TON-03-01-2013

1 Front Volume 140 No. 1

Friday, March 1, 2013

The Tonica News

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An ‘A’ for academic excellence Tonica hits the mark for four consecutive years

By Barb Kromphardt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Excellent ... for four years in a row.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Northern Illinois University announced last month that 454 schools made the Illinois Honor Roll

for their continued academic progress or excellence.

“These Honor Roll schools once again show us that rigorous standards, great instruction and lots of hard work improve student performance,” said State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico.

“Behind each school’s success is an untold story of extraordinary passion and dedication on behalf of administrators, teachers, parents and students. We commend each school and hope local community members will also celebrate their local schools’ success.”

For elementary and middle schools to achieve the Academic Excellence Award, at least 90 percent of the students met or exceeded state standards in both reading and mathematics for at least three consecutive years.

Once again, the Tonica Grade School has received the Academic Excellence Award for sustaining very high aca-

demic performance. It is the fourth consecutive year the district has earned this distinction.

The district also received the Academic Improvement Award in 2007.

In 2012, 94 percent of Tonica’s students met or exceeded state standards on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test.

In 2007, Tonica first reached the 90 percent

mark, up three percentage points from the year before. It has met or exceeded that mark every year since then, hitting a peak of 96 percent in 2011.

Superintendent John Suarez said the credit for the continued high scores can be given to several factors.

See Excellence Page 2

Photo contributed

Kyle Christman and Rachel Huska display the plaques they received as the winners of the John Ourth Student Recognition Award from the Starved Rock Regional Illinois Principals Association last week at the recognition breakfast held at Streator High School.

Christman, Huska honored by Illinois Principals Association

By Elin Arnold news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Two students from Tonica Grade School, Kyle Christman and Rachel Huska, were honored Feb. 21 at the John Ourth Student Recognition Breakfast held at Streator High School. The purpose of the breakfast is to honor students from each school’s exiting grade.

“The selection process was done by the junior high teachers and myself,” John Suarez, principal/ superintendent of TGS said. “We were looking at not just grades, but involvement in the community, their school, and leadership in and out of the school, so this was not an easy process.”

Christman is the son of Dion and Carrie Christman and Huska is the daughter of Steve and Colleen Huska. Each was presented a plaque from the Illinois Principal’s Association.

“The goal of Mr. Ourth was to bring people together and cultivate leadership and advancement in our youth,” Suarez said. “We felt that the selection of Kyle Christman and Rachel Huska represent the beliefs of the award.”

See Honors Page 2

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

Eighth-graders Noah Rimes (left) and Kyle Christman explain their science project to younger Tonica students during Tonica Grade School’s Science Fair on Feb. 22. Rimes and Christman examined the benefits of heart guards for catchers in baseball.

Tonica Grade School holds Science Fair

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA – The gymnasium at Tonica Grade School was filled with inquiring young minds Feb. 22 during the TGS Science Fair. Eighthgrade science students were on hand to explain their experiments to the younger students as they browsed through the exhibits.

“They’ve really done a good job this year,” said Ashley Hopps, sci-

Inside

Vol. 140 No. 1 One Section - 8 Pages

Regional champs See Page 2 © The Tonica News

ence teacher at TGS. “It’s great to see them, especially when they base their project on something they like.”

Several science categories were represented, including astronomy, botany, physics and microbiotics; and projects ranging from the study of the viscosity of fluids to the difference in distance between objects thrown from a catapult or a trebuchet.

“They’ve worked really hard on

New face See Page 3

this,” Hopps said. “Many of the microbiotic projects were done out in the IVCC science labs. It’s nice to see the whole community help with these projects.”

The students who qualified for the Regional Science Fair at NIU in DeKalb on March 23 were Angela Huss, Lindsey Rimes, Tyler Marcinkus, Angela Bernardoni, Taylor Johnson, Hailey Maurice, Lexi Verda, Janelle Foltynewicz, Amy Lund, Adia Sherbyn and Avery Beasley.

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 1, 2013

Seeking Sources The Tonica News welcomes your story ideas and news tips. Call 815442-8419 or email us at news@tonicanews.com.

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Lostant players help take Panthers to regional championship said Garland. “It’s the first time Putnam County has held it, so it should be interesting.”

“We’re drilling harder now, especially those of us who don’t play as often because the harder we play on defense, the better we’re making our starters,” said Allison.

“Coach Naumann likes defense, especially the full court press,” said Miller.

“That defense is only going to get better next year because this is the first we’ve tried it,” said Salz. “They’re going to continue it, and the JV has been drilling it; so it’s gonna get better.”

Miller and Salz will graduate this year and continue on to college, while Kreiser, Garland and Allison will return next year for another shot at glory on the Putnam County court.

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

GRANVILLE – The Putnam County Panthers took top honors at the Henry-Senachwine Regionals tournament after defeating the Ottawa Marquette Crusaders 50-39 on Feb. 22. Among the players are former Lostant Comets, seniors Dusty Miller and Ryan Salz and juniors Evan Kreiser, Sam Garland and Wes Allison.

“It feels nice because our eighth-grade year, me, Evan and Sam were there, we made it to the regional championship, and we ended up losing,” said Allison. “It was tough, so it’s kind of cool.

Most of us watched Carlton Fay and Martin Warren win one. We thought ‘It’d be nice to win a regional championship.’”

“That was our first

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

goal, to win regionals, but we’re not done yet,” said Kreiser. “A lot of the pressure is off now, so it’s not as bad.”

Salz noted Lostant’s run happened the year

after he and Miller graduated, so this means a lot to them.

Now that regionals are out of the way, the team is looking forward to the sectional tournament,

which will be played in Putnam County’s R.M. Germano Gymnasium, a floor where the Panthers are undefeated this year.

“It’ll be real exciting that it’s on home court,”

CSI in the classroom

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

MCNABB – LaSalle County State’s Attorney Brian Towne went to Putnam County Junior High School on Feb. 21.

He was there to speak to eighth-grade students who recently finished a chapter on crime scene investigation in science class to explain how the science is applied to prosecution.

“There’s a huge difference in what we see

Excellence From Page 1 “I think that we are fortunate that we have great students and great teachers,” he said.

“Because the only thing

Honors From Page 1 Each year the Starved Rock Illinois Principals Association dedicates its Student Recognition Breakfast in the memory of Ourth. Ourth helped the Starved Rock Region of the Illinois Principal’s Association begin this annual student recognition. He believed this event would bring together principals, students and their families for positive recognition.

