1 Front Volume 142 No. 3
Friday, December 25, 2015
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Leaking water and cold temps A bad combination in Tonica By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — In the wrong conditions, a broken tile could turn a watery road in Tonica into an icy mess, the Tonica Village Board learned at its meeting Monday, Dec. 21. Marc Lemrise addressed the issue of a broken tile on a resi-
dent’s property. “Water’s bubbling out of the ground, going down his driveway, and into the street,” Lemrise said. The water had been rerouted to the ditch, but when that would not hold any more it sent it right back onto the road. A constant stream of water on the road might be bad enough, but
it could become worse with the potential of falling temperatures. “Right now, if it freezes, it’s going to bust up our road,” village president Kevin Sluder said. Trustee Bob Folty pointed out that situation could also pose a large hazard to drivers. “Not to mention ice all over the road,” he said. If temperatures fall, it could very well freeze the road over, which presents a danger to anybody who might have to use it,
and when it thaws, that process could harm the road itself. Because the broken tile is on a resident’s property, rather than on property controlled by the village, the board cannot fix it without permission. The board is seeking permission, written and signed, before going ahead with the project. In other discussion: • The new pumps at the lift station are keeping the water at bay. Lemrise estimates the new
pumps handle around 30 gallons more than the old pumps. • The treatment plant, however, still needs work done. Lemrise said he thinks the Environmental Protection Agency will not penalize the town for the issues because it knows they are trying to do something about it. • The title for the old squad car has been found at the bank, so the village can sell it. The board plans to open it up for bids next month.
Santa tells all ...
An interview with the big guy from the North Pole Editor’s note: Even though Santa Claus was busy preparing for his journey on Christmas Eve to visit girls and boys throughout the world, the Jolly Old Elf Himself, took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for your hometown newspaper. The questions in bold were the ones asked by the newspaper, and Santa’s answers follow. Is there really a Santa Claus? Of course! Depending on the place or time, I may take on different appearances, but be assured that I am as real as the sun in the sky or the rain that falls from it. More important than my mortal appearance is my spirit. The spirit of Christmas and Santa should live in us all throughout the year and around the world. Though I may not be physically present, you must believe that my spirit never, ever leaves. But yes, certainly, there is a Santa Claus. Why does Santa wear red? The quick answer is visibility. Red is a color that can be seen at great distances. That’s great if you are traveling at supersonic speeds or standing on a street corner. Red is also a color one associates with power and strength. Certainly I could not make my annual trek without amazing amounts of strength and power! Red is also associated with special “magical” powers. What good would I be without a little magic to push me along? Lastly, it’s a color associated with Santa for centuries. At this time of the year, whenever you see a man in a red suit, your thoughts turn to Santa. It’s good to be recognized!! Where do you buy your suits? You might guess that I can’t buy a suit at the local store. Actu-
Santa Page 3 Vol. 142 No. 3 Two Sections - 16 Pages
The year in review
Compiled by Shannon Serpette
Tonica News photo/Becky Kramer
Busy with his duties at the North Pole, Santa Claus paused briefly to grant an interview with your hometown newspaper.
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Editor’s note: This is the first part in a series recapping what happened in the Tonica/Lostant area in 2015. Jan. 2 Lostant Grade School passed a levy increase that required a truth-in-taxation hearing. The increase means school taxes will go up 5.172 percent, which translates into approximately $25 per year on a $100,000 home. The state’s Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act is behind schedule. The 22 centers were supposed to be announced in December, but so far the 159 applicants are still waiting to hear who has been selected. Jan. 9 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called the current flu outbreak an epidemic. Locally, flu-related deaths were reported in LaSalle and Bureau counties, with two adult deaths from influenza A in LaSalle County and one adult death in Bureau County. Jan. 16 The Lostant Village Board voted in favor of raising the minimum water rate at its Jan. 12 meeting. The fee increase will double the base rate for water, jumping from $10 to $20 a month. The fee covers the first 2,000 gallons of water used per household.
Review Page 2
2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 25, 2015
Town & Country Services opens in Princeton
Seeking Sources
Residential, commercial plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical contractor
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.
By Lyle Ganther news@tonicanews.com
Photo contributed
Vicki and Bob Goskusky of Town & Country Services in Tonica have opened an office in Princeton at 640 S. Main St.
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Review From Page 1 Jan. 23 Lostant Grade School seventh-grader Jacob Wiesbrock won the school’s spelling bee. This year, 26 students participated in the spelling bee. Plans for the Tonica sewer plant project have stalled because of funding problems caused by the November 2014 elections. The village board had secured funding for the project through a loan from the Environmental Protection Agency. But with the change in political leadership, that loan may require re-bidding the project, and Kevin Sluder, Tonica village president, said it may be July before they know what the new rules are. Jan. 30 Tonica Grade School Board accepted the resignation of Scott Obermiller as board secretary. He resigned because a change in his job makes attending every meeting difficult. Board member Regan Sluder was then elected as secretary.
Feb. 6 The 2015 Tonica Grade School spelling bee champion is Jacob Marcinkus, a sixth-grade student. Sixth-grader Jonathan Johnson won second place, and seventh-grader Camille Carlson placed third. Feb. 13 A proposed facility in LaSalle County was awarded the contract for a medical marijuana cultivation facility for the Illinois State Police District 17 region. The contract went to GTI Clinic Holding LLC, which has a proposed production site south of the Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store truck stop on Interstate 39 in Oglesby. Twenty-one cultivation center permits were to be awarded — one in each state police district, except for District 15, which patrols the state’s tollways. Feb. 20 The village of Tonica has been seeking funding sources for its proposed sewer treatment plant. The construction contract for the project was awarded in September 2014. Village engineer
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PRINCETON — Town & Country Services, based in Tonica, has recently opened an office in Princeton, at 640 S. Main St. It offers plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical services for residential and commercial customers in the Illinois Valley. Bob and Vicki Goskusky, the current owners of the business, are the third generation to run Town & Country Services since it opened its doors nearly a century ago in 1919. Bob’s grandfather, Wynn Jennings, started the business and ran it with his uncle, Burt Jennings. They sold the business to Bob’s parents, Gus and Kay Goskusky, who ran it for 20 years before selling it to Bob in the early 1980s.
Jack Kusek said the contractor said he could hold the bids until mid-March, but after that there would likely be increases in cost. Feb. 27 Ten students from Tonica Grade School will represent the school at the regional science fair on March 21. They include Logan Johnson, Tony Galindo, Aiden Greenwalt, Faith Dauber, Bryan Stillwell, Becky Schmidt, Camille Carlson, Janelle Bernardoni, Owen Wolfe and Cade Ploch. March 6 Tonica Grade School Board accepted the resignations of several staff and faculty members at its Feb. 24 meeting. They included bus driver Michelle Johnson, track
coach J. Rimes, cafeteria worker Carrie Colmone, basketball/softball coach Morena Duncan and autism instructor Lindsey Bienemann. March 13 State Rep. Frank Mautino released a statement about treatment he is receiving for his recently diagnosed esophageal cancer. Mautino said his prognosis is good, and that he expects to make a full recovery. March 20 A lawsuit involving Putnam County, Marquis Energy and Illinois Valley Community College entered into its 48th month. The suit stemmed from a tax abatement dispute IVCC had with Putnam County and Marquis
“We do a lot of work in the area and one of our HVAC suppliers needed a presence for their brand,” he said, as to the reason for opening an office in Princeton. Town & Country Services had an office in Wenona for six years but sold it in the 1990s. Goskusky said 90 percent of the business is installing, but the Princeton office will be selling major appliances such as refrigerators and stoves. “We had been selling these major appliances in Tonica, but quit due to a lack of space,” he said. The hours for the Princeton office are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 815-872-2200. Marion Rinehart is the office manager at Princeton. Two service technicians live in the Princeton area.
