TON-02-14-2014 by Shaw Media

1 Front Volume 140 No. 51

Friday, February 14, 2014

The Tonica News Out of jail; into the work force By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

OTTAWA — Gov. Pat Quinn announced 31 Illinois counties will receive a total of nearly $7 million to divert non-violent offenders from prison into more effective communitybased services. The investments are through Adult Redeploy Illinois, a proven, successful program aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety. “Community-based programs are more costeffective and produce better results in rehabilitating non-violent offenders,” Quinn said. “Everyone benefits when we can help offenders turn their lives around and become productive members of society without filling up our prisons.” Adult Redeploy Illinois will award 18 grants covering 34 counties, including LaSalle County, where the 13th Judicial Circuit Probation and Court Services will receive $281,263. “What we are targeting is Class 3 and Class 4 felons who would otherwise be sentenced to the Department of Corrections,” said William Pfalzgraf, director of Court Services for LaSalle County. “These people are will be in jail locally, but when it comes time for their sentencing, instead of the Department of Corrections, they’re going to be placed on intensive probation supervision. “What our grant is paying for primarily is two new probation officers, and they will be out in the evenings and weekends checking people. The participants are going to be much heavier supervised,” Pfalzgraf said. “Each person will

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Bullhead’s to take the jump? Former restaurant owner looks at options By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT – There may be good news ahead in Lostant’s financial picture. Long-time popular nightspot Bullhead’s may be re-opening. Former owner Carol Hetrick came before the board expressing an interest in reviving the restaurant and ascertaining the availability of a liquor license. Hetrick also asked if there was any financial assistance available, since the business would be located in the village’s TIF district. Village President Fred Hartenbower said actual financial assistance from the town was

unlikely given its current financial conditions and obligations, but there might be some tax breaks provided by the TIF itself. He said he would contact the TIF managers and get in touch with Hetrick to work on possible solutions. “If nothing else, we should be able to get something through the Small Business Administration,” Hartenbower said. Previously, at its peak, Hetrick said she had 32 people working at the restaurant. Although she is very interested in getting underway, Hetrick was emphatic the restaurant’s reopening is “not in cement.” Harlan “Lucky” Strode also came before the

board, thanking the public works department for cleaning the streets of snow so quickly and well this winter. Strode presented Hartenbower with a donation to the village in gratitude. Hartenbower also praised the department, adding board members Chris Dose and Andy Forrest were also involved in the removal when two separate vehicles broke down on two consecutive days during the latest cleanup. In other business, the board: • Voted to retain Carol Stoens for mowing the Lostant ball diamond. • Set the date for the next open discussion of the village’s continuing water problem along Second Street for Feb. 25. • Officially retired police canine Ory.

Tonica Grade School students honored

Tonica News photos/Dixie Schroeder

Above, Tonica Grade School student Camille Carlson (left) receives a certificate from Superintendent/Principal John Suarez at the Honor Roll Breakfast held Feb. 7. At right, Tonica Grade School seventh-grader Joshua Sensiba (left) and his mother, Nancy Sensiba, visit during the Honor Roll Breakfast. Students had to achieve Honor Roll for both first and second nine weeks to attend the breakfast with a guest.

‘Teaching the right thing’ TGS students rewarded for improvements By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Students at Tonica Grade School were treated to a spectacle on Jan. 31 as a reward for improved behavior. “This is a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) reward; an all school award,” Tonica Grade School Superintendent John Suarez said. “We try to set goals and have something to celebrate. The number of referrals that were written for dis-

cipline, both major and minor, went from 60-something to 30-something. “The idea of PBIS is reward the positive and reteach. It’s not just the negative,” Suarez said. “Kids are not intrinsically motivated like they used to be, and we need to adapt to that. We’re fortunate that we have good kids here that do a lot of the right things. Rather than when kids misbehave, that gets the attention. Why don’t we reward the positive?” Teams of students from each class got the

Inside Seattle Sutton donates $10,000 to IVCC Nursing Program

honor of pushing volunteering teachers on a scooter through a course back and forth across the gym. Students cheered on their classmates and other classes in the race around the pylons. Suarez addressed the students before the races expressing his gratitude for the behavior of the students and reminding them it was their work which made the day possible. “My theory is if a kid needs to learn how to read, we teach him how to read. If a kid needs to learn math, we teach him math. If a kid misbehaves, we need to teach him the right thing,” Suarez said.

New 4-H, Youth Development program coordinators See Page 4

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 14, 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

Contact Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com

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The Tonica News encourages readers to submit news for publication in our paper. Special events, weddings, births, awards and honors, anniversaries, promotions, etc. are welcome items for the paper. Some fees may apply. Schools, businesses, organizations and groups are encouraged to send information on activities and events. If you have attended a function or event and have a photo and/or news, please submit them.

