1 Front
Volume 141 No. 23
Friday, May 15, 2015
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Water problems for Lostant
Felton opts for bench trial By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — The recent heavy rains have raised some headaches for the Lostant Village Board. Members discussed the problems presented and possible solutions at the board’s regular meeting Monday, May 11. Among the problems are residential sump pumps that are dumping into the village’s water system. According to public works supervisor Mitch McCaw, water at the village lagoon has nearly topped out and may soon overflow which could cause some damage to the lagoon’s banks. “People don’t realize how much water they’re pumping, but it can overload the sewer system real fast,” McCaw said. “Anyone whose sump pump is flowing into the sewer system, that has to be removed,” Lostant Village President Fred Hartenbower said. “You’ve got to keep the water away from the sewer.” Hartenbower also said he had received a complaint from a resident whose water from the storm drain in her basement had backed up. He suggested there may be a broken tile, and it should be found and fixed. Board member Chris Dose said part of the current water problems stem from the recent rain which dumped about 1.5 inches of rain within 10 minutes on Lostant. “I don’t care what kind of system you have, it’s not going to cope with that much water that fast,” board member Jack Immel said. In other action, the board: • Reviewed the village’s ordinance book at the request of Immel. The current book dates back to 1990 and does not contain many of the ordinances passed since then. Hartenbower directed village attorney Kyle Stephans to submit to the board any ordinances he has written for the village to try to update the book. • Will advertise for bids for tree cutting in the village. • Voted to hire Jack Bade as part-time police officer. • Voted to hire Hopkins and Associates for the village’s 2015 audit. • Learned the village has received its permit for a new pump for the lift station.
OTTAWA — Richard Felton waived his right to a jury trial and decided instead to opt for a bench trial in front of Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia, according to LaSalle County State’s Attorney Brian Towne. Felton’s trial for attempted murder started Tuesday, May 5, nearly 21
Trial update Results of the trial are available on the Tonica News website at www.tonicanews.com and will appear in the May 22 issue of the newspaper. and robbery of a 92-yearold Ottawa woman. The trial for the break-in was
held before the murder trial out of concern for the woman’s age. Sentencing for the break-in was to be issued at the same time as any penalties for the attempted murder charge. According to Towne, during the first day of testimony, the prosecution called several witnesses to the stand, many of whom were sheriff’s
Felton Page 2
Creating a garden oasis Lostant Grade School seventh-grade student Brianna Gorges works on cleaning up soil in the secret garden. The garden, located in a courtyard inside the school, is being cleaned up by Marjorie Archdale’s seventh-grade classes.
Good for one ... good for all EDCNCI talks about mission, vision, future By Goldie Currie Shaw Media Service
© The Tonica News
Wade of Grand Ridge on a bridge over the Vermilion River near Leonore. The bullet struck Wade in the face, knocking him off the bridge where he fell 40 feet into the mostly dry river. Wade crawled to a nearby farmhouse for assistance. Towne said if convicted, Felton could receive a life sentence. He has already been convicted for his part in the home invasion
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
Vol. 141 No. 23 One Section - 8 Pages
months after the incident and was expected to wrap up Tuesday, May 12, with closing arguments and sentencing. Felton was indicted on charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery stemming from the Aug. 18, 2013, shooting of a Grand Ridge man. Felton, 29, of Tonica — also listed as Chicago — is accused of shooting 28-year-old Jeremy
OGLESBY — During a press conference in Oglesby on Monday, May 4, members of the interim board of the Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois (EDCNCI) introduced their mission, talk-
ed about the vision of the group and what they hope to attract to the North Central Illinois regional area. What is EDCNCI? The non-profit corporation plans to pool the individual economic development endeavors and investments to create a unified and more effective marketing effort to bring in job growth, job retention and job expansion to the area. “We are looking at the people that are already doing business here
and trying to help them expand, as well as bring more jobs here through marketing the region in Chicago and beyond,” explained TJ Templeton, a member of the EDCNCI Interim Board. As Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce (IVAC) began looking at what a regional economic development group would look like, it became apparent the region needed a bigger, louder voice over each town’s Chamber of Commerce that would further attract people and
businesses to this area, said Scott Starvrakas, president of IVAC. Working on a $400,000 budget, the board plans to hire a team of individuals who will work with the EDCNCI Board made up of members representing Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam counties, to reach markets nationally and beyond. The idea is if one large business comes to the area, the whole Illinois Valley benefits. Debb Ladgenski, Spring Valley economic devel-
opment director, used the Walmart Distribution Center as an example. “While it’s located in Spring Valley, there are over 100 different area codes represented in that facility,” she said. Joni Hunt of Princeton said economic directors used to look at their neighbor as the competition, but the real competition is other regional economic development corporations. “The goal of the group is
Development Page 2
2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 15, 2015
Seeking Sources
Thank you for honoring our military heroes
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.
(USPS 633340) Published every Friday Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County
Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com
Email to:
news@tonicanews.com. Photos should be sent as an attachment. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356
Illinois Press IVERSARY 150TH ANN
Association 1865-2015
The many letters collected demonstrate appreciation and patriotism through an assortment of thank you cards, personal letters of appreciation and friendship, and a plethora of creative artwork. Starting about a month
ago, Tonica News began to collect the many mailboxes dispersed throughout the Illinois Valley. With mailboxes placed in almost all the schools and many other establishments, the collection has been a community success of all the Tonica
News staff. Soon, the letters of appreciation donated to Tonica News will be packaged up and mailed to Operation Gratitude organization in California. This national non-profit group will begin the process of screening the
letters and designating which military man or woman should receive each letter in a personal care package. Previously reported in Tonica News, each care package mailed to military personnel contains donated items valued from $75 to $100 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. Since 2003, Operation Gratitude has worked to send out 1,186,468 personalized care packages to American military men, women and families. According to the Operation Gratitude organization, “Of all the items included in these packages, the most cherished are the personal letters of appreciation!” A sergeant’s response after receiving a care package from the Operation Gratitude organization is listed on its website. “I do really miss my family, but getting letters of support from folks like you helps me push on through the day.”
Felton dismissed the testimonies of Wade and eyewitness Britney Dorsam, claiming their testimony was fabricated in order to receive reduced sentences. Felton had also claimed during his previous trial he was not present at the
break-in, although DNA evidence places him at the scene, according to Towne. Although Felton admitted to being a drug dealer and evading police, he denied shooting Wade. Towne said in addition to the eyewitness accounts,
the prosecution also presented phone records that collaborated the eyewitness accounts and a gun retrieved from the creek which Wade identified was the same as one Felton had shown him. According to Towne,
Wade was also charged in the home invasion. He received a 10-year sentence for the crime. Dorsam was also charged as the getaway driver in the home burglary and received a four-year sentence.
