1 Front Volume 140 No. 46
Friday, January 10, 2014
The Tonica News
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Post office rates to increase First class stamps to go up 3 cents By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — In less than a month, LaSalle County residents will have to pay more for their first class mail. On Jan. 26 the cost of a first-class stamp will go up by 3 cents to 49 cents, said Tonica Postmaster Kathy Newhalfen. This is a two-year temporary raise by the Postal Regulatory Commission. The raise will be re-evaluated at the end of the period.
One way to save money on the postage increase is to think ahead and use the Forever stamps which sell for the same current rate that regular first class stamps sell for. Forever stamps will be sold through the end of the business day on Jan. 25 at the current rate of 46 cents. “They (postal customers) can buy the stamps now for 46 cents, the Forever stamps, and those will still be good after Jan. 26,” she said.
“People can stock up with the rolls of Forever stamps and will save money before that date.” In Tonica, the post office box rents will also be going up. Newhalfen noted she has not been given an official cost for this increase and does not know for sure officially on what date it will change. Other items may go up, but no official notice has been given to Newhalfen. “There’s a thing they call a rate chart
that we get,” she said. “They (USPS) have not released it with any prices yet to the individual post offices.” The Postal Regulatory Commission is anticipating an additional $2.8 billion raised through the rate increase on the first class stamps. This raise is only meant to compensate for the national recession. The post office still has to deal with the losses caused by those who use electronic communications like email and Twitter as well as com-
mercial delivery services like United Parcel Service and Federal Express. Newhalfen expects postal traffic to increase once the current weather front moves on from the area. The Forever stamps which are such a bargain now can become a real cost savings measure not only for the customer, but the post office itself. The old stamps will have to be destroyed and then reprinted with the new rate of 49 cents on them. The Forever Global stamps which
can be used in international mailing, will also be able to be used with no additional postage. The U.S. Postal Service ended fiscal year 2013, Oct. 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2013, with a net loss of $5 billion. This is the seventh consecutive year in which the postal service has incurred such losses. The U.S. Postal Service receives no taxpayer money and is tasked with the problem of raising its own revenue to cover expenses each new year.
Concealed carry is not for everyone Brown: ‘The heaviest responsibility you will ever carry’ By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
OTTAWA — On a frigid Jan. 4 morning with winter storm warnings in effect, 12 people from as far away as Metamora made the journey to Ottawa and Buffalo Range Shooting Park for a concealed carry class. The 16-hour class consists of two sessions, with this particular eight-hour class being Part 1. Instructor and Peru Police officer Jeremiah Brown addresses the class. “Before we go any further, be sure that you understand the responsibilities of having a concealed carry permit,” he said. “That gun will be the heaviest responsibility you will ever carry.” Brown is one of 22,392 licensed handgun instructors in Illinois, most of whom are not yet concealed carry certified. Illinois is expecting to process 365,000 applications this year, and Brown said he’s been running classes six days a week since
See Guns Page 2
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
Winter Wonderland? Lowell Benenga of Tonica works the snow blower at the United Methodist Church on Jan. 6. It was minus 12 degrees that day after a snowfall of 4 to 5 inches during the weekend in the area.
Illinois pension reform law is challenged Retired teachers association files lawsuit By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
CHICAGO — The Illinois Retired Teachers Association filed suit Dec. 27 challenging the constitutionality of the state’s controversial plan to deal with the nation’s most underfunded public employee pension system.
The lawsuit is the first of what could be many filed on behalf of state workers, university employees, lawmakers and teachers. The legal challenge argues the law, which limits costof-living increases, raises retirement ages for many current workers and caps the amount of salaries eligible for retirement
benefits, violates the state Constitution. The suit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of eight non-union retirees, teachers and superintendents who are members of the state’s Teacher Retirement System. Representatives of the We Are One coalition of public employee unions,
Inside
Vol. 140 No. 46 One Section - 8 Pages
Holiday parties See Page 7 © The Tonica News
including the state’s two major teachers’ unions, have said they expect to file suit shortly. “The law allows anyone to avail themselves of their legal rights, and We Are One Illinois plans to do the same at the appropriate time,” Director of Communications of the Illinois Federation of Teachers Aviva Brown said in a statement from
Scouts complete tool boxes See Page 7
the IFT’s Peru office. “The Illinois Federation of Teachers and our coalition partners are focused on preparing to bring the most effective case possible to defend the constitutional rights of our members and hundreds of thousands of other public employees and retirees throughout Illinois.”
See Challenge Page 4
2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 10, 2014
Seeking Sources Where in the world is The Tonica News? Are you planning a vacation or holiday trip? Don’t forget to take along a copy of the The Tonica News. Once you get to your destination, have someone snap a photo of you holding the newspaper, and then send the photo to us along with pertinent information about who is in the photo and where you are. We’ll be happy to share your photo with other Tonica News readers, your friends, family and neighbors. Email your photo and information to news@ tonicanews.com. You can also drop it by our office in Tonica.
The Tonica News P.O. Box 86, Tonica, IL 61370 (USPS 633340) Published every Friday at Tonica, IL 61370 Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County
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Tonica News photos/Ken Schroeder
Brian Hines of Metamora fires at a target for his concealed carry permit. In order to qualify, an applicant must hit a standard target 22 out of 30 times and show the ability to load, prepare and unload a handgun.
Guns From Page 1 October. One of the main tenets Brown stresses is the responsibility which comes with a concealed carry. “If you carry a gun, make sure you are ready to take a life if you have to,” Brown said. “The average gunfight takes place between two and seven feet away, and lasts two to three seconds. You don’t have time to precisely aim, you just have time to draw, sight and fire. “You also need to ask yourself, ‘Am I willing to spend $20,000 for the right to carry?’ That is the average amount you can expect to pay in legal fees, even if you’re in the right,” Brown said. “In this litigious world, if you fire a gun, you can expect a lawsuit from the attackers’ family, from anyone nearby for mental trauma and
Jeremiah Brown instructs a concealed carry class. Brown has been a police officer for eight and one-half years and has been conducting six classes a week on concealed carry since October. — if he survives — from cealed carry laws — Many states, such as the assailant himself.” not surprising since Utah, require little if Illinois has one of the state was the last any instruction before the most stringent con- to allow such permits. the permit is issued. Illi-
nois allows professions who carry a gun in the course of their duties to attend only eight hours of classes, which cover the legal requirements and ramifications of carry permits. “My best advice is carry it like it’s illegal. Keep it hidden,” Brown said. “If someone knows you’re carrying a concealed weapon, it becomes a liability. If someone at Walmart sees part of your gun sticking out, you can count on security being called. If a police officer knows you’re carrying, you will be under more scrutiny. If a bad guy knows you have one, you’re the first target. Eliminate the threat. “Most of all, you can’t be afraid. You have to be resolute; you have to be angry,” Brown said. “You need to keep a positive attitude, and have the knowledge and skill to use your gun safely.”
