TON-07-31-2015 by Shaw Media

Volume 141 No. 34

Friday, July 31, 2015

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Flooding sinks summer fun

Record rainfall’s impact on area boating and fishing By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

For many people, boating and fishing is a big part of life in the Illinois River Valley. With this

summer’s record rainfall and the slowly receding flood levels, there hasn’t been much opportunity to do either, and it’s had an impact on area anglers, boaters and the businesses that support them.

“It’s been bad. Business is down about 75 percent from normal. Everything at Starved Rock is under water,” said Darrell Culjan, owner of Utica’s Cajun Bait and Tackle. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, the Starved Rock Visitor Center, it’s main parking lot, picnic area and loading ramp are closed

until further notice. While discussing the summer’s bait sales at Princeton’s Beck’s West, manager Woody Partain shared his thoughts on the weather’s impact. “It’s been really slow, and our bait supplier said it’s been slow across the board,” said Partain. Tom Yourek of Wyanet’s Canal Area Tackle Shop

was the only bait shop contacted who said business was about normal. “Water levels don’t affect us too much near the canal,” said Yourek. Michelle Storm-Leverich of Storm’s Bait and Tackle in Tiskilwa said, “It’s not been good at all. We shut down earlier this summer for safety reasons, but we’re open now.

We felt it was too dangerous for kids to be out near the water when it was so high.” Dave Meyer, sales manager of Spring Valley boat dealership Illinois Valley Outdoor and also a 29-year member of the Spring Valley Boat Club, described the summer from both

Flooding Page 3

Lostant School Board faces changes Legislation on carbon monoxide alarms, student discipline and immunizations discussed By Zachary Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — The Lostant School Board meeting on Wednesday, July 22, presented an update on legislation which will likely affect the school. The first piece of legislation discussed provides new requirements regarding carbon monoxide alarms. The legislation mandates alarms be placed within certain distances from carbon monoxide sources. Two areas mentioned at the meeting, to which this legislation would pertain, are the kitchen and boiler room. When the garage was mentioned as a source, because buses produce the gas, Mike Phillips clarified, “You mean in the hall. I thought you meant outside.” The second point of interest was legislation pertaining to student discipline. The ruling would make it more difficult to suspend students, because it would require that a student is first either a threat to fellow students and staff or severely disruptive of the school’s operation. The last legislative update would change immunization exemption. It now requires that parents wishing to exempt their students state a specific objection. In other news, it was pointed out that last month’s board minutes had listed the same participant twice. The error was Vol. 141 No. 34 Two Sections - 16 Pages

amended. The board recognized the RC Flyers for its donation of $305. A date was set for the finance committee to meet: Aug. 3 at 4 p.m. As stated in the financial report, audits are scheduled for the final week in July. It was mentioned the school has $200,000 in deficit, but the expectation is another 4.0 rating for the year. Samantha and Matt Farb, who are applying for positions at the school, were introduced to the board. Marjorie Archdale and Melissa Einhaus provided an update on the math workshop they have been attending at Illinois Valley Community College. The workshop meets two weeks a year for three years. Archdale also mentioned a science conference, the same variety of conference as the math workshop. “I have 22 days of workshops this summer,” Archdale said. The curriculum and instruction report began with praise for the students’ literacy scores. The report transitioned into a summary of the school’s plans for its literacy program, which had to be put forward for board approval. The plan involved keeping the third graders in the Read Well program, which has been in use by earlier grade levels. However, it was decided the material for grades four and up was too low for Lostant students. Thus the school intends to use Fountas and Pinnell materials for fourth and fifth grades. The material was unanimously approved by the board. There is no final figure yet from the school auction, but it stood at $3,322 as of last week. The school found a company which will take old television sets as long as there are other electronic materials to offset the cost of disposing them.

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Tasha, a rescued Pitbull mixed breed, sails over the hurdles during an agility dog demonstration at the Putnam County Community Center in Standard. Trainer Jen Rhodes had several dogs there who ran the agility course, caught discs and helped show the importance of training. Lucky audience members helped guide the dogs through the course and throw discs.

Keeping best friends together LaMoille dog trainer is doing what she loves By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

STANDARD — The crowd of approximately 40 people at the Putnam County Community Center broke into applause and cheered as Chase, a Border Collie, charged toward the obstacle and effortlessly cleared a high jump which was several feet high. They were equally impressed as he darted back and forth, leaping into the air and catching discs thrown by his owner/trainer. With

every throw, Chase was exactly where he needed to be in order to make the catch. Jen Rhodes was initiated into the world of dog training when she was 12. Her family raised Cocker Spaniels, but when she brought home a puppy who was going to grow up to be a big farm dog, her mother wanted her to take it back. “But, my dad said I could keep it if I trained it, and I did. It’s been a passion of mine since,” said Rhodes, who began showing her family’s dogs

and also training police dogs with the woman who taught her how to train. “I’d already been training for years when the hype for having certification came about, but I went online and got certified. There are schools now, but I learned everything hands on,” said Rhodes. Rhodes has a 100 percent success rate of dogs she’s trained passing their Canine Good Citizen test or Therapy Dog International test. So far, 108 dogs have received their certifications. “I deal with aggressive dogs all the way down to the most meek and mild dogs you’ll see,” said Rhodes. She additionally

trains dogs to high jump and run agility courses along with basic obedience. There are multiple vets and rescuers who call her to help recondition abused dogs, so they have a chance of being adopted into a loving home. “If for some reason you get hurt, get ill or die, what’s going to happen to your dog if it’s not social? Who can adopt? Most dog lovers willing to take on another dog need it to be dog social. There are rescues in the area which won’t even take dogs who aren’t social with other dogs, so I’m really a stickler about socialization,” said Rhodes.