Coaches vs. Cancer 2014 a great success By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

GRANVILLE — The 2014 edition of Coaches vs. Cancer has been a great success according to organizers of the event. Held annually at Putnam County High School, the Coaches vs. Cancer event was changed this year from a one game set to a shoot out style contest with 12 teams playing. The teams were to include Midland Timberwolves, Sherrard Tigers, Dwight Trojans, Marquette Crusaders, Roanoke-Benson Rocks, Newark Norsemen, Prairie Central Hawks, St. Bede Bruins, North Lawndale Phoenix, Illinois Valley Grey Ghosts, Seneca Irish and the Putnam County Panthers. However due to poor weather conditions, the Sherrard bus crashed on the way to the event, so the Putnam County junior varsity squad stepped in to play in their place. No one was seriously hurt in the accident. This year’s committee for obtaining donations for Coaches vs. Cancer included Tonni Wink, Connie Donelson, Pam Biagini, Sonya Taylor, Minnie Miller and Michelle Monier. The ladies crafted gift baskets with the donations which were given away through a raffle system. The winners were pulled during the last game of the evening, and those who were not there could have their baskets delivered to them. The group made money off of admissions and the raffles, and Wink said several of the officials who worked during the 12-team tourney donated their checks to the cause. In Game 1 of the shootout, Midland beat the Putnam County junior varsity squad by a score of 57-32. High scorer for the game was

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

The Panthers’ Evan Kreiser, (33) drives the ball to hand off to Michael Weide during the Coaches vs. Cancer game on Feb. 8. Nick Varvill with 21 points. PC’s Mike Miller led the JV Panthers with 15 points. In an exciting Game 2, Dwight beat Marquette by one point, 61-60. Eddie Hettel of Marquette led all scorers with 21 points. Caleb Boma of Dwight led his team with 19 points. In the third game of the day, Roanoke-Benson had a better showing than the last time they were in the R.M. Germano gym, beating Newark, 58-48. Jack Clausel of Newark led all scorers with 23 points. RoanokeBenson’s Ryan Fehr put in 19 points to lead his team to the win. Prairie Central and St. Bede played a hard fought match, but in the end, Prairie Central pulled

out the win, 50-45. Ed Shafer of Prairie Central poured in 28 points, while Jarret Olson and Jack Brady had 11 each for St. Bede. In the clash of the big schools, IVC (Illinois Valley Chillicothe) beat Chicago North Lawndale 55-41. IVC’s defense was the difference in the game as they didn’t allow any buckets in the fourth quarter for North Lawndale. Ben Rashid poured in 17 for IVC, while Rhivers had 10 points for North Lawndale. The day was completed in the final contest of the Putnam County Panthers and the Seneca Irish. This was the first meeting of the season for the two teams,

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and the Irish won by a score of 56-46. The Irish’ Ross McCormicik made 25 points, while Harold Fay had 17 for the Panthers. According to Coaches vs. Cancer website, (www.cancer.org), “The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches

nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.” Panther Head Coach Josh Nauman is a strong advocate for the Coaches vs. Cancer program. “Coaches vs. Cancer is a national program to try and raise money for the National Cancer Society. Cancer is something that basically affects everybody,” Nauman said. “It is a great cause. We’ve had a Coaches vs. Cancer Night at PC the last three years, but this year we decided to make it a shootout to hopefully raise some more money,” he added.

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3 Obit /Records Friday, February 14, 2014 • The Tonica News • 3

Deadline for real estate deferral is Feb. 28

William Pfalzgraf

Jail/work From Page 1 be examined individually to determine if they’re high-risk for flight. If so, some might qualify for electronic monitoring.” Adult Redeploy Illinois is administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) and provides financial incentives to counties or judicial circuits to create or expand diversion programs that employ evidence-based practices and encourage the successful local supervision of eligible offenders. The results are better outcomes for offenders which improves public safety at a lower cost to taxpayers. Since 2011, Adult Redeploy Illinois sites have diverted more than 1,000 non-violent offenders. In 2012, these sites spent an average of $4,400 per program participant, compared to the annual per capi-

ta incarceration cost of $21,500 in state fiscal year 2011. This represents more than $17 million in potential corrections savings. Locally-designed ARI programs offer offenders a chance to avoid prison by committing to intensive supervision and services, including cognitive behavioral and trauma-informed therapy, and problem-solving drug, mental health and veterans’ courts. Awarded jurisdictions must agree to reduce by 25 percent the number of commitments to the Illinois Department of Corrections from a defined target population of prison-bound, non-violent offenders. To date, all fully implemented Adult Redeploy Illinois sites have met or exceeded their diversion goals. For more information on ICJIA, visit icjia. state.il.us/. For more information on Adult Redeploy Illinois, visit icjia.state. il.us/public/redeploy/.

TVFD responds to roll-over accident TONICA — The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department responded to a one vehicle roll-over accident on Interstate 39 at Mile Marker 48 at 8:48 a.m. Feb. 5. On arrival, the department found a vehicle on its side in the median area. The department responded with an ambulance, rescuepumper and rescue truck. Oglesby was also called for a mutual aid ambulance. Two patients were transported to Illinois Valley Community Hospital. The state police investigated the accident. The department was on the scene for approximately one hour.