Ourth unexpectedly died in 2007. He will

on TV and what we see in real life,” Towne said. “On ‘CSI’ or ‘Law and Order,’ everything is wrapped up in nice, 40-minute episodes, but it really doesn’t work that way. Processing that kind of evidence can take months and months before you get results.”

Towne said in the case of a non-injury robbery or a crime without a suspect, the Illinois State Crime Lab will treat evidence as a lesser-priority than a murder with

a probable suspect. In such cases, it can take 18 months or more if the lab will even accept the evidence. Sometimes, the court has to approach a private lab for evidence examination, but those services can cost thousands of dollars.

Because of the number of TV programs that focus on crime scene investigation, Towne said people are misinformed about how the technique works due to the expectations the shows create, which

affects his job as a prosecutor.

According to a recent poll of jurors, 46 percent of jurors expected some sort of scientific evidence before they could return

a guilty verdict.

“In reality, very few crimes depend on DNA or fingerprints,” Towne said. “More often than not, there is no forensic evidence to use.”

that really impacts student achievement is great teaching.”

Suarez also called his school the “best school in this area.” He praised the district parents for their support of the

school’s efforts.

The state’s annual recognition program is based on the previous spring’s state standardized tests and demographic information.

Northern Illinois Univer-

sity works with the ISBE to establish criteria, identify winners of the awards and administer the Honor Roll. This Academic Excellence Award recognizes 454 schools that have sustained very

high academic performance over at least a three-year period.

A complete listing of the 2012 Illinois Honor Roll Schools can be found online at http:// www.ilhonorroll.niu.edu

be remembered for his commitment to causes, be it the IPA or the National Association for Elementary School Principals. Under Ourth’s leadership, both organizations grew into pre-

mier professional organizations offering services to members and many opportunities for professional growth. He lived his life to the full measurement of commitment, compassion

and love for his students and their families.

According to the program at the breakfast, “John would be proud of each and every one of you. Use your leadership skills and fine

character traits as you journey through life to make a difference in the world. For those who were privileged enough to know John Ourth, we know he made a difference!“

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3 Obit Records Friday, March 1, 2013 • The Tonica News • 3

Obituary Lucille ‘Sally’ Pletsch MCNABB — Lucile “Sally” Marie Pletsch, 95, of McNabb passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at Heartland Healthcare Center in Henry.

Sally was born June 1, 1917, in Jewel, Iowa to Harold and Ethel (McCord) Fay. She married Robert L. Pletsch on Oct. Sally Pletsch 14, 1939.

She graduated in 1932 from Hopkins High School in Granville. She was a waitress and cook at Swains Restaurant in McNabb and a life-long Putnam County resident. Sally was also an avid golfer and a member of Edgewood Golf Course.

Sally was a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church and Emmaus Lutheran Church Ladies Aide. She served on the McNabb City Council from 1990 to 2011 and the McNabb Park Board from 1990 to 2011. She was a McBabba charter member, an election judge for Putnam County, a longtime volunteer for the Putnam County Historical Society, and was also a member of the Illinois Valley Quilting Guild and Covered Bridge Quilting Guild. On May 9, 1999, Sally received a life-time membership in the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging Gallery of Ageless Achievers.

Survivors include one son, Lloyd (Karen) Pletsch of Rock Falls; five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sonsin-laws, Ben Day and Denny Chambers; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert L. Pletsch; two daughters, Patricia Day and Judith Chambers; and two brothers, Earl Fay and Carlton Fay. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. March 1 at Emmaus Lutheran Church, McNabb, with the Rev. Ann Ziegert officiating. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery, McNabb.

Visitation was held Feb. 28 at the Dysart–Cofoid Funeral Chapel, Granville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Emmaus Lutheran Church in McNabb.

Pallbearers will be Tony Day, Bill Day, A.J. Chambers, Christopher McQuillan, Benjamin Day and Ryan Day. Honorary pallbearer will be Jennifer Ibarra.

Two new driving laws headed to Illinois House SPRINGFIELD – Two traffic safety legislative measures proposed

by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White were approved unanimously by the House Transportation Vehicles and Safety Committee and now proceed to the full House for its consideration.

The first measure, House Bill 1009, seeks to prohibit the issuance of a graduated driver’s license (GDL) to a driver under 18 that has an unresolved traffic citation. The legislation – named Kelsey’s Law in honor of Kelsey Little – also allows White’s office to cancel a GDL if it is determined that at the time of issuance the minor had a traffic citation for which a disposition had not been rendered. Under current law, a GDL applicant is not required to report any pending traffic citations.

“One of my top priorities as Secretary of State has been to continually strengthen our state’s heralded GDL program,” said White. “Since we implemented one of the nation’s most comprehensive GDL laws in the nation in 2008, teen driving fatalities have dropped by 50 percent.”

House Bill 1009 is named in honor of 15-year-old Kelsey Little, who in 2011 was seriously injured in an automobile crash by a young driver operating on a learner’s permit.

The driver was issued a traffic citation for the incident, of which the Secretary of State’s office was unaware due to the lack of a reporting requirement. Three days later, the teen driver applied for and was issued a driver’s license.

The second measure, House Bill 1010, seeks to prohibit the issuance of court supervision for drivers involved in fatal crashes. The legislation – named Patricia’s Law in honor of Patricia McNamara who was killed in an automobile crash in which the driver received court supervision – will ensure that drivers involved in fatal crashes are ineligible for court supervision.

House Bill 1010 originates from White’s Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety, which unanimously supported the measure at a meeting last September. Under current law, drivers involved in fatal crashes may seek and obtain court supervision.

Tonica News photo/Elin Arnold

Chris Paden, new vice president of operations at Illini State Bank in Tonica, helps customer and long-time retired teller at the facility, Elouise Long, with her banking business. Chris joined the team in Tonica on Feb. 1.

A new face at Illini State Bank

By Elin Arnold news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Chris Paden has just started at Illini State Bank in Tonica.

“We are glad to have him,” said Alan Stremlau, CEO. “He brings a good broad-based experience with him.”

Paden grew up in the Quincy area and graduated from Quincy Senior High School. He then attended classes at John Wood Community College. Then he went into retail management and held positions with such companies as Sears, Wards and Best

Buy before moving on to the banking profession.

He started in banking in 2004 as a branch manager for Chase Bank in Rockford. He then moved on to serve as the branch manager of Fifth Third Bank in Hinckley before coming to the Illinois Valley as the sales manager for Citizens First National Bank at the main office in Princeton. He started Feb. 1 with the Illini State Bank in Tonica as vice president of operations.

“He will be involved in a little bit of everything in the total operations

and do some consumer lending.” Stremlau said.

