TON-05-03-2013

1 Front Volume 140 No. 10

Friday, May 3, 2013

The Tonica News

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Thompson looks back on 23 years

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA – After decades of service to Tonica, Roger Thompson is stepping down from his position as village board president after 23 years.

“It’s time. I’m 67, and I’m thinking, ‘In three years, do I want to be doing this at 70?’” said Thompson. “I think it’s time for Roger to say, ‘I’ve done as much as I can do right now.’ I think the new thoughts, the new electronic things going on, they blend in well with more youthful people.”

In addition to his time on the village board, Thompson also served on the fire department board for 20 years and the school board for seven. What does a man do after that much community service?

“We have two grandchildren, and we’ll be seeing them. And I’m planning at least one trip a year for the next three

to five years that I really want to go on,” Thompson said. “Last year, I did take one trip, and I was gone for three weeks, and that’s not really fair to do that.”

Thompson firmly believes he’s leaving the board in good hands; although he does have a bit of advice.

“We’ve got a lot of good people on the board, and the guy coming up – Kevin Sluder – I think he’s got some good ideas.

He’ll stand out and do a great job. I think you have to give back to the community, and that’s what all of these guys do,” Thompson said.

“Just go for the medium.

Try to please the most people. And don’t spend money like a drunken sailor. You’ve got to keep money back for contingencies.”

Looking back, Thompson believes he’s leaving behind some good works ... and a few regrets.

See Thompson Page 2

LaSalle Library receives state grant

By Barb Kromphardt bkromphardt@tonicanews.com

LASALLE – LaSalle Public Library is among those statewide to receive notification of per capita and equalization aid grants for the 2013 fiscal year.

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced the awards, saying 611 public libraries are the recipients of grants totaling $11.9 million, with nearly 12 million patrons served through those libraries. The LaSalle Public Library will receive $9,874.69.

“I am extremely proud of the outstanding service Illinois’ public libraries provide to our communities,” White said. “Our libraries are the best and most reliable information resource available to citizens, and I am pleased to be able to provide these grants each year.”

Last year almost $12 million was awarded to 620 public libraries.

Per Capita Grant funding is authorized under Illinois library law and provides for expenses such as paying for materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology. Equalization Aid Grants help certain public libraries which have a low library tax base ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

The grant is based on the population of the library district, and this year the award was about $1.25 per person.

As Tonica does not have a library, the LaSalle Public Library 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.

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

Tonica Village President Roger Thompson is stepping down after 23 years at the village’s helm.

TGS parent criticizes actions Arkels: It all got blown out of proportion

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA – What started out as a special meeting for the Tonica Grade School Board to prepare for the board’s reorganization turned into accusations of improper procedure by a Tonica student’s father during the meeting on April 30.

The father accused Superintendent John Suarez of overstepping his bounds when Suarez investigated an incident involving his son.

He said another student had reported he had seen an online image of the son with a high-powered handgun under his chin.

Due to the nature of the incident, Suarez contacted board President Dan Arkels, then the LaSalle County Sher-

iff’s Department and the Department of Children and Family Services.

Suarez went to the household where the student was the only person present. He then convinced the boy to come to the school and discuss the situation. The student denied the allegations. Afterwards, Suarez talked to the boy’s mother about the possibility of guns in the house.

“She became hysterical. She has two pacemakers,” the father said.

“I thought I was going to have to take her to the hospital.”

The father said that while he had two antique guns, he had no handguns or ammunition in the home. He was asked to surrender the firearms to authorities as he had no firearm owners identification card but will be able to retrieve them once he has a card.

“I’m sorry that this whole thing happened,”

Inside

Vol. 140 No. 10 One Section - 8 Pages

Going robotic See Page 2 © The Tonica News

Arkels said. “I’m sorry this all got out of hand on you, but you have to understand, with everything that’s going around, how safe we have to be with these kids. You have to know we’re here for the best interests of these kids.”

Because the DCFS was brought into the case, the father told the board that any paperwork that asked whether they had been investigated by DCFS would reflect negatively upon them; he asked for a letter of apology that he could attach to any such paperwork.

“If you’re not willing to go along with it, I’ll explore other options,” the father said.

The board went into closed session to discuss the matter, ultimately agreeing to issue the letter.

“We’re sorry if we upset anybody, but I have to make sure the kids are safe,” Suarez

Celebrating graduation See Page 3

said. “If I can prevent a catastrophic incident with a student – and I am a mandated reporter (with DCFS) – then I have to take care of the kids.”

In other business, the board: • Presented the outgoing Arkels with a commemorative clock for 16 years of service to the board.

• Swore in the newlyelected members of the board. Incumbents Jeremy Hillyer, Brian Marcinkus and Scott Obermiller were joined by Reagan Sluder.

• Elected Hillyer president of the board, Marcinkus as vice president, and Scott Obermiller was re-elected secretary.

Joyce Obermiller was re-elected treasurer and Illini State Bank named as depository.

• Approved the new autism program for the 2013-14 school calendar year.

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 3, 2013

Seeking Sources The Tonica News is looking for area individuals to help us with stories we are pursuing. If you or someone you know would be willing to share your stories, please give us a call at 815-442-8419 or email us at news@ tonicanews.com. We are seeking sources for: • Someone who owns a train or railroad collection.

• Someone who has a kite collection or who flies kites every spring/ summer.

• An individual or family who has a passion for roughing it and camping.

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

RTE students go robotic!

By Megan Decker Special to the Tonica News

The fifththrough eighth-grade students in the RTE class at Lostant Grade School had the awesome opportunity to work hands-on with robots. They worked both with RoboArm and a computer programming robotic system.

At first the students practiced giving the robot commands and teaching it to do simple tasks like moving objects from one location to another. They were then challenged to teach the robot to move the object, stack the object and turn

the object in different ways in a certain amount of moves.

After learning the basic commands, the students moved on to more complex tasks. For example, they battled each other in tic tac toe; wrote the words, “Hi” and “Hello” on a dry erase board; and finally used the RoboArm to pick up an elevated ball and drop it into a goal.

They competed against each other and enjoyed every minute of it!

Lostant School was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Photo contributed the instruments.