ITAC phones are available LASALLE — Free amplified phones are available through the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation program (ITAC). Qualified individuals must be legal residents of Illinois, have a doctor’s or audiologist’s signature verifying hearing loss and have standard phone service in the home. There are no age or income restrictions. An open house is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living, 18 Gunia Drive, LaSalle. To schedule an appointment or to request an application, call 815-224-3126 to test and select a free amplified phone. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. IVCIL is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Hours at Record/Tonica News office in Granville The Putnam County Record/Tonica News office, located at 325 S. McCoy, Granville, is open from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 815-339-2321. Emails should be sent to news@putnamcountyrecord.com or news@tonicanews.com. Those needing assistance before 9 a.m. or after noon, or who have questions, can call the Bureau County Republican in Princeton, 815-875-4461.

OTTAWA — The deadline for filing for the Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral Program is Feb. 28. Senior citizens with household incomes under $55,000 may wish to take advantage of this program from the Illinois Department of Revenue. The program is a state-sponsored program which allows qualified senior citizens to elect to defer all of the property taxes on their personal residences to 80 percent of equity. The maximum deferral each year is limited to $5,000. The deferred property taxes do not become due until the real estate is sold, the owner no longer qualifies or the death of the property owner. Interest is assessed at 6 percent simple-interest on the outstanding balance. Applications can be obtained at the LaSal-

le County Treasurer’s Office. To apply or for more information, call the office at 815-44348219. To qualify for the real estate deferral, the owner must be 65 years of age by June 1, have a household income of no more than $55,000, have lived in the property for at least the last three years, own the property and have no unpaid property taxes and special assessments on the property. Qualifying property is a homestead that you own or are purchasing, is not income-producing and is not subject to a lien for unpaid property taxes and special assessments. The deferral is similar to a loan against the property’s market value. The maximum that can be deferred including interest and lien fees is 80 percent of the taxpayer’s equity in the property. The program must be applied for manually.

Obituaries Oglesby; and David Sauter his in-laws,

TONICA — David “Dave” Joseph Sauter, 48, of Tonica died Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bloomington. Dave was born June 7, 1965, in Peru to Carl and Carol (Walgenbach) Sauter. He married Noelle Bend on March 16, 1990, in Rollo, Ill. Dave graduated from Putnam County High School, Class of 1983. He began farming in high school and made farming his life’s dream. He achieved his goal as owner and operator of his own farming operation. He was a member of the Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau, Illini State Pullers and Hart-ParrOliver Collectors Association. Surviving are his parents, Carl and Carol Sauter of Granville; his wife, Noelle Sauter of Tonica; one son, Michael Sauter of Tonica; one brother, Jim Sauter of

Dave and Carol Bend of Earlville. He was preceded in death by David Sauter his paternal grandparents, Leo and Mabel Sauter; and his maternal grandparents, Arnold and Angela Walgenbach. Services were held Feb. 8 at the Grace United Methodist Church, LaSalle, with the Rev. Brett Todd officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Tonica. Visitation was held Feb. 7 at the church. Pallbearers were Mike Sadnick, Dale Senica, Doug Henkel, David Passini, Luke Holly, John Rancingay and Darrell Corcoran. The Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel, Granville assisted the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to Dave’s family at www.dcfunerals.com.

Tonica Volunteer Fire Department TONICA — The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department named its new line officer positions at its latest meeting. Fire Chief Al Stremlau made the announcement. Assistant Chief Bill Gray will oversee truck maintenance for the year. Captain Todd Anderson is in charge of equipment maintenance. First Lt. Jim Breit will oversee the air packs, while Second Lt. Dan Francisco will oversee building and grounds. Rick Turri will be the fire training officer, and Sue Huss is the emergency medical services administrator. In other action, the board: • Noted donations recently received exceeding $100. The donors included the United Methodist Women, Irma Wright, Bruce Steel, Burdette and Elaine Ford, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Brian Tucker and Ford Farm Products. • Heard from Huss the new EMT class has started in Tonica. Class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 10 p.m. Woody Olson will have the primary teaching responsibilities. • Greeted guests Hannah Billig and Kaitlin Prettyman. They attended the meeting and expressed interest in joining the department. Applications were provided to each of them. • Granted honorary member status to Bob Baer. Baer had sent a letter to the department with his thanks for being able to be a part of the TVFD organization. He was officially resigning his membership. Baer was on the TVFD roster for 50 years. • Received new member applications for Tyler Rice

and Misty Johnson. They will be submitted to the town board for approval and then reviewed by the TVFD. • Heard from Stremlau who said the FEMA, Small Equipment Grant and DNR grants have been submitted. • Discussed the torn hose bed cover on Pumper-1714. Gray was instructed to report on various solutions. The department will also be looking into purchasing a hose testing device. • Received a donation for a grain rescue tube. Al Leffelman will obtain information on the various grain rescue tubes that are available and what is required by Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) 25 technical rescue team standards. • Agreed to purchase a new patient cot for the ambulance. • Learned ID badges/MABAS cards have become required for mutual aid responses, regional disasters, law enforcement and other rescues. The department will begin getting approved cards for all members. • Received an evacuation plan of Tonica Grade School. An updated pipeline safety information and emergency response book has also been received. • Heard a report from Rick Turri the department training covering the four-hour hazardous material awareness refresher and review of TVFD carbon monoxide emergency response guidelines was attended by 20 members. Five members attended hazardous materials refresher classes outside of the Tonica Fire Department during 2013.

