July 2013 - Ashland Scoop Newsletter

The Scoop Newsletter

July 2013 Volume 7 - Issue 07

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

St. Augustine Parish Ice Cream Social Sunday July 14th 4:30-6:30 St. Augustine

Mark the 4th of July on your calendar and come view the beautiful display to celebrate America’s birthday. Bring lawn chairs to the Pleasant Plains High School and settled in for a wonderful evening lighting up the sky with beautiful colors beginning at dusk. There will be food and drink beginning at 5:30 pm. Rib eyes and hot dogs. Drinks and etc. If you would like to help defray the cost of this yearly celebration, please send any amount of monetary donation to Pleasant Plains Community Club, PO Box 385, Pleasant Plains, Il. 62677.

Parish Hall 225 West Topeka St. Ashland, IL $59,900 Enjoy small town living...2012 modular home on permanent foundation with 3BR 2BA & over 1300 sq.ft. Open concept with the living/kitchen (eat-in) area. Split floor plan consisting of the master on the east side of the home with master bath and the 2 other bedrooms on the west with 2nd bath. Back entrance is into the laundry room with the furnace and water heater. Selling AS-IS. Priced to sell!

Dawn Stremsterfer Realtor®, Broker Associate Office: 217-787-7215 Direct: 217-741-1865 2475 West Monroe Springfield, IL 62704 (cell) 217-741-1865 soldby-

PROFESSIONALS dawns@gmail.com

The 4th of July will soon be here and the Pleasant Plains Community Club is gearing up for another Snap, Crackle, Pop fireworks extravaganza. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence from Great Britain with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. We should all celebrate the freedoms America offers us and never take them for granted.

420 W. EDITOR ST ASHLAND, IL Price Reduced

$79,900 Large home to raise a family, located in a small community. Abundance of character greets you as you walk on the large wrap around porch and enter the foyer. Massive living room with brick wood burning fireplace. Huge formal dining room with fireplace. Home needs some updating but with some work, it could be quite a showcase. Newer roof, siding and hot water heater. Call Kendra for a showing!

kendraswain@remax.net Kendra Swain Realtor Office: 217-245-9613 Direct: 217-248-5665 Home: 217-243-7183 Fax: 217-243-7183

PROFESSIONALS

1046 West Morton Jacksonville, IL 62650

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 We’re Open On Sunday!!

CHURCH OF CHRIST Minister Howard Chartier 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

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 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

On April 9, 2013, the voters of A-C Central Community Unit School District No. 262 – by overwhelming majority – elected members to the Board of Education who openly opposed the formation of the Committee of Ten – as well as consolidation with PORTA CUSD #202.

Since that time, our members have been asked to confirm that the direction of the board is in accord with the directives of the electorate.

We, the Board of Education of A-C Central, therefore feel compelled to publicly proclaim that we remain opposed to the activities of the Committee of Ten. We further declare our intention to focus on the welfare of the students, faculty and parents of our school district.

A-C Central CUSD # 262 Board of Education

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

1 - George & Bobbie Boehner 2 - Bill & Johanna Betters 17 - Jim & Liz Wallbaum 18 - Pat & Patty Davis 20 - Tom & Lois Walbaum 25 - Kendra & Dave Swain 29 - John & Betty Gutmann 31 - Scott & Samantha Boston

JULY BIRTHDAYS 6 - Gailen Thornley 6 - Jon Lewis 6 - Bob White 7 - John Gutmann 9 - Marge Showalter 10 - Gloria Rhoads 14 - Missy Eskew 15 - Dawn Hoagland 15 - Thomas Michael Mankowski 17 - Cheyenne Gain 17 - Paula Wester Bell 17 - Father Chris 17 - Marilyn Davin 17 - Sonya Carwile

18 - Brock Pettit 18 - Brandi Fulton Tolley 19 - Linda Devlin 20 - Tyler Kern 21 - Kendra Swain 21 - Kris Gardner 21 - Kelly Gutmann 23 - Margie Harris 25 - Frances Nordsiek 25 - Amanda Rhoads 27 - Adalaide Boston 29 - Chase Cosner 30 - Bob Heather

The Consumer Confidence Report (Annual Water Quality Report) from January-December 2012 is available for inspection at the Municipal Building.