Lostant students Morgan Phillips and Ethan Phillips learn about robotics in a recent class.

Extension celebrates National Volunteer Week The University of Illinois Extension Unit serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties celebrated National Volunteer Week and the many volunteers who contribute to Extension programming. Many Extension programs are made available to local residents through the support and service of volunteers.

This year’s theme was “Celebrating People In Action.” Volunteers serve Extension in many ways, including serving on advisory or planning committees; fundraising and financial support; delivering programs in their communities; and managing and training additional volunteers.

Volunteers are involved at some level in nearly every program offered

by University of Illinois Extension.

Advisory council volunteers work with staff to oversee and manage Extension’s budget and programming at the local level. The local unit includes three local advisory groups, which each have representatives serving on a multi-county advisory council.

Each county also has fundraising volunteer groups, who work to secure funding for local Extension programs.

These volunteers make contacts with local donors and government officials, plan and conduct fundraisers, and ensure Extension has the funding necessary to continue its programming.

Several of Extension’s program areas offer volunteers opportunities to

plan and provide direct programming to local residents. Volunteers are able to share their expertise with others, and help Extension to reach additional audiences with programming and provide programs in diverse and exciting areas.

The 4-H Youth Development program relies on the support of adult and youth volunteers to offer fun, hands-on educational programming for youth ages 5-18. Expansion and Review Committee members provide input about local needs and interests of the youth, and help shape the course of local youth program offerings. FourH cub and group leaders lead groups of youth in learning experiences and provide positive youth development experi-

ences. Four-H fair volunteers, including judges and superintendents, work to provide a culminating experience for youth to share what they have learned and evaluate project results. Volunteers also lead shortterm programs for youth, provide workshops in a variety of areas, and plan and lead special events and summer programs.

Four-H youth development volunteers ensure local youth have opportunities to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery.

Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists provide education in the areas of horticulture and natural resources, and also help beautify the community through gar-

Thompson From Page 1 “I think I’m most proud of the water tower and the improvements we’ve made in the water system. We starting to progress to change the sewer plant, and we’re not too far away from it,” Thompson said. “We’ve done some road work – we did some good work there. It’s been a good run.”

The one thing he wishes he could have done is easy for Thompson to pick out.

“The Village Inn,” he said. “I just wish that could have been different.”

Thompson is generally happy with the state of the village.

“I feel like we’ve lived in the best of the good times. We’ve had some great years here. We’ve got an incredible volunteer fire department – I still can’t believe that they’re non-tax supported. We’ve got a great school,” Thompson said.

“We’ve been pretty lucky here in Tonica.”

dening and environmental stewardship programs.

These volunteers educate others about home horticulture and natural resources, may be able to provide advice about their areas to local residents, teach groups of youth, plan and carry out community planting projects, and more.

Extension also has many volunteer-led supporting groups, including Extension foundations and building associations, which provide necessary support and resources to carry out these researchbased programs across the four-county area.

Volunteers in the Home and Community Education Association (a separate organization) also assist Extension with a

See Extension Page 3

See Us For All Your Ag Financing Needs Throughout the years, we’ve worked closely with local farmers providing the necessary financing to help them grow and prosper.

When you need money for operating expenses, new equipment, livestock, or real estate, stop in and see us.

We’re here to serve your financial needs.

Enjoy Hometown banking with your neighbors and friends!

Agricultural Operating & Real Estate Loans MEMBER

FDIC www.illinistatebank.com

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

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

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

3 Obit Records Friday, May 3, 2013 • The Tonica News • 3

Social Security’s ‘Triple Crown’ of social media

By Lonii Jones,

Social Security district manager in Peru Special to the BCR

From the stables to the tracks, people across the United States are already talking about this year’s Triple Crown. The three biggest thoroughbred horse races in the nation — the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Ky.; the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Md.; and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y. — take place in the coming weeks. It has been 34 years since a horse has won all three and taken the U.S. Triple Crown.

Social Security has a horse in the race, so to speak. Social Security offers its own “Triple Crown” of social media at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Facebook is a great place to stay in the know when it comes to useful information about Social Security. “Like” Social Security at www.facebook.com/socialsecurity.

Twitter is another place to get regular updates in short bursts. Social Security said it promises to be

brief as it keeps citizens up to date in 140-characters or less. Select “Follow” at www.twitter.com/ socialsecurity.

Prefer watching videos? The third part to the social media “Triple Crown” is its YouTube page, where you can find everything from informative webinars to short messages from Social Security. You can view fun public service announcements starring George Takei, Don Francisco, Chubby Checker and the reunited cast of The Patty Duke Show.

You can even watch Patty Duke apply online for retirement benefits in her pajamas! Join the fun and get some useful information at www. youtube.com/socialsecurityonline.

It’s not easy to predict a Triple Crown winner.

Affirmed was the name of the horse who won all three races in 1978. But everyone can be a Social Security social media Triple Crown winner simply by visiting www. socialsecurity.gov and selecting the three icons in the upper right corner.

Entries sought for 31st annual Hometown Awards Deadline for nomination is July 15 SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Pat Quinn marked National Volunteer Week April 27 by encouraging communities to submit entries for the 31st annual Governor’s Hometown Awards, a program that recognizes volunteer efforts to improve Illinois communities. The awards are part of Quinn’s commitment to honor volunteer service and community improvement across the state. The application deadline is July 15, and communities of any size may submit nominations.

Applications for Hometown Awards may be submitted by local governments, schools, youth groups, community organizations, chambers of commerce, community action agencies, job training organizations, or other local entities. Awards are given based on population in six project categories: Services and mentorship, beautification and sustainability, parks and rec-

Meeting calendar May 6 – Lostant Grade School Board, Lostant Grade School, 6:45 p.m.

reation, memorials and monuments, history and historic preservation, and general projects.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity oversees the award program. Details and application forms are available at www.ildceo. net/HometownAwards. All winners will be recognized at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion this fall.

A team of volunteer judges will evaluate the applications. The judges will select the category winners and also nominate one project from each population division to receive the Governor’s Cup, a traveling silver trophy which signifies the project deemed most representative of the spirit of Illinois volunteerism.

