Volume 141 No. 37
Friday, November 14, 2014
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Tonica gets $350,000 CDAP grant By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — Another step in the renovation of Tonica’s wastewater system has been taken. The village recently received a Community Development Assistance Program
grant for $350,020 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunities. The CDAP grant is being administered through the North Central Illinois Council of Governments. NCICG Executive Director Nora Fesco said it was one of only three projects
approved in the northern half of the state. The DCEO received 161 applications for grant funding this year, and 36 of those applications were awarded. CDAP is a grant program funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development which assists Illinois
communities by providing grants to local governments to help them in financing economic development projects, public facilities, and housing rehabilitation. The program is targeted to assist low-to-moderate income persons and participating communities must have
a minimum of 51 percent of the population classified as low-to-moderate income. The grant will pay for repairs and upgrades to the village lift station as well as a force main and new control valves and structures, said Tonica Village Engineer Jack Kusek. The grant
is a 75/25 grant, which means the village must pay 25 percent of the cost of the project, or approximately $117,000. Kusek said the village portion will come from the loan from the Environmental Protection Agency which will pay for the new wastewater treatment plant.
LaSalle County returns Republicans to office By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
OTTAWA — The voters have spoken in the two contested races in LaSalle County. With just under 53 percent of eligible voters turning out for the fall election, the county sheriff and treasurer race were decided in favor of the Republican candidates. In the county sheriff race, unofficial counts show the Republican candidate incumbent Tom Templeton winning with 23,746 votes over challenger, Democrat Rodney Hampton, who earned 10,719 votes. In the county treasurer race, challengers James Spelich, a Republican and Jared Hicks, a Democrat, ran for the office of long-time county treasurer Don-
ald Lamps. Spelich took the race with a total of 19,879 votes over Hicks, who earned 14,490 votes. In the national race for U.S. Senator, LaSalle county gave their majority votes to James Oberweis, a Republican who earned 18,414 votes over the incumbent Democrat Dick Durbin. Durbin was given 14,882 votes in the race to Libertarian candidate Sharon Hansen who earned 1,911 votes. Statewide, Durbin retained the seat. The Republicans also ruled LaSalle County in the Governor/Lieutenant Governor race with challenger Bruce Rauner taking 19,771 votes over incumbent Pat Quinn’s 13,806 votes. Libertarian candidate Chad Grim earned 1,542 votes. Statewide, Rauner was named Illinois’ new governor.
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
LGS salutes area veterans Lostant Grade School students Landon Rockey (left) and Jordan Ladson read the short story, “America’s White Table,” at the LGS assembly to honor area veterans. The story, by Margot Theis Raven, talks about the Vietnam-era practice of setting a white table to honor fallen, captured or missing soldiers. Mason Kreiser (right) and other LGS students performed the ceremony of setting the table that goes along with the story.
TVFD to host deer and chili supper By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor its annual deer and chili supper from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22. Chairman of the event is Tonica resident Dave Huss. “The deer and chili night was established about eight years ago,” Huss
Vol. 141 No. 37 One Section - 8 Pages
© The Tonica News
said. “The hunters bring in their deer for everyone to view from adult hunters to youth hunters. We have chili there that night, but there is no deer meat in the chili. We are also offering hot dogs for the kids.” Huss said other hunters enjoy seeing the young hunter who brings in his first deer. “It’s interesting to see a young hunter come in there and have his first
deer that he has harvested. To see the pride, hard work and dedication it took to get the animal is amazing,” Huss said. Huss noted they are offering a Chief’s Choice Award which allows the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department chief each year the honor of awarding a $100 prize to whom the chief determines has the best deer. “Their name will go on
a plaque that is donated by the Ron Busch family and will be on display at their family tavern,” Huss said. “The Busch family has been a tremendous supporter of this event. Ron Busch was a very, very interesting person in regards to trapping and hunting. While he has passed, the family has stepped up to remember him in this way.” Other prizes that will be
awarded during the event will include a $50 prize for the biggest doe and a $50 prize for the biggest deer for a hunter under the age of 13. Tickets for the evening’s meal will be $6 for all the chili visitors can eat. Tickets will be available at the door. Hunters who bring in a deer to display eat for free. Vendors who will be on hand include Lenone’s
Polaris displaying four-wheelers, the Bone Collectors of Ottawa and Common Sense, who will display deer lures. “This is a great social event for the community. We will have a 50-50 drawing and other area merchants have donated money to help support our night,” Huss said. “All proceeds will go to the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department.”
