Lonnie William Beck came into the world at 11:06 a.m. on Jan. 9, 2013, making him the first baby of the New Year to be born at the Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County (MHLC) in Darlington.
    Angelic Foht and Dean Beck of Darlington are the parents of Lonnie, who weighed 7 pounds and 15 ounces and was 22 ¼ inches long.
    Lonnie was actually due to arrive on Jan. 7, and when he didn’t make that date, Angelic was induced into labor on Jan. 9 at about 6:45 a.m. Within only a few hours, Lonnie made his début into the world. “He was definitely ready,” said Angelic. “It only took about four hours after they induced me.”
    Dr. Ann Lucas was scheduled to be there for the delivery, but she didn’t end up making it and instead the nurse delivered the first baby of 2013.
    Angelic chose to have the baby at MHLC because it was close to home, and not having far to travel when the time came was a big draw.
    Lonnie joins a sister, Liberty, 10, who according to their mother is “really excited” to be able to fulfill the roll of  big sister.
    Grandparents of the new baby boy are Larry and Carol Foht of Benton and Darlene Beck of Seattle, Wash. Great-grandparents are Ann McClain of Dubuque, Iowa and Norb Foht of East Dubuque, Ill. 
    Being the first baby of 2013 has its benefits, as Lonnie and his family will receive numerous cash awards, gift certificates and services from area businesses including;
    A 12 inch pizza from Annie’s Bar and Grill (Darlington), a pedicure and haircut from Hair & Nail Connection (Darlington), $25 cash from Murph’s Furniture and Decorating (Darlington), one quart of shampoo from Sally’s Barber Shop (Darlington), a one hour massage from Heavenly Hands in Renui Salon & Spa (Darlington), $25 towards a new savings account at any Clare Bank, first well baby checkup from Family Health (Darlington/Shullsburg/Argyle), a $25 deposit to start an 18 candles account at Shullsburg Community Bank, $25 gift certificate to Roelli Cheese from Lafayette County Dairy Promotion and a gift for Mom from Sisters (Darlington).
    The second and third babies of 2013 will receive cash prizes of $20 and $10 respectively, from the Republican Journal.