1 Front Volume 140 No. 21
Friday, July 19, 2013
The Tonica News
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Legislature passes concealed carry law New law overrides Quinn’s line-item vetoes By Goldie Currie Shaw Media Services
Editor’s note: This is first in a two-part series on the new concealed carry legislation. HENNEPIN – On July 9, Illinois became the last state in the nation to allow a gun owner to carry concealed weapons, after the Illinois General Assembly voted to override Gov. Pat Quinn’s amendatory veto of House Bill 183. The Senate vote was 41 yeas to 17 nays with Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) voting in favor of the override. The House vote was 77 yeas to 31 nays with Rep.
Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) also voting in favor of the override. In a statement on the concealed carry override, Quinn expressed his disappointment. “Despite my objections, members of the General Assembly surrendered to the National Rifle Association in the waning days of session and passed a flawed bill that allows people to carry guns in establishments that serve alcohol and allows people to carry unlimited guns and high-capacity ammunition magazine,” he said. After Quinn took amendatory veto on the bill last week, he released revisions to what
he called a “flawed bill that jeopardized public safety.” “We will keep fighting for these critical provisions that will save lives and establish a better, more responsible concealed carry law in Illinois,” Quinn said July 9.
What does this mean now? In order to take part in the new concealed carry law, a person must be 21 years old, have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card and be issued a license by the Illinois State Police. The State Police have been given six months to make applications for concealed
carry licenses and must issue a license within three months of receiving a valid application. To be granted a license, a person must complete firearms training. Stipulations on the ability to carry a concealed weapon are: A person cannot have a background of being convicted of a misdemeanor involving a threat or violence within five years of applying for a license; have a record of two or more DUIs or drug violations; cannot be a subject of a pending arrest warrant; and cannot have a record of court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification or drug treatment within the five years of applying for the license.
An applicant must also pay $150 for a new license or a renewal of a license. According to Section 65 of the bill, some areas will automatically be prohibited of a concealed carry. A licensee cannot carry on several properties including school property grounds or child care facilities; government grounds; before a circuit court, appellate court, Supreme Court or building under control of the Supreme Court; in jails and prisons; hospitals and mental health facilities; on public buses and trains; at a public playground; in public libraries; amusement parks; or property grounds owned by a college or university.
Speed limit increase? By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
OTTAWA — Get ready to push the accelerator a little further. The Illinois General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 2356 to Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk, which would increase speed limits on Illinois’ rural freeways and certain highways from 65 miles per hour to 70 miles per hour. According to the Illinois General Assembly website, the bill would provide the maximum
speed limit outside an urban district for any vehicle to be 70 miles per hour on any interstate highway, as well as on all or part of other highways designated by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The affected highways would need to have at least four lanes of traffic and have a separation between the roadways moving in opposite directions. The proposed law does have an opt-out ordinance option for urban counties.
Not everyone thinks this is a good idea. “I don’t agree with it, and as a company, we don’t agree with it,” said Martin Wiesbrock of Wiesbrock Trucking in Leonore. “Higher speeds are just harder on brakes; they’re harder on equipment; and there’s more chances of an accident or problem at higher speeds. The governors on our trucks are set at 62 mph, and they’re going to stay there.”
See Speed limit Page 2
Quinn signs new voting bill for 17-year-olds By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation earlier this month that will increase access to democracy across Illinois by giving 17-yearolds the ability to vote in primary elections if they are 18 years old by the general election date. “Our democracy is strongest when more voters raise their voices at the ballot box,” Quinn said. “This new law will encourage young adults to take on their civic duties as soon as posVol. 140 No. 21 One Section - 8 Pages
sible and make their voices heard in all Illinois elections.” House Bill 226 amends the Election Code by revising the qualifications of voters. The bill allows a 17-year-old the ability to vote during a primary election if he or she will be 18 years old on the date of the immediately following general election. According to FairVote, 20 other states permit 17-year-olds to vote in the primary election. LaSalle County Clerk JoAnne Carretto has been watching this bill.
Carretto was concerned of possible stipulations or issues that would cause her office to have to print different ballots or handle the registration of the 17-year-olds differently, but that turns out not to be the case. “It only applies in even year elections,” she said. “Coming up March 18 of 2014, any person who is 17 who will be 18 by Nov. 4 of 2014 can be eligible to register and vote at that primary.”