2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 14, 2014
Seeking Sources Where in the world is The Tonica News? Are you planning a vacation or holiday trip? Don’t forget to take along a copy of the The Tonica News. Once you get to your destination, have someone snap a photo of you holding the newspaper, and then send the photo to us along with pertinent information about who is in the photo and where you are. We’ll be happy to share your photo with other Tonica News readers, your friends, family and neighbors. Email your photo and information to news@tonicanews.com. You can also drop it by our office in Tonica.
(USPS 633340) Published every Friday at Tonica, IL 61370 Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County
Contact Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com
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Are there spirits lingering at the old Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery? Cemetery has a reputation for being haunted By Goldie Currie Shaw Media Service
Editor’s note: This is the third and final story in a three-part series about unsolved mysteries in the Illinois Valley. SPRING VALLEY — Located among the twists and turns just outside of Spring Valley, the old Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery lays hidden among the trees lining the road. Established in 1914, the cemetery is the resting place for many Eastern European immigrants who settled in the area long ago. Less than 20 tombstones stand within the grounds — many written in the Polish, Lithuanian and Slavic languages. Off to the corner of the cemetery, the distinguishing Massock Mausoleum stands as a resting place for two brothers who were once businessmen in the area before passing away sometime around 1920. For years, speculation has circulated as to whether or not the mausoleum is haunted. Many have talked about the infamous “hatchet man” ghost who guards the mausoleum and scares those who enter the cemetery grounds at night. The widespread notion the cemetery is haunted has attracted vandals to the area. In the 1960s, a local boy broke into the mausoleum and stole a skull from one of the bodies. He mounted the skull on the dashboard of his vehicle. When word got out that it was indeed a real skull, police investigated the matter and confirmed the skull belonged to one of the bodies within the mausoleum. Once the skull was returned, the Massock family had the door to the mausoleum cemented shut.
Shaw Media Service photo/Shannon Serpette
The desecration didn’t stop there. Within the last 12 years, police were called to the cemetery when a dog’s head was found on the steps of the mausoleum. The animal has been sacrificed and burned. Because of these instances, police keep a close watch on the cemetery today. Debunking the rumors The location has been visited by many paranormal investigators interested in locating what might be lurking among the grounds. The cemetery has been rated as a top 10 creepiest cemetery by Michael Kleens, who wrote “Haunting Illinois: A tourist guide to the weird and wild places of the prairie state.” Author Rosemary Ellen Guiley published the book, “The Complete Vampire Companion,” and related her story about the cemetery involving several men who encountered a “haunted, pale figure” there. Richard Crowe, the famed Chicago ghost hunter, also paid a visit to the cemetery and broadcast his experience on WGN Radio. It’s been said during an attempt to spend the night in the cemetery next to the mausoleum, Crowe and his recording team cut
the night short because of unnerving feelings they experienced upon the grounds. Bureau County paranormal investigator David Youngquist has investigated many of the alleged paranormal sites in the Illinois Valley, using his experiences and findings to write books about the places. Although he has his doubts about other reported haunted locations in the Illinois Valley, he feels the Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery is one local site that has a lot of paranormal activity. After researching the cemetery’s history, and listening to local tales and legends surroundings the grounds, Youngquist conducted his own investigation of the site on a cold February day. He said a winter storm had just moved through the area, and left snow blown every which way on all the tombstones and trees within the cemetery. To address the stories he heard, he set out to look for a glowing orange orb, listen for voices coming from within the mausoleum, and see whether something would tap back at him if he rapped upon the mausoleum walls. “I didn’t get the voices from the crypt, didn’t get anybody to tap back