Agility Page 3

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, July 31, 2015

Seeking Sources

Striving for a balanced budget

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

An introduction to Tonica’s interim superintendent

Tonica Board of Education

By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — The care of Tonica Grade School is in experienced hands. Two years ago, Larry Carlton retired as superintendent of the Henry-Senachwine School District. The rules of the TRS (Teacher Retirement System) allow him to work 100 days from July 1 to June 30 of any given year and still enjoy his pension and retirement. For the past two years Carlton has been the interim superintendent of the Waltham School District. He will be ending his time with Waltham this December as its new, full-time superintendent will be ready to take the reins in January. One of the things he enjoys about being an interim superintendent is being able

Larry Carlton to set his own schedule. “I always try to take off Mondays and Fridays because my wife and I enjoy long weekend getaways,” said Carlton. His biggest challenge and the goal he hopes to meet while in Tonica is organizing and balancing the budget. “I’m accustomed to bigger districts and a much bigger budget with a little wiggle room. The smaller districts, their budgets are very tight, and there’s very lit-

A summary of July’s meeting TONICA — The following items were approved or discussed at the July 15 board meeting of the Tonica Community Consolidated School District No. 79. • The board authorized the administration to advertise for two part-time custodians. • Approved classification of a burnisher as unused school equipment which will allow the school to sell it. • Approved Nick Heuser as the second summer school teacher. • Approved student handbook changes for the 2015-16 school year. • Approved the facility use request from the Tonica Fest committee tle fluff; so I’m going to have to hone my skills,” he said. “My expertise will be the financing, and Mr. Schupp (the new principal) will take care of the curriculum,” said Carlton. Once settled into his position as the new principal, Duane Schupp will eventually take over the

which will use the parking lot on Aug. 29 to stage participants in the Tonica Fest parade. • Discussed the networking and security of the district’s copy machines. • Discussed bidding fuel from two vendors on a monthly basis. • Discussed the process of bidding district transportation needs for the 2016-17 school year and beyond. • The board was instructed on reading pages of the district financial report. Once the budget is approved in September, the report will be uploaded so all members of the board can review the financial condition of the district.

responsibilities of superintendent as well. Since transportation funding has become a big concern with school districts, Carlton said, “It wasn’t too many years ago we were getting 100 percent funding. Now it’s hard to tell what it will be; it’s just year to year. We looked into sharing routes with other

schools, but our start times didn’t jibe with L-P, Dimmick or Oglesby, so we’re not sharing; but it’s something to look at,” said Carlton. Carlton and the rest of the staff are busy preparing for the new school year, which will begin Monday, Aug. 24, for teachers and Tuesday, Aug. 25, for students.

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A preview of Wenona Days By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

WENONA — Wenona will be doing its’ best to transport attendees to the Vegas Strip during “Viva Wenona,” the theme of Wenona Days 2015. Don’t be surprised if you see Elvis enjoying himself around town at one of the many Vegas-themed events from Aug 2-9. The following is a preview of each day’s activities: Saturday, Aug. 1 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Dancing with The Wenona Stars (DWWS) kids clinic; Fieldcrest east gym; $20 per child; children will perform Wednesday night at the DWWS event. Sunday, Aug. 2 • 6 p.m. - Rocket Launch at City Park; kits will be available at Kim’s Sweet Shop the week prior with limited kits available. • 8 p.m. - Flintstones: Viva Rock Vegas; bring your blanket or chair for an outdoor movie and enjoy free popcorn and $1 build-your-own sundaes. Wednesday, Aug. 5 • 7 p.m. - Dancing with Wenona Stars, Fieldcrest

east gym; proceeds will benefit the Moore school restoration project. Thursday, Aug. 6 “Family Night at the Park!” come to the park and dress up as your favorite Vegas performer. Prizes awarded and donated by Evans Township. Some helpful suggestions for costume ideas are: Elvis, Liberace, The Rat Pack, Siegfried & Roy, Charo, Phyllis Diller, Wayne Newton and Carrot Top. • 5 p.m. - Registration for the Bags tournament at the tennis courts; Kettle popcorn uptown; Smoke house at City park; pork chop and hot dog dinner; face painting; petting zoo west of the pavilion; blow-up bouncy entertainment on the north side of the pavilion. • 6 p.m. - Bags tournament begins at the tennis courts; free treats at the pavilion; Registration for the Kiddie Tractor Pull at the pavilion; Taekwondo demonstration at the cement pad in City park; balloon artist; Kick-AThon, Just for Kix dancers at the cement pad in City park. • 6:30 p.m. - Vegas Craft; Flag burning ceremony, bring your unusable flags for proper disposal or

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drop off flags at K&K prior to ceremony. • 7 p.m. - Elvis impersonator Dave Stovall. Friday, August 7 • All day - Battle of the Bars, vote for your favorite Wenona Days-themed drink at participating establishments. • 4:30 p.m. - Beer tent opens in uptown pavilion. • 5 p.m. - Kettle popcorn uptown; Boy Scout steak sandwiches at City Park; Mason food stand in the uptown pavilion area. • 6 p.m. - Carnival opens uptown. • 7 p.m. - 5K run at City Park • 8 - 10 p.m. - Elvis!, featuring Scott Wattles and the Blue Suede Crew at the uptown pavilion. • 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. Music by DJ Mara at the beer tent. Saturday, Aug. 8 • All day - Battle of the Bars, vote for your favorite Wenona Days-themed drink at participating establishments. • 7 a.m. - Barrel race registration begins • 7:30 a.m. - Krispy Kreme donut sale in front of B&B Salon and Spa. • 8 a.m. - Wenona Mustang Round-up Golf Tournament at Tall Oaks