Energy. Mark Marquis of Marquis Energy said IVCC had spent more than $680,000 in legal fees on the suit. At stake is $1.4 million in tax revenue throughout the course of 10 years. March 27 The IVCC Board instructed school lawyers to drop the lawsuit against Putnam County and Marquis Energy on March 18. Putnam County spent a reported $250,000 to defend itself against the lawsuit. The Tonica Grade School Board voted unanimously on March 18 to keep the pre-school program going for the 201516 school year. The program was under consideration to be cut because of budget issues.
We’re sending good wishes for a happy holiday season & a healthy, wonderful new year.
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Corner of Rt. 18 & 251, Lostant, IL Exit 41 on I-39
3 Obit Records Friday, December 25, 2015 • The Tonica News • 3
From Page 1
ally, you can’t buy a Santa suit anywhere. For dozens of decades, Mrs. Claus was my chief tailor. As things have changed at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus shared her incredible, magical tailoring skills to some of my small friends ... the elves. They create special yarns (red, of course) and weave them on secret machines into enchanted fabric. With yards of fabric in hand, the elves begin their special tasks ... Measuring, cutting, sewing, trimming and fitting until the suit is precisely finished for my shape and size. It protects me from cold and high speed winds. And, it makes me one of them most recognized men in the world. How can you be soooooo old? Everyone seems to be curious about this. Well, it’s actually the spirit that is soooooo old. Yes, Santa has been around for more years than anyone cares to remember. The spirit preceded me and will follow me. Remember that it’s the spirit of Christmas that’s important. Keep that in mind all year long! Some children may be worried since they have moved since last Christmas. How will you find their house? We have a perfect system. It’s similar to a GPS that can locate virtually any address. A group of special elves constantly updates and upgrades our lists. Even if I have left the North Pole, I can be given a new location for an old friend. If you moved on Christmas Eve, we’d find you. What does Santa weigh? Years ago, I tossed the scale. It doesn’t really matter what I weigh. The transportation elves do care. They take into account my important cargo, the weight of the sleigh and me and make sure all is in order before we begin. Weight, like my age, is just a number. How do you get down the chimney? The chimney presents some interesting issues. For example, its size vs. mine. And, people seem to want to build fires in
fireplaces. And some chimneys end up in a furnace. That blast of heat isn’t necessarily a good thing for me. Instead, I have a special key. I have yet to encounter a door that it will not open. And, I don’t get singed! Although the proper chimney is always an option. Why do you work at the North Pole? It’s isolated and allows us to concentrate on our important tasks ... gathering, sorting, making and wrapping all the gifts that might be needed on a given Christmas Eve. Distractions would only serve to complicate our mission. Tell us about your house. It’s a wonderful home. Anyone walking through the door would notice the warm and inviting atmosphere. It shares the fragrance of a wood fire, peppermint, fresh-baked cookies and a sense of love. Everyone should be in such a place. Do you ever get visitors? Rarely. It’s a rather harsh environment. At Christmas, it might be 50 degrees below zero. And, in the summer, it barely gets to freezing. It’s often so cold that the words we speak freeze in the air. We take them in beside the fire to hear them; or just wait until they thaw in the spring. Do you ever get sad? Everyone has days that are a little less happy than others. Even me. One need only look around to see family and friends and the other blessings in life to start smiling again. A smile is just one pleasant thought away. What will you get Mrs. Claus for Christmas? Long ago, we quit exchanging gifts. She prefers it if I help a bit around the house or the workshops. A helping hand with the dishes is always appreciated. And, she’s always a bit happier when I pick up after myself. She reminds me of my mother. What does Santa want for Christmas? There’s little I need. And even less that I want. Good friends. Good health. And, a peaceful place to enjoy it all. Merry Christmas to one and all.
Tonica Volunteer Fire Department report TONICA — The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department had the following activity for the month of November 2015: • There were 17 emergency calls during November consisting of one accident, 13 ambulance calls, one automatic fire alarm, one hazardous condition lines down and one good intent call. • The total of emergency calls this year, as of Nov. 30, is 135. • Nine donations were received. • Chairperson Dave Huss reported the deer display and chili dinner night on Nov. 21 was a success. • Chief Al Stremlau reported he is working with the village and
phone company to correct problems with the storm and fire sirens. • Probationary firefighter Zack Pinter has received new member orientation training. • A second caller ID box has been donated which means both backup Knox box phone lines have them. • Monthly fire department training covered driving for apparatus and ambulance drivers and EMS training focused on cardiac emergencies. • New fire hoses will be ordered, a portable drill motor has been purchased for the grain rescue auger and new personal protective clothing will arrive soon.
Tonica Fire Department TONICA — At 8:03 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, the Tonica Fire Department was called for a semi-truck fire on northbound I-39 near Mile Marker 48. On arrival, the department found a truck involved in a fire. There were no injuries nor any damage to the
Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress” found an overall 11 percent decline in the number of persons experiencing homelessness since 2010. In Illinois, local communities reported a total 13,177 persons experi-
enced homelessness, representing an 8.5 percent decline since 2010, the year President Barack Obama launched Opening Doors, the nation’s first-ever comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness.
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LaSalle County Sheriff LASALLE COUNTY — At 5 p.m. Dec. 14, LaSalle County deputies investigated a single-vehicle deer accident on Route 251 south of North 19th Road in Eden Township. A vehicle
Homelessness has declined in Illinois since 2010 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently released the latest national estimate of homelessness, highlighting a continuing decline across the nation. HUD’s “2015
• Maintenance and repairs were made on Pumper-1714, and Tender-1716 had a new hose bed cover installed. • Lt. Dan Francisco completed 10 hours of dispatcher training covering social media, interacting with persons who have mental illness, child and elderly callers, childbirth complications, writing standard operating procedures, opioid overdoses, meth labs and control bleeding. • A seven-hour live fire, mutual aid control burn training in Utica was attended by three firefighters and an additional four-hour live fire training exercise in Utica was attended by another.
