TON-03-29-2013

1 Front Volume 140 No. 5

Friday, March 29, 2013

The Tonica News

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Countdown to the election

By Barb Kromphardt bkromphardt@tonicanews.com

Early voting has begun in preparation for the April 9 election.

The first day for early voting was March 25.

Early voting will continue through April 6 at the LaSalle County Governmental Center at 707 E. Etna Road in Ottawa. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and April 6, 8 a.m. to noon.

Absentee voting is also in progress. The last day to accept an application for an absentee ballot by mail is April 4, and the last day for in person absentee voting is April 8.

Contact the LaSalle County Clerk’s Office at 815-434-8202 for more information.

Voters in LaSalle County will have quite a few contested races in which to cast their ballots.

In Lostant, incumbent Fred Hartenbower is fac-

ing John Wever for the village president’s seat.

In the uncontested races in Lostant, Wendy Forrest is running for village clerk; David Mertes, Michael Cooper and Raymond Brierly are running for the three, four-year terms as trustee; and Chris Dose is running for the two-year trustee term.

In Tonica, Trustee Kevin Sluder is running unopposed for the village president’s seat.

Four candidates – Rich Higgins, Monica Kreiser, Mark Coons and Dennis Ford – are running for the three available four-year trustee terms.

David Wiesbrock is running unopposed for the two-year trustee term, as is Heather Sherman for village clerk.

In Cedar Point, voters will choose between Gary Buckley and Lance Korter to fill the unexpired two-year term for mayor. Lee Ballerini

Jr., Michael Margis and Charlene Hight are running for the three unexpired two-year terms as commissioner.

In Leonore, there are no contested races. Mike Zimmerman is running for village president, and Marlene Knecht is running for village clerk. Ron Miller, Monty Bernardoni and Michelle Carmean are running for the three, four-year trustee terms, and Dustin Baker is running for the two-

year trustee term.

In the school board elections, Jeremy Hillyer, Tina Schiffbauer, Brian Marcinkus, Regan Sluder and Scott Obermiller are running for the four available positions on the Tonica School Board.

There are no contested races for the Lostant School Board or the Putnam Community Unit School Board.

See Election Page 3

TGS Board takes action on personnel

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA – March school board meetings are often reserved for the hiring and firing of personnel, and that was no different for the Tonica School Board when it met in regular session on March 20. Although most of the personnel actions were accomplished by unanimous acclaim, one met with dissention.

Jamie Hoffman was moved from her technology position into the learning disabilities department for the middle school and junior high over the objection of board member Jeremy Hillyer in a 5-1 vote.

“She’s just not what I’m looking for,” Hillyer said.

The board also decided not to renew the contract of Gretchen Shaefer, the middle school’s learning disabilities teacher, which created the opening for Hoffman.

The board voted to retain all other certified and non-certified personnel and accepted with regret the letter of intent to retire from fourthgrade instructor David Downing and head cook Pam Ford. Ford will stay on for awhile to help with the transition of a new head cook.

Tenure was granted to autism instructor Melissa Cassidy and physical education and health teacher Carrie Christman.

The board is also investigating the possibility of hosting the LaSalle County Autism Program. LEASE was previously in charge of the program for 3 to 6 year olds, but it is unable to do so anymore. The board instructed Superintendent John Suarez to look into the issue.

In other action, the board: • Approved the 201314 school calendar.

• Voted to use its four shares of Tonica Technology stock to try to elect Ron Beenenga to the Tonica Technology Board at Beenenga’s request.

• Approved the hiring of Joe Martin as a temporary custodian during spring break and the upcoming summer vacation.

• Approved the purchase of the Study Island learning program for one year. The program is a study skills program designed to help students learn to study.

• After lengthy discussion, approved the technology plan that has to be filed with the state.

• Approved the use of the school parking lot for the Tonica Fest parade.

• Reviewed the plan for student fees for the upcoming year. The board will vote on the fees at the April meeting.

Tonica News photo/Barb Kromphardt

Easter bunny arrives early in Lostant Molly Thomson (from left), Lilly Breckenridge and Cadence Breckenridge eagerly pet Butterscotch the bunny at the Lostant Public Library March 26. The bunny visited the children during Library Time, which is held every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. for any child, aged birth to pre-school, in the Lostant or Tonica school districts.

Get your news 24/7 Tonica News has a new and improved website

By Barb Kromphardt bkromphardt@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Can’t wait until Friday for the Tonica News to come out?

Do you get frustrated waiting for the Tonica News to appear in your mailbox?

Inside

Vol. 140 No. 5 One Section - 8 Pages

Knight moves See Page 2 © The Tonica News

Do you need to know right away what happened at last night’s village or school board meeting?

Your waiting days are finished.

The Tonica News is now available 24/7 on its revamped website at www.tonicanews.com/.

All of the news and features

Getting the message See Page 4

you enjoy in the paper are available on the website.

So are all of the photographs, and then some. Sometimes there isn’t enough room in the newspaper to include all the photos with the story. Those photos can now be viewed on the website.

See Website Page 3

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 29, 2013

Seeking Sources Do you have any interesting stories you would like to share with your friends and neighbors?

Contact Barb Kromphardt at Tonica News at 815442-8419 or news@tonicanews.com.

••• Warmer days are just around the corner. The BCR is looking forward to seeing your springtime photos to share with other readers. Email your photos and information to news@tonicanews.com.

Remember to let us know where you took the photo, as well as who is in it.

•••

The Tonica News P.O. Box 86, Tonica, IL 61370 (USPS 633340) Published every Friday at Tonica, IL 61370 Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County

Contact Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com Managing Editor Barb Kromphardt bkromphardt@tonicanews.com

Submit

The Tonica News encourages readers to submit news for publication in our paper. Special events, weddings, births, awards and honors, anniversaries, promotions, etc. are welcome items for the paper. Some fees may apply.

Schools, businesses, organizations and groups are encouraged to send information on activities and events. If you have attended a function or event and have a photo and/or news, please submit them.

Email to:

news@tonicanews.com.

Photos should be sent as an attachment.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News P.O. Box 86,Tonica, IL 61370

Brianna Strell and Hank Blauvelt concentrate on their next moves during a regular Friday afternoon practice of the Tonica Chess Club.

Brianna, Hank and 12 other Tonica students have met regularly for about 18 months to learn and practice their chess moves. The team is hoping other area chess players join them at a meet and greet to be held April 13.

Tonica News photo/Barb Kromphardt

Making a move in Tonica Chess club is more than just a game

By Barb Kromphardt bkromphardt@tonicanews.com

TONICA — It’s a Friday afternoon in Tonica.

School has let out for the week, and the children have had their after school snack – Girl Scout cookies in keeping with the season.

But instead of heading for their video game consoles, televisions or outside, these Tonica students are sitting quietly, staring at each other across some tables at the Methodist church.

Welcome to the Tonica Chess Club.

The club, which consists of about 14 students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades, has met for about 18 months now.

It all began one Christmas.

“It was like Christmas, and I got a chess set, and that was how it started,” said Nathan Carlson. “So my mom said she would start a chess club.”