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3 Obit/Record Friday, January 10, 2014 • The Tonica News • 3
Spelich to run for county treasurer OTTAWA – James L. Spelich has announced his candidacy for the office of treasurer in LaSalle County. Spelich has been a financial adviser in the Illinois Valley for 20 years. Spelich graduated from Peru Washington
Junior High and LaSallePeru Township High School. He attended IVCC for two years and then spent two Spelich years at Northern Illinois University
receiving his Bachelor’s of Science in economics. After graduation, he worked at the Chicago Board of Options Exchange before returning to Peru and entering into the financial services industry. Spelich grew up in Peru
and is the son of retired Dr. James A. Spelich and Janice Spelich. He is a member of the Peru Rotary, a board member of the Hygienic Institute in LaSalle and a former board member of the Horizon House Foundation.
Stonier scholarships awarded
GRANVILLE — The I.F. Doug Stonier-Ella Stonier Educational Trust has awarded winners for the trust’s 201314 scholarships. Winners include Ben Arnold, son of Shannon and Sandra Arnold of Lostant; Jessica Baker, daughter of Lee and Juli Baker of Granville; Nathan Bog-
ner, son of Mark and Shelly Bogner of Hennepin; Phillip Nanni, son of James and Nancy Nanni of Granville; Joshua Peterson, son of Larry Peterson of McNabb and Charlene Peterson of Hennepin; Gwendolyn Schulte, daughter of William and Margaret Schulte of Granville and
Andrew White, son of John and Chanin Ladson of Hennepin. Recipients of the trust scholarships are chosen on financial need and academic eligibility. They must be residents of Putnam County and meet other criteria set up under I.F. Stonier’s will. Each recipient will
receive $2,660 for the 2013-2014 academic year. I.F. Stonier was a Putnam County businessman for many years. The selection committee for the trust includes the trust’s attorney, a Putnam County schools administrator and one community member.
Finding a home for the homeless By Ken Schroeder kschroeder@tonicanews.com
SPRINGFIELD — In December the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced it had provided more than $471 million in financing in 2013 to make 5,000 quality affordable rental homes available to the less fortunate in the state of Illinois, according to a press release issued by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn’s office. This category of people would include people with disabilities, seniors and working families. “Affordable housing is important to the fabric of our communities,” Quinn said. “That is why are working tirelessly to increase affordable housing options for working families, seniors and people with disabilities throughout Illinois, which also creates thousands of jobs and drives our economy forward.”
Challenge From Page 1 A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn’s office said a lawsuit had been expected, but the administration “(expects) this landmark reform will be upheld as constitutional.” “We believe the new law is as constitutionally sound as it is urgently needed to resolve the state’s pension crisis,” Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said in a statement. “This historic law squarely addresses the most pressing fiscal crisis of our time by eliminating the state’s unfunded pension debt, a standard set by the governor two years ago. It will ensure retirement security for those who have faithfully contributed to the pension systems, end the squeeze
Locally affordable housing is also an issue. In LaSalle County there are a total of 16,999 students in school. Of this amount, 279 are listed as homeless according to the 2013 Illinois School District report cards. Area families can find some relief at the Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter (IV PADS). IV PADS serves LaSalle, Putnam, Bureau, Grundy and Marshall counties. “Throughout the years, the shelter programs have known that low income or affordable housing is a very important part of reducing homelessness,” Carol Alcorn, executive director of IV PADS said, “The shelter programs lean heavily on the availability of these housing units to provide housing. “One must have some sort of income whether employment or government assistance for disability to be eligible for a
place to live. This is one of the first barriers to the homeless/ low income population to overcome, in an effort to achieve a place of their own,” Alcorn said. “Employment and Social Security Disability are a priority working with the low income to establish a funding source. Both of these efforts require some time and assistance. This is some of the assistance given by our homeless shelter program in your area. The two-fold effort to help those who need housing is to not only work on building housing but to improve the employment situation in the communities. We need to support small businesses to increase their employment opportunities as well as attracting new corporations to the area.” According to Quinn’s office, affordable housing financed in 2013 created 3,200 construction and post-construction positions.
on critical education and human services and support economic growth.” At issue is a provision of the 1970 Illinois Constitution which states that public pensions represent “an enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.” The new legislation scales back what had been annual 3 percent compounded cost-of-living increases to retirees into non-compounding yearly increases based on a formula that takes into account an employee’s years of service. The measure also requires many current workers to skip up to five annual cost-of-living pension increases when they retire. For current workers, it also would boost the retirement age by up to five years, depending
on their age. Judicial pensions are not included in the new law, an effort to try to avoid a conflict of interest on the constitutional issue. Pensions for Chicago teachers are not part of the new law, since they are funded by city property taxpayers.
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In the United States, one in four families who rented a home in the 1960s were considered low income according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Today, one in two are classified as low income. Families who would like to apply for affordable units from the state can find out more at www.ihda.org.
Obituary Burdette Ford TONICA — Burdette R. Ford 89, of Tonica died at 1:33 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at home after a short illness. Born Oct. 12, 1924, in LaSalle to Romeyn and Bertha (Schafer) Ford, he married Elaine Lambert Aug. 22, 1948. He served in the Army of Occupation of Japan after World War II for one year as a company clerk. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Engineering in March 1951. He farmed on the edge of Tonica his whole working life and moved into Tonica during November 1987 to get out of the way of Interstate 39. He was a life-long member of the Tonica United Methodist Church, where he served on and led various committees. He was a member of the National Entertainment Ballroom Association and the National Rifle Association. He served on the Tonica High School Board, including several years as president. After retirement, he enjoyed woodcarving, ballroom dancing with his wife Elaine and playing tennis as long as he was able. Surviving are his wife, Elaine of Tonica; four sons, Dennis (Pamela) Ford of Tonica, Gary (Rita) Ford of Tonica, Roger (Monica) Ford of Albuquerque, N.M., and Duane (Sheri) Ford of Platteville, Wis.; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services were held Jan. 8 at the Tonica United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Nowakowski officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery in Tonica. Visitation was held Jan. 7 at the church and prior to the services Jan. 8 at the church. Pallbearers were Joshua, Adam, Evan, Brian, Mathew, Nicholas, Eric and Simon Ford. Memorials may be directed to the Tonica United Methodist Church or Tonica Volunteer Fire Department. The Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica is handling arrangements.