“When we hire in the banking field now, we are picking people who are personable and can talk with customers. We want employees who are more sales oriented, not just people who can crunch numbers. It’s more about relationships now.”

Paden sees how his experience in technology as very useful.

“With my experiences with some of the newer technology in larger banks, I see how the technology impacts and interacts with customers,” Paden said. “It

makes banking easier and faster. There are areas where we can expand, not only to make it easier for customers, but also to help drive income for the bank.”

Paden said it’s key that he gets to know the customers.

“I have been spending a lot of time in the teller lines, so I can meet and learn about the people, and I will be continuing to do this,” he said.

Paden is married and lives in Peru with his wife, Pam, and their children, Andrew, 17, Adam, 13, and Olivia, 8.

Do you know someone who should be Illinoisan of the Day?

Reminder to Lostant recyclers

said Pam Gray, the foundation’s board chair. “By sending in nominations, you can help give these special people in your community the thanks and appreciation they truly deserve.”

Illinoisan of the Day winners will be invited to receive gifts and honors on stage during their special day at this year’s Illinois State Fair, which takes place Aug. 8-18.

Nomination forms can be requested by calling the Museum Foundation at 217-415-4408. They can also be printed from the museum’s website at www.statefairmuseum. org. The postmark deadline for nominations is June 15. All nominees

LOSTANT —The second and fourth Saturday of every month is recycling time for any local residents who wish to support the Tonica United Methodist Church.

Volunteers are located across from the Lostant Fire Station to take donations from 9 a.m. to noon. Paper, plastic and glass are accepted. Questions may be directed to Doyle Cate at 815-6721864.

Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation is seeking nominations SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation is looking for 10 individuals to spotlight as Illinoisans of the Day at this year’s Illinois State Fair in August.

The Illinoisan of the Day program recognizes citizens who make a difference in their communities while showing Illinois spirit through hard work and a dedication to helping others.

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must currently reside in Illinois. Illinoisan of the Day winners and their nominators will be contacted by phone in late June to begin arrangements for August ceremonies. Winning names will be announced at the museum foundation’s annual Corndog Kickoff on July 13, inside the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

The Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage, traditions and legacy of the Illinois State Fair for future generations, and its collections are on view during all 10 days of the fair.

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4 Biz Ag 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 1, 2013

Business&Ag Illinois crop summary for 2012 Production of corn for grain totaled 1.286 billion bushels in 2012, well below 2011 production of 1.947 billion bushels. The final yield was 105 bushels per acre, 52 bushels below last year. This was the lowest yield since 1988, when yield stood at 73 bushels per acre.

Drought conditions in 2012 brought about the low yield. Acres planted in 2012 were up 200,000 from 2011 at 12.8 million, and 12.25 million acres were harvested for grain. Warm conditions in 2012 got planting off to an early start, with 5 percent of the crop planted as of March 25. Early planting and consistent dry conditions contributed to a crop maturing earlier than usual. Harvest ran well ahead of the usual pace. Low yields pushed farmers to harvest more of the crop for silage than is typical.

The final yield for the 2012 soybean crop was 43.0 bushels per acre, 4.5 bushels below 2011. This was the lowest yield since 2003, when yield stood at 37.0 bushels per acre.

Production in 2012 reached 383,560,000 bushels, down about 10 percent from 2011.

Acres planted in 2012 were up 100,000 from 2011 to 9.05 million acres. Acres harvested in 2012 stood at 8.92 million. Soybean harvest this year ran about the same pace as last year, which was above the 5-year average harvest progress.

The final yield for the 2012 winter wheat crop was 63 bushels per acre, up two bushels from last year’s yield. Acreage seeded in the fall of 2011 was 660,000 acres, down 140,000 acres from 2010. Farmers harvested 645,000 acres for grain this year, compared to 765,000 acres last year. This resulted in a total production of 40.6 million bushels, a 13 percent decrease from the previous year.

The final 2012 yield for sorghum for grain was 60 bushels per acre, a 34 percent decrease from 2011. Production was 1.62 million bushels, compared to 1.82 million bushels the previous year. Total planted and harvested for grain acres were 30 and 27,000, respectively, both up from the previous year.

The final oat estimate for 2012 placed the production at 1.52 million bushels, 12 percent above the 2011 production. Acreage harvested for grain, at 20,000, unchanged from the previous year. The final yield, at 76 bushels per acre, was up eight bushels from 2011.

Production of all hay in 2012 was 1.49 million tons, 5 percent less than in 2011. Alfalfa hay production was up 4 percent to 990,000 tons while all other hay production was down 20 percent at 500,000 tons.

Yields averaged 3.0 tons per acre for alfalfa hay and 2.0 tons per acre for all other hay. Alfalfa acreage cut for hay was 330,000 in 2012, up 50,000 from 2011. Acreage cut for all other hay was 250,000, up 10,000 from 2011.

Illinois potato producers harvested 7,400 acres in 2012, up from 6,800 acres in 2011.

Production increased to 2.81 million cwt. The 2012 potato yield of 380 cwt. per acre was up from the previous year’s 330 cwt. per acre.

Fresh market sweet corn harvested acres were down slightly from 6,700 acres in 2011 to 6,300 acres in 2012.

Average yield increased by 11 hundredweight to 87 hundredweight per acre. Total production was up by nearly 8 percent over 2011.

Snap bean growers produced 344,000 tons, up 23 percent from 2011. The yield, at 4.58 tons per acre, was up 18 percent from 2011.

Acreage harvested, at 7,500, was up 4 percent from the previous year.

Illinois pumpkin growers harvested 16,200 acres for fresh market and processing, up 2 percent from the previous year. Production, at 5.5 million cwt., was up 7 percent from 2011.

Illinois apple growers utilized 250 million pounds produced in 2012. This was down from the 33.0 million pounds produced in 2011.

Illinois utilized peach production during 2012 totaled 7,600 tons. Production was unchanged from 2011.

The average value of farm real estate in 2012 increased by 17.5 percent to $6,700 per acre. Cropland rented for cash averaged $212 per acre in 2012, an increase of $29 over the previous year.

Farm to School grants available WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan has announced the release of a request for applications (RFA) for the latest round of USDA’s Farm to School grants. These grants help eligible schools improve the health and well being of their students and connect with local agricultural producers.

“USDA’s Farm to School grants connect schools with their local farmers, ranchers and food businesses, providing new economic opportunities to food producers and bringing healthy, local offerings into school cafeterias,” said

Merrigan. “USDA continues to make improvements to the nutrition of food offered in schools, and investing in farm to school programs is yet another important opportunity to encourage our nation’s kids to make lifelong healthy eating choices.”

