1 Front Volume 141 No. 8
Friday, April 18, 2014
The Tonica News
Single Copy Cost 50¢
There’s a problem in the air Hog operation could impact Lostant By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — Several rural Lostant residents appeared before the Lostant Village Board during its meeting on April 14 to register complaints on an upcoming project, although the concerns they brought may be something the board can’t do anything about. At issue is a proposed hog farm which would be located 3.5 miles northwest of Wenona and falls
under that village’s supervision. The location puts the farm directly upwind of Lostant and the Lostant TIF District at Illinois Route 18 and Interstate 39. “We think this will have a significant impact on the town especially if it’s not operated properly,” resident Mike Phillips said. “If this facility cannot control its odors — and they’re going to be producing along the order of 10 million gallons of waste a year —
those winds be coming by prevailing winds, directly toward Lostant. “While Lostant is about four miles away, the TIF district is 2.5. If you want to develop the district with hotels, restaurants, gas stations — as soon as the potential property owner comes and smells what the property is going to smell like, they’re not going to want to put a restaurant there; they’re not going to want to put a hotel there,” Phillips said. “I think this is going to have a potentially serious impact on the town.”
The hog farm will also be using the same aquifer as the village for water, and the possible impact on water supply was also questioned. Phillips also disputed the possibility of local jobs, alleging the parent company, Veterinary Medical Center Management Corporation of Williamsburg, Iowa, has a policy of hiring immigrants the company provides temporary visas for. While the initial announcement stated the hog farm would have 5,600 breeding sows, that
figure was misleading. Nic Anderson of the Illinois Livestock Development Group said there would be more animals than that at the proposed Sandy Creek Lane farm. Documents filed with the Department of Agriculture indicate there will be 7,560 animals on the farm at a weight of 55 pounds or more, with an additional 12,000 smaller animals. The farm will be located just south of the county line in Marshall County, but it will also have an impact on LaSalle County
roads due to its proximity to I-39 and Route 18. In other action, the board: • Elected to require a local recycling company move its trailers from village property. The village has recycling services with its regular garbage pick-up, and though the third party offers services to out-of-town residents, the trailers hinder activities for the village workers and the fire department. • Set the Lostant town clean-up days as May 2 through 4.
Program helps first-time homebuyers By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn has announced a new loan program for first-time homebuyers. The program, Welcome Home Illinois, is anticipating job creation, stimulation of real estate industries and create more than $40 million in economic activity in the state. Welcome Home Illinois offers first-time home purchasers a $7,500 down payment with interest rates as low as 3.99 percent for a secure, 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Quinn said this program levels the playing field for young, first-time homebuyers. “This will provide more opportunities for everyday people across Illinois to have their chance at home ownership,” Quinn said. “Home ownership and home buying are essential to our economy. That’s why we are rolling out the welcome mat for families and hardworking men and women by giving them the resources they need to pack up and move into a new home.” “We look forward to this program helping first-time homebuyers who otherwise would not have the chance to own their own home,” Janko Realty bro-
See Program Page 2 Vol. 141 No. 8 One Section - 12 Pages
© The Tonica News
Tonica News photos/Ken Schroeder
And they’re off! Preschoolers run to get their share of the eggs during the Easter egg hunt April 11 at Tonica Grade School. At right, preschooler Kendra Thomas relaxes with her treats during the Easter egg hunt April 11 at Tonica Grade School.
Up, up and away ... Lostant students make catapults By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — Students in Alisha Bennett’s physical science class at Lostant Grade School have stepped back into the Middle Ages to learn about physics and the laws of gravity and motion. They have made miniature catapults which they tested
before spring break. The catapult was a weapon used in the Middle Ages and was powered by one of four different sources. These were tension, torsion, traction and gravity. Lostant Grade School students learned the properties of these and other science matters before constructing their catapults. They then have been
shown by Bennett how this knowledge is applied in everyday life. The students broke down into groups to build their catapults out of small wood blocks, duct tape, plastic protractors and plastic spoons. Their projectile weapon was colored marshmallows. “They (the students) will be going to the gym and projecting their marshmallows based on
degrees,” Bennett said. “They will all try 90 degrees, then try 100 and 110 degrees and continue and document how far it will go with each try.” Seventh-grade students Hunter Witzman and Dallas Powell teamed up to build one of the catapults. “I am hoping it goes pretty far, and we get the farthest,”
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2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 18, 2014
Seeking Sources Where in the world is The Tonica News? Are you planning a vacation or holiday trip? Don’t forget to take along a copy of the The Tonica News. Once you get to your destination, have someone snap a photo of you holding the newspaper, and then send the photo to us along with pertinent information about who is in the photo and where you are. We’ll be happy to share your photo with other Tonica News readers, your friends, family and neighbors. Email your photo and information to news@ tonicanews.com. You can also drop it by our office in Tonica.
The Tonica News P.O. Box 86, Tonica, IL 61370 (USPS 633340) Published every Friday at Tonica, IL 61370 Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County
Contact Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
Lostant Grade School students Alan Bruner (left) and Ethan Phillips launch their projectile, a marshmallow, as they try their catapult out in physical science class.
Catapults From Page 1 said Witzman. “I think we have a pretty good design. We studied that in the classroom.” To make the catapults, students were given the materials and instructions but have some variability on how to put it together. “We went to the book and read all the instructions. She (Bennett) gave
us the materials, and we kind of put it all together,” Witzman said. “We chose the up and down design. I think it’s pretty interesting the way it is. We made ours a little bit different than everyone else, so we are hoping to see some good results.” Everyone in the class was expected to write their results down in distance with a meter measuring stick. Results were going to be reviewed in
the class later that day. Megan Wiesbrock, Lexi Lyons and Jacki Wilson worked in a group to make their catapult. The girls said they have been building up to this point with other lessons they have gone through. “We have made simple machines before,” said Wilson “We made a lever, a pulley and axle. Then we used an incline plane (a ramp).” “It was more about tra-
jectory than just making a simple machine,” Wiesbrock said. “It had motion more. When we had a ramp, it wasn’t actually something that moved; it stayed put. “We learned a lot about projectile motion because when you launch the marshmallow it goes up, and then it hits the floor,” Wiesbrock said. Each of the 12 students seemed to grasp
the concept of seeing how far their projectile or marshmallow would go and stepped up to the challenge of whose would fly the farthest. “Earlier this year we learned about all the elements. So we have found we can make this stuff. Angles make a difference,” Wilson said. “We learned how to build things like machines that help us in everyday life.”
payment funds, and this program may help them reach their goal of home ownership.” One of the key parts of the program is first-time potential homeowners will be able to purchase a home without a large down payment. Since 2010 with the debt-toincome restrictions and
larger down payment requirements that have been law, many firsttime home buyers have been unable to purchase a home. According to the Illinois Association of Realtors, first-time buyers have made up only 21 percent of total home purchases last year, when previous
averages were around 40 percent. The potential home purchaser must have a credit score of at least 640, and they must contribute the greater of 1 percent of the overall purchase price or $1,000 to the down payment. There are other qualifications a family must
have for the program as well. The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified Illinois first time home purchasers. Welcome Home Illinois is funded through Illinois Jobs Now! and the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
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Program From Page 1 Realty broker Andrea Greenwalt said. “It gives people opportunity while still having qualifications that they need to meet, including a small contribution to the down payment. First-time homebuyers often lack down
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3 Obit Records Friday, April 18, 2014 • The Tonica News • 3
Maddie in the Magic Kingdom By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
Jessica Schneider
Schneider hopes for development By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
Editor’s note: This is another story in a series, as the Tonica News talks with members of the boards in the Tonica/ Lostant area and gets their views on what is going on in their communities. TONICA — She doesn’t have a vote in the proceedings, but Jessica Schneider has made an impact on the Tonica Village Board during her 13 years as treasurer. Schneider’s position is not an elected one. She was hired by the board to keep track of the village checkbook and has done well enough to stay on the village payroll. Still, she has added her ideas to village discussions and has her own views on what the village needs. “More than anything, we need development in
town,” Schneider said. “Our only way of making money for the village is through sales tax and property taxes.” Schneider has hope the recent subdivision of the former Village Inn property will bring in business but believes the best thing that could happen would be the relocation of a current business. “That corner would be perfect for an expanded Casey’s,” Schneider said. “It would help them, and it would help the town. I’d like to see our park upgraded with that money. We need to buy some new playground equipment and maybe fix up the diamond a little.” As long as the village is willing to keep her, Schneider is more than happy to continue serving on the village board. “I like being on the board,” she said. “”The paycheck is helpful, too.”