Paranormal author and investigator David Youngquist can not explain away all of the unusual events which allegedly happen at the old Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery in Spring Valley. The cemetery has built a reputation as a haunted site over the years. Much of the activity there involves the Massock Mausoleum. and didn’t get the orange orb,” he explained. Youngquist said he did notice a red substance dripping from the mausoleum door, which many had said was blood. Youngquist was quick to confirm the red substance was nothing more than red paint. The next item to investigate was finding what had been disturbing the graves. Youngquist said people had reported seeing the dirt and leaves among the tombstones moved about as if something had been clawing at the ground. On the day of Youngquist’s visit he noticed the snow around some of the graves had indeed been disturbed. Upon further investigation, however, he noticed deer and rabbit tracks all along the snow among the tombstones. He realized deer and rabbits were the ones to disturb the ground as they were digging beneath the snow to get at the evergreen vine growing underneath. Finding the unexplainable Among the many tales debunked on that cold February day, there was one without a plausible explanation, according to Youngquist. When investigating the mausoleum, Youngquist noticed the eastern
side of the structure felt warmer to the touch, compared to the opposite side of the structure. Stepping back to further investigate, he realized there was no snow on the eastern wall of the structure, despite heavy snow on the opposite side of the structure. He looked around the cemetery and noticed snow was blown on all sides of the tombstones throughout the grounds. To him, this did not make sense. Taking a step back, he also noticed there was no snow on the eastern half of the roof of the structure, despite the fact snow was piled on the opposite half. Youngquist also noticed the eastern side of the structure was warm to the touch. On the opposite side the stones were so cold to the touch he could barely keep his hand on the surface. As a paranormal investigator, Youngquist has a theory. “The theory I would put forth, if it is true, is that there could be a spirit that prefers this area and likes this area. It is peaceful and it could be it has made its home here and it could be it has attached itself to its last earthly remains,” he said. Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.
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3 Obit Records Friday, November 14, 2014 • The Tonica News • 3
LaSalle County Sheriff report TONICA – On Nov. 6, LaSalle County deputies arrested Christopher Archer, 37, of Tonica after investigating a disturbance at 320 S. First St. Archer was
charged with domestic battery after he allegedly struck a female with his hand. Archer was taken to the LaSalle County jail.
Ag Summary Corn and soybean harvest continued last week. Activities included fall tillage and nitrogen application. There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Nov. 9. Statewide, precipitation averaged 0.42 inches, 0.26 inches below normal. The average temperature was 44.2 degrees, 0.8 degrees below normal. Corn harvest was 87 percent complete, 5 percentage points behind last year, but ahead of the five-year average of 84 percent. Soybean harvest was 91 percent complete, 5 percentage points behind last year and behind the five-year average of 93 percent.
Sorghum harvest was 83 percent complete. Eighty-four percent of the winter wheat had been planted and 52 percent had emerged. Winter wheat condition was rated at 3 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 34 percent fair, 58 percent good and 2 percent excellent. Pasture condition was rated at 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 50 percent good and 16 percent excellent. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 7 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus.
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
LGS students attend assembly Lostant Grade School kindergarten through eighth grades attended an assembly last week to honor area veterans for Veterans Day on Nov. 11. LGS students read poems, presented a skit and gave homemade cards to area veterans in attendance.
Newspaper office to close
Meeting Calendar
GRANVILLE — The Putnam County Record/Tonica News office in Granville will close at the end of November. The last day of business is Nov. 26. Those needing assistance can call our Princeton office at 815-875-4461. The new address is Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356. The email will remain the same at news@tonicanews.com.
Nov. 17 • Tonica Village Board, 7 p.m., Tonica Village Hall.
Nov. 19 • Lostant Grade School Board, 6 p.m., Lostant Grade School. • Tonica Grade School, 7 p.m., Tonica Grade School.