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4 Bus/Ag 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 10, 2014
Dollars and sense How do these 2013 figures stack up? See if you can guess As another year winds down, take a moment to reflect and test yourself. How did 2013 comCOMMENTARY pare to the past? Sports 1. The Blackhawks won another Stanley cup last year. The Bears maintained mediocrity, and the Cubs, well … they were the Cubs. So which of these three Chicago Sports teams has the best winning percentage from 1926 to 2012? A. Blackhawks. B. Bears. C. Cubs. 2. In 2013, Forbes valued the New York Yankees at $2.3 billion. And if you think that number is too high, consider the L.A. Dodgers who were sold in 2012 for $2 billion. The Yankees apparently have been a good investment though. Consider Mr. George Steinbrenner who purchased the franchise for a reported $8.8 million in 1973. That’s right; today the franchise is 260 times more valuable than the day he purchased it. Wow! So now that you have some recent history, how much do you think the Yankees sold for in 1903? A. $18,000. B. $218,000. C. $2,180,000. 3. Bringing the question to a more local level, which one of these three franchises is considered to be the most valuable? A. Blackhawks. B. Bears C. Cubs. Stock market 4. Back to my favorite, the U.S. Stock Market which was up over 32 percent in 2013 (S&P 500 total return). Quite a nice year! In fact at the same time millions were gathered in Times Square to welcome in 2014, Wall Street was looking back at a five-year run which bolstered nearly an 18 percent average annual return. Things have definitely been good lately for the market. But what if we include the bad times? What has the market’s average annual return been from 1926 and 2012? Before you answer, remember this 86-year period includes the Great Depression, a 37 percent drop in 2008, and the tech bubble burst from 2001 to 2003. A. 3.7 percent. B. 7.7 percent. C. 11.7 percent. D. 17. 5 percent. 5. In that same 86-year period, how many years has the stock market gone up? A. 38. B. 50. C. 62. D. 74. Gas and farm ground 6. According to Gasbuddy.com, the average 2013 price for a gallon of gas is about the same as it was in 2012. However gas has climbed from $1.35 a gallon in 1981 to over $3.50 in 2013. So what has the average increase of gas been from 1926 to 2012? A. 1.1 percent. B. 3.1 percent. C. 5.1 percent. D. 7.1 percent. 7. Illinois farmland index values published by the University of Illinois show the average acre of land increased in value by more than 16 percent in 2013. In fact, since 2004 the report which gets its data from the USDA shows our farm ground has increased an average of 13.2 percent annually in an unprecedented nine-year run. So what’s been the average increase from 1926 to 2012? A. 2.3 percent. B. 3.6 percent. C. 4.7 percent. D. 6.1 percent. Answers Question 1 = B — The Bears have a 57 percent winning percentage followed by the Blackhawks (50 percent) and the Cubs (48 percent). Question 2 = — The Yankees sold for $18,000 in 1903. In today’s money that would be around $450,000. Question 3 = B — Forbes values the Bears franchise at $1.25 billion, followed by the Cubs ($1.0 billion) and the Blackhawks ($625 million). Question 4 = C — According to Ibbotson Associates, the S&P 500 Index total return including the reinvestment of dividends has experienced an average annual return of 11.7 percent from 1926 to 2012. Question 5 = C — In those 86 years, investors saw the market climb higher 62 of 86 years or 72 percent of the time. Question 6 = B — The average increase in the price of gasoline over those 86 years has been 3.1 percent. Question 7 = C — According to the published data, Illinois farm ground has increased an average of 4.7 percent over the last 86 years. Yes, 2013 was up, up, up … What 2014 will bring is difficult to forecast. All I can say is invest wisely, go Blackhawks and Happy New Year! Christian Cyr is a financial advisor in Hennepin. If you are Interested in reading more, his monthly newsletter is available at Cyrfinancial.com or by calling Cyr Financial at 815-925-7501.
Christian Cyr
Photo contributed
Companies help IVCC move equipment Jimmy Senica of Senica’s Towing (left) releases cable as Zach Mennie of Mennie’s Machine (right) carefully eases a forklift off the flatbed recently at Illinois Valley Community College. Assisting with the project are Mennie’s employees Jeff Edgcomb (second from left) and Neil Buffington. Mennie’s is moving, free of charge, manufacturing equipment from IVCC’s east campus into the new Peter Miller Community Technology Center. Senica’s volunteered to transport two Mennie’s forklifts from Mennie’s Route 71 plant to IVCC. “Mennie’s and Senica’s are outstanding, community-minded partners whose generosity will save IVCC thousands in moving expenses,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran. “During this joyous season, they both exemplify the true spirit of giving.”
USDA gives January’s CCC lending rates WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announced Jan. 2 interest rates for January 2014. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for January 2014 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 percent in December 2013. The interest rate for commodity and marketing assistance loans disbursed during January 2014 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 percent in December 2013. Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for January 2014 are as follows, 2.250 percent with seven-year loan terms, up from 2.000 percent in December 2013; 2.875 percent with 10-year
loan terms, up from 2.625 percent in December 2013 and; 3.000 percent with 12-year loan terms, up from 2.875 percent in December 2013. The interest rate for 15-year Sugar Storage Facility Loans for January 2014 is 3.375 percent, up from 3.125 percent in December 2013. The maximum discount rate applicable for January 2014 for the Tobacco Transition Payment Program is 5 percent, unchanged from December 2013. This is based on the 3.250 percent prime rate plus 2 percent, rounded to the nearest whole number. Further program information is available from USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Financial Management Division at 202-772-6041.