Breaking down that budget: $200,000 to $250,000 will go toward salaries for the marketing team; $10,000 for office space, which will be located at Illinois Valley Community College; $10,000 for supplies, computers and telephones; $30,000 for regional studies and work clusters; and $100,000 for marketing and travel. Templeton pointed out having $100,000 in the budget for marketing and travel is key, as there are currently no other entities that have as large of a budget to spend on marketing the area. The public sector will bring in $1.30 per capita for every town and coun-
ty who sends a letter of commitment to the corporation. Currently, the corporation has gotten support from the Bureau County Board; cities of Spring Valley, LaSalle and Oglesby and villages of Granville, Hennepin, Ladd, Standard and Mark. The corporation expects to see support from more communities, however, with the election and changing of mayors and council members, it has delayed the process a bit. Ladgenski said the board wants to ensure the new mayors and council members fully understand the commitment before submitting a letter of support. Another issue delaying villages and cities support is many are waiting to hear whether Gov. Bruce Rauner will go through with restricting tax monies going to municipalities before making a commitment to EDCNCI. Private sectors have three levels to choose from when deciding whether to commitment. Level 1 members pay $25,000 annual commitment for a minimum of three years; Level 2 members pay $10,000 annual commitment for minimum of three years; and Level 3 members pay $1,000 and above annual commitments for a minimum of three years. Private sectors will be given various incentives for the levels they choose.
Currently, the board has attracted two private investors including LaSalle State Bank and Hometown National Bank. How is EDCNCI different from Starved Rock Alliance? The Starved Rock Country Alliance is made up of local entrepreneurs. This group has formed the Starved Rock Country Capital Fund LLC (SRCFF), which aims to create jobs by providing capital and advice to entrepreneurs wishing to start or expand business in the region. Similar to EDCNCI, the Starved Rock Country Alliance is asking for investments to help expand business. However, the EDCNCI Interim Board say its direction is different as they plan to focus solely on marketing the area. Instead of looking at it as a competitor, Ladgenski said the capital fund will be asset and a tool in EDCNCI’s toolbox to market it to companies looking at the region. “It’s complimentary. It’s something good that’s out there,” she said. “There are a number of other groups out there doing economic development in other manners, and we need to partner with them.” Hunt further explained while the Starved Rock group will focus on tourism, arts, education and economic development, the EDCNCI plans to focus solely on economic development.
“We think the other aspects they are focusing on are valuable and worthwhile, but we just want to focus our attention on the creation of jobs and workforce enhancement for our region,” she said. “In our minds, we can compliment each other ... We are not saying you should pick one or the other … People have to decide where their investment dollars will do the most good for their business.” When is this plan expected to take off? Right now, the interim board is looking at a fiscal year of June 1 through May 30. Ladgenski said the time frame may have to be adjusted because of the delays with elections and waiting to hear what Rauner will do with municipalities and their taxes. The current goal is to get things moving within six months to one year, however, Ladgenski said the corporation will not start until all funding is in place. Hunt said they would be working on putting together one website that lists all the needed information and data on natural resources, incentives and more on areas in the region. “Having all that information in a database doesn’t exist now. It’s a fact-finding mission, so we want to have that website available to respond to quickly and effectively,” she said.
By Zita Henneberry Shaw Media Service
The Tonica News’ Dear Soldier letter collection has been a huge success. A big thank you goes out to all those who have participated in this collection drive, which asked area residents to write letters or draw pictures that will ultimately be sent to military personnel serving overseas and abroad, as well as to U.S. veterans. A total of 2,019 letters have been collected thanks to the generous efforts of those throughout the Illinois Valley. The students of Bureau, Putnam and LaSalle counties responded in force with the vast majority of the letters donated having been collected through the schools. A big thank you to all the teachers, schools and classrooms who took the time and made the effort to contribute.
Felton From Page 1
Contact
2015 Member
Dear Soldier has come to a close
deputies and emergency medical personnel. Wade was also called to testify to the events of the home invasion and the shooting.
Development From Page 1 not to compete with local economic development staff, it’s to provide a more concentrated marketing effort to have a broader reach in the world,” Hunt said. Competition will be other economic development corporations in Rockford, Will County, DeKalb, Bloomington, Peoria and more. What is it going to cost? Where is the money coming from? The $400,000 start-up costs will be funded equally through both private and public sectors.
Shaw Media Service photo/Shannon Serpette
Shaw Media Service Staff Writer Zita Henneberry displayed all 2,019 Dear Soldier letters written to military men, women, veterans and families. These letters of appreciation will soon be packed up and delivered to the Operation Gratitude organization. This National non-profit group will send them out in personalized care packages to military personnel all over the world.
Did you know...
Hawthorne Inn offers
Daily Social Activities Personal Assistance with Daily Needs Medication Assistance Private & Companion Suites Access to AJ’s - FREE on Site Fitness Center
Peru • Streator • Princeton 815-224-2200 • 815-672-1900 • 815-875-6600 Visit us at our website: www.simplythefinest.net
Not-For-Profit-Provider
319851
The Hawthorne Inn at
3 Obit Records Friday, May 15, 2015 • The Tonica News • 3
Mautino backs measure to enhance educator voices SPRINGFIELD — Working with leaders of the education community to modernize school oversight, state Rep. Frank Mautino is sponsoring legislation to include actively-working educators on the Illinois State Board of Education. “A high-quality education is a ticket to a successful future,” Mautino said. “The value of investing in public schools has been demonstrated time and again, and it is important that we make those investments wisely.” The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is composed of eight members and a chairperson appointed by the governor, of whom three serve as at-large members, and two each representing Cook County, the collar counties and downstate areas. Typically, some board members are for-
mer educators, and at the present time, members include former administrators and school board members, but Mautino believes those currently working in schools throughout the state should have a voice on the board. Under Senate Bill 1506 which Mautino is sponsoring, three members of ISBE, one from Cook County, one from the collar counties and one from downstate, would also currently be employed as educators. The legislation is an initiative of the Vision 20/20 policy agenda, a set of proposed legislative measures developed by a coalition of educator-driven professional associations seeking to improve learning outcomes in Illinois. Vision 20/20 members include the Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois Association of
School Business Officials, Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools and Illinois Association of School Boards. “By changing the composition of the state board to include educators currently working in schools, we will increase the responsiveness of ISBE to new curricular trends and best practices,” Mautino added. “Students deserve the best we can offer, and by bringing in experts that are working directly with pupils we will help improve schools in Illinois for the better.” Senate Bill 1506 awaits assignment to a House committee for consideration by lawmakers. Mautino represents Illinois’ 76th Representative District, which includes all or portions of Bureau, LaSalle, Livingston and Putnam counties.