See Voting Page 2
Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder
Focusing on 4-H Claire Stillwell of the Bailey Creek Kids 4H group waits to show her mini lops senior doe during the LaSalle County 4H Fair in Ottawa. See more photos from the 4-H fair on Page 8.
Inside Out & about Images from the LaSalle County 4-H Fair
© The Tonica News
See Page 8
2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, July 19, 2013
Gov. Quinn suspends pay to Illinois state legislators
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
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CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn said he is tired of waiting for Illinois legislators to pass legislation on pension reform. On July 10, Quinn issued a line-item veto of House Bill 214 to suspend pay for Illinois state legislators. According to a press release issued by the governor’s office, since taking office, Quinn has been pushing for comprehen-
sive pension reform to resolve the state’s worstin-the-nation pension crisis. This action follows years of legislative inertia on pension reform, while the state’s unfunded pension debt grows by millions of dollars a day. “In this budget, there should be no paychecks for legislators until they get the job done on pension reform,” Quinn said.
“Pension reform is the most critical job for all of us in public office. I cannot in good conscience approve legislation that provides paychecks to legislators who are not doing their job for the taxpayers.” Quinn will not accept his salary until the General Assembly sends him a comprehensive pension reform solution.
In June, Quinn proposed a legislative conference committee as a vehicle to break gridlock between the two chambers and asked the legislative conference committee to act on a compromise that erases the unfunded liability and provides 100 percent funding for the systems by July 9. Members of the Illinois General Assembly make
$67,836 annually, along with additional stipends for leadership positions. Both of these payouts are affected by the veto. “This is an emergency, the taxpayers of Illinois are waiting and there is no excuse for further legislative delay,” Quinn said. “The taxpayers cannot afford an endless cycle of delays, excuses and more delays.”
Tonica Volunteer Fire Department meets TONICA – Chief Todd Anderson called the July meeting of the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department to order with 26 members present. The membership then observed a moment of silence for the 19 Arizona firefighters who lost their lives fighting a wildfire. Anderson expressed a thank you for all the members who worked very hard to make the fundraising drawdown a huge success. The department continues to remain non-tax supported, thanks to the support of the community. The TVFD received a thank you letter from Shriner Bill Thomas. They appreciated seeing
the public event with the original Tonica 1931 fire truck and the Kofoid family. A TVFD effort in getting information out pertaining to the Shriners’ services was also appreciated. There was also a long letter and Facebook postings of gratitude from the Kofoid family about the visit for their son, Mason, to the fire station. They were overwhelmed with the TVFD compassion for their son, the welcome he received at his visit, Smokey Bear, the fire truck ride, the balloons, and especially the dinner provided by the Keutzer family in the name of the TVFD. Recent calls for assis-
tance included one fire, one accident, 10 ambulance and good intent calls. Calls for June totalled 17, bringing the year-to-date number through June 31 to 93 calls. Tonica Fest water fights will be chaired by Brad Keutzer, and the food chairperson is Renee Kohr. Results of the Peru water fights showed that Tonica Firefighter Dan Francisco took first place, and Tonica Firefighter Brad Keutzer took fourth place. At the Oglesby water fights, Francisco again took first place, while Keutzer took third place. Operation Promise filming was held on June
25 in rural Oglesby. The TVFD participants were Engine-1712, Blake Billig, Alec McCleary, Francisco, Keutzer and Rick Turri. Training Officer Rick Turri presented the monthly fire-rescue training report that was attended by 18 firefighters. The training reviewed commercial pre-plan MABAS boxes, water needed and hydraulics and included a walk-through of church, bank and school complexes. The training also reviewed additional resources needed, tactics and resource staging. Peru’s aerial was setup and demonstrated. A Life Flight helicopter safety training held in Lostant was attended by
Bernie Trudeau. Five EMTs attended the emergency medical services training covering “Hot Weather Emergencies,” how to recognize it and the proper care required. This included heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Also a review on drowning and near-drowning was covered. A firefighter and rescue personnel on scene rehabilitation was also covered. Food Committee for the month of August will be Woody Olson, Ashley Samolitis and McCleary. Truck Check Committee for July is Jim Breit, Dan Widdicombe, Stefon Burns, Bob Kolczaski and Jeff Pugh.