LinkedIn job scams take advantage of job seekers CHICAGO — If you are looking for a new job, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns job seekers to beware of growing LinkedIn scams. LinkedIn is an open communication website that has made it easy for scammers posing as job recruiters to take advantage of users looking for new opportunities. More than other social media websites, LinkedIn is appealing to job seekers because it allows them to be contacted by potential employers or recruiters. Scammers create fake profiles disguising themselves as recruiters and send messages that contain a link to gather personal information. The website that the link goes to may look legitimate but often asks for financial information and personal identity. That information is then used to steal your identity, access bank accounts or install malware on your computer. “These scams will tempt many but it should be noted that legitimate recruiters will never ask you for any banking information,” says Steve J. Bernas, president /CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “An example of one of the most recent scams involves the use of attractive female recruiters pitching opportunities to bilingual job seekers.” Bernas states, “Before working with a recruiter do some research to ensure you know who you are dealing with.” Avoid becoming a victim of a LinkedIn scam by following these tips: • Do not add just anyone on LinkedIn. Before adding someone, check out their profile and connections. If you have doubts about their legitimacy, do not add them. Remember that you will never be asked to pay for a job. If a “recruiter” mentions an opportunity where you must pay for training, block them. A real job will never ask you to pay to work. • Be wary of work-at-home jobs. Real work-athome jobs are hard to acquire, so be cautious when you find these postings. Search for the photo of
the recruiter. Scammers usually use a fake, generic photo and you can most likely find the photo elsewhere. • Ask to call them. If a recruiter contacts you via message, request to speak on the phone. If they seem to avoid a phone call, consider that a red flag. If you find yourself a victim of the scam, act fast. If a scammer was able to access your computer, they could have collected your personal information including passwords and banking information. Change your passwords immediately. If you see any strange banking activity, notify your bank. For more tips on protecting your identity, visit www.bbb.org.
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5 Perspective Friday, January 10, 2014 • The Tonica News • 5
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
On my bestseller list I love a good story. Better yet, I love a good storyteller — someone who can tell a story so well, so real that they make you believe you were there right in the middle of it all. My grandmother was a great storyteller. Even at a very young age, I appreciated the way she would relay stories to me. Crawling up into her lap early in the morning, after everyone else had gone to school or work, she’d wrap her fluffy bathrobe around me, and we’d chat. There was no TV interference, no radio blaring in the background. ComputTerri ers hadn’t yet been thought of, and Simon the telephone seldom rang. It was just Grandma and me — and a strong cup of coffee that she sipped on intermittently. Those early morning rendezvous were nearly 50 years ago, but I still remember them. I loved to hear about Grandma’s life when she was a little girl, a teenager and before she married my grandfather ... And quite frankly, I have to believe she enjoyed reminiscing. Even though I was a little kid, I was all ears, and wow ... could she tell a story. To this day, I have no idea whether Grandma’s stories were true or not. I never questioned the authenticity of her words. To a little girl who worshiped her grandmother, I just assumed her words were gospel. Grandma would recite stories of long ago. She added colorful details of days gone by and told me stories of family members I would never know. I learned of great-grandparents, great-aunts, greatuncles, and second and third cousins that started out only as names, but after countless stories, they became real relatives. Grandma could tell a story so vividly that I could almost feel the wind on my face as she relayed stories of playing with her siblings. I could nearly smell the sweet and spicy cookies her mother (my great-grandmother) used to make at Christmas time, and I could hear Grandma’s youthful squeals as she and her sister opened the few gifts that were under their long ago Christmas tree. I would find myself looking at my own arm as she told about a feisty kitten that had scratched her and drew a few drops of blood on her little girl arm. Back then, my grandmother didn’t believe in gearing her stories to the ears of a little child. In other words, not all the stories were filled with sunshine and lollipops. Instead, Grandma’s coffeetainted breath spit out stories of not just the good, but also the bad and the ugly. I know my eyes had to be the size of saucers as she told about some of the characters that had crossed her path throughout the years. Appropriate for a child? Perhaps not. But I was still enthralled with her stories, and I have to believe there was some kind of lesson to be learned along the way. Grandma’s stories were better than any TV program I could have watched. I could smell the gasoline the stranger siphoned out of her father’s old automobile. I could see the gypsies who drove their wagon into her parents’ yard, and I could see the fear in her mother’s eyes as she shooed her children inside the house. I could feel my own heart break as she told of relatives who died long before I was ever born, and I tasted the salt in Grandma’s tears as she relayed moments in her life that had caused those tears to fall. As I look back, Grandma’s storytelling moments are some of my most favorite, for she took me to a place in time I would have otherwise never known. Was she the greatest storyteller in the world? She was to me, and that’s all that matters. As 2014 begins, I hope you’ll take some time to tell some stories to the younger members of your family. Turn off the TV, make them lay down their cell phones and tell some stories of the chapters of your life. I guarantee that someday, those stories will become a bestseller in their own minds. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.
Letters to the Editor should not be more than 500 words in length. Only one person can sign a Letter to the Editor. The author of the letter must include his/her name, hometown and telephone number. The author’s name and hometown will be published, however, the telephone number is only used to verify the authenticity of the author’s signature and will not be published. Unsigned letters are never read or published. No letter will be published until The Tonica News contacts the author of the letter to verify the signature. The Tonica News reserves the right to edit or refuse any Letter to the Editor.
On the street
Will you be watching the Winter Olympics? If so, do you have a favorite sport or athlete?
“It would probably be hockey. I would definitely watch the Olympics.” Andrew Bernardoni, Tonica
“I will sit down with my wife and watch some things like gymnastics, but that is about it.” Josh Kilday, Tonica
“Oh yeah, I would watch the Olympics. My favorite sport is curling for the Winter Olympics, and I don’t have a favorite athlete.” Nick York, Champaign
“We will probably be watching some of it. The only athlete I can think of is that snowboard kid, the Flying Red Tomato, and Lindsey Vonn.” John Stanley, Metamora
“I will watch it here and there, I mean not every day and every broadcast. I like downhill skiing. It’s exciting. It is something I would never do so it is fun to watch.” Noel Sauter, Tonica
Greg Wallace FROM THE SKETCHBOOK
Chubby Our family cat just isn’t very bright. Ever since Chubby (trust me, she’s growing into that name) has been around, she has done absolutely nothing to make me say, “Now there is one smart animal.” Not once during her stupefied existence on this planet, has she done anything to better our society. All she does is just lay around all day. She lays around when my wife fixes supper. She lays around when my wife does the dishes. She lays around when my wife folds the laundry. She lays around while my wife vacuums. She lays around when my wife makes the bed. She just lays around all of the time. I know this because I am in constant surveillance of the cat from my perch on our living room couch. When she wants something, she stares at you with these cold, vacuous eyes and gives this half-hearted noise that somewhat resembles a meow if you listen really close. It’s up to us intelligent humans to determine what it is the feeble-minded feline wants. Does she want to go outside? Does she want food? Does she want me to pick her up, cradle her like a baby and rub her fat, gray belly while asking “Who’s a good kitty?” in a funny voice, after which she makes a half-hearted attempt at purring her approval? Or does she want me to go into the bathroom and turn on the water faucet to just the right temperature and pressure so that she can get a moderately
cool drink without getting too much splash back onto her whiskers and paws? It could be any one of these scenarios, and I usually have to go through each and every one of them before I can figure out what she wants. What a moron! I think of how dimwitted this beast is every time I have to dispose of a bag of its used, clumpy, smelly kitty litter. Every time I walk the walk of shame down to the outside garbage can, holding the aforementioned bag of doo-doo at arm’s length, I constantly mutter to myself how obtuse this creature really is. She usually blinks at me and flicks her tail. I grumble about Chubby’s ignorance every time I go to sit in my comfy chair to watch a scintillating episode of “Rodeo Girls” on A&E and I find her laying there on her back taking a nap. This usually means that I have to go sit in the uncomfortable chair that is right next to the television which creates an awkward viewing angle to the screen. Have you ever tried to watch “Rodeo Girls” while being askew? It totally loses all of its meaning, and you miss out on the entire plot.
