Volume 141 No. 40
Friday, December 5, 2014
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Unemployment continues to drop By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
OTTAWA — It’s going to be a much merrier Christmas this year for many Illinois residents than it was last year. October unemployment rates fell for the seventh consecutive month and are at six-or-sevenyear lows in most sections of the state, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. “October’s data reflect a strengthening of local economies. In each area, more people describe themselves as working and employers in most metros report larger payrolls than one year ago,” IDES Direc-
tor Jay Rowell said. “IllinoisJobLink.com remains an important tool to find employment, especially for those who typically did not need a resume.” The October unemployment rate clocked in at 6.6 percent for this October, well below the October 2013 rate of 9.1 percent. However, month-to-month improvement has slowed, with barely a tenth of a percentage point change since September; and with some areas losing jobs due to work slowdowns, it is possible the increase can be attributed to the holiday season and the hiring of seasonal help in retail outlets. Locally, the situation is still not as rosy. While unemployment has continued its downward trek, the rest of the Illinois Valley area still lags behind the rest
At the pumps!
3 ... 2 ... 1 ... Blast off! Science class explores rocketry
By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
Winter usually means lower fuel prices at the pump. People generally drive less when weather gets colder, so with the drop in demand comes a drop in price. This year prices are dropping more than usual. “Gas prices typically decline this time of year, but have fallen more swiftly than typical due to the sharply declining price of crude oil,” Michael Green, public relations manager of the American Automobile Association said. “The cost of crude oil accounts for approximately two-thirds of the price consumers pay for gasoline, which means barring any other factors, gas prices continue to fall as along as crude oil prices decline.” In the last two months, crude oil prices have dropped more than $15 a barrel and currently waver near the $85 mark. The last time crude oil was at that price or lower was late 2010. The price has been falling steadily since a mid-July peak of $115. A barrel of crude oil is roughly 42 gallons. At a price of $84 a barrel, crude oil costs $2 a gallon at that price. Refining and other costs generally add a dollar to the price per gallon. With those factors, and the current oil price of $85.50 per barrel, it’s easy to see why gasoline prices are flirting with the $2.50 level. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas prices haven’t been this low since Jan. 3, 2011. The good news about the lower gasoline prices means people have more money
At the pumps Page 3
of the state with only metropolitan Peoria logging a higher rate. LaSalle County unemployment figures weigh in at 7.9 percent, with Bureau County following at 7.6, down from last year’s totals of 11.1 and 8.8 respectively. Peoria’s jobless rate is 8.1 percent. By contrast, neighboring Putnam County received some good news. The latest figures show a massive drop in the unemployment rate to 6.6 percent, down from 9.3; the first time since early 2010 the county has been close to the state average. National unemployment remains lower than Illinois. U.S. unemployment stands at 5.8 percent. Traditionally, Illinois records higher unemployment figures, with the jobless rate being lower than the national average only six times since recording began.
By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
LASALLE — On a cold December afternoon, Alexa Zimbleman of Lostant and her team at LaSalle-Peru Township High School are standing near the 50-yard line on the school’s practice field. While the temperature hovers around 15 degrees — before taking into account the 10 mph breeze from the north — it’s still a perfect day for a rocket launch. “We’ve been talking about Newton’s laws in class, and this is going to relate to that,” Zimbleman said. “I think it’s going to be fun. I can’t wait to see how it goes.” Phil Baughman’s science class learned how to make model rockets as part of a physics lesson. The cardboard and plastic rockets fly due to a dry fuel propellant ignited by electric charge. “This has been fun. We get to use what we’re learning,” Zimbleman said. “When I took the job, the hiring teacher said, ‘Do you do rockets?’ I said ‘Sure, Why not?’” Baughman said. “We just got done learning Newton’s First and Third Laws. Newton’s Third Law is ‘For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction,’ and the entire premise of rockets is based off that. Plus, it’s fun.” Baughman and his class were able to fire off their rockets successfully; although one needed an engine replacement and promptly detonated at the height of its flight. Despite the explosion, the rocket survived relatively intact. It wasn’t a bad day considering it was Baughman’s first rocket launches. “This is my first time using these rockets,” Baughman said. “When I did my student teaching, we used huge two-liter water bottles, for a bottle Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder rocket launch. This is my first time Alexa Zimbleman (left) of Lostant and her crew watch their rocket lift-off during a science class playing with these, and it’s been an at LaSalle-Peru High School. experience.”
