February 2014 The Scoop Newsletter Volume 8 - Issue 2 THIS NEWSLETTER IS A WORK OF LOVE BY A COMMITTEE OF FOLKS IN ASHLAND. THE NEXT ONE WILL BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH. IDEAS OR ITEMS FOR THE NEWSLETTER? DROP OFF OR CALL NANCY HEATHER AT PRINTERS INK AT 217-476-3764, OR GIVE THEM TO NANCE BRYANT, LINDA DEVLIN, CYNTHIA GUTMANN, BOB HEATHER, OR LIZ WALLBAUM. ITEMS CAN ALSO BE E-MAILED TO MATT HOBROCK, ASHLAND.SCOOP@SBCGLOBAL.NET. DEADLINE WILL BE THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH’S NEWSLETTER. YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED. OUR WEBSITE: http://ashlandscoop.tripod.com Make plans to attend the annual Berea Christian Church OYSTER SOUP and CHILI SUPPER on February 22 from 11 A.M. until 7 P.M. This all-the-soup-you-can-eat supper includes homemade desserts, crackers, pickles and a beverage. Ticket cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-12, and is free for children 4 and under. Tickets are available from church members or may be purchased at the door. Carryout is available. Please bring your own containers. Berea Christian Church is located 6 miles south of Ashland on Route 123.
Great 4BR 2BA ranch with over 1600 sq.ft. on a corner lot offering many new updates. Totally remodeled kitchen with new tile flooring, cabinets, and countertops in `05. Roof, siding and exterior doors were replaced in `09. On demand water heater was installed in `07. Fenced back yard with nice outdoor area for relaxing on the deck or in the hot tub that stays. Original hardwood floors in the living room with a new fireplace that was installed in `09. Seller is offering a home warranty.
517 W. Mechanic Ashland Reduced! $89,000
For more information call 217-370-2857.
Dawn Stremsterfer Realtor®, Broker Associate Direct: 217-741-1865 2475 West Monroe Springfield, IL 62704 (cell) 217-741-1865
PROFESSIONALS
soldbydawns@gmail.com
BUYER NEEDS… Buyer A: $≤150,000 ≥ 5 acres w/ house Buyer B: $≤130,000 westside…can be Duplex Buyer C: $≤80,000 Spfd, ≥3BR, ≥ 1000 sq.ft. Buyer D: $≤115,000 Ashland, 3BR, w/ large garage Buyer E: $≤90,000 in Ashland or Pleasant Plains
Call if you would consider selling a home that meets the above criteria!
CHURCH DIRECTORY BEREA CHRISTIAN CHURCH Minister Edward J.Moretto bereacc@casscomm.com www.bereachristianchurch.com Sunday Christian Education Hour - 9:30 pm Sunday Worship - 10:30 am Wednesday Eve. Prayer Mtg. - 7:00 pm
ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH Father Chris Brey 476.8856 Ashland Sunday Mass - 9:00 am Beardstown Sunday Mass - 11:00 am Sunday (Spanish) - 12:30 pm Virginia Saturday - 5:00 pm UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Pam Hoffman 476.8858 www.ashlandunitedmethodist.com Sunday Worship - 8:45 am Sunday School - 10:00 am
We’re Open On Sunday!! CHURCH OF CHRIST Minister Jimmy Coyle Sunday School - 9:00 am Sunday Worship - 10:00 am FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Rev. David L. McHenry 476.3678 Sunday School - 9:30 am Sunday Worship - 10:30 am ASHLAND COMMUNITY ECUMENICAL BIBLE STUDY Tuesday Eve. Baptist Church Hall - 7 - 8:30 pm
NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH, s.b.c. Pastor Darin Peterson Ph. 217-675-2124 www.newbeginningschristianfellowship.net Sunday School for all ages @ 9:15-10:15 am Worship Service @ 10:30 am YOUTH4TRUTH Monday evening @ 6:30 pm Saturday’s Men’s Prayer Breakfast @ 8:00 am
Norm Bryant Enterprises Distributor of Fine Quality Vacuums Furniture
Carpet Cleaning
Cell (217) 741-3758 Phone: (217) 476-3508
Car Interior
608 W. Franklin Ashland, IL 62612
A-C CENTRAL SCHOOL CALENDAR FEBRUARY 7th - Mid-Term for 3rd Quarter 13th - Early Dismissal 1:45/1:50 (Elementary), 2:11 (MS/HS)-Parent/Teacher Conference 14th - NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conference 17th - NO SCHOOL - We will observe President's Day MARCH 14th - End of 3rd Quarter-Early Dismissal 1:45/1:50 (Elementary), 2:11 (MS/HS) 17th - 21st NO SCHOOL-Spring Break
New Construction Remodeling Gutters
They Come To America: The Cost of Amnesty The 9-12 meeting will be showing Dennis Michael Lynch- film "They Come To America: The Cost of Amnesty". The film will be shown at 220 N Yates St. at the Illini Propane Office on Friday, February 7th at 7pm. The public is invited to come and see this eye opening documentary. HOME FOR SALE BY OWNER 4 Beds, 2bath, Kitchen, Living and Dining all open. 2 1/2 car attached garage with 2 car detached garage. Fenced-in back yard and sits on a lot size 150 x 120 and the stove and fridge stay. New roof added in May of 2013 and hardwood laminate flooring throughout kitchen, living and dining. LoIf you are interested in displaying a yard sign or in you are cated at 110 E. Topeka Ashland. Asking Price an Ashland resident and need a ride to the polls on March 123,000.00. Please con18th to vote, please contact Kelly @ (217) 691-9380. tact Jimmy or Rhonda Roy at 217-414-7614 or 217World Day of Prayer 671-1342.