Speed limit
votes to override a veto, if Quinn does not sign the legislation. The Illinois House approved the speed limit increase bill with an 85 to 30 vote. The Senate approved the bill on a 41 to 6 vote. Voting in favor of the bill was Rep. Frank Mautino (D-76th) of Spring Valley. Mautino said he voted
in favor of the bill because it would help bring Illinois into line with surrounding states that have 70 mph speed limits on their interstates. The increased speed limit in Illinois would help conform speed limits when crossing state lines. The change to increased speed limits would affect
only the rural interstate areas and exclude the urban areas, he said. One possible side effect is loss of revenue at a time when Illinois needs all the money it can get. Last year, Indiana raised its speed limit on a stretch of the Indiana Toll Road from 55 to 70 mph, and the result was
a more than 50 percent drop in tickets issued, according to the Indiana State Police. Illinois joins 18 other states with a 70 mph speed limit. The highest limit still belongs to Texas, who recently raised its limits on nonurban interstates to 85 mph.
her office. “We are talking about young adults who are already voting for candidates in the general election, so I believe it’s only fair to allow them to have a voice in who appears
on the general election ballot,” said Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills), who sponsored the bill. “Hopefully, if we offer young adults this opportunity to have a greater say in the voting process,
they will begin to form a habit of voting, participate in civics and contribute to the betterment of our state.” Quinn signed the bill at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire.
Locally, Rep. Frank Mautino (D-Spring Valley) voted in favor of the bill while Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) voted against it. The new law takes effect Jan. 1.
From Page 1 The Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation are opposed to the idea, and Quinn is concerned about safety factors. However, the bill passed with more than enough
Voting From Page 1 From the county clerk’s standpoint, Carretto believes it is not going to create any extra work for
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3 Obit Records Friday, July 19, 2013 • The Tonica News • 3
USDA offers low interest home repair loans CHAMPAIGN — Help is available for homeowners who have suffered damages due to the recent flooding that have limited resources with which to make repairs. USDA Rural Development can make 1 percent home repair loans to eligible homeowners with modest incomes. “We are concerned that homeowners in many Illinois counties have had damage to homes as the result of flooding,” said Illinois Rural Development Director Colleen Callahan. “As water recedes and the threatening conditions pass, we encourage homeowners needing financial help with repairs to give us a call.” Funds can be used for a wide range of home repairs when losses are not covered by hazard or flood insurance or when FEMA assistance is not available, including plumbing, electrical, flooring, and foundation problems. Funding can also be used for repairs or replacement of damaged heating and air conditioning systems, roofs, windows and siding. The loan limit for an individual applicant is $20,000. Loans have a 1 percent interest rate and can be repaid over a period of up to 20 years. The program allows the homeowner to make multiple repairs and keep payments affordable. For example, a loan of $5,000 over 20 years would cost the homeowner only $23 per month. Homeowners with very low income, based on the county in which they live, can apply. For example, a two member household in Bureau County with an adjusted gross income up to $23,550 would be eligible. A family of four
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with household income up to $29,400 would also be eligible. Applicants must own and occupy the home, be able to repay the loan and have an acceptable credit history. Repair loan funds are available in all rural counties regardless of the FEMA designation. Grants may be available to homeowners 62 or older with very low income and without the ability to repay a loan. Grant funds are limited but may be used to remove health and safety hazards or make the home accessible. Grants have a life-time limit of $7,500. These grants are often combined with loans to increase the amount available for repairs. For further information and a map of office locations, visit www. rurdev.usda.gov/il. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the acrossthe-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.
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Have you seen a pet left in a hot car? Protecting four-legged friends from the heat By Goldie Currie Shaw Media Service
Leaving a pet inside a vehicle on a hot summer day can be a deadly decision. As the heat inside a vehicle quickly rises, pets suffer irreversible organ damage and eventually death, according to the Humane Society of the United States. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels. The Humane Society gives an example saying on an 85-degree day, the temperatures inside a vehicle with the windows open can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperatures will reach 120 degrees. Even when the temperature outside is a balmy 72 degrees, the temperatures inside a car can rocket to a fatal 116 degrees in less than
Tips for keeping pets safe this summer • Sunburn is a hazard for pets who spend time outdoors. Use a pet-safe sunscreen to protect pets from the sun’s rays, which can cause skin cancer especially of the ears and nose. • Keep pets inside moving cars during travel. Letting dogs travel with their head outside the open car window is dangerous. Flying particles and debris can cause eye damage, and some pets have fallen out of moving vehicles. • Dogs should never ride unsecured in the back of pickup trucks, regardless of how slow the vehicle is moving. • Take pets on walks in the early mornings or late evening, not in the heat of midday, and remember that hot pavement can burn the pads of pet’s paws. • Make sure pets have plenty of fresh water. Change it several times a day. Source: The Humane Society of the United States.
