Volume 141 No. 41
Friday, December 12, 2014
Single Copy Cost 50¢
TGS receives state report card Tonica Grade School outperforms state averages By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — The Illinois State School Report Cards are out, and Tonica Grade School Superintendent John Suarez can only be pleased with the latest results. While school averages
have slipped slightly on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test, TGS students still outperform the state average. Statewide, 59 percent of students meet or exceed education standards. For Tonica, the number is 72 percent. “These are great numbers. I think the fact we’ve
got great teachers and committed parents contributes a lot to our scores,” Suarez said. “It’s very heartwarming to know we’re preparing these kids for the future in this way.” The Tonica school administration achieves those scores on a shoestring budget compared to the state average. Instructional spending per students
averages $7,094 statewide, while only $6,115 is spent on Tonica students. Operating cost per student at TGS is $9,239 compared to a state average of $12,045. Tonica teachers earn less on the average, with a typical teacher earning $41,022. The state average is $62,435. However, most of Tonica’s teachers (62.5 percent) have only a bach-
elor’s degree compared to a 41.2 percent state average. Statewide, teachers are more likely to have a master’s degree (58.2 percent) than Tonica (37.5 percent). Tonica teachers have more years in service than the state average, however. The numbers for 2012 (the most recent numbers) show Illinois teachers average 12.9 years experience. Tonica teachers average 16.3 years. Administrators also get a smaller paycheck at Toni-
ca, with a $92,000 average salary. The average statewide is 10 percent higher at $101,096. Tonica students themselves are a factor, as Tonica has a very low truancy rate. One percent of students at Tonica Grade School have a history of chronic truancy, compared to a 10 percent rate statewide. Daily attendance has been two to three percentage points higher than the state average for more than five years.
Water woes worry Lostant By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — Lostant residents will most likely be paying more for their water soon. The village board discussed the issue at length at its Dec. 8 board meeting, and members concur there may be no way around it. Water and sewer supervisor Dave Mertes first brought up the probable need for an increase earlier this year, citing the fact the village was not able to prepare for problems under the village’s fiscal condition, just fix problems when they come up. That shortfall was proven in August when the village water system completely shut down. According to Mertes, clean-up and repairs of the pump failure cost $30,000 in reserve funds. During the crisis, the village had to borrow water from Tonica until repairs were completed. Currently, residents are charged a base fee of $10
with a limit of 2,000 gallons. A rate of $7.50 per 1,000 gallons takes effect after that amount, something Mertes said usually doesn’t happen. Lostant is currently running on one well. The board is in the process of completing a new well, but even with grant money, the cashstrapped village will still need to foot 25 percent of the bill. Village President Fred Hartenbower also noted the water tower is in dire need of painting both inside and out, a task Mertes said would cost in excess of $50,000. He added a new water tower would cost the village half a million dollars. The board is considering three separate options, and will likely implement at least one of them soon. The base rate may increase, the initial “free” water may be eliminated or the rate per $1,000 gallons may be increased. The matter will likely be added to the agenda of a board meeting in early 2015.
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
iPads in the classroom Trinity Wade takes an Accelerated Reader test on an iPad she is using in her second-grade classroom t Tonica Grade School. Wade is a student of Amy Mareta and said she enjoys using the iPad in her class.
Tonica village president concerned about dangerous intersection By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — For years, it’s been an intersection where most local residents exercise extreme care as they drive through, and with good reason. While no deaths have been reported there, it’s a rare year where there is no accident at the intersection of Route 251 and LaSalle County 54, Vol. 141 No. 41 One Section - 8 Pages
© The Tonica News
also known as North 20th Road. During the last five years the Illinois Department of Transportation has traffic data available — 20082012 — there were a total of 19 accidents at the intersection. From those accidents, six people received non-incapacitating injuries and one person was incapacitated. All 19 accidents have one thing in common: They all hap-
pened during the daytime. Most of them occurred in dry conditions. “It’s a dangerous intersection,” Tonica Village President Kevin Sluder said. “People coming from the east or west sometimes just don’t stop. They ignore the speed limits and just breeze on through.” Sluder has been trying to get IDOT to do more to lower the possibility of accidents at the corner,
but so far hasn’t had much luck. “I’ve asked for flashing lights, or signage to indicate there’s a problem there. Ideally, a four-way stop would be great, but they don’t think the corner warrants it. They don’t want to cause an impediment to drivers on Route 251. ‘There’s not enough accidents there.’ Apparently, there has to be a fatality there before some-
thing gets done,” Sluder said. “So far this year, there’s been six or seven accidents there, with a few people sent to the hospital. I just have to wonder what it’s going to take.” One of the accidents was a rear-end collision, with another being a single-vehicle accident. A few have been vehicles striking another as one tries to make a turn. The majority of the accidents — 13 —
have been angle collisions where vehicles traveling on both roads enter the intersection at the same time. The Springfield office of IDOT did not respond to queries regarding the standards for placing traffic control devices, which leaves Sluder asking an important question. “How dangerous does it have to be before something gets done?”
