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1 Front Volume 142 No. 14
Friday, March 11, 2016
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Single Copy Cost 50¢
Governor uses a zero to show ag is No. 1 Ag education budget is latest to enter political combine By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
SPRINGFIELD — Agriculture is at the core of the state. The farms dotting our landscape are homes to families and the children raised there are where the majority of future farmers originate. To help them on their way, 321 schools in the state offer ag education programs according to the Illinois FFA. Gov. Bruce Rauner has proposed eliminating the budget for these programs despite often speaking of how important agriculture is to Illinois. While talking about job opportunities in agriculture to more than 200
high school students at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur last September, Rauner was quoted by Bloomington’s Pantagraph as saying, “Agriculture is the backbone of the Illinois economy and the No. 1 engine for our prosperity in the future. I’m all in to help farmers any way I can.” The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recommends a budget of $3 million for the proposed budget’s agriculture education line item. It’s currently at $1.8 million, and Rauner proposes lowering it to zero even though agriculture creates up to a quarter of the state’s employment opportunities.
Princeton High School Ag teacher, Dan Foes said, “I think it’s a ridiculous proposal. Illinois has been one of the leading states in agriculture for many years and will be for many more. I truly believe that agriculture is the backbone of our state.” Students and educators from across the state recently addressed this issue while visiting Springfield as part of the annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day. Students from the Putnam County FFA were able to spend time with State Sen. Sue Rezin and discuss the importance of agriculture in our
Ag education Page 3
Blue ribbons — a symbol to embrace
FASTT Math
Youth Service Bureau fights to stop child abuse
New online program helping students in Tonica
By Eric Engel
news@tonicanews.com
By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — Memorization is an important part of education, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. The Tonica Education Foundation recently purchased a new online program called FASTT Math for Tonica Elementary students. FASTT (Fluency and Automaticity through Systematic Teaching and Technology) Math gives each student personalized help in gaining fluency in math facts by charting their successes and focusing on the areas with which they need further work. After a brief initial assessment, the program tailors the student’s work to help them efficiently use their time. The program visually tracks the student’s progress and provides an easy to understand display the students and teachers can use to further their progress. The program presents the work through a series of adaptive games and puzzles and gives immediate correction and feedback if a question is answered incorrectly or if too much time is spent on a particular problem. Third-grade teacher Lynn Anderson said, “It’s a huge improvement over our previous program. FASTT Math is very engaging, and the children have been enjoying using it during our computer enrichment time.”
Math Page 2
Vol. 142 No. 14 One Section - 8 Pages
Tonica News photo/Dave Cook
Third-grade teacher Lynn Anderson watches her student, Lauren Rundle, practice her math skills on the new online program FASTT Math which was purchased by the Tonica Education Foundation.
Through efforts of the Youth Service Bureau (YSB) of Illinois Valley out of Ottawa, April will be declared Child Abuse Prevention Month by community leaders throughout the area. The YSB has developed proclamations to be read and signed in prominent cities throughout Northern Illinois to promote child abuse prevention under an even finer lens than normal. These efforts are aimed at giving a voice to children who have lost theirs because of an abusive situation, and to promote a bright future for these youth who oftentimes come to expect to be treated poorly. According to a YSB press release, more than 100,000 cases of child abuse were reported in Illinois in 2014, with it being noted those numbers only reflect reported cases. By bringing this subject further into the forefront of discussion, the YSB is hoping to accomplish better community recognition and engagement on every possible level. The YSB will be distributing baskets of blue ribbon pins — which symbolize child abuse prevention — to area businesses, and they encourage everyone to wear them and share them with their friends in
a collective rise against anyone who would hurt a child. As previously reported in the Bureau County Republican, the YSB stated Child Abuse Prevention Month first began in 1983, but the blue ribbon campaign did not start until 1989. At that time, a woman named Bonnie Finney tied a blue ribbon to her van antenna to honor and support her grandson who had experienced abuse. “I never intend to forget the battered, bruised bodies of my grandchildren,” Finney said. “Bruises are black and then eventually blue. Therefore, blue serves as a constant reminder to me to fight for our children.” Although based in Ottawa, the YSB has additional offices in Rockford, Aurora, Princeton, LaSalle and Glen Ellyn, and has been offering strength and love through counseling and therapeutic means for 40 years. In celebration of the milestone, the YSB will be hosting a fundraiser on May 14 at the Knights of Columbus in Ottawa. All proceeds will be used to help children to never experience the physical and emotional violence of child abuse. For more information on services or to report an individual in need of assistance, call the YSB at 815433-3953.