Empower Flower benefit TONICA — A benefit to support Denise Flower is set for 3 to 10 p.m. on May 31. The “Empower Flower” benefit will be held at the Tonica Fire Department. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The ticket price includes dinner (served from 4 to 7 p.m. with a cash bar), a 50/50, raffles and a silent auction. Music will be provided by Ric Soens, Tim Ajster, Jimmy & The
Kid and 3 Day Weekend. Tickets can be purchased at Rudy’s Liquor Store, LaSalle County Travel, Midland States Bank in Peru, Gregg’s Automotive in Utica, and Illini State Bank in Tonica. Flower has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. You can find more information at facebook. com/empowerflower.8 or by contacting Renee Sell at 815-252-4030.
LaSalle County Sheriff report On April 8 LaSalle County Sheriff deputies arrested Robert F. Grimm, 28, of Wenona on a LaSalle County arrest warrant issued for domestic battery. Grimm was taken to the LaSalle County Jail. Bond was set at $10,000.
LaSalle County Sheriff deputies on April 8 also arrested Joseph J. Hines, 53, of Cedar Point after investigating a disturbance at his home. Hines was later located in Ottawa and charged with domestic battery. He was taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
Maddie Hubbard is getting a different type of college education than most of her peers. While her friends may be attending Illinois Valley Community College and other Illinois institutions, Hubbard is studying in Florida at the House of Mouse through the Disney College Program. “I had heard about the college program through my mother (Lostant Librarian Christine Hubbard). She knew a gentleman — a family friend — whose daughter had done the program,” Hubbard said. “She approached me while I was in high school about the idea to apply, but I was hesitant. At the time, I didn’t want to take off from college, but she was convinced this program was a great opportunity for me. We had visited Walt Disney World as guests and I simply loved it, and I grew up with Disney movies in my life. “After graduating high school, I began my first year of college, and she brought it up again. The more we talked about it, the more I realized I had a love for everything Disney related,” Hubbard said. “On a whim, I applied. The application process is simple. I began with a general job application that asked for name, address, job, Social Security, etc. After that, I was automatically moved on to a web-based inter-
Photo contributed
Maddie Hubbard spent time getting familiar with some of the characters and actors before working at the Walt Disney World in Florida, including Russell and Dug, characters from the Disney Pixar movie “Up.” view. I was asked a series of 50 multiple choice questions about my personality and work ethic. When a week passed, I was informed I made it to a phone interview were I would set up a time, and Disney would call with more questions such as where I would like to work, and where I believe my strengths lie. Another week passed, and I was accepted into the program!” Hubbard is assigned to the Hollywood Studios park. She was chosen to work in merchandise due to her three years of retail experience. The park is themed around 1950s Hollywood where
she works on Sunset Boulevard. Her typical work week is 30 to 35 hours, but during spring break, her hours increased to between 38 and 40. “This experience has been life changing, and so my opportunities have risen for me and working for this company. I love the amazing friends and people I have met from all over the world! Some places include New Zealand, England, Puerto Rico, Argentina and many states in the United States,” Hubbard said. “I don’t love that I currently only have one day off a week because of spring break, and there are times the job itself
gets stressful with the guests. “This program has surprised me with where my future can take me and the openings of where I want to go with this company. Through this company, I have found a goal that I want to reach in my lifetime. I want to finish college, move to Florida and work for Disney as my solid career. Without the Disney College Program, I don’t know where I’d be right now or what I’d want to do with my life,” Hubbard said. “I have been blessed to have this opportunity and have found so much happiness and love for Disney.”
Quinn announces $100 million for road and street repairs $1.4 million for local communities CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn announced $100 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! construction program to will go to repair municipal and township infrastructure throughout the state. The funding will help communities throughout Illinois combat potholes and make other critical infrastructure repairs following the historic winter weather
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Illinois faced. “The extreme and historic winter has left many roads in rough shape,” Quinn said. “This investment will help local communities repair the damage done by Mother Nature and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses.” The announcement includes approximately $1.4 million for local governments in Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam counties. The funding is the last of a series of annual trans-
portation investments that municipalities have received through Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! program since 2010. In his fiscal year 2015 budget address, Quinn proposed a bipartisan working group to develop a new capital spending plan for the next five years. The projects will be selected and managed locally, with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) providing oversight. In addition to the Illinois Jobs Now! funds
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TVFD holds monthly meeting
Nora Villarreal
Villarreal noted for teaching excellence OGLESBY — English instructor and Honors Program and Writing Center Director Nora Villarreal is the 2014 winner of Illinois Valley Community College’s prestigious Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence. Also nominated for the award were instructors Charles Kwiatkowski, computer science and networking; James Moskalewicz, counselor; Adam Oldaker, English; Susan Caley Opsal, anatomy and physiology; Michael Pecherek, music; Kimberly Radek, English; and Delores Robinson, English. Villarreal (nee Lethiot) was nominated by an honors program student, who is also a Writing Center tutor, and later selected as the winner based on a collection of evaluation scores from full-time faculty and counselors. The nominator said, “Ms. Villarreal is constantly telling her students to go after what
they want in life.” Faculty ranked Villarreal highest for her ability to challenge, prepare and motivate students, among other criteria. Aside from directing the Writing Center and honors program, Villarreal serves on numerous committees, including convocation, Writing Across Campus and diversity. She has been a judge for various writing contests, served on the professional development committee, leadership and core values retreat subcommittee and the professional development tracking initiative pilot program. Villarreal, an IVCC alumna, has taught every grade level from junior high to the university level, and has worked as a tutor/translator for English as second language students. She resides in Tonica with her husband Joseph. She will be recognized at IVCC’s 18th annual recognition event April 25 at Grand Bear Lodge.
Illinois grain stocks Corn stocks in all positions on March 1 totaled 1.22 billion bushels, up 55 percent from March 1, 2013. On-farm stocks totaled 550 million bushels, while off-farm stocks totaled 668 million bushels. The period December 2013 to February 2014 indicated disappearance is 504 million bushels, up 52 percent from the same period last year. Soybean stocks in all positions on March 1 totaled 152 million bushels, up 10 percent from March 1, 2013. Onfarm stocks totaled 61.0 million bushels, while off-farm stocks totaled
91.5 million bushels. The period of December 2013 to February 2014 indicated disappearance is 214 million bushels, up 28 percent from the same period last year. All wheat stocks in all positions on March 1 totaled 27.5 million bushels, down 22 percent from March 1, 2013. On-farm stocks totaled 1.10 million bushels, while off-farm stocks totaled 26.4 million bushels. The period of December 2013 to February 2014 indicated disappearance is 8.60 million bushels, down 54 percent from the same period last year.