Hurst Funeral Home Tonica, IL

223-0380

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

Celebrating graduation Each year, Lostant eighth-graders design T-shirts, and one design is chosen as the official class shirt.

This year’s design winner was Katie French, with a dramatic design of “2013” with a graduation cap on top. On the back is the image of a comet with each student’s signature inside it. Wearing this year’s shirts are (front row, from left) Lauren Bernardoni, Katie and Emily Edwell; and (back row) teacher Angela Wenskunas and Nolan Severson.

ISP announces special traffic patrols LASALLE – Illinois State Police District 17 Commander, Lt. Robert Atherton, has announced that officers will conduct Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (STEP) between May 1 and May 31 in LaSalle County.

District 17 troopers will concentrate on speeding, failure to use

occupant restraints, and other driving offenses as part of their enforcement efforts. The STEP program involves a combination of increased enforcement and public information designed to raise public awareness and compliance to all traffic laws. Speeding is a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal

crashes nationwide. In Illinois, speed-related crashes account for more than 40 percent of all traffic fatalities.

Safety Belt Enforcement Zones may also be used during the STEP program. Troopers will enforce the primary safety belt law to ensure drivers and all of their passengers are buckled

up. Every hour someone dies in America simply because they are not wearing their safety belt. Statistics show that half of all people killed in traffic crashes are not properly buckled up. This project is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Extension

Volunteers also serve Extension in other ways by helping at a specific event, assisting with program registration, or providing expertise and input on local issues and ideas for new programming.

University of Illinois Extension is grateful for the support of local volunteers, who provide an improved quality of life for the local community through their service, and allow

Extension to make their programs and services available to people throughout the state and around the world.

For more information on volunteering with University of Illinois Extension, contact your local Extension office, or visit the website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/blmp.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, call 815-

875-2878.

The mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. If you have questions or need more information call University of Illinois Extension, BureauLaSalle-Marshall-Putnam Unit at 309-3642356.

From Page 1 variety of programs and services. They receive training from Extension educators and reteach educational programs to their own local units. They also work with Extension to provide additional programming in the family life area, and many assist with 4-H and/or Master Gardener programs.

Stress management workshop set PERU — The third annual Stress Management Workshop is being held at IVCH, Conference Room A from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 18.

This event is free to the pub-

lic, and a light lunch will also be served at no charge. Local licensed massage therapists will provide free chair massages, and there are lots of door prizes to be

given away.

Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited! Call 815-3037806 to reserve a seat. Registration ends on May 11.

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4 Biz Ag 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 3, 2013

The results are in for ‘Just Hire One’ When a group of NCI Works’ affiliates began to work on a joint initiative with the five Chambers in LaSalle County last fall, they knew that the economic climate was probably not real conducive to asking employers to “just hire one” more employee for their business. However, they did not let that stop them from at least trying to get the local business community to change their thinking about hiring.

With that goal in mind, these determined community leaders kicked off their “Just Hire One” campaign by getting a resolution supporting the initiative passed by the LaSalle County Board in January, and followed that up with a very successful job fair on Feb. 20.

Thirty businesses, representing manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and the service industry, along with 353 job-seekers participated in the three-hour event which was held at the NCI Works Illinois workNet Center in Ottawa.

Initial follow up with the 30 participating businesses indicate that 11 of them have added 157 new hires since the launch of the “Just Hire One” initiative.

“We know that studies indicate that for every 500 new hires, the unemployment rate in LaSalle County would go down by 1 percent,” said Pam Furlan, executive director

of BEST Inc. “But we also know that for every one unemployed person who gets hired into a new job, that impact will reach well beyond just that one person, and will be felt by family members and local area businesses. So just imagine the impact 157 new hires will make in our local communities.”

Furlan said they are still following up with the other businesses who participated in the job fair for any updated information on additional hires.

“We would like to think our efforts made a difference with businesses other than just those that participated in the job fair, so if any other employers out there hired one more employee as a result of this initiative, we would love to hear from them,” she said. “They can contact Dianna Schuler, our business services manager, at 815-433-4550 and share any information or stories they may have.”

With the success of Just Hire One in LaSalle County, plans are under way to host an initiative in Bureau County in the near future.

NCI Works’ affiliate agencies that are coordinating the “Just Hire One” campaign are BEST Inc., Experience Works, Illinois Department of Employment Security, and the IVCC Dislocated Worker Center.

George Irvine influence still present in Tonica Editor’s note: This was submitted by John Bangert, retired LaSallePeru agriculture teacher and a former student of George Irvine.

The LaSalle-Peru FFA Ag Scholarship Committee has awarded two Tonica young men scholarships for future college studies. Seth Schiffbauer, son of Doug and Rita Schiffbauer, will receive a $3,000 scholarship. He will attend the University of Illinois College of Agriculture.

John Hiester, son of Larry and Mary Hiester, will receive a $2,000 scholarship. He will continue studies at Illinois Valley Community College with plans to transfer to Illinois State University in ag business.

The influence of George Irvine, a longtime agriculture teacher at Tonica High School, is still being felt in the Tonica community.

Irvine taught both grandfathers of Seth and John – Charles Schiffbauer and Wilbur Hiester.

Tonica Telephone Co. Toncom Long Distance Now offering New Higher Speeds up to 5.5 Megabytes 815-442-9901 • www.tonicacom.net

BEST combines service areas

By Donna Barker Shaw Media Service

The local Business Employment Skills Team (BEST) program which covers four counties is combining with a neighboring four-county workforce program.

BEST Executive Director Pam Furlan made the announcement recently, saying Gov. Pat Quinn approved the consolidation in February. The existing workforce area which includes Bureau, LaSalle, Putnam and Lee counties will be combined with the BEST program which covers Carroll, Ogle, Whiteside and Jo Daviess counties.

Hopefully, the consolida-

tion will be ready to go

by July 1, Furlan said.

The reason behind the consolidation is definitely funding concerns.

With state and federal dollars shrinking, the need was to not only survive but to be able to continue the job which BEST has been called to do, which is provide needed services and programs to the residents.

The combined effort will allow Furlan and her counterpart in the neighboring four-county area to streamline their operations to make sure as many dollars as possible get to the people who need their programs and services, she said.