This year, three different kinds of grants will be available. Planning grants are intended for schools just getting started on farm to school activities, while implementation grants are available for schools seeking to augment or expand existing efforts.

Additionally, eligible nonprofit entities, Indian tribal organizations, state

and local agencies, and agriculture producers or groups of producers may apply for support service grants in order to conduct trainings, create complementary curriculum, or further develop supply chains, among other activities. Proposals are due at midnight EST, April 24.

To assist eligible entities in preparing proposals, USDA will host a series of webinars related to the application process: • March 5, noon – Planning Grants • March 6, noon – Implementation Grants • March 7, noon – Support Service Grants

The Farm to School Grant Program is part of the Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act, which authorized and funded USDA to assist eligible entities, through grants and technical assistance, in implementing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. The Act provides $5 million annually to support grants, technical assistance, and the federal administrative costs related to USDA’s Farm to School Program. In this funding cycle, USDA anticipates awarding up to $5 million in grants.

Cattle and sheep counts made The total number of cattle and calves in Illinois on Jan. 1 was 1.12 million head, 50,000 head above last year’s total. This is the first increase in Jan. 1 cattle inventory since 2007. Beef cows and steers played the largest part in this increase, up 29,000 and 30,000 respectively.

All cattle and calves in the United States as of Jan. 1 totaled 89.3 million head, 2 percent below the 90.8 million on Jan. 1, 2012. This is the lowest Jan. 1 inven-

tory of all cattle and calves since the 88.1 million on hand in 1952.

All cows and heifers that have calved, at 38.5 million, were down 2 percent from the 39.4 million on Jan. 1, 2012.

This is the lowest Jan. 1 inventory of all cows and heifers that have calved since the 36.8 million head in 1941.

The total number of sheep and lambs in Illinois on Jan. 1 was 53,000, 7 percent below last year’s total of 57,000 head. Breeding inventory, at 45,000 head,

decreased 6 percent, while market inventory decreased 1,000 head to 8,000 head for 2013.

Illinois’s 2012 lamb crop decreased 2,000 from last year to 47,000 head.

All sheep and lamb inventory in the United States on Jan. 1 totaled 5.34 million head, down 1 percent from 2012.

Breeding sheep inventory decreased to 3.98 million head on Jan. 1, down 1 percent from 4.0 million head on Jan. 1, 2012. Ewes one year old and older, at 3.14

million head, were 1 percent below last year.

Market sheep and lambs on Jan. 1 totaled 1.36 million head, down 1 percent from Jan. 1, 2012. Market lambs comprised 94 percent of the total market inventory. Twenty-three percent were lambs under 65 pounds, 12 percent were 65-84 pounds, 22 percent were 85-105 pounds, and 37 percent were over 105 pounds.

Market sheep comprised the remaining 6 percent of total market inventory.

MALs and LDPs continued SPRINGFIELD — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Scherrie Giamanco has announced the marketing assistance loan (MAL) and loan deficiency payment (LDP) provisions authorized in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) have been extended for the 2013 crop year with the passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

MALs and LDPs provide financing and marketing assistance for wheat, rice, feed grains,

soybeans and other oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, cotton, honey and wool. Assistance is available to eligible producers beginning with harvest or shearing season and extending through the program year. The 2013 mohair crop is not eligible for MALs or LDPs because mohair provisions were suspended by the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012 and the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013.

MALs provide producers interim financing at or after harvest

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5 Perspective Friday, March 1, 2013 • The Tonica News • 5

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

No ... This is not golfing weather!

In Bureau County, Illinois, it is not golfing weather. It is winter — it is cold, dark, sometimes icy and sometimes snowy. Yes, folks, I believe that winter is here. It’s not so much that the cold, darkness, ice and snow bother me, it is the mere fact that it is cold, dark, icy and snowy.

I know, I know, a ridiculous statement, but it’s the way I feel. Not golfing weather. Golfing needs sunshine, warm temperatures and green grass.

I dream of warm weather; I yearn for warm sunshine; I think I can smell green grass. Yes, folks, I am a golfer. For some of you, that is enough to read of this column. I COMMENTARY understand. We golfers can be a different breed.

Golfers are, many of them, obsessed with all parts of the game. Of course, as some of you have heard me say before, “far” is definitely the predominant of those obsessions. How far did my drive go; how far to the pin; how far ...

We dream of hitting the ball far, and of course, close. For you non-golfers, the idea is to hit it far off the tee, far in the fairway and close to the pin. See, it is actually a simple game— hit it far and close, and put the ball in the little round hole in the ground by taking as few shots as possible.

Being an amateur who takes a lot of strokes, I use the “I want to get my money’s worth” line to compensate for too many strokes. Sometimes that works to make me feel better, but no matter, I keep going back, looking for the elusive far and close. I just know that one of these days I will hit it just like that, just like I dream.

We golfers share other obsessions including the brand golf clubs we use, the golf balls we hit, the shoes we wear, the color and length of our tees, the weather being good or bad when we want to play, what time of day will be the best for our next game, and many more. You get the idea.

As someone who works away from home, I also obsess about how to keep my house clean and meals made without interfering with my golfing time. I tell myself I can do housework when the weather is not nice. Just a warning — you might not want to visit my house in the spring, summer or fall without advance notice — I will probably not be home, and my house will probably not be company quality!

One thing to look forward to this winter, as during the winter of 2012, are the monthly dinners arranged by our favorite golf course owners. Our first dinner in January was a funfilled night of dinner, conversation and a golfing version of “Family Feud.” We all knew how to laugh, but we didn’t know too many of the answers! Last year we played our own version of “The Newlywed Game.” Even though most of us were not newlyweds, we didn’t know many of the answers then either. What color is your wife’s golf bag? How many golfing hats does your husband have? Most of us could not get the answer. We closed down the restaurant and made our way home to dream of the elusive “far” and our next opportunity for fun off and on the course.

Now that it is definitely winter, I have to find some new activities. My husband gave me an iPod Shuffle for Christmas. I keep planning to take it and myself for a walk, but I just can’t seem to get out of the house when it is 20 degrees. I need to whip up some energy and enthusiasm — maybe next week. If I get myself going for walks, will it help my golf game in the spring? Hmmm, maybe it will. Maybe a good walk every day will help me achieve the dreamed of far and close or at least bring the warmth and brightness of spring here sooner rather than later.

Nita Wyatt can be reached at golfingfor2@ ymail.com.

Nita Wyatt

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.

First Person Woody Olsen City: Tonica.

Where did you grow up: Grew up in Chicago and Hanover Park.

Family: Seven sons, ages 15 to 30.

