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St. Jude Runners Make Stop in
Emden
[August 04, 2026]
Early Saturday morning, the
Emden Fire Protection District opened the firehouse to St. Jude
runners participating in the satellite run from Mattoon to Peoria.
The volunteer firefighters arrived early to set up tables and
prepare for the runners. Emden Fire Chief Nick Rohlfs, former chief
Earnie Jeckel, and several firefighters and EMTs remained to greet
and show their support for the runners. The Emden Community House
was also open for the runners to use the facilities. J & J Meats
from Beecher City set up their catering equipment outside and served
a hearty breakfast of biscuits and gravy, bacon, and eggs.
The firefighters had been collecting donations in a fire boot at the
bank in Emden before Saturday, and the boot was open for donations
at the firehouse on Saturday.
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Two charter buses,
an RV, and several runners escorted by the Mattoon Police
Department arrived just before 7 a.m. The runners deboarded the
buses either preparing to run or taking a short break from the
pavement. Intermittent rain showers continued throughout the
morning as they departed Emden around 8 a.m. and headed north en
route to the Peoria Civic Center.
[Joli Boerma Crane] |