Meeting Calendar April 21 7 p.m., Tonica Village Board, Tonica Village Hall April 22 7 p.m., Tonica Grade School, Tonica Grade School library April 23 6:45 p.m., Lostant Grade School, Lostant Grade School teacher’s workroom
TONICA — Tonica Volunteer Fire Department members spent a large part of March in training. The monthly EMS training covered pharmacology and medication administration review with a system competency exam. The monthly fire department trainings covered a review of all extrication and lighting equipment carried on Pumper-1714, RescuePumper-1712 and Rescue Truck-1715. The trainings included the use, storage, operation and maintenance of the equipment. Some of the specific items covered were the boss tools, rescue air chisels, sawzall, rescue come-a-longs, rams, stabilizing struts, pneumatic hydraulic rescue tools and electrical supply including scene lighting. The trainings were attended by 29 members and one potential member. Nine firefighters and one potential new member attended multiple training sessions. Three additional mem-
bers completed the blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases training during March. This resulted in the department having 100 percent of its members complete the training. Dan Francisco attended a seven-hour basic fire company officer class in Genoa. The class is designed to help company officers gain the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively lead a fire company. Emphasis was on size-up, tactical decision making, control of personnel and accountability. This class meets some portion of 1021 Fire Officer Professional Qualifications and OSHA 29CFR1910.134 Two-in/Two-out. Rick Turri attended a pipeline safety awareness training program. The program covered safety initiatives, pipeline locations, right-of-way encroachment prevention, hazard awareness, pipeline maintenance activities, products, hazards characteristics, leak recognition, response defining high
consequence areas, damage prevention, and animated scenarios, types of pipeline systems (products) in the area, pipe location, size and operating pressures, average emergency response time and response types. The program was conducted in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations 192 parts 615 and 616, as well as 195 parts 402, 403 and 440. Turri also attended a two hour hazardous materials training class which covered transcaer training resources which are available to emergency responders. The class was presented by Edward Chapman, director of Hazardous Materials BNSF Railway and was held at Carus Chemical Corp., Peru. EMT Woody Olson attended a FEMA/Department of Homeland Security 16-hour course titled “pre-hospital response to bombing incidents” held at the LaSalle County Emergency Operations Center. This course covered emergency response, dealing with
bomb injuries, use of secondary devices, mass casualty incident management and special triage considerations. This was followed by several exercises utilizing real events to facilitate correct application of the knowledge gained. In other news: • Donations of $100 and above were received from Bill and Kim Puetz, Larry and Mary Heister, Gary and Jan Scott, Tom and Cheryl Thompson, Phyllis Quaka, Leonore Telephone, Dauber Co., William and Kerry Dauber, Amaranth Chapter #290 Order of the Eastern Star, Jack and Rita Ashley, Eric Dauber, Jody Fogle, Noelle and Michael Sauter, Phil and Janice Duffell, Alice Arkels, Robert Shawback, family of Marion Turri, family of Burdette Ford, family of Laura Trumpinski, family of Rita Janusick, family of Norene Hamlin, family of Carol Straughn and the family of Elmer Tarr. • The department has responded to 38 emergency calls year to date through March 31.
Meeting Minutes Illinois Valley Community College OGLESBY — Noted Chicago artist John Adduci will construct a 14-foot tall stainless steel sculpture in front of Illinois Valley Community College’s Peter Miller Community Technology Center (CTC) this summer. Adduci’s creation resembles a universal on/ off switch and functions as a sundial. Resting on a 24-foot diameter concrete base, the 14-foot high by 12-foot wide arch will emerge from a 15-footdiameter partial circle or sundial. The “Art in Architecture” project is mandated by the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), the state agency which oversaw CTC construction. CDB requires .5 percent of state construction funds be used on art; IVCC received $22.8 million in capital funding for an artin-architecture budget of $114,224. Adduci was one of 37 Illinois artists submitting proposals to a selection committee consisting of representatives from LaSalle County, city of Oglesby, the Illinois Arts Council, Illinois State Museum and project architects Basalay, Carey & Alstadt. In a 2010 profile, Chicago Art Magazine said Adduci was one of the city’s best sculptors. “Curving forms, energy, movement and balance are key themes in Adduci’s
work,” the magazine said. Working in the body shop of his father’s south side car dealership, Adduci learned welding, metal fabrication and painting from journeymen. Adduci’s work is on display in Chicago, Milwaukee and as far north as Manitoba, Canada. The magazine said, “Adduci has been working for a long time and his enthusiasm for sculpture remains undiminished.” Adduci himself said, “I still physically like the action of working. I love wrestling with the metal.” In other action, the board approved: • Purchase of 21 iMac computers and a Mac OS X server from Apple for the graphic arts lab at a cost of $39,256. • Purchase of 20 Dell laptops for Ottawa Center and five for Jacobs Library at a cost of $19,421. The computers will replace 20 used laptops donated by State Farm. • The resignation of health and wellness instructor and volleyball coach Julie Sherbeyn effective July 21. Sherbeyn, who began
work at IVCC in 1999 as a fitness center instructor, was named head volleyball coach in 2009. She has accepted a position at Eastern Wyoming College. • A resolution recognizing student trustee Taylor Gunia for her service to the board. • Temporary special assignments for Lynn Moore and Connie Skerston of the admissions office due to admissions director Mark Grzybowski being named interim associate vice president of student services. • The tentative 2015 board of trustees’ budget. • An inter-district cooperative agreement with Joliet Junior College to better serve students in the Seneca school district. IVCC has similar agreements with Illinois Central, Sauk Valley and Heartland. • A three-year extension of the security services contract with G4S. • The $24,700 quote from Indicom Electric to replace the ground wire for the gym. Indicom will correct work done by Excel Electric in 2010 which did not comply with
electrical code. Efforts to have Excel correct the problem were unsuccessful. The board also learned: • Seven members of the Student Government Association visited area legislators at the State Capitol April 2 as part of Student Advocacy Day. In meetings with Sen. Sue Rezin and Rep. Frank Mautino, student leaders advocated for level funding for community colleges, prioritizing the Monetary Award Program (MAP) and setting aside 15-20 percent of the overall MAP appropriation for students who make their college plans in late spring or early summer. • The nursing department inducted 10 students in the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society March 31. • Alex Boye’s March 29 concert in the Cultural Centre was a success, IVCC president Jerry Corcoran said, adding “more culturally-enriching programs are on the horizon, especially with all of the facility enhancements that have taken place and are being planned.”