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4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 25, 2015
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
The perfect Christmas column It happens to me every year. I think long and hard about the column I want to run right before Christmas. I’m never so concerned about this column being a clever rendition of yuletide cheer, rather I want it to have impact, clarity. I want it to come from my heart and deliver it to you, my friends and readers, with a fancy bow and memorable words. I want it to make a difference as you celebrate your own Christmas with family and friends. The ideas usually start to ramble around my head right after Thanksgiving — long before the day when I need to deliver it, yet long after the stores and advertising flyers have started touting their holiday sales. I always kick a good share of them to the Christmas curb rather quickly — either they are too dorky, too complicated to write, or I’m just not in the mood to tackle them. I usually end up with a couple of sound ideas I feel Terri I can work with, as Simon I attempt to write yet another colCOMMENTARY umn to depict the season as I see it. Those two ideas will fight it out in my head, until there is an eventual winner. The bell rings, and the horses in my head are off and running, as my fingers on the keyboard attempt to keep up with my thoughts. In my world, that’s how columns are made. But this year has been a bit different. I’ve struggled to find that idea that makes me want to put pen to paper ... fingers to the keyboard. Sure — I had a few ideas, but nothing that really tripped the proverbial trigger. It’s been said a good writer will sit down at his/her computer and open a vein before writing. I love that metaphor since those veins lead from one’s heart, but for reasons too many to count, I wasn’t shedding any blood on this endeavor. I don’t mind admitting there weren’t any ideas that were even close to sparkling like the lights on everyone’s Christmas tree, and there clearly wasn’t much reverence in any of the ideas like you’ll find in the pews at most churches during this Christmas season. My Christmas column ideas that did roll around my head were lackluster, to say the very least. I’m kind of ashamed to admit it, since this glorious season should produce the most brilliant columns of all — don’t you think? My reason for no great column ideas? I think it’s because this Christmas season has been a different type of Christmas for me. Really different. The few holiday obligations I did have to attend to were done without much, if any, emotions. This is not about a “Bah Humbug” type of attitude, rather it was more of conscious decision to step back from the chaos of Christmas this year and really re-evaluate. It might sound like an easy thing to do — given the hectic pace, financial strain and nerve-wracking aura that accompanies this season, but it really wasn’t that easy. It was actually quite difficult, and there were plenty of moments when my heart ached terribly for all I was missing. But you know ... as I reflect on this past month and the overly-used phrase “reason for the season,” I found a simple sort of peace that shakes my soul and causes me to reflect, remember and rethink many, many things. While those things don’t make a good column filled with glitter and gold which we expect at this time of the year ... and they clearly aren’t wrapped up in beautiful wrappings and elegant bows ... they are feelings and emotions that probably represent the most humble of holidays — which ironically is probably what it should have been about all along. Like the humble beginning in a manger because there was no room in the inn ... I found there wasn’t much room in my heart (my own personal inn) this year for the glitz and gold that normally accompanies this season. Instead, I found a new understanding that came from within me. May this humble approach to the holiday this year be something that stays with me forever. Merry Christmas, my friends. May your holiday be filled with all you find important. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.
A lesson on the court ... and in life I saw a friend’s Facebook post the other night about her child and his first basketball season at a school in Bureau County. I had just posted a few sentences about how proud I was to see my own son score his first basket in his fifth-grade basketball game, so I was immediately interested when I caught the word basketball in her post, thinking it would be similar to mine. Ready to celebrate her son’s milestone, I read on. When I was finished, I was appalled. She wasn’t posting to applaud her son’s efforts, although she certainly is a proud mom. She was venting about how harshly her son had been judged by other parents in attendance at the game. To make matters worse, the people were parents of her son’s teammates. Instead of noticing positives about the boys and the learning process that goes along with the first year in any organized sport, they were making critical remarks about my friend’s son and his supposed lack of skills on the court. My heart broke for her ... and for him. As he was out there giving it his best effort, excited to be part of a team and learning something new, he was oblivious to the fact he was being judged and dismissed
Shannon Serpette COMMENTARY by a set of people sitting in the bleachers. A set of people who should know better than that. A set of people who are hopefully teaching their own children to be kinder than they are themselves. Noticing who the star players are is second nature as you watch a game. They stand out, and there’s nothing wrong with praising someone who is doing a great job. But to point out another child’s flaws, knowing the parent is likely sitting just feet away from you and can probably hear you? That’s pretty low. You can praise your own child for their skills without feeling the need to belittle someone else’s child. Maybe my friend’s son will decide at some point that basketball isn’t for him. But you know what? Maybe this season will light a fire in him, and he’ll decide to give basketball everything he has. Maybe he’ll be great someday. Maybe he hasn’t had the oppor-
tunity to play as much basketball as the so-called “better” kids have had. But maybe with a little practice, he’ll end up better than them. Maybe they’ll plateau, and he’ll grow. Or maybe he will just keep doing what he is doing now, what too many children aren’t allowed to do these days — play for the fun of it. There’s certainly no shame in that. The point is, they are only in fifth grade. Anything can happen. Don’t pigeonhole a 10 year old. They should be able to learn and have fun without parents saddling them with their own weird hang-ups about winning and competition. At that age, everyone’s game needs improvement, whether your child is the star player or not. Maybe your child needs some extra practice on defense; maybe he needs extra work on his shot; or maybe your son is a great player, but he is a ball hog and he needs to learn the concept of being a team player. Playing ball at that age is a learning experience. And apparently children aren’t the only ones who could use some lessons. Tonica News Copy Editor Shannon Serpette can be reached at sserpette@bcrnews.com.
Considerations by Nedda Christmas. This is a fun time for most people, but I always try to remember that this isn’t such a great holiday for some. Isn’t is nice to be this age (all things considered) when our life experiences can help some others to keep a perspective. We have to be cautious and offer only when it seems wise. This can be a frantic time for younger folks, so it is wise to stay out of their way and try to pay attention to details for ourselves. If we try not to be needy and expect full attention all the time, our loved ones will have easier lives — not just at holiday time but all year long. We can do a lot for ourselves, if we think about it, and besides, it’s good for us to stay strong and focused with our minds and bodies. I know. Sometimes our bodies have different ideas, but if we don’t use what we have, we will lose
Nedda Simon COMMENTARY
more. I have reduced the things I bring down for Christmas. Just the best and important to our family’s memories. It’s less work, and the meaning is certainly the same. Of course the nativity scene is the first thing placed on display. So ancient in its story and it seems to take the edges of tough times to see that serenity. History tells us that things were very tough then as well as now. But it is great to see the discoveries and newer history of that time to help us see the real conditions and people’s daily lives. Other religions have just as wonderful stories. We always must be
reminded of our nation’s goodwill and tolerance for other’s beliefs. We surely would be a duller group without the diversity. We wouldn’t learn anything new, and we would fall into a boring lot! I would never have seen a menorah or a stunning mosque, if my parents hadn’t talked and explained to us about different religious beliefs. Some people would say, “So what,” but they don’t know what they are missing. There is a lot of rhetoric right now that fuels fear and anger. Plan your holidays, listen to great music and keep your world as calm as you can. We are older. We have heard all this before! Stay calm and love your loved ones. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and Happy everybody who has a different but loving point of view. Nedda Simon of rural Princeton can be reached at neddasimon@ ymail.com.
