April 2014
Centralia chiropractor getting to know patients Orphans baseball preview Straith’s is a Centralia gem
Orphan Annies softball preview Locust Street Historical Fair CHS event photos
Centralia
contents 4
Features 4
Centralia Chiropractor 8
Locust Street Historical Fair
12 Orphan baseball
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16 Orphan Annies
softball preview
18 Straith’s Jewelry
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22 CHS event
photos
from the cover
Illinois Theater on Locust Street
Photo provided
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Centralia
chiropractor
getting to
enjoys
know patients
Story by Travis Morse
The best part of being a chiropractor in Centralia is making a personal connection with patients, said chiropractor Josh Berger.
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Berger, 32, is a Centralia native and has been a chiropractor in the town for more than eight years. Every week, he treats anywhere between 75 and 90 patients, all of whom he considers his friends. “So you get to go in and hear about their lives and hear about their families, and of course over the course of eight years you get to make a lot of friends,� Berger said. April 2014
Office Photos by Travis Morse Other photos provided by Josh Berger
Berger shares an office with fellow chiropractors Kurt and Mark Williams, who are brothers. The Williams office has been in Centralia for about 50 years. It was started by L.E. Williams, Kurt and Mark’s father. And while many chiropractic offices in the area have closed, Berger said his practice has remained successful. “It’s great in this office just because of the base that L.E. Williams set up,” Berger said. “He had a fantastic practice. He was very close with his patients also and it seems to April 2014
have snowballed into the next generation. Whereas there was one chiropractor starting out, now there is three in this office.” Berger was born and raised in Centralia. After high school, he attended Kaskaskia College and then went to the Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis. “The only time I left (Centralia) was to go to college,” Berger said. “I was the youngest guy in my chiropractic class, so I was the one that was on the fast track to get into chiropractic school.”
Berger said he has been interested in chiropractic medicine since he was a child. In third and fourth grade, Berger would sometimes rub his teachers’ shoulders. “I guess there was a little bit of foreshadowing of what was to come,” Berger said, laughing. “My mom jokes around about it, that she was whispering in my ear as I slept as a kid that I should be a chiropractor. I think she just wanted to have one in the family.” After college, Berger began 5
working as a chiropractor with the Williams brothers. Collectively, their practice covers a wide range of treatments, but not acupuncture. Many of their patients are blue collar workers or farmers who have experienced “acute injuries” from lifting, shoveling or falling, Berger said. “We treat a lot of that,” Berger said. “What we consider ourselves is more of the back mechanics. We treat on so many blue collar workers (and) farmers.” Chiropractors, Berger said, serve a very important purpose by providing people with medical care that is not based on prescribing drugs. “There’s a lot of people that are searching for a type of medical care that is not medicine-based, where we’re not pushing pills,” Berger said. “With painkillers being such a big addicting factor lately — I mean you hear a lot about this with opiates and it leading to other problems — people are looking for pain relief with non-medicinal form of medicine.” 6
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Berger said chiropractic treatments are also “very affordable.” An initial visit to Berger’s office, with treatment, costs $95. Then each office visit after that is $40. Infants receive free treatment. “You may have three office visits and you’ve wrapped it up for under $200,” Berger said. Berger said there is a “wide spectrum” of philosophies and approaches in the chiropractic field. His own philosophy is based on providing the best care to patients, he said. “I’ve got about nine techniques that I kind of mold into one, and say whatever I have to give the patient to make it work, that’s what we’re going to give them,” Berger said. In addition to his practice, Berger is also involved in many community activities. He has coached for Little League baseball and basketball, and has helped with programs like Volunteer Centralia, Balloon Fest and the Halloween Parade. He added that he plans to keep working in Centralia for the long term. He currently lives just outside town in Central City. “I have roots in Centralia,” Berger said. “This is my hometown. I consider these people my family so I’m not going anywhere.” April 2014
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Photos provided by the CITY OF CENTRALIA
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in the Story by Travis Morse
Organizers of the upcoming Locust Street Historical Fair in Centralia hope the event will not only draw people downtown but will serve as a celebration of the city’s rich and unique history. This will be the first year of the event, which is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3 all along Locust Street. But hopes are high the fair will become an annual occurrence in Centralia. “We want to draw people into the retail area of our community and at the same time remind them of the historical attributes of our community,” said Allison Austin, director of community development for Centralia. “We just have tremendous historic resources (and) beautiful buildings downtown that tell the history of the community. We want people to be aware of that.” The idea for the fair grew out of conversations between city officials and local business people in the wake of last year’s successful “Celebrate Centralia” art and wine festival, Austin said. That festival mainly impacts businesses on Broadway in Centralia, and several merchants on Locust Street asked whether an event could be created to help their businesses. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission then developed the concept of a fair celebrating Centralia’s history, Austin said. April 2014
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“One of our most active retail corridors is on Locust Street,” Austin said. For the May 3 fair, Locust Street from Broadway to Third Street will be closed to traffic to make room for a wide array of different activities. Starting at 11:30 a.m., there will be two speakers provided by the Illinois Humanities Council’s Road Scholars Program. The speakers will discuss different aspects of Centralia’s history.