Furlan and her coun-

terpart have been working on the consolidation since last fall in order to be proactive when it comes to funding needs.

Right now, there are 25 workforce areas within the state. If the state does try to reconfigure the statewide workforce program, possibly the state would look more favorably at areas which have already combined.

Also, by being proactive, each area can make sure the combined effort is a good fit, which it has been, Furlan said.

Separately, the two area workforce programs had a population base of less than 200,000 people, which was the recommended base limit

set by the state. The new combined workforce area will cover 340,000 people and 5,000 square miles.

The new effort has gotten the endorsement of eight county board chairpersons and the two junior colleges in the area.

In this first year, she does not expect a lot of changes as far as the individuals and businesses served, Furlan said.

The new workforce will see how much traffic is realized at each of the existing offices in the new eight-county area.

The individuals and businesses should not see any interruption of their services, she said.

Driver named to elite Walmart Road Team SPRING VALLEY — Warren Tyus, 57, of Chicago is one of four tractor trailer drivers for the Walmart Private Fleet who have been selected to join the company’s “Road Team.” Tyus bases out of the Walmart Distribution Center and Transportation Office in Spring Valley.

As a member of the Walmart Road Team, Tyus will act as a company ambassador, representing Walmart Transportation at corporate, community and industry events.

E a c h Walmart Road Team driver is required to have an outstanding safety record and a Tyus minimum of three years or 300,000 miles as a professional driver for Walmart.

Team members are chosen through a rigorous process that includes a review of professional experience, written questions and answers and a video presentation about driving safety.

Tyus has driven for

Walmart since 2002, logging more than 960,000 safe miles. He has driven nearly two million miles over the course of his professional career.

“In an organization filled with great people and the best drivers in the trucking industry, I’m humbled to have been selected to represent my fellow associates as part of the Walmart Road Team,” said Tyus. “I look forward to using my time on the Road Team as an opportunity to champion the need for safety on America’s roadways, being an ambassador for

our industry, the company and the communities we serve and to take advantage of the opportunities giving back in this manner presents. It is such an honor. I am thrilled to have this chance to serve.”

Tyus’ fellow driver out of the Spring Valley distribution center, Pete Palczynski, is also a member of the 12-member Road Team. The Walmart Private Fleet has more than 7,400 drivers who service the company’s 4,600 Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations across the United States.

Midland States Bank honored Midland States Bank has earned a five-star “Superior” rating from BauerFinancial Inc., a nationally recognized bank rating and research firm. Bauer reserves its five-star rating for only those banks it rates as the strongest, safest banks in the United States.

“Customers want to feel

confident that their bank is strong and stable, and this rating affirms that Midland is exactly that,” said Leon Holschbach, president and CEO of Midland States Bancorp Inc. “It is very gratifying to be recognized by such a well-respected rating firm for our consistent growth

trends, capital levels, profitability levels and asset quality,” added Holschbach. “Through this time of economic uncertainty, we are very proud that Midland has remained strong and vibrant and this five-star rating reflects that result.”

Bauer analyzes all of the nation’s more than 7,000

banks. The research company compiles the ratings after analyzing factors that demonstrate the bank’s strength, including profits, assets and cash on hand. It recommends doing business with banks with four or five stars. Midland’s rating is for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2012.

Illinois Retina Institute marks 10th year PERU — Illinois Retina Institute is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an evening reception from 5 to 7 p.m.

May 13 at 3602 Marquette Road, Peru.

This event is open to the public. Some fea-

tures of the evening include: Hors d’oeuvres and wine, tours, meet providers Dr. Kishore and Dr. Ekong, door prizes and free retina scan for eye disease.

Pre-register by calling 815-223-7400. Space is

Fly in and drive in Pancake BreakFast Sunday, May 12 Hartenbower Airport

We will be cLoSed for vacaTIon May 17-24 111 South LaSalle St. Tonica, IL 61370

McNabb Road

For more information: 815-882-2573

from injury or previous surgery, torn and detached retinas and uveitis. More information is available by calling 815-223-7400 or visiting the website at www.illinoisretinainstitute.com.

Vic’s Clip & Buzz

7:00 am - 11:00 am

Between Rt. 251 & Rt. 89

limited to first 20 callers.

The Illinois Retina Institute provides specialized eye care for diseases of the retina including macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, problems

Next Breakfast Dates: 6/9 • 7/14 • 8/11 • 9/8

Vicki Monterastelli Hair Stylist

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5 Perspective Friday, May 3, 2013 • The Tonica News • 5

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

The worst or best?

CareerCast.com recently published its 25th annual Jobs Rated Report, which ranks jobs based on work conditions, salary, stress level and hiring outlook. The report lists the Top 10 best and worst jobs.

Get a load of this ... No. 1 on the worst jobs list is newspaper reporter!

My first reaction was “Duh! Ya think?” Nobody will argue with the stressful conditions in which we work outside the office, the long hours, the deadlines, the often somewhat dangerous situations in which we put ourselves ... and let’s face it, it’s not the most lucrative position when it comes to lining our pockets.

But being a newspaper reporter has a Terri lot of different facets. Probably the ones Simon that are most awful are the ones that put my profession at the top of the list, however, there are quite a few other characteristics that might not be so obvious — facets that might just take us off that list entirely.

I could give you a ton of examples ... the myriad of wonderful people I’ve had the opportunity to meet, the interesting things I’ve learned, the fun I’ve had on assignments, the tears that have ravaged my heart and soul during certain interviews/stories ... I could go on and on ...

Just the other night, I was having dinner with my mom, and she said she had something she wanted me to see. Mom had been going through some of my grandparents’ papers she had saved from long ago, and she ran across their wedding announcement printed in the Bureau County Republican in the 1920s.

Given the fact the newspaper clipping was more than 85 years old, it was still in good condition except for the yellowed and brittle paper. I had never seen this before. The article told of a couple I had only known as older people — not the young and vibrant newlyweds of whom the author had written.

“The bride (my grandmother) wore a lovely frock of canary yellow flat crepe with accessories to correspond, and her flowers were sweet peas,” the article said. Sweet peas? I knew my grandma loved sweet peas, but I didn’t know she carried them on her wedding day? Perhaps that’s why she loved them so.