Valentine’s Day by the numbers

Flowers 15,307: The total number of florists establishments nationwide in 2011. These businesses employed 66,165 people. $280,357,058: The value of imports for cut flowers and buds for bouquets in 2013 through October. The total value of fresh cut roses as of October 2013

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was $354,703,231. Jewelry 23,394: The estimated number of jewelry stores in the United States in 2011. In February 2013,

these stores sold an estimated $2.8 billion in merchandise. ‘Please be mine’ 29.0 and 26.6 years: Median age at first mar-

riage in 2013 for men and women, respectively. 52.7 percent: The overall percentage of people 15 and older who reported being married.

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4 Biz Ag 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 14, 2014

Brooker, Fusinatto named 4-H, Youth Development Program coordinators Sue Brooker and Toni Fusinatto are the new 4-H and Youth Development Program coordinators for the University of Illinois Extension in Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties. Brooker will work in the Bureau County Extension office located in Princeton. Fusinatto will work in the LaSalle County office located in Ottawa. The 4-H and Youth Development Program coordinators work to provide program support and volunteer oversight to the 4-H program in their respective counties. Brooker is excited to begin her work in the 4-H program. She said, “4-H is a wonderful opportunity for the children in our communities to have a sense of belonging, increase independence, learn to value and practice providing service to others and engage in learning activities. The 4-H program has a wide range of projects and SPIN Clubs (special interest clubs) that I am excited to promote. I look forward to working with all the youth, families and volunteers in Bureau County to make a great program

Sue Brooker and Toni Fusinatto even stronger.” Fusinatto is looking forward to sharing her skills with the 4-H program. She said, “Having more than 10 years experience in youth development programs, I am excited to expand the educational and innovative 4-H programs to reach youth who have not had opportunity to experience such positive programs. More than ever, our youth are in need of programs that provide the

life skills necessary to build a sense of belonging, a level of independence and opportunity to see oneself as an active participant of their community presently and in the future while valuing the practice of serving others.” To join a 4-H program near you, visit your local University of Illinois Extension office at 1689 N. 31st Road, Ottawa or by calling 815433-0707.

Liberty Village of Peru expands

Photo contributed

Seattle Sutton donates to IVCC Seattle Sutton of Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating recently made a $10,000 donation to Illinois Valley Community College’s nursing program for instructional equipment. Sutton visited IVCC to tour nursing facilities and the new Peter Miller Community Technology Center. Pictured from left to right are Dean of Health Professions Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Sue Isermann, Sutton, nursing instructors Ann Bruch, Jennifer Savoia, Laura Hodgson, Linda Hanley, special projects assistant to the president Reed Wilson, nursing instructor Deb Pumo, Vice President for Learning and Student Development Lori Scroggs and President Jerry Corcoran. “When Seattle began her business many years ago, she had assistance from our Small Business Development Center. It is remarkable what she has gone on to accomplish across the Midwest,” said Corcoran. “Seattle is as passionate about nursing, a profession she once worked in, as she is about healthy eating. Her generosity will enhance an already strong program.”

PERU — Liberty Village of Peru is now opening an adult day service. “The Retreat” is a solution for those seniors seeking a caring, safe and stimulating environment to spend their day. Services provided will include, but are not limited to two meals a day along with an afternoon snack, socialization, mental stimulation, medication supervision and personal care. Initial hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The program will operate in the Hawthorne Assisted Living Building, 1101 31st St. For more information or to tour Liberty Village Retirement Campus, call 815-224-2200, option 2, or visit their website at www.libertyvillageofperu. com.

