Lee Lynch of Coles County, Illinois
The Coles County Reporter Tradition Starts
A Learning On-Line Page by Howard Taylor
     Arthur Lynch used his phone, desk, typewriter and later the "teletype" machine to gather, write and edit the news.   His son, Lee Lynch, on the other hand would  work under his father and the new publisher of the Courier, Benjamin Weir, learning the ropes of being a popular and effective news reporter.  Lee was very outward going and well liked, even though the  Lynches were Irish Catholic, and not always in the popular groups of the old days.  He would be one of the only Democrats to win a high office in East Central Illinois in his years.  Lee was a very public oriented person with high ambitions. 
    In 1937, Lee Lynch would begin a career of news reporting on the new and up and coming media of wireless radio.   WDZ at Tuscola would give him a Sunday afternoon "Coles County Reporter" news show.  This started a whole new approach for Central Illinois news reporting.  WDZ was very progressive in its programming and also included a "Singing" newsman and live on-the-street reporting.  Lee's presentation was in the style of Walter Wenchell (big city announcer). 
About 1950, Lee Lynch went to work for Ray Livesay of WLBH, Mattoon, Illinois.  His Coles County Reporter news would continue from Charleston.  Lee would continue writing his Stray News column for the Daily News.  Lee was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 1950.

    In 1937, the young reporter would connect with "Mom" Bush of WDZ, Tuscola.  He would start a career that would make him very well known in a large area.  He would have a weekly news show on WDZ, often on Sunday afternoons.  Lee would start his broadcasts with a "Famous final Fling... There ain't a train comin'__step on it!"  His style was quick talking, much as the then nationally famous Walter Wenchell. 

    Millie was Lee's dog.  Notice that the news is indeed very personal.  His radio spoken version would be similar to the written-- one news piece or comment after another.  People during the Depression and the big War needed this personal attention.  Even the folks in Tuscola, Illinois could relate the details of Charlestonians.  Lee would cover news of the whole area and became very well known.

News &  Events will show more of Lee's News Columns  
1949
WDZ moves to Decatur
Lee Lynch moves to WLBH
The Coles County Reporter Continues, this time in Coles County

See WLBH Radio Page for Details
 

    Lee Lynch  would work for Ray Livesay and the Charleston Daily News from 1959 through 1951.  He was elected to the Illinois General Assembly and a Representative in 1950.  He would die of a heart attack while on the floor of the House in 1951.  The House would honor him after his death with a special resolution.  Lee was responsible for setting in motion the building of the present Rte. 130 from Charleston to Champaign/Urbana (the U of I Trail)

The Tradition Continues
Click for New Chapters to the Story
Louise (Lynch) Taylor
"Fills" in for 16 years on WLBH and WEIC

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Beginning of the Lynch News Reporter Story