Country Club • 9 a.m. - Barrel races begin • 10 a.m. - Boy Scouts food tent, near barrel races; beer tent opens; kettle popcorn, uptown; Moore School Country Store opens; Mason food stand, uptown pavilion. • 10:30 a.m. - Kiddie tractor pull, north end of City Park. • 11 a.m. - Wenona’s Amazing ... So Let’s Race begins at uptown pavilion. • 1 p.m. - Carnival at uptown pavilion. • 3 - 4 p.m. - Hunka-Hunka Burning Love!, get married Vegas style at gazebo by Bond library. • 5 - 9 p.m. - All school reunion at Marshall County Sportsman’s Club. • 9 p.m. - Fireworks, weather permitting, off the coal dump. • 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. - Jam Sammich Band at the beer tent. Sunday, Aug. 9 • 7:30 - 8:45 a.m. - Registration for 3-on-3 basketball tournament, City Park. • 9 a.m. - Wenona Mustang 3-on-3 basketball tournament begins. • 9 a.m. - Wenona Days of Thunder car show, south of elevator.

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• 10 a.m. - Kettle popcorn, uptown; Mason food stand, uptown pavilion; craft/vendor show, Family Dollar parking lot; beer tent opens. • 11:30 a.m. - Registration and line-up for parade, Fieldcrest Middle School. • 1 p.m. - Carnival opens, uptown. • 1 p.m. - Helicopter rides at Fieldcrest ball diamond; parade; Grocery Cart Food Drive, canned or non-perishable items to be picked up during parade. • ? - 3 p.m. - Casino Bingo, following parade at the American Legion. • 2 p.m. - Duck races. • 2:30 p.m. - Burnout contest on Thunder Road, between elevator and uptown pavilion. • 4:30 - 6 p.m. - Chicken dinner, uptown pavilion. • 5 p.m. - Rotary Draw Down, uptown pavilion. • 6 p.m. - 50/50 drawing following draw down; blanket raffle drawing. • 6 - 7:15 p.m. - Wine Bingo, following draw down at pavilion, bring a bottle of wine per card, snacks provided, cash bar to support American Legion Post No. 8. For more information visit www.wenonachamberofcommerce.org.

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3 Obit Records Friday, July 31, 2015 • The Tonica News • 3

Templeton, Witzman are Bi-County All-Stars Two Lostant players chosen for team

July 26 At 1:13 a.m., LaSalle County deputies arrested Beatriz G. Tinoco, 24, of Marseilles, following a traffic stop on East 1050th Road near Leonore. She was charged with disobeying a stop sign, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle and driving while license is suspended. Tinoco was released with a

By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT— Two Lostant youths were chosen to help fill the roster of the Bi-County All Star junior league team. Andrew Templeton, 14, and Hunter Witzman, 13, took the field during the District 20 tournament which started July 8, in Mendota. This tournament was part of the Little League World Series. According to coach Josh Witzman, this was Templeton’s first year of organized baseball. Witzman has been playing since T-ball. Templeton plays either left or right field, and Witzman plays second base. The tournament was

notice to appear in court. At 2:50 p.m., LaSalle County deputies arrested Andrew J. Schmillen, 26, of Tonica, after investigating a single-vehicle rollover accident on North 18th Road near East 1050th Road near Leonore. Tonica Fire and Ambulance responded to the scene. Schmillen was charged with failure to reduce

speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle, failure to properly secure a child under the age of 8 and driving under the influence of drugs. He and the child were taken to Illinois Valley Community Hospital for treatment. Schmillen was released with a notice to appear in court.

Wet soil conditions

Photo contributed

Andrew Templeton and Hunter Witzman competed with the Bi-County All Star junior league team in the District 20 tournament. a double elimination competition, and the Bi-County team lost their first game, won their sec-

ond and lost the third. “Both of them did very well on both sides,” said their coach.

Agility From Page 1 Rhodes not only conducts training at her residence in LaMoille, but will also travel to the homes of dog owners to help with obedience issues in familiar surroundings. She’s been training as a business for four years and has seen a steady increase in business. She started with 175 contracts (in-home accounts) and is now up to more than 5,000. “It’s all about how much time and energy you put in with your dog and how much bonding there is. You’ve got to teach a dog, and it all comes from positive reinforcement. We do nothing negative with our dogs; it’s all positive,” said Rhodes. Rhodes has also created “Paws for a Cause,” a charity event which benefits different causes each year. This year it will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, in LaMoille and will benefit two groups; Pit Crew, a Pit Bull rescue group in Chicago, and Bishop’s Small Dog Rescue in Wyanet. Together with her training partner, Brian Funk, the event will include agility, high jump and disc demonstrations, safety awareness, children and adult games, a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, a bake sale, vendors, costume and cute dog contests, a raffle and more. Both groups will have adoptable dogs present, and shirts commemorating each group are avail-