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Also, throughout the day, a running historical photo presentation will be available to view at the Tech Center. These will be photos of Centralia provided by the Historical Museum, dating from around the turn of the century to the 1960s and ‘70s. In addition, at the fair, there will be a historic trains presentation at the Historical Museum about the different train lines that have come through Centralia over the years, Austin said. All day, members of the public can view a working train layout on the second floor of the museum. From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. that day, the Independent Silver Band will play a selection of period music from the late 1800s, right outside the museum building. Other fair activities will include an antique car show, tours of some of the historic buildings downtown, and costume photo opportunities for the public. For the costume photos, members of the public will get a chance to have their picture taken while wearing authentic period clothing, Austin said. Another highlight of the day will be the many crafters and food vendors who will be selling their wares along Locust Street, Austin said. Food will include apple products from Schwartz Orchard, baked goods from Oma Gisi’s German Bakery in Kinmundy, popcorn, kettle corn, sandwiches and more. Centralia Mayor Tom Ashby said the historical fair should dovetail nicely with the city’s annual art and wine festival, which is held in the fall. One of the most important aspects of the fair is how it will bring people from outside the community to Centralia. “Centralia always was a focal point for people to come to shop. We’re trying to recapture (that),” Ashby said. “It just kind of compliments the art and wine festival later in the fall. It’s bringing people into Centralia.” April April2014 2014
Serving Centralia & Surrounding Areas
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s n a h p r O g n i t n u s co d n u o m on r ps co
Story by Rick Hayes
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Photos by Paul Hines April 2014
With seven seniors returning and a strong pitching contingent, the Centralia Orphans are hopeful of breaking the 20-win barrier this spring. Senior Mason McReaken, with an 8-3 mark a year ago, has been tabbed as the number one starter for the Orphans. McReaken, who plays centerfield when he is not on the mound, has already signed a national letter of intent at Kaskaskia Junior College. “I think he can have a real good year on the mound and at the plate,” said coach Matt Kottmeyer, beginning his 15th season. Kottmeyer has a .538 winning percentage at Centralia with 261 victories. “I think he (McReaken) was one of our better pitchers last year and I think he will continue that. He’s got good velocity for a high school kid.”