STREAMS IN THE DESERT Friday, March 7, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. Hosted at: Ashland Church of Christ Join us for Coffee and fellowship after the program.
Illini
Propane
LLC
220 N. Yates - Ashland Office: 1-866-225-8126 Garrett Savage - Bob Savage Ron Ahlers - Salesman cell: (217)691-9631
**GIVE US A CALL**
Circa “21” Rock Island, Illinois March 30, 2014 Price of trip is $100 A deposit of $50 with final payment by March 21st. Last day to sign up for this trip is March 17th.
A Full Service Bank 400 E. Buchanan St. P.O. Box 467 Ashland, IL 62612-0467 PH. 217.476.3325 FX. 217.476.3342
A SUBSIDIARY OF THE WEST CENTRAL BANK E-mail: wcins@casscomm.com
108 W. Editor Street Ashland, IL 62612 217.476.3354
Amity Nail Spa 116 N. Yates Ashland, IL 217-415-0558 Lana J. Pfaffe, Nail Technician
Surprise Your Valentine With A Relaxing Spa Manicure or Pedicure Gift Certificates Available! Call and get Shellacked!
Jeffrey A. Donnan - Kay Handy Ora Lee Campbell - Kristen Arthalony
Other Locations: 116 State Street Beardstown, IL 62618 217.323.3018 Debbie Jones 815 W. Clinton Rushville, IL 62681 217.322.6230 Kala Peacock
979 Clocktower Drive Springfield, IL 62704 217-726-9885 Stacey M. Hester
1-800-252-1799
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES 10 - Pat & Marilyn Davin 14 - Stan & Jeanne Fulton 20 - Kevin & Vicky Schoonover 28 - John & Vohnie Bailey ASHLAND WOMAN’S CLUB…. The Ashland Woman’s Club will meet Tuesday February 4th at 1:30pm at the Baptist Fellowship Hall. An informative and educational program will be presented by the Cass County Health Department. Following the program light refreshments will be served while time is spent socializing with friends and neighbors. All women of the community are welcome to attend.
We often hear the slogan “Every vote counts!” Last April, your vote made the difference. On March 18, your vote is just as critical. When you voted for new School Board Members last year, you knew you could always vote them out later if they were no good. March 18, if the consolidation gets enough votes, you will never get another chance to vote on this again! Your vote will decide the future of our kids, our tax dollars, and our community. th
Your vote matters on March 18 . Dan Cuba
RPA Farmers Co-op Email us: RPAFARMERS@CASSCOMM.COM Richland
217.626.1551
01 - Kaitlin Throgmorton 01 - Rita Kofed 02 - Kaeleah Wilder 02 - Carolyn Deppe 03 - Judy Dodds 05 - Debbie Greer 06 - Nance Bryant 07 - Cynthia Gutmann 09 - Graham Reiken 09 - Madelyn Ann Davin 09 - Ally Madison Blair 11 - John Thomas Davin 12 - Abraham Lincoln 15 - John Cosner 16 - Bill Schleyhahn
16 - Connor Hanauer 17 - George Jokisch 17 - Julie Roland 17 - Forrest Duncan 17 - Karen S. Manswoki 22 - George Washington 22 - Elliott Thornley 22 - Jim Davis 24 - Julie Hultquist 24 - John Patrick Davin 25 - Stacey Eskew 25 - Bill Gruen 27 - Ron Plattner 27 - Dan Laraker
MR. VIRGIL FOWLER ESTATE AUCTION
We hope to see you there!!