And that’s exactly what DeAnna Carlson did. She started a club for any interested children, and they began meeting at The Station House restaurant.

“Tom and Karla Goskusky were the hosts and let them play chess at the restaurant once a week,” DeAnna Carlson said.

Carlson said the club has done better than she ever expected.

“I started the chess club, so that the students of Tonica — my children and the other children of Tonica — would have an alternative to videogaming and another window to the world,” she said. “I was really surprised to have such an interest and such a long-term interest that the students are excited.”

About a year ago, the club got a boost with the arrival of Adam Ford of Tonica.

Want to get in on the fun?

The students in the Tonica Chess Club enjoy playing against each other, but they would really like to take on some new competition.

DeAnna Carlson sent a letter to 20 public and private school superintendents in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties to invite their students in Grades 3 through 8 to participate in one or more intermural chess meet and greets.

The meet and greets will be hosted by the North Central Regional Betterment Coalition at the Peru City Hall Community Building on April 13 and May 4.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the meet will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Schools can participate with a sponsor, and students or a student may attend individually with a parent.

Carlson would like to see the meet and greets as a predecessor to forming a regional interscholastic chess league in the fall semester.

Carlson said the chess league is open to sponsorship from any one person, corporate, or non-profit to purchase tournament chess boards and clocks for the children. Only $500 would sustain the league’s start-up and growth for two years.

For any additional information, questions, or to RSVP, contact Carlson at dcarlson.usa@gmail.com, 815-223-2949 (office) or 815-488-6611 (mobile).

“DeAnna had started this club, and I came to check it out,” Ford said.

Ford is a tournament chess player and has a good knowledge of chess.

“I stopped by and brought some chess puzzles and brought them to the kids to see how good they were doing,” he said.

“Well, they needed some work.”

Now, a year later, the kids eagerly compete against each other.

“I like coming here every Friday and playing chess,” said Johnny Johnson Although it’s mostly boys

in the club, there are a few girls who participate.

Becky Schmidt likes to come and meet new friends.

“I like that it’s like really quiet because my sister’s always bugging me and annoying me,” said Brianna Strehl.

Bryan Stillwell also likes the quiet.

“It’s a place where I can get away from my family,” he said. “I have five other brothers and sisters, so it’s kind of crazy.”

Bryan said playing chess has helped him do better in school.

“It helps you think better,” he said. “You can follow directions better.”

Logan Johnson said chess is fun.

“I get better and better each time,” he said.

Hank Blauvelt also said he has improved his game.

“I like to learn and know where all the pieces go and how to play chess,” he said. “The secret is knowing where all the pieces go and what attacks to make.”

Ford said the students are still at the introductory level, but he’s been pleased with the vast improvement he has seen.

Tonica News photo/Barb Kromphardt

Tonica Chess Club coach Adam Ford (from right) gives Becky Schmidt and Bryan Stillwell some tips during their recent chess practice. Bryan said playing chess has helped him to do better in school.

“There’s a good quote, you can learn the game of chess in a few minutes – how the pieces are moved — however it really takes a lifetime to master it,” he said. “It’s an old sport; it’s competitive. You want to win, and it’s fun.”

Ford said anybody can play chess, not just the very intelligent.

“Just like everything else, it takes practice,” he said. “It’s fun, and that’s why I play. That’s why everyone plays.”

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3 Obit Records Friday, March 29, 2013 • The Tonica News • 3

Taking a step back in time ... Lostant style Lostant History book still available

By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT – If there is anyone with a question on history in Lostant or Hope Township, the man to go to is Paul Janusick.

Janusick, along with Lostant resident Wanda Sparby Micklos, put together a book on the history of Lostant and Hope Township in the summer of 2011 in time for the 150th anniversary celebration in Lostant titled, “A Glimpse of Lostant and Hope Township.”

Micklos and Janusick knew each other from their time on the Lostant School Board.

“It was an idea Paul and I had discussed for a while and we thought the 150th anniversary of Lostant would be a good time to put the book together,” Micklos said.

“It was a collaboration between the two of us.

Paul lived in Lostant his entire life and had firsthand information and a variety of photos and memorabilia from the village and area.”

Janusick said the two had been friends for years.

“She didn’t know the history as much as being a person that wanted to write a book,” he said. “I supplied the history part.

I wouldn’t have gotten it done without Wanda.”

Janusick said they finished the book just that week of the celebration.

“We ordered just 100 copies, figuring we had enough to sell over the celebration,” he said.

Janusick and Micklos ended up taking more than 200 orders for their book. Janusick said initially it was a little nervewracking as people purchased the book. He was concerned that all the information in the book was accurate.

“I checked stories with not one, but two or three

Election From Page 1 For Illinois Valley Community College, Brandon Evans, Jane Goetz and Laurie Bonucci are running for the two available sixyear trustee terms.

In the township elections, Matthew Mason and Lisa Grubar are competing for the Deer Park Township supervisor seat; and Jim Bailey and Mark Kudela are running for the township highway commissioner position. Six candidates – Mike Scully, Matthew Znaniecki,

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

Paul Janusick, co-author of “A Glimpse of Lostant and Hope Township” along with Wanda Sparby Micklos, enjoy discussing their book with interested people in the area. people before including it in the book,” he said.

Janusick’s love of history began from hearing stories as a child from his mother and grandmother. Having served in the Armed Forces, he had an interest in the Civil War. Initially he thought it was pretty neat that a village that had just incorporated itself sent four soldiers to serve in the Civil War. “But as I looked into it, between Lostant and Hope Township, I found that there were 61 persons that served in the Civil War,” Janusick said.

“I think that was wonderful; they were immigrants and felt strongly enough to serve in so young a community.”

Janusick’s mother, Darlene, had always told stories to him growing up, and one story was a little more unusual than the others.

“She had always talked about there being a Ku Klux Klan once,” he said.

“Her dad owned a pasture that set alongside the Catholic Church, and they burned crosses in his pasture. From the house, they could see the crosses burn. As I was doing this (the book) I found out it was true.”

Janusick learned the group was more antiimmigrant than anti-

slavery or anti-black, but the story was still disconcerting.

Micklos said that in its day, Lostant was a very busy town with the two railroads providing a lot of business to the area.

“It’s important that people know the history of this village,” she said. “The main street was lined with businesses from blacksmiths to grocery stores, hotels and even entertainment at the Opera House. I would have like to have gathered more information on the Opera House.

I’ve heard rumors that some big name vaudeville acts were here but could never confirm it.”

The Lostant brick yards also played an important part in the history of the village.

“The entire main street burned down and was rebuilt by brick made right here in the Lostant brick yards,” Micklos said. “That’s amazing.

The clay was so good even an artist from Chicago had it shipped to him to sculpt with.”

Micklos gave a nod to Janusick as to his deep knowledge of the community along with the wonderful collection of pictures and maps of Lostant and the area.

For example, the water line was dug by hand

Norman Schmitt, Dirk Mertel, Kevin Bergagna and Mark Grubar Sr. – are running for the three township trustee seats.

In Eagle Township, the only contested race is for the highway commissioner seat with Adam McMullen and Michael Brown Sr. competing for that position.