2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 12, 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.
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Reading dogs make impact at LaSalle Public Library
Filing period announced for IVCC petitions
By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
LASALLE – Since 2004, a unique program combining two-legged and four-legged friends has been held every month at the LaSalle Public Library. “Tail-Waggers” is a combination of trained therapy dogs, children and the joys of reading. Youth Librarian Director Donna Bloomquist of McNabb was the originator of the program at the library. “What makes Tail-Waggers so popular? Dogs. Lots of Americans are attracted to pets and to dogs ... They are the perennial icebreakers — complete strangers smile at each other when one or both have dogs. Kids pick up on this attraction,” Bloomquist said. The program is simple. Trained, certified therapy dogs attend a reading session with their trainer. A child picks out a book and then reads to the dog. Dogs are not judgmental. They don’t make fun if a child mispronounces a word. Children who are too young to read can have the dog trainer or a parent read with them as they look at the pictures and share time with the therapy dog. “A lifelong love of reading goes hand in hand with a life of learning. Kids who are confident readers not only excel in their school work, but are more willing to investigate new topics and explore the world through reading,” Bloomquist said. Over the years the library has worked with nine trainer/dog teams. Currently three teams come to the library. Nancy Fryxell brings Ellianna or “Elli,” a Tibetan Terrier, and Vasha, a Skye terrier who recently retired. Pam Booras brings Tillie and Gus, who are both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The third pair includes Theresa Jones and her dog Charlie, a flat coated
OGLESBY — The period for filing nomination petitions for the April 2015 Illinois Valley Community College trustee election is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 15-19 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 22 in the president’s office, Room C-301. The last day to file an objection to any nominating petition for the April 7, 2015, election is
Dec. 30. Anyone wishing to file an objection while the college is closed Dec. 23-30 can set up a time by emailing board secretary Jeanne Hayden at jeanne_hayden@ivcc. edu. District 513 covers all or part of LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Grundy, Livingston, Lee and DeKalb counties.
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
Thomas Jerrell of LaSalle (right) reads to Charlie, the dog who is part of the Reading Loving Therapy Dogs program. Thomas said his family has been coming to the program for a year. retriever. Each dog goes through training, according to Booras. “In order for a dog to be registered as a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Inc. ... they have to have basic obedience, be friendly with all ages of humans, be comfortable working in different places and different situations,” Booras said. “Therapy Dogs Inc. tests a dog in basic obedience and then has three separate testings in a place therapy dogs are likely to be used in order to assess the dog’s and handler’s abilities.” “Handler and dog communication is very important,” Jones said. “How a dog is with you and others is key. Charlie is the mellowest dog I’ve ever had.” It is a rewarding experience for both dogs and handlers, according to Jones. “They (the children) are all so happy to see the dog. They are so non judging,” Jones said. Sometimes the dog can help a child connect with the love of reading. Fryxell has one experience which has really stayed with her. “We started going to a preschool ... We visited a classroom with children with learning disabilities. I didn’t know anything about learning difficulties,” Fryxell said.
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The teacher told her to take the dog around and let the students pet it. She warned her some kids might not interact with the dog. There was a little boy who was unresponsive to them. “I got to him and picked Elli up as he was in a wheelchair and asked him if he could say dog. Then he said the word dog,” Fryxell said. “I looked up and the teacher had tears rolling down her face. She said to me, ‘He hasn’t ever spoken.’ I said to her, ‘You mean he hasn’t spoken in school?’ ‘No, he doesn’t talk even at home,’ the teacher said.” Bloomquist summed up the decade-long program. “The reading dog teams have touched the lives of many children and adults too. I am confident that Tail-Waggers has positively impacted youth literacy ... at the LaSalle Public Library,” she said.