LaSalle County Sheriff’s office

CHAMPAIGN — Soil conditions throughout Illinois remain wet as most of the state experienced higher than normal rainfall in the first two weeks of July, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) Program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois. Rainfall across the Illinois Climate Network averaged 3.36 inches the first two weeks of July, only 0.03 inches below the long-term average for July. Three of the network’s stations – Dixon Springs (Pope County), Monmouth (Warren County), and Stelle (Ford County) – measured totals over 5 inches. Soil moisture levels

remain high with a state average of 0.37 water fraction by volume (wfv) at depths of 2 inches on July 14, 48 percent higher than the long-term average. Levels are at or above field capacity at most sites measured as levels at 2 inches ranged from 0.41 wfv in the east central region to 0.35 wfv in West Central Illinois. Soil moisture is higher than normal also at the 4to 20-inch depths as measurements were 32 to 24 percent above normal for mid-July. Levels remained high at the 39- and 59-inch depths, averaging 0.46 and 0.45 wfv, respectively. Soil temperatures at 4 inches under bare soil averaged 82.8 degrees Fahrenheit in Illinois on July 14, 5.0 degrees above the long-term average.

Temperatures ranged from a high of 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit in the sandy soils at Kilbourne in Mason County to 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit at St. Charles in Kane County. Temperatures under sod were also slightly higher than normal with averages of 79.9 and 78.2 degrees Fahrenheit at depths of 4 and 8 inches, respectively. The Illinois State Water Survey’s WARM Program collects hourly and daily weather and soil information at 19 stations across the state. Hourly, daily, and monthly data can be found at the WARM website http://www.isws.illinois.edu/warm/ and in the Illinois Water and Climate Summary at http://www. isws.illinois.edu/warm/climate.asp.

Tonica Fire Department responds to accident TONICA — The Tonica Fire Department was called out at 2:18 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, for a two-vehicle accident on Route 215 and North 20th

Road. Tonica responded with a rescue-pumper, rescue truck and ambulance. Three people were evaluated at the scene. No injuries were reported

and no one was transported to a hospital. LaSalle County Police investigated the accident. The scene was cleared in about an hour.

Flooding

money,” he said, laughing. Deborah Sluder, of the Starved Rock Marina in Ottawa, said all of their launches were open, and business is getting better. “We have an advantage of being ahead of the lock and dam; the flooding wasn’t as bad here as in other areas. The Coast Guard did shut our area down for awhile though when rafters ignored the safety warnings and went out on the water anyway,” said Sluder. Bob Bittner, Lake Thunderbird Homeowner’s Association president and frequent fisherman, said Lake Thunderbird has been extremely lucky. “We got some good rain early in the summer, but since then, it’s all gone around us in different directions. Most of the

storms have only brought small amounts; it’s all just been luck. The lake is fine,” said Bittner. With the water still well above flood levels and the length of time it’s taking to recede, the boating forecast does not look good for the rest of summer. Even if boaters do get to see a loading ramp later this summer, there’s still some peril involved. “If you did go out, it’s really risky with all of the debris in the water. Then you’re facing some expensive repairs,” said Meyer. Fishing will continue to be a challenge as well with limited access to fishing areas and the affect that flooding has on current, temperature and visibility. Anglers should stay positive though, there’s always ice fishing.

From Page 1

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Chase, a Border Collie and the star of the show, jumped higher and higher to the delight of the crowd. able by pre-ordering. While Rhodes’ and Funk’s agility dogs have a seemingly desperate, high energy need to focus on work or play as they streak through the course and endear themselves to all who see them during demonstrations, it’s Abbie, a rescued Rottweiler, who can really pull the heart strings. She’s only 5, but double knee surgeries left her with the stiff walk of an older dog. She’s a certified therapy dog, and she helped prove their importance while visiting Woodhaven after the tornado devastation. While being escorted through the debris, Rhodes and Abbie came upon a small, older

woman who had just seen the remains of her home for the first time. Half of her house was standing, and the other half was in pieces in her neighbor’s yard. “The woman dropped to her knees, wrapped her arms around Abbie and burying her face in her shoulder, cried,” said Rhodes. When the woman had finished crying, she stood and leaned over to give Abbie a kiss. Abbie responded with a full face worth of kisses to help console her. For more information on both dog training and “Paws for a Cause”, contact Jen Rhodes at 815-7626420.

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perspectives. Standing in a quiet showroom and looking out at an empty parking lot he said, “It’s really hurt us; it’s slowed down a lot compared to a typical summer. I’ve seen higher water levels, but I’ve never seen it in a flood stage for so long.” As a boat club member he said, “We’ve not only canceled the steak fry this weekend, but it’s been a whole summer’s worth of social events which have been canceled. This is the least amount I’ve ever used my boat in the summer. I haven’t been boating since Memorial Day weekend.” Meyer did see one silver lining in the storm clouds though. “I am saving gas

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4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, July 31, 2015

