1 Front Volume 142 No. 7
Friday, January 22, 2016
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Giving each other a hand Regional development committee could benefit the entire area By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — The Lostant Village Board received a visit at its last meeting from Hennepin Mayor Kevin Coleman. Coleman talked to the board about a regional development committee for Bureau, Putnam and LaSalle counties. He says the purpose of the board is to “promote economic development in our coun-
ties.” The well-being and development of each county affects the others. People from one town travel to work in another. Coleman used the example of Hennepin’s old steel mill. “When it shut down, that hurt the whole area,” Coleman said. “All three counties are on board with this,” Coleman said. He noted that every major town is also on board, except for Streator.
Coleman considers the location a benefit for a number of reasons. He pointed to the relatively close distance to a number of universities, which could draw residents. The industrial aspect of the area also plays into the location’s benefit. “Hennepin has one of the best industrial sites in the state,” Coleman said. “I’m kind of bragging here.” Despite the strategic benefit of the location, Cole-
man noted, this is “about the only area in the central part of Illinois that does not have a regional development council.” “We have no one to go out for us,” Coleman said. “Another way to look at it: Do we depend on the state to help us?” He recalled the incident of I-180 last year, which the government considered reducing to two lanes. The plans were averted when all the surrounding areas to be
affected were considered. “I think it’s a good deal for our small towns more than our bigger towns,” Coleman said, since larger areas might already have some of the benefits in place. Board member Jack Immel wanted to know if the committee would help set up infrastructure in cases such as when a business might be willing to come to the area. Nothing about that possibility could be said at the time.
“If we could get some guidance or help setting up that infrastructure, I think that would be a goldmine,” Immel said. The group has been offered a location at Illinois Valley Community College, next to the technology center, according to Coleman. Coleman said work should begin soon to get the committee running. “We’re going to pull the trigger pretty quick and get hiring.”
Still free to move about the country
Soaring into the season
Illinois IDs remain acceptable means for air travel By Eric Engel eengel@bcrnews.com
Tonica News photo/Mike Vaughn
The sight of eagles soaring overhead clearly lets Midwesterners know winter has arrived. Whether it’s over the Illinois River or tucked into a tree at Starved Rock or alongside the Hennepin or I&M Canal, you can’t mistake this national bird with his “bald” head, urging passersby to look upward and admire the grace in which it flies.
A new police car in Lostant By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — After putting it on the agenda a number of times, only to push the discussion back so they could receive Vol. 142 No. 7 One Section - 8 Pages
more concrete numbers, the Lostant Village Board finally voted to purchase a new police vehicle. The big question was posed by board member Dave Mertes: “Can we really pay for this?”
It was this question that had seen the discussion pushed back, even after numbers were presented last month. Even then, prospects had looked unfavorable as to whether the village would be able to justify
the purchase. “We’re going to have to get out a loan for anything,” Village Treasurer Jim Kreiser said. “We have nothing.”
Police Page 3
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Don’t worry, Illinois residents. You don’t have to cancel that trip to the warm beaches and sparkling waters of Florida or California next month if you are lacking a U.S. passport. You can still board the airplane by showing your Illinois driver’s license, if only for a few more years. The REAL ID Act of 2005 stipulated a citizen must have proof of legal residence and date of birth to get a driver’s license. Since Illinois does not require a birth certificate when someone is obtaining their driver’s license, it was granted compliance extensions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The state’s most recent extension request was denied by DHS, and yet Henry Haupt said Illinois residents will still be invited to a window or aisle seat through January 2018. “The Department of Homeland Security announced there will be no security changes at airports for two years, so current Illinois driver’s licenses and ID
IDs Page 3
2 Local
2 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 22, 2016
The cutting edge of critical care
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.
Trees pose problem for Lostant By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
(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
Contact Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com
St. Margaret’s hosts open house for new emergency room By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com.
SPRING VALLEY — On the evening of Thursday, Jan. 14, Spring Valley’s St. Margaret’s Hospital hosted an open house in celebration of its new Emergency Room.
Several staff members were on hand to provide guests with tours throughout the new facility while explaining the many benefits the updated department will provide to patients and their families during medical emergencies. The new 4,200-square-foot addi-
tion to the emergency room touts a state-of-the-art technology, equipment, a portable ultrasound, an expanded work space, improved privacy and more. The new facility completes Phase 1, and Phase 2 will consist of the renovation of the new emergency room waiting area.
Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com
Email to:
news@tonicanews.com. Photos should be sent as an attachment.
Trees Page 3
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LOSTANT — The village of Lostant is having issues with certain giants, which have been losing limbs and threatening more damage still. “Trees, trees, trees are a problem big time,” Mike Cooper said. “There’s been a lot of limbs coming down,” Lostant resident Rod Zack told the board at its recent meeting. He had come to inform them about a town tree on the south side of his house, which has been there as long as he has and only now is looking to be a problem. “There’s a big limb on that tree hanging over the house and electrical wires,” Zack said. “Has a big crack in it. “It’s from the last ice storm,” he said about the crack. “I’d never seen it before that.” Something needs to be done about these trees. “Most of them are at least 100 years old,” Cooper said. “I can’t put them off any more.” There are at least 15 trees Cooper knows about that need to be taken care of. “Sounds like the storm got five more,” he said. • In other discussion, the village is looking into possibilities for the recycling of electronics. However, it might yet be some time before anything is figured out.
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Trees From Page 2 In the meantime, Lostant Village President Fred Hartenbower noted the location of a facility where such items can be recycled. “I’d like to tell our residents that if they have an old TV on the curb, take it to Ottawa,” Hartenbower said. “It’ll cost, but that’s something you can do.” • The grant application to help with the water issue on the east side of town was denied. “Disappointing,” board member Dave Mertes said. “I guess the positive news for us is if
Police
provide much help. “I want to tell you,” Immel said, “talking to Frontier is like, wow, that was interesting. First, we didn’t exist, and finally we did exist.” Mere existence did not help solve the issue. However, the village is trying out a switch to separate phone calls from faxes, which might solve the issue. Eventually, further progress in this area might require a change in number. “I don’t think it would be an issue,” Immel said, “because we’d save so much money we could print those stickers like what people put on their refrigerators. And it would be enlighten-
an opportunity comes up again, we’re sort of turn-key now, ready to go.” Dean Chalkey of Chamlin and Associates agreed that this is a positive aspect. “One of the big terms you hear with grants is that they’re accepting ‘shovel-ready’ projects first,” he said. “You guys are ready to go.” Board member Jack Immel suggested the village dig the area in question. “I really think that would do a great deal of good if we did that,” he said. “Water doesn’t go uphill very well.” • The village is working on its issue with phone lines. A call to Frontier did not
IDs
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“I don’t want to get to the point where we’re using fine money to pay off vehicles,” Jack Immel said as the board discussed how it might possibly be able to afford the car. Such a payment method would set an unfortunate precedent and might look suspect. During the course of discussion, it was pointed out that a newer vehicle should eliminate much of the maintenance required for the upkeep of the village’s current cars, and the savings could go toward paying off the vehicle. “We’re already paying it in maintenance fees,” Police Chief Darin Crask said. The current vehicles have experienced a number of issues lately. “While you were driving, it was trying to go into four-wheel drive,” Crask said as he explained one such problem. “I just hate throwing away money, good money with the bad,” Chris Dose said in support of the new vehicle. “We’re spending this money on the old cars.”