Vol. 141 No. 40
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2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 5, 2014
Seeking Sources
Davis trust scholarships available
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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By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
MCNABB — As seniors start gearing up for post-secondary education, an important avenue for most to explore is the ability to pay for college. Every opportunity for grants and scholarships should be checked and used if you qualify. Locally, there’s a scholarship that hasn’t had as many applicants as the administrators would like. The Grace S. Davis Scholarship is available to students who have lived in Magnolia or Hope townships (which includes McNabb, Magnolia and Lostant) for 10 years. The applicant should have good scholastic ability and good moral character. Sophomores, juniors or seniors with a minimum of 12 hours of school per semester are eligible. This year, a total of $16,450 is available for scholarships. Davis was a Magnolia native who became an educator and world traveler before dying in 1947. Brooks Whitney is the current administrator of
the Grace S. Davis trust, having taken the position from his uncle and first administrator Charles A. Whitney in 1983. “The fund was started in 1950, which is when the estate was finally settled. There was originally $70,000 in the trust fund, which was a lot of money at the time,” Whitney said. “The total worth now is nearly $900,000.” The trust was set up according to Davis’ wishes as a permanent trust fund. Her strict orders were for the principal to stay intact and not be touched by administrators except to re-invest. Davis also insisted the trust could not buy industrial bonds after a previous investment into Insull Bonds fell flat in the late ‘30s. Davis was a study of independence and education. She was born northeast of Magnolia in either 1876 or 1886. Records have been found to support both years. Born Grace Schwindler, she attended the University of Michigan where she majored in classical languages and received a Phi Theta Kappa key, a rare accom-
Brooks Whitney plishment for women of the time. She became a teacher in the Chicago school system and was married to a Mr. Davis. The couple subsequently divorced, and no first name for him appeared in any of her records. When Davis’ parents died, she was left with two 80-acre tracts which sold after World War I for $400 an acre. Her income of $3,000 a year in interest gave her the freedom to travel to Europe and Japan several times before retiring from teaching in the 1930s. Whenever Davis would travel, she would set up an account with $5,000 in it for the express purpose
Grace Davis of a bank employee — Jay Whitney, the late Charles Whitney’s uncle — being sent to retrieve her body from wherever she was back to be buried in the Magnolia Cemetery. According to Charles Whitney, Davis was “an ardent believer in the value of education; not necessarily the monetary value but the civilizing
and social value.” He said she “admired scientists and especially doctors; but she doubted that lawyers added much to society.” Students interested in applying for a scholarship should contact the Grace S. Davis Scholarship Trust c/o Brooks Whitney, trustee, 4086 E. 1550th Street, McNabb IL, 61335 for details.
Don’t use that handicapped space!
Secretary of State Police to conduct parking stings this holiday season
Secretary of State Jesse White has announced the Secretary of State Police news@tonicanews.com. conduct statewide Photos should be sent as an will parking stings targeting attachment. people illegally parking in spaces reserved for POSTMASTER: persons with disabilSend address changes to The ities at shopping malls Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, throughout the holiday Princeton, IL 61356 season. “Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” White said. “Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a
possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine which could otherwise be used on gifts. “Remember, if you don’t belong there, don’t park there.” Last year, more than 90 citations were issued to those violating the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities. Drivers caught misusing a placard face a sixmonth driver’s license suspension and $600 fine. Repeat violators will face a one-year driver’s license suspension and
$1,000 fine for a second offense, and for the third or subsequent offenses they face a $1,000 fine plus a one-year driver’s license revocation. The fine for parking in an accessible parking space without a disability placard or license plates is up to $350. Using a deceased person’s placard or a fraud-
ulent placard can result in a $2,500 fine and oneyear revocation of the driver’s license. There are 691,858 disability placards and 76,046 disability license plates in Illinois. Secretary White urged people to report abuse of parking spaces for people with disabilities by calling 217-785-0309.
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Callers should be prepared to report placard and license plate numbers as well as locations of vehicles. People can also report abuse via the Secretary of State’s website at www.cyberdriveillinois. com and complete the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities Abuse Complaint Form.
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Grace Davis believed in education
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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.
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Christmas Open House Friday, December 5th • 8 a.m. to close
Please stop by any of our three locations and enjoy refreshments and holiday cheer, and sign up for door prizes! Tonica, IL 61370 (815) 442-8211
Oglesby, IL 61348 (815) 883-8400
Lostant, IL 61334 (815) 368-3333
• On Dec. 24th, all locations will close at noon and will re-open on Dec. 26th during regular hours • On Dec. 31st, all facilities will be open until noon and will re-open on Jan. 2nd during regular hours.
3 Obit Records Friday, December 5, 2014 • The Tonica News • 3
At the pumps From Page 1
available than usual at this time of year, which is likely being spent on other goods and generating a stimulus for local economies. Holiday sales should see a healthy boost this year, which is good news for retailers after years of under-performance at the holidays. The bad news is a lower price for crude oil has a negative impact on countries that produce oil. Russia and Venezuela — both of whom rely on oil revenue for their economies — are experiencing a recession. Those factors will have a ripple effect in countries nearby and
globally. Additionally, recent studies have found oil prices and the stock market seem to follow each other when people are worried about the U.S. economy; something that’s been happening for the last four years. As oil prices made another dip in mid-October, the stock market followed suit, dropping nearly 500 points in one day before rallying. Economists are reservedly optimistic current gas prices will drive the economy through the holiday. For every 10-cent drop in gas prices, Forbes magazine estimates an extra $120 in the pocket of the average American.