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

Out of this world ... almost

My thoughts have been about a new world this week, as Team New Horizons just made a successful flyby mission past dwarf plant Pluto on Tuesday, July 13. What amazing discoveries we’ve made. We have proven our ability to travel 3 billion miles away — quite the accomplishment. With this mission, the U.S. is now the only nation in the world to have visited every plant in the classical solar system. History and science textbooks are about to change with all the new evidence collected from this nineCOMMENTARY and-one-half-year trip. With New Horizons’ closest view of Pluto to date, scientists have already been making new findings about the size, the internal activity and atmosphere of the planet, which all have been difficult for scientists to study from ground telescopes in the past. The mission has also documented clearer photos and information about Pluto’s five moons, which interestingly enough, it’s said two of the five moons may not even be full sphere shaped. It’s hard to wrap my mind around this journey, which took off in January 2006. I was still in high school finishing my senior year when the New Horizons team was waving goodbye to the probe. It’s just mind blowing how scientists found a way to keep the probe traveling on path for nearly a decade. I’m wondering what all the new information will do for future research. It’s said scientists will be downloading information for more than a year and analyzing it for a generation. With the already discovery of the planet size being much larger than believed, some scientists are already preparing new arguments for Pluto’s place as the ninth planet in our solar system. Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006. As time goes on, it’s interesting to think about how these new discoveries are going to change our culture. Will Hollywood’s next space adventure take place on Pluto? Will fiction writers take inspiration from this exploration to come up with the next best selling novel? Maybe most importantly, how is this going to change the way the world views the U.S.? Dwayne Day, a space historian, recently gave his opinion on that topic. In the Space Review, he wrote: “NASA is one of the greatest goodwill ambassadors that the U.S. has. NASA demonstrates American ingenuity and quality and capability. It is the ultimate example of soft power, convincing other countries that the U.S. is a country to be admired and befriended,” he writes. “This is not a big thing, not a ratchet of a gear in global power politics. But this flyby, this accomplishment, adds a marker in the plus column for America’s standing in the world.” I’m left wondering what’s going to be the next space exploration? We’ve already explored all nine planets. Was this mission just a step in discovering what’s beyond our solar system? I guess only time will tell.

Goldie Rapp

Fun facts about the New Horizons mission

• Distance traveled by New Horizons probe was 3 billion miles. • Speed of the probe was 34,000 MPH. • Time taken for the journey was nine years. • New Horizons probe is as big as a grand piano. • The probe runs on a nuclear battery. • New photos of Pluto were taken about 7,800 miles above its surface. • The mission cost comes in at around $728 million. • Nine mementos traveled aboard New Horizons including a sample of American astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh’s ashes, who first discovered Pluto 85 years ago; a 1991 U.S. postage stamp that says, Pluto Not Yet Explored; two state quarters —Maryland and Florida—representing the headquarters for flight control and launch site. Shaw Media Staff Writer Goldie Rapp can be reached at grapp@bcrnews.com.

Not that kind of family My dad’s 78th birthday was this month, and since I’m in the unique position of being able to write a column he’ll see in his newspaper, I’m going to dig deep and say things I will never likely say to his face. You see, when I was growing up, people in my family didn’t talk about their feelings, and as years passed by, that habit stuck. Some of my siblings and I joke about how my family is comprised of robots who are uncomfortable with human emotion. Even through serious health problems and illnesses, we’ll joke and avoid talking about feelings. We’re great at parties and if you want to have some laughs, but we’re terrible at the real stuff ... the stuff that matters. The few times any of us attempted to step outside our comfort zone and discuss real feelings and emotions, we were met with uncomfortable silence and awkward pats on the back. It’s not that we don’t love each other; we just prefer not to talk about it. It’s an unspoken rule in my family — you don’t hug each other and you try to never cry. It’s been said the British keep a stiff upper lip; well, the person who coined that phrase obviously never met the Crawley family. We were doing that flawlessly before any of us had ever heard that phrase. When my first child was born, I made a decision that I would change that — at least in my own family. My family would be expected to share our feelings, hug and kiss, and tell one another how much we love each other. As I looked at my son’s perfect little face in the hospital, I couldn’t

Shannon Serpette COMMENTARY

imagine not kissing it every day. It’s a promise I’ve kept. My children know one of my favorite things to do is snuggle them, and I’m always telling them how much I love them. I plan to keep on giving them kisses and hugs, even if they begin to think they are too cool for that. In my younger years, I’m sure there were hugs and kisses in my family, too. It just stopped at some point in my early years. But my parents showed us they loved us in other ways, and I truly didn’t realize when I was younger that other families displayed affection through hugs and kisses. The way we displayed affection was through teasing and ridicule. Even though my family never hugged, we had a lot of great times together. When I was a child, my dad would take us on the occasional long nature walk through the ravines and fields of Lake Thunderbird. Now I like to joke it was survival of the fittest meant to trim the grocery bill my parents faced from having nine kids — I was a little worried during these epic journeys one of us wouldn’t come back, but I was determined if there was a survivor, it would be me. At times, our winter hikes were so long and so cold I wasn’t sure I would keep all my toes. Somehow I always did. And the self-diagnosed frostbite was worth it; I love those

memories. My dad went prom dress shopping with me, and waited patiently as I tried on dress after dress. A man of few words at most times, he didn’t have to tell me which dress he liked best — I could see it in his face when I walked out of the dressing room. That’s the dress I chose and the one that still hangs in a closet at my house. When I look at it now, I don’t think of prom night — I think of the afternoon we spent picking it out. He sat with me at the hospital after my numerous neck operations. Having him there helped me immensely because I was desperately trying to smile my way through a dire situation just to make him feel better about it. Instead of wallowing in self pity, I laughed more than I thought possible and pushed myself to recover as fast as I could. These days, my parents, siblings and I are dipping our toes in the pool, emotionally speaking. A recent email from my mom was signed, Love, Mom. My dad wrote on a Facebook post that he loved me when I wished him happy birthday. These are baby steps, but they are progress. But I’ve realized what it boils down to in the end is this: Words are cheap, and actions speak much louder than words. You know what’s better than being told you are loved? Feeling you are loved. And my parents told me they loved me every day without actually saying the words. They told me through the sacrifices they made and the time they spent with me. Tonica News Copy Editor Shannon Serpette can be reached at sserpette@bcrnews.com.