Jesse White moves to toughen penalties on drunk driving Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recently took steps to toughen penalties on drunk driving through proposals endorsed unanimously by his Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety. The proposals are supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM). White initiated these upgrades at a public hearing held in Springfield by the Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety. The proposals seek to crack down further on drunk driving and reduce repeat drunk driving incidents by expanding participation in the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) program. White said his office will
craft legislation for consideration by the General Assembly. “My mission as Secretary of State is to make the roads of Illinois the safest ever,” said White. “While Illinois recently received a 5-star rating from MADD, the highest rating possible, for our efforts to fight drunk driving, I refuse to grow complacent. These proposals will make our roads even safer, and they will save lives.” In the first meeting on March 6, the Advisory Committee listened to testimony from MADD, AAIM, representatives from the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association and the Illinois State Bar Association. The recent committee’s meeting allowed the members to deliberate
and vote on the proposals. The Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety consists of 10 members, including: White as chairman; state Reps. John D’Amico (D-Chicago) and Mike McAuliffe (R-Chicago); state Sens. Martin Sandoval (D-Cicero) and Jason A. Barickman (R-Bloomington); Randy Blankenhorn, Acting Secretary, Illinois Department of Transportation; John Balser, Acting Regional Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Lt. Bill Langheim, Illinois State Police; Deborah Hersman, President and CEO, National Safety Council; and David Bradford, Executive Director, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety.
IVCH Board urges legislators to oppose Medicaid cuts PERU — The Illinois Valley Community Hospital board of directors passed a resolution at its April 7 meeting urging State Sen. Sue Rezin and State Rep. Frank Mautino to support hospitals and oppose drastic Medicaid cuts. The Illinois Hospital Association estimates IVCH will lose $659,552 in Medicaid reimbursement during the 2015-2016 fiscal year if Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed state budget is implemented. The decrease in funding would also put more than $1.5 million of local economic activity at risk, according to the IHA. Citing the significant contributions IVCH makes in providing medical care while strengthening the
local economy, the board resolution warns of the consequences of Medicaid cuts as proposed by the governor: “The governor’s budget proposal radically cuts Medicaid funding to IVCH and hospitals across the state by nearly $800 million – that would result in the loss of more than 12,500 jobs and $1.7 billion in economic activity statewide. These Medicaid cuts jeopardize access to health care services and good paying, professional jobs for our community.” “We are urging our state legislators to work with us and the Illinois Hospital Association to consider and enact workable and reasonable alternatives to these devastating Medic-
aid cuts,” Tommy Hobbs, IVCH chief executive officer, said. IVCH employs 650 people. The hospital’s economic impact on the Illinois Valley is in the millions of dollars. Statewide, hospitals provide nearly 450,000 direct and indirect jobs, with an economic impact to the local and state economies of more than $83 billion a year. “We are deeply concerned that the proposed Medicaid cuts would undermine the ongoing transformation of the state’s Medicaid program and health delivery system as well as jeopardize access to health care and the creation and retention of good paying, professional jobs,” Hobbs said.
Juvenile Justice Council schedules annual seminar Seminar to be held on Thursday, May 21 MENDOTA — The LaSalle County Juvenile Justice Council will hold its annual Juvenile Justice Seminar on Thursday, May 21, at the Mendota Civic Center, 1901 Tom Merwin Drive, Mendota. The morning speaker will be John Roope, M.Ed., Director of Early Childhood Mental Health Services at Chaddock in Quincy. Chaddock is a residential treatment center for children who have experienced severe abuse, neglect or other trauma in their early years of development. He will speak on the topic of “Supporting Parent Child Relationships in Families under Stress.” The afternoon speaker will be Sgt. Bruce R. Talbot. Talbot, retired after 25 years of police service and has become a noted
national speaker on the topic of gateway drugs. He will be speaking on “Current Trends in Drug Abuse” with an emphasis on the dramatic shift toward recreational drug use and addiction known as “poly-pharming.” The sponsors for this seminar are the LaSalle County Juvenile Justice Council, the 13th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council, the Illinois Valley Crime Prevention Commission and the LaSalle County Regional Office of Education. The seminar is directed toward law enforcement, school personnel, social workers, probation and detention officers and the community. Registration is $35 by mailing a check to Julie Rashid, P.O. Box 141, Stre-
ator, IL 61364 or by calling 815-683-8221. Checks should be made out to the Youth Service Bureau. Registration will also be available at the Mendota Civic Center from 8 to 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event. The seminar will be from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Lunch and snacks are included in the fee. The Juvenile Justice Seminar is an annual event. The LaSalle County Juvenile Justice Council is chaired by State’s Attorney Brian Towne. William Pfalzgraf, director of court services, chairs the training committee with members from the probation department, Juvenile Detention Home, State’s Attorney’s Office, Youth Service Bureau, Regional Office of Education, LaSalle County Health Department, North Central Behavioral Health Systems, Family Violence Prevention Council and the Illinois Valley Crime Prevention Commission.
Costco meet and greet planned HENNEPIN — An informational Putnam County Town Hall meet and greet with Costco Wholesale in
East Peoria will be from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Hennepin Pool. The public is invited
to stop by to sample some of the products and get information about Costco membership.
TVFD accident TONICA — The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance was called out for an accident involving a car and a motorcycle at 9:05 a.m. Thursday, May 7. The accident was located at the intersection of North
17th Road and Route 251, south of Tonica. One person was transported to Illinois Valley Community Hospital. Just prior to the accident call, the Tonica Fire Department ambulance was dispatched to a rural residence for a med-
ical emergency. Oglesby ambulance was called to assist at both incidents. Tonica Fire responded with a rescue-pumper and ambulance. LaSalle County Sheriff’s Department investigated the accident.
LaSalle County Easter Seal Center’s Kids Can receives award OTTAWA — Kids Can at LaSalle County Easter Seal Center, a preschool in Ottawa, received the Silver Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s new quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers. “Every early learning and development provider who participates in ExceleRate Illinois makes quality a priority,” said
Theresa Hawley, executive director, Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development. “The higher the designation, the higher the program’s demonstrated quality and comprehensiveness in meeting children’s early learning needs.” “We are proud to receive the Silver Circle of Quality,” said Tara Ohlendorf, Kids Can at LaSalle Co. Easter Seal Center. “Providing quality in early
learning and development will help our children in Ottawa be better prepared for success in school and in life.” ExceleRate Illinois is a comprehensive system that includes licensed child care centers, preschool for all and center-based prevention initiative programs, Head Start and early Head Start programs. Licensed family and group child care homes will be included next year.
Meeting Calendar May 18 — Tonica Village Board, 7 p.m., Tonica Village Hall. May 20 — Lostant Grade School Board, 6 p.m., Lostant Grade School. Tonica Grade School Board, 7 p.m., Tonica Grade School Library.