an hour. Leaving a pet in the vehicle can also risk the possibility of receiving a misdemeanor charge. Area police confirm their departments have taken complaints from people who have witnessed someone leaving a pet inside a vehicle on a hot day. Most calls are from someone who left their pet in the vehicle while they’ve gone in to do some shopping at the grocery or department
store. When this happens, usually an officer will locate the vehicle owner within the store and question them. Under the right conditions, leaving pets in the vehicle is a cruelty to animals, and people can be ticketed with a misdemeanor. According to the ASPCA, which works to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals, symptoms of overheating in pets
include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. The ASPCA said animals with flat faces, like Pugs or Persian cats, are more prone to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, overweight and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. Another thing to remember during the heat is not to leave animals lingering on hot asphalt. According to the ASPCA, being close to the ground, a pet’s body can heat up quickly and sensitive paw pads can burn. The ASPCA warns if it’s suspected that a pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from a veterinarian immediately. If someone witnesses a pet left in the vehicle in the heat, they are encouraged to contact their local police station.
Regional Transportation Committee to meet MENDOTA – The Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) - Region 3 - Transportation Committee (Bureau, DeKalb, Grundy, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle and Putnam counties) will be held at 10 a.m. July 26 at Mendota Area Senior Services located in the Mendota Civic Cen-
ter (1901 Tom Merwin Dr., Mendota). Human service organizations with an interest in public transportation are strongly encouraged to attend as well as anyone that is interested in public transit. The Regional Transportation Committee is responsible for the development and imple-
mentation of the Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP). HSTP identifies transportation needs and develops solutions to improve transportation services for seniors, people with disabilities, individuals with lower incomes, and veterans as well as the general public. The Illinois Depart-
ment of Transportation has formed an agreement with North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NCICG) for the purposes of preparing, implementing and updating the plan. For more information about NCICG or HSTP, visit www.ncicg.org or contact Jacob Matsen at 815-433-5830, ext. 15.
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4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, July 19, 2013
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
I am what I am Let me say right up front that I don’t know all the ins and outs of the recent Paula Deen scandal. I’ve read bits and pieces, watched snippets of the problem on TV and the Internet, and heard varying radio accounts of the Paula Deen issue. For someone who reads, watches and listens to a lot of news, the entire situation seems somewhat convoluted and confusing. From what I’ve gathered, Deen, who owns Deen’s Lady & Sons and Bubba’s Seafood and Oyster House (along with her brother) — both in Savannah, Terri Ga., is being accused of numerous Simon acts of violence, discrimination and racism toward a former restaurant manager, Lisa T. Jackson. Jackson is suing Deen and her brother for sexual and racial harassment. I read a bit of the transcript from Deen’s deposition where she admitted to using the “N word” many, many years ago, testifying she uttered the racial slur “when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head ... I didn’t feel real favorable towards him.” When her attorney asked her if she had ever used the “N word” since that time, she said, “I’m sure I have, but it’s been a very long time ... But that’s just not a word that we use as time has gone on. Things have changed since the ‘60s in the South. And my children and my brother object to that word being used in any cruel or mean behavior.” While there is always more to the proverbial story, those words have cost the famous Southern chef from Georgia several endorsements, her agent, a book deal, her TV show on the Food Network, and perhaps most importantly, her image and reputation. As the Deen saga has unfolded, I don’t mind admitting it’s been troubling to me. I’ve watched and admired Deen, who brought herself up in the world from a divorced mother of two who scrapped for every penny she got — to a successful entrepreneur, author and celebrity chef who has been admired and loved by many. Obviously I have no way of knowing if Deen is telling the truth in her deposition. None of us do, except those closest to her. On the other hand, we don’t have any way of knowing the former restaurant