On Saturday, July 27th, 2013, Baby Huey’s Recycling will be at the Municipal Building from 9:00am until 2:00pm?. Items will only be accepted while Baby Huey’s is on location. They will be accepting metal items, such as: stoves, refrigerators, water heaters, washers, dryers, microwaves, air conditioners, furnaces, clean aluminum (doors, window frames). They will also be accepting electrical items, such as: computers, stereos, speakers. The afore mentioned items will be accepted free of charge. If you have a television or computer monitor, these items will be accepted with a $5.00 charge. Cars, with a title, will also be accepted.

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.

Water $27.50 $14.75 $ 1.05 $39.00

First 1,000 gallons Per 1,000 gallons after first 1,000 EPA Testing Fee Minimum monthly charge

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

Mildred Flagg Beadles Mildred Flagg Beadles, 100, died in Colorado Springs on May 18. Memorial services were held Saturday, June 8, 11:00am at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Avenue. Born and raised on a farm in Vermillion County, Illinois, she received a BS inmathematics from IllinoisWesleyan University in 1934. She married Dr. Robert Oscar Beadles II and they were blessed with an enduring love for 77 years. Mildred taught elementary school for 6 years while Robert completed medical school residency; they moved to Colorado Springs in 1946. A creative homemaker, mother and wife, she enjoyed family camping travel and entertaining, and was actively involved in the community. She taught Sunday school at First United Methodist Church and served on their John Wesley Ranch board, for over 25 years, revamped their kitchen, planned menus, and organized Ranch Wrangler volunteers. She was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority for 82 years and PEO for 62 years. A preservationist and conservationist at heart, she secured 100-year pioneer designation for her Illinois farm, implemented transfer of her Grandma Patton Woods to Nature Conservancy, and facilitated planting of 15,000 walnut and pine trees for the Corbly Descendents Tree Farm She also obtained National Historic Site designation for Spring Valley School in Black Forest, Colorado. A passionate genealogist descended from a long line of Midwest pioneers, she traced her ancestors to the Mayflower and back to the 1200's in England. She is survived by her children: Barbara Jean Shapiro, Patricia Yu Swayne and Robert Oscar Beadles III; grandchildren: Richard Shapiro, Katherine Lang, Kai Ming Yu and Robert Oscar Beadles IV; great grandchildren: Clementine and Aloysius Lang. Memorial donations to: First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

BLACK & WHITE COPIES - 10 CENTS EACH COLOR COPIES - 30 CENTS EACH Homer Graham Rieken (1939 - 2013) Homer Graham Rieken, 74, of rural Ashland, died Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He was born Feb. 9, 1939, in Springfield, the son of Oscar F. "Ott" and Bertha Douthit Rieken. He married Carol Bycroft on April 14, 1962, in Wilmette, and she survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Kimbra Pennington (husband, Roger) of Melrose, Fa.; a son, Keith Rieken (wife, Jee Eun) of Saratoga, Calif.; two grandchildren, Isabelle and Sarah Rieken; a sister, Suzanne Schoneweis (husband, Melvin "Bud") of Petersburg; a niece, Renee Tope; and a nephew, Jeff Schoneweis. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Mary Rieken; and a nephew, Gregory Schoneweis.

Mr. Rieken was a 1957 graduate of Ashland High School and a 1963 graduate of Illinois College, where he was a member of Phi Alpha Literary Society. From Robert B. “Bob” Woodrum, 57, of Ashland, IL passed away on 1957-1959, he served with the U.S. MaSaturday, June 22, 2013 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL rine Corps. He later was awarded a master's degree from Sangamon State Univerwith his family at his side. sity in Springfield.

Robert "Bob" Woodrum (October 6, 1955 - June 22, 2013)

He was born October 6, 1955 in Springfield, the son of S.D. “Woody” and Barbara Pyle Woodrum. He married Patricia A. “Pat” Duling in August of 1980 and she preceded him in death in April of 2002.

He is survived by a daughter, Jessica Woodrum (companion, Travis Brummett) of Louisville, KY; a sister, Pam Schlicht (husband, Kim) of Pleasant Plains; a brother, Steve Woodrum (wife, LuAnne) of Jacksonville; a brother-in-law, Brian Duling (wife, Dee) of Phoenix, AZ; 3 nieces; 2 nephews; 2 loving beagles; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, James “Woody” Woodrum.