IVFL elects officers, trustees Illinois Valley Federation of Labor recently held elections for officers and trustees at its monthly meeting. Re-elected officers were Dan Mercer, president; Tom Ganiere, vice president; Steve Conrad, treasurer, and Jim Lockhart, recording secretary. Steve Turri and Mike Phillips will serve their first term as trustees along with re-elected trustee Terry
Bell. All officers and trustees will serve a two-year term. IVFL represents 88 AFL-CIO affiliated local unions and their 12,500 union members in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties. The IVFL Council meets every month, and all union members are invited to participate. Call Dan Mercer for more information at 815-725-0402.
Tonica Grade School to hold tax levy hearing TONICA — The Tonica Grade School Board of Education will hold a tax levy hearing at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 16 in the media center at Tonica Grade
School. The board will host the hearing even though the 2014 tax levy is under the 5 percent level in which a hearing is required.
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3 Obit REcords Friday, December 12, 2014 • The Tonica News • 3
Obituary Dr. Warrner served his community on Dr. Richard Warrner many boards and committees, including
ROCKFORD — Dr. Richard A. Warrner, 78, of Rockford died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 15, 1936, in LaSalle, the son of the late Wendell and Mary Warrner. He married Miriam Meek on April 4, 1964, in Evanston, Ill. He graduated from Tonica Community High School and went to Illinois Wesleyan University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology and was elected into Phi Kappa Phi for academic excellence. He went to Northwestern Medical School, graduating in 1962 with a Doctor of Medicine, and remained a loyal Wildcats fan for the rest of his life. He served his internship at Cook County Hospital and was chief resident in pediatrics in 1965. In 1965 and 1966, Dr. Warrner was stationed in Fort Ord, Calif., serving as a captain in the Army Medical Corps. He and Miriam moved to Rockford in 1969. He started his pediatric practice at the Children’s Medical Building on Myott Avenue and remained there until 1985, when he transferred his practice to the Rockford Clinic, where he stayed until his retirement in 2001. During his long career, he also served as the chair of the pediatrics department at Rockford Memorial Hospital, and as a teacher of pediatrics at the University of Illinois College Of Medicine. From 2001 to 2009, he served as the dismissing physician in the nursery at Rockford Memorial Hospital and was honored by the staff for his commitment to mothers and babies.
Wesley Willows, the Children’s Development Center and the Winnebago County Health Department. He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed both teaching and taking classes at the Center for Learning in Retirement. He loved to read, travel and support the arts. Most of all, he loved his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Miriam; his children, Ruth (Calvin) DeWitt of Lawrence, Kan., and Tim (Theresa) Warrner of Lakewood, Wis.; and his grandchildren, Lindsey, Margaret, Grace, Calvin and Henry. A service to celebrate his life was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Court Street United Methodist Church and was followed by a memorial reception at the Rockford Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his name to the Artists Ensemble or to the Rockford Memorial Development Foundation to benefit pediatric services. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Hospice Care of America, and the deepest gratitude to Maggie and Mary from Wesley Willows Health Center. Arrangements were completed by the Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. Checks can be made payable to Rockford Memorial Development Foundation and mailed to 2400 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Online gifts are being accepted at www. rockfordhealthsystem.org/make-a-gift.
Meetings Dec.15 – Tonica Village Board, 7 p.m., Tonica Village Hall. Dec. 19 – Tonica Grade School Board, 6:45 p.m., Tonica Grade School.
Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder
TVFD responds to late night call The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department and the Oglesby Fire Department were called out at 11:38 p.m. Dec. 7 to a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 39 at Mile Marker 51 northbound. Upon arrival, the fire departments found a pickup truck on its top in the middle of the I-39 and a cargo trailer in the center median. TFVD responded with a pumper, rescue truck and ambulance. Oglesby responded with a pumper, rescue truck and ambulance. Two patients were transported to Illinois Valley Community Hospital. One of the two had to be extricated from the pickup truck. Some traffic lanes were closed due to the accident, and traffic control diverted vehicles to the shoulder of the interstate until after the extrication was completed. The state police, along with the Oglesby police, investigated the accident. All fire and rescue units were cleared at the scene by 2 a.m.
