New Douglas News for the week of July 23

By Rachel Beckett

For the News Leader

Updated July 24, 2015 8:00 AM

Michael Norhtcutt a pilot with Holzwarth Flying dusts a cornfield along W. Deck Street in New Douglas the morning of July 18. Holzwarth Flying has been providing growers and crop protection companies with aerial application (crop dusting) services since 1994. Founded by Chuck Holzwarth, the company has grown to include 13 full-time staff, which includes six full-time pilots, also including two mechanics who service the company’s six fixed-wing airplanes and one helicopter used for seed pollination. The company swells to 30 seasonal staff and up to 19 airplanes during the busiest part of the season. Holzwarth Flying serves a large portion of Illinois and eastern Iowa. Owner and operator Chuck Holzwarth grew up on a farm in Illinois. His agricultural pilot career was sparked in 1986 when his wife gave him a gift of four hours of flight instruction with an ag pilot. Holzwarth is a past president of the Illinois Agricultural Aviation Association and has thousands of hours flying numerous types of aircraft including their current fleet of turbine-powered Air Tractors. Currently, Holzwarth Flying operates from three year-round locations in Illinois: Lincoln, Kilbourne and Virden, and operates from the airport in Belle Plaine, Iowa. Rachel Beckett For the News Leader

Rec Plex needs volunteers

The New Douglas Rec Plex is in search of volunteers to help facilitate some of its programs.

The success of the Rec Plex is dependent on the help of volunteers and instructors to offer a wide variety of classes, said Elizabeth Loy, Rec Plex manager.

“Right now we offer a limited class selection, but we are looking to offer more this fall session. We are in search of people wanting to teach a wide variety of talents from art, theater, cooking, exercise and sports,” Loy said.

The fall session begins the second week of September, but volunteers are also needed for events planned in coming weeks.

Family Campout and Movie Night at the Rec Plex on Friday, July 24 has been canceled due to lack of volunteers.

“In order for us to still offer our Back To School 5K Run/Walk and Karaoke Talent Show, we need volunteer commitment,” Loy said.

If you are interested in volunteering or participating in either event contact Loy at (618) 946-7223 by Friday, July 31.You do not need to be a Rec Plex member to attend classes or events.

However, if you would like to become a member, Rec Plex Memberships are $20 per month for family and $15 per month for single adult.

“We have special rates for seniors and discounts available,” Loy said. “Memberships include key card access to our exercise equipment, batting cage, toddler room, game room and other amenities in our facility.”

There are no hidden fees or sign up fee.

“The only commitment you make is to yourself,” Loy said.

Gym and cafeteria rentals are also available for sports teams or parties.

Call Loy for more information on membership or rentals, or check out the New Douglas Township Facebook page or website, www.newdouglastownship.org.

Township to hold Electronics Recycling Day

New Douglas Township will be hosting an Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, July 25 from 8 a.m. to noon. Recycling is open to residents of New Douglas and New Douglas Township only. Please bring proof of residency that day. A list of acceptable items can be found at on the New Douglas Township Facebook page or at www.newdouglastownship.org.

If you have any questions regarding the electronic recycling, contact Duane Schallenberg, township supervisor, at (618) 410-2509.

Village can provide mowing assistance

Those who are physically unable to maintain areas of their lawns can contact the Village Board for possible assistance. You can reach Barb Bassett at (618) 593-3510.

Car Show/Craft Fair & Chili Cook-off

Annual Car and Motorcycle Show/Craft Fair & Chili Cook-off will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the New Douglas Township Park.

Registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Judging will be from noon to 3 p.m. Awards will be presented at 4 p.m.

There will also be games for kids and contests, a gun raffle, 50-50 drawing, bounce house, and refreshment stand. Krispy Kreme donuts will also be for sale.

Chili registration will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Chili judging will be at noon.

Contact Barb Basset at (618) 593-3510 for more information.

Funds raised support the restoration of the Old New Douglas Firehouse.

Farmers’ & Flea Market

New Douglas Farmers’ & Flea Market is open every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., and every fourth Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at 103 S. Main St. Vendors are still needed. Call Rachel at (618) 200-8150 and leave message or email newdouglasfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Christian school registering students

The New Douglas Community Christian School is accepting pre-K, age 4, and kindergarten students for classes that will begin in September. Contact the school by email at ndccs15@gmail or call (217) 456-7833 for more information.

Meals on Wheelsdriver needed

If you would like to volunteer three to four hours a month, consider being a substitute Meals on Wheels driver for the New Douglas area. Call Linda at (618) 402-1726.

Community Center Rental

The New Douglas Community Center can be rented for events. Contact Linda Huntsinger (618) 402-1726 to reserve a time.

Meetings

Center Schools Girl Scout Troop 426 will meet every second and fourth Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the New Douglas Community Center. Contact Rachel Fogg at (603) 205-2433 for more information. Grades K-12 are welcome.

The New Douglas Volunteer Fire Department will meet every first, second and fourth Monday.

The Wednesday Women Book Club will meet every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a weekly book study group focused on Christian faith. Refreshments are provided. Contact Stephanie McNealy (217) 456-6161 for more information.

The American Legion meets every second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

The Masonic Lodge meets every third Wednesday at 7 p.m.

New Douglas Township meets every second Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the township building, 104 S. 2^nd St.

The New Douglas Senior Citizens meet every second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the New Douglas Community Center. New members are being sought, anyone 55 and up.

The New Douglas Village Board meets every third Monday at 7 p.m. at the New Douglas Community Center.

Contact New Douglas reporter Rachel Beckett at (618) 971-6687 or email rtevis1@hotmail.com.

This story was originally published July 24, 2015 at 3:00 AM with the headline "New Douglas News for the week of July 23."