Trees inside the seed A seed is planted. It wonders about the darkness around it, picturing the cloth it once knew, surrounded by brothers. Intimidating comes the weight, harsh enough to keep it in place if it doesn’t fight for space. The darkness dawns forever, except if found is the might to seek the light. The stretch. Like a dog fetching a bone from the furthest yard, the seed seeks out seams within the ground to wander. Bursts from its body, arms aplenty, and longer legs as well. It swells, not with pride, but like golden strands on a summer ride, hanging out the window in search of a nameless wave to rest their ripple upon. A burst of soft burn breaks through the earth. The birth of the battle against gravity. A green dream shoots toward the blue like a hand in a classroom that has figured the answer. The seed now sinking, reaching for black sea below, flowing in every direction to expand the attachment to the earth. That which has sunk, it does so not for show, but for a trunk ever
Eric Engel COMMENTARY curious of the sky. Why is it that I be not a hand of many fingers? Can I linger like a string afloat amidst the ocean, twirling in the tide passing by, trying to find the outer spectrum, as to redefine achievement? A measure of full bloom. The creatures of the air find room among the arms of individual shape. Those arms, the namesake of freedom, comfortable with the space they take, and the trim they’re given. Leaves of lavender, lush and blush fill the autumn solstice. The colors of the earth per the season. Green without envy. The globes of sweetest offering, gifted like children to the world. Ever to the entire, they conspire to fill the race with strength, and sound condition. Given not to be spotted by the slither in the
shade, but by the maiden who sustains, wherever she may be. Thank the tree not for its branches, for they stand to hold the sky in place. Forget not fruitful slices handed, they break from places born of grace. And as the evening accepts invite, the branches flex to protect each strand. The land sees the dreams flocking seamlessly toward, and blades rise in silence to protect the descent. Meant to be, the globe breaks free, and wanders so the beasts may feast. Another round of season, another purpose formed from reason. That seed, once a single thought, now mingles with a thousand mouths. Its shouts are found by those in need, the song of origin emerged. It seems to be as the earth has been, when forests grew outside of sin. The fruit which fuels each genesis, and every orbit in the orchard. Gravity wins, and yet again, begins to fall. A seed is planted. Shaw Media Staff Writer Eric Engel can be reached eengel@ bcrnews.com.
5 Life Friday, December 25, 2015 • The Tonica News • 5
Photo contributed
IVCC scholarship campaign receives donation JB Contracting Corp. of LaSalle recently made a $1,000 donation to the Illinois Valley Community College scholarship campaign. IVCC Foundation President O.J. Stoutner (left) and IVCC President Jerry Corcoran accept the donation from JB’s Jennifer Collard and Gina Mudge. The campaign has now raised more than $383,700 of its $500,000 goal. For information, call 815-224-0551.
Internship, scholarship opportunities SPRINGFIELD — The future of the cattle business is built on young leaders focused on keeping the industry strong. To be successful, it takes practice. To provide that needed experience, the Illinois Beef Association (IBA) is offering one paid internship and eight scholarships in 2016. “The IBA internship offers students experience in the industry and the chance to gain real-world knowledge and experience — a must-have in today’s
competitive job market,” said Reid Blossom, IBA executive vice president. “We’re proud of our commitment to youth and the ability to give a student exposure to IBA’s broad program of work and the beef industry in Illinois.” The internship provides a college student an outstanding opportunity to assist with IBA’s communication, education and youth programs. Applicants must consider themselves a self-starter, detail-oriented and an
outgoing individual who has the ability to work well with others. To be eligible, applicants must be a fulltime college student and currently an Illinois Junior Beef Association member from a family that is actively involved in beef production. The internship spans from approximately midMay through the Illinois State Fair. Applications are due Feb. 15, 2016. The application is available on the IBA website. “Scholarship programs reward students who are
Photo contributed
Check will help provide translators The Illinois Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary gave a $15,000 check to the hospital at its annual Christmas luncheon, held Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Mario’s Maples in Peru. Part of the money will be used to purchase two iPads so IVCH staff can make use of a service that provides translators to talk to non-English-speaking patients “face to face” through the computer screen to help the hospital’s nurses and technicians deliver care. Tommy Hobbs, IVCH chief executive officer, is pictured accepting the check from Auxiliary president Mary Beth Brantner (from left), secretary Joan Rundle, vice president Jan Vogelgesang and treasurer Pat Smorkel. passionate about the Illinois cattle industry,” said Jill Johnson, IBA director of communications. “We want to recognize the incredible talent and potential among our young members and encourage them in their educational and professional endeavors.”
The IBA offers four $1,000 general scholarships: two to high school seniors and two to current college students. IBA will also award a $3,000 scholarship in memory of past IBA executive vice president Maralee Johnson, a $500 scholarship in memory of Terry Clem-
ons and a $500 scholarship in memory of 1990 IBA Past President Marion Butler. Residents of Ogle County have the opportunity to apply for a $500 scholarship through the IBA. Applications are due March 1, 2016. Applications are available on the IBA website.
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6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 25, 2015
A merrier Christmas The Oglesby Police Department held its annual Shop with A Cop program on Saturday, Dec. 19. The program was able to help 11 children and six families from the Oglesby School District. They were treated to shopping along with a lunch from Four Star Restaurant. Since the inception of the program in 2010, Oglesby Police Department Shop with A Cop has helped 52 children and 25 families have a merrier Christmas. Photo contributed
7 Life/Classifieds Friday, December 25, 2015 • The Tonica News • 7
Menus and Activities Bridges Senior Center Dec. 28 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. Dec. 29 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. Dec. 30 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. Dec. 31 — Center will close at noon for holiday. Jan. 1 — Closed for the holiday. The Bridges Senior Center is a congregate meal site. Meals, provided by Voluntary Action Center, are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for a suggested donation of $3.50. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. For more information, call 815-431-8034.
Putnam County Community Center Photo contributed
Dahls makes donation to IVCC adult education program Gary and Deb Dahl of Granville recently made a $5,000 donation to Illinois Valley Community College’s Adult Education program. The gift will fund Adult Education’s Spring 2016 Bridge to Manufacturing program for an estimated 12-15 students. Commemorating the gift are Reed Wilson (left), special projects assistant to the president; Adult Education Director Sara Escatel; Deb and Gary Dahl; IVCC Foundation President O.J. Stoutner; and Director of Community Relations and Development Fran Brolley. The contribution is part of the college’s ongoing scholarship endowment campaign which has raised nearly $400,000 of its initial $500,000 goal.
‘I on Diabetes’ education classes will begin Jan. 7 OGLESBY — Every 19 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes. Statewide, 827,000 residents manage the chronic condition daily. Locally, between 7.5 and 10.5 percent of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes. And, nearly 1 in 4 adolescents has diabetes or prediabetes. Having a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes puts the individual at an increased risk for heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower extremity amputations. The University of Illinois Extension will offer “I on Diabetes” to individuals and family members who want to
learn more about prevention or management of this chronic disease. The class will be led by Susan Glassman, nutrition and wellness educator. “I on Diabetes” provides four educational sessions and each class includes easyto-prepare recipes, tasted in class. Participants will learn about diabetes and the disease-related complications, how to plan and manage meals, including eating out. The importance of reading food labels, spacing meals and snacks throughout the day, and those confusing sugar substitutes will also be covered. Healthful tips on ways to decrease the risk for other
–––– 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
************ 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!
- 200 Employment
- 700 Real Estate For Sale
232 • Business Opportunities
767 • Mobile Home Sales
NEED MORE INCOME? Check out the Tonica News Classified. You might find opportunities to earn that extra income!
********** 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 ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES RIGHT HERE! The Tonica News can promote your services and let people know you are out there wanting there business. Just call (815) 875-4461 and let us help.
**************** 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 DO YOU HAVE A PLACE TO SELL? The Tonica News Classified can help you find the right person to move in.
health-related problems, as well as planning for a doctor’s visit, will be discussed. Classes will take place Thursdays, Jan. 7, 14 and 28, and Feb. 4, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, Room CTC-123. Advance registration is required by calling 815-224-0889 or by registering online at https:// web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=13481. Registration and payment is due by Jan. 5. There is a $30 fee, per person, to cover materials and supplies for all four sessions.
