6
January, 2016
Iroquois County Year in Review
Page 1
k
n Croo
y Jorda Photo b uly. gs in J
uo
he Iroq
s to t Visitor
r
r prepa
ty Fai is Coun
g some e h c t a c o et
2015
Year in Review Iroquois County’s Times-Republic
s. Fun . and M t) ride r M e l t it h 2015 L Frerichs (rig 9: The n e c i d i P A e d nd ilford. Crook ys Para (left) a Fun Da ley Haymon ys Parade in M to by Jordan a iz Pho Days A ay’s Fun D d r u t in Sa
Kas tatio sidy Be rr n in fron y sings t of t the he Nat Wal i l Th onal An at H t eals hem at F in W atse riday‚Ä ka. ôs H o
met
own
Pho
Her
to b
o Aw
Photo b yC Local V arla Waters eterans of Fore Fourth ig of July Parade. n Wars take pa rt in th
y Jo
ard
rdan
pres
en-
Cro
ok
e Watse
ka
tributed n o c o t Pho ing
meet annual hier, Mike s ’ D C aut SW County uthier, Nick W ard was Eric s i o u q the Iro r, Megan Wa enting the aw d at the r a uthie . Pres w a ttie Wa on Wauthier ation a v r K e , s r n e co hi dD tt Waut ing the hier an Receiv t to right) Bre Shirley Waut ef r, were (l , Liz Wauthie r e i r h to . Waut D direc C W S , Kaeb
Page 3 2
Iroquois County Year in Review
January, 2016
2015 - a glance back 2015 was quite a year. The stories ran the gamut from heartwarming to heartwrenching. We suffered floods, crime, bad weather and atrocity. We celebrated sports victories, lives, milestones and accomplishments. We remember the floods. We remember the crime. We might not remember some of the stories focused on in the attached pages. They are not listed in any particular order, but they do reflect some of the many occasions and happenings in Iroquois County in 2015. Enjoy. January 8, 2015
The story behind the name By JORDAN RICH Sports@intranix.com The sports world is full of unique nicknames. Some are because of how a player plays on the field like Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel’s ‘Johnny Football’ or NBA player LeBron James ‘King James’. Others can have nothing to do with athletics, but maybe where they came from like Larry Bird’s ‘The Hick from French Lick’ or something they were called growing up. For Iroquois West junior Jose ‘Poptart’ Lopez, his nickname is a result of being the youngest of six siblings and a obsession for a breakfast pastry. “Back when I used to live in Chicago, around the age of six,” Lopez said, “I tried Pop-Tarts for the first time and (I) loved them ever since. I would usually eat them three time a day. But the way I got it was because of my sister.” But the story isn’t just as simple as that. Like most young siblings, Lopez looked up to his older siblings and believed anything they would tell him. Being so innocent, or as Lopez put it ‘gullible’, helped give him the name Poptart. “She took advantage of this and told me if I continued eating Pop-Tarts I would slowly turn into one,” Lopez said. “Being so young and ignorance, I believed it.” “So one day she snuck into my room and crushed up pieces of Pop-Tarts in my bed while I was sleeping,” he continued. “When I woke up I got worried, freaked out, and told my mom.’ Being like any good mom would, Lopez’s mother assured her son that he would not change into the breakfast pastry and his sister was pulling a prank on him. “From that day the name just stuck with me,” he said. A nickname like this for most people would usually stay between the family and maybe a few close friends, especially after Lopez and his family moved from Chicago to Gilman. “I came here in the second grade,” Lopez said. “And they (teachers) would always say ‘introduce yourself’. I did and mentioned my name and what not and said ‘But my family gave me the nickname Poptart’. At first teachers and staff did not call Lopez by his nickname, but his friends did. With a small school resulting in a close environment the teachers heard the name Poptart being said by all of Lopez’s friend until finally they started using the name for him as well. “As I got older the teachers heard it more,” he said.
Photo by Jordan Rich Jose ‘Poptart’ Lopez watches and proceeds to celbrate as a the ball goes in the basket after a foul was called on Leroy during a game in Gilman. “When I was in middle school everyone was calling me Poptart.” Whenever someone is around an Iroquois West athletic event and Lopez is playing or maybe just watching from the stands you can hear the name Poptart being thrown around. During Tuesday’s boys’ basketball game against Leroy, head coach Matt Honeycutt was trying to tell Lopez to do something while he was on the floor by referring to him as Poptart. The result from the visiting fans was one of confusion as they asked one another if Honeycutt had really just said the name of the pastry. The nickname for Lopez is something that his enjoys and does not shy away from. “I’m the type of guy that likes being different, so I like the name Poptart,” he said. “It sets me apart from being just an average high school student and athlete. Not to mention a lot of people know me and I’m a friendly guy, so I like to make new friends because of it. I rarely respond
to my real name now.” What does Lopez’s sister think about the nickname she started many years ago think about still being used today? “She honestly didn’t think it would stick with me this long,” he said. “My other siblings basically went with it and even my mom calls me Poptart.” The most important question though is does the love and obsession that started when he was six still hold strong almost a decade later? Also what is Lopez’s favorite kind of Poptart? “To be honest, I don’t eat Pop-Tarts as much,” he said. “I still love them though, just got a lover for all them really. But my favorite kind would be brown sugar cinnamon.” So if at a game involving the the Iroquois West Raiders, don’t be worried that there is a new trend where students love to talk about breakfast foods. They are just talking to, about or cheering on a fellow classmate with a unique nickname.