Mr. Woodrum was a 1973 graduate of Pleasant Plains High School and he retired in 2012 following 25 years with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, camping and playing golf.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Private committal services will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard, Alexandria, VA 22311 or the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland was in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent online at www.buchanancody.com.

Homer began a long distinguished career as an investment broker in 1964. He continued to serve his clients as a representative of A.G. Edwards (more recently Wells Fargo) in Springfield. He has been a longtime investment advisor for the Beardstown Ladies Investment Club.

He was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church, Jacksonville Country Club, and served as a volunteer with Junior Achievement in Springfield. Homer was actively engaged with his alma mater, Illinois College, serving in many capacities, including past service as a member of the Alumni Association. In recognition of their devotion to IC, Homer and his wife were named honorary parade marshals for the 2011 homecoming parade.

Homer enjoyed travel experiences with family and friends, spoiling his grandchildren, and obsessing over the stock market. In his spare time, he along with his wife, Carol, developed standard bred race horses for harness racing. He was a thoughtful, caring and generous person, which led him to become an organ donor following his death.

Burial was at Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Pleasant Plains. . Memorial gifts are suggested to Illinois College or Clayville Historical Society.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.buchanancody.com.

Ashland Night August 2, 2013 at

MATT GREER President

Due to the weather, we have had to reschedule

Located at West Central Bank 400 East Buchanan, PO Box 467 Main: 217-476-3653 - Fax: 217-476-3342 Email: matt.greer@ingfp.com

Tickets that were sold will be good for that date Proceeds from this event will be donated to A-C Central PTO and A-C Central Post Prom Leaving Ashland will be providing music under the grandstands after the races 50/50 Drawing Raffle for a chance to wave the flag for a feature of your choice

Tickets $10 and all A-C Central students get in free w/school ID Tickets available at Printer’s Ink or contact Missy Eskew 652-6127 or Emily Wallbaum 415-4628

Illini

Propane

LLC

220 N. Yates - Ashland Office: 1-866-225-8126 Garrett Savage - Bob Savage Ron Ahlers - Salesman cell: (217)691-9631

A SUBSIDIARY OF THE WEST CENTRAL BANK E-mail: wcins@casscomm.com

**GIVE US A CALL** 108 W. Editor Street Ashland, IL 62612 217.476.3354 Amity Nail Spa 116 N. Yates Ashland, IL Lana J. Pfaffe, Nail Technician

It’s a Fabulous, Fun, Fantastic, FlipFlop Summer at Amity Nail Spa. Get free nail art or a free pair of flip-flops with every pedicure! (while supplies last) Call for an appointment today!

217-416-0558

Jeffrey A. Donnan - Kay Handy Ora Lee Campbell

Other Locations: 117 S. Front Street Virginia, IL 62691 217.452.7717 Kristen Arthalony 815 W. Clinton Rushville, IL 62681 217.322.6230 Kala Peacock

116 State Street Beardstown, IL 62618 217.323.3018 Debbie Jones 979 Clocktower Drive Springfield, IL 62704 217-726-9885 Stacey M. Hester

Jalen Leinberger named Student of the Month at A-C Central

ASHLAND VFW POST 3546…

Meets monthly at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Firehouse.

Congratulations to Jalen Leinberger for being selected Student – of – the – Month for April at A-C Central High School.

Mr. Leinberger is the son of Eldon and Dena Leinberger of Chandlerville.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 498...

Meets monthly at 7:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Firehouse.

Jalen is a leader both in and out of the classroom as evidenced by his involvement in various school activities. He is a member of the Basketball team, Baseball team and National Honor Society.

Smith Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Kathie G. Smith

Mr. Leinberger plans on attending Lincolnland Community College. He is undecided on a major field of study.

111 North Hardin Ashland, IL 62612 (217)476-3547

Congratulations to Jalen Leinberger on this significant honor!

Office Hours by Appointment Monday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Prentice Farmers Elevator

NEAL’S BARBER SHOP

2303 Elevator Avenue Ashland, IL 62612

Ashland, IL 62612

217.476.3516 or 1.800.255.8659 prenticeev@casscomm.com prenticeelevator.com

217.741.3874

Tuesday – Friday: 7:30 am – 1:00pm Closed: Saturday, Sunday & Monday

RPA Farmers Co-op Email us: RPAFARMERS@CASSCOMM.COM Richland 3090 Richland Elev. Rd. Pleasant Plains, IL 62677

217.626.1551

Pleasant Plains

Ashland

300 N. Washington Pleasant Plains, IL 62677

220 North Niagara Ashland, IL 62612

217.626.1331

217.476.3318

James R. Blakeman, Manager 4 locations to serve you: Prentice, Philadelphia, Strawns Crossing, and Tallula.