cards will continue to be accepted as legitimate forms of identification,” said Haupt, the deputy press secretary for the Secretary of State’s office. Haupt explained Illinois is about 85 percent of the way toward compliance to the REAL ID act. The DHS stated an Illinois driver’s license or ID card is not adequate to the standards of the legislation. The DHS said a U.S. passport, which requires a birth certificate to obtain, or a copy of your birth certificate is necessary to meet those standards. Haupt said it would cost the state close to $60,000,000 to comply with the REAL ID act. A representative for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facility in Princeton gave a statement that Illinois IDs are still currently acceptable for boarding commercial airplanes, but “frequent travelers or visitors to federal facilities should consider obtaining a pass-
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port, as this is a REAL ID compliant document.” Haupt shared the DHS wants a complete reconfiguration of the DMV procedure, with an individual’s picture taken prior to collection of information. Although it seems like a small detail, Haupt said the system is strategically organized to collect personal information before snapping a photo, and it would take an entire overhaul to change the process. The DHS also wants Illinois citizens 65 or older, who are issued non-expiring ID cards, to be issued cards with an expiration date the same as everyone else. Haupt said for REAL ID to work on a national level, every state’s general assembly must pass legislation approving it, and federal legislation must accomplish the same end. Many states are prohibiting the implementation of REAL ID, and yet still receiving compliance extensions, so Haupt is curious why the recent Illinois extension request was denied. Concerning registra-
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ing to most people because now they know we have a number.” • Immel briefly mentioned one of his ever-recurring topics: dogs. “I still have one member of the community who has a cluster, who I think is trying to negotiate a lower price — which is not going to happen.” • One topic no longer needed discussion by the time the board met. “The issue on Main Street has been resolved,” Hartenbower said. “Someone put a sticker on a car, and it went away real quick. I want more of those stickers.” tion reminder notices for license plate stickers not being mailed out, Haupt encouraged everyone to deal with the renewal online, which will help save money in a situation where there is little to spare. “We understand the inconvenience of this difficult situation, but with the budget impasse limiting our resources for the last six months, we’d run out of money sending reminder notices and wouldn’t be able to mail the actual stickers,” Haupt said, asking residents to be mindful of when their stickers expire. “If everyone registered online for the reminder notice to be emailed to them, it would save the state of Illinois $5,000,000.” According to www. cyberdriveillinois.com, $450,000 is saved each month through the suspension of vehicle registration stickers being mailed out, and motorists are encouraged to sign up for electronic reminders through the website.
Obituary Glenn Gingerich PERU — Glenn Gingerich, 95, of Peru, formerly of Tonica, died at 8:08 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in Manor Court of Peru. He was born July 19, 1920, in Tonica to William and Elizabeth (Schafer) Gingerich. Glenn served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the European Theatre. He married Ethel Jones on June 10, 1961. Glenn was a farm machinery mechanic until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of the Tonica American Legion #260, Tonica Lodge I.O.O.F. #298 and Rebekahs Lodge #312. He served as the noble grand of both lodges. He was affiliated with the D.A.R.E. program at the Tonica Grade School since 1985. He is survived by his wife, Ethel, of Peru, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, in the Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica with the Rev. Kay Harding, pastor of the Zion Lutheran Church in Peru, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Tonica with full military services by the Tonica American Legion. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, in the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Tonica Ambulance and Fire Department or Tonica American Legion #260. Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com.
‘Beef Cattle Meeting’ set OGLESBY — The public is invited to join Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Commercial Agriculture, for a special “Beef Cattle Meeting” from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, in Room CTC 124. Various topics will be discussed that will help beef cattle producers make profit driven decisions. Understanding factors influencing the cattle market along with a look into what to expect in the coming year will be covered. The agenda for the evening includes: Factors Influencing the Cattle Market and What is Ahead, (Paul Peterson, University of Illinois); Calving Season Tips, Veterinary Feed Directive, (Dr. Buzz Iliff, DVM); Sup-
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plementing Cows During the Breeding Season, (Justin Adcock, Mix 30 Liquid Feed); Feeding Poor Quality Hay, Research Update, (Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension); and question/answer session with the speaker panel. Registration is $10 per person, payable at the door. To register, call Travis Meteer at 217-430-7030 or the University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 815-224-0889. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 27, for meal reservations. If you need a reasonable accommodation, indicate when registering. Those who have questions may call Travis Meteer at 217-430-7030 or email him at wmeteer@ gmail.com.
0
4 Perspective
4 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 22, 2016
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
An ode to snow Well, it’s winter, yes, it’s true. There are often many sides of things, of winter there are two. The first you’ll see is the frosted charm, nothing so fluffy could cause you harm; Moonlit glitter, aglow in the night, everything twinkles, a magical sight. Down it floats, hypnotically, Honey come here, this you must see.
Dave Cook
You stand at the window, admiring the view, but when morning arrives there’s a chore for you. Dress yourself warmly in a soft thermal bundle, out through the snow drifts you slowly will trundle. Shovel in hands you begin to dig, to carve a path substantially big. You work and toil to exhume your car, the length of your driveway has never seemed so far. But take it easy and occasionally rest, before you’re gasping for breath and clutching your chest. Heart attack snow is its justified name, if you need 911 it’s certainly no game. If not your heart it’s your back you may strain, twist the wrong way and you’ll be feeling some pain.