It all happens for a reason It was 9 p.m. It had been a very long day. Neither of us had eaten anything all day, and I was really thirsty. We decided to stop at a gas station in Kewanee to get a cold drink. I handed my friend $2, and while she went into the convenience store, I got out of the truck to throw something away in the garbage can next Terri Simon to the front door. As I returned to the truck — which by the way was still running, I immediately got this sinking feeling in my stomach. The doors to the truck were locked, and we were both outside the vehicle. I swear I didn’t lock that door ... I know I didn’t. Nevertheless, we were locked out. Inside the truck were our purses and our cell phones. The only money we had was a few cents of change from the $2 spent on our cold drinks. The looks on our faces were ... shall we say, incredulous. I went into the store and asked the clerk if she would call the police to help us get our doors unlocked. The lady told me the Kewanee Police no longer open locked vehicles. I would need to call a locksmith or a towing company. A lot of dollar signs flashed through my mind. A young lady, maybe in her early 20s, asked if we had locked ourselves out of our vehicle. She gladly

offered her boyfriend’s assistance, saying he gets into locked cars all the time ... I didn’t even want her to explain that statement, but we gladly accepted the help. Bless his heart. He tried to get into the truck for about 20 minutes but was unsuccessful. By this time, the crowd watching the action from inside the store was having a good time ... at our expense. Many were snacking on items as they watched ... Did I mention we were hungry, and to add insult to injury, the drive-thru lane at the McDonald’s next door was spitting out bags of burgers and the like to a long line of customers, who I knew weren’t as hungry as we were. It was at this time another fellow saw our dilemma and asked if we needed help. “I’ve got a lock set at home; if you can wait 10 minutes, I’ll be right back,” he said. We had no idea what a “lock set” was, but yes ... we would wait, since we clearly weren’t going anywhere. Ten minutes passed. Twenty minutes passed. I had about given up, though my friend was sure he would show ... and he did. I think the crowd inside the store applauded when he pulled up behind our truck and got to work. We held the flashlight, and as he worked, we tried to help the best we could. The guy — a complete stranger — was young and energet-

ic and anxious to succeed. Finally, after about 15 minutes ... SUCCESS! The doors popped open, and all three of us cheered. I immediately went for my purse to get this fellow some cash for his efforts. “No. You don’t have to give me anything,” Brian said. But of course we did. A locksmith or the towing service would have cost a bundle. I didn’t mind giving him cash for his efforts and getting us on our way again. But then he said something that made us stop short in our tracks. The idea of eating dinner seemed as unimportant as being locked out of our vehicle. “You know,” he said. “I’ve been having kind of a rough time. A couple of weeks ago, I thought that maybe life wasn’t worth living. I talked to a buddy of mine, and he said he understood, but he wanted me to try something for a few days. My buddy said, ‘Get up every day, and plan on doing something positive for someone else.’ ... You are my positive today,” he said with a smile. To this day, I would about bet my last dollar that I didn’t lock that truck door when I got out. Divine intervention? Perhaps. But the bigger story is what I’ve always believed ... everything happens for a reason. In the throes of a catastrophe, Brian made that crystal clear. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.

Letters policy 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.

5 Life Friday, July 31, 2015 • The Tonica News • 5

Community Tonica Grade School announces registration TONICA — Tonica Grade School will have registration from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7. For complete details by

grade, refer to the registration link on the school’s website, www.tonicagradeschool.org. Questions may be directed to the school office by calling 815-442-3420.

‘Stamp & Chat’ gathering TONICA — Illinois Valley crafters are invited for a “Stamp & Chat” get-together to work on a craft, card or scrapbook. Anyone

interested should meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Cathy’s in Tonica. For more information, call Cathy at 630-209-0605.

Ice cream social Aug. 9 TONICA — An ice cream social will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Tonica, one-half

mile north of Leonore. The menu will include barbecue, hot dogs, chips, ice cream, dessert and toppings.

Back to School Bash TONICA — Tonica Grade School will hold its second annual Back to School Bash from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. Students are invited to

attend and unpack their backpacks, and meet and greet their teachers. Hot dogs on the grill, chips and lemonade will be available.

Performance added for Stage 212’s ‘Cinderella’ LASALLE — Because of outstanding ticket requests, Stage 212 has added a matinee performance of its summer musical, “Cinderella,” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased by visiting the box office Mon-

day from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting the Stage 212 website at www.stage212.org or reserved over the phone with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Call 815-2243025 for details.

‘Miracles, healings and prophetic’ July 31-Aug. 1 LOSTANT — The public is invited to experience the supernatural, “Miracles, healings and prophetic,” at River of Destiny Church, 420 W. Second St., Lostant. Pastor Tony Kemp will be the guest speaker at 7 p.m. Friday, July 31; at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1; and

at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. Prophetic accuracy is a hallmark of his ministry. He has appeared on Sid Roth’s “It’s Supernatural!” For more information, call 815-368-8117 or 815488-7888 or visit www.riverofdestinychurch.com.