TVFD meets in November TONICA — The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department meeting in November was called to order by Chief Stremlau with 26 members present. There were 12 emergency calls during October. Two calls were fire, one an accident and one a carbon monoxide alarm. There were five ambulance calls and two change of quarters. There was also one smoke investigation call. The total emergency calls for 2014 is 145. The recent annual door-to-door townwide collection resulted in the following donations over $100 being received from McConville Insurance Agency, Robert and Nancy Baer, Michael and Linda Supan, Robert and Lynn Anderson, James and Karen Steele, Jeff and Cathy Billig, June McCleary, Jerry and Bells Hiltabrand, Loretta Oliver, Robert and Evelyne Marshall, Sally Mareta, Joseph and Jane Schmidt,
Vic’s Clip and Buzz, Vicki Monterastelli, Steve Ebener, Edward Hasselman, Laverne and Marcia Kresier, Robert and Barbara Barr, Katherine Dauber, John and Cassandra Francisco, Bernard and Patricia Ernat, Joyce Marshall, Elouise Long, Jean Danz, Barry and Tina Lund, Steve and Colleen Huska, D.J. Lijewski, C.A. Broset, Troy and Andrea Greenwalt, Dennis and Pam Ford, William and Evelyn Dart, Robert and Rhoda Hobneck, Gladys Alleman, John Felty, Kathleen Notbohm, Yvonne Shields, Joanne Wassil, Ted and Annie Lambert, Janet Rose, James and Theresa Morris, Henry and Stephanie McClenning, Julie Rietgraf, Tony and Sandra Skinner, Marguerite Hawley, Lynn Ewing-Teegardin, Dion and Carrie Christman, Richard and Dolores Foltynewicz, Devon and Carol Zimmerman, Dewayne and Cheryl Beavers, Marilyn Christ-
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man, Richard and Kim Higgins, Elaine Ford, Ronald Samolitis, Mary Hasselman, Kenneth Baker, Tobias and Mary Miller, Antonio and Valerie Scalora, Allen and Amber Snoddy, Joseph Trumpinski and Toni Melanson. These donations help the department remain non-tax supported while continuing to provide fire, rescue and ambulance services. The monthly fire department trainings covered Town Evacuation Disaster Pre-Plan Review and a makeup training for Highway Scene Safety and Traffic Incident Management. Thirty-two members have now completed the training. Firefighter-EMT Alec McCleary attended the following three advanced training classes: A 16-hour MABAS Division 25 Technical Rescue Team Certification Training for Watercraft Technician, conducted in Utica; a MABAS
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Shirley has completed his probationary period and was accepted as a full member of the department. The deer display and chili night will be Nov. 22. Dave Huss is the chairperson. Lt. James Breit continues to replace outdated emergency lighting on Rescue-1715 with newer LED lights. Seven members of the TVFD conducted a fire and EMS safety training for pre-school through third grades and the special needs students at the Tonica School during fire prevention week.
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4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 14, 2014
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
Refresher course One part of my job which I truly enjoy are the opportunities I have to visit area schools. Sometimes I’m there to do an interview or take a photo, while other occasions find me in the halls of education to speak to a class about the newspaper business. Either way, I most always leave each school with a feeling of appreciation for the teachers who lead their students through the educational — and often the life skills — process. When I was a child, I always thought I wanted to be a teacher. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize some things just aren’t meant to be, and that’s for good reason. For me, teaching would be fun for about a week. After that, I’d be on my last nerve ... which explains why I have such an appreciation for teachers. But back to my story ... So I found myself headed into a school the other day, when I saw one of my Terri Simon favorite teachers on the playground. I was a bit early, so I thought I would go over and say hi to this teacher, who was obviously on playground duty. We chatted for a while as she kept a close eye on her young charges. The kids were crazy wild, and even though we chatted casually, this teacher didn’t miss a beat when it came to keeping an eye on the kids and reprimanding them when needed. Just as I was about to head into the school, I watched as a young boy came toward us. He had a distressed look on his face as he approached us. There were no tears, but I thought there might be soon. Without hesitation, he spoke to my teacher friend ... “(Classmate’s name) is throwing grass at me,” the little boy told the teacher. “He’s throwing a lot of it at me, and it’s getting in my mouth,” he continued. From the size of the child, I assumed he was a first- or second-grader. And then with all the wisdom teachers are known to have, my teacher friend delivered the following: “Well, keep your mouth closed and go play somewhere else,” she said quickly. The little boy appeared to be studying his teacher’s words for a minute, and then he was off, doing as he was told and heading to the opposite side of the playground. “Well, that was easy,” I said to the teacher. “No,” she said just as quickly. “That was common sense.” I chuckled out loud and headed off into the school, but I don’t mind telling you the teacher’s words stayed with me all day long ... “Keep your mouth closed and go play somewhere else.” As I think back, I have to tell you I believe those words of wisdom are great advice — not just for a little kid on the playground, but for all of us ... “Keep your mouth closed and go play somewhere else.” In fact, they might just be some of the most brilliant words I’ve heard in a long time. Like the little kid who was throwing grass on the playground, we all — at one time or another — have that person or persons, who tend to throw a lot our way. While it probably isn’t something so simple as a handful of grass, they tend to throw their words, their actions, their demeanor, their attitudes, etc., at us. And of course, I think our first inclination in dealing with these types of people is to lash back and throw some words, actions or attitudes back at them. At the very least — like the little kid complaining to his teacher on the playground, we want someone to acknowledge our misery, and we spread the other person’s wrongdoing like it’s gospel to anyone who will listen. But what if we adopted the teacher’s advice — “Keep your mouth closed and go play somewhere else?” In essence ... ignore the problem. Don’t let your own mouth perpetuate the issue. And then walk away and move on to something else. A life lesson I should practice more often ... Problem solved, and I keep my own dignity intact in the process. Thanks, my teacher friend. Sometimes an adult needs a common sense lesson too. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.