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© The Tonica News
Photo contributed
Members of the PCHS FFA recently visited Springfield and State Sen. Sue Rezin as part of Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day. A main topic of concern for the more than 1,000 visitors was Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget proposal to eliminate ag education funding. Pictured are Hunter Witzman (from left), Laurie Glenn, Rezin, Melody Kincaid and Michael Schrowang.
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2 Local
2 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 11, 2016
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.
Photo contributed
The Tonica Grade School Science Fair was Feb. 19. The Top 10 projects/students advancing to the Regional Science Fair at Northern Illinois University on April 2 are Logan Johnson (front row, from left), Bryan Stillwell, Jonathan Hillyer, Gabriel Limberg and Jacob Marcinkus; and Claire Stillwell (back row, from left), Isabella Regino, Camille Carlson, Gabriella Rutkowski and Raegen Poole.
Tonica News photo/Dave Cook
You Be The Chemist Tonica seventh-grader Jonny Johnson was selected to advance to the regional You Be The Chemist Challenge at IVCC. He is congratulated by science teacher Karen Jones. The challenge is an interactive academic contest that encourages students to explore chemistry concepts and their real-world applications.
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Tonica student scientists advance Tonica Grade School sends 10 students to regional competition
By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
Published every Friday at Tonica, IL 61370 Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County
TONICA — The science fair projects of 10 students from Karen Jones’ science class at Tonica Grade School were chosen to advance to the regional event which will be held at Northern Illinois University on April 2. Some of the projects chosen include eighth-grader Raegen Poole’s experiment to test if peppermint improves reaction time; her results indicated it does. Bryan Stillwell, eighth grade, conducted his experiment with cookies to see if there is a color preference according to gender. “I thought girls would choose the pink cookies, but I learned blue is universal as a preferred color,” Stillwell said. Eighth-grade student Gabriella Rutkowski conducted her experiment to find which oil was the most disinfectant against E. coli
Contact Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com
Email to:
news@tonicanews.com. Photos should be sent as an attachment. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356
Math From Page 1 Tonica News photo/Dave Cook
Learning through giving The sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade members of Tonica Grade School’s Student Council have been preparing for an upcoming donation to the Illinois Valley Food Pantry. Here, Jacob Marcinkus (from left), Brendan Funk and Claire Stillwell gather and sort the different items for delivery.
Third-grade students Carter Winebrinner and Lauren Rundle both spoke of finding the games within the program fun and helpful. After a student completes a study session they can practice speed and accuracy
and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Her results indicated oil from cinnamon bark and oregano were the two most disinfectant oils from her test group. Seventh-grade student Isabella Regino experimented on plant growth by testing the effects of using different liquids to water plants. Among the liquids used were water, apple juice, olive oil and dish soap. Regino found that using a liquid that is too dense restricts growth. Eighth-grader Camille Carlson will be making her second trip to the regional science fair and shared what she learned from last year’s competition. “You have to remember that every piece of information and every part of your experiment is important. All of your details, no matter how small, are necessary for the success of your experiment and your presentation,” said Carlson. of those facts in a series of 12 independent practice games. Students in first through fifth grade currently have access to this program during their computer enrichment time. For more information or to donate to the foundation, contact Mary Ellen Goodbread at 815-442-3258. Comment on this story at www.tonicanews.com
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Friday, March 11, 2016 • The Tonica News • 3
Madigan: Hang up on phony IRS scams
Phone scammers posing as IRS officials attempt to con Illinois residents into sending money In response to a recent increase in consumer complaints, Attorney General Lisa Madigan has alerted Illinois residents to a renewed phone scam in which callers pose as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officials in an attempt to scare people into sending money to pay for allegedly unpaid taxes. Madigan’s office is seeing an increase in these complaints to her office from residents throughout the state, in particular from older people. Consumers report being contacted by scammers pretending to be IRS officials who leave threatening messages that include a number for consumers to call in order to avoid lawsuits or prosecution. Scammers also “spoof” phone numbers, causing caller ID devices to display what appears to be a legitimate call from the IRS, with identifiers such as “IRS” or the 202 area code for Washington,
D.C. The scam artists claim they are representatives of the federal government collecting on unpaid taxes and leave threatening messages or instruct their targets to make a payment to them through a prepaid debit card. “It is critical to know that the IRS does not call and tell people they are under investigation or that they owe money,” Madigan said. “If you receive a call like this, even if your caller ID shows what appears to be a legitimate name or number, hang up immediately.” Madigan also encouraged consumers to report the call by contacting the IRS or the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) website at www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft) or by calling 800-366-4484. She also urged Illinois residents to report the scam to her Consumer Fraud Bureau at 800-386-5438 (Chicago),