manager’s motivation for her lawsuit. I do think the media was overly zealous to convict before all the facts were out, and I also think they sensationalized the story. Please don’t write me letters or emails telling me I’m a bigot or a racist because of this column. Nothing could be further from the truth. I have several friends who are different races and from ethnic backgrounds whom I love dearly. I embrace our differences, find comfort in our similarities, and appreciate what they bring to our table of friendship. But as I think about the Paula Deen issue, there is no way I would ever pass judgment on her ... or anyone else for that matter. I’ve got my own back porch ... so to speak, just like everyone else does. I’m not a saint, as my dear friends know — never proclaimed to be, and quite frankly, if I had to testify in a court of law about things I did 30 or so years ago, I probably wouldn’t be too proud of some of my antics either. God knows we’ve all said and done things of which we aren’t proud. While I’m not happy about it, I’m not ashamed to admit it either. I’ve made mistakes — still do. Sometimes the filter in my mouth fails to work, and before I know it, something comes directly from my brain and passes through my lips without that valuable filtering system, which I’ve learned to cherish. No, I’m not talking about racial slurs, but still, I sometimes say things that some would deem less than appropriate. I don’t know what will come of Paula Deen. While everyone’s past can come back to haunt them, I prefer to live in the present and meet the demands of the world as I am right now — not who I was 30-some years ago.
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.
Simon says ‘What?’ I am now too ashamed to travel outside the state. I don’t want to have to tell people who hear my Midwestern accent what state I’m from. It’s no fun to be laughed at for something I can’t control. What’s the latest disaster to spring from our Springfield/Chicago den of thieves? For a change, the inanity doesn’t come from the “do-nothing” Illinois legislature, who as of this moment has yet to pass any form of pension reform, even though Gov. Pat Quinn has denied its members any pay until they do. (Although I suspect they’re working less on reform and more on how they can get their pay without looking as greedy as they actually are.) The latest shock to the Illinois (lack-of) financial situation comes from the No. 2 office in the state: Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that, sometimes, charitable gestures must be made, even when the money is a little tight. However, money in Illinois is NOT a little tight. It is tight enough that it is apparently cutting off circulation to the heads of our heads of state. What is Simon doing that I’m not agreeing with? According to a press release
Ken Schroeder COMMENTARY from her office on July 3, Simon is filing briefs in Illinois courts on behalf of people she believes were wrongly imprisoned. That doesn’t sound so bad, until you think about the judicial system and its draconian methods of doing things. Filing a brief in this case is basically filing an appeal. The cost for that is only $25. Again, that’s not a lot of Somalians even if each appeal has to have nine copies of the appeal with it, but there’s a lot more behind that. Before a brief can be filed, it has to be written. In legalese. By a lawyer. Who will probably not do it for free, especially since he’s doing it for the state. But before the brief can be written, it has to be researched. This takes time, not to mention a lawyer; and so it also takes more lawyer’s fees. Anyone who’s hired a lawyer already knows we’re talking about a fair amount of cash for each filing. While I don’t know how many briefs and cases will be ultimately
On the street
filed, let’s look at the first case. The brief was filed in the name of Dr. Richard Eells, who was charged and convicted of a crime in Illinois court. The appeal would reach as far as the U.S. Supreme Court, which denied the appeal and upheld the conviction. In 1843. You see, Eells is just the first of who-knows-how-many briefs that Simon is filing, using taxpayers’ money during the greatest fiscal crisis in any state, to clear the good names of Illinois residents who were wrongly tried and convicted. For being Civil War-era abolitionists. At a time when cash is at a premium in the state coffers, our lieutenant governor feels it is paramount that we clear the names of people who have been dead for a hundred years or more. A noble idea, but woefully timed to be sure. Meanwhile, her boss is trying to eliminate wasteful spending in the state of Illinois. Walt Kelly was right: “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” Putnam County Record/Tonica News Staff Writer Ken Schroeder can be reached at kschroeder@ putnamcountyrecord.com or kschroeder@tonicanews.com.
July is National Hot Dog Month. How do you like to eat your hot dog in the summer?