Dealers in Grain, Seed and Kent Feeds.

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

ADVENTURE CLUB Circa “21” Dinner Playhouse “Menopause, the Musical Rock Island, Il Saturday July 13th Cost of trip is $99.00 A deposit of $49.50 is requested when you sign up.

A Full Service Bank 400 E. Buchanan St. P.O. Box 467 Ashland, IL 62612-0467 PH. 217.476.3325 FX. 217.476.3342 Lepper/Brown Wedding Article Christy Ericka Brown and Daniel Robert Lepper were united in marriage on May 26, 2013 at Christ Church Lake Forest in Lake Forest, Illinois. The ceremony was officiated

by Pastor David Stark of Kirkwood, Missouri.

The bride is the daughter of Fred and Karen Brown of Lake Bluff, Illinois. The groom is the son of Greg and Diane Lepper of rural Ashland, Illinois.

Maid of honor was Jacqueline Luettgen of Rogers, Arkansas, friend of the bride.

Bridesmaids were Laura and Michelle Brown of Lake Bluff, Illinois, sisters of the bride, and Angela Gambardella of Belfast, Ireland, cousin of the bride.

Best man was Russell Pattie of Literberry, Illinois, friend of the groom. Groomsmen were Josiah Hanson of LeRoy, Illinois, Theo Allen of Normal, Illinois and Blake Criminger of Normal, Illinois, all friends of the groom.

Ushers were Jonathan and Jonah Pattie of Literberry, Illinois, friends of the groom.

Adam Lepper of Ashland, Illinois, brother of the groom, escorted the groom’s grandmothers: Ruth Lepper of Jacksonville, Illinois and RuthAnne Free of West Des Moines, Iowa.

After the ceremony, friends and family joined the couple for dinner and dancing at the Brae Loch Golf Club in Grayslake, Illinois.

The bride graduated from Lake Forest High School, Lake Forest, Illinois, in 2004 and from Carthage College, Kenosha Wisconsin, in 2009 with a B.S. degree in biology. She is employed as a guide/interpreter at the St. Louis Zoo. The groom graduated from A-C Central High School, Ashland, Illinois in 2005 and from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign in 2008 with a B.S. degree in agribusiness, farm and financial management. He received a Masters of Divinity degree on May 18, 2013 from Lincoln Christian Seminary, Lincoln, Illinois. He currently works with camp and youth ministries.

The couple honeymooned in Hawaii following the wedding. They reside in St. Louis, Missouri.

A-C Central Marching Knights participated in a parade in Walt Disney World on June 2, 2013.

7/16 PP Historical Society Meeting 7:00 p.m.

8/20 PP Historical Society Meeting 7:00 p.m.

9/17 PP Historical Society Meeting 7:00 p.m.

9/21 and 22 Fall Festival 10/12 and 13 Haunted House 10/19 and 20 Haunted House 10/26 and 27 Haunted House 11/19 PP Historical Society Meeting 7:00 p.m.

12/1 Wine Testing Event 12/7 Clayville Christmas

July Food for Thought July is the month for vacations, cookouts and celebrating our country’s independence – baseball, hot dogs and apple pie! As I was pondering my plans for the fourth, I started singing. And then I noticed that many of our patriotic songs have references to God. Have you ever thought about that? Look at the lines below and see if you can remember which song the lyrics are from. You might even find yourself singing out loud!

God shed His grace on thee Our God is marching on God bless America God bless the U.S.A. Our fathers’ God , to Thee, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust” As we go, this we know, God is nigh Our country is in bad shape. Maybe the reason is --- that we are trying to take God out of everything.

It’s time we put God back into our country and into our lives. What trials and tribulations have you been battling lately? Have you put God back into your life?

He will bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great. The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. Psalm 115:13-16 Keith Masten, Pastor Richland Creek Baptist Church Pleasant Plains, Illinois

Four members of the AC Central FFA Chapter were recognized for earning their American FFA Degrees on Tuesday, June 11th at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Kelsey Handy, Jordan Keyes, Morgan Wessel and Nathan Mahoney (not pictured) celebrated their accomplishments with Jennifer Waters, former A-C Central FFA Advisor and their families at the 85th Illinois FFA State Convention.