Free pancakes served at IHOP restaurants National Pancake Day is March 4 International House of Pancakes (IHOP) restaurants will again serve up free short stacks of its buttermilk pancakes on National Pancake Day, which will be March 4. More than $13 million has been raised in the United States in the last eight years for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Shriners Hospitals for Children and other local charities this year. More than 1,500 IHOP

restaurants in the United States, including, for the first time, Canada and Puerto Rico, will be participating in National Pancake Day, when millions of free pancakes will be served from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In exchange for the free short stacks, customers are encouraged to leave a voluntary donation in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Shriners Hospitals for Children and other local charities. “Our guests, our franchisees, their team members, and all of us at IHOP look forward to National Pancake Day every year. Knowing

that every free stack of buttermilk pancakes has the potential to improve the lives of the children in their own community makes serving them and eating them even more enjoyable than usual,” said Julia Stewart, interim president, International House of Pancakes LLC and CEO of the parent company, DineEquity Inc. “I’m especially proud that what started as a grassroots effort in a few IHOP markets nine years ago has now grown into a significant and truly international event.” Beginning Feb. 1 through National Pan-

cake Day on March 4, participating IHOP locations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico will also sell “Miracle Balloons” for $1 and $5 each to benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Customers who purchase a $5 Miracle Balloon will receive a $5 off coupon that can be used during their next dining visit. For more information on National Pancake Day or to learn more about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and make a donation, please visit www.ihoppancakeday. com.

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5 Perspective Friday, February 14, 2014 • The Tonica News • 5

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

I think so ... For years I’ve wanted to write the perfect column of love for Valentine’s Day. After all, any good writer should be able to convey the meaning of love to his/her readers. But it’s not so easy, my friends. I’ve been thinking about this Valentine’s Day column for a several weeks now, and I don’t mind telling you my mind has gone in so many different directions — which translates to a jumble of words in my head that don’t add up to much. But here’s what’s interesting ... As I’ve contemplated this column on love, many of the thoughts I had kept repeating themselves, and ironically enough, those returning thoughts nearly all brought tears to my eyes. Could those be the words that add up to Terri love? Since they kept returning to me, Simon I guess those thoughts are meant to be shared. It’s the best I have ... • My childhood and long-time friend, Cathy, lives in Nashville, Tenn. The last time I was there, it was time for me to leave, and the tears immediately began to roll down my cheeks, knowing it would be way too long before we would be together again. We parted, and for me, I was left with a handful of wonderful memories and the sadness of how long I knew it would be before we could spend time together again. Love? I think so. • It was many years ago when the angels closed my grandparents’ eyes. Once as a young teenager and again as a young adult, I remember the last time I saw them — peaceful, hands crossed on their chests, silent. Today when I reflect on those two days as well as their lives in general, the knot automatically forms in my throat, and the tears teeter on my eyelids. I think about the time we had together and yearn for just one more day. My heart aches for what they didn’t have, and it rejoices for all they gave me. Love? I think so. • The days my much younger family members were born — Jeff, Kim, Rebekah, Aaron and Kaitlynn — will always remain some of my favorite memories. I remember each day with clarity — the first time I saw their precious faces; the first time I held each of them; the way they smelled; the way they each instinctively grabbed my finger, holding on to someone who would cherish them forever. Love? I think so. • I remember a day a few years ago when my mom’s doctor told me about the serious surgery she was about to undergo. He cautioned me she may not survive. I’ll never forget the moment, as I stared at him blankly and then had to re-enter my mom’s hospital room and pretend like nothing was wrong. Fortunately, everything turned out OK, but that day, the doctor’s words and the fear will forever live in my memory. Love? I think so. • I’ve had quite a few pets in my life. Without exception, my animals have all been a huge part of my life. I can remember the days I brought each pet home, the days they took their last breath and everything in between. Love? I think so. • My uncle was more like a brother to me. We spent countless years on the farm together, he and I. Greg was just 8 years older than me — young enough to understand me and old enough to look up to. When his untimely death occurred, a piece of each of my family members died too, knowing we would never be the same again. Love? I think so. • A dear friend was told by a local doctor she might have cancer. After three long weeks of terror, the specialist delivered a “No cancer” diagnosis. We both cried in relief. Love? I think so. When I think of love, the aforementioned items come to me repeatedly. Without exception, my eyes well up, and my heart does flipflops. I didn’t go looking for any of those scenarios. They all came to me. So do those things define love? I think so ... No, I’m absolutely sure of it. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.

On the street “It might hurt him, but I don’t think it should. Just the way others may look at it may be bad. He should be picked on for his ability to play football.” Zach Brice, Tonica

Michael Sam, who is a strong candidate for the NFL from the University of Missouri, has come out as a gay American. Will this hurt his chances of being drafted in the NFL? “I think some of the teams will shy away from it because they don’t want the extra publicity. But I believe it should be on his ability, definitely not on sexual orientation.” Jim Breit, Tonica

“I would hope not. But I don’t follow sports a lot. I have a husband who follows sports. I would hope that we have gotten that far, but I am afraid we aren’t.” Lois Peterson, McNabb

“I honestly don’t know. It’s hard to say. It shouldn’t affect his chances, if he is a good player.” Ryan Kreiser, Lostant

“That is up to the owners of the teams and the coaches themselves. He (Sam) has the right to do whatever he wants. Nobody should be infringing on it. You see his play on the field; he was second team All American and first team All SCC. His play was great, and that shouldn’t be affecting anything in the NFL.” Alec McCleary, Tonica

Failure IS an option We are setting up the next generation for failure. There’s little question in my mind about this; the generation after the “millennials” (and many of them, too) has little hope of success unless we stop fooling ourselves. The next generation will fail because we have taught them they can’t fail. I remember when I was in school. If we lost a basketball game (yes, I played in grade school), Coach Crail was going to let us know we lost it in no uncertain terms. There was no mollycoddling, no two ways about it. If it was an away game, the journey back to school was a quiet fearfilled ride. The starters in sports got letters to put on their jackets. They were considered the best in the school — whether they actually were or not. I never got a letter. I got bench splinters. My height and build kind of kept me from being much of an athlete. Nowadays, kids often don’t get a trophy for winning; they get one for participating. “Congratulations, Johnny. You participated in the class spelling bee.”