As gas goes down, hybrids struggle By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
Oil companies and investors aren’t the only ones feeling the crunch of falling crude oil prices. Producers of electric and hybrid cars and their dealers are also seeing decreases in sales. Sales for hybrid cars have already been slipping during the last several months, despite rising sales overall in the auto industry. “I think it’s fairly interesting from a cultural memory standpoint, that American car buyers, for the most part, don’t seem to have memory of gas prices two, three or six months ago,” said John Krafcik, president of the website TrueCar. “During months when gas prices are low, less fuel-efficient cars tend to take a greater share of the market and vice versa. It’s a fairly one-to-one relationship.” If that sounds like bad news for car makers, it actually isn’t. Car companies actually have higher profit margins in trucks and SUVs. Many hybrids actually lose money for the manufacturers. The technology for electrics and hybrids is cutting-edge, and is still in the process of being perfected. Since research into making the batteries more efficient is ongoing, the cost of that research is more than what many of the cars sell for. That technology is not going away anytime soon, according to Roland Hwang, director of the energy and transportation program at the Natural Resources Defense Council. While still in the refinement stage, electric and hybrid technology has proven reliable enough to be a permanent option. “Hybrid technology is here to stay,” Hwang said. “You’re probably just much less likely to notice it in the future.”
TKO Tire opens in Magnolia By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
MAGNOLIA — Residents in eastern Putnam County and southern LaSalle County won’t have to drive over the river for tire service anymore. Chad Timmons and Kevin Kruswicki opened TKO Tire and Service on Nov. 1 in Magnolia at 14049 Route 18, just east of Route 89, to take care of tire needs as well as car service. “We wanted a name that would stand out, and It has the initials of our last names,” Timmons said. “We just wanted something catchy.” TKO performs auto repair and diagnostics; the business carries auto, light truck, implement and specialty tires, including Firestone, Michelin, Bridgestone, General, Toy, Continental, Kumo, Carlisle, GT and BKT tires. “We wanted something centrally located. We’re outside of Henry, plus we’ve got Varna, Lostant, Wenona,
Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder
Kevin Kruswicki (left) and Chad Timmons check the tool drawer as they get to work at TKO Tire and Service in Magnolia. The business, located on Route 18 just off of Route 89, opened Nov. 1. and we’re at a busy intersection,” Timmons said. “Plus I’m from Wenona, and he’s from Cedar Point. It’s in the middle.” Timmons and Krus-
wicki have 20 years experience in tires and service, and they bring that knowledge to the table. TKO Tire and Service is open Monday through
Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon. The phone number is 815-869-4249, and e-mail is tkotire@outlook. com.
OmniArts receives $25,000 donation OmniArts in Starved Rock Country, a trust dedicated to supporting local artists and art organizations, has received $25,000 from an unnamed donor to kick-off the 2014-15 annual fund campaign. This gift marks a successful beginning for OmniArts, formerly known as the Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust. “Anytime you rebrand a 20-year-old organization, you worry about reactions from the community,” said OmniArts Executive Director Bill Jankowski. “We gave the Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust a new name, new look and an expanded mission. The generosity of this donor is a great sign that we are heading in the right direction.” OmniArts unveiled its new name, look and mission at the Starved Rock Country Alliance’s Conference on Economic Development Oct. 29. Jankowski spoke at the conference on the importance of the arts in economic development. For 20 years the Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust has supported the arts in Starved Rock Country, by providing funding to artists, cultural groups, art organizations,
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community theatres, schools and libraries. OmniArts will continue to award special purpose grants to full-time, nonprofit music, art and theatre organizations, and program grants to schools, libraries and community groups. “OmniArts’ goal is to raise $70,000 during the upcoming annual fund campaign. This will provide artists and art organizations the support they need to be successful,” said Jankowski. The campaign began Nov. 12 and runs through Jan. 30, 2015. Interested donors can email OmniArts at billj@ omniarts.org for information. “We all benefit when we work together,” said Jankowski. “Our mission can only be fulfilled through community involvement. If you believe in the arts, if you believe in supporting a vibrant arts community, if you believe in what our community can become, then take a moment to give today.” OmniArts is a registered 501 (c) (3) organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.