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5 Perspective Friday, April 18, 2014 • The Tonica News • 5
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
All about the shoes? Back then, it was all about the shoes. The black patent leather ones were placed at the back of the closet, and the new shoe box sat patiently on the floor. Every now and then, I’d take off the lid of the box and stare inside — proud as I could be of those new white, shiny shoes. Oh we didn’t care much about the lacy dress. No, if we had our druthers, a dress wouldn’t have been in our closet. And then there was the bonnet and the white gloves. We couldn’t stand either one. Like the dress, we detested the bonnet and short white gloves just as much. Terri But the shoes ... oh, yes, the shoes. We Simon dearly loved those new Easter shoes — perhaps even more than those hollow chocolate bunnies in our Easter basket. We didn’t get new shoes very often. No, we learned to take care of the shoes we had, and as much as those Hush Puppies in the local shoe store shouted at us from the big picture window or the red ballerina shoes called our name, we knew those were nothing more than pipe dreams. No. They would never live in our closets. Instead, our everyday shoes consisted of black and white saddle shoes and a white pair of Keds that lived at school for gym class and came home in the summer. Other than those basics, we had the black patent leathers for church in the fall and winter and the white ones for spring and summer. Four pairs of shoes. End of story. Basically, we got shoes when school started, and that was it — unless of course our feet grew — oh, how we prayed for that. The only other time for new shoes was right before Easter. We’d hop into the car and hope like heck the white shoes wouldn’t be available in our sizes, so we’d have to resort to the red ones ... it never happened. Easter morning was typical for a ’60s family. We’d jump out of bed and immediately discover treats delivered by that magical rabbit — candies, jump ropes, jacks, bubbles, a paddle with a little red ball attached to it ... Breakfast consisted of hard-boiled eggs, which ironically looked like the same eggs we had colored the day before ...? With threats of “No more candy!” echoing in our ears, it was almost time. We’d put on those new Easter dresses, the Easter bonnets and the pristine, white gloves. And then it was time ... it was what we had been waiting for ... Yes. It was all about the shoes. With a little help with a stiff strap and a stiffer gold buckle, we’d dance around the house in those new shoes ... proud, happy and excited! I was thinking about those new shoes the other day, and something hit me ... and I don’t mind telling you it hit me hard. As I think back, I can remember those new Easter outfits, the bonnets, and of course, the shoes ... little kids looking like the ones you’d see in catalogs ... spit-shined and picture perfect. But here’s what I don’t remember: Adults in my house with new shoes, new Easter clothes, new anything ... not even a darn, hollow chocolate rabbit. And the reason I don’t remember it? Because they didn’t have them. No. There might have been money for us to get those new shoes, but there certainly wouldn’t have been enough money for the adults in my house to get them, too. Instantly, my heart hurt for their sacrifices ... probably just one in a line of many things the adults in my house did to ensure we’d have what we needed, regardless of their own needs. They made sacrifices all my life, and to this day, I’ll always be humbled by their actions ... grateful, too. Sacrifices. At Easter time, I always think of the ultimate sacrifice told to us in the Easter story ... a Father, a Son and an opportunity for everlasting life. Are we humbled? Grateful, too? Easter. No doubt a day filled with wonderful spring clothes, chocolate bunnies and treats galore. But this year when Easter approaches, I’d like to ask you to do what I’m going to do ... and that’s to remember ... It might not just be about the shoes anymore. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com
Letters to the Editor should not be more than 500 words in length. Only one person can sign a Letter to the Editor. The author of the letter must include his/her name, hometown and telephone number. The author’s name and hometown will be published, however, the telephone number is only used to verify the authenticity of the author’s signature and will not be published. Unsigned letters are never read or published. No letter will be published until The Tonica News contacts the author of the letter to verify the signature. The Tonica News reserves the right to edit or refuse any Letter to the Editor.
On the street
What is your favorite dessert, and who makes it the best?
“It’s a frozen pistachio ice cream dessert. I don’t know exactly what it’s named. My wife makes it the best. The recipe is out of the United Methodist cookbook.” Gary Ford, Tonica “I like all of them. Not many people bake these days. Homemade is always better.” Mary Lopez, Streator
“I believe pie. Just a cherry pie. My sisterin-laws and my wife all make great ones.” Roger Thompson, Tonica
“I like it all but I shouldn’t eat it. If I was eating pie I would say coconut cream. And I always say the one I’m eating ... that is always the good one. My wife, however, makes the best.” David Hamm, Moston, Wis.
No more splashing When I was a kid, I didn’t want to be a reporter or an astronaut or a fireman. My goals were a bit loftier, or lower depending on your point of view. I wanted to be a professional wrestler. I used to watch “All Star Wrestling” on Sunday mornings with my dad — who now hates wrestling, but I digress — and was riveted by the guys in The American Wrestling Association out of Minneapolis. Verne Gagne, the Crusher, Billy Robinson, the Vachons; they made me want to lace up my boots and step into the ring even though I was 4 foot, 4 inches and 70 pounds dripping wet. Wrestling fell by the wayside for me until the mid 1980s when I found the World Wrestling Federation. Again, the athleticism got to me. By now, I had finally learned it was scripted, but I also knew it wasn’t totally fake. These guys were pumped with bulging muscles and bigger-than-life personas. That athleticism came with a price, and it’s taken a while for that debt to come due for a lot of them. Now, those wrestlers are dying by the dozens when they’re barely 50, and usually younger. The cause of death: Invariably heart stress brought on by steroid abuse. The latest wrestler to head off to the arena in the sky is The Ultimate Warrior, born James
Ken Schroeder COMMENTARY Hellwig before he legally changed his name to Warrior. Not to speak ill of the dead, but Hellwig was not one of the fullest enchiladas on the blue plate special. His big finishing move was running into a rope and bouncing back to throw himself on top of his opponent. The clever moniker for this move was the “big splash,” probably because “dogpile on your neighbor” was already taken. The Warrior had a physique that was pretty much impossible to achieve without some medicinal help, and that probability looks especially likely today. Warrior was just inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame a few days before he dropped dead in the street from a heart attack at the ripe old age of 55. The list of wrestlers who have died from heart problems due to steroid abuse is like a Who’s Who of pro wrestling. Eddie Guerrero was 38 and a fan favorite when he died in a hotel room during a tour. Randy Poffo, Macho Man Randy Savage, was 58 when a heart attack caused him to lose control of his jeep. Davey “Boy” Smith, the British Bulldog, was 39 when he dropped dead on a vacation.
Perhaps the saddest story of steroid abuse is Chris Benoit. You’ve likely heard this one. Benoit was a small guy, but quickly became hyper-muscled after his wrestling debut. Benoit didn’t die of a heart attack, though. He committed suicide the day after appearing in a live show, which was the day after he murdered his wife and son. Due to his well-known feelings for his family, the conclusion was a bout of “roid rage,” a short temper and a possible side-effect of long-term steroid abuse. I lay a lot of the blame for this on Vincent Kennedy McMahon, the head of World Wrestling Entertainment, who encouraged his entertainers to become bigger than life. He liked them big, and you were likely to go further if you looked like you could bench-press a truck. There’s a lesson here. Chemicals to improve your performance have a tendency to shorten the life. The candle which burns the brightest has the shortest life. If you’re a young person who’s thinking of using steroids just to get a little better and think they’re relatively harmless, ask yourself one question: Is it worth the fame to die young? Yeah, I’m looking at you, Mark McGwire. Ken Schroeder can be reached at news@tonicanews.com.
First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States, 1789
6 Easter 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 18, 2014
Trivia on Easter traditions
Shaw Media Service file photos
The religious meaning of Easter • Easter Sunday is the day of rejoicing that follows the sorrow of Good Friday and Holy Saturday. • For most Christians, Easter is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. • The Easter celebration bears witness to God’s enduring promise of eternal life. As the climax of Holy Week, Easter is a time of hope and assurance. It is humanity’s turning point from destruction to glory and salvation. • The church first celebrated the real meaning of Easter in connection with the Jewish Passover. As the crucifixion of Jesus occurred on the first day of the Passover feast, early Christians found a scriptural correlation between Jesus and the sacrificial lamb. • The name “Easter” did not
become associated with the resurrection of Christ until the second century. It most likely comes from the ancient Saxon spring festival called Ostern. • The Roman Catholic, Anglican and Greek Orthodox churches commemorate the resurrection of Christ with an Easter mass, which includes special prayers, litanies, psalms and hymns. Protestant churches have Easter services that include communion, special sermons and sometimes special plays. Many evangelical churches have sunrise services that include much
What is your favorite Easter memory?
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“Many years ago while I was still working patrol, on an Easter morning at about 5 a.m. we responded to a domestic fight involving a husband and wife, both intoxicated, with two small children about 4 and 5 years old. The two adults were arrested, and we brought in the kids in our custody for DCFS followup. While here, one of our matrons (ladies who watched our female prisoners before we had female deputies) knew we were coming in with the two kids. She knew they would be afraid and scared to be here. She took a couple of our stuffed animals that we keep for just such situations and hid them. When we arrived she took the two kids and began talking to them about Easter and the Easter bunny. Neither kid knew what that was about. She got them to search for the stuffed bunnies that she hid. When they found them, they just lit up and smiled for the first time that morning. When they left with the social service people they were holding on tight to their new bunnies and had at least them to give them some comfort. Some things you never forget.” LaSalle County Sheriff Tom Templeton
singing and rejoicing. • The purest meaning of Easter is the celebration of the resurrection, or rising, of Christ to heaven, which is the foundation of Christianity. Easter Sunday reminds all Christians of their heavenly calling and of the open door for relationship with God through Jesus, His Son. Source: Share/Faith website.