Caviar dreams Parting is such sweet sorrow. I’m pretty sure that this is the last column I’ll ever write. You see, as I write this, it’s Wednesday night and in an hour, the Powerball lottery numbers are going to be announced, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be a billionaire. My wife bought some tickets the other day. This is probably the fifth or sixth time she’s played, so I’m sure that we’re due for a win. It was nice knowing you. Combine these winnings, which are in the area of $1.5 billion, with all of my family’s Beanie Babies fortune which soon will be rolling in, and I’ll practically be Trump-like. I don’t know if I can get what’s left of my hair to do the Donald swoosh, but I’ll sure try. I often ask myself, “What am I going to do with all that money?” To be honest with you, I’m really not sure. I asked my 10-year-old daughter what she would do if she won a billion dollars. She told me that the first thing she would do is to make sure that the taxes on her winnings are paid. Fiscal responsibility must skip a generation. I’m sure I’ll probably do the regular thing like build a new house with a few simple, practical amenities, you know ... like ... a moat. A moat filled with Doberman Pinschers wearing wet suits and scuba tanks.
And if you’re going to have a moat, it would seem silly to not have a tower from which I can dump boiling oil onto unsuspecting door-to-door salesman. You can’t be too careful when you’re loaded. As far as the interior of the house goes, I’ll need the normal stuff like three to four bedrooms, a kitchen with cool new appliances, 32 bathrooms with toilets and bidets made of gold, and a large, subterranean cave located under the stately manor from which I can base my future crime-fighting efforts. Even us rich guys need a hobby. I think that I would also like a fully-staffed, major name sandwich shop franchise located outside of my IMAX theater room. If I’m going to be a billionaire, I’ll need 24-hour access to 6-inch cold cut combos on wheat with lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers and yellow mustard — un-toasted. With chips and a medium lemonade. I’ll probably also need to upgrade my modes of transportation. I think Wednesdays will be my Porsche days. Red in the morning, grey in the afternoon. The Lamborghinis and Ferraris will be strictly for the weekend. No need to constantly flaunt my good luck to the commoners. Possibly the one major life change I am looking forward to enjoying
Greg Wallace COMMENTARY more than anything else is that I will never wear a pair of socks more than once. No one from the house of Wallace will ever have to fold socks again. It’s very sad that this is one of my champagne wishes. As far as this newspaper column goes, I’ll probably hire somebody to ghost-write these for me. Maybe Stephen King or J.K. Rowling or possibly even George Lucas will be interested. It seems like they could probably use the work. Even though I’ll be filthy rich, I’ll try to help those who are less fortunate. I’m a simple man. As you can see, my life won’t change all that much. Once I win the lottery I’ll still be putting on my unicorn-skin pants one leg at a time, just like Trump. We’ll practically be twins. And speaking of the lottery, I’m going to have to stop writing now because they’re getting ready to announce the winning numbers. Here we go. The first number is ... ... I guess I’ll talk to you again in a couple of weeks. You can contact Wallace at gregwallaceink7@gmail.com. You can follow him on his blog at http:// gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.
