Here’s a look inside at some of the athletes who set Bureau County Track & Field records, many holding on to them for decades.

It is fascinating to learn how they dealt with transportation, neighbors, politics, religion, and housing. But how the pioneers ate and kept warm is one of the most interesting aspects of their lives.

When Franklin Delano Roosevelt became President in 1933, at the height of the Depression, he famously declared to the American people, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Here’s a look inside at some of the athletes who set Bureau County Track & Field records, many holding on to them for decades.

Matt McDonald had a highly successful and enjoyable run as assistant/pitching coach for the Hall High School baseball team. He’s now giving it the old college try and fulfilling a dream as the pitching coach for Black Hawk Junior College.

The FCA Huddle (chapter) has been meeting at PHS since late fall, the first time for the organization in nearly 50 years. Prior to that, a group of PHS students had met informally in a community setting.

Cam McDonald has been a human highlight reel this season for the University of Illinois baseball team. He’s reached base in every game this season, a streak encompassing 34 games for the Fighting Illini (19-15), and has a 45-game on-base streak dating back to May 8, 2021.

Dick Wells LtCol (retired), a 5th generation farm boy from Annawan Township, was the keynote speaker and featured the story of Heaps in his remarks. Israel G. Heaps was an earlier Annawan farm boy who did his part to change the world.

Baseball has taken Jimmy DeAngelo to the peaks of a high school state championship. And it also has taken him to the valleys of a devastating potential career-ending injury.