Every single day, this idiotic animal watches me as I stumble around a darkened house as I get ready for work. Take this morning for instance. The cat was staring at me as I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to go out and shovel my driveway for 45 minutes in a below-zero wind chill, so I could take a half-hour, 19.2 mile trip to work in 11-degree weather on snow-drifted, ice-covered rural northern-Illinois roads in the earlymorning, pre-dawn darkness, so I could sit at this computer to type this — something that I could have done on my iPad while seated in either the comfortable or the cockeyed chair in my nice warm house. Oh well, I needed to come to town any way. We need more cat food. So in review, basically I question the intelligence of Chubby, the cat, whenever I feed it, water it, pet it or carry around a collection of her lumpy, stinky droppings. Dumb cat. You can contact Wallace at gwallace@bcrnews.com. You can follow him on his blog at http://gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.
6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 10, 2014
Community Lostant School will hold spelling bee LOSTANT — Lostant School will have its spelling bee at 2:45 p.m. Jan. 14. A make-up date is set for Jan. 16. The spelling bee will be held in the gym and all family, friends and mem-
bers of the community are welcome to attend. The LaSalle County spelling bee will then be held at 9 a.m. Feb. 15 in the Ottawa Township High School Auditorium with a make-up date of Feb. 22.
Senior dinner held LOSTANT — Seniors were invited to the Lostant Grade School Dec. 12 for a dinner. Students presented a musical selection after the meal of turkey, dressing, potatoes,
corn, bread, coffee and pie were enjoyed. Sandra Malahy introduced teachers and students to the guests. Seniors sign the Lostant memory book for the 2013 year.
PC/Hall co-op wins 2 out of 3 in Kewanee By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
KEWANEE — The young Putnam County/Hall wrestling co-op is picking up steam and doing well in their new home of the ThreeRivers Conference. Wrestling in a quadrangular meet on Jan. 4, the team beat two of the three teams they faced. In the only loss of the day, the varsity crew took on the Kewanee Boilermakers and made the meet extremely interesting, losing by only one point with a final score of 37-36 in Kewanee’s favor. In the 170-pound weight division, Nathan Tonozzi won by pinfall in the first period at 25 seconds into the match. Following Tonozzi at 182 pounds, James
Hall also won by a pinfall at 1:29 in the first period. At 220 pounds, Marco Gutierrez also pinned his opponent in the first period at 4:36 into the match. To round out the scoring, the squad won matches by forfeit at 120, 126 and at the heavyweight division. The Farmington Farmers took on PC/Hall and came away trounced. The Panthers beat the Farmers by a score of 54-12. R.J. Copeland dominated his match at the 145-pound level and pinned his opponent at :57 seconds for the win. Cole Elliot then pinned his opponent at the 160-pound level at 1:26 in his match. Tonozzi pinned his opponent at the 170pound level at 2:56 in his match. Hall also pinned his opponent at
Ready for invitational
Christmas dinner held LOSTANT — Ladies of the Evening Circle and guests enjoyed a Christ-
Putnam County/Hall wrestler Ben Garland works with teammate and co-captain Nathan Tonozzi to get ready for the Prairie Central Tourney on Jan. 11.
mas potluck dinner Dec. 13 at the home of Joanne Hartenbower.
Monthly meeting set PERU – The Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s Group will have its monthly Caring Friends support group meeting for caregivers, family and friends
at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Red Cross office at 1530 Fourth St. in Peru. For more information, call 815-339-6465 or 815223-1885.
Meeting Calendar Jan. 10 7:30 p.m., Lostant Village Board, Lostant Village Hall
Putnam County Community Center menus Jan. 13 — Baked chicken, garlic hash browns, spinach, mandarin oranges, wheat roll. Jan. 14 — Goulash, tossed salad, bread and butter, dessert. Jan. 15 — Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, lima beans, apple, dinner roll. Jan. 16 — Ham salad on bread, potato soup, crackers, dessert. Jan. 17 — Cabbage roll casserole, green beans, sliced peaches, graham crackers, wheat bread.
Library Corner LaSalle — Jan. 14, 21 and 28 — Storytime Express is an interactive mix of stories complemented with a variety of engaging activities like crafts, flannel boards, rhymes, songs and puppets. It is formatted to introduce children to the library and early literacy skills. The shorter, 30-minute length and fast pace make it perfect for active children with shorter attention spans, and the express is a great way for busy parents to share special times with their children. Time will be set aside to help families find just the right books to check-out. Fun and educational, Storytime Express is a free program, open to the public. Storytime Express will be offered from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information, call 815-223-2341. Lostant — Jan. 14, 21 and 28 — Families First, a state funded early childhood grant, is a program for families with children ages birth to 3. It is sponsored by the Oglesby Early Childhood Programs. Children will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays, do an easy art project and have a snack. The program also includes field trips and parent education meetings. Families First meets from 10 to 10:45 a.m. every Tuesday. Items for the Library Corner can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com.
the 182-pound level at 1:38 in his match. Forfeits were won by PC/Hall at the 120, 126, 132, 138, 152, 220 pound and heavyweight divisions. PC/Hall handled the Ashton Franklin Central Raiders as handily as they did Farmington in their third contest of the day. The Panthers finished off the Raiders by a score of 52-15 At the 160-pound weight division, Elliot continued his winning ways with a pinfall at 4:24 into the match. At 195 pounds, Evan Kiphart showed his learning curve as a young wrestler is going well with a pinfall win at 1:17 into his match. The Panthers also earned points with forfeit wins at the 126, 132, 170, 182, 220 pound and heavyweight divisions.