Into the house you’ll limp, cold, tired and damp, and collapse in the chair, back in a cramp. That’s it honey, for the day I’m done, a hot soak in a bath and further work I will shun. Next year must be different, to this you aspire, to find a snow-blower or someone to hire. Then you’ll watch from the window, their work you’ll admire, better to sit comfortably, warm by the fire. BCR Staff Writer Dave Cook can be reached at dcook@bcrnews.com. TO LetterTHE Editor
School choice matters for Illinois’ families To the Editor, When it comes to K-12 education, America’s parents want more choices. In fact, almost two-thirds of parents – 64 percent – say they wish they had more options for their children’s education. In a society where Americans choose practically everything, from the brands of coffee they drink in the morning to the types of cars they drive, it is understandable that parents are demanding more of a say in where they send their children to school. Parents understand that with greater options come better results for their children. Every child is unique, with distinctive interests and learning styles. Moms and Dads know that a school that might work for one student might not be a good fit for another. From Jan. 24-30, millions of Americans will raise awareness about the importance of school choice at an unprecedented 16,140 events – including 882 events in Illinois. These events are planned to coincide with National School Choice Week, the largest celebration of opportunity in education in U.S. history. For families in the Prairie State, National School Choice Week provides a good opportunity to review the different types of education options available to their children. Parents can choose from schools in the public sector – such as traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, or online academies. Parents can also pay to send their children to private schools, or educate their children in the home. Parents who are not happy with their children’s current schools, or would like to explore their options, should use January to consider the alternatives available to them. Families can use National School Choice Week as an opportunity to visit schools, ask lots of questions of teachers and administrators, and talk with other parents to find a school that may be a better fit. Starting the school search process in January, rather than waiting until summer break, means that parents have more options available to them. Of course, some – if not many – parents in Illinois will find that they do not have as many education
First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States, 1789
options as children and families in other states. For these families, National School Choice Week provides an opportunity to stand up and have their voices and opinions heard. Providing greater access to education options in Illinois and across the country is essential, not just for individual families, but for the future prosperity of communities. Research has demonstrated that when parents actively choose the schools their children attend, or choose to educate their children in the home, high school graduation rates increase dramatically. A student with a high school diploma will, over the course of his or her life, earn more than a quarter million dollars more than a student who has dropped out. High school graduates are far less likely to be incarcerated, and are six times more likely to participate in community and civic affairs, than individuals without high school diplomas. In the short term, and over the long haul, school choice pays dividends. Most importantly, though: school choice matters because every child in America has potential. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and together, we must do everything possible to prepare them for success. Andrew R. Campanella, president of National School Choice Week Blue Mountain Beach, Fla.
Are there assets with your name on them? To the Editor, As your state representative, I want to be a resource for people in the 76th District. When I discovered the state of Illinois has $2.1 billion in assets waiting to be claimed, my first priority was making sure my constituents know where to turn to receive any assets that are rightfully theirs. The Illinois State Treasurer’s office has a program known as I-Cash, which puts Illinois residents back in touch with their lost assets, such as unclaimed inactive bank accounts and safety deposit boxes contents. If you come out to my office’s upcoming I-Cash event, you can conveniently check whether any of the $2.1 billion the state possesses on behalf of Illinois residents belongs to you. Staff from the State Treasurer’s office and I will be at Handy Foods at 604 W. Main St. in Ottawa on Friday, Jan. 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. to assist you in searching for and reclaiming assets owed to you. If you can’t come to the event, you can always look up your name at https://icash.illinois.gov/, or give my office a call at 815-664-2717, and we’d be happy to help. Andy Skoog, Illinois state representative Spring Valley
5 Life
Friday, January 22, 2016 • The Tonica News • 5
Community
4-H International Night set for March 10 OGLESBY — 4-H International Night in Illinois Valley Community College’s gym on March 10 will feature intercultural displays of several countries, children’s activities, prizes and samples of international foods and desserts. “Visitors will travel the world without leaving the Illinois Valley,” said co-coordinator Sara Escatel,
IVCC director of adult education. This free, public event, which will run from 6 to 8 p.m., is sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, IVCC, Illinois Valley Hispanic Partnership and Lincoln College-Normal. The event will feature 4-H teams from LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam and Marshall counties presenting dis-
plays on specific countries. Guests will qualify to win raffle prizes by having their “passport” stamped at each country’s booth. For information, call the extension at 815-224-0889. Guests are encouraged to support 4-H Federation’s Community Service Project by bringing a non-perishable/canned food to the event.
Traveling with the Tonica News Photo contributed
Spelling bee winners Lostant School had a spelling bee Friday, Jan. 15. The winner was Jacob Wiesbrock, and the runner-up was Alexis Hawthorne. The county spelling bee is at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Ottawa High School.
Stephen Steinlight will speak Jan. 26 OTTAWA — The LaSalle County Tea Party will welcome Stephen Steinlight, senior policy analyst from the Center for Immigration studies (CIS), as the primary speaker for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at the Pitstick
Pavilion in Ottawa. Attendees will hear an expert presentation on the ramifications of several possible outcomes of our current immigration debate. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
Mark and Sarah Walczynski of rural Tonica are pictured in front of the Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona, Spain. The Sagrada Familia can be considered the culmination of the life work of the famous Catalan artist Antoni Gaudi (1852– 1926). Although construction of the church began in 1882, it is still unfinished. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage site. ••• Take a copy of The Tonica News on your next trip and submit the photo and information to news@tonicanews.com.