• The Easter Bunny as a holiday deliverer of candy and eggs is thought to have started in Germany during the Middle Ages. • Originating among German Lutherans, the Easter Bunny, or Easter Hare, originally played the role of a judge, evaluating whether children were good or disobedient in behavior at the start of the season of Eastertide. In legend, the Easter Bunny carries colored eggs in his basket, candy and sometimes also toys to the homes of children, and as such shows similarities to Santa Claus, as they both bring gifts to children on the night before their respective holiday. • Candy manufacturers produce more than 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies each year for Easter. Meanwhile, research shows that solid chocolate bunnies are the most popular — followed by hollow chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chocolate bunnies. • Studies also prove that 76 percent of Americans will eat the ears on chocolate bunnies first. • Also, 88 percent of American parents are expected to help out the Easter Bunny this year by carrying on the Easter tradition of creating Easter baskets for their kids. • Coloring eggs was brought to a high art when medieval English kings dispersed hundreds of decorated, gold-leafed eggs throughout the royal household at Easter. • Another royal, Russian Czar Alexander, was later responsible in 1883 for commissioning the famous Faberge eggs as an Easter gift for his wife, the Empress Marie. • According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest chocolate Easter egg ever made was unveiled in Italy in 2011 weighing in at 8,968 pounds of dark chocolate and marshmallow. Source: Chiff.com website and Wikipedia.
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“When I think back on the memories of Easter, my mind immediately reverts back to the kids. Every year my family gets together for Easter dinner at my in-laws in Princeton. The kids are always running all over the house, and the grown-ups are stashing eggs for the egg hunt. It’s always a great time watching the kids run around and find the eggs, while we enjoy the first warm days of spring weather.” Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson
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“My best Easter memories are from my kids doing their Easter egg hunt at their grandparents’ house.” Putnam County Sheriff Kevin Doyle
Tonica News photo/Terri Simon
Heavenly Deviled Eggs By Recipe Columnist Judy Dyke We’ve all made deviled eggs for that potluck dinner at church, the family gathering and of course, Easter dinner. While we all have our own recipes for these family/friend favorites, I thought I would offer a new hint that will really spruce up your deviled eggs and have guests wondering why yours taste so much better than theirs do. I don’t have exact measurements for these deviled eggs, but you can adjust them to your taste.
Heavenly Deviled Eggs 12 hard boiled eggs, peeled Miracle Whip — you can also use mayonnaise, if you prefer, a squirt of yellow mustard 2 or 3 good-sized, heaping tablespoons of whipped cream cheese Salt and pepper to taste. Cut eggs in half and scoop out yolks in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well, so no lumps appear. Pipe or spoon yolks into the egg white halves. Garnish with paprika or sliced olives or a tiny slice of a sweet gherkin. That whipped cream cheese makes all the difference. Place on your Easter table and wait for the compliments!
7 Mommy & Me Friday, April 18, 2014 • The Tonica News • 7
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8 Life 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 18, 2014
Community Bernie Barr will note 95th birthday “Bernie” Bernice (Barber) Barr will celebrate her 95th birthday with a family gathering on Easter weekend. Born on April 15, 1919, Bernie spent most of her life in Vermillion Township. She married Louie Barr on March 1, 1942, in the Lostant Methodist Church. Bernie was a homemaker, farmed Bernie Barr and worked as the secretary of the Leonore Grain Supply, which she and her husband owned for many years. She is a crafter and loves China painting. The Barrs have three daughters, the late Jean Battaglia, Shirley (Ron) Rapp of Bushnell and the late Nancy (Elton) Brakhane; one granddaughter, Trisha (Todd) Rapp Purdue of Bowling Green, Ky.; and two great-grandsons, Dawson and Bodie Purdue. Cards are welcome and may be sent to: 201 Kay St., Tonica, IL 61370.
Lostant townwide garage sales coming LOSTANT — Lostant’s bi-annual spring townwide garage sales will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26. Anyone wishing to participate in the sales should contact Dianna Ioerger at 413 W. Second St. or call 815-257-3590
by April 18. A $5 advertising fee is needed from each sale site along with a condensed list of items being sold. The ladies of St. John’s Church will conduct a lunch stand in the fire station. Rain or shine, everyone is welcome.
Annual Starved Rock Indian Artifact Show LASALLE — The 11th annual Starved Rock Indian Artifact show will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at Celebrations 150 Ltd., 740 East Route 6, LaSalle. For more information, call 563-299-9173.
BCR photo/Becky Kramer
Area residents and truck/tractor enthusiasts show some of the new and antique tractors which will be part of this year’s Convoy Against Cancer big truck show, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 on Main Street in Ladd. Event organizer Phil Hocking said the show is intended to offer vehicle owners and enthusiasts something different while benefiting a good cause — the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Shown in the photo are (front row from left) Lee Kirkman and Phil Hocking; (back left) Eric Lane and Ryan Lane; Eric Cissell on the center tractor; and (right tractor) Mark Cissell and Jack Cissell.
Convoy Against Cancer is May 3 LADD — The 2014 “Convoy Against Cancer” Big Truck Show returns to Route 89/Main Street in Ladd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3. By definition, a convoy is a group of vehicles traveling together for mutual support and protection — to make sure that everyone makes it through. “This convoy is about support for each other in a special way with a cure for cancer at the end of the route,” said Phil Hocking, event organizer. The show is intended to offer vehicle owners and enthusiasts something different while benefiting a good cause — the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. With the help of the village of Ladd and Mayor Mike Grivetti, Route 89 will be re-routed, so the vehicles will be displayed on Main Street, Ladd. There will be plenty of room to line the street with all makes and models of new and restored, BIG trucks. Truck cranes, fire trucks, wreckers, pickups and redi-mix trucks from Peoria, Bloomington, Dixon, Princ-
eton, Peru and all over the North Central Illinois area will be part of the show. A new addition to the line-up will be farm tractors — new and antique. All are welcome. “Last year one of our farmers brought a collection of antique Farmall International tractors, and the people really enjoyed them. We’ll be looking for some John Deeres and Massey Fergusons to round out the display. There will be all makes and models of antique and new big trucks as well as pickup trucks, too,” Hocking said. All entrants will receive a dash plaque donated by Graphic Electronics of Spring Valley. The truck registration fee is a donation to the American Cancer Society. Local businesses have donated door prizes and silent auction items ranging from toys to trucking essentials. In addition to lots of chrome and stacks, there will be entertainment for the whole family with music by DJ Gary Swanson, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, Relay For
Life Team bake sale and more. Event T-shirts will be for sale. Food will be provided by Torri’s and Softails. Admission to the show is free to the public. For entry and general information, call 815-488-8245, 815-894-2092, or bigtruckshow@hotmail.com. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Hocking estimates that $34,000 has been raised throughout the past 11 years. He’s hoping the weather cooperates and the draw of “home base” will bring out young and old to this year’s truck show. “Every dollar raised at the show will bring us a little closer to a cure for cancer,” he said. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For the most up-to-date cancer related information and to join the fight against cancer, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www. cancer.org.
O’Brien named to Mu Alpha at IVCC Gross Brian and Sara (Ford) Gross of Peru are the parents of a son, Samuel Dennis, born April 10 at home. He weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 21 inches in length. He was welcomed home by three siblings, Mia, 4, Noah, 3, and Mary, 1. Maternal grandparents are Gary and Rita Ford of Tonica. Paternal grandparents are Dennis and Carol Gross of LaSalle. Great-grandparents are Elaine Ford of Tonica and Helen Gross of Peru.
OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s Mu Alpha chapter of the Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society for two-year colleges recently inducted more than 75 students. The ceremony included a year-in-review showcasing the chapter’s activities, including fundrais-
B Thank You b
Our sincere thanks to all of our family and friends who supported us through Carol’s illness and during this time of loss. The kindness and generosity shown through calls, cards, flowers, masses, memorials and food is deeply appreciated and will never be forgotten. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love shown to our family during this difficult time. These beautiful gifts serve as a testament to the countless lives Carol touched.
ing efforts and sponsoring the eagLITS book club. The review also highlighted the 2014 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention. Officer Kelly McDonough attended the convention where her collection of poems was accepted for a roundtable panel. The chapter also
Most important to Carol was her faith, family and friends. We are deeply grateful that she was upheld by all three throughout her illness, and we now can find peace and comfort through them as well. The Carol Straughn Family Dale Straughn, Husband Kathy (Al) Milner & Family Susan (John) Bellino & Family
Jeanine (Jeff) Snell & Family Duane (Michele) Straughn & Family Mary Lynn (Dave) Uitermarkt & Family Brian Straughn and Mike Kelly
retary is McDonough of Peru. Faculty co-sponsors are English instructors Kimberly Radek, Delores Robinson and Adam Oldaker. The biennial ceremony inducted 76 students from fall 2012 through spring 2014 including Steffen O’Brien of Lostant.
Hop On Over To Moreno’s Easter Morning Starting 5AM
• stuffed strawberry French Toast • Mexican skillet or our Famous Biscuit & Gravy plus our regular menu to 11:00 a.m.
We would like to thank Father Blake, Father Small and Deacon Gillan for a beautiful funeral service; Melanie Pasulka for the lovely music; Tom and Karla Goskusky and the ladies for organizing and serving the dinner following the visitation; Carol Stoens; and John Hurst of Hurst Funeral Home. A very special thank you to Illinois Valley Hospice (esp. Jennifer) for their compassion and support. Thank you to Carol’s grandsons for serving as pallbearers and Andy Bellino for giving the beautiful eulogy which was a loving tribute to his grandmother.
received the 2014 Chapter Activity Award for best promoting the honor society’s aims either locally or nationally. This prestigious recognition included a certificate, plaque, and $200 monetary award. Mu Alpha’s president is Ali Braboy of Dalzell, vice president is Georgia Farris of Streator and sec-
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9 Life Friday, April 18, 2014 • The Tonica News • 9
St. John’s plans salad luncheon on May 1
Learning about the 1920s
PERU — St. John’s Lutheran Church, at the corner of Shooting Park Road and Peoria Street in Peru, will hold its annual salad luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 1. The luncheon features a variety of homemade salads and is $7. Reserved seating is available for groups with a limited lunch hour.
Taylor Kennedy (left), Hailey Maurice and Lindsey Rimes present a timeline for the 1920s during the decades enrichment class at Tonica Grade School. Groups of students in the class researched different decades and presented their projects wearing popular clothing of the time.
Menus and Activities April 24 — Make your Lostant Grade School own sandwich or chef
Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder
Zonta Club will hold art show on April 27 PERU — The Zonta Club of LaSalle-Peru is having an art show from 2 to 5 p.m. April 27 at MarkAllen’s American Kitchen, 1402 Peoria St., Peru. Tickets are $25 a person and give attendees chances at winning the donated art. Tickets can be purchased at MarkAllen’s anytime before April
27, and attendees can purchase additional chances beyond those that come with the ticket at MarkAllen’s on April 27. There will be food and drinks available at additional charge. To reserve a table or ask questions, call Ann at MarkAllen’s at 815220-0642. Donations of art work
can be dropped off at MarkAllen’s through April 27 as well during their normal business hours. Zonta is a worldwide organization working to advance the status of women through service and advocacy. Much of what the LaSalle-Peru club does benefits local women.
Starved Rock spring events Starved Rock Lodge is offering some springtime events. A variety of tours and hikes are available during the spring season. Take a hike and a lunch at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This tour includes a 4.5-mile guided hike, a packed lunch and souvenir backpack for $17 per person. Waterfall and canyon tours take place on Saturdays and Mondays and include lunch at Elements, the
Lodge’s main dining room, trolley tour and guided hikes into three canyons with springtime waterfalls for $32 per person. Historic trolley tours are at 3 p.m. Saturdays and at noon and 1:30 p.m. Sundays. This 90-minute narrated tour is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children 10 and under. Wine and shopping tours are offered at 1 p.m. every Friday and include a trolley tour with stops at three wine tasting
rooms for $17 per person. As a kick-off to Wildflower Pilgrimage Weekend, Starved Rock Lodge will host a Floral Infused Dinner at 6 p.m. April 25 in the Lodge’s Historic Great Hall. Guests will enjoy four courses of selections inspired by or prepared with flowers. For more information and to make a reservation, call 815-220-7386 or visit www.starvedrocklodge.com.
Library Corner Lostant — April 22 and 29: Families First, a state-funded early childhood grant, is a program for families with children ages birth to 3. It is sponsored by the Oglesby Early Childhood Programs. Children will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays, do an easy art project and have a snack. The program also includes field trips and parent education meetings. Families First meets
from 10 to 10:45 a.m. every Tuesday. LaSalle — Tail-Waggers is an opportunity to read with therapy dogs and will be hosted at 6 p.m. on April 24. Bring an adult and book to read with Tillie, the therapy dog. Kids choose a favorite short book or story and read aloud to Tillie for about five minutes. Kids not yet reading independently are welcome to read
to the dog and the group with the help of their adult caregiver. Both the audience and Tillie love the pictures, so even non-readers can hold up the book to show the illustrations to everyone. To help children feel confident in their reading, they should plan to read from a favorite familiar story. Choose a book from the library or from home. For more information, call the library at 815-223-2341.
Casting call for Stage 212’s ‘Annie’ LASALLE — Director Robert Kinsella has announced that auditions for Stage 212’s summer 2014 production of “Annie,” the heartwarming musical by Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan, will be April 26 and 27 at the theater, 700 First St. in LaSalle. Saturday auditions will begin at 4 p.m. for orphans and 7 p.m. for adults. The Sunday audition, beginning at 1 p.m., is for those in either group unable to attend Saturday. Call-
backs will be Sunday at 5 p.m. Kinsella will be casting teens and adults in a variety of roles. Girls going into grades 2-10 will be considered for orphans. No preparation is necessary to audition. Those auditioning will be taught a song to sing and some choreography during the audition process. They should come dressed to move, with dance shoes or tennis shoes — no flip-flops or boots. Rehearsals for “Annie” will begin in May and will be held on
Wednesday and Friday evenings as well as Saturday afternoons. Performance dates are July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26, with the possibility of added performances as ticket sales warrant. Absolutely no conflicts will be allowed after July 1. The production staff also includes music director Phil Grant and choreographer Ronda Grigalunas. For more information, call the Stage 212 box office at 815-224-3025. Stage 212 auditions are open to all regardless of
Mendota-related items wanted for display MENDOTA — The Mendota Museum and Historical Society is looking for Mendota-related handmade quilts or quilted items to display in the country chapel during the Railroad Crossing Days and Country Fair on June 14. They are also looking for anyone interested in demonstrating the art of quilting during that day. For information, contact the museum at 815-539-3373 or email mmhsmuseum@yahoo.com.
prior theatrical experience.
Breakfast April 21 — No school. April 22 — Doughnuts, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. April 23 — Eggs and bacon, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. April 24 — Pigs in a blanket, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. April 25 — Breakfast pizza, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. Lunch April 21 — No school. April 22 — Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, corn, pineapple, milk. April 23 — Pancake, sausage, breakfast potatoes, peaches, milk. April 24 — Pasta, lettuce salad, peas, pears, bread butter, milk. April 25 — Pizza, lettuce salad, corn, mixed fruit, milk.