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4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 5, 2014
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month SPRINGFIELD – The holidays are considered by many to be a magical time of year, full of times with family, food, and celebrations. However, for many families in Illinois, the 2014 holiday season will be the first without a loved one who lost their life on the roads of Illinois. December is designated “National Impaired Driving Prevention Month,” a time to raise awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In 2012, 335 people in Illinois were killed in alcohol-related crashes, which was 35 percent of the 956 total crash fatalities. In the same year, nearly 40,000 (37,126) DUI arrests were recorded by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, which is down just slightly from 2011 (38,704 DUI arrests). Another alarming fact is that the number high school-aged drivers who have at least once driven after drinking alcohol or used marijuana or other illegal drugs is on the rise. According to the Illinois Youth Survey, 16.2 percent of 12th-graders drove after drinking alcohol in 2010. In 2012, that number rose to 17.5 percent. The survey also indicates that in 2010, 20.3 percent of 12th-graders drove after using marijuana or other illegal drugs. That number rose to 21.2 percent in 2012. In addition, research has shown that use of a cell phone is just as dangerous as drinking under the influence of alcohol and drugs. According to the study, A Comparison of the Cell Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver, “ When driving conditions and time on task were controlled for, the impairments associated with using a cell phone while driving can be just as profound as those associated with driving while drunk.” Once again, young drivers are greatly impacted by distracted driving. Nationwide, 10 percent of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted. Families, and schools can become involved in spreading awareness and importance of the prevention of impaired driving in a number of ways.
Parents
Have the talk: Driving is a serious responsibility. Discuss what it means to be a safe
driver with your teen, and set ground rules for when they’re behind the wheel. If your teen is on the road, they should stay off the phone. Make a family pledge: Print out the pledge form and have every member of your family commit to distraction-free driving. Set a positive example for your kids by putting your cell phone in the glove compartment every time you drive. Celebrate the holidays with a substance-free party in December, or arrange for transportation for guests who can legally drink. Restrict night driving. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA), close to two-thirds of fatal crashes that occur at night with 16-year-old drivers behind the wheel are speed related. Limit teen passengers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says teens are 2.5 times more likely to exhibit risky behavior such as speeding when driving with peers. Share the car. The GHSA report shows that if teens have their own car, they’re more likely to speed. The report also suggests that you avoid letting teens drive cars that might encourage speeding, like high-performance sport cars. Discuss consequences. Talk to your child about how speeding could put his or her life and license on the line. Explain how it can also be expensive, with pricey tickets that might make insurance rates rise. Be involved. Frequently ride with your teens to be sure they’re being safe. And when you’re driving, be a good role model. Always travel at a speed appropriate for the road conditions.
Schools
Start a Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter. Participate in Celebrate My Drive, a program powered by State Farm that celebrates the good decisions of new drivers. According to the 2012 Illinois Youth Survey, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has funded the administration of the Illinois Youth Survey (IYS) biennially since 1990. The IYS is a self-report survey administered in school settings and is designed to gather information about a variety of health and social indicators including substance use patterns and attitudes of Illinois youth.
Police reports was transported to the LaSalMan arrested on Class X le Larabee County Jail and is being help on a $500,000 bond, needing to post $50,000 drug felony to be released. Joseph R. Larabee, 28, of Dos Rios Court San Ramon, Calif., was taken into custody Sandwich man dies in crash by Tri-County Drug Enforcement Narcotics Team (Tri-DENT) on Nov. 21 with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspectors. Larabee was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis, more than 5,000 grams, a Class X felony. The arrest was made after a lengthy narcotic investigation by TriDENT agents. On Nov. 21, Larabee received approximately 12 pounds of cannabis through the U.S. Mail and placed it in his vehicle. Larabee was arrested in the intersection of Ninth and Joliet streets in LaSalle. A traffic stop was conducted on his vehicle where the cannabis was located. The LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the felony charges on Larabee.
On Nov. 24 around 1:28 p.m., the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on Route 71 south of North 30th Road in LaSalle County. Marseilles Fire Department and Marseilles Ambulance also responded to the scene. According to a witness, for unknown reasons, a southbound car driven by Justin M. Nichols, 30, of Sandwich crossed the center line crashing head-on with a northbound panel truck. Nichols was pronounced dead at the scene. This crash is under investigation by the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, LaSalle County Coroner’s Office and a LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office accident reconstructionist.
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Photo contributed
Giving the gift of warmth For the past three years, Town & Country Services of Tonica has been giving back to the community by installing free furnaces to families in need. The first recipient of this year’s giveaway is Tina Allen of Princeton, who stands next to Town & Country Services technician Rick Spangler. Tina had been without a furnace for sometime, and so her friends and family wrote to Town & Country Services and entered her in this year’s contest.