800-243-0618 (Springfield), 800243-0607 (Carbondale) or 866310-8398 (Spanish), or by visiting her website. The Attorney General also provides a Senior Citizens Consumer Fraud Hotline: 800243-5377. With tax season underway, Madigan said consumers should also be aware of an increasing number of reports of tax-related identity theft. Since 2013, tax identity theft complaints to Madigan’s office have risen dramatically by over 320 percent – from 138 complaints in 2013 to 582 complaints in 2015. Consumers reported when they attempted to file their tax return, a return was already filed in their names using their Social Security number, and a tax refund was issued. Other consumers reported their dependents had already been claimed on another return. Madigan said the No. 1 step consumers can take to combat tax-re-
February in Illinois was slightly warmer than normal CHAMPAIGN — The Illinois temperature for February was 33.2 degrees, 2.3 degrees above average, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois. Illinois’ warmer winter weather for the three months of December, January and February was reported as the seventh warmest on record. The statewide temperature was 33.5 degrees, 4.4 degrees above average. The statewide precipitation the winter months was 8.94 inches, 2.12 inches above average and the 11th wettest on record. February precipitation was normal, with
Ag education From Page 1 local school districts. Putnam County School Board member Laurie Glenn said, “I think it was a very beneficial experience for our students. They were able to meet and talk to Sen. Rezin on a very casual basis. I think this will help them in the future to be able to feel like they can voice their opinions on issues. They also got to hear how some of the decisions are made. The farmers of tomorrow are going to have to be much better communicators than my generation. They will need to do a better job of telling agriculture’s story to the public.” Putnam County High School freshman and FFA member Michael Schrowang said, “When talking with Sue Rezin we discussed many topics. We talked about what is happening to the ag funding and what she is doing to contribute help. I think events like this are important because it gives students the chance to talk to their state representatives about what we have been doing for our community and the leadership skills we’ve gained. Cutting funding to ag programs will make getting supplies very difficult and making any improvements almost impossible.” Rezin said, “I think the FFA is incredibly important, not only to the ag community, but more importantly to develop leaders in our state and within our communities. Farm kids are hard workers and can have half a day of work in before they even go to school, and then they come home and continue to work.
1.38 inches, only 0.68 inches below average. Most of the state received between 1 to 2 inches of precipitation during the month, except for the southeast where 2 to 4 inches were more common. Snowfall was widespread across Illinois in February. However, the amounts were relatively light in northern, western and southern Illinois and in the range of 2 to 5 inches of snow. There was a band of heavier amounts from St. Louis to Chicago, thanks to the winter storm on Feb. 24. Monthly totals in that area were 5 to 10 inches of snow.
There’s tremendous value in that, so I was happy to be able to spend time with these students.” Rezin also said they’re continuing to negotiate the budget and that the FFA isn’t funded by this line item; there is money that goes directly to the FFA, that being about $325,000. She also mentioned there’s additional money available from other sources, such as grants, in the governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2017 budget for ag programs. However, the budget line item funding the Facilitating Coordination in Agriculture Education program (FCAE), which provides local program support, curriculum resources, professional development for teachers and on-site technical assistance, will receive nothing from Rauner’s proposed budget. If there are 321 schools in the state with ag programs, the programs would receive zero funding, and the individual FFA chapters would only receive about $1,000 for the year in addition to the other funding Rezin mentioned. At PHS, the Agriculture Department has about 120 students taking classes year to year, and there are currently 38 students in the FFA. “Through education being passed down from generation to generation, we have been able to sustain the demand for food being put on the table for the consumer. If you put a halt to that education, who knows what will happen. As an educator and an agriculturist, I would be very concerned about our society’s future if we cut agricultural programs,” said Foes.
lated identity theft is to file their returns as soon as possible. Madigan offered additional tips for consumers to avoid becoming the victim of tax-related identity theft: • The IRS does NOT initiate contact with taxpayers to request personal or financial information through any form of electronic communication, including email, text messages and social media channels; • Do not open or reply to any emails claiming to be from the IRS that contain a request for personal information; • Request a call back number and employee badge number from anyone claiming to be an IRS agent so that you may independently confirm the phone number and agent; • Report any suspicious IRS electronic correspondence to phishing@irs.gov; • Report any IRS telephone
impersonation scams or suspicious IRS paper mail or fax correspondence to the TIGTA Hotline at 800-366-4484; and • Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800908-4490 or visit the IRS’ website to report tax-related identity theft: www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft. Consumers can also contact Madigan’s Identity Theft Hotline at 866-999-5630 for tax-related identity theft assistance. The hotline is staffed with identity theft experts who can assist with all forms of identity theft by helping victims report the crime to local law enforcement and financial institutions, work to repair their credit and prevent future theft. Hotline operators can also assist callers who want to take proactive steps to prevent their personal information from being stolen.