Hurst Funeral Home Tonica, IL
223-0380
4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 15, 2015
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
Waltzing through life It’s been a long couple of weeks — maybe longer. I’m not sure. The days, weeks and months oftentimes run into each other. But regardless of how long the craziness has been going on, I’ll just summarize it with this: On a scale of 1 to 10, my frustration level has peaked at about a 51 during this period, while my energy level has plummeted to around a minus 22 at its worst. There have been so many ups and downs I can’t begin to count them all. I’m not complaining ... OK, maybe a bit ... but by and large, the rise and fall of life keeps this old girl dancing on her toes. Unfortunately though, it’s not always filled Terri Simon with pretty maneuvers or fancy steps like you’re accustomed to seeing on “Dancing with the Stars.” Instead, my dance routine through life is filled with slips and falls, sprained emotions, forgotten steps and flat-footed attempts to get through the daily dance. And unlike those celebrities you see on the screen — who finish their routines to the sound of applause and standing ovations, I complete my daily dances with little fanfare, except when I finally look in the mirror at the end of the day and tell myself the person looking back did the best she could do ... despite some missteps along the way. By now you’re probably thinking ... Suck it up, Terri. Welcome to everyone’s world. And you’re right. No doubt I’m preaching to the choir here, so to speak ... or at least to those of you who find yourselves tap dancing through many of life’s situations. It’s difficult. Isn’t it? Especially when there are only 24 hours in each day, and the dance is intricate, difficult, demanding and clearly unforgiving if many respects. Even though I took dancing lessons as a child for eight years (I know ... the mental image of that is troublesome), the idea of dancing through life should be somewhat uplifting. After all, there are a myriad of dances that conjure up images of grace, passion and sentimental devotion. If you’ve ever watched a couple float across the floor in graceful dance moves or you’ve watched a ballerina delicately execute ballet moves ... well, you get the idea. Dancing can be beautiful ... I’m emphasizing the word “can.” In my life, the dances which consume me are the tango — which sounds more like tangle to me, the quick step, hip hop dancing, the jitterbug, belly dancing ... and of course the freestyle, which I’ve perfected for years. Seems like I’m always caught up in some kind of a “tango,” while I quickly have to do some “quick stepping” to figure it out. After I “hip hop” my way out of a situation, my nerves are about as frantic as any “jitterbug” can be, and I feel my belly start to churn (or dance, if you will). Eventually, I just wing it and opt for the freestyle, which translates to doing my own thing. By the end of some days, I’m weary from the dances I’ve performed. I’m tired — physically, emotionally, psychologically. My muscles ache; my mind is fatigued; my heart alternates between an allegro tempo to long, drawn-out beats that could resemble the final curtain in yet another performance. But you know what? I’m compelled to keep dancing. Sounds a bit crazy, I know, but I don’t ever want the dance to stop. While I’m hoping those quick steps and jitterbugs will someday turn into waltzes, I don’t mind kicking up the tempo right now to fill my personal stage with energy, passion and my own personal satisfaction. You see I believe the dances we do have nothing to do with our footwork, our arm motions or our rhythm. A good dancer allows her dancing to come from her soul. Even though I constantly remind myself that life is not a dress rehearsal, I’ve still got some of those rehearsals to make it all come together before my final bow ... but let’s just say I’ll keep dancing the dance until the music stops. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@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
First Person Mark Stasell Town: Lostant. Family: Wife, Laurie, of 38 years; Jamie is our oldest daughter, down between Toluca and Washburn. She has two daughters, our granddaughters, ages 5 and 1. Neal, our son, is still home as a junior at Putnam County. Pets: None. Occupation: I farm and I truck. What is the last magazine you have read: Tractor House. What is the last song you have heard: Something from Van Halen at the game just now. What is the last TV show you watched: I watched the weather station before we left.
one thing with you, what would it be: Family.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be: Fish.
If someone gave you a million dollars, what would you do with it: I would spend a little bit of it and help the family out with the rest.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could take only
Name a favorite area restaurant: Bullheads, now that they reopened.
Capponi’s too. What do you like about your town: It is a small community. Everyone knows each other. It’s a nice place to be around. Would you change anything about the town you live in: No.
Local government units trying to become less accountable, less transparent to taxpayers As state government scurries to fill a projected $8 billion deficit in the 2016 fiscal year budget, it would seem to make sense to move beyond successful compromises and proven solutions already in place and instead focus on issues that truly have a significant impact on the state’s finances. At least you would think so given the seriousness of the fiscal crisis. But that’s not the case with some elected officials and local government lobbyists that represent the more than 7,000 taxpayer funded units of government in Illinois. Behind-the-scenes efforts are currently taking place that would reduce their obligation of accountability and transparency to taxpayers, all under the guise of the state’s financial crisis. It’s a “smoke-andmirrors” attempt by local governments at a time of fiscal crisis where Illinois taxpayers would end up on the losing end. One successful compromise and proven solution that is now in its fifth year of operation is the PublicNoticeIllinois (PNI) website, or www.publicnoticeillinois.com. PNI is a centralized, aggregated website for all public notices from the state of Illinois, units of local government, and the Illinois court system. It’s a free-access website that is updated daily. It’s an example of a proven, successful public-private partnership that is already saving taxpayers money and should be supported by elected officials at all levels of government. Public notices, or legal notices as they are often referred to, are a fundamental component in the foundation of our democracy and of our legal system. For more than 200 years, newspapers have been paid to print public notices and to serve as the critically important independent third-party between units of local government and taxpayers, and have functioned as the official
Dennis DeRossett COMMENTARY
notification system of our court system. Notice of publication in newspapers provides the proven and necessary verification, certification and archiving solution that ensure individuals and taxpayers rights are protected and preserved. Frankly, it’s a process that has worked so well and for so long that those wanting to eliminate it or change to another process rarely consider the chaos and disruption to government bodies and to the court system that would take place without this proper verification, certification and archiving of public notices and notices of the courts. PNI was created by state law in 2011 and was approved unanimously by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. Yes, unanimously. Key components of the law called for the creation of a centralized website for public notices that would be managed by Illinois newspapers. It requires newspapers to upload all notices to PNI after the notices appear in print. All of this is done at no additional cost to government. No taxpayer money goes towards supporting or managing the public notice website. With each new session of the Illinois General Assembly, local government lobbyists — whose paychecks are funded largely by your tax dollars — repeatedly push bills to eliminate public notices or remove them from newspapers and PNI in favor of their own individual websites. These bills rarely make it out of committee because, frankly, state lawmakers understand that forcing citizens to attempt to locate notices across 7,000 websites
doesn’t make sense. (Actually, it would be about 4,000 websites as many units of local government do not yet have a website.) Such legislation was introduced and failed again earlier this session. However, local government groups are now using behind the scenes tactics to remove public notices from print and from PNI and, instead, have the notices placed on their individual websites. But, this time they have a new twist: They are claiming that having to be accountable and transparent through the current public notice process is an “unfunded mandate” and they want to do away with it. The simple fact is this issue is not about money, it’s about reducing transparency and accountability to the taxpayers. Every year Illinois citizens dutifully fulfill their obligation of paying many types and amounts of taxes to support these thousands of local government units throughout the state. Each of these units has an annual operating budget that ranges from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of millions and even billions of dollars. Taxpayer dollars, that is. It’s not at all about “saving the taxpayers money” because that has already been done successfully through the 2011 legislation and PNI. Local governments will still try to sell it that way, however. Local government officials should focus on the big-impact issues, allow the proven public notice solution in our state to keep on working, and not spend so much time and taxpayer dollars on how to be less accountable and less transparent. The author, Dennis DeRossett, is executive director of the Illinois Press Association. The IPA is based in Springfield and represents more than 500 newspapers throughout Illinois. He can be reached at dderossett@illinoispress.org.