Ken Schroeder COMMENTARY It doesn’t matter Johnny was the first kid eliminated because he couldn’t spell “bee.” He’s going to get the same award as Susie who won the spelling bee by spelling “antidisestablishmentarianism” (which is a real word, but that’s for history class). We’re not doing Johnny or Susie any favors by not telling them about losing. Johnny is being taught that being close, or even nowhere near close is good enough to get the job done. Susie is being taught that being the best doesn’t get you any farther than anyone else, so why bother? So, after high school, Johnny and Susie apply for the same job. Which one will get it? Neither. Grady may be 15 years older, but he still knows that work and learning are necessary to get ahead in the world. Grady is a winner. Susie and Johnny? Not so much. Another reason the new generation is going to have a tough time? Discipline. Not just determination

because many of them will have that. I mean the big D, discipline, where your less-than-moral actions bear consequences. I’m sure more than a few of the people my age knew what it meant when Dad said, “Go cut me a switch.” When I was a young boy, I was usually crying my eyes out before I ever got the switch back to him. The board of education? I can say I met the board a few times. Now a parent can be turned in and arrested for child abuse for doing the same thing, and the young adults of the day don’t seem to have the same values we do. It doesn’t stop there, either. At boot camp in the military, getting yelled at by a commanding officer is expected. Or at least it used to be. More than one recent enlisted serviceman has told me he was issued a crybaby card. If a recruit feels like he’s been yelled at too much, he can present the card to the oppressor and be on his merry way. I’m pretty sure my boss wouldn’t accept that, and I’m really sure the Taliban won’t honor it either. Ken Schroeder can be reached at news@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.

6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 14, 2014

Community LaSalle County Sheriff offers scholarship OTTAWA — The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association will award more than $53,000 in college scholarships throughout the state of Illinois to students wishing to pursue higher education during the 2014-2015 academic year. The scholarships are to be applied to tuition, books and fees only. The students must be enrolled full-time at a certified institution of higher learning within the state of Illinois. LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton will be awarding one scholarship in the amount of $500. There will be no restriction on any applicant by reason of race, age, creed, color, sex or national origin. The only limitations are applicants must be permanent Illinois resi-

dents, scholarships must be utilized at institutions of higher learning within the state of Illinois and students must be enrolled as a full-time student during the 2013-2014 school year (excluding summer session). Applications are now available at the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office or on the Internet at www. ilsheriff.org. Students must complete the application; answer the essay question and return all documentation to the sheriff’s office in their permanent county of residence by March 15 (must be postmarked by this date). For more information, contact the local sheriff’s office, high school advising center or college financial aid office.

IV Dolphins swim to first place By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

PERU — The Illinois Valley YMCA Dolphins played host to three other teams in a meet with the Ottawa YMCA Dolphins, the Kewanee YMCA and the Freeport YMCA Bluefins on Feb. 8. The IV Dolphins continued their winning ways coming

out on top in first place with a combined score of 626 points. Ottawa took second with 349 points while Kewanee came up in third place with 201 points. Freeport filled out the ranks with 79 points. Americus Berg, 9, of Wenona, placed sixth in the 50 yard breaststroke (1:22.74).

incomprehensible nonsense, as well as a bit of the science involved in some of the processes. Family Reading Nights are a partnership between District 122 LaSalle Schools and the LaSalle Public Library. This program is free and open to the public, but registration is required by Feb. 17. The LaSalle Public Library is located at 305 Marquette, LaSalle. For more information or to register, call the library at 815-223-2341.

••• Items for the Community section can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com. Visit us online at www.tonicanews.com.

Tonica Baseball and Softball Association

the 100 yard backstroke (1:15.75). Smith qualified for districts with a first place win in the 50 year butterfly (35.01). Smith’s 200 medley team also qualified for state with a first-place finish (2:18.47). The next meet for the Illinois Valley Dolphins will be at home versus Dixon on Feb. 15.