Make plans to attend the Sauk Valley Home and Garden Show STERLING — If you are planning a home remodeling project or just want new ideas to spruce up your home or garden, make plans to attend the Sauk Valley Home and Garden Show on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13 at Northland Mall in Sterling. The show will feature vendors displaying products and services for anything from home remodeling and construction to landscape, plus indoor living, design and much more. “There is a wealth of home improvement specialists in and around this market. The Sauk Valley Home and Garden Show is a great opportunity for them to showcase their
products or services to the community,” said Jennifer Heintzelman of Sauk Valley Media. “We are so happy to have such a variety of vendors at the show. It is an event where individuals interested in improving their homes will have the opportunity to talk with home improvement specialists all under one roof.” The Sauk Valley Home and Garden Show is free and open to the public. Start your to-do list today by making plans to attend the Sauk Valley Home and Garden Show. The event runs both days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 815-625-3600, ext. 5630.
LaSalle County Sheriff Accidents Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 71 at East First Street at 8:11 a.m. March 3, The drivers, Barbara J. Mize, 63, of DePue and Terry L. Himes, 53, of Moweaqua were not injured in the snow- and ice-related crash. Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash
on LaSalle Street at Pontiac Street in Eden Township at 11 a.m. March 3. The drivers, Jerry C. Hiltabrand, 78, of Tonica and Jerald L. Johnson, 73, of Tonica were not injured. Speeding Marybel Secundino, 23, of Streator was cited for speeding 79 mph in a 55 mph zone on Route 18 at 4:55 p.m. March 3.
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4 Perspective
4 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 11, 2016
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
Growing memories When I was a little girl, it was about this time of the year when my grandfather started poring over seed catalogues. While I never actually remember him ordering any seeds, I can still see him sitting at the kitchen table, thumbing through page after page of potential plants that might end up in Terri our garden. I can Simon remember sitting at the kitchen COMMENTARY table with him, looking at all the vegetables that could potentially live in the large expanse of a garden that would eventually feed our family. Now that I think back, those cold winter days of looking through seed catalogues and planning our upcoming garden were probably the first signs of spring we had. It was fun — even for a small child, and while I always begged him to order the giant watermelon seeds, I’m pretty sure he never did. Perhaps it was the promise of the spring to come — a place in time on a dusty old road that also spoke of baby colts and lambs, planting a field with corn and soybeans, lilacs that would eventually bloom and fill the air with the most unbelievable scent, a grandmother that would nurse baby lambs, kittens, calves and puppies back to health, and watching the season unfold before our eyes. I guess there was promise in that seed catalogue, and whether he ever ordered anything out of it or not, well ... I guess it really doesn’t matter. It would eventually be about this time when Grandpa would head to the store (I can’t remember which one, but I know I always tagged along with him), and we’d come home with these little plastic, yellow trays filled with some kind of dirt concoction and a plastic, see-through lid. Inside the dirt were tomato seeds, and together, we’d put those trays on a sunny windowsill, douse them with water and wait for the magic to begin. It wouldn’t be long ... the sun and water would do their thing, and before we knew it, we’d have tomato sprouts in those plastic, yellow trays. To this little kid, it was magical. And to the vintage eyes of my grandfather, well ... it seemed just as enchanting. The excitement we shared about those little sprouts still sticks in my memory, and I still smile like a school girl when I think about it. For days, the two of us would check out our sprouts, making sure they had enough water and sunlight. Eventually, the clear, plastic lid would be removed when their stature erupted, and I don’t mind telling you that was a big day. After that, my grandpa would remove the weaker sprouts, allowing the stronger to survive. The daily visits would continue until the sun had warmed the earth enough for us to plant those tomatoes in the family garden. That, in and of itself, was a big deal, not to mention the tending of those plants throughout the summer season. While watching those seeds grow was clearly memorable, what made an even bigger impression on this little girl was late summer when Grandpa and I would carry in the buckets of tomatoes we had grown; some would be sliced and put on our dinner table, while others would end up Mason jars and stored in the cellar, compliments of my grandmother. Talk about pride ... funny how a little tray of tomato seeds created so many memories. You know, sometimes I think we’ve turned into a society where we think memories are made by taking out our wallets, hoping children will be able to stow away some fantastic childhood memories with trips to Disney World, expensive electronics, incredible gifts and similar gadgets and experiences. But while our world has changed a lot since I was a little girl, I still have to believe money can’t buy memories. Instead, those last-a-lifetime memories are created by people we love ... doing things that will change us. A simple tray of tomato seeds ... I wonder now if he ever imagined I would remember those days so many years later. Probably not ... but who knows? It could have been part of his plan all along ... Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.