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4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 12, 2014
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
The 12 days of bankruptcy I was determined. This was the year I’d do it. You’ve heard the song “Twelve Days of Christmas” before, of course. If not, go to the Peru Mall for half an hour. You’ll probably hear the “Twelve Days of Christmas” 12 times. My wife is a Christmas fan to the Nth degree, while I’m a bit of a humbug (OK, a lot of a humbug.). I took her to the East Peoria Festival of Lights and thought she would explode in holiday rapture. COMMENTARY So I started doing some research to see if I could even begin to match the generosity of the “Twelve Days.” You gotta be kidding. The first call was to a pet store in Chicago that specializes in birds. Base price for a partridge: $20. We’re off to a decent start. Unfortunately, in order to get a pear tree big enough the partridge doesn’t kill it outright from its weight, I’d need to drop $188. This is getting a bit rich already. Calling the pet store back, it was time to start getting into the outrageous. Turtle doves were on sale; two for $125. Three French hens, a mere $181. Not really knowing what a calling bird was, I settled for canaries, which are $125 each. Four ring up to $600. Saving myself a third call, I skipped ahead to check on prices for geese and swans. Geese are fairly cheap at $60 apiece, or six for $360. Rather than sound like a total pervert, I didn’t ask what they would cost if they were pregnant. Swans were only … waitaminnit … typo? Nope — swans are $1,000 each. At this point, a car would likely be cheaper. Calling my buddy who owns a jewelry store, it seems I’m not as much of a buddy as I believed. Five gold rings: $750. Crossing another item off the song and a name off my Christmas card list, I soldiered on. This is where it gets a bit twitchy, since out-and-out buying people is a bit expensive and more than a bit illegal. I’m hoping the song meant hiring people or this list gets expensive in more ways than one. I settle for hiring people, since it’s hopefully a lot cheaper. Farm help is cheap. Hiring eight farm girls to milk cows long enough to harvest a gallon each came to about $58. Leaping and dancing people sounds like ballet to me, so I called the Peoria Metropolitan for some quotations. Dancers are egotistical and charge heavily to let you watch them prance. Nine ladies performing just once runs $7,553. At least guys aren’t as pricey, dipping into the wallet only $5,348. What a bargain! Musicians by contrast are cheap. Hiring 11 flautists cost only $2,635. Getting 12 drummers to accompany them is $2,855. If I only get the base package, my Christmas present comes to $27,673. Ouch. Then I remembered my wife is a bit of a completist. So I add it up as if I’m buying every item as many times as it’s mentioned in the song. The total: $116,273. I called my bank to talk about a loan for that much money. The tellers are probably still laughing. Sorry, love. Looks like you’ll get that deluxe Kitchen-aid you wanted after all. Tonica News Staff Reporter Ken Schroeder can be reached at kschroeder@putnamcountyrecord.com.
Ken Schroeder
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.
Shirley Gingerich Town: Peru. Family: Three sons and four grandchildren, three boys and one girl. Pets: No. What is the last song you listened to: I had the Supremes on, “We’ll be Together Again.” What is the last book you read: I’m reading one right now, “Family Affair.” What is the last TV show you saw: “Scandal.”
If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could take only one thing with you, what would it be: My cell phone.
First Person
If someone handed you a million dollars, what would you do with it: Invest it so I can live off the interest.
Would do you like best about your hometown: People. There is also a lot of business there so you can go shopping.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what would be the meal you would eat forever: Olive Garden chicken alfredo.
What is your favorite area restaurant(s): Olive Garden, Applebee’s and the Village Cafe.
Would you change anything about your hometown: I would be glad if they fixed all the streets. They have bad streets in Peru.