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6 Life
6 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 22, 2016
Overy Nathaniel Overy and Emily Znaniecki of Lostant are the parents of a daughter, Cassandra Rae, born Jan. 1 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru. She weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 20 inches in length. Cassandra was the first baby born in 2016 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital.
Whalen Ryne and Kaitlyn (Trumpinski) Whalen of Wenona are the parents of a daughter born Dec. 28 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.
Joiner Michael and Shannon (Lawrence) Joiner of Sandwich are the parents of a daughter, Norah Marie, born Jan. 14 at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva. She weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 20 inches in length. Maternal grandparents are Deb and Frank Lawrence of Lostant. Paternal grandparent is Mikki Joiner of Earlville.
Eighth-grade night in Lostant provides fun family time The Lostant School had an eighth-grade night on Thursday, Jan. 7. The younger girls did a dance cheer with the cheerleading team. It was eighth-grade night
for Jacob Wiesbrock, Ethan Phillips and cheerleader Chelsie Craps. After the basketball game, the basketball team played a game against their dads.
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B GDEALS IVCC announces nursing admission information session OGLESBY — A nursing admission information session will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, in Illinois Valley Community College’s room CTC 124. The session will cover admission requirements and courses students should take before applying to either the associate degree (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. Due to space limitations, students are encouraged to RSVP with Kathy Sramek at 815- 2240439 or email kathy_sramek@ivcc.edu.
Go to putnamcountyrecord.com & tonicanews.com and save!
7 Life/Classifieds
Friday, January 22, 2016 • The Tonica News • 7
IVCC theatre department announces upcoming auditions OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s theatre department announced audition dates for the spring production of “Young Frankenstein The Musical” will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan, 27, and from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the Cultural Centre. In addition to students, community members, staff and faculty are welcome to audition. Those auditioning
should be prepared with a CD of backing tracks for singing auditions, a brief dance audition and character readings from a script. Directed by Don Grant Zellmer, “Young Frankenstein The Musical” requires a large cast of characters. “If you’ve seen the movie, they are all there — Inga, Elizabeth, Frau Blucher (cue the horses), Igor, Victor, The Creature, the Blind Man, The Ber-
germeister, and even a few new characters such as the Village Idiot and Victor’s father,” Zellmer said. The show runs two weekends — April 14-17 and 21-24. Actors interested in the IVCC Improv Team and/or the Handicapped Awareness Program may audition at the 4 p.m. audition time either day. For more information, email Zellmer at don_zellmer@ivcc.edu.
River Valley Players auditions announced HENRY — River Valley Players auditions for the musical comedy “Something’s Afoot” will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at St. John’s Community Center, 1301 Second St. in Henry. In this spoof of classic Agatha Christie detective stories, 10 unfortunate souls are invited for “a marvelous weekend in the country air” at a secluded English estate, but find quite a different scenario when they’re stranded during a thunderstorm. When someone is found murdered, it’s a frantic race against the clock for the guests to escape the strange happening within the mansion. As tensions rise, each guest becomes a suspect. Who will eventually be identified as the devious culprit to the mayhem that lurks in every room? Set in 1935 with a rousing vaudeville-style score, this suspenseful satire is a smashing good time – and far funnier than foul play should be. Audiences just might die laughing. Roles are available for six men and four women (one of the male roles, Dr. Grayburn, may be cast with a female):
• Lettie: The saucy maid. Mezzo Soprano/Alto. • Flint: The caretaker. Tenor. • Clive: The fussy butler. Baritone. • Hope Langdon: The ingénue. Soprano. • Dr. Grayburn: The family doctor. Tenor. • Nigel Rancour: The disreputable black-sheep nephew. Tenor. • Lady Grace Manley-Prowe: The grande dame. Mezzo Soprano. • Colonel Gillweather: The old Army man. Bass. • Miss Tweed: The tweedy, elderly amateur detective. Mezzo Soprano. • Geoffrey: The young uninvited guest. Tenor. Also needed are five to six stage hands to create the magic involving the intricate set and special effects needed for the show. Although the cast is limited to the characters listed, there is opportunity to be involved with making the show come to life. It is only necessary to attend one of the auditions. Newcomers and theatre veterans alike are welcome and encouraged to audition. Prepare 16 to 32 bars
of a musical theatre song that best shows your range. Bring sheet music in your key, as an accompanist will be provided. If you do not have sheet music, a selection of music books of familiar songs will be available for you to use. Be prepared to read from the script and demonstrate simple stage movement. The characters have accents ranging from cockney to upper class British accents. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes that allow freedom of movement. If you are unable to attend the scheduled auditions, contact Charlotte Balensiefen by calling 309-3643563. Copies of the script are available at the Henry Public Library and may be checked out for one week. Scripts must be returned before auditions. Rehearsals will be held at St. John’s Community Theatre and will usually be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring to auditions a list of potential conflicts with scheduled rehearsals. There will be five performances — April 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24.