TO Letter THE Editor
Troubled with election season?
We support Long
To the Editor, Are you as troubled as I am watching this election season unfurl? While I am not impressed by any of the Republican contenders, the one who worries me the most is Donald Trump. He gathers large crowds to his rallies. But they could better be described as Hate-Ins. His message is unmistakable: Unless you are white and Christian don’t attend my rallies. He is definitely causing a split in the Republican Party. Trump has zeroed in on Muslims in particular. He has suggested that United States’ mosques might have to be shut down. He has gone so far as to suggest that Muslims should be required to register in a database or carry special IDs. Does this rhetoric bring up any memories of past history? Namely, Hitler, who singled out one particular group, the Jews, for Germans to hate. They were required to wear Stars of David on their sleeves. Every time he opens his mouth he sounds more and more like a Fascist. It was quite shocking to me that he would enthusiastically embrace the endorsement of the KKK. Then he really wants us all to believe he doesn’t know anything about David Duke, it’s leader. We must all wake up and think about the future of our country. Our current Republican majority Senate is refusing to do the job they were elected to do That is to carry out their constitutional obligation to provide advice and consent once the president has put forth a successor to Antonin Scalia. The current Supreme Court has enjoyed a conservative majority for decades. Some of their decisions have been disastrous for the 99 percent; i.e., Citizens United v. FEC, and let us not forget Bush v. Gore (that is where the Supreme Court chose our president for us). The election of our next president will have a direct bearing on future justices on the Supreme Court. We do not want “business as usual” where powerful special interests get the decisions they have paid for. Moderates and progressives need to unite behind a nominee and fight for his or her confirmation. We need a Supreme Court that will provide equal justice to all Americans. We need to think long and hard before we cast our votes next November. But more importantly, we all must fulfill our responsibility as citizens and vote. Judy Haggenjos Hennepin
To the Editor, Jerry Long for District 76th Representative. I had the opportunity of meeting Jerry Long in the summer of 2014. I was in the process of conducting surveys regarding the state of Illinois along with providing information for another political candidate. Jerry and I would cross paths often along the campaign trail. At Jerry’s speaking engagements I was impressed with his sincerity and concern for the people in District 76 and representing them in Springfield. Jerry connected with people from all ages and backgrounds. Over the past few years I personally read many of his articles on various topics in The Times Newspaper. As a member of The Write Team, Jerry wrote on his beliefs regarding economic growth, taxes, the pension crisis, NRA and other topics. Jerry’s campaign donations came from the working class in the 76th District. As a first time candidate in 2014, Jerry personally funded part of his campaign account. In order to commit full time to his campaign, he resigned from his position as a union truck driver. Unfortunately on Nov. 4, 2014, Jerry came within 336 votes of winning over long-time politician Frank Mautino. The Republican Party of Illinois chose Jerry Long as the candidate of their choice based upon his dedication and near success in the 2014 election. Jerry currently has the endorsements from the Illinois Family Institute, Family Pac, Illinois Federation for Rights to Life, Representative of the 75th District, John Anthony and The Chicago Tribune. We’re supporting Jerry Long as a candidate for the 76th District representing LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties in Springfield, Ill. To the thousands of people that met Jerry at an event, charitable cause, parade or he simply knocked on your door for a conversation, please consider Jerry Long once again on Tuesday, March 15 in the primary election. Ginny and Mike McCauley Streator
Love your fuzz off ... Girls, we all had one. That doll. You know, the one who would scare the daylights out of any normal human being. It was the baby doll with a missing eye, or an eyelid stuck in the open position, so one eyeball was always watching. It had its hair tangled in a knot on top of its head, and no amount of washing and grooming would ever restore it to its original beauty. It was the Velveteen Rabbit incarnate. When you realize they got this way because of love, it makes it a little better. OK, maybe a brother had something to do with the eyes, but when something endures a lifetime of hugging, kissing, tea parties, hospital visits, trips to the unknown and all the other “duties” of a comfort object, it starts to show. For me it was Bluey. It’s funny ... I didn’t know how to spell it. I never had to put his name in print before. He (why did I attach a male gender to it too?) was there for me. All throughout my childhood, he was a part of my life. I took him everywhere, and he always made it all better. He was nothing more than a blue piece of thermal material with satin around his outside, but he couldn’t have been more important to my growing up years. At age 5 or so, my mother decided that Bluey was too hard to keep track of when we traveled to various relative’s homes, so she decided to divide him up and give each household a piece, so I would never be without. She sneakily executed this procedure long after she thought I was asleep, but I walked in on her and with all of my 5-year-old drama announced, “You’ve murdered Bluey!” There she sat, scis-