Pets: A terrific dog named Teak.

Occupation: Emergency medical technician.

Last TV show watched: “Big Bang Theory.”

If you were stranded on a desert island and could have just

one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be: Meatloaf.

If you were stranded on a desert island could only take one thing with you, what would it be?

My dog because then I would have someone to talk to and play fetch with.

What is your favorite local restaurant: Root Beer Stand.

If someone handed you a million dollars, how would you spend it? I’d pay off all my bills, then a new car, and a home of my own, and pay off my kids college loans too.

People would be surprised to know that you: I am an avid model railroader.

What is your favorite thing about the town you live in: The peace and quiet, and everyone knows everybody.

If you could change one thing about your town, what would it be? We need a couple places to eat food in town.

Can we really end the violence?

I used to read Doonesbury regularly. Garry Trudeau had a unique way of looking at many of the world’s problems. One strip still sticks out in my mind: Duke, a character inspired by Hunter S. Thompson, was presenting his case for abolishing gun control before a Congressional hearing with the hypothetical question, “What if you came home and your wife started shooting at you?

Wouldn’t you want to be in the position to return fire?”

While Duke’s logic is inherently faulty, it seems to be embraced by a larger number of U.S. citizens then ever before. Let’s look at the figures.

According to a recent article in Time magazine (Dec. 15, 2012), there have been at least 62 mass shootings in America since 1982.

(The FBI uses several criteria to determine if a gun crime is a mass shooting, but the main criterion is at least four dead, not including the shooter.) That equates to two a year, except it doesn’t — not really. Twenty-five of those shootings have happened since 2006.

More than six shootings a year on average. In fact, in 2012, there were seven mass shootings across the country with a total of 151 victims.

That number bears repeating: 151 victims in seven shootings, and just under 100 of the victims died. A disproportionate number of the dead were under 10 years old.

Ken Schroeder COMMENTARY If there was ever a year where gun control should have been at the forefront of the thoughts of a majority of Americans, 2012 was it. Yet a Pew Research Poll in 2012 indicates only 47 percent of Americans favor gun control — admittedly a slight majority over the 46 percent who oppose such restrictions. Additionally, the FBI has reported a record number of background checks for gun purchases this year — 1.68 million.

An interesting fact: According to the Time magazine article, most weapons used in the mass shootings were legally acquired.

By now, you’re probably thinking I’m calling for a major overhaul of gun laws, perhaps an all-out ban on gun ownership.

You’re wrong.

Yes, gun crime is out of control. However, placing a ban on something in the U.S. doesn’t work too often. (Remember Prohibition?) There’s just too many guns out there, and the only people who would be affected by a ban are the law-abiding citizens who would actually turn in their weapons. However, there are some definite areas current gun laws need improvement.

Competency with firearms should be a direct factor in gun ownership. When putting a pistol in your hand makes you a bigger danger to yourself than taking it away from you, you don’t need one.

The NRA doesn’t like the idea of a ban on assault rifles, but let’s make one thing abundantly clear: Assault rifles are not built for hunting. Assault rifles are not built for target shooting. The manufacturers of assault rifles would likely tell you the purpose of these weapons is right in the name — assault. An assault rifle is meant to kill — quickly, but not necessarily cleanly.

Some people should not even be considered to be gun owners.

If you’ve got a history of violence, wanton property damage or DWI charges, I think it’s in my best interests to make sure you’re unarmed.

The genie is out of the bottle; guns have been freely (compared to the rest of the world) available for most of our nation’s history, and making the owners of those weapons give them up is problematic at best. We can’t ban guns, but can we at least approach the problem with a little common sense?

And if not, could you at least wait until I’m in a position where I can return fire?

Staff writer Ken Schroeder can be reached at kschroeder@putnamcountyrecord.com.

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

6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 1, 2013

Community Lostant Evening Circle meets LOSTANT – The Lostant Evening Circle dined out instead of staying in for the monthly meeting in February.

Women and their guests met at the Sunrise Restaurant south of Wenona Feb. 15. The Rev. Mark and Julie Nowakowski were featured guests for the evening. Candy cups were placed on tables along with an Avon prod-

uct from hostess Dianna Loerger.

A short meeting was conducted by President Myrna Fields. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 7 at the Lostant United Methodist church. Plans are in process for the upcoming soup and sandwich supper on March 14, which will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church.

Soup and sandwich supper LOSTANT — Plans are getting underway for the Lostant United Methodist Church soup and sand-

wich supper. Mark your calendars for March 14 and watch the Tonica News for more details.

Prepared childbirth classes PERU — The next series of prepared childbirth classes for women in the last trimester of pregnancy begins at 7 p.m. March 6 in Conference Room A at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.

Additional sessions are scheduled for March 13, 20 and 27.

Taught by Tess Freiburg, R.N., this free class concentrates on Lamaze

instruction, presenting one phase of the Lamaze method of childbirth at each of the four sessions.

All participants are asked to dress comfortably and to bring two pillows and one blanket or exercise mat to each session.

The series is offered every other month. To register for the class, call IVCH Event Registration at 815-780-3337.

IVSO concert set for March 9 LASALLE — The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will present Copeland and winners of the Young Performers Competition at 4 p.m.

March 9 in the LaSallePeru High School auditorium.

Along with great music

selections from composer Aaron Copeland, featured soloist are winners of the 2013 IVSO Young Performers Competition.

Tickets are available at ivso.org or at the door, and are $12 for adults, $5 for students (K-college with ID).

PAC will present comedy show PRINCETON — Comedy antics will leave you in stitches during “6 Rms Rv Vu,” the Prairie Arts Center comedy show.

The show will be at 7:30 p.m. March 8 and 9, and 2 p.m. March 10.

The title is New York Times shorthand for an available six-room apartment with a river view.

Two 50 somethings Manhattanites show up to look over this vacant apartment, Anne Miller (Karen Lesman of LaSalle), a bored housewife, and Paul Friedman (Larry Kelsey of Peru), an unhappily married advertising copywriter. The door is accidentally locked, and Anne and Paul are left alone together ... and that’s where the plotline

— and their relationship — shifts into gear.

Supporting cast includes the crazy custodian, Gary Talsky of Spring Valley, along with the wacky next door neighbor, Karen Rogers of Utica, and spouses, Janet (Jill Marti of Princeton) and Richard (Matt Gerding of LaSalle.) Cameo appearances are made by Princeton’s Cheriz Kunkel as a pregnant woman and her husband, Anson Murray. The director for “6 Rms Riv Vu” is Ken Schroeder and the producer is Dixie Schroeder, both of Princeton.

Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling the Prairie Arts Center at 815-875-2787 and leaving a message.

Quilt show set for March 16-17 PRINCETON — The Covered Bridge Quilters Guild will sponsor its quilt show March 16 and 17 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton.

Show times will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 16 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 17.

Mary Serafini, American Quilters’s Society certified appraiser, will be taking appointments by calling 815-339-2171.

Walk-ins are always welcome. For more information, call Mary at 815339-2171.

Spiritually speaking ...

United Methodist Churches of Tonica, Lostant and Richland — Back to basics

By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

“We are really in a rebuilding phase,” said the Rev. Mark Nowakowski of the Tonica, Lostant and Richland United Methodist churches. “The parishes are not so much trying to reinvent itself, but to rethink what it does.

There are many ministries that were vibrant in the church that were great, but they were not yielding a lot of fruit.”

Nowakowski, a new minister to the three churches since July 2012, is a Peru-area native with 15 years of pastoral experience. He said they have pulled everything back in and are starting back with the basics. This means a relaunching of sorts with all ministries within the church.

“Its bare bones basics.

We are trying to build up from the worship platform out,” Nowakowski said.

Worship services time was addressed first. Each church’s service is less than one hour now. On Sundays, Nowakowski starts his day with worship at Richland United Methodist Church at 8 a.m., moves on to Lostant United Methodist Church for a 9 a.m. service and then finishes his morning with Tonica’s United Methodist Church service at 10 a.m.

Nowakowski found that besides the length, the service needed to become more interactive, helping it appeal to all ages and faith backgrounds. Music in each service is a blended version, catering to the old favorites, yet addressing the newer, more contemporary ones, as well.

Sunday school was the next area to be addressed.

Developing what Nowakowski called a “round table feel,” adult classes are

The Rev. Mark Nowakowski an area where no one is judged, and feelings and thoughts are openly shared. Tonica has adult Sunday School from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. while children’s classes are from 9 to 10 a.m.

Children from each church share Sunday school classes with each other. Lostant, which does not currently have an active Sunday school, sees its members go to Tonica or Richland for classes.

“We are very blessed with instructors that are very good,” he said. “It’s like a continuous Vacation Bible School set of classes all year long.”

At Richland, the adult Sunday school class starts at 9 a.m. The Richland church has the same round table format as Tonica, and from that, has gained some new members. Richland has also played host to four special worship dates throughout the year.

“Its a very old fashioned country-style church. It was built in 1849 and not too much has changed in it. It is well kept up and handicapped-accessible,” Nowakowski said.

Richland has a prayer group that currently meets at the Tonica church.

The women’s group meets with all three churches participating.

In Tonica they meet during the day on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The evening circle meets at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.

Both groups raise money for local charities like the Illinois Valley PADS homeless shelter and the Lilly Pads resale store.

They are also active in

Our family caring for your family since 1922

Richland United Methodist Church

Tonica United Methodist Church

Lostant United Methodist Church mission work and enjoy a lot of fellowship opportunities, Nowakowski said.

“The neat thing about the women is that they are always looking for a way to bless,” he said. “They will roll up their sleeves and work really hard, so that they can bless everything from the schools to the nursing homes. It is really amazing at what they are doing.”

Two brand new minis-

tries will began in February. The first is called Cover to Cover. It will be a small group Bible study ministry that has started meeting in Tonica.

The second group with be for the youth, and it is called Get Real. It will be a junior high, senior high and young adult youth group that will be meeting small-group style again at

See Churches Page 7

Tri-CounTy AuTo SAleS

Rt. #71 • Standard, IL 61363

339-6165

Dr. Eric Anderson

Dr. Rhonda Marty-Anderson

MARTY CHIROPRACTIC 815.368.3421

Corner of Rt. 18 & 251, Lostant, IL • Exit 41 on I-39

2007 Dodge Pickup V-8 $6,995

2007 Ford Crown Vic

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2006 Chevy HHR LT Loaded $4,995

2007 Chevy Cobalt Coupe $4,595

2006 Ford F-150 6 Cyl., Auto $4,995

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7 Life Friday, March 1, 2013 • The Tonica News • 7

History ... according to The Tonica News 12 years ago The kindergarten, first and second grade classes of Lostant Grade School collected pennies for the 100th day of school. Led

by Mrs. Roach, Mrs. Einhaus and Mrs. Anderson, each child in the class was asked to bring in 100 pennies. They also asked other kids in the school to contribute to their penny jars in their rooms. Each class did various activities with their pennies, including counting and stacking and the second grade even sorted them by year. The students visited the Illini State Bank in Lostant where Sheri O’Brien showed each class how the machine counts all their pennies.

DeAnna Carlson, a fouryear Tonica resident, approached the Tonica Village Board for permission to start a beginner’s tennis recreation program in the village. Under her proposal the village would

Churches From Page 6 “We have found out that the small group-style is the way to build the church, in other words to get real,” Nowakowski said. “Sometimes they may meet at the church, other times they may be at the water park or Starbucks. It just depends.

“Our whole emphasis here is tearing down things and building them back up is to get real. We want to find out what real people need,” he said. “There are a couple of huge mission outreach programs that are going to happen. We are in the planning stages of them. Many times we found out that churches are often so focused out way out into Liberia ... many times the greatest mission need is right outside our own doors.”

The churches are now looking for people to step

supply three ball hoppers and 200 tennis balls for a total cost of $276.15. The village would also provide adequate insurance coverage or assist with waivers for youngsters who are insured.

Area firefighters completed all of their local and state written tests along with proficiency performances covering the Module-Area requirements of the state fire fighter certification program. The training covered fire department orientation; personnel safety; fire behavior; ladders; fire hose and water appliances; and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Local elections were heating up in Lostant for the April 3, 2001 election. Three trustee seats were open. The incumbents were Fred Hartenbower and Rick Micklos who were both running for re-election. Ron Dose

Tonica Grade School Breakfast menus March 4 — Choice of ham/egg/cheese biscuit, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

March 5 — Choice of pancakes, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

March 6 — Choice of scrambled eggs, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

March 7 — Choice of french toast, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

March 8 — Choice of mini bagel with cream cheese, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

Lunch menus March 4 — Chicken noodle soup/ chili or peanut butter and jelly, carrots and dip, fruit cup, crackers, bread.

March 5 — Hot ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly, steamed broccoli/ apple slices with caramel sauce.

March 6 — No lunch, 11:45 a.m. dismissal.

March 7 — Spaghetti with meat sauce or peanut butter and jelly, salad with dressing, fruit cup, garlic bread.

March 8 — Shamrock chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, green pear slices, Shamrock cookie.

