Lillie Perry was chosen as the first runner-up. Harleyanne Blevins was selected Miss Congeniality.

The contestants each had a People’s Choice box where donations were received for the charity of a contestant's choice. Half of the proceeds went to their chosen charity and the other half went back to the Pekin Community Betterment Organization for entertainment purposes. Over $1,000 were raised.

This year's contestants included:

Harleyanne Blevins, sponsored by Isenberg Concrete Walls, Inc.

Lila Blevins, sponsored by Allen, Fleming & Associates, P.C.

Ivy Dixon, sponsored by Wax Junkies

Anastasia Gonzalez, sponsored by Teena's Pizza

Lillie Perry, sponsored by Stephanie Perry, Norway independent consultant

Leah Schmidt, sponsored by Property Maintenance Plus

Abby Short, sponsored by Albertson Farms

Bailey Smith, sponsored by Mamma Rosa's/John Jones

Eliza Starrett, sponsored by Purlee Farms

Previous Pekin 4th of July Queens include (by year):

1958 - Sandra Lane
1959 - Carol Lee Tarr
1960 - Karen Spaulding
1961 - Linda Walker
1962 - Joyce Lively
1963 - Carol Sue Crockett
1964 - Terry Costin
1965 - Janet Blackman
1966 - Helaine Graves
1967 - Sheila Hoefler
1968 - Shirley Risk
1969 - Mary Ann Loftus
1970 - Darlene Cotter
1971 - Jill Wilkins
1972 - Loretta Davis
1973 - Janice Lewis
1974 - Dawn Loftus
1975 - Heide Cade
1976 - Mary McCoakey
1977 - Patrice Buher
1978 - Debbie Hasty
1979 - Peggy Souder
1980 - Cheryle Sparkman
1981 - Julie Rickard
1982 - Sara Ann Byrd
1983 - Michelle Green
1984 - Lisa Law
1985 - Kathy Marshall
1986 - Laura Fleming
1987 - Hollie Wolfe
1988 - Fleisha Renaker
1989 - Shay Demlow
1990 - Tara Ra'nae Kruer
1991 - Holly Michelle Lewis
1992 - Jamie Hall
1993 - Kelley Gray
1994 - Aleisha Morrow
1995 - Rebecca Simpson
1996 - Adrienne Nelson
1997 - Cheryl Nicole McDowell
1998 - Jullian Ann Dornbush
1999 - Brandy Chandler
2000 - Misty Lockard
2001 - Kacy Dougherty
2002 - Angela Sparrow
2003 - Maegan Dotson
2004 - Ashley Dillon
2005 - Jessica Cook
2006 - Brittney Borden
2007 - Shelby Anne Purlee
2008 - Santana Harp
2009 - Laura Campbell
2010 - Jessica Kendall
2011 - Nikki Nale
2012 - Gabrielle Gibson
2013 - Taylor Humphrey
2014 - Destiny Worley
2015 - Veronica Judson
2016 - Riley Cowles
2017 - Cassidy Bryant
2018 - Gracie Gibson
2019 - Katlyn Rice
2020 - Hailey Williams
2021 - Katie Rankin
2022 - Sahara Short
2023 - Kylie Batt
2024 - Lila Blevins

Staff photos by Abigail Shields