Extension to offer pesticide training University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam unit is offering training and certification programs for private pesticide applicators. Pre-registration is required for both training and testing-only sessions. Certification is required to apply restricted use pesticides. The sessions are in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. A testing only session will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 21 at the University of Illinois Extension – LaSalle County Office, 1689 N. 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa. To register call the University of Illinois Extension-LaSalle County Office at 815-433-0707. There is no charge for this session. A testing only session will run from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 30 at the University of Illinois Extension – Marshall/ Putnam Office, 509 Front St., Henry. To register call the University of Illinois Extension-Marshall/Putnam County Office at 309-364-2356. There is no charge for this session. A testing only session will run from 10
a.m. to noon on Feb 10 at the University of Illinois Extension – Bureau County Office, 850 Thompson St., Princeton. To register call the University of Illinois Extension-Bureau County Office at 815-875-2878. There is no charge for this session. A testing only session will run from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb 18 at the University of Illinois Extension – LaSalle County Office, 1689 N. 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa. To register call the University of Illinois Extension-LaSalle County Office at 815-433-0707. There is no charge for this session. A testing only session will run from 10 a.m. to noon on March 5 at the University of Illinois Extension – Bureau County Office, 850 Thompson St., Princeton. To register call the University of Illinois Extension-Bureau County Office at 815-875-2878. There is no charge for this session. Self-Study Training via the Internet training is another option. The online training program for private pesticide applicators includes eight mod-
ules to be completed at your convenience. It is a replacement for the selfstudy CD and provides a training alternative for those unable to attend a training and testing clinic. The online Private Applicator Training costs $15. You will be asked to provide a credit card for payment to complete the registration process. Your payment will grant you access to these course modules for one year. The license examination is not offered via the Internet and must be taken at a testing session or by appointment with the IDOA. The online training link is www.pesticidesafety.illinois.edu. New Private Applicator Manuals were printed in 2011/2012. The manual and workbook can be purchased online or at local Extension offices. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please indicate when registering. If you have questions or need more information, call University of Illinois Extension, Bureau-LaSalle-Marshall-Putnam Unit at 815-224-0889.
Meeting calendar Dec. 8 Lostant Village Board, 7:30 p.m., Lostant Village Hall.
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5 Life Friday, December 5, 2014 • The Tonica News • 5
LaSalle County Deputy Felicia Rasmussen fields questions from the students.
K-9s visit Lostant students By Leslie Smith
Special to The Tonica News
LOSTANT — On Oct. 27, Lostant School held an assembly for Red Ribbon anti-bullying and anti-drug week. Deputy Felicia Rasmussen from the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office led the assembly and spoke with the children about the work K-9 units do. Two K-9 officers were brought to show how they search for drugs, and one showed the students how he has been trained to be backup and protection for his partner. Rasmussen went over the types of dogs that are used, and the different things they are trained to do like smelling drugs, bombs, cadavers and protecting their human partners. Bailey is the first dog that was introduced to the students. She is a Cocker Spaniel and is trained to look for drugs or missing articles like keys, guns, etc. that have been thrown or lost. The second dog introduced was Gunnar who is a Belgian Malinois, which is related and similar to a German Shepherd. Gunnar is trained to smell for drugs and for the protection of Officer Jason Spradling, who is his partner. Both dogs were trained to sit when they smell drugs and do not move until their officer tells them to move. They are rewarded with time with their favorite toy if they are correct. For Gunnar it is a tug toy, and Bailey prefers a squeaky tennis ball. After the dogs showed the children
Officer Jason Spradling with his partner Gunnar. a display of how they smell for drugs, Spradling showed how Gunnar is used for protection. A display was put on where Gunnar watched Spradling while he encountered a criminal, and Gunnar protected him when the criminal tried to grab at Spradling. Gunnar is trained to always be watching Spradling and to jump in whenever he is in danger. He will not release his hold on the criminal until Spradling issues a command to let go. All the children seemed to really enjoy the presentation and learned a lot about the uses of K-9s in the police force. Visit www.lostantcomets.org for more photos of the assembly.
Lostant students learn about Egypt By Leslie Smith
Special to The Tonica News
LOSTANT — Lostant School had a visitor Nov. 13. Debbie Breckenridge visited the school and did presentations for all the grades which included interactive storytelling and informational presentations about Egypt. Breckenridge is a retired elementary librarian from Lewistown, which is southwest of Peoria. She was a librarian for preschool through thirdgrade until she retired. During the storytelling presentations, Brecken-
ridge read three books to the classes: “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything,” “The Mitten” and “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Each story required participation from the students, including motions like stomping and putting together a scarecrow. The children then got to enjoy a cookie at the end of the stories. The Egypt presentations included Breckenridge telling the students about a friend of hers who moved to the United States from Egypt. She spoke of things he learned when coming to the country
and also about how things are different in Egypt. She brought many items given to her by her friend and his family, including stamps, money, flags, jewelry, pictures, clothes, books and newspapers. Breckenridge gave each of the students a bookmark about Egypt at the end of the presentation. The students from all the grades seemed to enjoy the stories and learning about Egypt. Breckenridge did a wonderful job, and her presentations were greatly appreciated by everyone. To see more photos of the presentations go to www. lostantcomets.org.