Kathy Lambert Town: Tonica. Occupation: Registered nurse. Family: Husband, two daughters and two sons. Pets: A dog, Addie. What is the last song you listened to: “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift. What is the last book you read: “Gone Girl.” What is the last TV show you
First Person watched: We don’t have TV. If someone stranded you on a desert island and you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be: Chicken and dumplings.
If someone stranded you on a desert island and you could only take one thing with you what would it be: My husband. If someone gave you a million dollars, how would you spend it: Pay bills, invest it and donate some. What do you like most about the town you live in: I’m in the country, but I like the friendliness of the people, and the school in Tonica is awesome. Is there anything you’d change about the town you live in: More fun shopping.
A rocky week Throughout the years, I’ve often found you are your own worst enemy. Whether it’s somehow self-sabotaging a job interview or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time at that awkward first date, we can sometimes ruin months of careful planning in a matter of moments. While several times I’ve certainly been my own worst enemy, more often it’s been my body. Case in point: I recently used up most of my vacation days for the year to deal with one of the great nemeses of my life. Chalk up kidney stone No. 20. If you say those words aloud in a room with four or five people in it, chances are someone winced and instinctively moved their hands to their solar plexus. It’s not a fun occurrence, and it certainly doesn’t get better with age. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, sometimes a body will collect certain minerals in the kidney, make a ball of them and send them on the way through the urinary tract. The ureter is between 10 and 12 inches long in adults and about 3 to 4 millimeters wide. Approximately 5 percent of the people
Ken Schroeder COMMENTARY
in America will experience a kidney stone, and a large number of stones pass through the ureter with some discomfort due to their size. Stones four millimeters or smaller will generally pass on their own. But seven millimeter stones? Forget it; that baby is not coming through on its own. It needs help from a urologist. To eliminate a stone of that size, a urologist will perform a lithotripsy. Basically, you’re knocked out, and sound waves are sent through the body, which breaks up the stone into smaller parts so they can be extracted from the body using non-invasive surgery. Let me assure you, the term “non-invasive” only refers to the fact there are no incisions made on the body. Instead, the urologist uses a small scoop to trap the stone fragments and drag them out of the body. Since no incisions are
made, the urologist uses the naturally occurring passage to go after the stone fragments. Think about that logically for a moment, and you’ll understand. The pieces they took out of me could be used for cuff-links. That light bulb that just went off in your head? Think of that as a pain index. Bright, white and piercing pain. It’s kind of like that. I once talked to a nurse who had twins by natural childbirth and had passed a kidney stone. She preferred the idea of having twins again. Frankly I wouldn’t wish a kidney stone on my worst enemy (although there are a couple of politicians ...). They’re easy to avoid IF you’ve never had one. Once you’ve had your first one, you’re kinda doomed to repeat the cycle. Drink lots of fluids, but avoid caffeine (My two-energy drink diet did me no favors.). Easy on the salt, heavy on the fluids. Did I mention fluids? Dehydration is the No. 2 contributor to kidney stones (after genetics; sorry, daughter). Tonica News Staff Writer Ken Schroeder can be reached at kschroeder@putnamcountyrecord.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, November 14, 2014 • The Tonica News • 5
Community LGS to host senior dinner LOSTANT — Lostant School District will host the annual Holiday Luncheon for senior citizens beginning at noon Dec. 11 in the school cafeteria. All Lostant senior citizens are invited. Reservations are required. Call the school office at 815-368-3392 by Dec. 2.