“I like it grilled on a bun with ranch dressing.” Aiden Hallett, LaSalle
“I like it plain and grilled.” Jarrett Skinner, Tonica
“I like it grilled and plain.” Tori George, Oglesby
“I like it grilled on a bun with ketchup and mustard.” Jennifer Skinner, Tonica
“I like it grilled on a bun.” Tony Skinner, Tonica
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
5 Life Friday, July 19, 2013 • The Tonica News • 5
Community
SWCD to hold awards picnic
Tonica alumni dinner to be held Sept. 14 OGLESBY – The Tonica alumni dinner will be held Sept. 14 at the Oglesby Elks Club at 800 E. Walnut St. There will be a cash bar at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 person. Make checks payable to “Tonica Alumni.”
Send checks no later than Aug. 24 to Sara Bartoloni Pierson, 2147 Donahue St., LaSalle, or call 815252-0012, or email TonicaHS.Alumni@gmail.com. The dinner includes all graduates of Tonica Grade School.
VBS planned in Tonica TONICA – Tonica United Methodist Church will hold its Vacation Bible School — “On Main Street” — from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5-9. The program is open to
children from preschool age to sixth grade. For more information, call or text Karen at 815-6743492 or send her an email at karenss39@yahoo. com.
SWCD to hold Ladies’ Day at the Mansion OTTAWA – The LaSalle County Soil & Water Conservation District will hold its annual Ladies’ Day on July 26 at the Reddick Mansion in Ottawa at 8:30 a.m. This year’s program includes an enviroscape demonstration, a presentation on a FRB trip
to Malawi by Paul and Terry Youngstrum, information regarding USDA programs, and a tour of the mansion’s flower and herb gardens. The public is welcome to attend. Reservations are required by calling 815-433-0551, ext. 3, by July 18.
Putnam County Community Center menus July 22 — Baked tilapia, roasted whole potatoes, zucchini with tomatoes, pineapple chunks, white bread. July 23 — Chicken patty on a bun, cheesy hash browns, lima beans, fruit cocktail, mayo. July 24 — Birthday and Anniversary Day! (catered meal) July 25 — Baked chicken quarter, garlic dice potatoes, pea salad, tropical fruit, wheat broccoli. July 26 — Beef stroganoff with rotini noodles, steamed spinach, fresh cabbage, fresh orange, fruit juice.
Meeting Calendar July 22 — Tonica Village Board, 7 p.m., Tonica Village Hall. July 24 — Lostant Grade School Board meeting, 6:45 p.m.
OTTAWA – The LaSalle County Soil & Water Conservation District will hold its summer awards picnic at 5 p.m. July 25 at Pitstick Pavilion. The 2013 Conservation Farm Family of the Year Award will be presented to the Steven and Stuart Anderson families of Marseilles. Linda Roberts will receive the 2013 Conservation Educator of the Year Award. “Friends of the District” awards will be presented to Gene and Diana
Rod, Tom Warren, and Northern Partners for their support of the district. Ken Clodfelter, fish biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will be guest speaker. Paul and Terry Youngstrum will give a presentation on their Foods Resource Bank trip to Malawi last summer. The public is welcome to attend. Tickets are available at the district office or by calling 815433-0551, ext. 3.
Poker run set for July 20 STREATOR – The ninth annual Hardscrabble Lions Club Poker Run is scheduled for July 20. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at Orr’s Westgate Liquors in Streator with the first bike out at 11 a.m. Registration fee is $15 per person or $25 per couple. All vehicles are welcome to be a part of this annual fundraiser. The run will travel through rural communities ending up back at Orr’s Westgate Liquors with the last bike/vehicle in at 5 p.m. Food will be served starting at 5 p.m., which is included in the registration fee, along with prizes and music. Proceeds from this annual event will help the Hardscrabble Lions with the many charities and community projects they are involved in, including maintaining and displaying the American flags downtown on holidays, cleaning a portion of highway, assisting with eyeglasses and hearing aids for those in need, maintaining the Bridge Street mural as well as the Kennedy Park and Shelter area, providing large print books to the library, subscriptions to large print Reader’s Digest to local senior
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facilities as well as white boards, needed items for the hearing impaired for the Streator Elementary School district, supporting the American Diabetes Association, providing Thanksgiving baskets at holiday time, assisting Streator Unlimited with its annual dance and other fundraising events, serving treats to Camp Lion campers, assisting with the annual Lions Fun Day, participating in Lions of Illinois Foundation Candy Days and others. For more information, call 815-252-2091.