Free concert at LaSalle Public Library LASALLE – Everyone is invited to attend a special concert during the city of LaSalle’s “Miracle on First Street.” Singer/ songwriter/historian Barry Cloyd returns to LaSalle’s Public Library at 11 a.m. Dec. 6 with his musical/ story performance “A Celt-
ic Christmas: A Holiday Celebration in Story and Song.” Along with some of the most beloved and wellknown Christmas songs, Barry will give the audience the “rest of the story” with the tales behind the songs. So come on out and join the library ... and make
sure to warm up your singing voice. This program is made possible by the Alwin C. Carus Charitable Trust. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call the library at 815-223-2341 or visit the library located at 305 Marquette St.
6 Life/Classifieds 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 5, 2014
Menus Lostant Grade School
Thanks Neighbor Thanks for your support
Breakfast Dec. 8 – Breakfast pizza, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Dec. 9 – Mini pancakes, sausage patty, syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Dec. 10 – Cinnamon bun, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Dec. 11 – Pop-Tart, string cheese, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Dec. 12 – Sausage, egg, cheese muffin, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Lunch Dec. 8 – Pretzel with cheese, peas, Mandarin oranges, milk. Dec. 9 – Macaroni and cheese, broccoli, peaches, milk. Dec. 10 – Mini corn dogs, carrots, fruit cocktail, milk. Dec. 11 – Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, gravy, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, milk. Dec. 12 – Nachos and cheese, cauliflower, applesauce, milk.
To the Editor, The Tonica Grade School PTC wants to thank the following people and businesses for their donation to our first annual PTC Trivia Night on Oct. 18 at the Tonica Fire Station: Tonica Fire Station, Tonica Grade School Teacher’s Union, Town & Country Services, Dauber Company, Tonica Lumber, PDQ, S & J Electric, Michelle Johnson-New 2 You, Scentsy-Carolyn Herreweyers, No Problem Pub, Corner Garden, Tonica Telephone, Vic’s Clip & Buzz, Michael Folynewicz, Jam Graphix, Rt. 251 Gun Shop, C & H Electric, Grace Adele-Tina Schiffbauer, Gold Canyon Candle-Angie Rundle, Mareta Ravs, Delaney’s, Mark Coons-Savvy Tees & Apparel, Exelon Generation,
Putnam County Community Center Dec. 8 – Chicken tenders, wedge potatoes, green beans. Dec. 9 – Baked spaghetti, salad, bread and butter, dessert. Dec. 10 – Baked spaghetti, salad, bread and butter, dessert. Dec. 11 – Barbecue on bun, coleslaw, chips, dessert. Dec. 12 – Barbecue on bun, coleslaw, chips, dessert. Suggested donation per meal is $5. Call 815339-2711 to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance.
LaSalle Library The LaSalle Public Library is inviting families to join in stories with the library’s “Reading Loving Therapy Dogs!” This year, the LaSalle Public Library is very fortunate. Nancy Fryxell will be back with her dog, Elli, at 4 p.m. Dec. 16. Kids choose a favorite short book or story and read aloud to a reading dog for about five minutes. 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. At 11 a.m. Dec. 6, singer/songwriter/historian Barry Cloyd returns to LaSalle’s Public Library with his musical/story performance, “A Celtic Christmas, A Holiday Celebration in Story and Song.” Along with some of the most beloved and well-known Christmas songs, Barry will give the audience the “rest of the story” with the tales behind the songs. So come on out and join the library ... and make sure to warm up your singing voice. This program is part of the city of LaSalle’s “Miracle on First Street” celebration. Funding for this program is made possible through the Alwin C. Carus Trust. Learn about eligibility, enrollment and benefits of original Medicare (Part A & B) and the standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (also known as Medigap policies) available in Illinois at 10 a.m. Dec. 17. Attendees will benefit from this educational program
The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion. CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com
-100Announcements 108 • Lost & Found FOUND young adult male, red colored Chihuahua. Owner please call 815882-2000
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.
LASALLE — Stage 212 kicks off the holiday season on a humorous note with their special production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” the story of a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant and being faced with the prospect of casting the Herdman kids — probably the most inventively awful kids in history. Performances will be Dec. 11-14 at Stage 212, 700 First St., LaSalle. Tickets are $8 each. Visit www.stage212.org for show times and ticket information.