Lostant winter recycling LOSTANT — Recycling will continue through the winter months across from the Lostant Fire Station for area residents. The project proceeds are supporting the Tonica United Methodist Church. Drop-off for recycling is from 9 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Saturdays each month. For more information, call Doyle Cate at 815-672-1864.
Program on Theodore Roosevelt planned LASALLE — As part of its 2014-2015 dinner lecture series, the Canal Corridor Association’s November program will feature a presentation on the life of President Theodore Roosevelt. “The TR Show” will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20 at Lock 16 Center, 754 First St. in LaSalle. Presenter and theatrical performer Derek Evans will bring the war hero and former president to life. The first American to ever win a Nobel Prize, Roosevelt had a diverse range of interests from politics to cattle rancher and author. Evans was trained for the theatre at Northwest-
ern University, New York University and the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. As a manager and director of the Monarch Theatre Co., he has brought Shakespeare, opera and literary adaptations to schools throughout the American Midwest. The menu for the November dinner lecture in LaSalle includes a choice of French-baked chicken breast or homestyle pot roast with mashed potatoes and gravy. Additional offerings at Lock 16 Center include a dinner salad, seasoned vegetables, bread sticks and Texas sheet cake.
••• Items for the Community section can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com. Visit us online at www.tonicanews.com and follow us on Facebook.
Photo contributed
Anyone you recognize? We received a photo by email at The Tonica News office asking for identification of people in this photo. We’re publishing the photo in the hopes you can help. The photograph was sent by Adam Gibbons of Geneva. He sent the photo to the LaSalle County Genealogical Society, but they were unable to identify the school or any of the sitters. The photo is of many members of an unknown school (possibly the LaSalle County Common School in Ottawa) in LaSalle County, taken in the late 1890s. “I know that the following three individuals are in the photo, but I don’t know where: Harry Vannatta, Ollie Vannatta and Mable Moorhead. Harry was born in 1884, and the two women in 1881. The photo is either from 1896 or 1897,” said Gibbons. If you can identify the people in the picture, contact Gibbons at 33W777 Hill Road, Geneva, IL 60134.
IV Dolphins swim over the Foxes Nov. 8 By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
PERU — The Illinois Valley YMCA Dolphins hosted its second in a row home swim meet last week against the Fox Valley YMCA Foxes. The Dolphins swam strong and won the meet over the Foxes, 490 to 268. From Lostant, Keira Kiersnowski, 8, took two first-place finishes in the 100-meter individual medley (1:44.85) and the 50-meter freestyle (38.74). She also swam to a second place finish in the 25-meter breaststroke (27.68). Kiersnowski swam a state-qualifying time in the freestyle event while qualifying for district in the other two events.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR LOSTANT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Lostant Fire Protection District for 2014 will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2014, at 8:00 p.m. at the Firehouse, 101 East First Street, Lostant, Illinois. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Elizabeth A. Beck, Attorney for Lostant Fire Protection District, 310 Fifth Street, Lacon, Illinois 61540, (309) 2466035. II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $145,463.78. The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $224,000.00. This represents a 53.99% increase over the previous year.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2014 were $00.00. The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2015 are $0.00. This represents a 0% increase over the previous year. IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $145,463.78. The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $224,000.00. This represents a 53.99% increase over the previous year. Published in the Tonica News Nov. 14, 2014.
Cade Kilmartin, 6, of Oglesby swam to a third-place finish in the 25-meter backstroke (34.54). Addison Duttlinger, 8, swam state-qualifying times in the 25-meter freestyle (17.37) and the 25-meter breaststroke (24.55). She earned a second place and first place respectively in the two events. Little sister Aubrey Duttlinger, 6, swam to two second-place finishes in the 25-meter freestyle (30.08) and the 25-meter backstroke (31.88). Americus Berg, 10, of Wenona swam to a second-place finish in the 50-meter butterfly event (52.38). In the relays for the Dolphins, Abby Kilmartin, 8, of Oglesby swam the lead-off leg of the second-place
finishing relay team in the 100meter freestyle (1:49.99). Addison Duttlinger swam the third leg of the first-place relay team in the 100meter freestyle (1:14.18). Aubrey Duttlinger swam the lead-off leg of the third-place relay team in the 100-meter freestyle (2:06.64). The first-place finishing team in the 100-meter freestyle relay included Kilmartin and Wenona’s Mario Berg, 6 (2:12.50). Americus Berg swan the anchor lap of the first-place finishing relay in the 200meter free style (3:05.72). On Nov. 15, the Dolphins take to the road for a triangular meet against Ottawa and hosts Belvidere YMCA.