5 Life Friday, May 15, 2015 • The Tonica News • 5
Community LaSalle library will host Victory Garden program LASALLE — In tribute to the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the LaSalle Public Library is announcing a free program titled “Victory Gardens — Then and Now” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19. Joy Kauffman, master gardener, University of Illinois Extension office, and Mary Jo Witek, community worker for 4-H Youth Development, master gardener/master nat-
uralist, will share details about the historic Victory Gardens from World War II, as well as 21st century practices that can make everyone have their own Victory Garden. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit the library located at 305 Marquette St., call 815-223-2341 or browse the library’s website at www.lasalle.lib. il.us.
IVCC registration set OGLESBY — Registration for Illinois Valley Community College’s summer and fall sessions is under way. “There are several convenient ways to register,” Associate Vice President for Student Services Mark Grzybowski said. “Prospective and current students can register online, over the phone, by fax, mail or in-person at both the Oglesby and Ottawa campuses.” Summer/fall schedules are available on campus,
at Ottawa Center, 321 W. Main St., select local grocers and online at www. ivcc.edu/schedules. To register online, students need a WebAdvisor account. For help in setting up the account, visit IVCC’s Computer Resource Center in Room D-201 or go online to www. ivcc.edu/webadvisor. Summer Session A begins May 18, Ottawa Center summer classes start May 26 and main campus Session B begins June 10.
Library to present D-Day program LASALLE — In honor of the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan, the LaSalle Public Library will present a free exhibit and program by Victor Croasdale. Croasdale, who grew up in Oldhem, England, witnessed firsthand the effects of World War II on British society. Everyone is invited to see Croasdale’s display of history and model-making by viewing his D Day exhibit at the LaSalle Public Library through May 30 during regular library hours. Croasdale will present a lecture entitled “D-Day … A Turning Point” beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, in the library’s meeting room. Light refreshments will be served. For information, visit www.lasalle.lib.il.us.
Simon to speak at IVCC commencement 195 graduates are expected to participate in ceremony OGLESBY — Former Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon will speak at Illinois Valley Community College’s 49th annual commencement at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the gymnasium. Simon, daughter of former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon and his first wife, former state Rep. Jeanne Hurley Simon, was previously a professor at the Southern Illinois University School of Law. As lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2015, Simon toured all 48 Illinois community colleges on a fact-finding mission and later issued a report to improve graduation rates in a system that enrolls nearly one million students annually.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and a juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center. She provided legal services to indigent clients at the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation from 1987 to 1992. She was an assistant state’s attorney in Jackson County from 1994 to 1998 and helped create SIU law school’s domestic violence clinic in 1998. An assistant professor at the law school from 2000 to 2005, she was promoted to clinical associate professor in 2005. After serving as a member of the Carbondale City Council from 2003 to 2007, Gov. Pat Quinn selected her to serve on the Illinois Reform Commission which helped establish the state’s first political contribution limits. Student Andrea Neff, 2014-15 editor-in-chief of the IV Leader,
will read her winning Paul Simon Student Essay Contest submission, “How IVCC Has Changed My Life.” The Wind Ensemble conducted by Gene Montgomery will perform, and student Emily Hanck of Peru will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” President Jerry Corcoran will welcome graduates and confer certificates and degrees. Vice President for Academic Affairs Deborah Anderson will present the Class of 2015; 2014-15 student trustee Amy Rogowski of LaSalle will present the invocation; and 2015-16 student trustee Austin Burnette of Mendota will present the benediction. A total of 195 graduates are expected to participate. For information, visit ivcc.edu/ commencement or call Associate Vice President for Student Services Mark Grzybowski at 815-224-0393.
Dinner and a little history at Lock 16 CCA presents ‘Domestic Servants of the 19th Century’ LASALLE — The Canal Corridor Association will feature Illinois Road Scholar Erika Holst’s presentation on “Domestic Servants of the 19th Century” on Thursday, May 21, at the Lock 16 Center at 754 First St., LaSalle. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins at 6 p.m. Holst of Springfield is an Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar. She is the curator of collections at the Springfield Art Association of Edwards Place and will guide guests
on a journey through an under-appreciated segment of history. Having live-in domestic servants seems like the height of luxury today, but in the 19th Century, “hired girls” were common in middle-class households in Illinois. In a society without electricity and running water, household chores were onerous, and in the 19 Century, a wave of immigrants made labor cheap and plentiful. In domestic servant situations, working-class men and women lived and worked side-by-side with their employers yet were considered second-class citizens, often leading to tense relationships. Who were these individuals? What were their employers’ experiences
living and working intimately with a cross-section of society that they might never have encountered otherwise? How did the nature of domestic service evolve as the century progressed? These questions will be answered during the program. The menu is a choice of lasagna or raspberry balsamic Cornish hen on a bed of wild rice and seasonal vegetables. Both entrees include strawberry pecan salad with balsamic vinaigrette, garlic breadsticks and angel food cake. Cost for the program is $24 for CCA members and $29 for non-members. Proceeds go to benefit the Canal Corridor Association. Reservations are required at 815-223-1851.
Sixth annual Living Works Suicide Walk is June 6 PRINCETON — The sixth annual Living Works Community Walk for Suicide Prevention is set for Saturday, June 6. The walk begins at 10
a.m. at Darius Miller Park and proceeds approximately 2.3 miles to Zearing Park. Closing ceremonies include music, a raffle, a balloon launch and a “signing wall” where friends and family may express their thoughts and memories of those they have lost. This year’s speaker, Kayla Bailey, will share prayers and songs. Pre-registration is $20 per person and includes a T-shirt and wristband. The cost is $22 for 2X or 3X shirts. Children 10 and under are free and
Special Pricing for
Graduation Parties!!