Third annual Larry Klein Memory Ride and Benefit will be Aug. 8 in Henry HENRY — The third annual Larry Klein Memory Ride and Benefit for Living Works will be Saturday, Aug. 8, in Henry. A memory ride will begin at 11 a.m., with sign-up at 10 a.m. at Shandy’s Pub & Grub (formerly River Valley Bowl) in Henry. The cost is $15 per participant, which includes a meal ticket. All vehicles are welcome. The first stop will be Kelly’s Place in Tiskilwa, followed by Psycho Silo Saloon in Langley, Ye Olde Underground Inn in Princeton, Storage’s Bar & Grill in LaSalle and Dave’s Lost-Ant Café in Lostant. The ride will end at Shandy’s, with the last

bike/vehicle in at 5:30 p.m. Everyone who pre-registers will be entered in a drawing for $100 cash. This benefit will be held “rain or shine” and is open to the public. A meal will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the exact menu to be determined. T-shirts are available on a pre-order, pre-pay basis for $15. Rounding out the event will be a DJ, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing and a huge raffle with a little something for everyone. Generous donations are coming in from friends, family and area businesses. Businesses interested in contributing to the event should contact Tracy Wright at 309-363-

8811. Registration and T-shirt orders will be taken at Shandy’s or by downloading forms from the Facebook event page — 3rd Annual Larry Klein Memory Ride & Benefit for Living Works. Cash donations can be made by check, payable to Living Works, and mailed to: Tracy Wright, 110 S. Selby Ave, Ladd, IL 61329. Donations are tax-deductible since Living Works is a 501(c)3 organization. All proceeds from the memory ride will be directed to Living Works. In the past two years they have raised more than $16,000.

Mendota and Oglesby Elks will sponsor free children’s orthopedic clinic in August PERU — The Mendota Elks 1212 and Oglesby Elks 2360 lodges, in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation, will sponsor a free children’s orthopedic assessment clinic on Thursday, Aug. 6, at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru. The clinic is from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the Illinois Elks Children’s Care office at 800-2720074 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are no charges for any services at this clinic. The clinic will be in the first floor EKG/pain clinic area. Participants

Harms receives degree EAST PEORIA — Levi Harms of Tonica received an associate degree in applied science from Illinois Central College in East Peoria. The college awarded diplomas/ certificates to nearly 900 students for the spring 2015 semester. About 300 graduates participated in the commencement ceremony on May 16 at the ICC CougarPlex.

••• Visit us online at www.tonicanews.com.

should enter the hospital from either lower level on the south side or main level on west side. Dr. Richard Erickson of Carol Stream will be the clinician in charge. No medical referral is necessary for the clinic but physicians are welcome to refer patients to the clinic for a specific reason or second opinion. School nurses are welcome to refer children and families to the clinic. The Elks Organization has been working with physically challenged children since 1928, and this is one of the 17 clinic locations throughout Illinois. The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for

bone and joint development. If your child has feet pointing out or in who complains of back, knee, leg, ankle pain or has a back curvature, they can be seen at this clinic. There is no charge for any diagnostic services at this clinic. The Elks will provide financial assistance to the best of their ability for children needing further treatment or specialty equipment when the family lacks sufficient resources to do so. In the past, the Elks have purchased therapy services, corrective shoes, braces, wheelchairs and augmentative communication devices to help children overcome a variety of physical challenges.

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6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, July 31, 2015

Celebrating 30 years with caravans The Canal Corridor Association (CCA) will culminate its year-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the nation’s first Heritage Area with three caravans along the I&M Canal. These three opportunities to explore the I&M Canal Area between Chicago and LaSalle will take place in August and highlight 20 locations unique to Illinois history, each including its own guided tour. “We are proud to offer these caravans as an opportunity to ‘taste’ the experiences available in the I&M Canal National Heritage Area,” said Ana Koval, AICP, president of the CCA. “It’s important for Illinois residents to discover history and explore nature in their own backyard. We’re urging folks to fill their cars with friends and family, and join the CCA in a day of good, old-fashioned road trip fun.” Last fall, the CCA kicked off the 30th anniversary celebration with a two-day caravan that visited 15 different sites. This event was a tremendous success, and attracted more than 170 participants. This year’s one-day caravans will take place on three consecutive Saturdays, Aug. 8, 15 and 22. Registration is required, and can be completed by visiting www. canalcor.org, or by calling 815-223-1851. Scheduled stops will

include the following locations and options: On Saturday, Aug. 8, the caravan starts with a tour of the canal’s eastern terminus at Origins Park, and will include a walking tour of Bronzeville, followed by a soul-food lunch at Pearl’s Place and a walking tour of the Pullman National Monument. At that point, everyone will hop back in their cars and head to the Chicago Portage National Historic Site in Lyons for a guided tour of Chicago’s Birthplace. The first caravan finishes with a cookout at the Santa Fe Prairie, an oasis of nature in an urban atmosphere and the birthplace of the Prairie Restoration movement. The second caravan will take place the following Saturday, Aug. 15. The first stop, Isle a la Cache in Romeoville, will transport “caravaners” back to the 1600s when French fur traders first explored the area. From there it’s on to view the collection of photos and documents about the canal’s early history at the I&M Canal Adelmann Archives at Lewis University near Lockport. In nearby downtown Joliet, the caravans will take the walking tour that winds through the ruins of the old Joliet steel mill. After lunch there will be an exclusive, behind the scenes tour at Brandon Lock and Dam in Joliet, followed by a visit to