Lori Boekeloo COMMENTARY sors in hand, unable to deny her crime. I was devastated and calling for her execution, or at least a lengthy jail stay. I had big plans for Bluey. He would adorn the kitchen curtain rod when I got older. I was going to have a valance made out of him so I wouldn’t face the ridicule of those who might think it was childish to hang onto something such as that. I hadn’t ironed out the details of how I was going to hide the fact that he had his fuzz all loved off, and was, in fact, worn right through in areas, but those were minor details. He wasn’t blue anymore, since my mother had washed him so many times his color had faded to practically white. My main concern is that he would never be away from me. My mother had just ended that dream. With a few swipes of the butchering shears, I no longer had my friend. Oh, I had pieces of him, but what was one little hunk compared to the full body armor he provided me in times of trouble? If I were the type to seek psychological counseling, I might also cite the example of Mrs. Matooga. I don’t remember her well, just that she was an old friend of my grandmother who thought that Bluey and thumb sucking were way outdated for a child my age. She tortured me by actually trying to take Bluey from me and telling me that my stomach would rot if I continued
Letters policy
to suck my thumb. The tug of war she engaged in with me and her harsh words have scarred me for life. I would seek refuge behind the big chair in Grandma’s living room when she was around. I’ve never gotten over it. Some people appreciate the importance of things such as these. My maternal grandfather was one of them. Until his death, he kept my piece of Bluey that had been designated to his home, and after his death, my grandmother framed it with a poem. I carried my own piece as my “something blue” for my wedding to my second husband. He was tolerant of that seemingly childish act. Just the other day, I pulled out my piece and held it to my face and was immersed in years of memories, love, tragedies avoided and comfort. We all need physical comfort in some form. For me it was Bluey. For some children, it may have been well worn dolls or stuffed animals who weren’t quite so stuffed after years of being over-loved. To the outside eye, they are gross and hideous, and may even smell, but to the ones who love them, they are a lifetime of memories and love. In my struggle to convince myself that inner beauty is the most important, I try to remember to see myself as those who love me see me. They don’t see my battle wounds and scars. They see who I have been to them. They love me as God loves me. Thank goodness! Lori Boekeloo of Hennepin is a mother of three. She can be reached at lorianne67@hotmail.com, or friend her on Facebook for more humor and inspiration on a daily basis.
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 Tonica News contacts the author of the letter to verify the signature. Tonica News reserves the right to edit or refuse any Letter to the Editor.
5 Life
Friday, March 11, 2016 • The Tonica News • 5
Community Birth Announcement comed home by one brother, Mann Carter Scott, 21 months. Mater-
Robert and Carissa (Hoge) Mann of Oglesby are the parents of a daughter, Teagan Lucina, born Feb. 24 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measured 21 inches in length. She was wel-
nal grandparents are Scott and Michelle Hoge of Tonica. Paternal grandparents are Ricky and Diane Mann of Ottawa. Great-grandparents are Ted and Diane Fisher of Lostant, Diana Schmitt of Tonica, and Marilyn Sexton of Peru.
Soup and sandwich supper on March 16 LOSTANT — A soup and sandwich supper will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, at the Lostant Fire Station. The menu will include beef vegetable soup, chili, chicken or ham salad sandwiches, hot dogs, dessert, and hot or
cold drinks. The event will also include a Farmers’ Booth with baked goods and crafts. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for ages 5-12 and free for ages under 5. The supper is sponsored by the Lostant-Richard United Methodist Women. Photos contributed
Cemetery clean up announced TONICA — Clean up week at the cemeteries in Tonica will be the week of March 7 and all remaining seasonal items will be removed Saturday, March 12. For questions, call 815-488-8456.
Midget Leprechaun Wrestling CEDAR POINT — Guns & Horses Productions and Half Pint Brawlers will present Midget Leprechaun Wrestling at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at the Gunsmoke Grill in Cedar Point. Tickets are $15 in
advance and $20 at the door. All ages are welcome. All proceeds will benefit Boobapalooza and Cops 4 Cancer. For ticket information, call 815-481-3337.
Lostant students in Springfield Lostant School District students were in Springfield on Thursday, March 3, visiting and touring the capitol. State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru) and the students had their picture taken inside the Senate Chamber. The students also posed for a picture with Rezin and Gov. Bruce Rauner in his capitol office.