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR THE MCNABB FIRE PROTECTION I.
A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for MCNABB FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT will be held on November 25, 2014 at 5:45 p.m. at the McNabb Fire Station (Jim Goldasich Memorial Building), 391 IL Hwy. 89, McNabb, IL 61335. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the board may contact John Cimei, President, 107 W. Fourth ST. McNabb, IL 61335, (815) 878-2560. II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2013 were $140,000.00. The proposed corporate and special property taxes to be levied for 2014 are $150,675.00. This represents an 8% increase over the prior year. III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2013 were -0-. The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2013 are -0-. This represents no increase over the previous year. IV. The total property taxes extended for 2013 were $137,329.00 The estimated total property taxes to be levied are $150,675.00 This represents a 10% increase over the previous year. John Cimei President
Published in the Tonica News Nov. 14, 2014.
6 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 14, 2014
Birth Announced Grubich
Lostant students celebrate Halloween By Leslie Smith
Jason and Kristen (Wamhoff) Grubich of Oglesby are the parents of a daughter, Emma Grace, born Oct. 30 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley. She weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 20 inches in length. She was welcomed home by one sister, Elyse, 3. Maternal grandparents are Bob and Jane Wamhoff of Oglesby. Paternal grandparents are Ron and Sue Grubich of Peru.
Menus Lostant Grade School Breakfast Nov. 17 – Cinnamon bun, string cheese, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Nov. 18 – Biscuits and gravy, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Nov. 19 — Cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Nov. 20 – Ham and cheese omelet, hash browns, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Nov. 21 – French toast sticks, sausage patty, syrup, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice.
Special to The Tonica News
LOSTANT — Lostant School children had a great time celebrating Halloween this year. Parties were held, games were played, and a costume parade was held in the gym. Parents and the community were invited to attend the costume parade, and the kids looked great. Kindergarten, first grade and second grade had a combined party this year. They played games and did a Halloween craft before having their ice cream snack.
First was a candy corn relay race, where teams raced to fill their cup with candy corn first. Next was an eyeball toss, where the teams tried to make all three of their eyeballs (painted golf balls) into cups first. Lastly was a pumpkin toss, where the students tossed a pumpkin to their partner without dropping it until only one set of partners were left. For the craft, the children used stickers to decorate foam skeleton heads, pumpkins and leaves. To finish off the party, Mrs. Mertes brought in ice cream and multiple top-
pings, so the children could make their own customized ice cream sundaes. To finish off the celebration, all grades met in the gym to have a costume parade. Communi-
ty members and parents were invited and enjoyed seeing all the kids having fun dressed in their costumes. More pictures of the activities are available at www.lostantcomets. org.
Kindergarten
Lunch Nov. 17 – Chili in bread bowl, broccoli, applesauce, milk. Nov. 18 – Nachos and cheese with salsa, California blend vegetables, gelatin with fruit, milk. Nov. 19 – Spaghetti, lettuce salad, apricots, milk. Nov. 20 – Ham and cheese sandwich, Sun chips, celery and carrot sticks with ranch, grapes, milk. Nov. 21 – Corn dogs, sweet potato bites, peas, banana, cookie, milk.
Tonica Grade School Breakfast Nov. 17 – Oatmeal with dried fruit, chocolate chips or brown sugar, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Nov. 18 – Mini pancakes, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Nov. 19 – Scrambled eggs, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Nov. 20 – Muffin, yogurt, cereal, English muffin or toast, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Nov. 21 – Mini cinnamon rolls, yogurt, cereal, white or chocolate milk, fruit and juice. Lunch Nov. 17 – Cheese Bosco stick with marinara sauce, Romaine lettuce, fruit, graham crackers, milk, salad dressing. Nov. 18 – Meat loaf slice, mashed potatoes, apple sauce, bread, milk, gravy. Nov. 19 – Hot ham cheese on bun or peanut butter and jelly, carrots, green beans, fruit, milk. Nov. 20 – Teriyaki chicken nuggets, rice, broccoli and cauliflower, pineapple and Mandarin oranges, gelatin with Cool Whip, milk. Nov. 21 – Taco-in-bag, taco meat, shredded cheese, refried beans, fruit/veggie bar, diced tomatoes, onions, salsa,sour cream, nacho corn chips, milk, salad dressings.