999 • Legal Notices IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) LEO RUBLAITUS, ) Deceased ) NO. 2014-P-221 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Leo Rublaitus of Oglesby, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on November 20, 2014 to Janet Forbes, 11461 Woody Walker Hill, McNabb, IL 61335, and Daniel Rublaitus, 2568 Cambridge Drive, Brighton, IL 62012, whose attorney is Gary L. Peterlin, Perona, Peterlin, Andreoni & Brolley, LLC, 170 E. Walnut Street, Oglesby, Illinois. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, on or before June 10, 2016. If a claim notice is mailed or delivered personally to a creditor of the decedent, the creditor’s claim may be filed on or before the date stated in that notice, if later than the date show above. Any claim not filed within the time allowed is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and to the Attorney within ten days after it has been filed.
999 • Legal Notices Perona, Peterlin, Andreoni & Brolley, LLC 170 E. Walnut St., PO Box 35
Dec. 28 — Hamburger on bun with ketchup and mustard, American fries, peas, diced pears. Dec. 29 — Beef tips and noodles, tossed salad with toppings, apricots, bread and butter, dessert. Dec. 30 — Barbecue pulled pork, coleslaw, three bean salad, grapes, dessert. Dec. 31 — Center closed for New Year’s Eve holiday. Jan. 1 — Center closed for New Year’s Day. Bread, butter, fruit juice and 2 percent milk are available with meals. For reservations, call 800-7574579 24 hours in advance of the day’s meal. The menu is subject to change. Meals are available to senior citizens 60 plus at no cost, but donations are appreciated. The meal program is partly funded by donations, so they have a suggested donation of $5 per meal. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
Secretary of State offices closed for New Year’s Day SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced all offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, Jan. 1, in observance of New Year’s Day. All Monday through Friday driver services facilities will be open for business Monday, Jan. 4, and Tuesday through Saturday facilities will open Saturday, Jan. 2.
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
Oglesby, IL 61348 Tel: 815-883-4102 Published in the Tonica News Dec. 11, 18 and 25, 2015.
DATED this 16th day of December, 2015. Dianna Ioerger Secretary, Board of Education, Community Unit School District Number 425, LaSalle and Marshall Counties, Illinois Mike Phillips President, Board of Education, Community Unit School District Number 425, LaSalle and Marshall Counties, Illinois Published in the Tonica News Dec. 25, 2015.
NOTICE OF INTENTION OF COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 425 LASALLE AND MARSHALL COUNTIES, ILLINOIS TO ISSUE $400,000 WORKING CASH FUND BONDS PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that on the 16th day of December, 2015, the Board of Education (the “Board”) of Community Unit School District Number 425, LaSalle and Marshall Counties, Illinois (the “District”), adopted a resolution declaring its intention and determination to issue bonds in the aggregate amount of $400,000 for the purpose of increasing the Working Cash Fund of the District, and it is the intention of the Board to avail of the provisions of Article 20 of the School Code of the State of Illinois, and all laws amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto, and to issue said bonds for the purpose of increasing said Working Cash Fund. Said Working Cash Fund is to be maintained in accordance with the provisions of said Article and shall be used for the purpose of enabling the District to have in its treasury at all time sufficient money to meet demands thereon for expenditures for corporate purposes. A petition may be filed with the Secretary of the Board (the “Secretary”) within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice, signed by not less than 54 voters of the District, said number of voters being equal to ten per cent (10%) of the registered voters of the District, requesting that the proposition to issue said bonds as authorized by the provisions of said Article 20 be submitted to the voters of the District. If such petition is filed with the Secretary within thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice, an election on the proposition to issue said bonds shall be held on the 8th day of November, 2016. The Circuit Court may declare that an emergency referendum should be held prior to said election date pursuant to the provisions of Section 2A-1.4 of the Election Code of the State of Illinois, as amended. If no such petition is filed within said thirty (30) day period, then the District shall thereafter be authorized to issue said bonds for the purpose hereinabove provided. By order of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District Number 425, LaSalle and Marshall Counties, Illinois.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF LASALLE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) NEMORIO A. RODRIQUEZ ) Deceased ) No. 15-P-262 NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES WHOSE NAMES OR ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN AND CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of NEMORIO A. RODRIQUEZ of Peru, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on December 9, 2015 to Tammy Robinson, 22 West Hwy. 6, Peru, IL 61354, whose attorney is Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, IL 61301. Notice is given to any heirs or legatees whose names or addresses are not stated in the petition for letters of office, that an order was entered by the Court on December 9, 2015 admitting the decedent’s will to probate. Within 42 days after the date of the order of admission you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the will be testimony of the witnesses to the will in open court or other evidence, as provided in Section 6-21 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/6-21). You also have the right under Section 8-1 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/8-1) to contest the validity of the will by fining a petition with the court within 6 months after admission of the will to probate. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, on or before June 13, 2016, or, if a claim notice is mailed or delivered personally to a creditor of the decedent, on or before the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed within the time allowed is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has been filed. Published in the Tonica News Dec. 25, 2015 and Jan. 1 and 8, 2015
8 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 25, 2015 999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) DONALD E DAVIS ) DECEASED ) No. 15-P-235 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of DONALD E. DAVIS. Letters of office were issued on NOVEMBER 24, 2015 to Brenda L. Davis, 2347 West 11th Street, Davenport, IA 52804 as Administrator whose attorney is John
Balestri, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk of court, LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within
10 days after it has been filed. Dated this 25th day of November, 2015. JOHN BALESTRI ATTORNEY FOR ESTATE 149 GOODING STREET LASALLE, IL 61301 (815)223-6600 Published in the Tonica News Dec. 11, 18, and 25, 2015.
IN RE: THE ) ESTATE OF ) DOROTHY G. WOLFE ) Deceased. ) No. 15-P-242 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION CLAIMS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of DOROTHY WOLFE, late, of LaSalle. Letters of Office were issued on November 10, 2015, to COLETTE E. KEMPF, whose attorney is Aplington, Kaufman, McClintock, Steele & Barry, Ltd., 160 Marquette St., P.O.
Box 517, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk, Circuit Court, in the LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, or with the representative, or both, on or before June 11, 2016, 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 ten (10) days after it has been filed. Dated this 24th day of
November, 2015. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS 119 West Madison Street Room 201 Ottawa, IL 61350 Published in the Tonica News Dec. 11, 18 and 25, 2015.
Boundaries Of The LaSalle County Soil And Water Conservation District: Notice is hereby given that an Election will he held on the 18th day of February, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the USDA Service Center, 1691 N 31st Road, Ottawa, lL. Three (3) Directors will be elected to serve the LaSalle County Soil and Water Conservation District of the State of Illinois. All persons, firms or corporations who hold legal title or are in legal
possession of any land lying within the boundaries of the said district are eligible to vote at said election, whether as lessee, renter, tenant or otherwise. Only such persons, firms or corporations are eligible to vote. Ross Adams Chairman LaSalle County Soil and Water Conservation District DATE: 7th day of December 2015. Published in the Tonica News Dec. 18 and 25, 2015.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS
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Health Matters
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Taking out the cell towers Princeton native working to change thinking on colon cancer and saving lives in the process By Eric Engel eengel@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON/MADISON, Wis. — Cancer is a battle. It stonewalls your path, and tears your heart apart. It leaves you without. Those with the strength to fight strike like lions, cutting the sword from its grasp, but sometimes, the poison rises again. It can destroy without warning, deaf to our mourning — cancer is a war. Rich Halberg has a different way of thinking about things. The Princeton native studied biology and chemistry at the University of Iowa before earning his PHD in biochemistry at Michigan State. He spent 13 years doing a post-doctoral fellowship with a “real leader in the field” in Madison, Wis., before recently liberating his research by opening his own lab. Driven by a gentle demeanor and an innate responsibility to assist his fellow man, Halberg is working to break through the edges of the medical spectrum.