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
Cast announced for Stage 212’s ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ LASALLE — Stage 212 will open its 2014 season with “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the memorable musical comedy by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin that showcases six quirky students (played by adults) as they compete in a spelling bee run by three equally quirky adults. Included in the cast are Megan Cullinan as Rona Lisa Peretti, Andy Decker as Douglas Panch, Doug Bartelt as Mitch Mahoney, Emily Brodzik as Olive Ostrovsky, Phil Grant as William Barfee, Christin Chamberlain as Logainne Schwartz and Grubenierre, Becky
Martin as Marcy Park, Tom Bailey as Leaf Coneybear and Derek Zinke as “Chip” Tolentino. The production staff includes director Scot Smigel, producer Ellen Marincic, assistant director Kyle Foley, music director Megan Cullinan, choreographer Deana Brown, light operator Matt Boehm, sound operator Andrew Paden, and spotlight operators Jessica Gray and Yvette Lucas. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be presented Jan. 24-26 and Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at Stage 212, 700 First St., LaSalle. Friday and Saturday per-
formances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are now available to the general public for $20 each. Box office hours are Monday, 4 to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 1 to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting the Stage 212 website, www.stage212.org, or reserved over the phone with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Call 815-2243025 for details. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is presented by special arrangement with Music Theater International.
Upcoming events at Starved Rock UTICA — There are several events coming up at Starved Rock State Park in Utica. Starved Rock Lodge is offering guided winter hikes at 11 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Guided winter hikes are 4.5 miles and include a snack, hot drink coupon and Starved Rock backpack for $12 per person. Hikers will learn about the natural history of Starved Rock State Park and enjoy the views into several canyons as well as the adventure of the bluff and river trails. Guided winter hikes are classified as
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strenuous. For more information and to make a reservation, call 815-220-7386. Take a bald eagle trolley tour at Starved Rock Lodge during January and February. Bald eagles return each winter to Starved Rock State Park. This tour includes an education program at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center as well as lunch in the Lodge’s historic Main Dining Room on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and brunch buffet on Sundays. Dress warmly, bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras for
that great photo opportunity. For reservations. call 815-220-7386. Starved Rock Lodge will present The Legacy Girls: Tribute to the Andrews Sisters at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 21 in the lodge’s historic Great Hall. The tribute includes the three part harmonies and humor that were part of the style made famous by the Andrews Sisters. Tribute to the Stars includes a buffet meal along with the show. Tickets for Tribute to the Stars are $32 for matinees. For more information and to make reservations call 815-220-7386.
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7 Life Friday, January 10, 2014 • The Tonica News • 7
History ... according to The Tonica News 10 years ago Sam Senica and Mike Jaegle of Tonica and Billy Ghigi of Oglesby were at Tonica Grade School to promote literacy to area youth. Attending Lynn Anderson’s first-grade class to read to the children and have the children read to them, they were a hit with the kids. Wilson Warrner a former Tonica Grade School administrator, recited the Gettysburg Address to an all school assembly on Nov. 21. This date was the 140th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. Illinois Valley public libraries and others in the regional library system have made a cooperative donation of books for armed forces personnel in Iraq. Libraries in LaSalle, Lostant, Oglesby and other areas responded to a request by LaSalle dentist Matt Hartman to collect about 500 books to be sent to New York City and then onto the Middle East. The members of the Thursday Club enjoyed a Christmas luncheon at the country home of Ruth Heath. Devotions were given by Doreen Carr. A food pantry offering was taken. Former members and friends were invited to attend a special Mass for the Feast of the Parish at Mt. Palatine Immaculate Conception Church on Dec. 8. The Mass was followed by a potluck dinner. Guests were asked to bring a dish to share.
Holiday parties a success in Lostant LOSTANT — All the classrooms at Lostant School had parties on Dec. 20 which was the last day of school before winter break. The children really enjoyed themselves. Kindergarten through third-graders had a combined party, and there were games, treats and a gift exchange. Students in Grades 4-8 each had their own party for each class which ranged from pizza parties to playing outside with silly string. For more photos, visit www.lostantcomets.org. Students from Lostant Grade School held Christmas parties on Dec. 20. Above, K-3 students play “Balloon in a Basket” while the fourth-graders take time to play outside with silly string.
20 years ago Jeff Dzik, Scott Obermiller and computer teacher Kent Shepard from Tonica Grade School were in Chicago to demonstrate the TECH 2000 program at the Joint Annual Conference of the Illinois Association of School Boards, Administrators and School Business officials. The TECH 2000 demonstration was a part of the School District Excellence Fair held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. About 10,000 from around the state attended the event. Tonica Grade School was one of 12 schools chosen statewide to participate in the demonstration. The public was invited to attend “The Hanging of the Greens” which was held at the Tonica United Methodist Church on Nov. 28. This is a special service that begins the advent season. The Chrismon Tree was also decorated along with the sanctuary. Mr. and Mrs. Burdette Ford of Tonica received word that their son Don Ford, an associate professor of agronomy at Northeast Missouri State University, has been granted a one year sabbatical to study the application of ethical theory to agriculture. He will be studying at Texas A&M University. The Lostant gym was available for area residents to take morning walks. The Tonica Thursday Club held its annual Christmas party on Dec. 2 at Delaney’s in Oglesby. The Illinois Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross released statistics for multiple blood donors. Tonica native Gary Huss was among those recognized, having reached a total of 19 gallons of blood donated. Paul Beenenga and Dennis Ford were among those who helped clean up the pines located north of Tonica Grade School.
40 years ago Mr. and Mrs. Grank Holsinger of LaSalle were the parents of a song, Eric Timothy, who was born Nov. 23 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley. Mrs. Ernest Pletsch spent Thanksgiving with her son George and family at Park Ridge. Mark Quaka, son of Andy and Phyllis Quaka, had been promoted from PFC to Lt. Cpl. He was stationed with the U.S. Marines in Kanahe, Hawaii. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Cofoid spent Thanksgiving at Speedway, Ind. with their son Wayne and his family. Darrell Alleman of rural Magnolia was severely burned a week ago when the gas tank on the tractor overflowed spilling gas on him and the gas ignited on the hot manifold, setting his clothes on fire. He had extensive burns about the face and neck. His son, Kim, a student at the University of Illinois who was home for Thanksgiving, and Randy Steffens of Granville had to rip off his sweatshirt in order to extinguish the flames. A neighborly act was carried out at his farm when 40 acres of corn was combined by neighbors and friends. ••• Do you have a story idea, news article or photograph you would like to include? Email us the information to: news@tonicanews.com.