A blast from the past It never fails to amaze me how we can go years without talking to an old friend, and then just randomly out of the blue, one contacts the other, and we jump back into conversation as if time hardly flew by. Just recently, I got reacquainted with an old friend from high school. It’s been four years since we’ve chatted with one another, but it only took 10 minutes to dive into the old memories we shared way back when. Looking back eight years ago, we were seniors in high school (I know the older generation readers are snickering at my youth right now, but eight years is a big deal to me). My old friend is in about 80 percent of the memories I made that year. We had classes together, sat with one another at lunch, one time skipped class together to watch a movie we wanted to see and spent several hours in my parent’s basement just hanging out, playing Mario Cart and laughing at life in general. Listing those memories today makes we wish I could just jump back to those days as a carefree 18 year old. Little did we know, those definitely were the days. A couple weeks back, when a message from my old friend popped up on my Facebook account, all those memorable times we spent together came rushing to the forefront. I mes-
Goldie Currie COMMENTARY
saged back immediately, and in the next 10 minutes it was as if we were 18 years old again and in my parent’s basement laughing at the good times. We joked about our current life situations, gossiped about our fellow classmates we had in biology class and laughed at our favorite stories and inside jokes. I reminded him about the time he purchased about 20 McDonald’s Happy Meals and how we devoured them back at my parents’ home as we cracked jokes about the woman’s expression she made when he ordered at the counter; he laughed at how I used to call him by his first and last name no matter what (inside joke) and we were wiping tears from our eyes when I brought up the time he called our fellow friend and pretended to be the guy she was crushing on at the time. She found out the truth, of course, and we still don’t think she’s over that one even today. It really felt great to sit back, laugh and reminisce on all those times. I truly believe the laughing we did that night was the kind
people talk about being medicine for pure happiness. Amazing how an old friend can do that for you. As I grow older, I’m beginning to realize old friends, whom we might not talk to on a daily basis, are just as important as the current friends, who we might see or talk with daily or weekly. Sometimes it’s just good to have those people in life where you don’t have to retell your history over and over ... They know where you come from, where you used to live, know who your parents are, know which classes you took in high school, who you used to hang out with, where you went to college, what you talked about being when you grew up and so on and so on. I’m beginning to cherish my old friendships, as I’m realizing they are few and far between. Especially since I moved away from the Michigan town I grew up in. In fact, without Facebook, I most likely would be completely out of touch with those old high school friends. Reconnecting with my friend the other week reminded me that I need to take time to stay in touch and hang onto those old friendships. Life tends to get busy and time seems to slip away, but real friends will always be able to pickup wherever they left off. Shaw Media Service staff writer Goldie Currie can be reached at gcurrie@bcrnews.com.
5 Life Friday, December 12, 2014 • The Tonica News • 5
Community
Basketball program at halfway mark By Leslie Smith
Special to The Tonica News
LOSTANT — Lostant Grade School’s boys’ basketball team is approximately halfway through their season for the year. Mark Nowakowski is the coach again this year. This year the team has 17 players from fourth through
eighth grade. Team members include: Fourth-graders Lucas Wiesbrock and Mason Krieser; fifth-graders Chase Krieser, Will Daugherty and Corbin Shaver; sixth-graders Devin Forrest, Bailey Rockey, Parker Witzman, Grant Harper, Nicholas Cabal and Hunter Strack; seventh-graders Jacob Wiesbrock and Ethan Phil-
lips; and eighth-graders Alan Bruner, Hunter Witzman, Dallas Powell and Ethan Shaver. The boys are having a great time again this year. If you would like to attend a game, you can check the schedule on the Lostant school events calendar or under the activities section at www.lostantcomets.org.
Lostant Library adds young reader books LOSTANT — Lostant Community Library has announced the addition of six new books to the shelves for the young and young adult reader. One of the Top 10 books on the 2005 American Library Association Young Adult list, “Looking For Alaska,” the first book written by John Green, has been purchased. His 2008 novel “Paper Towns,” which debuted at No. 5 on the New York Times bestseller list, has also been added. The executive editor of Simon and Schuster Publishing stated the popularity of John Green novels is due to “more interest in authentic, genuine, relatable characters” which Green provides. For the young adult reader who likes to read books that inspired movies, the Lostant Library has “The Giver” by Lois Lowry and “If I Stay” by Gayle Forman, both recent movie releases. “The Giver” is a 1993 novel which received the Newberry Medal for
distinguished contribution to children’s literature. “If I Stay” follows the memories of a 17-year-old coma victim who is aware of her hospital visitors and the experiences she has shared with them. “Homeroom Diaries” by James Patterson was also added to the library shelves. Patterson is a popular writer of adult books. Since 1976, he has written 95 novels which sold over 300 million copies. He’s had 19 consecutive No. 1 New York Times Bestsellers, including many of the well-known Alex Cross novels. In 2009, he started writing books for younger readers, in part because his own son Jack was a reluctant reader. Patterson has also created the readkiddoread website to help parents find good books for their child. And finally, for all the princess readers, the library has “Frozen, the Essential Guide,” which doesn’t just retell the Disney Frozen movie story
but gives a detailed look at the movie. The Frozen DVD is also available to check out. Library Time began Sept. 16 and will continue every Tuesday when school is in session. Library Time is led by educator Sue Massey through a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education and sponsored by Oglesby School District 125 Early Childhood Program. This is a free program for children birth through school age in the Lostant and the Tonica area. Children will enjoy story time, songs, puppet play, art and receive a snack. There are special events like a Halloween party and outings arranged through the Oglesby school which parents and children may attend, such as zoo visits. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Sessions run from 10 to 10:45 a.m. For more information, call the library at 815-3683530. Children may join the program any week.