New Construction Remodeling Gutters

HELP

HELP

HELP

These FFA members completed Supervised Agricultural Experience Records throughout high school and during college, completed an application and met with an interview committee prior to earning the award. Kelsey has been employed to work at the greenhouses for ShopKo and Farm & Home, Jordan is employed by J.O. Harris Sales & Equipment, Morgan maintained records on her Labrador Retriever, Food Service and working at West Central Bank and Nathan worked for the family swine operation at Mahoney Brothers Swine Farm. Jordan Keyes was also named the Illinois Finalist in Star Placement for his American Degree and will compete at the national level with his records against others from across the nation who are also employed in agriculture.

The official golden key will be presented at the National FFA Convention this November in Louisville, Kentucky. This award is presented to less than one half of one percent of all members of the National FFA Organization. These students join the ranks with other former A-C Central FFA members who have earned this degree that include Haley Pfaffe, Brandon Smith, Teagan Smith, Matt Mahoney, Christopher Devlin, Jordan Bartels, Casey Blakeley, Jeff Evers, Lindi Stremsterfer, Kevin Donnan, Chris Clemons, Jeff Donnan, Todd Jokisch, Randy Buckman, and Tom Johnson.

HELP

The Food Pantry in Pleasant Plains is in dire need of your help. With school out, the families that use the food pantry need additional food to feed their children. These kids, who normally eat at school, are home.

Our bank account is low.

We are asking the community of Pleasant Plains and Ashland to help us out. If you can donate a few dollars, we would be so appreciative. Thank you!!

The Pleasant Plains Community Club will be selling hot dogs and brats on the high school lawn on July 4th from 5pm – 8pm.

There will also be a table with information about the Food Pantry. Please help us out. You can mail the attached coupon to Box 385, Pleasant Plains, IL 62677 or drop off your donation at the 4th of July food pantry table.

Yes, I want to help support the Pleasant Plains Food Pantry.

Enclosed is $_____________.

Name:_____________________________________ Address:___________________________________ Celebrate our freedom and watch the fireworks in Pleasant Plains on July 4th. They will begin a little after dusk.

The Pleasant Plains Community Club will again have food on the grill.

Stop by and enjoy a hot dog or brat along with chips and a soda. We will be set up at the high school.

Did you know you can rent the Community Building?

It is a great place for meetings, parties and reunions. There is a complete kitchen and two updated bathrooms.

Call 415-2976 for availability and fees.

WALLBAUM DEVELOPMENT INC. ASHLAND, IL 115 W. Freemont St. PO Box 136 Ashland, IL 62612

Plumbing - Heating Air Conditioning Backhoe - Trenching

We Do It All In Just 1 Call!

Jim - Todd - Travis

Gardner Construction Co

Phone: (217)476-3595

.

2878 Panther Grove Road Ashland, IL 62612

Cell: 217-341-3415 Leave Message 217-476-8135

Remodel Kitchen & Baths Replace Roof & Room Additions

The Hall of Fame Award is dedicated to honoring Ashland High School graduates who have made significant contributions to society through their personal or professional excellence. Those honored will exemplify the very best of growing up and being educated in a small town and will demonstrate loyalty, determination, drive and resilience.

This 2013 inductee in the Ashland High School Hall of Fame has been one of the key people responsible for keeping the Ashland High School Alumni organization going for many years. Not only has this person been an outstanding supporter of Ashland High School, but the town of Ashland itself. You will know her for leading the school song at our Alumni banquets.

Joan Lavina Lewis DeGroot was born in Ashland, January 30, 1932, to Homer and Minnie Settles Lewis, who operated a hotel and restaurant in Ashland when Joan was young. Everyone in town knew Joan and her family dog, Pooch. This started Joan down the road of knowing everyone in town and where they lived. She is still a wealth of local history today.

Joan grew up singing and dancing and was part of a group that performed variety shows at many country schools. She has sung at church, weddings, funerals, and special events for several generations of families. She even cut a record, which led her to turn down a record contract because she had future family plans.