Scouts complete tool box requirement TONICA — Bear scout lowed this slogan by helpmembers from Pack 3719 ing out the troop within Tonica are pictured out wanting anything in with tool boxes they made, one of the bear requirements. Fran Scoma of Tonica Lumber & Supply Co. graciously donated all of the lumber and screws needed to build the tool boxes. Not only did he donated the supplies but he also donated his time by pre-cutting all the boards to the required length. “It is so nice in a time of economic struggles to have a hometown business show support to the local scouts,” said Nicole Fundell, Cub Scout leader for Pack 3719. “Little does Fran know the impact that this gesture had on these boys.” The Scout slogan is “Do a Good Turn Daily.” It means looking for chances to help and then helping quietly, without boasting about it. “Fran truly fol-
return. On behalf of the Bears troop in Pack 3719 and myself, thank you
very much Fran for your continuous support of our scouts.”
For Ad Information? Call Ashley at 815-875-4461 ext. 270 or e-mail
advertising@tonicanews.com
8 Class 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 10, 2014
– Classifieds – General Terms and Policies The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion. CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com
- 200 Employment 228 • Help Wanted Know someone looking to start a new or different career? Have them visit www.nciworks.org and click on “No Place Like Home” to see what opportunities await them in the North Central Illinois area. EOE
HARD TO FIND THAT RIGHT PERSON FOR THAT JOB OPENING? The Putnam County Record Classified can reach just the right person you are looking for to fill that job opening. Call 815-8754461
228 • Help Wanted GRADE LEVEL: Jr. High Middle School. Salary/ Benefits: As specified by the negotiated union contract in the amount of $725 for the boys position and $725 for the girls position. Duties: We are looking for 2 coaches: Head Boys Track Coach and Head Girls Track Coach for the Tonica Grade School District #79. Qualifications: Previous experience as a head track coach or assistant track coach would be given preference but not required. Candidates with a teaching certificate will be given preference as well. Additional Notes: You must be able to pass a drug screening and background check. Send Letter of Interest to: Superintendent Mr. Suarez, 535 North 1981st Road, Tonica, IL 61370 or call 815-442-3420
- 400 Merchandise 450 • Under $1000 ************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week. No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales. E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number) No Phone Calls!
999 • Legal Notices IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY - OTTAWA, ILLINOIS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. ) PLAINTIFF ) VS ) TOSHA J DOTY; WILLIAM E DOTY; ) DEFENDANTS ) 13 CH 224 507 CLARK STREET MARSEILLES, IL 61341 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ACT ***THIS DOCUMENT IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT ON A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE*** PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered by said Court in the above entitled cause on October 9, 2013, Sheriff (eff. 1/11/12) in LASALLE County, Illinois, will on February 4, 2014, in LaSalle County Courthouse707 East Etna Rd (North Door) Ottawa, IL 61350, at 11:30 a.m., sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, situated in the County of LASALLE, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment: THE EAST 3 FEET OF LOT 18 AND ALL OF LOT 19 IN BLOCK 10 IN MARSEILLES LAND AND WATER POWER COMPANY ADDITION TO MARSEILLES, SITUATED IN THE CITY OF MARSEILLES; ALL SITUATED IN LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. TAX NO. 15-49-118-009 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 507 CLARK STREET MARSEILLES, IL 61341 Description of Improvements: SINGLE FAMILY HOME WITH DETACHED 2 CAR GARAGE. The Judgment amount was $84,496.29. Sale Terms: This is an “AS IS” sale for “CASH”. The successful bidder must deposit 25% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bills, etc., and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the bid amount, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/ expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DYAS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For Information: Visit our website at http:\\ service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel. No. (312) 372-2060. Please refer to file #PA1310406 Plaintiff’s attorney is not required to provide additional information other than that set forth in this notice of sale. I579284 Published in the Tonica News Dec. 27, 2013, Jan. 3 and 10, 2014.
June 30, 2013, will be posted on the Illinois State Board of Education’s website@ www.isbe.net. SUMMARY: The following is the Annual Statement of Affairs Summary that is required to be published by the school district/joint agreement for the past fiscal year. Statement of Operations as of June 30, 2013 Educational: Local Sources 1,012,229; State Sources 215,907; Federal Sources 85,989; Total Direct Receipts/Revenues 1,314,125; Total Direct Disbursements/Expenditures 1,393,450; Ending Fund Balances - June 30, 2013 (79,325). Operations & Maintenance: Local Sources 101,696; State Sources 46,350; Total Direct Receipts/ Revenues 148,046; Total Direct Disbursements/ Expenditures 206,649; Ending Fund Balances - June 30, 2013 (58,603). Debt Services: Local Sources 51,779; Total Direct Receipts/Revenues 51,779; Total Direct Disbursements/Expenditures 52,150; Ending Fund Balances - June 30, 2013 (371). Transportation: Local Sources 56,371; State Sources 97,025; Total Direct Receipts/Revenues 153,396; Total Direct Disbursements/Expenditures 111,645; Ending Fund Balances - June 30, 2013 41,751. Municipal Retirement/Social Security: Local Sources 32,406; Total Direct Receipts/ Revenues 32,406; Total Direct Disbursements/ Expenditures 28,985; Ending Fund Balances - June 30, 2013 3,421. Working Cash: Local Sources 12,319; Total Direct Receipts/Revenues 12,319; Ending Fund Balances June 30, 2013 12,319. Tort: Local Sources 19,096; Total Direct Receipts/ Revenues 19,096; Total Direct Disbursements/ Expenditures 27,309; Ending Fund Balances June 30, 2013 (8,213). Fire Prevention & Safety: Local Sources 7,034; Total Direct Receipts/Revenues 7,034; Total Direct Disbursements/Expenditures 6,760; Ending Fund Balances - June 30, 2013 274. GROSS PAYMENT FOR CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL Salary Range: Less Than $25,000: Nicole Anderson, Rhonda Anderson, Kathleen Benson, Stefan Bernal, Benjamin Boldt, Kyle Bragg, Tyler Bratt, Sheila Brockman, James Clanin, Cathy Cole, Lynn Cwikla, Megan Decker, Rita Ford, Cheri French, Shannon Gaughan, Patricia Hofmann, Mary Holtzman, Rachel Knott, Brennan Reeder, Ruth Rick, Katherine Sarver, William Summer, Anthony Torres, Janis Watkins, Sharon Wright, Hannah Wyss, Stephanie Ziel Salary Range: $25,000 - $39,999: Patricia Bernardoni, Cynthia Boldt, Joseph Buchanan, Michelle Hoge, Amy Kreiser, James Nugent, Angela Wenskunas Salary Range: $40,000 - $59,999: Melissa Einhaus, Jill Newbold, Amy Olson, Amy Roach Salary Range: 60,000 - $89,999: Sandra Malahy GROSS PAYMENT FOR NON-CERTIFICATED PERSONNEL Salary Range: Less Than $25,000: Shauna Breckenridge, RuthAnn Brizgis, Katie Cox, Amanda Crisman, Connie Donelson, Rita Ford, Mary Jo Freeman, Roxie Heinzeroth, Patricia Hofmann, Nicole Larson, Stephen Lauer, Patricia Long, Sheri O’Brien, Lloyd Petri, Patrica Petri, Teresa Powell, Susan Swartz, Debra Wiesbrock, Paul Wisen, Jeremy Zulz Salary Range: $25,000 - $39,999: Wanda Micklos Payments over $2,500, excluding wages and salaries. Person, Firm, or Corporation Aggregate Amount Ameren Energy Marketing 12,302 Apple Inc 4,580 Atlanta National Bank 52,150 The Baby Fold 57,352 Humana Insurance Company 39,752 Certified Laboritories 3,523 Constellation NewEnergy 16,573 Dresbach Distributing Co 4,557 Energy Seal Foam Ins 4,800