February 4, 2015
Causley new postal clerk at Crescent City By KIM RABE For the Times-Republic Diana Causley, of Watseka, is officially the new postal clerk at the Crescent City Post Office. She has been with the United States Postal Service seven years, and she started her new position last Dec. 13. Diana and her husband, John, met when were both serving in the military and will celebrate their 23rd anniversary this year. Both are involved with the USPS – John retired from the Navy after 20
years’ service and he has been with the USPS 15 years. Of those 15 years, the couple worked together five. As to Diana’s work history, she said, “I went into the US Navy right out of high school and did four years. From there I did retail daycare restaurant manager eight years, worked in a factory as a schedule manage 1-1/2 years, then on to my last job as a clerk with the USPS. I have been with the USPS seven years – I started in Champaign, then Watseka,
working in other offices to help out (which included Sheldon, Hoopeston, Milford, Gilman, Onarga, Goodwine, Martinton, Loda and Claytonville.)” At this time, no real changes are planned for the CCPO. However, since some Crescent City residents get their mail delivered to their home (part of the north side of the village) and others get their mail delivered to a post office box, she does stress the importance of using
See CLERK, page 3
Diana Causley is the new postal clerk for the Crescent City Post Office, a position she started Dec. 13, 2014 She welcomes customers to come in to meet her and ask any questions they may have. Photo by Kim Rabe
6
January, 2016
Iroquois County Year in Review
Page 3
March 2, 2015
Milford wins first regional title since 1997 By JORDAN RICH sports@intranix.com ARMSTRONG — The last time Milford won a regional championship in boys’ basketball the senior class was not even a few months old, or not ever born yet. Fast forward almost 18 years to the gymnasium at Armstrong-Potomac High School and those small youngsters have brought back what their school and communicty had been itching for as they beat rival Cissna Park in overtime 25-23. “Oh, it is awesome,” said senior Wade Fox, who hit the game-winning free throws. “Better than I imagined.” “It is amazing,” said senior Alex Portwood, who hit a three to put the game into overtime. “We haven’t won since 1997. The community comes and supports us so much. To be able to give back to them is a great feeling.” “I feel on top of the world right now,” said senior Corin Allen, who embraced his father after the game. “I feel ready to get to the next practice and keep the show rolling.” All game long the atmosphere was electric as both communities made it standing room only. Every made basket, rebound, steal and foul felt more important than the next as the clock was winding down. Especially in such a close game. Outsiders just looking at a box score, tweet or Facebook post would see the game as two teams that played poorly. The real reason for a lowscoring game was Cissna Park’s smart stragety to keep the game their pace and just get a win. “We wanted a slower paced tempo, a slower paced game,” Cissna Park head coach Kevin Long said. “Multiple times throughout the game the Timberwolves did just that as theys tood in the corner with the ball and let the clock wind down. Somtimes it was three minutes, other tiimes it was four. And despite the displeasure of the Milford crowd, the Timberwolves got just what they wanted. Cissna led 3-0 after the first. “Everybody is whooping and hollering when we stood around with teh ball for four minutes,” Long said. “If (Milford) would have come out and guarded us we would have played, but they didn’t. Our goal tongiht was to play possession by possession and quarter by quarter. We wnted it to be a tight game in the fourth quarter and that is what we did. I told the team I
have never been prouder of a group of guys in defeat than I have my whole career.” Milford, though, knew what was ahead of them coming in and stayed back for four minutes for a reason. “You have to give Coach Long and those guys a lot of credit,k” Milford head coach John Spezia said. “I knew what he was gonig to do. When he held the ball we had guys in foul trouble so we just rested them. We didn’t have to put a lot of energy into it and when it came down to it we were able to pull something out.” In the second quarter both teams battled hard, but both teams defenses made it hard for shots to fall. When one did, the momentum seemed to shift into that team’s favor. After Milford had scored minutes into the second to make it 3-2, Trevor Hurt was able to tip the ball in for Cissna Park to make it 5-2. Milford would tie it up at 5-5- and then Portwood hit a beautiful reverse layup to give the Bearcats (24-1) their first lead of the game at 7-5. Hurt would hit another shot and the game would be tied at 7-7. In the third quarter both teams combined for four points as Kyle Bennett hit a 3-pointer to make it 10-7 and Hurt hit one of two free throws to make it 10-8. Like the first quarter the Timberwolves held the ball for even longer. The Bearcats once again stayed back and rested. “We jsut tried to keep calm,” Fox said. “We knew they were going to do that coming into it. We had a game plan and we just had to execute it.” “It is a postseason strategy,” Long said. “We felt like we had a good game plan, did our homeowkr, and had good scouts. We thought a fast tempo would favor them.” In the fourth both teams started to pen up the game a little bit. Jacob Marquez hit a three to open up the quarter and give Cissna Park an 11-10 lead. Milford would then respond to that with two baskets to make it 14-11. With the lead, the Bearcats took a minute or so and stood at the top of the court with the ball. This resulted in a standing ovation from the Milford crowd. After a minute or so they tried to score, but were unable to. With under a few minutes left and the score 14-13 in favor of Milford, Ben Jennings hit a 3-pointer to give Cissna Park a 16-14 lead.
The Milford boys’ basketball team and cheerleaders celebrate the regional win. Photo by Jordan Rich
With 1:06 to play Jake Rogers gove his fifth foul of the game. Hurt went to the line and hit one shot to make it 17-14. With under a mintue left, Portwood went to the line and only hit one free throw to make it 17-15. He would get a couple more chances, but with no luck. “I think it was a matter of us having more mental errors than we ever had,” Spezia said about his team. “We didn’t hit free throws. Alex hits those free throws and we don’t even go to over time. If the others hit their free throws, too, we don’t go to overtime.” Portwood’s luck would get worse as he was called for his second charging foul in minutes. This time Jennings was able to hit both free throws and make it 19-15 with under 30 seconds to go. Spezia would call a timeout to regain his team’s composure. “I knew being a senior that has played varisty for four years that stuff kind of happens,” Portwood said. “We just had to perservere because we knew coming in that they would be all over us.” Out of the time out, Wade Fox hit a big 3-pointer to cut the lead to 19-18. Spezia would call another timeout with 15.5 to play. “I think it is how you talk to them,” Spezia said. “I said ‘we are going to win the game, just relax, play and not get uptight about stuff’. If the coach does then you have problems. Only time I got upset was when we made mental errors.” Milford would foul to save clock and Jennings would hit both free throws to make it 21-18 with 7.4 to go. The biggest moment of the game would follow next as Portwood brought the ball down court and took a 3-pointer well behind the arc. The ball went in and Portwood was fouled. He would miss it with 4.7 to go and the game headed into overtime tied at 21-21. “Definitely,” Portwood agreed that was the
biggest shot of his career. “Taking the regional championship into overtime and eventually winning it. It definitely was.” In overtime both teams scored two points with under a minute to go in the game. The next big play of teh game, Allen got a big block and was able to take the ball away with the score tied at 23. “We were told not to foul,” Allen said. “I just tried to play straight up, but I felt good about the sapcing I had so I took the chance and got lucky there.” Milford took the ball down teh court and with 12.8 seconds to go Fox was fouled and went to the line with a chnce to win the game for his team and community. “I was nervous at first,” he said, “but once I caught the ball I kind of zoned out and knew I had to hit it and come up big for the team. This is what we have practiced all year for and what it all comes down to.” Fox would hit both and Cissna Park was unable to get a basket with the time left. Milford’s team celebrated on the court after their successful win. “To the school and community it means a lot,” Spezia said as he was tryign to control his emotions. “They haven’t won a regional since 1997. This is about the kids and the community and how they have rallied around these kids. They have wroekd three years to get to this position. I think with the 20-game winning streak some of the pressure got to us a little bit.” A sense of relief seemed to vanish from teh shoulders of the Bearcats as the buzzer sounded. All season long the team had played with a lot of pressure on their backs. “I feel as a team we feel a little more comfortable with what we do,” Allen said. “This was probably the toughtest team we played against and we were fortunate to get this one. I think from here on out it is smooth sailing.”