Photo contributed
LGS gives to Hiawatha schools Lostant families, school board and community members donated a total of $340 in gift cards and cash for the 27 students who lost their homes in the recent Fairdale tornado. Hiawatha Superintendent Sarah Willey said these families are living in motels and need gift certificates for food. Lostant Grade School Superintendent Sandra Malahy took cash donations and purchased gift cards. Bonnie Lawless (from left) with son Ayden Lawless, and Amos and Annabel Vincent mailed the gift cards to the school.
will receive a wristband. T-shirts may be purchased separately. Group registration of three or more is $15 per person. Participants should register by May 16. Registration after May 16 will cost $25, or $27 for extended sizes. Registration forms are available at www.livingworkssuicidewalk.com or on the Facebook page – Living Works. Registration forms can be obtained at the Prouty Building, 435 S. Main St., Princeton; or call 815-915-8122. T-shirts are limited.
Businesses interested in being corporate sponsors can contact Chris Compton at 815-915-8122 to discuss the benefits and cost. The funds raised will be used to offer local suicide “first aid” intervention training and grief support to those who’ve lost loved ones to suicide. Long-range goals include attracting mental health professionals to treat at-risk individuals locally and educating and engaging the community in addressing reasons that people are driven to consider suicide.
Catering
- No party too big or small We wil do it all!!
Way To Go 2015 Grads!! Call about our Graduation Meal Party Packages www.paganolearys.net
815-339-6278 • 304 S. McCoy St. Granville, IL • Open 7 Days a Week
6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 15, 2015
Menus and Activities Lostant Grade School Breakfast May 18 — Breakfast wrap, cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk. May 19 — Honey bun, cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk. May 20 — Blueberry muffin, cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk. May 21 — Pancake sausage bites with syrup, cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk. May 22 — Cereal bar, cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice and milk. Lunch May 18 — Pretzel with cheese, green beans, mixed berries, milk. May 19 — Picnic day: Uncrustable, chips, banana, water. May 20 — Chicken alfredo, mixed vegetables, pineapple, milk. May 21 —Tortellini soup, lettuce salad, applesauce, milk. May 22 — Grilled cheese, peas, pears, gelatin, milk. Activities May 20 — 6 p.m., school board meeting. May 25 — Memorial Day, no school.
Tonica Grade School Breakfast May 18 — Sausage and egg breakfast bagel, cereal, yogurt or toast, granola, fruit, juice, milk. May 19 — Pancakes and syrup, cereal, yogurt or toast, granola, fruit, juice, milk. May 20 — Scrambled eggs, cereal, yogurt or toast, granola, fruit, juice, milk. May 21 — Waffle and syrup, cereal, yogurt or toast, granola, fruit, juice, milk. May 22 — Muffin, cereal, yogurt or toast, granola, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch May 18 — Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit, milk, bread, gravy. May 19 — Make your own sub sandwich or peanut butter and jelly, fruit, baked chips, milk. May 20 — Salad bar (diced ham or chicken, shredded cheese) or peanut butter and jelly, banana bread, fruit/veggie bar, milk. May 21 — School picnic: Hamburger or hot dog on bun, cheese slice, baked beans, carrots, fruit, chips, ice cream bars, milk, lemonade. May 22 — Stuffed cheese or pepperoni pizza, Romaine lettuce, carrots, apple slices, milk. Activities May 18 — 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., second-grade field trip to Rockford. May 19 — 6 p.m., awards night. 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., middle school Peoria Chiefs game. May 20 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., fourth/fifth-grade trip to Peoria. May 21 — 9:30 a.m., pre-k graduation, small gym. School picnic day. May 22 — 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., first-grade field trip, Miller Park Zoo; 7 p.m., graduation.
Putnam County Community Center May 18 — Smoked sausage, fried potatoes, three bean salad, peaches, rolls and butter. May 19 — Burgers, macaroni salad, green beans, fresh asparagus, dessert. May 20 — Beef stroganoff, rotini noodles, peas and onions, salad with toppings, pineapple bits and white bread. May 21— Beef and noodles, buttered peas, lettuce salad with toppings, bread and butter, dessert. May 22 — Pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit cocktail, bread. For reservations, call 800-757-4579 24 hours in advance of the day’s meal. The menu is subject to change. Meals are available to senior citizens 60-plus at no cost, but donations are appreciated. The meal program is partly funded by donations, so they have a suggested donation of $5 per meal. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
Bridges Senior Center May 18 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. May 19 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10 a.m., Soldiers’ Angels; 12:30 p.m., open euchre; 5 p.m., Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. May 20 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. May 21 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. May 22 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 1 p.m., open Wii bowling.
Photo contributed
ACC annual car show will be Sunday Doug Narczewski (right), Area Career Center (ACC) automotive technology instructor, presents the shell of a 1962 Volkswagen dune buggy to his students at the start of the current school year. During the past nine months, the students restored and rebuilt the buggy. It will make its public debut during the ACC’s annual car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17. All makes and models of cars and trucks are welcome, including military, police, fire and EMS vehicles. All area high school students are also invited to put their vehicles on display. The LaSalle-Peru Township High School Jazz Band and Choir will perform during the show. Admission is free. For more information, contact Narczewski at dnarczewski@lphs.net.
Annual spring fair held at Lostant School By Leslie Smith
Special to The Tonica News
LOSTANT — On March 31, Lostant School held its annual spring fair. The event allows parents to view projects the children have been working on in class. From 5:30 to 6 p.m., dinner was provided for all who pre-ordered with the school and included one-half Gondola from Avanti’s, chips, cookie and a drink. From 6 to 7 p.m., everyone was invited to attend the Scholastic Book Fair and walk the halls of the school to view the various projects that were completed by each class. The projects were from many sub-
ject areas, including science, math, reading, writing and social studies. Some of the projects included were: Kindergarten completed projects about polar bears, including facts about them and a cotton ball polar bear art project. First and second grade learned about Illinois and animals. They made workbooks and paper plate owl projects. Third and fourth grade made simple machines for their science projects, varying from first through third class wedges, levers and pulleys. They also made state cereal boxes, where they each picked a state and made an entire cereal box using only facts and pictures from their state. Fifth grade did math projects on units of measure
and 3D models of prisms and pyramids. Fifth and sixth grade worked on compiling facts and photos of Greek gods and goddesses. Seventh grade made displays on famous people and events, and eighth grade wrote the histories of superheroes and painted their pictures. Many other projects were also on display all throughout the school. The children worked very hard on their projects and did a great job. Everyone enjoyed their evening at the spring fair. Thank you to the teachers and staff for making an enjoyable night to view what the children have been working on at school. To see more photos of the event, go to www.lostantcomets.org.