The highway commissioner seat is also the only contested seat in Eden Township with Allen Leffelman and Tom Goskusky vying for the position.

The highway commissioner seat in Hope Township is being

sought by Ronald Judd and Andrew Forrest.

In Vermillion Township, Tommie Haynes and Josh Scott are competing for the highway commissioner seat.

There are no contested races in Richland Township.

On the county level, voters will be asked to approve a 1 percent sales tax with the proceeds to be used exclusively for school facility purposes.

Voters in unincorporated parts of the county will be asked to give the county authority to arrange for the electrical

during the rebuilding after the fire.

“Paul has a wonderful photo depicting that,” she said. “I can’t imagine how hard that was, how many men it took.”

Janusick said he worked hard to talk to those in the community 30 and 40 years older than him to make sure the information he and Micklos put in the book was accurate.

“It’s all pretty well there,” he said. “Older folks would say, ‘Gee, I didn’t know this. I didn’t know that.’”

Micklos also added that it was wonderful to talk to the older people in the village.

“Writing this book brought back memories to people,” she said. “It was so fun hearing their stories, watching their faces light up. When we sold the book at the event, it was great to see them look through the book and remember an event or a person or maybe see something they didn’t know. We got to see a 90-year-old person become a teenager right before our eyes just remembering their youth.”

The book is arranged by subject, as opposed to chronologically. This book led to another job for Janusick through his church.

“St. John’s Church was 150 years old last summer in 2012,” Janusick said. “Since I had done the Lostant book, it was like, ‘Hey, Paul,’ and I put together a much smaller one, a history of St. John’s.”

Since Mount Palatine Church had closed, a lot of the parishioners had started to come to St. John’s in Lostant. Janusick referred to the Mount Palatine history book to add information in the St. John’s history book.

Janusick has no current plans to update the book, however, he does get requests for copies of the book locally and through eBay. The book sells for the cost to print it at $15.

supplier for residential and small commercial retail customers who do not opt out of the program.

Polls will open at 6 a.m. April 9 and remain open until 7 p.m.

Norman ‘Bart’ Wilson FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Norman “Bart” Wilson passed away on March 12, 2013, at the Quality Health Nursing Home in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He had been a resident there, along with his wife, Betty Lou (Alvis) Wilson for the past 14 months.

Bart was born on Jan. 23, 1928, in Tonica to Roscoe Adolph and Clara Hazel (Brady) Wilson. He was the third of four children: Donna Mae (Elverne Barton), Dale Ervin Bart Wilson (Dorothy Withrow) and Ann Jillon “Jill” (Roger “Gabby” Puetz). His parents and siblings are deceased.

Bart married Shirley Mae Divine in 1946 in Tonica and they had two children, Bruce (Laurie) Wilson of Washington and Christy (Steven) Shay of Putnam, Conn.; and one grandson, Wes Sekula of Somerville, Mass.

Bart and Betty were married on July 10, 1970, in Springfield and had a wonderful marriage; she survives. He had a stepson, Keith (Molly) Rodgers of Rockwood, Tenn., and two stepgrandchildren, Megan (Judd) Wilder of Brunswick, Ga., and Christian (Deanna) Rodgers of Toronto, Ontario. He was also the proud grandfather of five great-stepgrandsons.

Bart joined the U.S. Navy and served his country on board the USS Albany, a heavy cruiser. He was later recalled to the Navy and served during the Korean Conflict on board the USS Kidd, a destroyer. Bart was employed as a tool and die maker in O’Fallon and then by Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Joliet and Peoria for almost 20 years. He then worked as a sales representative for Norman Engineering in Peoria until his retirement in 1985.

He and Betty resided in Venice, Fla., from then until relocating to Fernandina Beach last year. He was also active member of the Peoria Masonic Lodge and Shriners International, as well as being a member of the Jesters, which was quite appropriate as he always had a joke readily at hand. He loved to play golf and that was one of the reasons for the move to Florida after retirement.

After a memorial service in Tonica at a date to be announced, he will be buried with his parents at the Fairview Cemetery.

Website From Page 1 In addition, if you want to order a copy of a photo, a link is available for you.

Almost all the information you need to know about the Tonica News is available at the click of a mouse.

If you click on the “Contact Us” button at the very top of the page, you’ll find links for submitting anniversary, birth, engagement and wedding announcements.

You’ll find where to submit your classified ads or legal notices, and who to talk to if you want to buy an ad in the paper.

You’ll also find ways to contact Publisher Sam Fisher, Editor Terri Simon, and Managing Editor Barb Kromphardt.

Unlike the newspaper, the digital Tonica News comes out more than once a week. Stories will be published more quickly after a meeting or event has occurred. Obituary information is available as soon as it is submitted to the newspaper.

And all of this information is available for no cost for any story less than two weeks old.

To access the informa-

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tion, users might be asked to participate in a Google Consumer Survey, which asks a question such as “What is your favorite soft drink?” The question will pop up after readers click on a headline. Answering the question, or perhaps “Like”-ing the story on Facebook, will allow the entire story to pop up free of charge.

Tonica News Publisher Sam Fisher said he believes readers will be pleased with the revamped website.

‘We’ve been working on the website over the last two months,” Fisher said.

“The great thing about the website is that we will have the ability to post news and activities as they happen, instead of waiting for the weekly print edition.”

Fisher also encouraged readers to be on the lookout for the new text alerts program.

“Text alert subscribers will have the opportunity to sign up for school notifications, daily weather forecast and severe weather notifications,” he said.

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4 Biz Ag 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 29, 2013

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Do you have any Business or Ag story ideas? — Contact The Tonica News at 815-442-8419, or email the paper at news@tonicanews.com.

Tonica Volunteer Fire Department minutes

Photo by Kath Clark

John Young

Getting the message!

John Young puts that message to work

By Elin Arnold news@bcrnews.com

John Young of Spring Valley describes himself as a welder ... but most would describe him differently.

Young was raised as an Illinois farm boy, and today, he is a visionary, inventor and entrepreneur, whose ideas, he said, come straight from God. When Young hears the directions, he puts his hand to the plow and follows through. That’s how Young’s Custom Ag Service and the Harvestmore came into being.

Young is the fourth generation of his family to live and work on the farm located just north of the Walmart Distribution Center on Route 89 just outside of Spring Valley.

In fact, the Walmart plant is located on 48 acres of the 167 that used to make up the Young farm.

The rest of the land is still owned by the family and is where Young has developed his business.

“Sixty years ago, it was everything people think of as an all-American farm,” Young said.

“Dairy, purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle, chickens, pigs, horse boarding, corn and soybeans growing in the field, along with a hayfield for the livestock.

“The livestock was all sold when I was 6,” Young said. “My uncle gave me some runt pigs to raise when I was 8. I raised them, brought them to weight, and took them to market. That was it.

I was going to be a pork producer!”

As Young got into his teens, school activities took over from the pork production.

“I was always serious about my scholastics,” Young said. “But being part of the farming operation was in my blood, so in the fall when it was basketball season, we were harvesting, and I wanted to come home and ride the tractors. In the spring during track season, I wanted to be part of working the ground.”