3090 Richland Elev. Rd. Pleasant Plains, IL 62677
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Pleasant Plains
Ashland
300 N. Washington Pleasant Plains, IL 62677
220 North Niagara Ashland, IL 62612
217.626.1331
217.476.3318
- 1989 Dodge 350 - Power Tools - Carpentry Supplies SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014 10:00 AM The auction will be held inside at the Peter Cartwright United Methodist Church’s Cartwright Community Center located at the corner of Church & Lincoln Sts. in Pleasant Plains, Il. The auction will include: 1989 Dodge 1 ton truck w/ const. body; New and like new power tools; hand tools; const., plumbing & electrical supplies; plus much more! Go to www.dereklong.com for more information and pictures! Mrs. Ruby Roberts: Administrator Derek Long Auction Service
Smith Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Kathie G. Smith 111 North Hardin Ashland, IL 62612 (217)476-3547 Office Hours by Appointment Monday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Ordinance 2014-84 was passed on January 8, 2014. This Ordinance amends Chapter 38-5-54 providing for grease, oil and sand interceptors. The full Ordinance is available for viewing at the Municipal Building. Ordinance 2014-85 was passed on January 8, 2014. This Ordinance governs traffic. There will be a stop sign placed at the intersection of Charles and Mechanic with the stop sign on Charles Street. There will be a yield sign placed at the intersection of Illini and Washington with the yield sign on Illini Street. The full Ordinance is available for viewing at the Municipal Building.
As a reminder to those that leave houses empty for part of the year, please don’t turn your heat off if you leave your water on. If you are in possession of a stray dog, please call the county sheriff’s office (217/452-7718) and ask them to contact Jim Birdsell. If you see a street light out, call the Village office (217/476-3317) and we will contact Ameren CIPS for repair.
First 1,000 gallons Per 1,000 gallons after first 1,000 EPA Testing Fee Minimum monthly charge
Water $27.50 $14.75 $ 1.05 $39.00
Sewer $10.45 $ 4.40
E-mail: Ashland@casscomm.com Facebook: Village of Ashland
Village of Ashland Board Members & Staff:
Terry Blakeman, Mayor Jim Birdsell, Chief of Police Ron Cave, Public Works Director Phyllis Sutphin, Village Treasurer Vanessa Doellman, Village Clerk Kitty Mau, Deputy Clerk
Kelly Sutphin-Gutmann, Trustee Fadra Birdsell, Trustee Stan Fulton, Trustee Greg Pettit, Trustee Frank Wallace, Trustee Dave Troxell, Trustee
SATURDAY LOVE FEAST FOOD KITCHEN The Ashland Church of Christ has opened a Food Kitchen for ANYONE IN NEED, including the elderly, on each and every Saturday @ 12:00 Noon in the church basement. DINE-IN OR CARRY-OUTS available! Deliveries made to Ashland residents. Reservations SHOULD be made by Wednesday before the Saturday meal so enough food is prepared. Call 217-248-5665 or 217-691-8163. Donations from area businesses and individuals would be greatly appreciated as well as volunteers. LOVE FEAST - a service dedicated to Christian Love and to strengthen the bonds and spirit of harmony, goodwill and congeniality.
Gardner Construction Co
.
2878 Panther Grove Road Ashland, IL 62612
Cell: 217-341-3415 Leave Message 217-476-8135
CASS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION ESSAY WINNERS The 6th grade science classes participated in the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation Essay contest. Maggie Merwin won first place for A-C Central Jr. High. She also was the overall winner for Cass County. Maggie will be invited to attend a banquet to read her essay. Allison Roberts placed second for A -C Central Jr. High and Skylar Arthalony placed third for A-C Central Jr. High. Congratulations to all participants!! Pictured: L-R: Skylar Arthalony, Allison Roberts, Maggie Merwin
Mary Jane Keeney (December 24, 1925 - January 23, 2014) Mary Jane Keeney, 88, of Ashland, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia. She was born Dec. 24, 1925, in Ashland, the daughter of Walter Lee and Louise Ratliff Caswell. She married Joseph W. Keeney on Dec. 2, 1947, in E. St. Louis, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 18, 2000. She is survived by three sons, Michael W. (Marie) Keeney, Dennis A. (Debbie) Keeney, and Kent J. (Laura) Keeney, all of Ashland; six grandchildren, David Keeney, Jamie Keeney, Lisa (Klint) Thaxton, Dan Keeney, Jacob Keeney and Will Keeney; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Hattie Fox of rural Jacksonville. Mrs. Keeney was a 1943 graduate of Ashland High School. She spent her time raising her family and helping her husband on their farm. Mary Jane loved to babysit for and took great pride in her grandchildren.