Photo contributed
Five generations gather Five generations got together for a photo recently at Liberty Village in Peru. Pictured are Irma Wright, formerly of rural Lostant and Tonica, Mike Supan Sr. of Tonica, Michele Straughn of Hennepin, and Eric and Lucas Straughn of Ottawa.
Births Announced Kinsella Rikki Mernfield and Alex Kinsella of Peru are the parents of a son born June 22 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.
Bangert Amanda and Matthew Bangert of Tonica are the parents of a daughter born June 23 at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.
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6 Life/Class 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, July 19, 2013
Ice cream social set for July 21 in LaSalle LASALLE – Grace United Methodist Church will hold a toe tappin’ ice cream social July 21, featuring the Stay Tuned String Band, a bluegrass gospel quartet from the Chicago area. The ice cream social begins at 11:45 a.m. and
the concert immediately after. The show is a kaleidoscope of music, blending the group’s love of and gospel and traditional folk songs with a little bluegrass and American mountain music. The church is at 1345 Chartres St. in LaSalle.
SWCD to hold scholarship golf outing MENDOTA – The annual LaSalle County Soil & Water Conservation District’s Golf Outing will be held Aug. 15 at the Mendota Golf Club. Proceeds from the golf outing are used to sponsor a yearly $1,000 Krenz Scholarship to a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior who is pursuing a career in natural resources, agriculture or
environmental services. The district also uses the funds to provide four $500 scholarships each year to the Section 7 FFA winners of agronomy, land use, animal judging and ag mechanics competitions. Registration forms are available on the district’s website, www.lasalleswcd. org, or by calling the district office at 815-4330551, ext. 3.
Recipe Corner I love casseroles, especially in the summer when there’s so many other things needing our attention. I hope you like these two. They are some of my favorites.
1 1 1 1 1 1
pound hamburger meat teaspoon thyme tablespoon Worcestershire sauce bag frozen hash browns 14.5-ounce can corn, drained and juice reserved 14.5-ounce can green beans, drained and juice reserved 1 14.5-ounce can carrots, drained and juice reserved 1 to 2 packets brown gravy mix (prepare with reserved vegetable juice) 1/2 box instant mashed potatoes 2 cups water Salt and pepper to taste Place uncooked meat, seasonings and Worcestershire sauce in the slow cooker, pat down ingredients. Add hash browns, vegetables and gravy. In a bowl, mix instant potatoes with water, spread on top. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
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Little Meats and Gravy 2 pounds stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 package onion soup mix 2 cans cream of chicken soup 2 soup cans water Cooked noodles, rice or potatoes for serving Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours. Thicken if desired and serve over potatoes, noodles or rice. Do you have a casserole 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 Casserole-ing!
••• Items for the Community section can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com.
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Advertising Information
Call Ashley Oliver at 815-875-4461 ext. 270 or email aoliver@bcrnews.com
–––––––––––––– 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. CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com
-100Announcements 108 • Lost & Found FOUND Intact male Mastiff mix found near Palatine on 7/6/13. Had been running for two weeks before then. Found with choke collar. Please call McNabb Veterinary for more information or for owner claim, 815-882-2000
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND right here in the Putnam County Record Classified! You could find furniture, appliances, pets, musical instruments, tools, anything. You might even find a kitchen sink!
- 200 Employment
- 400 Merchandise
228 • Help Wanted
450 • Under $1000
Local Landscape firm needs SECRETARY who knows QuickBooks computer entry. Telephone skills necessary, knowledge of plant materials a plus. Full-time during landscape season and part-time during the winter. Salary negotiable. Send resume to: Tonica Nurseries, Inc., PO Box 157, Tonica IL 61370
232 • Business Opportunities ********** THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of the Tonica News Does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is. Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number. Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by”900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis. The Tonica News Classifieds makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader. If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact: Better Business Bureau 330 North Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 312 832-0500
************ 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) or mail to: BCR, PO Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356 No Phone Calls!