Activities March March March missal.

March March

4 — ISAT testing.

5 — ISAT testing.

6 — ISAT testing; 11:45 a.m., early dis7 — ISAT testing.

8 — ISAT testing.

See History Page 8 up and take ownership.

Nowakowski said if someone needs a pastor, he is here for them, but it isn’t all about him. He said he has seen churches implode if they base all of their work on the pastor and not the people.

“The church isn’t about the pastor, it is about the people,” he said.

The new rebuilding phase seems to be producing results. Attendance has gone up in the three churches. The churches want to support the communities they serve. If a community group needs a place to meet, they need to look no further than the UMC groups. At Tonica there are six Girl Scout troops, five Boy Scout troops and an Adventure team that meet at the church. All groups pay no fee to use the facilities.

“Everyone is welcome here,” he said. “The table is open to everyone.”

815-339-6278 • Open 7 Days a Week MOn. 1/4 Fried Chicken & Fries . $5.00 Tues. All You-Can-Eat Tacos . . . . $5.00 WeD. Chicken Oscar . . . . . . . . . . . $7.99 Thur. Burgers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.00 FrI. All-You-Can-Eat Fish . . . . . . . $7.99 saT. 1/4 Family-Style Chicken with Pasta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.99 sun. Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 www.paganolearys.net 304 S. McCoy St. • Granville, IL

Putnam County Achievement Services March 4 — Ham and beans, stewed tomatoes, tropical fruit, fruit juice, corn bread.

March 5 — Chicken fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, baby carrots, raisins, oatmeal creme cookie, wheat bread.

March 6 — BBQ pork chop, whole roasted potatoes, broccoli florets, apple, wheat bread.

March 7 — Chef’s special.

March 8 — Tuna salad on wheat bread, diced potatoes, lentil soup, pineapple juice.

Library Corner March 5 – “Book Friends for 2 year olds,” LaSalle Public Library, 10:45 a.m.

March 5 – “Story time Express! Fun ... on the Run!” LaSalle Public Library, 11:45 a.m.

Recipe Corner Judy Dyke GRANDMA JUDY’S CAFE

I always enjoy using Velveeta cheese. It seems like we always had some in the refrigerator when I was living on the farm. Hope you’ll give these two recipes a try!

Cabbage Au Gratin 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 8 cups) 1 10 3/4-ounce can cream of celery soup, undiluted 2 tablespoons milk 1 cup shredded Velveeta cheese 1 cup soft bread crumbs 1 tablespoon butter In large covered saucepan, cook cabbage in boiling salted water for 5 minutes; drain. Place in greased 8-inch square baking dish. In small saucepan, blend soup and milk; heat well. Add cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Pour over cabbage. Saute bread crumbs in butter until golden. Sprinkle over cabbage.

Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole 1 10 3/4-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1/2 cup milk 2 teaspoons yellow mustard 1 16-ounce bag frozen broccoli florets, thawed 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces) 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs 2 teaspoons butter, melted Stir the soup, milk, mustard, broccoli and cheese in a 1 1/2-quart greased casserole. Stir the bread crumbs and butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the broccoli mixture. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until mixture is hot and bubbling. Can use 2 cups cooked rice instead of the macaroni.

Do you have a Velveeta recipe you’d like to share with other readers? Email it to me at judyd2313@ frontier.com. Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number (telephone number won’t be published). Happy baking and cooking!

••• Items for the Community section can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com.

See Us For All Your Ag Financing Needs

Throughout the years, we’ve worked closely with local farmers providing the necessary financing to help them grow and prosper.

When you need money for operating expenses, new equipment, livestock, or real estate, stop in and see us. We’re here to serve your financial needs.

Enjoy Hometown banking with your neighbors and friends!

Agricultural Operating & Real Estate Loans MEMBER

FDIC www.illinistatebank.com

230 S. LaSalle St. Tonica, IL 61370 (815) 442-8211

206 S. Main St. Lostant, IL 61334 (815) 368-3333

301 S. Columbia Ave. Oglesby, IL 61348 (815) 883-8400

8 History/Class 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 1, 2013

History From Page 7 decided to run against incumbent Jim Cooper for village president.

Luke Kozak filed a petition for village trustee.

22 years ago The Tonica Commercial Association had a special treat. The program included Steffen Beil of East Germany and Carlos Bueno of Uruguay.

Both were exchange students with the Youth for Understanding Program and they lived with Phil and Betty Duffel in Lowell. They were seniors at LP High School.

The Tonica Grade

School volleyball team took part in the Little Tri-County Volleyball Tournament that was held in Tonica this week.

The meeting of the Lostant Ladies League met on Feb. 13 at the Lostant Masonic Hall.

Pam Destri presided over the meeting. The minutes of the last meeting along with the treasurer’s report were approved. Preschool report by Norma Lightle was that students were learning the alphabet by passing around the letters and guessing what they were. Also they were working on their shapes and the craft coincided with the shapes. Stars and hearts were the shapes worked with.

The Tonica United Methodist Church celebrated Mission Sunday on Feb. 24 with a special presentation during the regular 10 a.m. worship service and a coffee time was held afterwards in the league room. All church members and guests were urged to attend this special celebration of local church outreach successes accomplished during the past year.

Project Neighborly Older Americans announced that the security food boxes weren’t available again until early October. In addition to meals, Project NOA offered a wide array of services for senior citizens.

Tonica Grade School hosted the Little TriCounty Scholastic Bowl Tournament on Feb. 16.

Six schools were represented in the tournament. They included: Lostant, Henry-Senachwine, Putnam County, Sparland,Toluca and Tonica. Henry-Senachwine captured first place with Putnam County second and Tonica third.

Sparland finished fourth.

Twenty-six members were present in McFerson Hall when the Tonica United Methodist Women met for their regular meeting on Feb. 13. President Elaine Ford opened the meeting with prayer and asked Elouise Long, Christian Personhood

chairman, to give devotions which were in keeping with Ash Wednesday.

32 years ago The ‘81 homecoming king and queen were Mike Baer and Rhonda Siemers. Senior attendants were Randy Swift and Sharon Gheisinger; Jeff Snell and Laurie Alleman; Jeanine and Mike Clark; and Mike Smith and Penny Mareta.

A Valentine’s Day wedding of 50 years ago was celebrated by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Watts of Deer Park Road, with an open house on Feb. 15.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Warrner announced the birth of a new grand-

–––––––––––––––– Legals ––––––––––––––– CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) FAITH J. VERNON ) Deceased ) No. 13-P-26 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of FAITH J. VERNON. Letters of Office were issued on January 30, 2013, to Deanne Weisenbach, 8406 S. Central Avenue, Burbank, IL 60459-2604, as Executor, whose attorney is Bernabei, Blaestri & Fiocchi, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, Illinois 61301.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the clerk of court, LaSalle County

Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of the issuance of letters and any claim not filed within that period 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.