Library Corner LaSalle Public Library The LaSalle Public Library is inviting families to join in stories with the Library’s “Reading Loving Therapy Dogs!” Our Reading Dog Teams will be at the Library at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Children choose a favorite short book or story and read aloud to a Reading Dog for about 5 minutes. The dogs love stories, and everyone is encouraged to read. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, families are invited to a fun and wacky evening of puppetry, ventriloquism, magic and comedy, at the LaSalle Public Library, when Chris McBrien performs “Reading Super Heroes and Heroines.” Get ready for lots of laughs, “wows,” and audience participation as Chris helps kids unlock their super powers. Fun and surprises make for a memorable family experience.
McBrein has been performing at schools and libraries across the Midwest for 10 years. His program content conforms to Common Core Standards for learning and social emotional development,
all underscored with positive messaging and fun. In addition to years as a multi- talented entertainer, He has been a teacher. Whether his audience is a small group or a huge assembly, he is engaging,
HiHART Available In The Following Areas:
Ottawa Streator Spring Valley Granville Varna Lake Wildwood
Seatonville Ladd Hollowayville Hennepin Mark McNabb
Lowell Utica Lostant Tonica Cedar Point Standard
• No contractts, e l a n me ! Bandwidth startt g at 4MG up to 40MG • $100 ins stall o upfront or o u es cal call c fie fi eld sup r te e m • wa in s me oc tion ns • u si n e p a av ble!
exciting and entertaining for the entire family. This event is made possible through the generosity of the Alwin C. Carus Trust. For more information, call 815-223-2341.
High-Speed Wirele ess Internet
Magnolia LaSalle Peru Oglesby Lamoille
Call: 815-368-374 44
7 Life/class Friday, May 15, 2015 • The Tonica News • 7
––––––– Classifieds –––––––– General Terms and Policies The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion.
********** 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
CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Photo contributed
Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com
Denim day raises money Lostant School District employees raised money on Wednesday, April 29, for Denim Day U.S.A. The money was donated to the domestic violence and sexual assault service programs in LaSalle and Livingston counties. Employees who wore denim to work donated $2 toward the fundraising event.
have a royal makeover, make a magic wand, meet Cinderella and Prince Charming for a photo opportunity and even try on the glass slipper. The younger princesses get their turn at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., when they’ll meet Cinderella and the Prince, take photos, have a dance party and experience face painting. These young princesses must
LASALLE — Stage 212 is hosting a party for young princesses of the Illinois Valley. Girls in first through fifth grades, as well as those in preschool and kindergarten, are invited to attend the “Cinderella Soiree,” on Saturday, May 16, at the theater, located at 700 First St. in LaSalle. At 1 p.m., the gradeschool princesses will play games with the stepsisters,
- 200 Employment 228 • Help Wanted
Stage 212 presents ‘A Cinderella Soiree’ be accompanied by one adult, but the adult does not need a ticket. Tickets are $15 each for first through fifth grades and $10 each for preschoolers and kindergarteners, and may be purchased by calling 815224-3025 and leaving a message, or by visiting the Stage 212 website at www. stage212.org. Space is limited.
- 400 Merchandise
232 • Business Opportunities
Lostant School is hiring for the position of NIGHTTIME CUSTODIAN. Hours are flexible and include 23 hours per night, 5 days a week during the school year. Please send a letter of interest to: Mrs. Malahy, 315 West 3rd Street, Lostant, IL 61334
See It Right Here!
The Tonica News Classifieds
HARD TO FIND THAT RIGHT PERSON FOR THAT JOB OPENING? The Tonica News Classified can reach just the right person you are looking for to fill that job opening. Call 815-875-4461
815-875-4461
450 • Under $1000 ************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week. No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales. E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number) No Phone Calls!
460 • Garage Sales PRINCETON 1124 West Clark Street. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, May 14, 15 & 16; 8am-5pm. MULTI-FAMILY SALE Kong dog bed, North face/South butt, Banana Republic nursing scrubs, all seasons (L & XL). Antiques & collectibles/primitives PRINCETON 225 Oak Street. Tuesday, May 12, 1pm-5pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, May 13, 14, 15; 9am-2pm; Saturday, May 16, 9am-12pm. Many Items
HAVING A GARAGE SALE? The Bureau County Republican can promote your garage sale. Just call 815-875-4461.
460 • Garage Sales PRINCETON 932 South Church, Thursday, May 14th, 12pm-7pm; Friday, May 15th, 8am-3pm. Old buffet, linens, toddlers bed with mattress, Red Hat, Christmas, old records, books, craft, cook, paperback, Ideals, old 5 drawer chest, misc. Many HO trains, cars, caboose and track
- 700 Real Estate For Sale 767 • Mobile Home Sales **************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275
Business Directory Marketplace
(309) 857-2056
LESTER LAWN & LANDSCAPE
1108 Second Street, Henry, IL Nathan Lester: Owner/ Operator
• Residential & Commercial Mowing • Free Estimates • Senior Discounts • Light Landscaping • Seeding • Fertilizing • Aerating
JODY TALIANI Mon-Fri 8AM - 5PM Owner
202 W Harper Ave Granville, IL 61326 815-339-9181 FAX: 815-399-9182
GENERAL CONTRACTING
Top Quality • 100% Union Labor • Fully Insured • Free Estimates
Specializing in High-Quality New Construction & Remodeling with over 35 Years of Experiance
815-883-8681 815-488-9830 835 Clark St. Oglesby, IL 61348
71
AUTO BODY
route71autobody@frontier.com
Class Schedule M 9:20am, 4:20pm, 5:30pm* T 5:30am*, 4:20pm, 5:30pm W 9:20am, 4:20pm, 5:30pm* TH 5:30am*, 4:20pm, 5:30pm F 9:20am | SA 8:45am * Express 30 minute classes
9341 Taylor Rd., Magnolia, IL 61336
815.878.5965
To
TKO Tire and Service Auto Repair and Tire Service
Auto, LT, Implement and Specialty Tires
14049 IL HWY 18, Magnolia, IL
815-869-4249
124 S. Peru St. • Downtown Tonica
Mark 815-488-7210 ALL TYPES OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Driveways • Sidewalks • Pole Barns • Curbs • Parking Lots
FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES
Sieg Tire & u e R
air Sh p
23 Hour Roadside Assistance
Mark, IL 61340
Interstate Battery Sales
Johnny Sieg
Owner/Operator
Cars, Trucks, Trailer, Motorcycles, ATVs, & Lawn Mowers also Bicycles
e e l
Mounting, Balancing, Rotating, Patches, Plugs and all tire repairs plus Small Implement Farm Tires
s
pY u
Rollin!
add your lisTing To This page conTacT
ashley
aT
Repair and Fabrication Steel, Stainless, Cast, Iron, Aluminum, etc. Mig, tig, Stick welding Complete Fab shop and Mobile Repair Small Jobs – Heavy Equipment Fast and Affordable
815-830-3100
Selling & Repairing all makes of tires Open 7 days/week 8-5pm 112 S. St. Paul St.