- 200 Employment
- 400 Merchandise
- 700 Real Estate For Sale
232 • Business Opportunities
450 • Under $1000
767 • Mobile Home Sales
********** 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
if they will soon be eligible for Medicare, already on Medicare but losing their group retiree benefits, a caregiver of a Medicare beneficiary, and anyone who would like to learn more about the hospital and medical insurance benefits of Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans. Learn how to pay for your prescription (Part D) drug plan at 1 p.m. Dec 17. Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage. If you want to learn how to pay for prescription drugs, you may want to attend this educational seminar. Learn how Part D works and what to look for when choosing a plan. R.S.V.P. to 877-592-3874 to attend either of the above seminars. The LaSalle Public Library is located at 305 Marquette St.
Stage 212 will present ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
–––––––– Classifieds ––––––– General Terms and Policies
Service, Exposure Salon, Wal-Mart, Peoria Chiefs, Peoria Riverman, Chicago Cubs, Turk Furniture, Peaces of Fashion, Alliance Dental, Canal Port, Pavy Painting, Scentsy-Doneida Larsen, Grimm Trucking, Rootbeer Stand, Grosenbach’s Auto, Nonie’s Bakery, St. Margaret’s Hospital, Jenny’s Puppy Cuts, Thirty One-Kate Holcman, American Nickeloid, Employees Credit Union, Hometown Bank, Pampered Chef-Joanne Bejster, Pizza House, Days Inn-Oglesby, Grooming Tails Pet Salon, The Waldorf Hair Company, Cetwinski Construction Company, Julie Beenenga-hairbows, Uppercase Living-Erin Templeton, Midland State Bank, and Spring Valley City Bank. Thank you again for your support! Kari Leffelman Tonica
Library corner
Tonica Grade School Breakfast Dec. 8 — Breakfast pizza, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 9 — Mini pancakes, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 10 — Scrambled eggs, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 11 — French toast sticks, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, ilk. Dec. 12 — Bagel, cereal, yogurt, granola, English muffin or toast, cream cheese, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch Dec. 8 — Chicken fajita, tortilla or PBJ, rice, orange slices, cheese cup, milk. Dec. 9 —Hamburger, cheese slice, corn, fruit sidekick, milk. Dec. 10 — Hot ham and cheese on bun or PBJ, carrots, baked beans, fruit, milk. Dec. 11 — Popcorn chicken, fruit/veggie bar, pudding, milk. Dec. 12 — Pizza, romaine lettuce, carrots, apple slices, milk.
Illinois Elite Gymnastics, John’s Service & Sales, CNJ Style, Blanco Kays Eye care, Angela’s Memorable Photography, Spring Valley City Bank, Matt Hancock-DDP Yoga, Buffalo Wild Wings, Culver’s, Peru Mall Cinema, Hair Cuttery, MJ’s, Illinois Valley YMCA, LaSalle Peru High School, IVCC, Clegg’s Perkins, Downstairs on 1st, Skoog’s, Lukach Seed, Frank’s Lock & Safe, IVCH, Joy & Ed’s, Rudy’s, Target, MC Sports, McDonald’s, Flutterby, Herman’s, LaSalle State Bank, Laura Lenhausen-All Diaper Cakes, Shannon Lynn Photography, IHop, Army, Mr. J’s, Tri City Frock Shop, Lock 16, Danni Mccauley-Tupperware, Studio 718, August Hill Winery, Menard’s, Hair’s What Happening, Precision Car Wash, IV Food Center, Grand Bear, Fairmount Minerals, Big Boys Tire &
************ 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!
**************** 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
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN RE THE ESTATE ) OF: ) DANIEL P. SINETOS, ) Deceased. ) Case No. 14 P 74 Notice is given to creditors of the death of the above named decedent. Letters of Office were issued to ANDREW SINETOS, 710 Augusta Drive, North Aurora, IL as Independent Executor whose attorney of record is Angel Traub of A. Traub & Associates, 100 West 22nd St., Ste. 150, Lombard, IL 60148. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the LaSalle County Clerk, Probate Division, 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350 or with the Independent Executor or both, within six months of the first date of publication of this Notice. Any claim not filed within that
period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Independent Executor and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. Published in the Tonica News Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and 12, 2014.
Take notice that a Petition was filed in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Illinois, for the adoption of a child named KILLIAN ISSAC OPHIR GARRETT. Now, therefore, unless all whom it may concern file your answer to the Petition in the action or otherwise file your appearance therein, in the said Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Room 204, in the City of Ottawa, Illinois, on or before the 16th day of January, 2015 a default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said petition. Dated November 21, 2014, Ottawa, Illinois, Andrew Skoog, Clerk. Bernabei, Balestri &
Fiocchi John Balestri 149 Gooding Street LaSalle, IL 61301 Published in the Tonica News Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 2014.