“The home was attractively decorated in the bride’s chosen colors, canary and white, and there was a profusion of flowers, as well as nuptial emblems ...” I tried to wrap my head around the picture painted by the newspaper reporter’s words. “(They) left last evening for a honeymoon trip through the east ... They will be at home after March 1 in an attractive new home, which is in readiness for them in Princeton.” What? “Through the East?”

We could barely get Grandpa to drive to LaSalle!

The article went on to tell of my grandmother being “a trained nurse,” but it also said she helped hurricane victims in Florida. I never heard her speak of that. I wanted to know more. It referred to my grandfather as “a young farmer,” and it called him “prominent in various activities.”

It was so much fun to read. It offered me the opportunity to look at my grandparents in a completely different way ... all because of a newspaper clipping ... written 85-plus years ago by a newspaper reporter.

Everybody has a newspaper clipping/photo or two (or more) tucked away for safe keeping. It may be a birth announcement, an obituary, a wedding announcement, a column, a story ... The staff at the newspaper is proud to produce a important item that causes you to clip and save the moments of those who matter most to you.

OK, the stress and deadlines are dreadful at times, but the idea of you tucking away something from the newspaper that someone will discover many years from now and read with interest about a loved one from long ago ... well, somehow, that just doesn’t equate to the No. 1 worst job in the nation.

What do you think?

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 did you do Saturday and Sunday for the first nice weekend of spring?

“Volunteered at the greyhound rescue place called RGAP and did a little shopping.”

Christine Brosct, Tonica

“Went to a co-worker’s wedding and also continued to clean up from the flood.”

Doug Burcar, Leonore

“Nothing because of my shoulder injury. I watched TV ... a little basketball.”

Charles Piecha, Cedar Point

“Cleaned up outside, cooked outdoors and went four-wheeling” Damian Shepard, Cedar Point

“Mowed for the first time of the year and sang in the choir at Grace United Methodist Church.”

Daniel Maacker, Tonica

May is Better Hearing and Speech month The month of May is designated every year as Better Hearing and Speech Month. Professionals wish the public to note this is a time to increase public awareness of the disability, and if affected, to take action on it. There are a multitude of impairments under this umbrella: Loss of hearing, speech, language and even voice understanding that can try the most patient of people.

One of the most famous persons in American history with many of these challenges was Helen Keller.

According to her own biography, “The Story of My Life,” Keller once said of all of her impairments, she was most frustrated by her lack of speech and hearing. She said her lack of speech and hearing seemed to keep her separated from people … and she missed the human connection of that communication.

The National Institute on Deafness and other communication disorders reports almost 43,000,000 people in the United States suffer from a speech, voice and language or hearing impairment. Often communication impairments often touch the most vulnerable of society … the young, disabled, older Americans and the poor.

Dixie Schroeder COMMENTARY Many children have communication impairments that include stuttering, language-learning challenges and speech production or articulation. According to the University of Michigan’s Communication and Speech Disorders Department, these children are four to five times more likely than their peers to experience other language-learning disabilities that include reading problems. As children age, these disorders often slow academic progress, effect social skills, and as an adult, will slow job progress.

Speech and language disorders take many forms such as speech, articulation, voice, stuttering, aphasia and oral language problems. They may be learning based, acquired, or the result of accidental injury or illness at any age.

Many people are afraid to confront a hearing disability. You may have a hearing loss if you

find that you turn your “good” ear to a sound to hear it better, or lose yourself following a group conversation, or often ask people to repeat themselves. Older people may get hearing loss they are unaware of from a stroke.

This condition is called aphasia.

It can be treated.

During the month of May many audiologist will screen prospective patients for free. Audiologists have the ability to teach people with hearing loss how to work with the sounds they still hear. These doctors can prescribe hearing aids and assertive listening devices if a patient has the need of one.

Other professionals that work with patients are speechlanguage pathologists who work with various types of speech, language, voice, hearing, stuttering and similar disorders. These professionals are certified by the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association. Speech-language pathologists often work in schools, clinics and other health and education settings.

Tonica News/Putnam County Record Staff Writer Dixie Schroeder can be reached at dschroeder@putnamcountyrecord.com.

First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Constitution of the United States, 1789

6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 3, 2013

Community Maack-Young Daniel Maack of Tonica and Dorothy and Lou Kristopson of Stow, Ohio, are announcing the engagement of their daughter, Danielle Jeanette Maack, to John Young, the son of Guy and Carolyn Young of Gold Hill, N.C. The couple met at a professional conference in New York City.

The bride-elect graduated cum laude with dual degrees from Kent State University and received

her Doctor of Philosophy degree in clinical psychology from the University of Wyoming. Her fiancé received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in clinical psychology from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Both are professors at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and own a private practice in Oxford, Miss.

A June wedding is planned at the Tunica Riverpark in Tunica, Miss.

Illinois Valley Midday Connection will host luncheon/program OGLESBY – Illinois Valley Midday Connection, a non-denominational Christian women’s group, invites all women from the Illinois Valley area to come to its monthly luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m. May 14, at Deer Park Country Club, located at 100 Deer Park Lane in Oglesby, south of Route 71 about one-half mile west of Route 178.

There are no membership fees or special requirements to attend.

Deer Park is handicapped accessible, and everyone who would like to meet new people and enjoy a good program is welcome.

The cost for the lunch and program is $15, to be paid at the door.

The theme for the luncheon is “New Fashion!

New Attitude! New You!” Fashions By Cato’s” will be worn by local models who will be showing all

the latest trends and fashions as the special feature of the day.

“You Can Plan for the Future, But You Can’t Predict it” is the theme of the talk presented by author, speaker and teacher, Viki Scherer.

Reservations and or cancellations must be made by May 7. Free child care is available if a reservation is made by the deadline. Just call Vickie at 815-223-4687 or Anita at 815-223-2852. Email reservations can be sent to scolari12@comcast. net/.

This event is sponsored

by Stonecroft Ministries of Kansas City, Mo. The group will have an Illinois Valley Prayer Connection at 10 a.m. May 7 at the home of Arlene Brandner at 273 2519 Road, Peru. All women are invited to come for prayer and fellowship.