Joan served the Ashland community as a clerk in the Ashland Post Office. She was promoted to a Postmaster position away from Ashland and was thrilled when she was able to transfer back to the Ashland post office as Postmaster and eventually retired from there. She even told the director when interviewing for the TV Show “The Price is Right” about being a retired postmaster from Ashland, Illinois hoping she would get picked for the show.

Joan wanted so much to be a part of Ashland Schools that she even tried to start school at the age of 5. She was tattled on by her brother Junior, and was sent to the principal, probably the only time in her life, and then sent home until the next year.

While in high school, Joan was involved in chorus, music contests, music ensembles, school musicals, FHA, and held offices not only in these organizations but her class. She was a cheerleader, and even cheered with her sister Betty. Joan was the Snow Queen and won the DAR award when she was a senior. Joan thought so much of AHS that she got married the afternoon of her high school graduation in 1950. She and her husband Dale graduated later that same day as Mr. and Mrs. DeGroot. Their three sons also graduated from AHS keeping up the family tradition.

Thank you, Joan, for your dedication and commitment to furthering your AHS alumni.

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship INVITE YOU TO VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL KINGDOM CHRONICLES Standing Strong in the Battle for Truth Sunday - Thursday July 7th – 11th 6:15pm – 8:30pm It’s knight time! Time to lower the drawbridge, open the gate, and charge into a world brimming with kings and kingdoms, majestic castles, fire-breathing dragons, and epic battles. Our Royal Majesty’s kingdom is under attack, and we must prepare for battle!

Calling all Parents! Excitement and adventure await for your little knights and fair maidens Age 4 – 5th Grade. Have your poppets gather at the Great Hall each evening where they will enjoy lively songs, a missions moment and then rotate to their Learn-aLot Chamber, Craft Courtyard, Cook’s Kitchen and Sir Gavin’s Games. And REMEMBER your child will want you back with them at the Great Hall at 8:00PM…together is always better…we’ll share songs, hear testimonies, catch results from the daily contests and highly anticipate the daily live drama.

So prepare to step back in time, embark on the journey, and partake of one royally fun time! PreRegister by calling Rhonda @ 476-8003.

Prairie Skies Public Library District has had an outstanding four weeks of summer reading, but we have only two weeks left!

On July 1, we will have the return of the ever popular “Mr. E.” with stories, puppets, and adventure. The last program is on July 8 with prizes awarded to all how turn in a booklog ( all booklogs MUST be turned in by JULY 3) and fun will be had by all.

All programs are at 10 A.M. at Ashland main location and the again at Pleasant Plains branch at 1 P.M. All programs are free and everyone is welcomed.

COMMUNITY DAYS 2013 LITTLE MISS & LITTLE MISTER CONTEST

COMMUNITY DAYS QUEEN PAGENT

ASHLAND FIRST CITIZEN HAROLD SHOWALTER Front Row: Heather Gleason, Hannah Ratliff, Destinee Jones, Lauren Pfaffe.

Back Row: Kirby Cowman, Grace Sinclair, Lexi Brewers, Cheyenne Kesselring, Stacey Eskew and Lexi Carlock.

PARADE

FIREMEN’S FISH FRY

JACKSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL COLOR GUARD AND DRUM LINE

A/C CENTRAL JR. HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS

SCOTT ANDERSON AND HIS ANTIQUE FORD POLICE CAR

QUINCY, Ill. – Quincy University women's volleyball coach Bob Crank announced on Thursday (June 13) that former QU player Taylor Jacobs will join him as a graduate assistant coach, beginning in the 2013 season, Crank's first at the helm.

Jacobs, who is currently completing her undergraduate degree in exercise science from Quincy, played for the Hawks from 2009-12. The Ashland, Ill. native played in 93 matches as an outside hitter, piling up 543 career kills, 55 blocks and 37 aces.

"I came to Quincy for a reason and it's exciting for me to be able to coach in the same gym where I played for four years," said Jacobs.

"Once I met Coach Crank and talked with the other players about their impressions of him, I knew I wanted to be along for the ride."

According to Crank, Jacobs – who will be working toward her Aerobics and Fitness Association of America certification in personal training – will assist in all areas of the program and will play a large role in recruiting and program administration.

"Taylor is an energetic, intelligent and positive person with great organizational skills that will be instrumental in the growth and improvement of this program," Crank said. "Having just completed her playing career as a Hawk, Taylor will be extremely helpful to me as I integrate new and fresh ideas into the program.