ADOPTION NOTICE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY STATE OF ) ILLINOIS ) )SS COUNTY OF ) LASALLE ) ADOPTION NO. 14-AD-32 In the matter of the Petition for the Adoption of KILLIAN ISSAC OPHIR GARRETT, a male child. TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
PROMOTE YOUR JOB OPENINGS Call 815-875-4461
Immediate Position Opening:
HVAC INSTALLER
with duct fab experience, residential & light commercial installation. • Minimum 2 yrs. experience • Universal refrigeration license • Proficient in installing round & rectangular duct • Able to measure ductwork & install all equipment accessories • Can complete simple low voltage connections on furnaces, air handlers & air conditioners. • Able to supervise others. Send resume to: Kettman Heating & Plumbing, PO Box 223, Granville IL 61326
Friday, December 5, 2014 • The Tonica News • 7
FREE
Classified Advertising
for all items valued under $1,000! E-mail items for sale to: classified@bcrnews.com
Business Directory Marketplace
Shop these area businesses and PASSINI PLUMBING & HEATING see how they can David Passini Licensed-Bonded-Insured help you with your 815-339-4108 116 South 2nd St. Standard, IL 61363 815-481-2639 various needs!
Sieg Tire & u e R
air Shop
Selling & Repairing all makes of tires
Open 7 days/week 8-5pm
112 S. St. Paul St. Mark, IL 61340
Interstate Battery Sales
Johnny Sieg
Cars, Trucks, Trailer, Motorcycles, ATVs, & Lawn Mowers also Bicycles
Owner/Operator
815-878-7367 e e l
Mounting, Balancing, Rotating, Patches, Plugs and all tire repairs plus Small Implement Farm Tires
pY u
Auto Body Specialists Truck Toppers & Accessories 230 S. LaSalle St., Tonica (815) 442-8211
McCONVILLE INSURANCE
206 S. Main St., Lostant (815) 368-3333 301 S. Columbia Ave., Oglesby (815) 883-8400 www.illinistatebank.com
Frank McConville - Agent 200 South Peru Street • Tonica, IL 61342 (815) 442-3116
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
“You bend ‘em, we mend ‘em” Mike Supan Jr. ∙ Linda Supan ∙ Michele Straughn
325 North 25th Rd, Route 251 South of Peru
815-224-1506
EMERGENCY: 815-252-0032
red CArpet ServiCe For the World’s Best People
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Al Cioni Ford inC.
202 W Harper Ave
PH:
815-339-9181 FAX: 815-399-9182
ROUTE
71
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route71autobody@frontier.com
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Since 1919
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TONICA HARDWARE 24 Hrs. Service • 815-442-3415
GRANVILLE Floor & Wall PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. 815-882-2111 • 815-875-2540 www.grassersplumbingheating.com 404 W. Main, FREE McNabb,IL (State ID No. 58-100249)
Estimates
Tire Brands Toyo General Continental GT BKT Carlisle Kumho
TKO Tire and Service Auto Repair and Tire Service
Auto, LT, Implement and Specialty Tires
14049 IL HWY 18, Magnolia, IL
815-869-4249
Tonica Telephone Co. Toncom Long Distance
PRE-HOLIDAY Y ITCHENS
Everyday shockingly low value prices!
815-830-3100
Owner
Granville, IL 61326
882-2191 Monday-Saturday 882-2250 Evenings & Sundayss
Repair and Fabrication Steel, Stainless, Cast, Iron, Aluminum, etc. Mig, tig, Stick welding Complete Fab shop and Mobile Repair Small Jobs – Heavy Equipment Fast and Affordable
JODY TALIANI Mon-Fri 8AM - 5PM PO Box 326
JACK’S GAS & SERVICE
815-339-2511
No baloney with Al Cioni!
Carpet • Furniture • Hardwoods • Mattresses COMPLETE CAR AND TRUCK CARE 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE Rt. 89, McNabb, IL • Jack Bima, Owner
504 S. McCoy Granville, IL
124 S. Peru St. • Downtown Tonica
We Have A Great Selection Of Floor Coverings To Meet Your Every Need
Granville, IL 339-2345
Mon-Wed 9-5 • Thurs 9-2 • Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-12
Now offering new Higher Speeds up to 9 Megabytes 815-442-9901 • www.tonicacom.net “I crave Jazzercise because it makes me feel rejuvenated and stress free. –
Piper, 35 CLASS SCHEDULE Class times range from 30 to 60 minutes M 9:20am, 4:20pm, 5:30pm | T 5:30am, 4:20pm, 5:30pm W 9:20am, 4:20pm, 5:30pm | TH 5:30am, 4:20pm, 5:30pm F 9:20am | SA 8:45am
815.878.5965 | jazzercise.com 2901 N. Peoria St. | Peru
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8 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 5, 2014