Fourth grade
Library corner LaSalle Public Library The LaSalle Public Library will host Tail Waggers Reading Dog Teams at 4 p.m. Nov. 18. Children choose a favorite short book or story and read aloud to a Reading Dog for about five minutes. The dogs love stories, and everyone is encouraged to read. For kids who are not yet reading independently, parents may read while the child holds the book and turns the pages. Both the audience and the dogs love the pictures, so even non-readers can hold up the book to show the illustrations to everyone. To help children feel confident in their reading, they should plan to read from a favorite familiar story. Choose a book from the library or from home. Readers usually read more than once, depend-
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460 • Garage Sales PRINCETON 11 North Church Street. Saturday, November 15, 8am-5pm. MOVING SALE. Electric hospital bed, bath bench, bedside commode, wheel chair, lift chair, walker, treadmill, dehumidifier, washer & dryer, misc. household items PRINCETON 522 South Main. Thursday, Friday, November 13, 14; Noon6pm. Christmas Open House/ Basement Sale. Misc. Christmas décor, lace, ornaments, Santas, sleigh, candles, garland, dishes, curtains, cds, dvds, books, dog kennel, kennel floor pads, farm table, table/4 chairs, coats, boots, jewelry, signs, lots more ADVERTISE YOUR GARAGE SALE HERE! In the Classified. Just call 815-875-4461.
ing on how many participants are at the Tail Waggers event. For more information, call the library at 815223-2341. Preschool Storytime Express is held most Tuesdays throughout the year. The next events will be at 11:45 a.m. Nov. 18 and 25. Especially for children ages 3 to 5 and their adult caregivers, this event is a fun 30-minute program designed as a story time literacy activity, a preschool craft time, and as occasion to provide children with positive and enjoyable library experiences. It is well-suited both to the short attention span of preschoolers and the busy schedules of parents. This is a free program, open to the public. Participants do not need to have a library card to attend. Registration is
not required but always appreciated. The library is at 305 Marquette St. Lostant Public Library Library Time is every Tuesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. during the school year for those birth through school age. Join the group any week. Conducted by teacher Sue Massey, children will enjoy stories, songs, puppet play, art and have a snack. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Library Time is funded by the Illinois State Board of Education and sponsored by the Early Childhood Program at Oglesby Public School District. Participants will also have the opportunity to join in Oglesby preschool outings like a zoo visit or evening family program. For more information, call the library at 815-368-3530.
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY OTTAWA, ILLINOIS IN RE: ) THE ESTATE OF ) ANN C. SOMMERS,) DECEASED. ) NO. 2014 P 199 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Ann C. Sommers, late of Sheridan, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on October 20, 2014, to Krystal A. Wolff, whose attorney is Gary Gearhart, GEARHART LAW OFFICE, 951 Fifth Street, LaSalle, Illinois 61301. Claims against the Estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division,
Downtown Courthouse, 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, Illinois, or with the representative, or both, within six 6) months from the date of issuance of letters. 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. ANDREW SKOOG Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary L. Gearhart GEARHART LAW OFFICE Attorney for Plaintiff 951 Fifth Street LaSalle,IL 61301 Phone: (815) 223-8009 FAX: (815) 223-8003 Published in the Tonica
News Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and 14, 2014.
the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, IL 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. Andrew Skoog Clerk of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Ottawa, Illinois Published in the Tonica News Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and 14, 2014.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) WILLIA D. HUNTER, ) DECEASED. ) 2014-P-197 PUBLICATION FOR CLAIMS CLAIM NOTICE Estate of WILLIA D. HUNTER, Deceased. Notice is given of the death of WILLIA D. HUNTER of Peru, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on October 15, 2014, to SUSAN M. JOHNSON, 540 7th Street, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the estate may be filed with
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8 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 14, 2014