I&M canal locks 6 and 7, as well as the dam and locktenders house at Channahon State Park. The day finishes off with a tour of the historic Evergreen Cemetery in Morris. The third and final caravan will take place on Saturday, Aug. 22, beginning with a visit to the Carbon Hill School Museum, then on to a tour and hike through the breathtaking Goose Lake Prairie. At Gebhard Woods the group will learn about the management of the I&M Canal by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. After lunch, a “behind the scenes” tour of the Marseilles Hydroelectric plant, followed by panoramic views of the Illinois River at Buffalo Rock State Park, will be featured. The final site of the third caravan will be a stop at the Illinois Waterway Center to witness the mighty waterway that was built to replace the I&M Canal. Afterwards, join the CCA for a cocktail party at the Lock 16 Center in downtown LaSalle celebrating the closing of the 30th anniversary year. Persons or organizations interested in additional information about the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area or the 30th anniversary canal caravans, or to receive updates, can visit www. canalcor.org or call 815223-1851.

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Nurses Training Scholarships awarded Voiture Local 378, LaSalle County 40/8, held its annual Nurses Training Scholarship dinner on July 2 at the American Legion Post 237 in Oglesby. Three scholarships were presented to (front row, from left) Hannah Bressner, Tori Gregory and Ashley Funfsinn. Also pictured are (back row) John Liles, Gary Scott and Keith Alleman.

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Meet Dr. Kelly DeBoer, Dr. David O’Donnell & Nurse Practitioner Anna Freeman 520 W. Walnut St., Oglesby 815.883.3588 www.IVCH.org

7 Life/Classifieds Friday, July 31, 2015 • The Tonica News • 7

Summer program fun in Lostant

It wouldn’t be summer without a s-more even if it is made in a microwave. Margaret Templeton, 7, enjoys her gooey mess before she joins a game of Spoons during the Lostant Library summer program.

Summer volunteer Hailey Lightle of Oglesby helps Ayden Lawless with his beaded dragonfly craft during the summer program at the Lostant Library. Hailey will be a sophomore at LaSalle-Peru this fall and has been volunteering more than 10 hours each week at the library to earn service hours for the L-P cord program.

Photo contributed

Banner Day at IVCH Illinois Valley Community Hospital’s work with expectant mothers to reduce the number of not-medically-necessary early elective deliveries earned the hospital a banner from the March of Dimes that is now on display on a wall in IVCH’s first floor hallway. The hospital’s early elective delivery rate is less than 5 percent, according to Obstetrics Sisters Cadence and Salina Breckenridge work diligently on their painted birdhouses Director Angela O’Bryant (right), who is pictured with Peggy Cain (left), the March of during the summer program at the Lostant Library. After seven weeks, the program will Dimes Heartland Division director, and Britnae Lewis, a member of the OB unit’s data conclude at the end of July. entry team.

––––––––––––––––––––– 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

See It Right Here! The Tonica News Classifieds 815-875-4461

- 200 Employment

- 400 Merchandise

232 • Business Opportunities

450 • Under $1000

********** 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

Mobility scooter $400. Revo 3 wheel, works great, newer batteries, basket & charger. Retails $800. 815-303-7562

************ 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! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND right here in the Tonica News Classified! You could find furniture, appliances, pets, musical instruments, tools, anything. You might even find a kitchen sink!

460 • Garage Sales PRINCETON 1011 Lora Avenue. Thursday, July 30, 2pm-7pm; Friday, July 31, 8am-5pm; Saturday, August 1st, 8am-12pm. Everything must go, reasonably priced. Kitchenware, décor, seasonal items, boating needs, clothes, jewelry, accessories, 2 heaters, several fans, numerous items. Must come see!

ADVERTISE GARAGE SALES OR YARD SALES! The Tonica News Classified can promote your garage sale or yard sale to let everyone know about the treasures you have for sale. Just call 815-8754461 and we’ll help you “Clean Up!” PRINCETON 124 North Mercer. Friday, July 31, 8am-4pm; Saturday, August 1, 8am-1pm. Rain or Shine! MULTI-FAMILY We've cleaned out again! So we have more collectibles, furniture, household items, clothes for all ages, costume jewelry, books, infant items, toys, teacher supplies, linens, and MUCH more!

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- 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

999 • Legal Notices

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF LASALLE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN THE MATTER OF ) THE ESTATE OF ) JAMES A. URBINO ) DECEASED ) No. 14-P-183 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of JAMES A. URBINO of Oglesby, IL 61348. Letters of office were issued on September 22, 2014 to JOSEPH RIDLEY, SR., 1216 ST. Vincent’S, LaSalle, IL 61301, whose attorney is BERNABEI, BALSTRI & FIOCCHI, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, on or before February 1,

2016. If a claim notice is mailed or delivered personally to a creditor of the decendent, the creditor’s claim may be filed on or before the date stated in that notice, if later than the date shown above. Any claim not filed within the time allowed is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the Attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. Published in the Tonica News July 31, August 7 and 14, 2015.

to Jay Baxter, P.O. Box 66, Oglesby, IL 61348 as Executor, whose attorney is John Balestri, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk of court, La Salle County Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. Dated this 14th day of July, 2015. JOHN BALESTRI ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER 149 GOODING STREET LA SALLE, IL 61301 (815)223-6600 Published in the Tonica News July 24, 31 and August 7, 2015.

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) MARY K. STOETZEL ) DECEASED ) No. 2015-P-144 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of MARY K. STOETZEL. Letters of office were issued on July 14, 2015

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8 • The Tonica News • Friday, July 31, 2015

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