Tonica Grade School Breakfast April 21 — Oatmeal with dried fruit, chocolate chips, brown sugar, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. April 22 — Mini pancakes, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. April 23 — Scrambled eggs, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. April 24 — Muffin, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. April 25 — Mini cinnamon rolls, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch April 21 — Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit, ranch dressing, milk. April 22 — Rotini with meat sauce, shredded lettuce, fruit, breadsticks, salad dressings, milk. April 23 — Hot dog, bun, baked beans, fruit, chocolate pudding, milk.
Tonica News
salad, cheese slice, bread, fruit, carrots and celery, pretzels, milk. April 25 — Pizza bosco stick, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, fruit, salad dressings, milk.
Putnam County Community Center April 21 — Chicken with broccoli rice bake, spinach, sliced pears, fruit juice, wheat roll. April 22 — Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn, bread and butter, dessert. April 23 — Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, peas and onions, sliced peaches, chocolate cake, wheat bread. April 24 — Meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetables, bread and butter, dessert. April 25 — Italian chicken with peppers and onions, garlic cavatappi, stewed tomatoes, fresh pear, bread.
Bridges Senior Center The following events will be held at the Bridges Senior Center at 221 W. Etna Road, Ottawa. April 21 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 11 a.m., Sewing circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., Open cards. April 22 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 11 a.m., Soldier’s Angels. April 23 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Intermediate computer class. April 24 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 11 a.m., Blood pressure check; Noon, Potluck; 12:45 p.m., Open Wii Bowling; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., Open cards. April 25 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit.
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10 Life/Classified 10 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 18, 2014
Lostant Ladies League meets LOSTANT — The Lostant Ladies League met recently and prepared its annual Easter bags for shut-ins in the area. Twenty-two bags were delivered to Lostant seniors and former Lostant residents who are now living in care facilities in Streator and LaSalle-Peru. The group is also making plans for the annual eighth-grade breakfast in May. Future plans for the Lostant Ladies League include fixing the damaged bouncy spring animal as well as looking to purchase and install another piece of playground equipment.
IVSO fundraiser set UTICA — The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will sponsor a “Trivia with Friends” fundraising event on May 2 at Celebrations 150 in Utica. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and trivia will begin at 7 p.m. Food will be available for purchase and there will be a cash bar. Also included in the evening is a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, “Stock
the Bar” raffle and prizes. The cost is $10 per person with 6-10 people per table. There are sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals as well. For ticket reservations or information regarding sponsorships, contact Jayne Henry at 815-252-1419 or email your request to jaynehenry@netscape.net.
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- 200 Employment 232 • Business Opportunities ********** 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
- 400 Merchandise 450 • Under $1000 Amana glass top electric range in bisque, overhead Amana microwave. $125 for the pair. Very clean. Call 815-442-8230
460 • Garage Sales WENONA TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALES. Friday, April 25, Saturday April 26; 8am to ? Maps available at local businesses and home sale. Krispy Kreme donuts sold on Main Street
999 • Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TOWNSHIP BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Town of Eden in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2014, and ending March 31, 2015, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the Township Building, Tonica, IL, from and after 9:00 o’clock a.m., 15th day of March 2014. Notice is further given hereby that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 7:00 o’clock p.m., 7th day, April 2014 at Tonica, IL, in this Eden District and that final hearing and action on this ordinance will be taken at a meeting to be held at the Township Building at 7:00 o’clock p.m., 8th day of April, 2014. Dated March 28, 2014. Daniel Arkels, Supervisor Trudy L. Ploch, Clerk Published in the Tonica News Apr. 18, 2014. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Notice is hereby given to the legal voters, residents of the Town of Eden in the County of LaSalle and State of Illinois, that the ANNUAL TOWN MEETING of said Town will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, being the second Tuesday of said month at the hour of 7:00 p.m. at the Township building for the transaction of the miscellaneous business of the said Town; and after a Moderator having been elected,
Engle Lane announces 2014 season STREATOR — Community Players of Streator Inc. has announced the box office will open for the 2014 season on May 5. Box office hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday two weeks prior to each performance as well as during show week. The box office is also open one hour prior to each performance. The box office phone number is 815-672-3584. It is located at the William C. Schiffbauer Center for the Performing Arts Theatre at Engle Lane, 1012 Columbus Road in Streator. The musical “9 to 5,” directed by Joey Beavers of Peru, opens the season. Pushed to the boiling point by their demanding boss, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even and take control of their company. Based on the movie, the high-energy musical features songs by Dolly Parton. Performance dates are May 18 to 24. “Noises Off” will run June 15 to
21. A dysfunctional company of actors prepare for their opening performance. “Noises Off” is a wickedly funny look at what can happen on the other side of the curtain. Bill Jankowski of Ottawa is the show’s director. Community Players of Streator is one of the first community theatres in Illinois granted the rights to present the epic musical “Les Miserables” July 12 to 19. Directed by Doug Bartelt of Streator, “Les Miserables” is one of the most popular musical of all time. An extra performance has been added in anticipation of demand to see this show about grace, mercy, love and redemption. All evening performances will begin at 7 p.m. for this production only. Engle Lane’s annual children and youth production will be “Seussical Jr.” directed by Darcy Mollo of Streator. “Seussical” tells the story of Horton the elephant and the power of friendship, loyalty, family and community. Performance dates are Aug. 10 to 16.
The thriller “Dial M for Murder” will run Sept. 7 to 13. Directed by Larry Kelsey of Peru, this whodunit was made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s hit movie. Get ready for twists and turns in one of the most popular thrillers ever to hit the stage. The 2014 season concludes with a World War II era musical “The Andrews Brothers” directed by Tyler Reviglio of Peru. Featuring songs of the 1940s, this musical comedy tells the story of three soldiers who are drafted into giving the performance of a lifetime in a USO show when a flu outbreak quarantines the Andrews Sisters who were scheduled to appear. This show runs Oct. 5 to 11. Season tickets for all six performances start at $60 and save approximately 40 percent off the price of buying individual show tickets. Season tickets can be purchased prior to the box office opening by calling the box office manager at 815-672-4066.
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
will proceed to hear and consider reports of officers, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting. Dated March 28, 2014. Trudy L. Ploch, Town Clerk Published in the Tonica News Apr. 18, 2014.
ney is John, Balestri, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, Illinois 61301. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court, LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. Dated this 7th day of April, 2014. Attorney John Balestri Attorney for Estate 149 Gooding Street LaSalle, IL 61301 815-223-6600 Published in the Tonica News Apr. 18, 25 and May 2, 2014.
$52,519.44 $54,626.93 Revenues $170,502.30 37,100.07 Expenditures $201,561.29 60,924.10 Ending balance $21,460.45 $30,802.90 Subscribed and sworn to this 8th day of April, 2014. Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor I, Tina Busch, Clerk of the Township of Vermillion Highway District, LaSalle County, Illinois do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the annual treasurer’s report for the year ending March 31, 2014. Published in the Tonica News Apr. 18, 2014.
I, Tina Busch, Clerk of the Farm Ridge -Vermillion - Deer Park Multi-Township Assessment District, LaSalle County, Illinois do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the annual treasurer’s report for the year ending March 31, 2014. Published in the Tonica News Apr. 18, 2014.
CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) RONALD VACCARO) Deceased ) No. 2014-P-68 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Ronald Vaccaro. Letters of Office were issued on April 3, 2014, to Kelly Vondrasek, 1816 Baybrook Court, Naperville, IL as Executor whose attor-
ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT VERMILLION TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31,2014 REVENUE SUMMARY: Property taxes - $48,347.33; Replacement tax - $5,344.28; Interest - $108.94; Miscellaneous $153,801.82 (cashed T.C.D. and transfer from town fund) Total Revenues: $207,602.37 EXPENDITURES SUMMARY: Derek Busch - $57.00; Jeremy Scott - $420.00; Levi Harms - $24.00; Tony Over - $24.00; Jeff Busch $1,932.90 Total Salaries: $2,457.90 EXPENDITURES SUMMARY: T.O.I.R.M.A. - $1,754.00; Chicago Truck - $23,370.00; Monroe Truck - $49,148.22; Rush Truck - $6,066.00; Mid-State Asphalt - $6,640.75; Flink - $9,557.23; Grainco F.S. - $5,470.63; Harry’s Tire - $1,545.00; Illinois Valley Excavating $92,984.80; LaSalle County Highway - $14,110.69; Riverstone - $3,810.17; Wiesbrock - $2,845.40; Rahn Equipment $2,200.00; Patten - $1,532.21; Special bridge - $32,000.00; all other disbursements less than $1,000.00 $6,992.39 Total Vendors $260,027.49 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CONDITIONS GENERAL FUND SPECIAL REVENUES Beginning balance
Folty’s Market in Tonica, IL
For Sale
Blue building is separate.
Store 3,000 Sq. Ft.
101 LaSalle St., Tonica, IL 61370
$69,000 or Reasonable Offer
815-488-8456
Lease With Option to Buy
ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT FARM RIDGE - VERMILLION - DEER PARK MULTI-TOWNSHIP ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31,2014 REVENUE SUMMARY: Property taxes - $19,788.75; Interest - $17.25 Total Revenues: $19,806.00 EXPENDITURES SUMMARY: Marcy Carrera - $10,500.00; Robert Carrera $2,039.29; Melissa Bernard - $461.75; Tina Busch - $561.75; Andrea Goth - $461.75; Lisa Grubar - $461.75; Lloyd Vogel - $811.75; Glen Walter $461.75; Rebecca Nelson Smith - $316.37 Total Salaries: $16,076.16 EXPENDITURES SUMMARY: Marcy Carrera (expenses) - 4,200.00; E.F.T.P.S. $1,404.85; T.O.I.R.M.A. - $500.00; Arch Hopkins $800.00; Cironi Computer - $1,000.00; US Treasury $7.15; Illinois Dept. of Revenue - $155.00; Illinois Office Supply $50.00; Bureau County Republican $53.44 Total Vendors $8,170.44 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CONDITIONS Beginning balance $18,346.90 Revenues $19,806.00 Expenditures $24,246.60 Ending balance $13,906.30 Subscribed and sworn to this 8th day of April, 2014. Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor
We’re Taking
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ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT VERMILLION TOWNSHIP FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31,2014 REVENUE SUMMARY: Property taxes $42,691.29; Replacement tax $1,556.14; Interest - $55.32; Miscellaneous $62,516.65 ($61,271.65 cashed T.C.D.) Total Revenues: $106,819.40 EXPENDITURES SUMMARY: Ronald Bangert - $387.84; Jeff Busch - $1,568.93; Tina Busch - $886.56; Larry Hiester - $387.84; Lloyd Lund - $32.32; John J. Patyk - $387.84; Josh Scott $10,802.57; Jim Thomson, Jr. - $355.52; Lloyd Vogel - $2,401.46 Total Salaries: $17,210.98 EXPENDITURES SUMMARY: E.F.T.P.S. - $4,663.32; T.O.I.R.M.A. - $2,143.00; Illinois Dept of Revenue - $1,226.04; Road and bridge fund - $90,000.00 (new culvert); Lloyd Vogel - $2,424.50 (mowing); all other disbursements less than $1,000.00 - $6,569.20 Total Vendors $106,844.06 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CONDITIONS GENERAL FUND SPECIAL REVENUES Beginning balance $25,927.49 $8,782.62 Revenues $106,146.52 672.88 Expenditures $123,570.04 485.00 Ending balance $8,523.97 $8,970.50 Subscribed and sworn to this 8th day of April, 2014. Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor I, Tina Busch, Clerk of the Township of Vermillion, LaSalle County, Illinois do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the annual treasurer’s report for the year ending March 31, 2014. Published in the Tonica News Apr. 18, 2014.
CirCulation operations Coordinator The Bureau County Republican, is seeking a Circulation Operations Coordinator. This full-time position includes eligibility for our complete company benefits package.
for all items valued under $1,000!
Responsibilities of the position include: providing excellent front line customer service, maintaining subscriber data base for multiple publications, and act as a liaison between us and the USPS in all matters dealing with periodical and standard mailings.
• Up to 5 lines of copy • 3 items maximum in ad • 1 ad per week, per household • Private party sales only • Excludes services, firearms &
The successful candidate will have a high school diploma or GED with excellent computer skills, valid drivers license and insurance, acceptable driving record, reliable vehicle, and familiarity with all surrounding counties.
animal sales E-mail items for sale to: classified@ bcrnews.com
Must possess good communication skills and the ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment. to apply, complete an application at our princeton office, 800 ace rd. for the position “Circulation operations Coordinator” or email resume to: aclark@saukvalley.com We are an equal opportunity employer and a drug free work place. The chosen candidate will be subject to pre-employment background, driving record checks and drug screening. This posting may not include all duties of the position.
800 Ace Road, Princeton, IL 61356 • 815-875-4461
11 Spotlight Friday, April 18, 2014 • The Tonica News • 11
Serving the People of Tonica and the Surrounding Areas
Area Businesses
Shop these area businesses and see how they can help you with your various needs! 815-442-8248
Quality Home Builders for Over 40 Years Our Carlton Plan is Priced at Only $74.00 per sq. ft. Full Service Lumber Yard Offering outstanding quality & pricing on cabinets, windows, flooring, and all your building needs.
Straughn InSurance agency 308 Main St., P.O. Box 205 Lostant, IL 61334 (815) 368-3331 • FAX (815) 368-3332 www.straughninsuranceagency.com
Redeem this ad for a no obligation quote on your current life insurance or IRA program and receive a $20 gas card.
815-224-2879
1006 1st St. • LaSalle
McCONVILLE INSURANCE Frank McConville - Agent 200 South Peru Street • Tonica, IL 61342 (815) 442-3116
Stellar Plus High Efficiency Gas Fired Furnaces
• 95% Efficient • 5 Year Full Parts & Labor Warranty • Lifetime Heat Exchanger
Plumbing • Heating • Electrical
24 Hrs. Service • 815-442-3415
Grain & Grain Storage, Refined Fuels, Propane, Feed, Fertilizer, Crop Protection, Seed
TONICA, IL • 1-815-539-1084
C & H Electric & Construction
P.O. Box 68 • Tonica, IL 61370 OWNERS
Brian Claudnic Electric
Jeremy Hillyer Construction
Free Estimates
Mike Supan Jr. Linda Supan Michele Straughn
“You bend ‘em, we mend ‘em”
Eat-In or Carry-Out • 442-3404 Wednesday - Tacos Friday - Fish Saturday - Chicken
ILLINI STATE BANK 230 S. LaSalle St., Tonica (815) 442-8211 206 S. Main St., Lostant (815) 368-3333 301 S. Columbia Ave., Oglesby (815) 883-8400 www.illinistatebank.com
Need a New Furnace?
Since 1919
Tonica Hardware
No Problem Pub
Auto Body Specialists Truck Toppers & Accessories
325 North 25th Road, Route 251 South of Peru Bus. 815-224-1506 • EmERgENcy: 815-252-0032
287280
Tonica Lumber Company
ILLI FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
Is Your Internet Slow When Everybody In The Family Is On At The Same Time?? Cure Those Slow Winter Blues With Internet
Speeds Up To
5.5 Meg (Where Available)
Call TONICA TELEPHONE For Information And Availability Of Our High Speed DSL.
Call Jackie At 815-442-9901
12 12 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 18, 2014