Driven to discovery
Think about a car. A car has four wheels, a front and back windshield, bumpers, doors and a steering wheel — and hopefully a good
radio. Yet a ‘65 cherry red Ford Mustang is a different car than a baby blue Volkswagen Beetle, which is different than a forest green Jeep Cherokee or a caramel cream Cadillac Eldorado. “We all have a very specific car in mind even though ‘car’ is a term used for many different vehicles. Cancer is that way also,” Halberg said, who used mouse models to study colon cancer during his time in Madison. Halberg said during the entire 20th Century, colon cancer was considered one thing, and treatment was the same for each patient; surgery to remove a bulk of the tumor and then chemotherapy to kill the cancer. Research is uncovering that colon cancer is not just one type of cancer, but many subtypes, each with a unique molecular profile. “Surgery and chemotherapy may work for Patient A, but not for Patient B, C, D or E, so we need different treatments for each subtype,” he said, noting you wouldn’t fix the Mustang engine with parts from the Cadillac. Throughout the history of a destroyer such as cancer, people have dreamed of a “silver bullet,” a single stake to the heart of the disease,
BCR photo/Eric Engel
Rich Halberg uses the calm, comical and approachable nature he learned growing up in Princeton to his advantage in fighting colon cancer. Research takes patience, and throughout the last decade plus, Halberg has been studying tumor cells in mouse models to break new ground on the truth behind the tumor, and therefore how to boldly engage it. but Halberg’s research is providing evidence as to why that will not exist anytime in the near future. Specific drugs will target specific molecular features, so the question arises. Why isn’t there just one cure?
Rogue nation
Up to this point, the theory on colon cancer stated a normal cell mysteriously goes rogue and turns into a tumorous cancer cell. Over time, additional changes in the genes of the tumor
occur downstream of the original rogue transformation. Each one of these changes, or mutations, would provide a selective advantage over previous mutations, so step by step the tumor gets worse. This is called the clonal sweep model. Halberg said research recently surfaced claiming all the mutations are happening very early, so it’s not a gene with a single mutation being trumped by a gene with multiple mutations, but all mutated genes
“Surgery and chemotherapy may work for Patient A, but not for Patient B, C, D or E, so we need different treatments for each subtype.” Rich Halberg existing and evolving simultaneously before the tumor even reaches 100 cells. Essentially, the tumor has all the
weapons it needs at its disposal from the initial stage, rather than find-
Halberg Page 3
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2 2 • Winter 2015
Health Matters
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3 Winter 2015 • 3
Health Matters
Halberg From Page 1
ing weapons on the trail one at a time through selective mutation. “This is the big bang theory of tumor agenesis. The theory states all these mutations are going to be critical in making this once normal cell a cancer that will spread and kill somebody, and it happens when the tumor’s only 100 cells or less,” Halberg said, stating with all the mutations occurring very early, the argument is some cells are “born to be bad.”
Bad to the bone
As some tumors never do anything and others go on to be cancerous, Halberg said the ideal research scenario would be to leave the tumor in a patient and take samples at different times, studying what mutations occur when a tumor goes from good to bad to worse. “They get a little testy when you say you want to leave a cancer in a human,” he chuckled, using mouse models in his lab instead. Hal-
berg and his team took 12 colon tumor samples throughout 12 months from mouse models, studying 68 gene signatures showcasing differences between benign and deadly tumors. The deadly tumor samples from the final month mirrored the deadly tumor samples from the first month. “That meant this tumor is essentially born to be bad because it already had cells that picked up all the right weapons,” Halberg said, noting this will help identify progressive tumor characteristics when people have colon cancer screenings, although mice are mice and people are people. With consent of the patient, and if the tumor was less than one centimeter in diameter, Halberg’s team was allowed to study tumors that were left in human patients throughout the last few years. “A quarter of the tumors went away all on their own, so the body wins, as it should with all its defense mechanisms. Half of them stayed the same, and a quarter of them grew like crazy,”
“This is the big bang theory of tumor agenesis. The theory states all these mutations are going to be critical in making this once normal cell a cancer that will spread and kill somebody, and it happens when the tumor’s only 100 cells or less.” Rich Halberg Halberg said, explaining the ones that grew had some pretty nasty gene signatures recognized as important for the transition to a deadly cancer.
The final invitation
Back to that rotten scoundrel rogue cell ... turns out it has some friends. Halberg and his team fused two mice embryos together, both predisposed with a mutation to develop colon cancer. One embryo was tagged, so it’s cells were blue instead of the usual white. When the tumors form are they all blue, all white, or a mix between
the two? “If it’s a mix, it means there are multiple bad guys who are progenitors to the tumor, and that’s exactly what we saw,” he said, replicating the experiment with red and green jellyfish proteins to the same result. “That’s the claim to fame for my lab. The recruits create more diversity in the tumor.” Clinicians are offering personalized medicine based off tumor profiling that pinpoints a mutation, but not the percentage of cells with that mutation, so Halberg feels calling it an alphabet sheds no light on the individual letters. “It’s sort of like ready,
fire, aim,” he laughed. “They know they have a target there and a way to hit the target, but they don’t know how big the target is or what they’re really aiming at.” Halberg said they can disrupt cells, separating the red from the green to see what mutations are in each and better understand the rogue cell’s methods of recruitment, as to desist them. Concerning partial treatment of the cell population in a tumor, you might eliminate the big dog in the neighborhood, but if other dogs continually take its place, then the tumor becomes a revolving door of vengeance. Cancer is a chameleon, and responds like a viper to our efforts to stop it.
Taking out the cell tower
Halberg said there’s not a family on earth unaffected by cancer, as his own father was diagnosed with lung cancer and the mother of his wife, Sara, died of liver cancer. He said it’s intimidating to think cancer might be like snowflakes, one
unique from every other, but he believes there are enough shared similarities between cancers to produce treatment for Subtype A, B, C, D and E, and stop 99 percent of them. “There are hundreds of ‘me’ out there, all of us working together to cut the lines of communication between the rogue cells,” Halberg said, relaying sequencing techniques allow for such an intricate view of cells they can see if only two percent of the cells carry mutation, something never before possible. He feels solution rests in anticipating cancer’s venomous moves and holding them in check. “The goal is to cure people with cancer completely, but if we can’t cure them, can we make it a chronic disease like diabetes where you can have cancer but live with it for decades?” he asked. “Right now we save 50 percent of people with cancer. If we can move that bar up to 90 percent in my lifetime, that would be a great success.” Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.
Watch your hometown newspaper for other editions of Health Matters, Money Matters and Ag Matters throughout 2016. Any story ideas for any/all of these special sections should be emailed to news@bcrnews.com, news@putnamcountyrecord.com or news@tonicanews.com.
