January 27, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

10 things you don’t know about me… Jeff Van Buskirk

What is your favorite childhood memory?
I took guitar lessons when I was in 4th or 5th grade and did not practice. I just jumped up and down on mom’s bed and made a lot of noise. I did that for about 2 weeks or so. Then it was time for a recital…oops

What was your first pet’s name?
Powderpuff she was a big Collie

What book have you read that has stayed with you?
Uncommon marriage by Tony Dungy. I also like Stephen King and Dean Koontz novels.

What TV or Movie could you watch over and over?
Bourne Identity and Mission Impossible. 

What is the best advice you have been given?
Hard work pays off in everything you do.

What is something you always carry with you?
Wallet and phone.

What is something you are looking forward to?
The end of this pandemic…

What is something you always find joy in?
Making people laugh and having fun with family and friends at cookouts or just getting together playing cards, bags etc.

What is a hobby you have that may surprise people?
I like to play games on my phone, specifically golf.

What is your favorite place you have traveled to?
The Dominican Republic and Jamaica, it’s a toss up.  

in People
Banner
Related Posts

Going the Distance: Smetzer excels at Western

October 17, 2019

October 17, 2019

Ross Smetzer has goals. The 2016 St. Joseph-Ogden High School graduate runs cross country and track for Western Illinois University...

Talk of the Town… Jim and Jen Wagner

August 6, 2019

August 6, 2019

Every week we ask a village resident or official three questions. This week we spoke to Jim and Jen Wagner...

Ingram to fly high as a Redbird

June 14, 2019

June 14, 2019

Kalli Ingram had a simple audition for the Illinois State University Dance Team. Ingram was in Washington D.C for the...

Senior spotlight… Lindsey Aden

January 2, 2020

January 2, 2020

What are your plans after high school? I hope to attend Stanford University to double major in political science and...

‘I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it’

December 28, 2022

December 28, 2022

Girl Scout Emily Elsbernd knew what she wanted to learn while working on her Gold Award. “I knew all along...

SJO student creates program to help the food insecure

December 23, 2021

December 23, 2021

Kirsten Schaefer wants to help feed her neighbors. Schaefer, a junior at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, created the Feeding Your...

Get to know Steve Peters

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Steve is running for the St. Joseph Village Board. What is the best thing about St. Joseph? I have been...

10 things you don’t know about me… Tracie Trotter

October 25, 2024

October 25, 2024

We asked the owner of Wyldewood Cellars to tell us 10 things about herself. Here are her responses. 1. What...

‘The first one to tell you how important you were to him’

September 5, 2022

September 5, 2022

Connor Wienke made sure people knew how he felt about them. Whether it was a smile, a friendly comment or...

‘I’m so thankful and grateful for this opportunity’

February 11, 2022

February 11, 2022

Amy Gibbons is celebrating a birthday. Salon 192 opened two years ago today. “The past two years have definitely been...

St. Joseph rallies to find missing dog

September 17, 2020

September 17, 2020

Operation bring Piper home is in full effect in St. Joseph. Piper, a yellow labrador retriever, went missing from the...

Franzen finds freedom in music

October 4, 2019

October 4, 2019

Dakota Franzen is an inspiration. Marching Band Director Chuck Hess said Franzen’s efforts to be the best he can be...

SJO makes graduation plans for June

May 1, 2020

May 1, 2020

St. Joseph-Ogden High School is making plans for graduation to honor the Class of 2020. In a letter sent to...

Bagby selected as winner of Chamber Scholarship

April 23, 2019

April 23, 2019

Goals are nothing new to St. Joseph-Ogden Senior Cassidy Bagby. As a varsity cross country and track athlete she sets...

10 things you don’t know about me… Pastor Kim Dancey from Homer UMC

August 23, 2019

August 23, 2019

I am a friend and follower of Jesus and live in the wonder of his grace. I’ve been married to...

Comments
Leave a Reply