Dolphins swim to win over Otters By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
PERU – The Illinois Valley Dolphins hosted a home swim meet against Clinton YMCA Otters on Dec. 6. The Dolphins topped the Otters by a final score of 628-138. Addison Duttlinger, 8, of Oglesby earned a second-place finish with a state-qualifying time in the 25-meter breaststroke (23.94). Duttlinger also made district qualifying
times with her two firstplace finishes in the 100meter individual medley (1:49.10) and 50-meter freestyle (41.72). Aubrey Duttlinger, 6, took second place in the 25-meter freestyle (29.37) and a third-place finish in the 25-meter backstroke (31.08). Lauren Kolczaski, 8, swam to a second-place finish in the 25-meter freestyle (19.68). This was a district qualifying time. Kolczaski also took third in the 25-meter butter-
fly (27.33). Clara Weitl, 5, earned a third-place finish in the 25-meter freestyle (37.57). Wenona’s Cody Smith, 13, swam to two first-place finishes in the 200-meter individual medley (2:33.18) and the 100-meter butterfly (1:14.75). Smith also earned a second-place finish in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:25.62). The Dolphins travel to DeKalb on Dec. 13 and 14 for the Barbwire Invitational.
6 Life/Classifieds 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 12, 2014
Lady Panthers win over Bobcats, Timberwolves By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
GRANVILLE — The Putnam County Lady Panthers scored two victories this week. On Dec. 6, the Panthers took on the Somonauk Lady Bobcats in non conference action and won 54-17. Leading scorer for the varsity squad was freshman phenom Paige Veronda who scored 20. Allison Voss added 12, and Megan Rehn chipped in 11 points in the winning effort. PC 60, Midland 16 The Lady Panthers took on Tri County Conference foes, the Midland Lady Timberwolves, on Dec. 4. The Panthers played a strong game and won 60-16. The home team came strong out of the gate with Annie Miller scoring seven of the first quarter 17 points. Veronda came
off the bench and proceeded to sink two three-point shots, as well as three out of four foul shots to pace a blistering 24-point second quarter for the Panthers. The halftime score as the teams headed to the locker rooms was 41-7. In the second half, the Lady Panthers added 11 points. The fourth quarter was the closest in offense for both teams, with Putnam County outscoring Midland by just two points. Scoring leader in the game was Veronda, who finished with 15 points. Allison Voss added 13, and Miller had 10 for the Panthers. Indian Creek 47, PC 36 In the first contest of the week for the Lady Panthers, they lost to Indian Creek 47-36 in non conference action. The Panther offense was slow starting in the first quarter with a 16-8 deficit.
Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder
Megan Rehn (3) tries for the first shot of the game against Somonauk on Dec. 6. In the second quarter the team came alive, adding 16 points to take a 24-20 halftime lead. However, the offense went cold again in the
Putnam County/Hall splits triangular meet By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
STERLING — The Putnam County/Hall co-op wrestling squad saw action for the first time this season and came away with a split between Amboy High School and Sterling Newman Central Catholic High School on Dec. 2. In the first meet of the evening, PC/Hall faced Amboy and finished with a tie, 30-30. Luke McCook, who wrestled at 160 pounds, beat Skyelar Zimmerly by pinfall at 2:16 in the first match. Nick Bouxsein, at 170 pounds,
took down Luke Schaur by pinfall at 1:48 in the first match. James Hewitt, at 145 pounds, Eric Cissell, at 220 pounds, and Marco Uribe, in the heavyweight class, all won by forfeit. PC/Hall had a bigger challenge with Sterling Newman Central Catholic and lost 40-30 in the second meet. Bouxsein won his second match, defeating Trevor Buser by pinfall at 1:48 in the first match. At 195 pounds, Evan Kiphart defeated Brad Fritts by pinfall at 41 seconds into the first match. Cissell and Uribe both won again by forfeit.