CLERK from page 2 the box numbers: “I am asking everyone to please use their PO box numbers to help me and others that will be here when I am on vacation as this moves the mail faster.” In some instances, a company may refuse to deliver an item to a PO box, even if it is explained there is no home delivery of mail to certain parts of the village. In that case, Causley explained: “If a company wants the street address, then put an apartment number or the PO box number beside the street address.” She also asks customers to “try to remember your keys, please.” Inside the lobby of the CCPO, there is
a public bulletin board people have used for several years. Causley did explain the “rules” for using that bulletin board: “(it) is for non-profit only as per USPS regulations. I do keep an eye on what is put up but if anyone has questions about the board, please ask before” posting items. Her main goal for the Crescent City Post Office is to “keep everything clean and neat, and to help whenever I can.” No services have been changed at the CCPO, with Causley stating, “Crescent City is a full service post office. The only thing I can’t do is passports.”
“126 Years”
The hours of operation at the CCPO are 8:30-10:30 a.m. and then 12:15-4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday; and from 8:3010:30 a.m. Saturday. Those hours are not slated for change at this time. The current 49-cent cost of a postage stamp will not change this year; however, the USPS has asked for an increase in April for post card stamps (35-cents within the US, $1.20 overseas, and second-ounce will go up 22-cents). Causley’s family includes two grown children and eight grandchildren (with one on the way!). “I love being a grandma. My
“119 Years”
two kids ‘at-home’ are my two puppies. Stop by and see their picture,” Causley invited. Being new, Causley noted she “greatly appreciates everyone’s patience as I learn all the names and (box) numbers. Everyone has been really great so far and I thank you all.” She encourages customers to “come in and say ‘Hi’!” Also, “if anyone has any questions just come in and ask. If I don’t know the answer, I will try to find out.” She added, “I really enjoy my job at the post office and I’m looking forward to 20 more years.”
“118 Years”
WATSEKA PUBLIC LIBRARY
WATSEKA MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.
KNAPP FUNERAL HOME
108 N. FOURTH ST. WATSEKA, IL
219 S. FOURTH ST., WATSEKA, IL
201 S. FOURTH ST., WATSEKA, IL
815-432-2406
www.knappfuneralhomes.com
www.watsekalibrary.org
Since 1890
Since 1897
“112 Years”
“109 Years”
815-432-5487
LUDLOW CO-OP DANFORTH - 815-269-2390 LODA - 1-217-386-2412 LaHOGUE - 815-265-7211 PERDUEVILLE - 1-217-379-3714 PIPER CITY - 815-686-2297 BUCKLEY - 1-217-394-2331 LUDLOW - 1-800-500-CORN DELREY - 1-815-268-7217 PAXTON - 1-217-379-4366 GILMAN
Since 1904
CITIZENS STATE BANK OF MILFORD 36 E. JONES ST., MILFORD, IL
815-889-4131 MEMBER FDIC Since 1907
815-432-4544 Since 1898
“108 Years” DONOVAN FARMERS CO-OP DONOVAN, IL
815-486-7325
FERTILIZER - 486-7377 IROQUOIS HOOPER 815-429-3349 486-7058 MARTINTON - 815-428-7513 Since 1908
Page 5 4
Iroquois County Year in Review
January, 2016
April 2, 2015
Community Clothesline Project in Watseka
By CAITLIN SIEVERS, Reporter reporter@intranix.com
A display of 45 hand- decorated T-shirts in downtown Watseka represents the 45 sexual abuse victims served by Iroquois Sexual Assault Services in 2014. The Community Clothesline Project is a joint effort between Kankakee County Center Against Sexual Assault and ISAS to increase local awareness about sexual assault. “The clothesline proj- ect is a visual display of T-shirts decorated to represent the impact of sexual violence,” according to a press release from KC-CASA. “They are designed by survivors, families, friends and community members.” The shirts that are displayed at the old JC Penny building on Walnut Street in Watseka represent the 18 adults and 27 chil- dren in Iroquois County who were served by ISAS last year. There are 18 adult-sized shirts and 27 child sized shirts dis- played in the window. ISAS Community Education Coordinator Kami Garrison hopes that simply seeing the number of shirts hanging in the window will make an impact on viewers. “Participating in this project helps to increase awareness about sexual assault and provides a powerful step towards helping a survivor, family, friends and the community courageous- ly break through the shroud of silence that surrounds these issues,” according to the press release. The act of creating shirts give victims’ family members and friends a vehicle in which to show their support. “For victims, it allowed them to use it as a creative outlet,” Garrison said. Garrison hopes that this display will help to inform the public that small towns aren’t immune to crimes of sexual assault. “This does happen here,” Garrison said. “It’s not just in urban areas.”