Needless to say ... farming interfered with sports.

In early 1978, Young bought a new combine and has worked every day since. He started his custom combining service at this time and continued for 23 years, noticing all the while he combined for other people that the combine head needed to do a better job than it was doing.

In 1993, he bought the farm house and all the buildings from his mother. It was the fall of this year that God gave Young the idea to modify the 820-bean head for closer cutting to the ground ... the rest is history.

Young owned an 820, so he took the plan God had given him and modified his first bean head in the gravel drive in the yard. It is those bean heads that have made the Spring Valley farmer an icon in ingenuity.

“There was a monstrous difference,” Young said.

“It turned the head of everybody. The 820 was a well-built head structurally, but it wasn’t built to cut close The name of the game is to cut close,

shave the ground, and get the grain in the bottom pod.”

This is money in the farmer’s pocket. An inch and one-half closer cut assures getting the bottom pod on the plant.

This pod will have three beans in an average size pod in an average population. That translates to three bushels an acre which translates to $15 to $16 a bushel.

Young’s bean head business has expanded from coast to coast and from Texas to Canada.

He employs six to seven workers — 12 through the busy season. The business also produces custom built Powerlift Hydraulic Doors for agriculture, aviation, industrial, commercial and residential buildings.

God has always been a part of John’s life.

“I remember my grandfather always led the table prayer,” Young said. “When he prayed there was a hush at the table I have always revered and never forgotten. In my late teens, I had a friend take me to a church camp where I was saved. When I got saved, I got reignited, and the fire has never gone out.

“If we operate on anything we operate on grace,” Young continued.

“God has given me four ideas while I have been sitting in church that I drew out on offering envelopes and then put into action.

“The reason most people never see God is they never close their eyes,” Young said. “They don’t hear from God because they don’t close their mouths. If you’re not hearing from God, you’re not listening, or you don’t want to hear what He says. I give God the glory for all my accomplishments in the past and what will come in the future.”

And the future is promising. Young is working with a Canadian distributor that handles all of Canada including 40 dealerships. Eighty percent of their bean heads went to Canada last year because of the major drought in this area.

Young plans to continue working in Canada and is looking at ways to open up the Asian market. With his ability to custom build grain heads, he can move into any market and provide whatever they need.

One thing is certain, though. Whatever Young decides to do, he will listen to God and follow His instructions.

Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.

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TONICA – Twentyfive members attended the March meeting of the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department. Terry Chambers, Blake Billig and Cassie Leffelman were guests.

In February, the department handled three fire calls, two accidents, five ambulance runs, and four good intent. The total number of calls for the month was 29.

Fire rescue training covered SCBA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, a review of 2-in-2-out Policy, a review of SCBA Policy with don-and-doff SCBA units with a hands-on drill, a lesson on using hose couplings to determine the way out and a review of interior structure search methodology. The training was attended by 23 firefighters.

EMS training covered trauma and congestive heart failure and was attended by eight EMTs. In other news: • Vinny Gray has been accepted as a junior firefighter after his probationary period. Meanwhile, Jason Kennedy, Jeff Pugh and Able Guzman have completed their probationary period and have been moved to full membership status.

• Lieutenant James Breit reported he has completed most of the work on Rescue 1715’s light towers.

• TVFD has received Emergency Manual Updates from Northern Illinois Pipeline Association.

• A list of fundraising events for Peru firefighter Gary Eccles was received, including a “drive thru dinner” for May and water fights on June 15. Eccles is a retired firefighter suffering from adenoid cystic carcinoma cancer.

• Thank you cards were received from the Downings, Sandy and Becky Arnold, Jan Frangenberg and Marilyn Christman.

• Chief Todd Anderson reviewed the tactics and strategy used at the

recent fire call in the Lowell area.

• The TVFD is holding a garage sale on May 3 and 4. Tina Gray is chairing the event.

• Sue Huss and Mary Keutzer proposed a Fundraiser Crafters’ Bazaar for Oct. 27.

• Entry door lock work has been completed by Bill Gray and Breit.

• Rural address fire signs are ready for distribution and installation.

They were lettered by Alec McCleary, Woody Olson and Kevin Grieve.

• The washer and dryer recommended by the National Fire Protection Association to be used for cleaning personal protective clothing are ready for use.

• The membership approved a payment on the outstanding loan for the newest fire truck.

• The department is advertising for lawn care. Proof of insurance is required with a bid due date of April 1.

• The purchase of 11 LED survivor lights that will be attached to each SCBA Air Pack was approved.

• The Department of Natural Resources grant was applied for.

The grant covers hose, adapters, nozzles and wild land protective clothing for brush and field firefighting.

• The board of directors meeting was held, with a review of 2012 financials and Anderson’s 2013 budget.

• Anderson wants all members to be CPR/ AED certified, certified in NIMS 100, NIMS 700 and officers also certified in NIMS 200.

• Rules have been developed and posted for use by the public of the kitchen and building.

• Assistant Chief Bill Gray has completed mechanical and routine maintenance work on several fire department trucks. In one month Gray has saved the TVFD more than $1,000 in labor costs.

• The food committee for the April meeting will be Kim Goodbred, Brad Keutzer and Tom Goskusky.

Watch out for the hidden costs of cheap insurance Quality insurance is affordable.

Let’s get together to find a plan that fits your need... and your budget.

Matthew Hostetter Granville, IL 61326 1012-500HO

www.countryfinancial.com

815-339-6136

5 Perspective Friday, March 29, 2013 • The Tonica News • 5

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

The smell of victory That time of year is upon us once again. The days are longer; flowers are starting to push through the frozen tundra; and animals are starting to shake off the cold starkness of a cold winter.

It’s the time of year when a young man, such as myself, turns every waking thought to — college basketball. The NCAA men’s college basketball tournament has always held a special place in my family’s heart, and you’re about to find out why.

When my wife and I were married many, many, many years ago, we thought that it would be fun to start a tradition of wagering on the tournament FROM THE SKETCHBOOK brackets. When I say wagering, I’m not talking about any money of any kind exchanging hands because in the catastrophic, unthinkable event of me actually losing, I’d have to ask her for a check to pay off my debt anyway.

No, our wager was to be based entirely on personal pride. The bet was that on the upcoming Easter Sunday, with our entire family present, the loser of the bet would have to announce, in front of everybody, that they were married to the smartest person in the world. It was a simple little bet that I had every intention of winning. I was finally going to get the recognition that I so richly deserved.

When we first started making our bracket selections, I rapidly determined that I had the upper hand. After all, I watched countless hours of basketball on television, both college and professional; I listened to hours upon hours of sports talk radio; and I was an avid reader of Sports Illustrated.

Even the ones that weren’t the swimsuit issue. I absorbed all the information I could about college basketball. I studied the Xs and Os. I knew the weaknesses and strengths of all 64 teams. On the other hand, my wife made her decisions based mainly on the team mascots and their uniforms.

She’d say things like, “Oh, those uniforms are pretty,” or “What’s a Jayhawk?” This was going to be like taking candy from a baby.

