-Dedication of Ted Horner Community Park –

A proud moment, a special event, and a very appreciative audience in downtown Watseka Wednesday afternoon.

Gold Star family members, American Legion Post #23 Color Guard, community leaders & friends gathered at newly-named and now dedicated “Ted Horner Community Park.”

The Walnut Street park, a resting and dining site recently built by the City of Watseka, presented a most-appropriate setting to honor Hometown Hero military friends for their service and to recognize a World War II veteran -- former Mayor Ted Horner.

Current Mayor John Allhands recognized Ted Horner's long list of civic accomplishments over the years, calling Ted "Mr. Watseka." 

Mayor Allhands summarized the list of places where Ted Horner's footprints made a mark, including  the Mayor's office, 5-term alderman, Iroquois County Board member, long-time ESDA Director for Iroquois County, Business owner (Chicago Store), Plant Mgr of T & D Metal and worked at Uarco Business Forms. Ted is also a city-historian.

Ted Horner, always insisting never sit idle, think and make it happen……..

"A slogan we all need to think about, Horner said, 'we can let things happen or make things happen,' and if we keep on making things happen we can make our community better."

Ted also took a moment to recognize his late wife, May, who he said he spent 74 years with, helping him along the way.

Ted Horner Community Park served as the evening’s honored site for Watseka’s Hometown Heroes Banners. The City and Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce now proudly display the military banners on light poles, recognizing past and present military personnel who serve the United States.

Chamber Executive Director Amanda Hibbs said "we're so proud to offer this program honoring military all military heroes."  The banners will be on display through Labor Day Weekend. 

And one outstanding rendition of the National Anthem by Earl Kroll brought a thunderous response from the audience. State Senator Tom Bennett recognized Ted Horner’s civic leadership while reading a certificate from the Illinois General Assembly recognizing the Hometown heroes.

94.1 WGFA