PC/Hall wrestling co-op ends season The season has ended for the 2013-14 edition of the PC/Hall wrestling co-op squad. At left, PC/Hall’s Ben Garland wrestles an opponent at the IHSA regional tournament held at LaSalle-Peru High School on Feb. 8. Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

LaSalle Library will host program Feb. 20 LASALLE — Historians, who have studied the art and science of cryptology, have documented that secret messages have been used for nearly 4,000 years to communicate private information. At 6 p.m. Feb. 20 learn more about this interesting subject and tips for sending secret messages at the February Family Reading Night. Learn a bit about techniques that change understandable communication to

Brother Xavier Berg, 8, assisted his team in its fifth-place finish in the 100 freestyle medley (2:25.21). Cody Smith, 12, of Wenona, brought home some points for his team, qualifying for state with a third place finish (2:22.68) in the 200 yard freestyle and a second place finish in

Library Corner LaSalle — Feb. 18 and 25 — 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. Family Reading Night will be hosted by the LaSalle Public Library at 6 p.m. Feb. 20. The theme will be codes and ciphers for family fun. Tail-Waggers an opportunity to read with therapy dogs will be hosted at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 and at 4 p.m. Feb. 11. Bring your favorite

adult and book to read with the therapy dog. Lostant — Feb. 18 and 25— 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.

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RegiSTRATion DATeS Wednesday 2/12/14 6 pm - 8 pm Saturday 2/15/14 10 am - 12 pm Saturday 2/22/14 10 am - 12 pm Wednesday 2/26/14 6 pm - 8 pm All registration dates are at the Tonica Village Hall $45.00 per player ($120.00 cap per family) ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ONLY www.eteamz.com/bicountybaseballandsoftball/ Online Registration powered by www.Active.com

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The Tonica News

7 Life/Classifieds Friday, February 14, 2014 • The Tonica News • 7

Evelyn Clark notes 98th birthday

School Menus and Events cereal, yogurt or Lostant Grade School cakes, toast, fruit, juice, milk.

Breakfast Feb. 18 — Donuts, cereal, milk, yogurt, juice. Feb. 19 — French toast, cereal, milk, yogurt, juice. Feb. 20 — Pigs in a blanket, cereal, milk, yogurt, juice. Feb. 21 — Breakfast pizza, cereal, milk, yogurt, juice. Lunch Feb. 18 — Hot dogs, chips, baked beans, peach cobbler, milk. Feb. 19 — Chili, crackers, corn, pears, milk. Feb. 20 — Taco in bag, corn, rice, pineapple, milk. Feb. 21 — Pizza, lettuce salad, carrots, mandarin oranges, milk. Events Feb. 17 — No school. Feb. 18 — 6 p.m., volleyball. Feb. 19 — 6:45 p.m., school board meeting.

Tonica Grade School Breakfast Feb. 17 — Cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Feb. 18 — Breakfast sausage pizza, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Feb. 19 — Scrambled eggs, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Feb. 20 — Mini pan-

Feb. 21 — Mini cinnamon rolls, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch Feb. 17 — Make your own sandwich — ham, turkey, cheese slice, bread or peanut butter and jelly, peaches, Chex Mix, milk. Feb. 18 — Breaded chicken patty, bun, corn, pears, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pickles, milk. Feb. 19 — Chicken wrap (pita/chicken breast) shredded lettuce, grapes, cheese cup, sour creams, salsa, salad dressings, white or chocolate milk. Feb. 20 — Hot dog on bun, baked beans, apple sauce, pretzels, ketchup, mustard, Ranch, milk. Feb. 21 — Cheese or sausage pizza, corn, Romaine lettuce, banana, chocolate sauce, salad dressings, white or chocolate milk. Events Feb. 17 — School in session, (snow make up day). Feb. 18 — 4 p.m., Scholastic Bowl at Flanagan, bus leaves 3 p.m. Feb. 20 — Chorus at LPHS, bus leaves at 8:20 a.m./returns 12:30 p.m. Feb. 21 — Middle School Science Fair. Feb. 22 — Volleyball conference shootout at Marseilles.

PCCC Menus Feb. 17 — Closed. Feb. 18 — Barbecue rib patty, baked beans, sliced carrots, fresh apple, bun. Feb. 19 — Stuffed green peppers, sliced zucchini, tropical fruit, fruit juice, cherry chip cake, wheat bread. Feb. 20 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, Italian blend vegetables, romaine salad with dressing, diced peaches, Italian bread. Feb. 21 — Lemon pepper tilapia filet with tarter sauce, au gratin potatoes, lima beans, fruit cocktail, wheat bread. To make a lunch reservation, call the Putnam County Community Center at 815-339-2711 or 800757-4579 by noon the day before. Menus are subject to change. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Suggested donation is $3.

Evelyn (Strode) Clark of Lostant celebrated her 98th birthday on Jan. 18. She was born Jan. 18, 1916, in Magnolia to Elzie and Bertha Strode. She is married to Floyd Clark and has a daughter, Marian (Shawback) Sturgeon of Cleveland, Ohio, and a son Eugene Richard of Phoenix, Ariz., and three stepsons, Tom, Dave and Al Clark. She also has four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grand-

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.