"Transitioning from player to coach is never easy, but I have the utmost confidence that she, and our team, will respond quickly to her new role."

The Hawks open their first season under Crank at the Pitt State Volleyball Classic Sept. 6-7.

Taylor is a 2009 graduate of A-C Central High School. She is finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and will begin working towards a Master’s degree in Communications in the fall. She is the daughter of Lori Roberts

State of the School 2012-2013 CURRICULUM MS Choir 1st Place Superior Rating at IESA Organizational Contest K-12 Common Core Math Series Purchased HS Choir 1st Place Superior Rating at IHSA Organizational Contest Common Core Standards & Assessments~continuance and completion 4 HS Students progressed to Regional and State Science Fair Principals trained in the Danielson method of evaluation MS Cass County Soil & Water Conservation: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners; North Central Evaluation System adopted for accreditation IEPA Honorable Mention Poster 1 winner, Top 50 Poetry/Prose 3 MAP testing adopted for tracking student achievement winners, 4 Certificates HS awarded SchoolSearch Bright Star Award (High ACT & Low operating MS Regional Science Fair: Two 1st places, 1 Outstanding Project in Conexpense per pupil) sumer Science Winner & 2 Outstanding Projects in Consumer SciFINANCES ence Interest from QZAB saved taxpayers $103,058 MS State Science Fair: 1 Silver Award County Sales Tax abated $236,058 Bond A-C Staff donated $1815 for various charities during jean days $126,419 Revenue in County Sales Tax MS Band: 67 firsts and 2 seconds at Cass County Ensemble Contest $50,000 Maintenance Grant MS Band: IESA Organizational Contest~1 Superior $5,000 Energy Grant for Gym Lights HS Band: IHSA Solo Ensemble Contest 8 I Superiors $2,000 savings by consolidating lunch, student, and teacher information HS Band: IHSA Organizational Contest 1 Superior systems HS Band: Selected to perform at Walt Disney World Cut one bus route HS Band Parades: Rushville~1st in class & Grand Champion; BeardsLunch Revenue increased @$12,000 town~1st overall and Diann Hoagland Memorial Trophy; Barry~1st $25,000 Monsanto Grant written and pending Drum Major, Color Guard, Drumline, and Grand Champion; $50,000 Maintenance Grant written and pending Quincy~Gold Trophy for musicianship & Best Color Guard; PinckneyTECHNOLOGY ville~Band—1st, Drum Major—1st, Color Guard—1st, Percussion Created new Help Desk website for trouble tickets line—1st Replaced faulty network equipment in MS/HS wiring closet FFA attended 19 contests & conferences Reorganized infrastructure to mitigate power outage issues 3 FFA members received State FFA Degree Completed E-Rate for 2013 funding: $32,461 4 FFA members received their American degrees with 1 named Star in Completed 2014-2016 Technology Plan Agri-Placement Researched and accomplished purchase of new complete Student Informa2 FFA students participated in State FFA Agri-Science Fair tion System 3 FFA students awarded agriculture scholarships Updated and replaced Elementary computer lab FFA at WIU was judged 1st in Dairy Products, 3rd in Equine Science, 6th Researched and accomplished purchase of updated intercom and clock agronomy, 9th livestock and 7th overall. system Jennifer Smith accepted at LLCC to teach dual credit classes Analyzed hardware and software infrastructure for future upgrade HS participated in Donate for Life with Memorial Medical Center New streamlined student management system & parent portal purchased Serving more healthy school lunches COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FACILITIES Community Responders reviewed Emergency/Crisis Plan and made recomRoof Completion (Phase 2) at Chandlerville mendations Energy Efficient Lighting installed in Ashland Gym Cass County Food Pantry recipient of A-C food drives New safety doors installed MS KONY 2102 raised money for Uganda New lock system installed FACULTY/STUDENT INITIATIVES New intercom and clock system installed Elementary Jump Rope for Heart raised over $4000 for Heart Association & Buzz-in security system installed at both facilities Physical Education Department Renovation of Unit Office completed MS Math-A-Thon raised $2300 for St. Jude Research Hospital Purchased 3 new buses MS Student Council Reinstated Sale of Nate’s Park MS Regional Spelling Bee Qualifier Sale of Cell Tower Pending Volleyball First Team All-Sangamo Selection (Individual Player) Volleyball team reached $20,000 goal for Breast Cancer Research