McReaken will be joined on the mound by three other seniors — Kyle Davis, Ryan Miller and Tripp Kessler — and three juniors — Josh Nunnery, Jacob Boyce and River Phillips. Davis, also a third-baseman, is in his third season as a varsity starter, as is Miller and Kessler. Miller is a “very good defensive shortstop and has improved a lot at the plate,” according to Kottmeyer. Kessler will be a utility player, playing the infield and outfield. Kessler is also the top returning hitter for the Orphans. He carried a .300 batting average on last year’s team with 24 hits and eight RBI. “I would like to put him in the leadoff spot,” Kottmeyer said. “I think he’ll get on base quite a bit.” Seniors C.J. Berry, a pitcher who was injured last year, may also help on the mound and senior Ryan Shipley, who is injured, is expected to play second and the outfield when he returns. Junior B.J. Smith will be a returning starter at first base and Ryan Obermeier will play in the outfield. 13
Centralia
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Three sophomores are also expected to get some playing time for the Orphans. They include infielder Sean Cary, outfield/second-baseman Lundyn Waithe and catcher Ryan White. “We’ll be relying on him for offense,” Kottmeyer said of White. “He’ll probably hit fifth or sixth and we’re going to need for him to produce.” Centralia finished 18-15 a year ago, losing to state qualifying Mt. Vernon by a 2-0 margin in the regional championship game. “I think our strengths are going to be pitching and defense,” said Kottmeyer. “We have a few guys with pitching experience. I think we’ll be okay defensively, so I think it will keep us in ballgames. Last year, we struggled to score runs. This year, some of those juniors have gotten stronger, so hopefully, we can score more runs this year.” Kottmeyer said Mt. Vernon, Althoff and Carbondale will be strong contenders in the South Seven Conference. “Mt. Vernon lost a lot of guys from last year, but they will be strong with their top pitcher (Brock Fulkerson) back. He’s one of the better pitchers around. Althoff has some quality players and I think Carbondale will be strong this year with a lot of guys back,” he said. The Orphans play all of their home games at Jaycees’ Sprehe Park.
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Annies have Story by Rick Hayes
With all but one of its position players returning — including seven all-conference selections — Centralia High School’s Orphan Annies should be among the elite clubs in Southern Illinois this spring. Coach Mallory Kauling is cautiously optimistic this current group of seniors — the first group that Kauling coached — will have the tools to go deep into the postseason. “A lot of the things we have been preaching the last four years are starting to take effect this year,” Kauling said. “This group has been playing together for four years now and we hope it will help us jell quicker this year. We would like to start off this year like we finished last year and start peaking sooner.” The Orphan Annies
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posted a 26-7 record a year ago. They won a regional and lost to eventual state runner-up Alton-Marquette 5-0 in the sectional semifinal. Of the 13 upperclassmen playing for the Annies, only one has not been playing since their freshman season. “I hope this season will be very successful,” Kauling said of her group, which also includes two sophomores. “I think we have learned together in the years we’ve all been in the
program. I hope since they’ve been in it since I became the head coach, they can start reading my mind a little bit.” Kauling was an assistant coach for two years prior to taking over the head coaching duties. Kauling is expecting a lot from her one-two pitching punch of juniors Jessica Feig and Montana Howell.
“They will be splitting our games,” Kauling said. “They have both pitched since their freshman year. Jessica was all-conference her freshman and sophomore seasons. She’ll also playing a lot of outfield when she’s not pitching.” Kauling said her starters are more mature and have attained confidence. “Both of them have worked hard and understand different aspects of the game. They understand the different situations they may be in and know how to handle them,” Kauling said. Behind the plate will be April 2014
junior Sammy Cameron. “She’s very strong and getting more comfortable as a catcher,” Kauling said, adding Cameron is one of the team’s power hitters. Senior Abbey Holtkamp and junior Shaelyn Lawson will share duties at first base, and share designated player duties since they are both good hitters, according to their coach. Kauling has several options at the remaining infield positions, April 2014
although senior Paige Wells appears to have locked up a spot at shortstop. “She has a good arm and is a team leader,” Kauling said. Juniors Alexus Campbell and Lexy Patton and sophomore Clare Patton are all vying for spots at second and third base. In the outfield, senior Raigen Schwartz has started every game except one since her freshman year. “She’s been our leadoff hitter all four years. She’s a good slap hitter and another good team leader,” Kauling said. Senior Lyndee Lockwood and juniors Katelyn Branon and Baileigh Scott are likely to fill the remaining outfield positions. Sophomore Cindi Sloat will be the team’s designated utility player — likely to be used in key situations, especially as a pinch-runner. “She is a good kid and has a lot of quality assets that will help the team,” Kauling said. Overall, Kauling said her squad should be strong offensively and improvement is needed defensively. “I have a group of kids that
like to hit. I hope we can improve defensively,” she said, although she noted it is difficult to access the team’s strengths and weaknesses until it has a few games under its belt. Kauling said this year’s South Seven Conference will be another battle. “It’s always a tossup. Mt. Vernon and Carbondale have good teams and Althoff has a new coach. It’s a new game every year. There’s never been a powerhouse in our conference.” 17
Centralia Gem is a
In 1939 George Straith heard of a bustling town in southern Illinois with a small storefront perfect for a jeweler to open a business. He was trained in St. Louis as a watchmaker by his cousin but was ready for the next step. George fell in love with Centralia and ‌..75 years later his legacy lives on.