TONICA — Tonica Grade School has released the names of students included on the high honor roll and honor roll for the first semester of the 201314 school year. They include: High Honor Roll Sixth grade – Camille Carson, Carly Christman, Faith Dauber, Logan Johnson, Rene Lamboley, Erin Leschewski, Hailey Mulligan, Becky Schmidt, Jarrett Skinner, Bryan Stillwell and Anthony Tsikretsis. Seventh grade – Emily Anderson, Janelle Bernardoni, Matthew Carmean, Corey Ellis, Tony Galindo, Aiden Greenwalt, Sam Obermiller, Cade Ploch, Joshua Sen-

CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm

OTTAWA — The Illinois Valley Beekeepers Association will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14 at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Ottawa. The program will be

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siba, Hayley Soria, Owen Wolfe and Patrick Zimbelman. Eighth grade – Angela Bernardoni, Madison Freeman, Justin Greenwalt, David Hillyer, Matthew Huska, Angela Huss, Taylor Kennedy, Michael Lock, Tyler Marcinkus, Lindsey Rimes, Adia Sherbeyn, Nakieta Urban, Mikayla Whipple and Kendall Yeruski. Honor Roll Sixth grade – Franci Just and Nathan Zimbelman. Seventh grade – Sheridan Blauvlet and Danille Hoehne. Eighth grade – Isabel Bangert, Jesse Breit, Nick Foltynewicz, Mary Claire Just, Hailey Maurice and Grace Rutgens.

Beekeepers meeting set for Feb. 14

- 200 Employment

WANTED Village of Tonica is seeking a part-time, yearround METER READER for the water meter billing department. Applicants should be flexible and have knowledge of Tonica. To apply send an email to: village01@tonicacom.net to request an application. Equal Opportunity Employer

daughter, Lola; one sister, Esther Linder of Bloomington; and one brother, Harlan Strode of Evelyn Clark Lostant. Evelyn has many hobbies, including crocheting, oil painting and church organist at the Richland Methodist Church for 70 years. She also operated her own beauty shop in Lostant for 40 years.

Tonica Grade School releases honor rolls

––– Classifieds ––– General Terms and Policies

IVCC Notes Fall 2013 graduates

for new and established beekeepers. Topics to be discussed are when and how to order equipment, the hives, the bees, how to care for hives in the winter and plan for spring, summer and fall.

OGLESBY — A total of 266 students graduated after the fall 2013 semester at Illinois Valley Community College. Graduates and their degrees or certificates include: Lostant: Kelsey Casolari, CNA. Tonica: Leann Love, Phlebotomy.

Academic Honors OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College has released its 2013 fall semester academic honors list. Students who earned a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.74 in six or more semester hours were included on the list. Area students include: Lostant: Megan Fitzgerald, Mary Hartenbower, Amelia Lindstrom, William Manley and Justin Rubley. Tonica: Stephen Ebener, Noah Gillespie, Andrea Heinz, Leann Love, Ryan Salz and Aaron Walgenbach.

Presidential honors OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College has announced its 2013 fall semester presidential honors list. Students included on the list earned a grade point average of 3.75 to 4.0 in 12 or more semester hours. Area students included on the list were Chelsea Berg and Kelsey Casolari, both of Lostant.

February events at Starved Rock UTICA – Several events are happening at Starved Rock this month. Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center at Starved Rock State Park in Utica offers guided winter hikes every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Guided winter hikes are 4 1/2-mile guided hikes that 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 beautiful views into several canyons as well as the adventure of the bluff and river trails. Guided winter hikes are classi-

fied as strenuous. For more information or to book your reservation, call 815-220-7386. During February, take a Bald Eagle Trolley Tour at Starved Rock Lodge and see the bald eagles that winter at Starved Rock State Park. This informative 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.

999 • Legal Notices

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LaSALLE COUNTY ESTATE OF ) EDWARD V. WHITNEY, ) DECEASED. ) NO. 14 – P – 5 CLAIMS NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Edward V. Whitney, of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, on December 26, 2013 at Ottawa, Illinois. The decedent died leaving a Will dated April 7, 2009, filed with the Court, and admitted to probate in the Estate proceeding in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Illinois, Probate Division on date of January 16, 2014. Letters of Office as Independent Executor were issued to Charles E. Whitney, 1809 Walnut St., Ottawa, Illinois, on January 16, 2014, whose attorneys are the Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, 110 E. Main St., Ottawa, IL 61350. Notice of the above is further given to Unknown Heirs, and persons whose names and addresses are unknown in said proceeding, with their names not stated in the Petition to Issue Letters Testamentary. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative or both within six months from the date of first publication of this Notice. If claim notice is personally mailed or delivered to a credi-

tor of the estate, then the claim must be filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later. Any claims not filed within these periods are barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and Attorney within ten days of filing. Published in the Tonica News Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and 14, 2014.

LEGAL NOTICES The Tonica News Classified brings you the legal information you have a right to know. Check out each publication for information and stay informed!

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8 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 14, 2014