Owner of Sugar Creek Salon, Edward Murray, looks at ISAS’ Community Clothesline display on Wednesday afternoon in Watseka.
Photo by Caitlin Sievers
Downtown business owner, Edward Murray said he was intrigued by the display. “It’s a neat idea,” he said. All together, KC-CASA and ISAS provided ser- vices to 153 adult and 147 child sexual assault survivors last year. Garrison feels that the clothesline project in Watseka will leave a lasting impression on view- ers because all the shirts are displayed together, while the 200 shirts in Kankakee are spread out between various locations. “KC-CASA/ISAS’s goal is to improve the quality of services to sexual assault and abuse victims to assist in
their recovery and to work toward the elimination of sexual assault and abuse in Kankakee and Iroquois counties,” according to the press release. In addition to its current location downtown, the clothesline project will be on display at the ISAS Singing for the Stars show on April 18 at Watseka Theatre. It will be at Watseka High School from April 22-April 28 in conjunction with the ISAS’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign for students. Finally it will be displayed April 29 at First United Methodist Church for the Take Back the Night Event.
April 21, 2015
911, cell service restored after 20 1/2 hours By CARLA WATERS, Managing Editor cwaters@intranix.com In spite of all the obstacles a cut AT&T fiber optic cable has caused, emergency calls were handled on Monday. After 20 1/2 hours, phone service in Iroquois County, including 911 service was back up about 9 p.m. last night. A cut AT&T fiber optic line north of Papineau wreaked havoc in Iroquois County for several hours, said 911 Coordinator Nita Dubble. Dubble said 911 dispatchers working on Sunday night discovered phones were down at about 12:30 a.m. “We have two boxes in here,” she said, noting that about that time the message came across that the service was down. The dispatchers made the switch for calls to be rerouted to Kankakee County’s Kan-Comm. Because there was no phone service, she said the dispatchers also could not contact her by phone to let her know what was going on, so a county deputy was dispatched to her house. She went in to the dispatch center as soon as she found out there was a problem. Dubble said this is the third time a line has been cut, so they have a procedure in place. Eighty percent of the 911 calls going in to the dispatch center are from cell phones, she said. But that other 20 percent must, of course, also be answered. However,
they soon learned that many of the land line exchanges were not going through to Kan-Comm for some reason. Watseka, Sheldon, Iroquois, Crescent, Ashkum, Milford, Stockland, Wellington and Cissna Park fire departments stepped up to help out. Those areas have exchanges that were not going through to KanComm. Because of that, Dubble said, the fire departments set up with two phones that are hooked in to the telephone service. When the 911 calls come in, the fire department personnel are actually the ones taking the calls and relaying them on to the appropriate authorities. “They’ve been doing that since about 2 a.m.,” Dubble said yesterday afternoon Most of those exchanges worked in that regard for the 911 calls. However, Dubble said, for some reason the Sheldon/Iroquois call boxes did not work. Those residents had to call 429-3400 to get emergency service. They could not use 815 in front of the number, she said. AT&T representatives, she said, told her the line was cut around Papineau on Route 1, which was where the crews were working yesterday afternoon. The line that was cut was fiber optic, she said, but was 1988 technology. They had to replace it with the newest technology, which was to include 20,000 feet of new fiber optic. Dubble said she was told they had to get enough fiber optic to do the job.
Photo by Carla Waters Watseka firefighter Steve Yana mans the call box in Watseka in case a 432-exchange emergency call comes in. Firefighters around the county manned the call boxes as telephone service was out when a fiber optic line was cut near Papineau. Dubble said she really appreciates the work of the fire departments, who manned the call boxes and Kan-Comm, who took the cell phone emergency calls. An AT&T spokesperson, whom the Times-Republic could only reach via email and then would not give an official contact name said this via
email, “Due to a fiber cut caused by a third party in the Iroquois County area, some customers may be experiencing issues with their wireless services. AT&T is currently working diligently to resolve the issue. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
6
January, 2016
Iroquois County Year in Review
Page 5
May, 2015
WW II hero finally laid to rest in Watseka
By CARLA WATERS, Managing Editor cwaters@intranix.com Pvt. Jack M. Redman is coming home. Pvt. Redman will be laid to rest in G.A.R. Cemetery in Watseka May 16 with a full military rights service more than 70 years after he was killed in action during World War II. His family, including younger brother Merrill Redman of Watseka, had tirelessly searched for him. The call came last year that he had been found. Pvt. Redman was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, during World War II. He was killed on Nov. 23, 1943 during the Tarawa invasion in the Gilbert Islands. Merrill was just 14 at the time his brother was killed. He still has letters his brother wrote to him while he was serving in the Marines. Jack was the oldest of the four Redman boys. Born in Detroit Nov. 17, 1923, he was young when the family moved to Stockland, where their father worked at the elevator. “They were there five years,” Merrill said. It was there that the other three boys, Hobert, Eugene and Merrill, were born. Later Hobe and Gene would follow Jack into the Marines. The family moved to Watseka in 1930. Jack excelled in school and athletics, Merrill said. He went to Watseka Community High School. Before he graduated in 1942 he was an all-star athlete. “He was an outstanding high school athlete and student,” Merrill said. A member of the Glee Club and an officer for the FFA, Jack was also an all-around athlete. “He was a sprinter in track. In basketball he scored 30-some points in multiple games. He was probably one of the best football players this community has ever had,” he said. “He made the most prestigious All-State Team.” During the summer months while he was in school, Jack was a lifeguard at the local pool “Then he worked at the munitions plant in the Joliet area,” Merrill said, recalling that Jack would come home from that job yellow from the work he was doing. Soon he was recruited by Ray Elliott, then the football coach at the University of Illinois. He wanted Jack to attend the U of I and play football, which he did. “He had back problems, but he played anyway,” Merrill said. But that was also 1942 and a war was going on in other parts of the world. “They were drafting people into the military,” Merrill said. “He didn’t ant to go to the Army. He wanted the Marine Corps.” He went to the recruiting center in Chicago, where he was told the there were no spots in the Marines at that time. “They told him to come back next month. He did,” he said. Jack was sent to San Diego for boot camp in January of 1943. Soon after he was finished with his training he shipped out. New Zealand was first, followed by the Gilbert Islands. “They arrived late in November of 1943,” Merrill said. They landed on a small island, Betio, in the Tarawa Atoll. “They landed on Nov. 20 and they were slaughtered,” Merrill said. “There wasn’t much of a beach, but they did get some guys ashore.” There were 1,000 Marines killed in the intense fighting that took