Being the basketball guru that I was, coupled with the fact that I am practically the nicest guy I know, I magnanimously attempted to assist my wife with her picks. She wouldn’t have any part of it. She was determined to win this thing on her own. Her actions were both admirable and foolish at the same time. I just hoped she wasn’t going to be too upset over the drubbing that she was about to experience. I hoped that our young marriage would be able to survive this storm.

I can remember waking up the Thursday morning that the tournament started. The air smelled crisp and clean. It smelled like — victory.

And then the games started. By three o’clock in the afternoon, the first day of the three-week tournament, I was mathematically eliminated from any chance of winning. I felt like the Chicago Cubs on May 1 — done. It was horrible. My picks had become the kiss of death for many of the elite college basketball programs across this great land of ours.

Meanwhile, my wife’s “pretty” teams were pulling off upsets left and right. I wanted to take her to a casino right then and there. The majority of the teams she picked, moved on to the next round. Her bracket looked all nice and neat. Mine had little red scribbles all over it that signified my teams getting knocked off, at least right up until I ripped it off the fridge, wadded it up and threw it away.

When Easter Sunday rolled around, I was dreading what I was going to have to do. I was hoping for a small crowd. Many Easters, several of my family members have not been able to make it back home for Mom’s family dinner. This was not one of those Easters. There were people in attendance that I didn’t even know. The place was packed.

I can still picture taking my last bite of Easter ham and looking across the table as my wife wickedly smiled at me. This was it. Time for me to swallow my pride and declare that I was married to the smartest person in the world.

As I stood up at the table, I cleared my throat and asked if I could have everybody’s attention. As a hush grew among the hundreds, possibly thousands, of relatives that were in attendance, I start-

Greg Wallace

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 Ashley Cusac City: Rutland.

Where did you grow up: Rutland.

Family: My fiance, Greg, and my daughter, Harlow.

Pets: One cat, Harvey.

Occupation: Chiropractic assistant at Marty Chiropractic.

What is the last song you listened to: “When You Say Nothing at All”

by Keith Whitley.

What is the last book you read: “Scarred.”

What is the last TV show you watched: “South Park.”

If you were stranded on a desert island and could have only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be: I want to say steak and crab legs because that’s my favorite; but I’ll go with Twinkies because they’ll never go bad!

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would you take: My daughter. She’d make it fun!

What is your favorite local restaurant: Jalapenos.

If someone handed you a mil-

lion dollars, how would you spend it: I would pay off my house, finish remodeling my kitchen, pay for my wedding, buy a new car and set some aside for Harlow’s future.

People would be surprised if they knew that you: Hate the word “actually.” I can’t stand it.

What is your favorite thing about the city you live in: It’s small, quiet and peaceful.

If you could make one change about your town, what would it be: Our park would have a better playset for the kids.

No Child Left Untested Here we go again Among the alarming number of careers I’ve had in my life, I was a teacher for a couple of years — just long enough to pay off absolutely none of my student loans.

(FYI: 40 percent of teachers will not teach more than five years.)

I quickly realized that while I understood teaching and actually enjoyed a lot of it, I was not suited to be a teacher.

But, I still understand teaching — the multiple hats that a teacher has to wear in a day and the enormous workload and responsibility of teaching the next generation to thrive in today’s world. In addition, teachers spend a lot of their “three-month vacation” attending classes themselves, so they can retain their teaching certification. If there’s a profession that receives no respect, it’s teaching.

I understand teaching.

Legislators, however, haven’t a clue.

I am firmly convinced the legislators who write the laws and standards for today’s schools have never set foot in a public school.

They likely attended a private

Ken Schroeder COMMENTARY school where everyone was there to learn, the teacher-to-student ratio was lower, and time could be spent devoted to learning without meeting the requirements of public schooling.

First, there was the number of assessment tests that have been in schools for years. While often an intrusion, these tests at least measured learning and helped schools learn where their weak points were.

Then came No Child Left Behind. While the goal was admirable – to make sure that all students had the same basic education – it was also unattainable.

Students do not have the ability to learn the same. Some learn by doing, some by watching or reading — treating the students as a whole doesn’t work.

NCLB also brought with it more tests. A lot more tests, many of which had little to do with knowledge that most students need or

ed out by saying, “I have an announcement. I would like to publicly announce that my wife …”

At that point, it got a little weird. Apparently, when you are the husband in a newly-married couple, and you stand up at Easter dinner in front of your entire family and start a sentence with, “I would like to publicly announce that my wife …,” you really need to finish the sentence with “… is having a baby.”

Before I finished the sentence with “… is the smartest person in the world,” I could tell that people were going to be disappointed. I can picture everybody’s eyeballs getting wide with excitement and anticipation. My Grandma was starting to beam.

My Mom was already figuring out what kind of baby paraphernalia that she was going to knit. My sister was sitting there stunned with her mouth wide open.

could understand. These tests weren’t there to do determine which students were better learners; they were there to determine if the schools – and particularly the teachers – were “doing their job.”

It didn’t matter if the students were doing well scholastically, if they had a “bad test day” during their Prairie State Assessment Test – or worse, if a student knew the test was aimed at the teachers and really wanted to “stick it them” – then the school wound up on the watch list and the teacher could get a little red mark in her file, which would follow her for the rest of her teaching career.

Because these tests sometimes had little to do with some of the usual classwork, teachers were forced to “teach to the test,” covering areas that would appear on the test during time that should have been used for subject matter that was actually useful.

Stay tuned for Part II of this column. It gets better.

Putnam County Record Staff Writer Ken Schroeder can be reached at kschroeder@putnamcountyrecord.com.

(I believe that she was eating mashed potatoes at the time.) They were all eagerly expecting my next words.

The confusion and ultimate dejection registering on people’s faces when I told them that my wife was the smartest person in the world is something I’ll never forget. My bewildered Grandma leaned over to my Dad and asked, “What did he say? Is she having a baby?”

Dad replied, “Nope. She’s just smarter than him.”

To which I believe my Grandma replied, “Why did he make such a big fuss about announcing something that we already knew?”

You can contact Wallace at gwallace@bcrnews. com. You can follow him on his blog at http://gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.

6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 29, 2013

Community Boy scouts hold Blue and Gold Night

By Elin Arnold earnold@tonicanews.com

TONICA – Tonica Cub Scout Pack 3719 recently held its annual Blue and Gold Night at the Tonica Fire Station with more than 130 parents, Cub Scouts and guests in attendance.

This year area Cub Scout representative, Josh Cox, was in attendance for the festivities.

“It is held so our Webelos II Scouts can cross over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts,” said Pack Leader James Breit.

In addition, boys who have earned the Arrow of Light — the highest honor in Cub Scouts – receive the award, while lowerranking scouts also get the pins, belt loops and next rank patches.

Breit said the two crossover boys this year were Eathan Phillips and Jacob Wiesbrock.

“Once they crossed the

bridge they were met by Terry McCleary, current Boy Scout Master and were presented with their new kerchief,” Breit said.

“The event was a great success, and the guests said they had a great time, and the crossover was the best one they had ever seen.”

