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Serving Bureau County Since 1847
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Mental Health Month By BCR Staff news@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON – Across the nation, May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. During this time, bigger strides are made to further assist those who suffer from a mental health condition including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and more. Therapist Mike Lau of the North Central Behavioral Health Services said if a family member or friend identifies one suffering from a mental illness or substance abuse-related disorder, the first step is to be there and listen. “In addition, being nonjudgemental regarding what the individual is going through is important,” he said. “Contacting a mental health or substance abuse professional if the loved one is agreeable can also be an important step.” The warning signs for mental illness vary with each person, however, if symptoms start to affect an individual’s life, such as with family relationships or work or school environment, these may be the warning signs that something is going on, said Lau. To prevent a problem from emerging, communication with family and friends and educating oneself about mental conditions can help. “Sometimes individuals are genetically predisposed to mental illness or substance abuse problems, which means there is a greater likelihood at some point in their life they are going to suffer from a mental illness or substance abuse problem,” he said. “Other times the environment can play a huge role in the development of a mental illness or substance abuse problems.”
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Medical marijuana The bill awaits Gov. Quinn’s signature By Barb Kromphardt bkromphardt@bcrnews.com
The Illinois House and Senate have spoken – now it’s in Gov. Pat Quinn’s hands. If the governor signs House Bill 1, patients with diseases such as cancer, HIV or multiple sclerosis would be able to receive a prescription from their doctors for marijuana to relieve their symptoms.
The bill has been on Quinn’s desk since Friday, after the measure passed the Senate easily on a 35-21 vote. It came to the Senate after passing the House on April 17 by a much closer 61-57 vote. All of Bureau County legislators – Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson), Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley), Rep. David Leitch (R-Peoria), Sen. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) and Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) – voted against the bill.
There is other local opposition to the legislation. The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association strongly opposed the legislation, as does Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson. Thompson said he was not trying to take anything away from somebody’s ability to feel better but had serious concerns about enforcement, due to the way the legislation is written.
See Bill Page 4
BCR photo/Goldie Currie
Frank and Inez Montez of DePue place a flag near the headstone of a veteran’s grave in St. Mary’s Cemetery in DePue. The Montez family has carried the tradition of placing flags on veterans’ graves during Memorial Day weekend since 1996 when Montez became VFW commander. Although Scott Quesse of DePue is now the VFW commander, he is determined to keep the tradition alive. See Memorial Day photos on Page 10.
DePue man keeps Memorial Day tradition alive By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
DEPUE – Although Frank Montez of DePue is no longer the VFW commander, he could still be found in the cemetery days before Memorial Day placing flags near the headstones of buried veterans. Since he first became VFW commander in 1996, he and his wife, Inez, have carried on the well-known community tradition. “It gives me honor to put them on the graves,” Frank, who is a Korean War veteran, said. The tradition involves placing flags to
honor around 139 veterans in DePue, Seatonville and Hollowayville’s cemeteries. In previous years, the Montezes have discussed fear that no one would be willing to carry on the tradition when they no longer could, however this year, that worry was lifted when new VFW commander Scott Quesse and his family and friends stepped up to help. As a new commander, Quesse said he feels it’s a priority to keep the tradition going every Memorial Day. “It’s important to me, because it honors our veterans that have served our county and that have passed on,” he said.
Although he is commander, Quesse said he still feels like the tradition is still Frank’s project, and he is just his assistant. “I’m just assisting him, but hopefully someday I’ll be able to fully take over,” he said. The Montez family was grateful for all the help they received this year. “I only hope they don’t let it go, which I don’t think they will because I’ll push it,” Frank laughed. “I’ve had this (project) for quite a few years, and I just want to keep it going.” Comment on this story at www. bcrnews.com.
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