4 4 • Winter 2015
Health Matters
Thinking about health
The Cadillac tax brings more costs, less value to your health insurance By Trudy Lieberman Rural Health Service
More health insurance upheaval is coming your way. The value of your health insurance is shrinking, and you may be paying more for less this year and in years to come. Perhaps your employer has taken away the choice of plans with large provider networks and instead is offering those with a much narrower selection of doctors and hospitals. Some companies are enticing workers with lower premiums if they leave preferred provider organizations (PPOs), which let them use any provider, and choose health savings accounts. These are tax-advantaged savings arrangements coupled with catastrophic coverage and high deductibles. Others require employees to pay higher premiums for the plans they have. Blame those changes on the Cadillac tax, a provision in the Affordable Care Act, which
calls for a 40 percent excise tax on employer-provided health insurance. Employers pay the tax, but ultimately it’s passed on to some 60 million workers who have employer coverage. The tax will be levied on the portion of health insurance premiums that exceed $10,200 for single and $27,500 for family coverage. Because premiums continue to rise (this year the average family premium from employers is about $17,500), they have a strong incentive to lower the cost of coverage to avoid paying the tax. Many have begun making changes this year, and experts believe there will be more adjustments as 2018 approaches when the tax takes effect. About four million people and about one-quarter of all employer plans will be touched by the tax the first year. However, Steve Wojcik, vice president of the National Business Group on Health, told me, “It’s
going to affect almost every plan as the years go on.” Wojcik explained the thresholds for determining the tax are indexed to the Consumer Price Index, but the price of healthcare grows faster than the CPI and will continue to rise. As that happens, more employer plans will bump into those thresholds and trigger the tax. Why the tax? Framers of the Affordable Care Act, urged on by economists, needed a way to pay for subsidies intended to help the uninsured buy coverage, and they argued the tax could bring in some $150 billion to help the cause. But there was another reason, too. Supporters of the law and others wanted the tax to deter workers from going to the doctor too much. In other words, make them have “more skin in the game.” The thinking goes like this: If they use healthcare services more wisely like saying “no” to your doctor’s advice and avoiding care you
don’t need, the price of medical care in the U.S. will drop. That, of course, assumes doctors and hospitals won’t raise prices. Since there’s almost nothing to prevent them from doing that, they could respond by simply offering more services, procedures and tests to keep their incomes up. History has shown they’ve done that when cost containment measures were imposed. History has also shown that people do cut back on medical services when they have to pay more. But they often can’t discriminate between what care they need and what they don’t. The result, of course, is that serious conditions may go untreated. The tax had another big selling point. MIT economist Jonathan Gruber argued that as the tax began to keep costs down, employers would return the savings to workers in their paychecks. Most of those gains would go to those
with incomes under $200,000. Few people expect those savings to materialize or that employers will share any if they do. Any “theoretical” savings is a “pipe dream,” U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democrat from Connecticut, wrote in a letter to the editor of the New York Times in early October. Who really believes employers are going to give broad wage increases to compensate workers for lower health benefits? It’s not just high-wage workers who will be affected by the tax even though it’s thought they are the ones with generous insurance. It will hit middle-income workers, those in unionized industries, government employees and others in manufacturing jobs. A broad group of employers and unions are fighting to repeal the tax, but say realistically that won’t happen until after the presidential election next year if it happens at all. There’s really not
Trudy Lieberman much you can do except complain to your elected representatives and try to choose your insurance plan carefully this year. But remember, in order to keep premiums low you’ll most likely have to pay higher deductibles and high coinsurance. That’s a trade-off everyone faces whether or not there’s a Cadillac tax. What changes do you see in your insurance this year? Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@ gmail.com
“Quit worrying about your health. It’ll go away.” — Robert Orben
Respiratory Care at Perry With over 200 combined years of service, Perry’s Respiratory Care Department specializes in the treatment of patients of all age groups with various pulmonary diseases and problems.
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5 Winter 2015 • 5
Health Matters
Keep your family safe this winter Eight ways to keep fit this winter
November through February are leading months for carbon monoxide-related incidents SPRINGFIELD — With cold temperatures during the winter, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal encourages residents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by ensuring their homes have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas byproduct of burning fossil fuels. At elevated levels, carbon monoxide (CO) causes sickness and, if not detected, death. Simply having working carbon monoxide detectors in your home and regularly testing them can prevent awful consequences. Fossil fuels like natural gas are used to heat the vast majority of American homes, and faulty heating equipment accounts for nearly one third of accidental carbon monoxide deaths. These can include your home heating system, improperly vented gas appliances, kerosene or propane space heaters, charcoal grills and Sterno-type fuels. “Most carbon monoxide fatalities happen in
the winter months when residents understandably dial up their thermostats,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “Make sure your home has working carbon monoxide alarms, so if something goes wrong with your heating system, you know when to get outside.” Perez also reminds residents to never use a gas generator, grill, oven or range to heat the inside of their home or garage. Under the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (Public Act 0940741), enacted in 2007, all homeowners, landlords and building managers must install carbon monoxide alarms within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. The alarms must be in operating condition. Illinois reported 11,481 carbon monoxide related incidents to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) in 2013. Due to the increased use of carbon monoxide detectors in the last decade, the number of reported incidents has gone up while the num-
ber of carbon monoxide fatalities has steadily gone down. Symptoms of CO poisoning are very similar to those of the flu and include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Other signs of possible CO presence include condensation on walls and windows, house plants dying, house pets becoming sluggish and chronic odors from malfunctioning appliances. If you suspect you may be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, go outside for fresh air immediately and call 911 either on your mobile phone outside or from a neighbor’s home. The OSFM recommends the following tips to help prevent CO poisoning: • Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries. • Put carbon monoxide detectors/alarms on each floor of a home and within 15 feet of each sleeping area. • Check CO detectors once a month and be
familiar with the sounds the detector makes. • CO detectors have a limited operating life. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for information on replacement. • Never use a generator, grill, stove, or other fossil fuel-burning device inside a home, garage or other enclosed area. • Never heat a home with an oven. • Keep interior and exterior air vents clear of blockages or obstructions. • Make sure appliances are installed by a qualified technician and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. • Have your building’s heating system inspected and serviced annually; change or clean furnace filters regularly. • Have chimney or appliance vents cleaned and inspected for leakage, debris blockages, or a buildup of creosote. If you see black stains on the outside of the chimney or flue, it could mean pollutants are leaking into your home.
Without a gym membership, many people feel lost when it comes to staying in shape as winter approaches. Skiing and ice hockey are great sports, but they can be costly and require a lot of training, traveling and planning. However, with a little creativity and some basic equipment it’s not hard, and can even be fun, to stay in shape all winter long. Here are some low-cost ideas to keep fit outside the gym this season. If you need more of a challenge, use the modification tips to take it up a notch.
1. Stairs
Running or walking up and down the stairs in your house or apartment building can be a great high intensity cardio and leg workout. One option for those starting out is to add walking intervals every few floors. For example, leave the stairwell and walk the length of the hallway and back before resuming your ascent. Take it up a notch: Try climbing two steps at a time, sprinting a few flights or doing jumping jacks between floors to raise the intensity.