815-878-7367 2901 N. Peoria St. Peru
Tire Brands Toyo General Continental GT BKT Carlisle Kumho
B&M CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
ROUTE
PO Box 326 PH:
BRIAN SPELICH
For A Peach Of A Deal Call
PEACH CONSTRUCTION CO. Full Service Home Improvement Since 1981 Ron Des Laurier • Putnam, IL 61560 Office: 815-437-9026 • Cell: 630-569-0734 SPECIALIST IN PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL & CARPENTRY Kitchens - Baths - Windows - Siding - Roofs - Basements
(815) 875-4461, exT. 6345
8 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 15, 2015 999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS GUARDIANSHIP NOTICE, In the Circuit Court for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, LaSalle County, Illinois for Guardianship of alleged disabled adult Earla Harding of Streator, LaSalle County, Illinois, case #15-P-47. Notice is hereby given to Brad Harding, unknown heirs, and relatives that on May 20, 2015 at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as counsel may be heard, Petitioner’s attorney, Morgan K. Strow of the Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, 110 E. Main St., Ottawa, IL (815-434-3535) shall appear before the Hon. E. Daugherity, or any judge sitting in his stead, in courtroom 300 at the LaSalle County Courthouse located
at 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, IL 61350 for Parker Nursing Home’s petition to appoint the Office of State Guardian as the plenary guardian of Earla Harding. Published in the Tonica News May 1, 8, and 15, 2015.
Notice is further hereby given that a public hearing on said amended budget will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the 20th day of May, 2015, in the School District No. 425 Board Room. Board of Education
School District Number 425, County of LaSalle, State of Illinois. Sandra Malahy Recording Secretary May 14, 2015 Published in the Tonica News May 15, 2015.
THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 27; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 22 SECONDS EAST 1529.58 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 27 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 44 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST 308.86 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEGREES 58 MINUTES 40 SECONDS WEST 222.94 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 47 MINUTES 36 SECONDS WEST 300.24 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 27; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 22 SECONDS WEST 223.10 FEET ALONG SAID WEST LINE TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING CONTAINING 1.559 ACRES MORE OR LESS AND ALL SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF EDEN, LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1968 E. 3rd Road, Tonica, IL 61370 and which said Mortgage was made by: Zakary Gallik the Mortgagor(s), to First Federal Savings Bank,
as Mortgagee, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of LaSalle County, Illinois, as Document No. 2009-11315; and for other relief; that summons was duly issued out of said Court against you as provided by law and that the said suit is now pending. NOW, THEREFORE, UNLESS YOU file your answer or otherwise file your appearance in this case in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, Andrew F. Skoog Clerk of the Circuit Court LaSalle County Courthouse 119 W. Madison Street, Suite 201 Ottawa, IL 61350-0617 on or before June 8, 2015, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU AT ANY TIME AFTER THAT DAY AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRAYER OF SAID COMPLAINT. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 15W030 North Frontage Road, Suite 100 Burr Ridge, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 DuPage # 15170 Winnebago # 531 Our File No. 14-15-02466 NOTE: This law firm is deemed to be a debt collector. I655688 Published in the Tonica News May 8, 15 and 22, 2015.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of School District Number 425 in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, that the amended budget for said School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014, will be on file and conveniently available to public inspection at the District Office, 315 W. 3rd St., Lostant, Illinois, from and after 8 o’clock a.m. on the 21st day of May, 2015.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY - OTTAWA, ILLINOIS JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association PLAINTIFF Vs. Zakary Gallik; Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants DEFENDANTS 15 CH 00039 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU: Zakary Gallik Unknown Owners and Nonrecord Claimants That this case has been commenced in this Court against you and other defendants, praying for the foreclosure of a certain Mortgage conveying the premises described as follows, to-wit: THAT PART OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 32 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE
Business Directory Marketplace
red CArpet ServiCe
Vegetables • Annuals • Herbs • Perennials • Grasses • Shrubs
From the Old Fashioned to the New..... “F 4 year growing for YOU!” 24
For the World’s Best People
Our Customers
Al Cioni Ford inC.
504 S. McCoy Granville, IL
815-339-2511
815-442-9901 • www.tonicacom.net
BOB’S DRYW YWALL, PAINT, ETC
Bob Cmolik
• Drywall • Paint • Texturing • Bathrooms • Plaster Repair • Remodeling • Tiling 19 Aztec Circle, Putnam, IL 815-342-1385 bcmolik@yahoo.com
815-454-2294 www.redbarnnursery.com
Get Your Tools Repaired For All Your Honey-do Projects!
McCONVILLE INSURANCE
Authorized
Frank McConville - Agent 200 South Peru Street • Tonica, IL 61342 (815) 442-3116
Repair Center
815-780-8677
421 5th St., Route 6, Peru, IL
GRANVILLE Floor & Wall We Have A Great Selection Of Floor Coverings To Meet Your Every Need
Granville, IL
COMPLETE CAR AND TRUCK CARE 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE Rt. 89, McNabb, IL • Jack Bima, Owner
JACK’S GAS & SERVICE
339-2345
Mon-Wed 9-5 • Thurs 9-2 • Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-12 Auto Body Specialists Truck Toppers & Accessories
Re15722Barn Nursery 645 E. St., Sheffield, IL
No baloney with Al Cioni!
Tonica Telephone Co. Toncom Long Distance
Now offering new Higher Speeds up to 9 Megabytes
For Hours & Driving Directions Call or Visit us Online!
882-2191 Monday-Saturday 882-2250 Evenings & Sundayss
Now with Mobile Banking Since 1919
“You bend ‘em, we mend ‘em”
The One and Only Bank You’ll Ever Need!
Mike Supan Jr. ∙ Linda Supan ∙ Michele Straughn
325 North 25th Rd, Route 251 South of Peru
815-224-1506
EMERGENCY: 815-252-0032
Tonica 815-442-8211
Lostant 815-368-3333
Oglesby 815-883-8400 MEMBER
www.illinistatebank.com
Plumbing • Heating • Electrical
TONICA HARDWARE 24 Hrs. Service • 815-442-3415 Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles
PASSINI PLUMBING & HEATING
PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.
David Passini
815-882-2111 • 815-875-2540
Licensed-Bonded-Insured 116 South 2nd St. Standard, IL 61363
To
815-339-4108 815-481-2639
www.grassersplumbingheating.com 404 W. Main, FREE McNabb,IL (State ID No. 58-100249)
add your lisTing To This page conTacT
Estimates
ashley
aT
Towing Available
FOLEY MOTORS
Full Service Store
Inc.
Sales & Service
Rt. 29, Henry, IL 309-364-4711 www.foleymotorsinc.com
(815) 875-4461, exT. 6345