The pack is now a three-school pack. Tonica Grade School, Lostant Grade School and Deer Park Grade School make up the current group with more than 51 boys. Meetings are usually held the third or fourth Friday of the month. Packets for each meeting are handed out at the schools and sent home with members.

The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department sponsors the group, and meetings are held at the fire station.

The Scouts are planning a skating trip for their next event and will also be taking parents, brothers and sisters along.

TGS meets school breakfast challenge TONICA – Pam Ford and Michelle Carmean were among those honored on March 20 during Gov. Pat Quinn’s Illinois School Breakfast Challenge ceremonies.

The Challenge emphasized the link between a nutritious breakfast and classroom performance.

Tonica was one of four schools to win a $1,000 prize.

Twelve school districts from across the state earned $36,000 in cash prizes for dramatically boosting their daily breakfast participation rates and “closing the breakfast gap.” The governor’s challenge is part of his agenda to improve education and public health across Illinois.

“No child should start their day with an empty stomach,” Quinn said.

“We are closing the ‘breakfast gap.’ The Illinois School Breakfast Challenge is helping thousands of students at hundreds of schools meet their nutritional needs, improve their focus in class and develop healthy habits for life.”

Recent studies show students who eat a healthy breakfast have fewer sick days per year and are 20 percent more likely to graduate from high school.

“This isn’t just about healthy eating,” Illinois State Board of Education Executive Director

Photo contributed

Michelle Carmean (left) and Pam Ford receive a third-place trophy for Gov. Pat Quinn’s Illinois School Breakfast Challenge.

Chris Koch said. “We know there is a connection between a healthy breakfast and academic achievement, and that’s why this program is so important for our students and their futures.”

A 2011 report by Feeding America found that 745,000 Illinois children are at risk of hunger — about one in five children.

The Illinois School Breakfast Challenge is a partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education, Midwest Dairy Council and Illinois No Kid Hungry Campaign. The Illinois School Breakfast Challenge encourages schools to take advantage of the program, with cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for schools that increase their participation rates most significantly.

Tonica residents can use LaSalle Public Library

By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

LASALLE — As Tonica does not have a library, the LaSalle Public Library at 305 Marquette St. in LaSalle is available for Tonica residents to use.

For a non-resident, an annual card costs $55.

Eden Township residents, however, can get half of the cost of a card refunded to them.

Laura Frizol, director of the LaSalle Public Library, said to get a card, a Tonica resident must, bring a photo ID, as well as a piece of mail that has a current address and a current postmark, or a bill that is current for the last month. Adults, along with children ages 5 and up, can get a library card.

“We have programming from the littlest to the biggest. Our youth services librarian (Donna Blomquist) has programming for four sets of age groups on a fairly regular basis,” she said.

One of the many benefits of the LaSalle Library is it has many programs available for residents that cost no money. You do not have to be a library member to come and take advantage of the programs. For example, every second and fourth Tuesdays, the library has special children’s program in the Youth Services area of the building.

“Babies & Books” is an early literacy program for children birth to 12 months of age.

“Tots and Tales” is an early literacy program for 1 year olds.

“Story Time Express” or “Fun on the Run” is a program for children ages 3 to 5 years of age and their grown-ups.

Stories are read, and simple crafts are made almost every Tuesday of each month.

On the first and third Tuesdays of each month, “Book Friends,” an early literacy program for 2 year olds, is held.

Specialty programming for adults often changes its theme from month to month.

During the course of a year, the library will host special timely programs for specific age groups. Every Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m., a tax preparer will be available to do taxes for low-income and senior citizens at the library.

Interested parties can call for an appointment.

In 2007 the library was also given a collection of children’s books from Carus Publishing.

Carus Publishing, the

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

Seasonal displays are very popular at the LaSalle Public Library. Director Laura Frizol checks out the presidential display available during February. publisher for Cricket, Ladybug and Babybug magazines among other items, donated 35,000 children’s books to the library. Since that time, librarians have been cataloguing the collection. As of now, 28,000 of these books have been made ready for patrons to check out. Frizol encourages local teachers who have projects for their students to come and explore the collection, as she would like the books put to a good use.

The library is also the current home for a collection of clocks from

See Library Page 7

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

The LaSalle Public Library is located at 305 Marquette St. The library features a youth section, computers, a historical research and genealogy section, reading room, meeting room and a display of Westclox clocks.

Al Cioni Ford, inC. oF GrAnville hAs AChieved Ford Motor Co’s hiGhest deAler honor: the 2012 President’s AwArd

Every year Ford Motor Company honors dealerships who have gone above and beyond their customers’ expectations with the President’s Award.

What makes this award even more significant is that Left to Right: Al Cioni, Monnie Cioni, Al Biccochi, Charlene Sandberg customers are the and Racecar Rambo the Guard Cat, David Griffin, Dustin Mehlbrech judges. Through a comprehensive survey, customers rate dealers on the basis of their sales, service and overall ownership experience.

This year, 320 Ford dealerships out of more than 3,200 were awarded this high honor.

“It’s a thrill to receive this recognition from our customers,” says Al Cioni, owner of Al Cioni Ford, Inc. 6 Time Recipient of “Making sure our customers are the President’s Award! happy is what everyone who works here strives for. And it takes real teamwork to make it happen.

From the people who answer our phones to our sales folks to our technicians, everyone plays a part in customer satisfaction. I couldn’t be more proud of our staff. They’re the reason we’ve won this award,” emphasizes Al Cioni.

There has been a Ford dealership in Granville since 1934. The Cioni family has owned it since 1968.

Al Cioni Ford, Inc. is located at 504 S. McCoy St., Granville, IL. The service department phone number is 815/339-2511. Hours are 7-12 and 1-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and Saturday 8-12 and 1-3 p.m.

No baloney with Al Cioni!

Al Cioni Ford inC.

504 S. McCoy, Granville • 815-339-2511 • www.alcioniford.com

7 Life Friday, March 29, 2013 • The Tonica News • 7

Lostant students visit Springfield

Judy Dyke

By Amy Kreiser Special to the Tonica News

SPRINGFIELD – Recently, the Lostant fourth- and fifth-graders traveled to Springfield to visit the state capitol.

The first stop on their trip was the capitol building. As students entered the building, their attention was immediately drawn to the ornately-decorated dome and woodworking. A tour guide showed students the old Supreme Court room, House of Representatives, Senate Room, as well as Gov. Pat Quinn’s office. The guide pointed out statues of some past presidents and showed students the wall with all the pictures of the governors’ photographs. Students were also able to witness a live press conference being filmed.

The students were given the opportunity to sit on the House floor. While in the building, they ran into Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley). Mautino invited them to sit in the chairs of the representatives on the floor.

He asked students to create a mock vote as well. Fourth-grader Tiara Casey proposed a bill that stated everyone should be given candy every day.

There was some discussion, and then the stu-

Library From Page 6 Westclox. Jim and Catherine Whitaker donated 400 Westclox clocks in 2008 to the city of LaSalle.