2. Ice skating
This is a great aerobic and social workout that can be done free of charge in some arenas. Take it up a notch: If triple axels are not in your repertoire, you can still pick up the pace to get your heart pumping. Skating backwards can also work your muscles in different ways. If you have 10 or 20 meters to yourself you can try this: • Skate as fast as you can for 10 metres. • Come to a complete stop and touch the ice with your hand. • Immediately sprint back to the starting spot and touch the ice again. • Do this for one minute, three times. • Skate leisurely for one to two minutes between sets to catch your breath. • As you get better at it, try going for longer periods,
Winter fitness Page 7
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6 6 • Winter 2015
Health Matters
Homelessness rose .5 percent in Illinois in 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently released the latest national estimate of homelessness, highlighting a continuing decline across the nation. HUD’s “2015 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress” found an overall 11 percent decline in the number of persons experiencing homelessness since 2010, including a 26 percent drop in the number of persons living on the streets. In Illinois, local communities reported a total 13,177 persons experienced homelessness, representing an 8.5 percent decline since 2010, the year President Barack Obama launched Opening Doors, the nation’s first-ever comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness.
Nationwide, veteran homelessness declined 36 percent between 2010 and 2015; family homelessness dropped 19 percent; and chronic homelessness fell 22 percent. Meanwhile in Illinois, veteran homelessness rose 13.4 percent between 2010 and 2015; family homelessness declined 26.1 percent; and chronic homelessness fell 15.5 percent. HUD’s annual report shows certain communities are making significant progress, while others are struggling in light of the widespread housing affordability crisis, budget shortfalls, or slow adoption of best practices. The results are based on HUD’s point-in-time estimates, which seek to measure the scope of homelessness on a single night in January each year.
Key findings On a single night in January 2015, state and local planning agencies in Illinois reported the following estimates of homelessness: Overall, homelessness increased by 70 persons but declined by -8.5 percent since 2010. In January 2015, an estimated 13,177 people were homeless on a given night. Most (79.4 percent) were staying in residential programs for homeless people, and 20.6 percent were found in unsheltered locations. Homelessness among veterans rose by 13.4 percent between 2010 and January 2015. On a single night in January 2015, 1,226 veterans were homeless, and 37.3 percent of those were on the street. Chronic homelessness among individuals con-
tinued to decline. Since 2010, chronic homelessness declined 15.5 percent. Nearly 1,800 individuals experiencing homelessness in January 2015 were reported as chronically homeless. Local communities reported a 12.3 reduction in families experiencing homelessness between the 2014 and January 2015. Since 2010, family homelessness has declined by 26.1 percent. Since the passage of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in 1987, HUD has worked with communities to build the capacity of homeless programs across the country. By targeting investments to individuals and families who need assistance most – those living on the streets the longest or with the greatest barriers to housing – HUD is ensuring that its limit-
Five winter fitness tips for seniors
Below are 5 easy ways to stay healthy during the winter months. 1. Keep eating healthy During the winter months, it can be more challenging to maintain a healthy diet. Since many produce items are “out of season” during the winter, their prices can increase substantially. Check out frozen veggies, which often contain less sodium than their canned counterparts. Be sure to stock up on winter fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to eat to support your immune system; This includes taking your vitamins (especially Vitamin C) and eating foods rich in zinc, such as fish, oysters, poultry and eggs.
2. Exercise outdoors, smartly If you’re able-bodied and have your doctor’s OK to exercise, don’t let colder weather keep you from enjoying your favorite outdoor activities. Be sure to dress in layers so that you can remove articles of clothing as needed, and be sure to wear a hat since the majority of your body heat escapes through your head. 3. Let the sunshine in Sunshine, and the Vitamin D it imparts to your body, is key in battling the winter blues. Try your best to get fresh air and some natural light every day, even if it’s just to walk the dog or check the mail.
ed resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible. This year, HUD revised its data collection requirements on youth experiencing homelessness, which may result in increased point-in-time counts as communities improve their methodologies. HUD is also working with communities to improve collection to better understand the size and scope of homelessness, including efforts like youth engagement and collaboration with schools and other youth-serving systems. Improved data collection is only part of HUD’s strategy to end homelessness. Across the nation, communities are implementing systems to quickly and effectively house individuals and families experiencing homelessness in a
coordinated way. Working together across agencies, these communities are creating unprecedented partnerships toward achieving the national goal of ending homelessness. Every year in late January, volunteers across the nation conduct a count of their local sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations. These one-night snapshot counts are then reported to HUD. This data is crucial in understanding the scope of homelessness and measuring progress in reducing it. The point-in-time count only captures those persons sleeping in sheltered and unsheltered locations on the night of the count but is not reflective of who is eligible for HUD’s homeless assistance grants programs.
4. Keep in touch Seniors and caregivers often face an increasing sense of isolation; proactively fight the winter blues by keeping in touch with friends and family members during the colder months. running errands. 5. Winter-proof your home As we age, it gets increasingly difficult to maintain body temperature, and with a more limited budget, we may be tempted to scrimp on the heating bill. Unfortunately, hypothermia is a very real concern for seniors, as more than 600 seniors die every year from it. Source: Megan Hammons/www.senioradvisor.com.
St. Margaret’s Center for Family Health Family Medicine, OB/GYN, and Convenient Care in One Location.
St. Margaret’s Health always strives to bring exceptional care and facilities closer to you and your family. St. Margaret’s Center for Family Health will provide Princeton and the surrounding communities with a full range of primary care for all ages, including walk-in care for minor injuries and illnesses, along with comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care for women. Expanded lab services and diagnostic testing, including digital x-ray and OB sonograms, will also be offered on-site. Together, board-certified physicians Benjamin Shepherd, MD, and Ralph Narinedhat, MD, along with Tamara Workman, PA-C, a certified physician assistant, will bring complete family care to the new center.
Benjamin Shepherd, MD Board Certified in Family Medicine
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7 Winter 2015 • 7
Health Matters
Winter fitness From Page 5
Take it up a notch: If there are multiple levels in the mall, climb stairs or walk up escalators to challenge your leg muscles and burn extra calories.
20-minute workout while dinner is on the stove. Take it up a notch: Try doing push ups, dips, jumping jacks or burpees during the choruses.
A workout DVD can pay off when you have limited space. If you have weights, resistance bands, a skipping rope, a stability ball, trampoline or other equipment, you can incorporate those into a great full body workout. Take it up a notch: Experiment with mixing and matching workouts. For the best fat-burning workouts, mix some resistance training with some high intensity cardio. In 20 or 30 minutes you could easily burn more calories than you would on a treadmill at the gym.
Don’t want to miss your favorite TV show? Try jogging or skipping on the spot while you watch. Take it up a notch: Do squats, push ups or burpees during the commercial breaks.
5. Home workouts
change your distance or reduce your rest time.
3. Indoor sports
Join a team or individual sports program. Competition levels can range from recreational to expert. The most cost-effective programs are usually run by local municipalities where gym space at a local school or community center is secured and people drop in for a game of basketball, floor hockey or other team sports. Take it up a notch: If you have the time, try combining more than one workout each day. Try a yoga class right after pick-up basketball or Zumba in the morning and volleyball at night.
4. Mall walking
When walking outdoors is not an option, do laps inside your local shopping mall. For the average person, a brisk one-hour walk can burn 300 to 400 calories.
6. Dancing
For even more fun and less structure, turn up the volume on some of your favorite songs and dance. Dance to your two favorite current songs and three you haven’t heard since “back in the day” and you’ve got yourself a
7. Active TV viewing 8. Snow sprints
Head out to an open, snow-covered field with some water-resistant trainers or hiking shoes and an appropriate number of layers. Take it up a notch: Walking lunges in the snow can burn more calories because your muscles are working harder to stabilize each step. Michael Andrew is a personal trainer and provides personalized online training plans at www.mkonlinetraining.com. Source: www.active.com.
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