place as they tried to secure the island. There were another 2,000plus who were wounded. “In that first day, very few got to shore,” he said. “The beach was 20 to 30 feet wide then there was a sea wall, so there was no place to put up fortification.” The next day more Marines were sent in. The tide changed and they couldn’t get up on the beach, Merrill said, and the Japanese were lined up. The colonel in charge of the battle of Tarawa was Col. David M. Shoup, who was originally from Battle Ground, Ind. Merrill said Shoup was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor after the Tarawa battle. Shoup, he said, decided Jack’s regiment would be brought in for the Tarawa invasion. “Jack’s group landed on Nov. 22,” he said. They met with resistance getting on shore. Merrill said he years later was able to talk to someone who served with Jack. Jack was killed trying to bring in an injured Marine. “He said Jack saved the lives of those five guys,” he said. During the fighting the area was destroyed. Merrill said the family was told that there were shallow graves dug for those who were killed. Then, soon, the SeaBees were sent in. “They were told to prepare the island and spruce it up,” he said. But there were sightings of the graves of those killed, he said. The family received notification of Jack’s death by telegram. It was Merrill, just 14, who was home when the telegram arrived. Soon the Marines were asking where the family wanted Jack to be buried. “They asked mother what was to be done with is remains,” he said. “Obviously she was so distraught she didn’t know what to do. She made the decision to leave him.” It wasn’t long until she changed her mind. “We notified the Marine Corps,” he said. Soon, the response came that Jack’s remains couldn’t be found. The family was assured that everything would be done to find him. It was about 1945 and there wasn’t much more said about it, Merrill said. About 25 years ago, Merrill said the family decided they couldn’t just let it go. Merrill did some research on his own with his family members, and also with some others who had been searching for the service men and women who were missing in action. It was determined that in 1946 the Army as assigned to centralize the graves. For years, he said, the family thought Jack’s remains had been moved at this time. “We found out, that was not the case,” he said. They searched and searched through records and documents of all kinds. He and wife Mary also took a trip to Tarawa in the 1990s. “The native people were so kind to us,” he said. As they hit obstacles along the way, they would forge on, determined to find Jack. As the years went by they found more and more people working on identifying unknown military personnel. The Amry Grave Registration service recovered many remains from the island, some who could not be identified. Those remains were taken to Hawaii. There was a time, Merrill said, when it was thought Jack was in Hawaii, but researchers determined after carefully going through records, that he was not. Merrill had given the military his DNA sample, which was used to help find a match for Jack. By 2011, researchers felt that Jack was still on Betio. In the summer of 2014, they went back to Betio with GPS equipment. “As they were digging the spot, two natives walked up to them and
Photo contributed Brothers Hobert and Jack Redman each served in the U.S. Marine Corps. said ‘if you move your digging 20 to 30 feet you’ll find him,” he said. And they did. Merrill said the last 70 years have been a rollercoaster of emotions. Those feelings still surface, but Merrill is grateful to all who helped find Jack and get him home. The plane with Jack’s remains will be flown from Hawaii into Chicago’s O’Hare airport Friday morning. There, a short military service will take place on the tarmac with the Marines, before Jack will finally be brought back to Watseka. Knapp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Funeral director Steve Knapp said the visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning with the funeral at noon. All services will be at the First United Methodist Church. The Marines are sending an honor guard to watch over Jack before he is laid to rest. They will stand guard all through the night and into the day of the service. There will be a full military service Saturday. Six Marines will be pallbearers, with seven making up an honor firing squad. Several speakers, including top military personnel, are expected. A member of the governor’s office is expected to attend the service.
June 1, 2015
Campout for Charity draws 120 Good Samaritans
By CAITLIN SIEVERS, Reporter reporter@intranix.com
Campers from across the state gathered in Iroquois County over the weekend, to raise money for charity. Around 120 people, from various Good Samaritan clubs, parked their campers and RVs at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds May 29-31 as a part of the Prairie State Sams’ 9th annual Campout for Charity. The purpose of the event is to raise money for three charities. They are Dogs for the Deaf, Christmas gifts for seniors in Kankakee and Iroquois counties and Relay for Life in Kankakee and Iroquois counties. Event chairman, Jim Landry of Bradley estimated around 60 RVs and campers were parked at the fairgrounds for the event. Landry simply enjoys being with the people who take part in the event. “My favorite part is the camaraderie with meeting the other campers,” Landry said. “We’re kind of like a big family.” During last year’s event the club gathered around $8,000 for the three charities through food sales, auctions and donations. Throughout the weekend, campers attend seminars, such as a two hour talk from the National Weather Service on Friday, where members of the clubs
“79 Years”
CONRAD TRUCKING, INC.
202 S. Central St., Danforth, IL Family Owned & Operated
815-269-2010 Since 1937
“57 Years”
SUPERIOR CLEANERS 211 S. THIRD ST., WATSEKA, IL
815-432-4343
Leather Cleaning & Alterations Since 1959
received Weather Watchers certifications. Another speaker on Friday was Watseka High School student Hayden Schaumburg. Schaumburg, who suffered a spinal cord injury during a football game last fall, shared his inspirational story with some of the campers. Campers learned about Schaumburg’s struggle to learn to walk again, during a video about his time doing rehabilitation at Shriner’s Hospital. He credits his determination to life lessons that he learned on his family’s farm. “I gained an affinity for hard work, ambition and passion,” Schaumburg said. “I believe those things that my dad instilled in me, that by the grace of God, have put me where I am today, standing on my own two feet, driving around, back to the things I like to do.” Schaumburg was paralyzed from the neck down after his C4 and C5 vertebrae were dislocated. He was placed on a ventilator and doctors were unsure if he would ever come off of it. “They really didn’t give me a whole lot of hope,” he said. “They kind of discredited me.” Doctors told his parents that he would be very needy into the future.