There are nine staff members who work at the library, which is open six days a week: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday The facility also has a meeting room that is open for the public to use, however, reservations are required. There is also a study room. The library is completely handicapped accessible with an elevator near the entrance off

GRANDMA JUDY’S CAFE

Eggs are always a top priority with Easter and all the leftover hard-boiled eggs. While egg salad is always a good way to use up some of those Easter treats, why not try something new?

Deviled Eggs 1 dozen eggs 1 teaspoon mustard 6 tablespoons vinegar Pepper Boil eggs and let cool. Peel and separate in long halves. Remove yolks. Mix yolks with above ingredients and sprinkle with paprika and green onion.

Photo contributed

Lostant fourth- and fifth-grade students recently had the opportunity to visit the Illinois State Capitol and the Lincoln Presidential Museum. dents were able to use the electronic voting system like the representatives. The students concluded the vote had failed by looking at the large screens in the front of the room that displayed the votes.

Fourth-grader Joe Edwall said the best part of the trip was getting to vote.

“I liked it because we got to make our opinions,” he said.

Mautino also allowed students to join him in at the front of the House where the Speaker of the House would stand.

After visiting the CapiMarquette Street.

The library also has computers Tonica residents can use, even without being a library member.

“We just ask that they leave a driver’s license or state ID card with the librarian on duty while using the computers,” Frizol said.

Patrons can also use the library’s extensive databases, genealogy section, historical section, microfilm and online facilities for their needs.

The original library building was built as a Carnegie Library in 1907.

Frizol said the library had 4,900 square feet and was very cramped. In 2003, the library added an additional 9,000 square feet to its building.

tol, the students went to the Lincoln Presidential Museum. At the museum, students were able to visit exhibits that allowed students to explore Lincoln’s life from childhood through the assassination.

“Lincoln’s cabin was the best part (of the museum),” said fourthgrader Bailey Rockey.

“I couldn’t believe how small it was.”

The students were able to see Lincoln’s famous top hat on display.

“It was so cool to get to see President Lincoln’s hat. It was authentic, so that you could even see Frizol said the builders even brought granite from the exact same vein and quarry in Indiana that the original building was built with on the outside.

To the unschooled eye, it makes the library look identical to the original.

Benefits of library membership can be numerous.

Patrons can go to any public library in the area and borrow books once they obtain a LaSalle Library card. The library also has Kindles and Nooks loaded R00391-0329 with eBooks that can be checked out for a normal two-week library loan period.

Frizol said there are several ways for Tonica residents to learn more about the LaSalle Library.

She invites residents to simply stop by and ask

where he used to place his fingers to take it off,” said fourth-grade teacher Amy Kreiser.

The students then visited Lincoln’s home. They were not able to tour the home, but the students were able to walk around outside and see where he used to live.

“The students really learned a lot today,” Kreiser said. “I was impressed by how eager they were to get back to school and continue learning about Lincoln and his presidency.”

Amy Kreiser is the fourth-grade teacher at Lostant. questions “It is easier to show someone the benefits of library membership when they are here,” she said.

Patrons can also visit the library’s website at www.lasalle.lib.il.us or subscribe to a mailing list.

The mailing list will send reminders on special programs or things going on at the library.

“We are happy to have Tonica residents come in.

Even if they don’t have a library card or can’t afford one, they are more than welcome to come in and look at items we have on the shelves, use our computers, and we’ll help them with any questions they may have as well as take advantage of the programming we provide,” she said.

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Chips Stuffed Eggs 4 hard-boiled eggs 4 slices bacon 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 teaspoons parsley 1/2 cup crushed potato chips Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Mash egg yolks and combine with crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, parsley and chips. Fill egg white heaping full and sprinkle with paprika.

Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs 8 hard-boiled eggs 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed 3 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks, set whites aside. Add the cream cheese, mustard, salt and pepper. Beat until blended. Stir in peas. Stuff mixture into egg whites. Sprinkle with bacon. Refrigerate.

Do you have an egg 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 leftover Easter Egg-ing!

LPHS band parents to hold Trivia Night LASALLE – The LaSalle-Peru High School band parents will host a Trivia Night on April 13 at Celebrations 150 in LaSalle.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for food, and the trivia contest will start at 7 p.m. There will be raffles for door prizes all evening. For tickets, contact Betsy Ferguson at 815-993-0343.

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

For questions, call 815-339-2321.

Bar and Restaurant Mark, IL • 815-339-6233 www.cloverclub.net • 5-9PM

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8 History/Legals 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 29, 2013

History ... according to The Tonica News 10 years ago Bad weather didn’t keep people from celebrating the life of Nora Jennings on Feb. 15 at LaSalle Peru High School. Hundreds showed up for a spirited night of remembrance, celebration and laughter.

The LP cheerleaders started the show, followed by the Grace United Methodist Church choir. Michael Dhesse and Tonica’s Bill Zens did a “Soul Man” lip sync. Lostant’s Tracey Applebee Dougherty sang “Goodbye Earl,” which was one of Nora’s favorite songs. Mike Garcia, formerly of Granville, sang “She Loves Me” and “Rock This Town”.

On Feb. 15, eighth-grader Julie Martin of Deer Park placed second as LaSalle Peru Christian student Kiley Rosness spelled her way to win the LaSalle County spelling bee.

Representing Tonica was sixth-grader Nick Burgett from Lostant and Matt Schmitt of Tonica.

20 years ago Tonica Grade School students in grades first through fifth participated in a Spelling Bee. Each class entered five spellers.

The overall winner was Andrea Messino. The four runner-ups were Bryan Storm, Emily Spangler, Luke Senica and Heather Skinner.

The Tonica United Methodist Winter Carnival was held Feb. 21.

Tonica Grade School held kindergarten registration and orientation night on March 23. Mrs. Trudy Parsons talked about the all day program and readiness skills. Parents and students were able to explore the room and ask questions.

Patricia Ford of Tonica was on the fall semester Dean’s List for Marymount University in Arlington, Va.

The seventh-grade Lady Braves of TGS defeated Lostant. Leading the way were servers Liz Goskusky, Tara Roach and Stai Schmitt. Leading in passes were Sara Ford and Bonnie Milner.

Lostant Junior High had announced the honor roll for the second nine weeks: eighth graders Nick Bradfield, A.J. Chambers, Jori Cooper, Amanda Burcar, Brad Gentert, Melinda Haberkorn, David Mertes and Angela Wiesbrock.

Lostant High School announced the honor roll for the second nine weeks.

Seniors are Tieoni Alexander, Christy Bartoli, Phillip Brierly, Jennifer Chambers, Greg Maurice, Gina Moroni, Brad Rauba, Mike Schmitt and Mark Stevens.

Son is born – Zachary Carlton Missel was born Feb. 8 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Streator to Amy Bangert and John Missel. Maternal grandparents were John and Cathy Bangert of rural Streator. Paternal grandparents were Ron Missel of Streator and the late Pat Missel.

The Tonica Village Board met Feb. 9. Following a public hearing concerning the annexation of the Junior Alleman property west of the village, the board voted to annex 16.63 acres of this property. The board learned that the fee for the legal description and the plat to annex the Robert Cofoid, Jerry Johnson and Howard Ryan properties east of the village would cost $1,000. The annexation was necessary so that the city sewer can be extended to these properties. Dan McLaughlin’s application to become a member of the Tonica Fire Department was approved.