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) LETITIA GRUBAR, ) DECEASED. ) 2013-P-232 NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS AND HEIRS AND LEGATEES WHOSE NAMES OR ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN AND CLAIM NOTICE Estate of LETITIA GRUBAR, Deceased. Notice is given of the death of LETITIA GRUBAR, of Lostant, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on December 13, 2013, to GERALD M. HUNTER, 129 W. Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348, who is the attorney for the estate. Notice is given to any heirs or legatees whose names or addresses are not stated in the Petition for Letters of Office, that an order entered by the Court on December 13, 2013, admitting the decedent’s will to probate. Within 42 days after the date of the order of admission you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the will by testimony of the witnesses to the will in open court or other evidence, as provided in 755 ILCS 5/6-21. You also have the right under 755 ILCS 5/8-1 to contest the validity of the will by filing a petition with the Court within 6 months after admission of the will to probate. Claims against the estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, IL 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters, or if a claim notice is mailed or delivered personally to a creditor of the decedent, on or before the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed within the time allowed is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. Andrew Skoog Clerk of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Ottawa, Illinois Published in the Tonica News Dec. 27, 2013, Jan. 3 and 10, 2013. ANNUAL STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS SUMMARY FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2013 Copies of the detailed Annual Statement of Affairs for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2013 will be available for public inspection in the school district/joint agreement administrative office by December 1, 2013. Individuals wanting to review this Annual Statement of Affairs should contact: Lostant CUSD 425 , 315 West 3rd Street, Lostant, IL 61334, 815-368-3390, 8:00 - 4:00 Also by January 15, 2014 the detailed Annual Statement of Affairs for the Fiscal Year Ending
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FULL TIME MARKETING/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER The award winning Bureau County Republican is currently seeking a full time Marketing/Graphic Designer in our Advertising Department. The successful candidate must have the ability to meet daily deadlines and work in a team environment. Responsibilities of this position include using a Mac to produce classified display advertising. You will be required to process, create, design and edit ads. Candidates also need to be knowledgeable of computer programs including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat. Flash experience a plus. Good organizational skills and the ability to work creatively and independently is a must. The Bureau County Republican offers a competitive wage and benefit package. For more information or to submit your resume please contact:
Sam Fisher Bureau County Republican P.O. Box 340 Princeton, Illinois 61356 (815) 875-4461 or E-mail: sfisher@bcrnews.com We are a drug free work place and an equal opportunity employer. We do pre-employment drug testing.
800 Ace Road, Princeton, IL 61356 • 815-875-4461
999 • Legal Notices Holly Electric 4,102 Fieldcrest Community Unit School District #6 18,486 Follett Educational Service 3,655 Fox River Foods 16,646 Grainco FS 13,788 Hopkins & Associates 4,550 H & S Contracting 80,000 Illinois Department of Employment Security 5,096 Ricoh USA, Inc 2,833 Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund 7,765 Illinois Public Risk Fund 5,025 Imprest Fund 3,799 Mark Karlosky Consulting 26,831 LaSalle-Peru Township High School 64,420 Melvin’s Plumbing 4,954 Midwest Transit Equipment 8,240 North Central Illinois Milk 5,722 Oglesby Public School 5,748 Putnam County Community Unit School Dist #535 274,955 Ramza Insurance Group, Inc 24,011 Kmetz Architects 9,856 SIB’s 6,669 Sovereign Leasing LLC 33,302 Steam Brite Supply 4,034 Teacher Retirement System .58% 3,169 Teacher Retirement System 9.4% 55,275 Therapy Care, LTD 82,670 Teacher Health Insurance Fund 8379 Transportation with a Personal Touch 21,400 VAR Resources 9,298 VISA 8,122 Zukowski Law Offices 6,840 Published in the Tonica News Jan. 10, 2014. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY OTTAWA, ILLINOIS WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. ) PLAINTIFF ) VS ) TOSHA J DOTY; WILLIAM E DOTY; ) DEFENDANTS ) 13 CH 224 507 CLARK STREET MARSEILLES, IL 61341 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE UNDER ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE ACT ***THIS DOCUMENT IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT ON A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE*** PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered by said Court in the above entitled cause on October 9, 2013, Sheriff (eff. 1/11/12) in LASALLE County, Illinois, will on February 4, 2014, in LaSalle County Courthouse707 East Etna Rd (North Door) Ottawa, IL 61350, at 11:30 a.m., sell at public auction and sale to the highest bidder for cash, all and singular, the following described real estate mentioned in said Judgment, situated in the County of LASALLE, State of Illinois, or so much thereof as shall be sufficient to satisfy said Judgment: TAX NO. 15-49-118-009 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 507 CLARK STREET MARSEILLES, IL 61341 Description of Improvements: SINGLE FAMILY HOME WITH DETACHED 2 CAR GARAGE. The Judgment amount was $84,496.29. Sale Terms: This is an “AS IS” sale for “CASH”. The successful bidder must deposit 25% down by certified funds; balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. NO REFUNDS. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments or special taxes levied against said real estate, water bills, etc., and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the bid amount, the purchaser shall receive a Certificate of Sale, which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DYAS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For Information: Visit our website at http:\\ service.atty-pierce.com. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. only - Pierce & Associates, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 1 North Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Tel. No. (312) 372-2060. Please refer to file #PA1310406 Plaintiff’s attorney is not required to provide additional information other than that set forth in this notice of sale. I579284 Published in the Tonica News Dec. 27, 2013, Jan. 3 and 10, 2014.