Watseka High School student Hayden Schaumburg speaks on Friday to a crowd of campers gathered at the Iroquois County Fairgrounds for the Campout for Charity. Photo by Caitlyn Sievers
See CHARITY, page 7
“65 Years”
T&D METAL PRODUCTS 602 E. WALNUT, WATSEKA, IL
815-432-4938 Since 1951
“52 Years”
Rt. 1 & 24 East, WATSEKA, IL
815-432-2418
www.watsekaford.com Since 1964
“58 Years” IROQUOIS RESIDENT HOME An Independent Partner of Presence Health
200 FAIRMAN, WATSEKA, IL
815-432-7768
Janet Burton, DON Tom McCann, Administrator Since 1958
“51 Years”
STOCKLAND GRAIN CO., INC STOCKLAND, IL 815-682-4211 MILFORD, IL 815-889-4855 GREER, IL 815-984-4700
Page 7 6
Iroquois County Year in Review
January, 2016
July 28, 2015
‘If you build it, they will come’
Baseball has always been one of America’s favorite pasttime. However, the sport requires keen hand-eye coordination, which makes it difficult for every young child to begin to learn to play the game with others. For PONY League Baseball and Softball, that changed in 2009, when the international board of directors adopted a new league, the ACBA Champions League. Champions League is a non-competitive baseball league for non-competitive baseball league for boys and girls with special needs. In 2015, the league branched out to Chebanse. “Just from where I worked, I sensed that there was just a real need for this in our area,” said Sherri Gifford, cofounder, along with Keith Cooper, of the ACBA Champions League in Chebanse. Gifford, who is in her twelfth year as a special education teacher and has a, said they tried to pass the information for the league out to as many people as they could to gauge interest. And was there ever. “The first year of the league has 39 participants for 16 towns in the area,” said Gifford, including her daughter, Aliison. “She is the reason I began looking into starting a league,” said Gifford. “Her brothers all had sports they could choose to play. Children with disabilities did not have an option anywhere in the area.” In a way to let the players display what skills they have already, a “skills day” was arranged before any games were played. “The kids were able to hit off of a ‘T’ at one station, throw and field at another and practice in a hand-eye coordination
station,” said Gifford. Central’s High School baseball team helped participate with the players during the skills-day event. “Central High School and their baseball program was just amazing for helping us out,” said Gifford. After the four teams were comprised, a game was played each month, so each team has an opportunity to play one another. On the field, each player is paired up with a “buddy,” who will help the player with each facet of the game, from helping to swing the bat, to rounding the bases. Parents are welcome to come down to the field if they are not a buddy of one of the participants to cheer on and support the game. Smaller and shorter “T’s” are available, along with a ball that makes noise. There is a cowbell at each base to help the direct the base runners to their next destination. Sign language is also available if requested. Gifford said the league took it a step further in order to enhance to level of enjoyment and assistance to the participants. “We tried to think of every disability that we have come in contact with and tried to meet them as best as we can,” said Gifford. The final game of the inaugural season in the area ends tonight in Chebanse at American Legion Park at 6. The game is played prior to the beginning of the Pony Bronco North Zone Tournament, where Gifford’s son Matt will be playing, which is scheduled to take place the rest of the week. “This will be our showcase game,” said Gifford. “People from different communities will be in town for the other tournament. This will give them a chance to see what we are all doing here.”
Photo contributed Jeff Gifford (left) gives his sister, Allison, some brotherly words of advice on second base. After the season, Gifford said she hopes the league will be able to support funding for a yearbook to document the league this season. “It would be a nice thing to have, to commemorate all the different pictures and memories for the kids,” said Gifford. Gifford and the league can be reached at acbachampions@ gmail.com and can be found on Facebook under ACBA Champions League.
August 10, 2015
State ag director visits Watseka Farm Show
By CARLA WATERS, Managing Editor cwaters@intranix.com
First there was too much rain and lately there’s not been enough. Farmers in the area are having a difficult time this year, and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Philip Nelson wants them to know he and his staff know it. Nelson was in town Saturday at the 2015 Farm Show conducted by the Watseka Masonic Lodge on the Big R grounds. Nelson was introduced by State Rep. Tom Bennett, who also acknowledged the weather problems farmers have been dealing with this year. “Agriculture is a very important part of our area, it’s an important part of our county, our district and it’s an important part of the state of Illinois. “Agriculture jobs and businesses are found it so many ways for our economy,” he said. Bennett said with the rains of earlier this summer crops were flooded or didn’t get planted at all. “We had more rain than we knew what to do with,” he said. “Then it stopped and that has caused some other issues.” Nelson said that Americans also will consume in an average day 247,000 pounds of corn, 295,000 pounds of fish sticks, one million pounds of bacon and three million gallons of ice cream. Mother Nature, he said, has given farmers a “double whammy”. While there was too much rain earlier, he said, there’s “not enough moisture.” While there is rain predicted for this week, he said, in some places it may not be enough. The governor has issued a disaster declaration for several counties, he said, including Iroquois. Now the assessments are going on and it will be determined later if aid will be coming. However, Nelson said, Iroquois and Kankakee counties appear to be some of the hardest hit areas.
“49 Years”
1043 S. CRESCENT ST., GILMAN, IL
815-265-7310
Family owned & operated
Photo by Carla Waters Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Philip Nelson (right) talks with Watseka resident James Both at the 2015 Farm Show.