Menus and Activities Bridges Senior Center Lostant Grade School Breakfast Jan. 25 — Pancakes and syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Jan. 26 — Doughnut, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Jan. 27 — Uncrustable, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Jan. 28 — Danish, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Jan. 29 — French toast and syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Lunch Jan. 25 — Cheeseburger macaroni, peas, mandarin oranges, milk. Jan. 26 — Ham and cheese sandwich, chips, celery and carrots, ranch dressing, clementine, milk. Jan. 27 — Mini corn dogs, french fries sidekick, milk. Jan. 28 — Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn, clementine, milk. Jan. 29 — Tenderloin on bun, tater tots sidekick, milk.
Tonica Grade School Breakfast Jan. 25 — Bagel or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Jan. 26 — Pancake and sausage on a stick or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Jan. 27 — Scrambled eggs or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Jan. 28 — Sausage, egg and cheese tortilla or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Jan. 29 — Cinnamon rolls or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch Jan. 25 — Barbecue beef rib patty, sub bun, steamed broccoli, fruit, baked chips, milk. Jan. 26 — Breakfast for lunch — make your own sandwich: English muffin, sausage patty or ham, cheese slice and egg patty, tri taters, applesauce, yogurt, milk. Jan. 27 — Hot ham, cheese slice, fresh baked roll, baked beans, fruit, cookie, milk. Jan. 28 — Breaded pork patty, bun, carrots, cauliflower, fruit, pudding, milk. Jan. 29 — Cheese bosco stick, marinara cup, romaine lettuce with salad dressing, fruit, graham crackers, milk.
Jan. 25 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. Jan. 26 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10:1511:30 a.m., Eating Smart-Being Active. Jan. 27 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. Jan. 28 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. Jan. 29 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 1 p.m., open Wii bowling. The Bridges Senior Center is a congregate meal site. Meals, provided by Voluntary Action Center, are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for a suggested donation of $3.50. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. For more information, call 815-431-8034.
Putnam County Community Center Jan. 25 — Lasagna with meat sauce, salad with toppings, garlic bread, fruit, yogurt. Jan. 26 — Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn, rolls and butter, mandarin oranges, dessert. Jan. 27 — Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, baby carrots, fruit cocktail, fruit juice, wheat bread. Jan. 28 — Barbecue on bun, baked beans, coleslaw, chips and dip, peaches, dessert. Jan. 29 — Baked ham, sweet potatoes, herb stuffing, California blend vegetables, pineapple chunks. Bread, butter, fruit juice and 2% milk are available with meals. For reservations, call 800-757-4579 24 hours in advance of the day’s meal. The menu is subject to change. Meals are available to senior citizens 60 plus at no cost, but donations are appreciated. The meal program is partly funded by donations, so they have a suggested donation of $5 per meal. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
–––––––– 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
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********** THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of the Tonica News Does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is. Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number. Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by”900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis. The Tonica News Classifieds makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader. If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact: Better Business Bureau 330 North Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 312 832-0500
Flex steel multi-floral couch, $200; antique secretarial desk & walnut table, $250 each. Call 815-339-2141 New Reliance 606 40 gallon LP hot water heater, with power vent. $500. Call 815-643-2342
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!
**************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275
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8 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 22, 2016
FREE
for all items valued under $1,000!
Classified Advertising
E-mail items for sale to: classified@bcrnews.com
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