Spring dinner lecture LASALLE — The Canal Corridor Association will host a dinner lecture on May 16 at the Lock 16 Center in LaSalle.

Mike Matejkia will share “Labor’s Untold Stories: the Illinois Valley and Beyond.” Participants will learn how the union and working class organizations of the Illinois Valley had impacts far beyond the local area. They will discover the answers to the following questions: Who were the local leaders? Who had a state and national impact? What were the national labor

struggles gaining attention, and how did they resonate locally? Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. with dinner beginning at 6 p.m.

The Canal Corridor Association’s dinner lecture series provides an opportunity to introduce participants to local and regional history topics during a relaxed and enjoyable evening. The Canal Corridor Association’s dinner lecture costs $24 for members and $30 for non-members. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 815-223-1851.

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Photo contributed

Tonica brothers Kevin and Matt Nowakowski recently earned their Eagle Scout awards. Pictured (from left) are Josh Hunley, assistant scoutmaster for Troop 413; Kevin Nowakowski; Matt Nowakowski; and Scott Ray, scoutmaster for Troop 61.

Brothers earn Eagle Scout awards TONICA — Boy Scouts Matt and Kevin Nowakowski, Troop 413, were awarded the ranks of Eagle Scout during a Court of Honor at Tonica United Methodist Church April 21. They are the sons of Mark and Julie Nowakowski of Tonica.

Matt and Kevin began their scouting careers in Pack 627 — Matt as a Wolf Cub and Kevin as a Tiger Cub. They received their Arrow of Light, crossed over to Boy Scouts, and worked

their way through the ranks. Matt passed his Eagle Board of Review Sept. 29, 2012, and Kevin passed his Board of Review on March 16, 2012.

After crossing over to Boy Scouts, Matt served as chaplain aide and senior patrol leader. He earned 37 merit badges, and the PRAY 4 Star Recognition certificate.

For his Eagle project, Matt spent 100 hours creating and supervising the building of an outdoor

prayer sanctuary, which included the building of an arbor swing for Louisville United Methodist Church, Louisville, Ill., in memory of his uncle and godfather. Matt is a senior at LaSalle-Peru High School and plans to attend Illinois Valley Community College.

After crossing over to Boy Scouts, Kevin served as patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader.

He earned 32 merit badges, and the PRAY 4 Star Recognition certificate.

For his Eagle project, Kevin spent 35 hours creating and supervising the building of benches that grace some of the entryways for Tonica United Methodist Church in memory of his great-grandparents.

They are guaranteed to last 25 years. Kevin is a freshman at LaSalle-Peru High School. He would like to attend University of Illinois at Champaign to pursue a career in physical education and coaching.

Women’s workshop set for May 17-19 UTICA — Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center will host its annual outdoor women’s workshop May 17-19.

This three-day workshop allows participants to abandon their regular to do lists and engage in a variety of outdoor experiences. The workshop cost per person is $255 and does not include lodging.

Participants will have a choice

of sessions which include archery, basic fishing, wildflower floral arranging, backpacking, garden mosaics, geology of Starved Rock State Park, basic horsemanship, native tools and plants, photography, outdoor cooking, principles of fire making, medicinal plants, women with power tools, edible plants, basket weaving and electricity. Workshops are led by experts in each area of interest.

In addition to the workshops, six meals, nightly activities (a ziplining adventure) and transportation to all workshops are included. Advance registration is required. A limited number of rooms are available at the Lodge and can be reserved by calling 800-868-7625. For information and workshop registration materials, contact the activities department at 815-220-7386.

2013 2013 2013 2013 IVCH IVCH IVCH IVCH

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9 9a.m.

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– 1––p.m., 11–p.m., 1 p.m., p.m., Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, May MayMay 44 Ma St.St. St.St. Joseph’s Joseph’s Joseph’s Joseph’s Parish Parish Parish Parish Hall, Hall,Peru Hall, Hall, Peru Peru Peru Featured Featured Featured speaker: Featured speaker: speaker: speaker:

Nicole Nicole Nicole Nicole Johnson, Johnson, Johnson, Johnson, Miss Miss Miss America Miss America America America 1999 1999 1999 19 Living Living Living Well Living Well Well with with Well Diabetes with Diabetes with Diabetes Diabetes

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NO NO NO CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE NO CHARGE TO TOTO ATTEND ATTEND TO ATTEND ATTEND but butplease but but please please please pre-register pre-register pre-register pre-register byby calling by calling by calling 815-780-3337 calling 815-780-3337 815-780-33 815-780

7 Life Friday, May 3, 2013 • The Tonica News • 7

IVCC releases fall honor rolls Editor’s note: Information provided by Illinois Valley Community College on its fall honor rolls to the Tonica News, which ran March 22, was incorrect. Following are the correct lists: OGLESBY – For the Fall 2012 semester, more than 195 students were named to the presidential honors list at Illinois Valley Community College.

Students who have earned a grade point average of 3.75 to 4.0 in 12 or more semester hours, listed by hometown, are: Lostant: Kelsey Casolari, Mary Hartenbower and Steffen O’Brien.

Tonica: Dolores Zens.

For the Fall 2012 semester, more than 725 students were named to the academic honors list.

Students who have earned a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.74 in six or more semester hours, listed by hometown, are: Cedar Point: Joshua Doerle and Jennifer Johnson.

Lostant: Benjamin Arnold, Cody Guynn and Dusty Kuykendall.

Tonica: Lauren Blauvelt, Lisa Burgett, Jessica Gray, Amy Hiester and Casey Swift.

Lostant Grade School Breakfast menus May May May May May

6 – Sausage biscuit, various cold cereals.

7 – Biscuits and gravy, various cold cereals.

8 – Apple turnover, various cold cereals.

9 – Oatmeal, various cold cereals.

10 – Breakfast pizza, various cold cereals.

Lunch menus May 6 – BBQ ribs, French fries, green beans, pears, milk.

May 7 – Chicken quesadilla, corn, salad, Spanish rice, peaches, milk.

May 8 – Cheeseburger, french fries, vegetables, dip, mandarin oranges, milk.

May 9 – Taco in a bag, corn, salsa, pineapple, brownie, milk.

May 10 – Early dismissal.