Library Corner have the opportuniLostant Library also ty to join in Oglesby pre-
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
–––––––– Classifieds ––––––– General Terms and Policies The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion. CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com
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232 • Business Opportunities
450 • Under $1000
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********** 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
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND right here in the Tonica News Classified!
36"x60" glass top dining table with 4 high back cushioned chairs $100; mauve recliner $35. Call 815-925-9309 Betty Boop musical watch (new), plays “I wanna be loved by you” $45; Jimmy Carter watch (new) $40. 815-339-6552 TV foul language filter$25, quality X-XL women's clothes-pants suits, $10; new photo albums $3. Call 815-869-3054
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second half, with the Panthers scoring only 12 points to Indian Creek’s 27 to finish the game. Allison Voss led the Panthers with 14 points in the contest.
**************** 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
school outings like a zoo visit or evening family program. For more information, call the library at 815-368-3530.
LaSalle Library Learn about original Medicare and Medicare Supplement insurance plans at 10 a.m. Dec. 17. Learn how to pay for your prescription (Part D) drug plan at 1 p.m. Dec 17. 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. in LaSalle.
Menus Lostant Breakfast Dec. 15 – Ham and cheese omelet, hash brown, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Dec. 16 – Cereal bar, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Dec. 17 – Banana muffin, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Dec. 18 – Waffle, sausage patty, hash brown, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Dec. 19 – Breakfast pizza, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice and white or chocolate milk. Lunch Dec.15 – Chicken nuggets, tater tots, green beans, tropical fruit, milk. Dec. 16 – Chicken patty on bun, Spanish rice, pineapple, milk. Dec. 17 – Ham and au gratin potatoes, peas, apricots, milk. Dec. 18 – Tortellini in meat sauce, broccoli, applesauce, garlic bread, milk. Dec. 19 – Bosco stick, green beans, apricots, milk, marinara sauce.
Tonica Breakfast Dec. 15 – Oatmeal (with dried fruit, chocolate chips and brown sugar), cereal, granola, yogurt, or toast, fruit, juice and milk. Dec. 16 – Mini pancakes, cereal, granola, yogurt, or toast, fruit, juice and milk. Dec. 17 – Scrambled Eggs, cereal, granola, yogurt, or toast, fruit, juice
and milk. Dec. 18 – English muffins, cereal, granola, yogurt, or toast, fruit, juice and milk. Dec. 19 – Mini cinnamon rolls, cereal, granola, yogurt, or toast, fruit, juice and milk. Lunch Dec. 15 – Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit, milk, bread and gravy. Dec. 16 – TGS lunchable, ham or turkey, cheese, crackers, carrots, fruit, banana bread and milk. Dec. 17 – Shaped chicken nuggets, potato rounds, gelatin with Cool Whip, fruit and milk. Dec. 18 – Cheese bosco sticks, marinara sauce, steamed broccoli, carrots, fruit, grahams and milk. Dec. 19 – Taco in a bag, taco meat, shredded cheese, refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, salsa, fruit, sour cream, nacho corn chips, cookie and milk.
PCCC Dec. 15 – Baked macaroni and cheese, hamburger on bun, dessert. Dec. 16 – Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered green beans, roll, dessert. Dec. 17 – Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered green beans, roll, dessert. Dec. 18 – Christmas party: Ham, scalloped potatoes, glazed carrots, roll, dessert. Dec. 19 – Ham, scalloped potatoes, glazed carrots, roll, dessert.
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
NOTICE The Tonica Grade School Board of Education will be holding a tax levy hearing on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 6:45 p.m. in the Media Center at Tonica Grade School. The Board will host the hearing even though the 2014 Tax Levy is under the 5% increase when a levy hearing is required. Published in the Tonica News Dec. 12, 2014.
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.
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.
Board Room, 315 W. 3rd St., Lostant, Illinois 61334. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Superintendent Sandra Malahy at 815-3683392 or 315 W. 3rd St., Lostant, Illinois 61334. Published in the Tonica News Dec. 12, 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: 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
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,
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR LOSTANT CUSD 425 A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Lostant CUSD 425, LaSalle, County, Illinois, will be held on December 22, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lostant School in the
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Friday, December 12, 2014 • The Tonica News • 7
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8 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 12, 2014