460 • Garage Sales PRINCETON 21 South 5th Street. Thursday, July 18, 8am-5pm; Friday, July 19, 8am-5pm. Duck decoys, children's clothing, adult clothing, microwave, old sewing rocker, baker's rack, area rug, patio/garden pergola, kitchen items and decorator items. Much more, including some collectible & vintage items PRINCETON 224 East Thompson. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 19, 20, 21; 8am to ? Treadmill. Boy's, girl's clothes size 0-5t. Piano, Barbie bike, toys, household
460 • Garage Sales PRINCETON 2300 Willow Way (end of cul-de-sac in Charter Hill, past Metro Center). Friday, July 19, 8am-5pm; Saturday, July 20, 8am-? Household items large and small, toys, games, misc, baked goods and refreshments. All like new. PRINCETON 3081 South Euclid. Thursday, Friday, July 18, 19, 10am-3pm; Saturday, July 20, 9am1pm. Infant-toddler girl clothes, women's M-L, men's M-L, old tv's, misc. furniture PRINCETON 44 East Thompson. Thursday, July 18, 3pm-7pm; Friday, July 19, 8am-6pm; Saturday, July 20, 8am-? Multi-Family Sale. Something for everyone. Large children's toys including play kitchen. Books, clothing of all sizes, misc. PRINCETON 608 Bryant Circle Drive. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, July 18, 19, 20: 8am-5pm. YARD/MOVING SALE large items including free standing freezer and patio table chairs for 6, Barbie motorized jeep and water cooler HAVING A GARAGE SALE? The Bureau County Republican can promote your garage sale. Just call 815-875-4461.
- 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
768 • Homes For Sale CEDAR POINT 3 bedroom ranch home. Auction July 20th. See Auctionszip.com. Id #18755, or 815-481-6264
DO YOU HAVE A PLACE TO SELL? The Bureau County Republican Classified can help you find the right person to move in.
999 • Legal Notices IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS - IN PROBATE Estate of ) LYNZEE ) JOSEPHSON, ) a minor, ) Deceased. ) No. 13 - P - 73 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of LYNZEE JOSEPHSON, of Ransom, LaSalle County, IL. Letters of Administration as Independent Administrator were issued on June 19, 2013 to NICOLE JOSEPHSON, 109 S. Wormley St., PO Box 84, Ransom, IL 60470 whose attorneys
Free Classified Advertising for all items valued under $1,000!
E-mail items for sale to: classified@bcrnews.com
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
are The Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, 110 E. Main St., Ottawa, IL 61350. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, IL 61350 or with the representative or both within 6 months from the date of first publication of this Notice. If claim notice is personally mailed or delivered to a creditor of the above estate, then claim must be filed in
the above entitled cause within 3 months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later. Any claims not filed within the above periods are barred. If filed with the Clerk, the claimant must, within ten days of filing, mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the Representative and Attorney, and file with the Clerk proof of such mailing or delivery. Published in the Tonica News July 12, 19 and 26, 2013.
ESTATE AUCTION
409 ELM ST., CEDAR POINT, IL
ESTATE Of PIO bIAgINI HOME & CONTENTS
SAT., JULY 20 • 10 AM
HOME: 3 bedrooms,, modem type ranch home; attached garage; full basement; HUGE LOT; newer furnace; central air; city water & sewer; move in! bASIC TERMS: $4,000 down payment day of sale that will guarantee closing; sale is ‘as-is’; closing within 45 days; all common auction terms and State Laws apply; announcements day of sale take precedence over all advertising. VIEWINg: 815-481-6264 - Don Kolowski! CONTENTS: antiques & collectibles; household; World War II items; Navy aircraft carrier; gUNS: Remington Wing Master 12 gauge pump & a German Derringer; oak round table; wooden chairs; jewelry, diamond wedding set; glass; knick knacks; cast iron dog door stop; cuckoo clock; clocks; vintage kitchen; model promo car; fancy work; vintage flatware set; advertising; Christmas box lots; Garage & Basement items; tool bench area items; tools; big box lots; (old time Estate sale, unlisted items) SEE PHOTOS: auctionzip.com ID 18755
DON KOLOWSKI AUCTIONS
1074 S. Peoria St. Peru, IL • 815 481-6264
7 Spotlight Friday, July 19, 2013 • The Tonica News • 7
Serving the People of Tonica and the Surrounding Areas
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Redeem this ad for a no obligation quote on your current life insurance or IRA program and receive a $20 gas card.
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8 Photo Page 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, July 19, 2013
Out& about Images from the LaSalle County 4-H Fair in Ottawa Tonica News photos/Ken Schroeder