Miller graduates from Illinois Central College EAST PEORIA — Dustin Miller of Tonica graduated from Illinois Central College in East Peoria with an Associate in
Science degree. More than 800 students met the graduation requirements for the summer and fall 2015 semesters.
Donnelly named to fall dean’s list CHAMPAIGN — Cassiday Donnelly of Tonica was named to the 2105 fall semester dean’s list at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
ATTENTION READERS: Photo contributed
Tonica Grade School Science Fair The Tonica Grade School Science Fair was held Feb. 19. The Top 10 projects/students will advance to the Regional Science Fair at Northern Illinois University on April 2.
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6 Life/Classifieds
6 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 11, 2016
Menus and Activities Lostant Grade School
Photo contributed
Tumbling, trampoline team competes Members of Illinois Valley YMCA Tumbling and Trampoline competed at the 2016 GAR Winter Super Invitational Jan. 16 and 17 in Belvidere. Thirty-nine team members competed at the event, with 16 placing first, 17 placing second, 17 placing
third, 19 placing fourth, 14 placing fifth, 14 placing sixth, 10 placing seventh, four placing eighth, four placing ninth and one placing 10th. Firstplace finishers were Lilyann Keutzer, Emma Novero, Caroline Keutzer, Marissa Sanchez, Carly Kirkman, Stihl
Brokaw, Maddison Vanzuiden, Lidia Wozniak, Miley Dolder, Anaya Beans, Kasi George, Taylor Wetsel, Allanah Harper and Kiana Brokaw. The team include boys and girls from Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam counties.
Breakfast March 14 — Breakfast burrito, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. March 15 — Doughnut, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. March 16 — Cinnamon bun, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. March 17 — Breakfast toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. March 18 — Cereal and yogurt, fruit and juice. Lunch March 14 — Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, bread, gelatin with fruit, milk. March 15 — Hot dog on bun, baked beans, chips, applesauce, milk. March 16 — Chicken alfredo, mixed vegetables, bread, apricots, milk. March 17 — Corned beef cabbage, peach cobbler, bread, milk. March 18 — Tuna salad sandwich, pasta salad, sidekick, milk.
Tonica Grade School
Photo contributed
Living Last Supper at Tonica United Methodist Church TONICA — The Last Supper will come to life for all to experience for free at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 13, at Tonica United Methodist Church, 423 E. Wauponis St., Tonica. The Living Last Supper Chancel Drama is being presented by a group of men from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru. Based on Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” portrait, the Living Last Supper follows Jesus’ 12 dis-
ciples after Jesus said, “One of you will betray me.” Each of them wonders aloud “Is it I?” and shares their thoughts about their relationship with Him. Powerful statements of faith and doubt are voiced, and the observer gets a strong sense of the feeling of loyalty and love that the disciples had for Jesus. Even Judas gives a deep explanation of his feelings and motives. The one-hour presentation hing-
es on the disciples’ brief monologue reflections on Christ and his impact on them. While each character speaks, the figures behind him are frozen similar to da Vinci’s depiction at the table. The Living Last Supper explores how well we know ourselves in the face of life’s great questions. Everyone is invited. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit local food pantries.
Breakfast March 14 — Breakfast pizza or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 15 — Muffin or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 16 — Scrambled eggs or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 17 — Toaster pastry, smoothie or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 18 — Powdered sugar or chocolate doughnuts or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch March 14 — Hamburger on bun, cheese slice, baked beans, fruit, chips,
milk. March 15 — Cheese or pepperoni stuffed crust pizza, corn, fruit, milk. March 16 — Chicken fajita meat on tortilla with cheese cup or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, shredded lettuce, rice, fruit, milk. March 17 — Shaped chicken nuggets, carrots, fresh fruit, cookie, milk. March 18 — Cheese sticks, marinara sauce, fruit/veggie bar, milk. Activities March 14 — 4 p.m., Scholastic Bowl at home with Milton Pope. March 15 — 4 p.m., Scholastic Bowl at home with Wallace. March 18 — Grades 7-8 Career Expo at IVCC.
Bridges Senior Center March 14 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. March 15 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 5-6 p.m., Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. March 16 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., beginner computer class. March 17 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 11 a.m.-noon, blood pressure check; noon, St. Patrick’s lunch followed by “snowball fight”; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. March 18 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; Wii bowling banquet. The Bridges Senior Center is a congregate meal site. Meals, provided by Voluntary Action Center, are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for a suggested donation of $3.50. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. For more information, call 815431-8034.