One of the biggest challenges is seeing farmers with 40 to 50 percent losses, he said. Nelson said he and his staff are working with banks on possible low interest loans that could be restructured should the disaster declaration aid come through. He said the Illinois Finance Authority will work with local banks to restructure debt. Nelson said that it is not “how long before the decla-
“46 Years”
MILLER’S AUTO REPAIR 255 N. JEFFERSON WATSEKA, IL
815-432-3565
Since 1967
Since 1970
“43 Years”
“41 Years”
MIKE’S SERVICE CENTER & CAR WASH
KINGDON’S HOME CENTER
815-432-4128
815-432-5448
1008 E. WALNUT, WATSEKA, IL Since 1973
234 N. Jefferson, Watseka, IL Since 1975
ration” is made at the federal level. “It’s going to happen it is a mater of how many counties,” he said. “Kankakee and Iroquois are at the top of the list. I’ll be surprised if half of the counties don’t fall into it.” Nelson said at the state level there are many issues going on, including the budget, which he said it is hoped will be finalized soon. There are regulations that will affect farming, too. For example, he said, last week there was an executive order from the president to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 33 percent in the next 10 years. “He’s going to shut the door on 370 coal fired electricity systems. If that happens you could be paying 50 to 60 percent more for electricity. That is going to be harmful to our industry, Nelson said. “We are a big user of electricity.” Another issue they are watching closely, he said involves the Chesapeake Bay Basin and the maximum daily load in a water shed. According to the executive order, there is continued poor water quality in that bay and its tributaries. It highlights a 25 percent reduction of nitrogen, 24 percent reduction of phosphorus and 20 percent reduction of sediment. The regulation in the Chesapeake Bay Basin, he said, affects about 600,000 acres. Should something similar be regulated in the Mississippi River Basin, he said, “1.2 to 1.5 million acres could be out of production.” Nelson said that Illinois has much cleaner air and water than other parts of the country. He said in Los Angeles, for example, the air is not as clean as in Chicago, noting that the implementation of ethanol has helped. Some countries, like Brazil, he said, have mandated the use of ethanol and biodiesel. The U.S., Nelson said, should get away from being as dependent on foreign energy as it is and ethanol and bio-diesel fuels are “part of that solution.”
“43 Years”
H&R Block
www.hrblock.com 1164 E. WALNUT WATSEKA, IL
815-432-5155 Since 1973
“41 Years”
MORRISON-BENOIT CONSTRUCTION
EXCAVATING & TRUCKING CRESCENT CITY, IL
815-683-2631 Since 1975
6
January, 2016
Iroquois County Year in Review
Page 7
September 21, 2015
Library honors Dowling, welcomes public
By WENDY DAVIS, Reporter
the younger people to step up,” he said. The board that is in place now, he said, does a great job. He said the board will remain useful because they too have a common goal in keeping the library great. “There’s no friction on the board.” Zumwalt said the library is still an important asset to the community. “We’re lucky to have this library.” Last year, she said, more than 48,000 items were circulated, including books, magazines, newspapers, audio books and music, and videos. “It’s important to celebrate the library, even in today’s digital world.” Because there will always be people who need non-digital media, she said. September is also library card sign-up month. She said there are 3,200 library cards distributed to Watseka residents and nearby non-residents. The library staff includes Zumwalt, Chris Bosson, Mary Decker, Dave Klinefelter, Marlene Light, Rosann Miller, Dee Montgomery, Joyce Dorsey, Velanne Gocken, Diann Peabody, Robin Shuda,Marilyn Smith and Carmen Spenn. Its board is made up of Dowling, president Rhonda Pence, vice president Mary Bohlmann, secretary Debi Custer, treasurer Rich Dickte, Kay Johnson, Kris Lundquist, Troy Simpson and John Tonner.
The Watseka Public Library has been welcome in the community since 1895, and Friday the library staff and board wanted to say thank you to the public it serves with an open house. At Friday’s open house library staff, board members and public were also able to wish outgoing board member John Dowling good luck. Dowling has served on the library board for at least 35 years. “He’s been an asset to the library,” said library director Kim Zumwalt. “He’s seen a lot of changes and he’s been part of making a lot of changes to the library.” In fact, she said, he was among the key members who got the building set up where it is today. Zumwalt said he has made himself available for anything the library has needed because he’s taken the time to visit almost every day. She said he knows how important a library is to a community. “We have a wonderful library here. Let’s use it. Let’s enjoy it. Let’s keep it thriving,” she said. Dowling said it’s been his pleasure to serve on the board, and Watseka is fortunate to not only have a great library but also a dedicated staff to serve the public. “They’ve served Watseka very well,” he said, and each have a common goal in keeping the library in service for the area. As for the board he’s leaving, “It’s time for
Photo by Wendy Davis John Dowling accepts a gift for his more than 35 years serving on the Watseka Public Library Board from library director Kim Zumwalt.
October 6, 2015
Flood workers honored with dinner
By CARLA WATERS, Managing Editor cwaters@intranix.com
Flood workers who helped others during the floods of June and July were honored Saturday night. A dinner was hosted by the Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watseka Area Firefighters Association at the Watseka Elks Lodge 1791. “In 2008 (when Watseka suffered another devastating flood), the Elks did a dinner for us,” said Ryan Bell, a Watseka firefighter. “During this last flood, Dave (Fire Chief Mayotte) and I talked about how we should do another one for everyone who helped out,” he said. As the plans progressed, he said, the event grew with the help of the chamber and the Elks. “The chamber paid for the meal and the Elks provided the hall,” he said. There were many volunteers and emergency responders who helped this time, too, Bell said, and everyone felt they should be recognized. There were 64 firefighters who worked more than 900 man hours during the flood, he said. Those firefighters came from all over
the area to help out. Nicor, Ameren and ServPro all had people in the area during the weeks after the flood, just to be sure everyone had what they needed from each of those entities. “I know we had one Nicor guy sleeping at the station,” Bell said. Other employees from the utility companies were in the area every day tending to people’s needs. “Everybody as invited,” Bell said. That includes not only the Watseka firefighters, but Watseka Police, ESDA, Red Cross, county police, the utility companies, and the firefighters from all over the county. There were about 65 people who attended Saturday night, Bell said. They were treated to a dinner of parmesan chicken, angel hair pasta, vegetable, salad and drink. “It was just a time to sit together without the worries of the flood waters,” he said. Bell said also on hand were the spouses or significant others of the volunteers. They, too, are important for allowing their spouse or partner to do their jobs, which can be stressful and long hours. Bell also praised the chamber and the Elks for the support they give the firefighters and
Photo contributed In attendance Saturday night were (seated) Jessica Jean, Ashkum Fire Chief Jeff Glenn, Marcia Glenn, Kristin Bailey, Firefighter Matt Bailey, Firefighter Tony Potts, Firefighter Trey Potts, ServPro representatives Bill Wilczynski and Adam Goodman, back row: Watseka Alderman Monna Ulfers, ESDA Coordinator Eric Ceci, State Rep. Tom Bennett and Watseka Alderman Marvin Purvis. the other volunteers. “That’s the kind of stuff that makes the community run smooth,” he said.