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Photos and story provided
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The first store was located just across the street from the 126 S. Locust (present address). His inventory was SMALL and acquired with a handshake from friends in the jewelry industry. One of George’s ideas to attract customers was to put his watch bench in the front window so all the people passing by could see him working. Quickly he met people and gained customers and friends here. The present location of Straith’s was once the alley where fire trucks drove through. J. Paul Allen leased the property from the city and built a new building for George to lease. The contemporary building was constructed during WWII. There were shortages of light fixtures so at first they didn’t match. But soon after the war, they were replaced with matching fixtures. After leasing for 40 years the building was returned to the city. A family member then purchased the building from the city. George met his wife at the Centralia Halloween Parade. He was sponsoring a float that Virginia Owen was riding. Later they were married and had three children, Gail, Bill and Karen. There were many changes during the 75 years; changes in the economy, burglaries, illnesses, new products, demands in education and methods of jewelry making. Karen Schmitt started working at a young age, learning both the older ways and bringing new energy to the business. Her education in the jewelry field was through the Gemological Institute of America. With a background in art, jewelry design and bench work are Karen’s passion. The success of the store however does not lie with the owners. The many great employees have made this store what it is, as well as the loyal support of the customers. The Straiths strive to treat each customer with the kindness, respect and honesty they deserve and offer the highest quality merchandise for generations of jewelry wearing. 20
April 2014
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! u o y k n a h t g n i w o l l o f to the Would like to say
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s s e c c u s & g n i t i c x e , n very fu
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Illinois Eye Surgeons Centralia Home Center The Body Shoppe Centralia Recreation Complex Monken GMC/Buick Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant Many Needful Things Mederi Caretenders Fireside House Hair & Beyond Monken Nissan City of Centralia Dr. Mark A. Murfin Byrd Watson Drug Tri-City Church of Christ Corner Pharmacy JD’s Music Emporium Roundhouse Wine Company The Downtown Lounge Heritage Woods-Centralia Zack & Drew’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream
T hank You! April 2014
ST
YEAR
r u o g n i k a m r o f s r e s i t r dve ful Donnie & Connie’s Burger Haven Centralia Coin, Stamp, Etc. Hollywood Glo Greentree Catered Living Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home Centralia Manor Farmers State Bank of Hoffman Peoples National Bank Midland States Bank Jim Ford Men’s Wear Rapp Cabinets Wilson & Wilson Monument Co. Centralia Estates KRM Solutions Interior Design’s & Bargain City A Step Ahead Salon Pro Pest Control Be.You.tiful Salon Country Insurance Green Ball Freight Ramsour’s Farm Supply Charlie’s Chase Environmental Group Sergio’s Mexican Restaurant
Darlene Baltzell-Rod Snow Real Estate The Insurance StoreJeff Holsapple Kent’s Greenhouse Bogies on the Lake Ray Ray’s Place Schmidt Chevrolet Randy Wright-Schmidt Chevrolet Froggeez Kaskaskia College Depew & Owen-Alan Owen Country Bob’s Buchheit Liberty Village of Centralia Forever Clothing
T hank You!!
T hank You!!!
And a Very Special “Thank You” to Becky Ault of the Centralia Historical Museum for your help & assistance on many stories, history items & pictures. Also Butch Border for your help on many stories, history information and pictures!!!
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