Local Obituary – Mrs. Raymond (Inez) Bartolt, 79, of LaSalle, formerly of rural Oglesby died Feb. 6 at IVCH.

McNabb photographers win in Starved Rock contest UTICA — Winners were chosen recently in the Starved Rock Lodge photography contest, which also included a photography exhibit featuring 10 photographers.

More than 125 photos were entered in the “In Touch with Your Natural Side” photography contest, which was held in the Great Hall of the Lodge.

Ben Just of McNabb took first place in the youth category. Jacki Pienta, also of McNabb, took first place in the Starved Rock Lodge employee category. All photos are displayed at www.starvedrocklodge. com and on the Facebook page for Starved Rock Lodge. Plans are underway to have another photo contest in 2014.

Jacki Pienta, first place, Starved Rock Lodge employee category

Ben Just - first place, youth category

90 years ago Solid trainloads of tank cars containing gasoline passed through Tonica every day for many weeks on their way to New Orleans for foreign export.

There were 63 cars to every train or 14,000 tank cars passing through the village on the Illinois Central.

Marriages - Giles Ryan and Dale Kempster on the 27th; Charles Miller of Mt. Palatine and Salena Doll of Peru on the 31st; Adelle Immel and Lewis Ebener of Oglesby on the 16th; Alfred Richard and Lillie Geitz on the 1st; Henry Wiesbrock and Marie Miller on the 3rd; Conrad Linder and Johanna Miller on the 30th. The last three were Richland residents.

Fatal auto accident August Westmeyer died from injuries received

when the automobile he was driving was struck by an Illinois Central train at the crossing near the Lumber Yard in Tonica. His wife, who was riding with him, was seriously injured and hospitalized for many weeks. It was a shocking tragedy the first of its kind in the village. Westmeyer was 52 years old.

100 years ago The heaviest snow of the winter fell Feb. 26, six inches of the soft, wet variety.

Marriages - Frank Signer and Ella Gay were wed on Jan. 1; David Sipe and Anna Braun of Mount Palatine on Jan. 25.

An electric lighted buggy was on exhibition and for sale at G.W. Hartenbower’s implement house. Buggies were still a staple article of merchandise 100 years ago.

Public sales in this sec-

tion were held by Walter Utech; M.D. Young; estate of Benjamin Huss; G. O. Davis, George Klehm, Wesley Kays and the McNabb Sales Co. Electric lights coming The Public Service Co. was stringing out poles between Tonica and Lostant to build their electric lines into Tonica.

A sleet storm on Feb. 21 did much damage to telephone lines and trees – one of the worst ever experienced in this section. Broken trees and telephone lines littered the streets as though a cyclone had passed through Tonica.

Leased hunting grounds - Wm. H. Kays, G.D. Hiltabrand, Reese, Jasper, and Carl Bosley leased 700 acres of hunting ground of L.F. Boyle and Otto Halbleib on the Illinois River south of Hennepin for a term of years.

A war drama “Santiago,” was put on by the high school. Those taking parts were Paul Richey, Grant Ridenour, Rolla HIltabrand, Harry Hiller, Stanley, Lauren and Winnie Egerton, Geraldine Bullock and L.M. Butler.

Famous house was burned - The home of the Immel farm one mile west of Tonica was destroyed by fire on Feb. 13. This was a large early day house built

by W.H. Holdridge, and it with its famous grove, was a gathering place of several organizations and societies of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Gravel Bailey Falls Road – Eden highway commissioners commenced graveling the old Bailey Falls Road from the Fred Borngasser farm easterly one and a quarter miles. The property owners along the route donated all but $300 of the cost.

–––––––––––––––––––––– Legals –––––––––––––––––––––– IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER ) OF THE ESTATE OF ) MARY LOU ROSSI, ) DECEASED. ) NO. 13-P-24 Notice is given to Creditors of the death of MARY LOU ROSSI of the City of Peru, County of LaSalle and State of Illinois, who died on January 15, 2013. Letters of Office were issued to JODINE SUSAN MAHONEY 824 Clark Street, Oglesby, Illinois on January 30, 2013, as Executor, whose attorneys are HELMIG & HELMIG, 1824 Fourth Street, Peru, Illinois,

61354.

Claims against the Estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk, Circuit Court, in the LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representatives, or both, on or before September 30, 2013, which date is not less than 6 months from date of first publication, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 18-3 of the Probate Act of 2000, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before said date is barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to

the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed.

GIVEN this 12th day of March A.D., 2013.

JODINE SUSAN MAHONEY EXECUTOR OF THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF MARY LOU ROSSI, DECEASED HELMIG & HELMIG 1824 FOURTH ST. PERU, ILLINOIS 61354 (815) 223-0131 Published in the Tonica News Mar. 22, 29 and Apr. 5, 2013.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ROAD DISTRICT BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Road District for Deer

Park Township, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2013 and ending March 31, 2014, and will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at 2346 E. 1025th Rd., Ottawa, Illinois from and after 5:00 p.m., the 1st day of May, 2013.

Notice if further given hereby that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 6:30 p.m., June 12, 2013, at the township hall in Deer Park Township.

And that final hearing and action on this Ordinance will be taken at a meeting to be held at the township hall at 7:00 p.m., the 12th day of June, 2013.

Dated: March 22, 2013 Diane Bergagna Deer Park Township Clerk Published in the Tonica News Mar. 29, 2013.

NOTICE OF PUBIC HEARING ON TOWN BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for Deer Park Township, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2013 and ending March 31, 2014, and will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at 2346 E. 1025th Rd., Ottawa, Illinois from and after 5:00 p.m., the 1st day of May, 2013.

Notice is further given hereby that a pubic hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 6:30 p.m., June 12, 2013, at the township hall in Deer Park Township.

And that final hearing and action on this Ordinance will be taken at a meeting to be held at the township hall at 7:00 p.m., the 12th day of June, 2013.

Dated: March 22, 2013 Diane Bergagna Deer Park Township Clerk Published in the Tonica News Mar. 29, 2013.

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING NOTICE HEREBY GIVEN To the legal vot-

ers, residents of the Township of Deer Park in the County of LaSalle and State of Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said Town will take place on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, being the second Tuesday of said month at the hour of 6:30 p.m., at the Deer Park Township Hall for the transaction of the miscellaneous business of said township; and after a Moderator having been elected will proceed to hear and consider reports of officers, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide the following: Elect Moderator, Treasurer’s Report, any items added to the agenda if approved by

the majority and set time for next Annual Town Meeting.

Dated: March 22, 2013.

Diane Begagna Township Clerk Published in the Tonica News Mar. 29, 2013.

BIDS The Tonica Volunteer Fire Dept is accepting BIDS for GRASS MOWING. Proof of Insurance is needed.

For more information Contact Chief Anderson 815442-3527.

Sealed bids must be returned before April 1st, to: Chief Todd Anderson 507 N. First Street Tonica, IL 61370