–––––––––––––––––––– Classifieds –––––––––––––––––––– General Terms and Policies
- 200 Employment
- 400 Merchandise
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.
232 • Business Opportunities
450 • Under $1000
CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com Need To Get The Word Out? We Can Help You Get It Out Right Here! Give Us A Call 815-875-4461
********** THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of the Tonica News Does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is. Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number. Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by”900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis. The Tonica News Classifieds makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader. If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact: Better Business Bureau 330 North Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 312 832-0500
2 Playstation guitars, $40; box of playstation stuff, $50; deer stand $30. Call 815-866-6328 2 Refrigerators: 1 Whirlpool for $100; 1 side-by-side for $150. Call 815-303-3073 2002 Saturn. Runs great, good on gas. Body has a few flaws. No rust. $800. Call 815-503-4145 Bass fishing boat with 2 swivel seats, electric trolling motor with battery. $500. Call 815-878-5851
460 • Garage Sales HUGE WINTER GARAGE SALE. Saturday, March 12th. 8am-2pm. Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton. Admission: Food Pantry Donation For information call 815-303-2905
************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?
- 700 Real Estate For Sale
Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week. No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales. E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number) No Phone Calls!
See It Right Here!
The Tonica News Classifieds 815-875-4461
767 • Mobile Home Sales **************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS IN RE: ) THE ESTATE OF ) NANCY L. ERWIN, ) Deceased. ) No. 16-P-34 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION CLAIMS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of NANCY L. ERWIN, late, of Peru.. Letters of Office were
issued on February 22, 2016, to MINDY C. KOHR, whose attorney is Aplington, Kaufman, McClintock, Steele & Barry, Ltd., 160 Marquette St., P.O. Box 517, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk, Circuit Court, in the LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, or with the representative, or both, on or before September 12, 2016, 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 ten (10) days after it has been filed. Dated this 2nd day of March, 2016. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS 119 W. Madison Street Room 201 Ottawa, IL 61350 Published in the Tonica News Mar. 11, 18 and 25, 2016.
www.tonicanews.com
FREE Classified Advertising for all items valued under $1,000!
E-mail items for sale to: classified@bcrnews.com
Friday, March 11, 2016 • The Tonica News • 7 999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN THE MATTER OF:) THE ESTATE OF ) MARTHA JOHNSON, ) Deceased ) No: 16 P 48 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of MARTHA JOHNSON of Peru, Illinois, who died on June 27, 2015. Letters of office
were issued on March 1, 2016, to DANIEL R. JOHNSON, 257 N. 2559th Rd. Peru, IL 61354, whose attorney is Gary L. Peterlin, 170 E. Walnut Street, Oglesby, Illinois 61348. Notice is given to any heir or legatee whose names or addresses are not stated in the petition for letters of office, that an order was entered by the Court on March 1, 2016 admitting the decedent’s Will to probate. Within 42 days after
the date of the order of admission you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the Will by testimony of the witnesses to the Will in open court or other evidence, as provided in Section 6-21 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/6-21). You also have the right under Section 8-1 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/8-1) to contest the validity of the Will by filing a petition with the Court within 6
months after admission of the Will to probate. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, on or before September 12, 2016. If a claim notice is mailed or delivered personally to a creditor of the decedent, the creditor’s claim may be filed on or before the date stated in that
notice, if later than the date shown above. Any claim not filed within the time allowed is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the Attorney within ten days after it has been filed. Perona, Peterlin, Andreoni & Brolley, LLC 170 E. Walnut St., PO Box 35 Oglesby, IL 61348
Tel: 815-883-4102 Published in the Tonica News Mar. 11, 18 and 25, 2016.
MAY MUELLER, a female minor child. TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN and BRANDY RACHEL THURGOOD; Take notice that a Petition was filed in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Illinois, for the adoption of a child named GIANNA MAY MUELLER. A hearing on the Petition for Adoption will be held on the 7th day of April, 2016 in the Circuit Court of La Salle
county, Illinois, Room 300 at 10:00 a.m. in the city of Ottawa, Illinois before Judge Eugene P. Daughterty. Dated: February 23, 2016 Ottawa, Illinois, Circuit Clerk. Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi John Balestri 149 Gooding Street LaSalle, IL 61301 (815) 223-6600 Published in the Tonica News Mar. 4, 11 and 18, 2016.
ADOPTION NOTICE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY STATE OF ) ILLINOIS ) )SS COUNTY OF ) LASALLE ) ADOPTION NO. 2016-AD-10 In the matter of the Petition for the Adoption of GIANNA
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8
8 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 11, 2016
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