Dated this 6th day of February, 2013.

Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi Attorney for Estate 149 Gooding Street LaSalle, IL 61301 815-223-6600 Published in the Tonica News Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2013.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) AGNES M. GLUPCZYNSKI, Deceased. ) No. 13-P-36 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Agnes M. Glupczynski, 1251 LaHarpe Street, LaSalle, Illinois, 61301 on January 9, 2013. Letters of office were issued on February 19, 2013 to Wayne Paprocki, 3639 Pebble Beach Road, North Brook, Illinois, 60062-3109, as executor, whose attorney is James A. Andreoni of Perona, Peterlin, Andreoni & Brolley, LLC, 4110 Progress Boulevard, Peru, Illinois, 61354.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, 119 West Madison Street, Ottawa, Illinois, 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. If claim notice is personally mailed or delivered to a creditor of the above estate, then the claim must be filed in the above entitled cause within three months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later.

Any claim not filed within the above periods are barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representatives and to the Attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

Wayne Paprocki, Executor of the Estate of Agnes M. Glupczynski, Deceased c/o Perona, Peterlin, Andreoni & Brolley, LLC James A. Andreoni 4110 Progress Boulevard Peru, IL 61354 Published in the Tonica News Mar. 3, 8 and 15, 2013.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) AGNES M. GLUPCZYNSKI, Deceased. ) No. 13-P-36 NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES WILL ADMITTED Notice is given to unknown heirs of Agnes M. Glupczynski, deceased, who are heirs or legatees in the above proceeding to probate a will and whose name or address is not stated in the petition to admit the will to probate, that an order was entered by the court on February 19, 2013, admitting the

will to probate.

Within 42 days after the effective date of the original 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 section 6-21 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/6-21).

You also have the right under 81- of the Probate act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/8-1) to contest the validity of the will be filing a petition with the court within 6 months after admission of the will to probate.

James A. Andreoni Attorney for the Agnes M. Glupczynski Estate 4110 Progress Boulevard Peru, IL 61354 Phone: (815) 224-4102 Published in the Tonica News Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2013.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY - OTTAWA, ILLINOIS Bank of America, N.A. PLAINTIFF Vs. Terrill J. Heroux a/k/a Terrill Heroux a/k/a Terrill J. Heroux Sr.; et. al.

DEFENDANTS 12 CH 00397 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 11/8/2012, the Sheriff of LaSalle County, Illinois will on 4/11/13 at the hour of 8:00 a.m. at Governmental Complex North Lobby 707 Etna Road Ottawa, IL 61350, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of LaSalle and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: THAT PART OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 16, TOWNSHIP 32 NORTH, RANGE 2, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 16; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 06 SECONDS WEST 1352.39 FEET ON THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SAID SECTION TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 06 SECONDS WEST 315.00 FEET ON THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 16; THENCE DUE NORTH 345.76 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 06 SECONDS EAST 315.00 FEET; THENCE DUE SOUTH 345.76 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL SITUATED IN VERMILLION TOWNSHIP; SITUATED IN LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PIN 26-16-401-000 Improved with Single Family Home COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 2103 E. 875th Road Tonica, IL 61370 Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

If the property is a condominium and the fore-

closure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, 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 successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876. Please refer to file number 14-12-24800.

I510188 Published in the Tonica News Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2013.

MAtthew Bullock Auctioneers 409 E Stevenson Rd Ottawa IL

sAt., MArch 2, 2013

9:00AM huge tool And AniMAl trAp Auction 100’s of Animal Traps-Raccoon, Coyote, Fox, Beaver, Bear, Muskrat, All types and kinds.

Raccoon Pelts and Mount, Fox pelt, Badger pelt, Beaver pelt, Coyote mount. Mr Busch was a serious trapper with very nice traps which were all well taken care of.

Large amount of tools from several estatesRolling Cart tool boxes, small and large, Honda EM1800 Generator, Air Compressor, Snow Blower, Grinders, Many Vises, Avil, Coleman Lanter, License Plates, Many old Stanley Wood Planes, Dremel, Battery Chargers, Fishing Tackle and Poles, Power Washer, Car Jack, Rototiller, LAdders, Tool chests, Many vintage Bikes, Transit with legs, Cast Iron Water Pump, Tractor Wrenches, Socket Sets, Antique Saws, MAny Hand Tools, Circular Saws, Old Radios, Galvinized Water Cans, Tool Catalogs, Oil Cans, Beer Cans, Too much too List. A very nice auction with many nice tools and traps.

Sellers:

estAte of ron Busch Tonica IL,

JiM hiAte Villa Park IL, doris (delBert) gABel Newark IL, and others Terms: Cash Check and Credit Card (add 3%) Visit: www.bullockauctioneers.com for more information • 815-970-7077 Matthew Bullock • IL Lic # 441.001731

daughter, Katherine Mary Warrner, born Feb. 14 to Judith (McAnaney) and Joseph Warrner of Marengo.

The sale of Al Smith’s Service Station to Mr. and Mrs. John Coons of Tonica culminated over 50 years of service to the Tonica business community by Mr. and Mrs. Al Smith. Smith remembers surviving two floods; accidents at the rate of at least once per year with the brick pillars being struck over eight times and repaired by the talented hands of Adolf Wilson; and the great crime wave of the late 1930s when the station was burglarized six Saturday nights in a row.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY - OTTAWA, ILLINOIS Bank of America, N.A. ) PLAINTIFF ) VS ) Terrill J. Heroux a/k/a Terrill Heroux a/k/a ) Terrill J. Heroux Sr.; et. al. ) DEFENDANTS ) 12 CH 00397 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 11/8/2012, the Sheriff of LaSalle County, Illinois will on 4/11/13 at the hour of 8:00 a.m. at Governmental Complex North Lobby 707 Etna Road Ottawa, IL 61350, or in a place otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of LaSalle and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate: PIN 26-16-401-000 Improved with Single Family Home COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 2103 E. 875th Road Tonica, IL 61370 Sale terms: 10% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the auction; The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds, is due within twentyfour (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

If the property is a condominium and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If the property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, 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 successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in possession of the subject premises.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and Plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the Court file to verify all information.

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information: Examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: Codilis & Associates, P.C., 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876.

Please refer to file number 14-12-24800.

I510188 Published in the Tonica News Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2013.