Tonica Grade School Breakfast menus Lunch menus May 6 – Choice of oatmeal, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

May 7 – Choice of pancakes, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

May 8 – Choice of scrambled eggs, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

May 9 – Choice of French toast, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

May 10 – Choice of cinnamon roll, cereal or yogurt, toast, milk, juice.

Photo contributed

IVYSO concert is May 12 Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra student violin soloist Alivea Cline of Streator will be featured during the orchestra’s upcoming spring concert at 3:30 p.m. May 12 at LaSalle-Peru High School’s Matthiessen Auditorium. There will be an open reception in the old cafeteria immediately after the concert.

Tickets, available in advance or at the door, are $7 for adults, $5 for students/seniors.

May 6 – Pulled pork on a bun, potato salad, mixed vegetables, fruited yogurt.

May 7 – Chili with beans, broccoli florets, diced pears, orange juice, cornbread.

May 8 – Baked chicken quarters, baked potato with sour cream, lima beans, tropical fruit, wheat bread.

May 9 – Chef’s special.

May 10 – Lemon pepper chicken, cheddar mashed potatoes, herbed green beans, apple pie, wheat roll.

Box 157 • Tonica, IL 61370 (815) 442-3176

MOn. 1/4 Fried Chicken & Fries $5.00; Well Drinks $2.00 Tues. Steak Taco or Burrito Platter $7.99; Coronas $2.50 WeD. 2 Deep Fried Pork Chops $9.99; Martini $5.00 Thur. Burgers $3.00; Pint Captains $3.00 FrI. Ribeye Steak/Baked or Homemade Mashed Potatoes $9.99; Jager Bombs $3.00

saT. 2 Stuffed Pork Chops $9.99; Buckley Bombs $3.00 sun. Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork with Cole Slaw $5.00; Bottles $2.00

GRANDMA JUDY’S CAFE

We’ve gotten in the habit of thinking cream cheese is just for desserts. Why not try one of these savory recipes using cream cheese?

Stroganoff Superb 1 pound beef sirloin steak, cut into thin strips 3 tablespoons margarine 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 4-ounce can mushrooms, drained 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cubed 3/4 cup milk Hot noodles Brown steak in margarine in large skillet. Add onions, mushrooms and seasonings, cook until vegetables are tender. Add cream cheese and milk, stir over low heat until cream cheese is melted. Serve over hot noodles either parsley or buttered.

Creamy Lasagna 1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes, cut up 1 6-ounce can tomato paste 1/3 cup water 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cubed 1/4 cup milk 8 ounces lasagna noodles, cooked, drained 2 6-ounce packages part skim mozzarella cheese slices 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Brown meat in large skillet. Drain. Add onions, cook until tender. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, garlic and seasonings. Cover, simmer 30 minutes. Combine cream cheese and milk in saucepan, stir over low heat until smooth. In a 13-by-9-inch baking pan, layer half of noodles, meat mixture, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

Do you have a cream cheese 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 Cream Cheese-ing!

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May 6 – Chicken patty with bun, romaine salad, frozen sidekicks.

May 7 – TGS lunchables – Ham and cheese on a saltine cracker, celery, carrots, TGS garlic veggie dip, raisins.

May 8 – Teriyaki chicken or peanut butter and jelly, rice, steamed broccoli, fruit.

May 9 – Grilled cheese, yogurt, green beans, banana with chocolate sauce.

May 10 – Cheese or sausage pizza, baby carrots, TGS veggie garlic dip.

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8 History/Classified 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 3, 2013

Fieldcrest wins in safe driving program

Library Corner LaSalle Library May 7 — 11:45 a.m., “Storytime Express! ... Fun on the Run”.

Lostant Library May 7 — 10:30 a.m., Library Time, birth through preschool age.

Miss America 1999 will speak at diabetes fair PERU — Nicole Johnson, who didn’t let a diagnosis of diabetes stop her from winning the 1999 Miss America pageant, will be the featured speaker at the diabetes fair being planned by Illinois Valley Community Hospital for May 4 at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall in Peru. “Living Well with Diabetes” is the title of Johnson’s talk.

The fair begins at 9 a.m. and features displays and exhibits from local and national vendors of diabetes supplies and services including Abbott Diabetes Care, Novo Nordisk, Illinois Retina Institute, HyVee Health Market and the Illinois Valley YMCA. Free retina, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be available.

Although there is no charge to attend the diabetes fair, advance registration is requested by calling 815-780-3337.

“Unlocking the Secrets to Success” is the theme of the fair.

Johnson was first diagnosed with diabetes in 1993 and has since served as an international consultant and advocate for diabetes issues. She is an award-winning television journalist and an avid writer whose articles on living with diabetes have appeared in Diabetic Cooking Magazine, Guideposts Magazine, Diabetes Forecast, Diabetes Health, USA Today and on various websites related to diabetes.

can Growers of Granville and Hornbaker Gardens of Princeton. Paul Barrett, master gardener coordinator for the University of Illinois Extension office in LaSalle County, will be on hand to help with garden planning.

Hours for the sale are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 3 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 4.

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

teen safety program. Additionally, the Top 5 winning schools in each of the seven regions will receive prizes ranging from $500 to $2,500 to host a post-prom event.

The Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing program championed by Secretary of State White, became law on Jan. 1, 2008, and required additional behind the wheel driving experience for young drivers under the watchful eye of a parent or guardian. The graduated license law limits in-car distractions and requires teens to earn their way from one stage to the next by avoiding traffic convictions. Leading national traffic safety experts have recognized the law as one of the best in the nation.

“When I established the Teen Driver Safety Task Force, the goal was to overhaul Illinois’ graduated driver licensing (GDL) law in a

manner that would save lives,” said White. “I am encouraged that teen driving deaths are down by over 50 percent since the law took effect Jan. 1, 2008. Illinois’ comprehensive GDL program, in conjunction with the Operation Teen Safe Driving initiative, is having the intended impact on teen driving safety. My congratulations to the winners, as well as to all the schools that participated in this important program. Working together, we can save more lives and make Illinois roads safer for all of us.”

Illinois is divided into seven regions. The winning schools in Region 4 were: First place, Quincy High School; second place, Fieldcrest High School; third place, ROWVA High School; fourth place, Triopia High School; and fifth place, Beardstown High School.