Remodel Kitchen & Baths Replace Roof & Room Additions
Caseelynn Johnston named Student of the Month at A-C Central C o n g r a t u l a t io n s to Caseelynn Johnston for being selected Student – of – the – Month for December at A-C Central High School. Miss Johnston is the daughter of Kerry and Cindy Johnston of Ashland. Caseelynn is a leader both in and out of the classroom as evidenced by her involvement in various school activities. She is a member of the Honor Roll, Marching, Concert and Pep Band, Marching Band Drum Major, Football and Basketball Cheerleading, FFA (President), STAR (Secretary), Project 2000, OTSD, Student Council (VicePresident), and Spring Musical. She is the President of the Senior Class. Miss Johnston was also elected the Section 14 FFA VicePresident. Away from school she is the 4-H Secretary, the 4-H Federation VicePresident and is involved in the DTS Youth Group. She also volunteered at the local food pantry. For her Senior Community Service Project she teaches Ag in the classroom for the A-C Central 1st graders to help educate them on the importance of Agriculture in our community. Miss Johnston plans on attending the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana majoring in Ag Communications with a concentration in Advertising, and Minoring in Ag Business. Congratulations to Caseelynn Johnston on this significant honor!
Prentice Farmers Elevator 2303 Elevator Avenue Ashland, IL 62612 217.476.3516 or 1.800.255.8659 prenticeev@casscomm.com prenticeelevator.com James R. Blakeman, Manager 4 locations to serve you: Prentice, Philadelphia, Strawns Crossing, and Tallula.
Dealers in Grain, Seed and Kent Feeds.
Plumbing - Heating Air Conditioning Backhoe - Trenching We Do It All 115 W. Freemont St. Phone: PO Box 136 In Just 1 Call! (217)476-3595 Ashland, IL 62612 Jim - Todd - Travis
BLACK & WHITE COPIES - 10 CENTS EACH COLOR COPIES - 30 CENTS EACH
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CITIZENS OF ASHLAND AND CHANDLERVILLE REGARDING THE PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION W/PORTA I have agonized over writing this letter regarding the proposed consolidation with Porta. First, let me state that I am not against consolidation when it becomes absolutely necessary and it is to the advantage of our children. Having made that statement, let me tell you now that it is not absolutely necessary at this time and I see no advantage to the A-C students in this proposed consolidation. My wife and I moved to this community 55+ years ago because Kaye was to teach here and I began my teaching career in Petersburg so I am somewhat familiar with the Porta school system. We quickly saw the advantages of a small school. We had come from a larger school and saw that students here in Ashland could participate in everything and still have an adequate to excellent education. We stayed to raise our family because of the advantages that we saw. When we started our family I moved my teaching from Petersburg to Ashland and Pleasant Plains. I watched Petersburg close the Rock Creek school followed by the Oakford school. At that time I felt Rock Creek and Oakford had the best education for the Porta students, but they are now history. In succession, I watched the closure of the Tallula school, a great loss to that community. Moving closer to the present time, when we moved here it was easy to become an Ashland Panther because we had both graduated from Eastern Illinois University which are also called the Panthers, but in 1989 the Panthers were easy to give up with the consolidation of Ashland and Chandlerville because I saw the advantage to the students of both communities. These schools have produced professionals - doctors, lawyers, teachers, policemen, firemen - workers in all levels of our society. Can there be improvements in our curriculum? Absolutely, but we do not need consolidation to do that and the previous Board of Education was focused on consolidation instead of improvement. I read with great interest some of the statements printed by the Committee of Ten. A lower tax rate? To my knowledge that is set by the new (page 1)
Board of Education that would be elected to operate the new combined school systems. They can set that rate at the highest of the two districts. In the election of members to the Board of Education where do you think the majority of the board will come from? Porta, of course! Since Porta is millions in debt, do you think that lower tax rate, if true, will last very long? The answer to that is a resounding NO. One other item in their printed statements was so blatantly false. The statement was made that we are paying over $3000 a student at the CACC and if the districts were consolidated that money could be saved since a beginning teacher's salary was only $27,000. It is my understanding that we are paying for eight students, all taking four different courses. No vocational teacher that l know of can teach four different areas meaning that instead of spending $24,000 for the courses we would hire 4 teachers at a cost of $108,000. Please, before you swallow all the printed material presented by the Committee of Ten, do some checking. If you have read any article in the papers, it is widely known and published that Porta is losing their student population. This year Ashland-Chandlerville gained students. Now the only way to save money in a consolidation is to close buildings. It has already been stated that the Chandlerville school building will be closed. How long do you think it will be before the Ashland school building will be closed? My educated guess is approximately two years. Remember Tallula, Rock Creek, and Oakford. Visit Tallula and see the future of Ashland. If and when consolidation becomes absolutely necessary I would urge the Board of Education and the communities of Ashland and Chandlerville to look to the east and to the south. With the creation of Future Gen, the A-C District has an opportunity to increase their financial out look. This will not take place if the consolidation passes. I urge you to vote NO on the consolidation issue which will be on the ballot in the next election. Donald A. Parsons, Principal (ret.) A-C Central High School (page 2)