History ... according to The Tonica News

Nicole Johnson

Grace United Methodist will host fundraiser LASALLE – There will be a flower and plant sale fundraiser at Grace United Methodist Church at 1345 Chartres St. in LaSalle on May 3 and 4.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living and Grace United Methodist Church.

Plants and flowers on sale are from Mid-Ameri-

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Ford Motor Co. Fund, the Allstate Foundation, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Police (ISP) have announced the seven winning schools from the 2012-13 Operation Teen Safe Driving (OTSD) program.

OTSD began in 2007, and since then, annual teen fatality numbers in automobile crashes have dropped by more than half in Illinois. The program includes the support of Gov. Pat Quinn, the Illinois State Board of Education and the national Governor’s Highway Safety Association.

A total of 105 schools statewide were selected initially to participate in the innovative OTSD program, modeled after the Ford Motor Co. Fund’s nationally recognized Ford Driving Skills for Life

10 years ago The Tonica Village Board met on March 23. Trustees Goskusky, Bockman and Weekly were not present. Mayor Thompson reported that members of the Planning Commission had been contacted and a meeting was tentatively set for March 31 in the Village Hall.

The revising of the Village Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Ordinance was the topic. The board also learned that Jim Sluder had filed as a write in candidate for village president in the April 20 election.

There was an ad wishing Dom Pattarozi a “Happy Birthday” on March 29.

Tonica Grade School held its first Discovery Day on March 16, 1993.

The theme for the day was discovering “Facts about the 1800s.”

The students were all set to learn mini lessons about the 1800s through hands on learning activities. Students were immersed in the culture. They visited an Indian tepee, made lye soap and butter, tried some old time instruments and got first hand experiences at learning what a one-room school house was like. Dances from that time period were taught to the students, medicinal herbs used by the Indians and early settlers were available for the students to see and smell. Some of those taking part in the presentation were Mrs. Ann Budke of Tonica making lye soap and butter; Mrs.

Georgia Radtke of Tonica, music instructor, demonstrating on the dulcimer for students; and Mr. Sine, a well-known member of the Winnebago tribe, who explained Indian culture to the students.

The day was made possible by many helping hands, volunteer parents, teachers, local farmers, area businessmen, Utica Museum and paid presenters.

Tickets were on sale beginning March 29 for the fourth production of Stage 212’s anniversary season. The show was a comedy titled “Luv.” George Ferroni of Oglesby was the show’s director.

20 years ago The winners of the Deer Park Creative Arts Contest were announced. The contest was developed to encourage creative writing for all students. The overall winner of the contest was eligible to attend the Young Author’s Conference in Normal. Overall winner was Julie Claudnic, daughter of Terry and Joan Claudnic of rural Oglesby.

The Tonica PTC sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt for area preschoolers, kindergartners and first-graders on April 7 at the school. Prizes were awarded to the kids who found the golden egg.

30 years ago On March 19, Tonica High School math students competed

in the third annual ICTM Math Contest at IVCC. The Tonica Junior High /Senior High Science Fair was held March 17 with the exhibits being judged throughout the day.

The 80th birthday of Margaret Lynn was celebrated on March 17 at the Century Café.

Elouise Long has retired from the Tonica State Bank after 33 years of service that began in 1950.

40 Years Ago The Warrner families, with the exception of Bob in Indiana, gathered at Heritage Manor in Peru to observe the April 1 birthday of their mother, Mrs. Ida Warrner, who was 92 years of age.

Harry Immel attended the meeting of the NFO at the Springfield Fairgrounds. He was the LaSalle County President of NFO. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Brooker had returned from an extended visit with daughter Judy and husband, Richard Phelps, at Scappoose, Oregon. They had been out there since last August. Gene claims he had a wonderful time in the big timber of Oregon.

100 years ago Miss Irene Bassett, in company with a friend from California, left for a year’s tour of Europe.

George Barton and Celia Brandow were wed on the 29th; Fred Freeman and Sylvia Scheetz on the 1st.

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ESTATE OF ) CATHERINE L. ) RISTAU, ) DECEASED ) NO. 13-P-76 CLAIMS NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Catherine L. Ristau, of the Town of Utica, LaSalle County, Illinois, on December 1, 2011 at Peoria, Illinois. Letters of Office were issued to BONNIE KROHN, 409 Johnson Court, Germantown hills,

Illinois, Independent Executor for the Estate, on April 24, 2013. The attorneys for the Estate are PETER F. FERRACUTI and MORGAN C. KLEIN of the Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, 110 East main Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350.

Claims may be filed May 3, 2013 through November 3, 2013.

Any claim not filed by November 3, 2013 is barred. Claims may be filed in the Office of Andrew F. Skoog, Circuit clerk, Courthouse Square, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or claims may be filed with the Executor.

If filed with the Clerk,

the claimant must, within ten days of filing, mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the Executor, Bonnie Krohn, and file with the Clerk proof of such mailing or delivery.

Published in the Tonica News May 3, 10 and 17, 2013.

CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com

LOSTANT CUSD 425 is seeking a part-time, two hours per day, Physical Education Teacher for grades 6-8 for the 20132014 school year.

Additional coaching and athletic director opportunities are available.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and college transcripts to: Sandra Malahy, Lostant CUSD 425, 315 West 3rd Street, Lostant, IL 61334

PROMOTE JOB OPENINGs The Tonica News Classified can help you promote your job openings and get your business full staffed.

Call 815-875-4461

Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 week. Limit of 5 lines.

Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week.

No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales.

E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number) or mail to: BCR, PO Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356 No Phone Calls!

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES The Bureau County Republican Classified MarketPlace brings you the public and legal information you have a right to know. Check out each publication for information about your community and stay informed!

DETASSELERS NEEDED THIS SUMMER

DuPont Pioneer and its Contractor/Leaders are looking for detasselers. Competitive wages paid. Work is typically for 3-4 weeks during July. Minimum age: 13 years old.

Tonica, Granville, Mark & Hennepin areas.

Contact: Nick Heuser - 309-532-3552 njheuser@hotmail.com DuPont Pioneer Princeton Production Plant (815) 875-2845 EOE