Charity from page 5 “What they didn’t know is where exactly I came from and what I’m all about,” Schaumburg said. After going through 100 days of therapy, working 4-5 hours a day, he walked up two flights of stairs, before leaving his rehab facility. “Now I’m back at school, I’m back doing the things I love to do and in such a short time, by God’s grace,” Schaumburg said. “Just the way that my community pulled together for me and just my passion to get back home, that’s why I think I was able to overcome the
“38 Years”
D&D CARPETS ASHKUM, IL
odds.” Schaumburg received a standing ovation from the campers, after his talk. The Prairie State Sams met once a month. In the summer they camp, while in the winter they meet at restaurants. Members come from different cities throughout the state, although most of them are from the central part of Illinois. Landry himself is from Bradley, but said the club has
“34 Years”
IROQUOIS HOME CARE INCORPORATED
815-698-2154
Home Medical Equipment & Supplies
Owners: Don & Judy Brinkman Since 1978
200 N. Laird Lane, Watseka,, IL 815-432-6155 www.iroquoishomecare.com Since 1982
“23 Years”
“22 Years”
Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9-5; Wed. 9-8; Sat. 9-Noon
Ken Courtney 2841 E. 850 N. Rd., Box 137 Stockland, IL 60967
Shop: 815-682-4287
Cell: 815-867-4287
Since 1993
An Independent Partner of Presence Health
I ROQUOIS FINANCIAL 204 E. CHERRY ST., WATSEKA, IL
815-432-5231 Since 1994
some members from Iroquois County. The Campout for Charity is the Prairie State Sams biggest event of the year. Joyce Guymon, member of the Champaign County Sams, attended the Campout for Charity for a simple reason. “It’s one of the best campouts there is,” she said. Member of the Roman Sams, Ralph Worden agreed. “It’s a lot of fun and we get to raise money for charity,” Worden said.
“33 Years”
ROSENBOOM REALTY 128 E. WALNUT ST. WATSEKA, IL
815-432-6011
Residential, Farmettes, Lots, Farmland, Commercial Mary Lou Knecht Broker/General Manager Roland Rosenboom, Broker/Owner
Since 1983
“22 Years”
200 N. Laird Lane, Watseka, IL 60970
815-432-6175 Since 1994
Page 9 8
Iroquois County Year in Review
January, 2016
November 2, 2015
Emerson earns rank of Eagle Scout
By CARLA WATERS, Managing Editor cwaters@intranix.com
Working with young people and instilling a love of nature has helped a Beaverville teen earn his Eagle Scout award. Christian Emerson, 18, earned his Eagle award, being presented with it Oct. 10. A member of Boy Scout Troop 188, Emerson advanced through the merit badges and other requirements. There are 21 badges required of an Eagle Scout, including first aid, citizenship and environmental science. There are also more than 130 other badges that scouts can choose to obtain, all along the way learning skills in leadership, outdoors and community service. His Eagle project included constructing and decorating bird houses and bird feeders. The project began after a conversation around the dining room table. His brother Noah is an Eagle Scout, and Christian, Noah and the family were talking about what Christian’s project should be. After talking about some of the projects they knew others had done, Christian said they started talking about doing something in the outdoors. From there the conversation focused on trees and nature and then the bird houses and bird feeder idea came to be. “The bird house help the community in a lot of ways,” he said. People can watch the birds as they nest in the bird houses. The birds, he said, have a ready-made home that they can use once they bring in nesting material. After the idea was born, Christian said he talked with the minister of his church, Martinton Church of Christ about talking with the youths at
the Time-In Program there. Part of the project was for Christian to lead someone else through the making of the bird feeder, so that is what he did with the youths. “That turned out really well,” he said. “The kids had a lot of fun painting and decorating the bird houses. The youngest children were able to decorate the bird feeders. There were about 20 children in the program who helped with the assembling and decorating of the bird houses and bird feeders. Once that portion of the project was completed, he enlisted the help of some of the other scouts in Troop 188 to hang the bird feeders and bird houses at Prairie States Christian Camp. There they will provide shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. “We thought that would be a good place,” he said. “It’s not that far away.” Christian has been in scouts since he was in first grade. Along with his older brother Noah, he has a younger brother Gabriel who is also in the troop and plans to also be an Eagle Scout some day. The Donovan High School senior said he would recommend everyone become involved in scouting. “It’s a one- of-a-kind experience,” he said. While he wasn’t sure he would like it at first, Christian said he soon learned that there are many fun things to do involved with scouting. He enjoyed learning things and being involved in his community. As he’s gotten older, Christian said he has had even more experiences through scouting. He was
Christian Emerson recently earned his Eagle Scout designation. A member of Boy Scout Troop 188, Emerson has been involved in scouting since he was in first grade. Photo contributed
a camp counselor this past summer at a Boy Scout camp. “I was able to help the younger scouts,” he said. “That was a really rewarding experience. “I’ve said before, without scouting I could not be the person I am today,” he said. Christian is a member of Martinton Church of Christ, where he is active in many endeavors. He is also involved in many school activities such as the school play, clubs, academic competitions and sports. He plans to attend Kankakee Community College after high school graduation and then transfer to a fouryear school. He is interested in studying
criminal justice and eventually working in forensics. In his spare time, Christian volunteers with the local American Legion Post to decorate veterans graves at Memorial Day. He also spends time in the winter months helping neighbors shovel snow. He is the son of Tina and Mike Emerson of Beaverville. The Emersons have been involved with scouting since 2001 and Tina is currently the scoutmaster. According to information from the National Eagle Scout Association, only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout designation.
December 4, 2015
Park district sock drive surpasses goal with help from The Arc By CARLA WATERS, Managing Editor cwaters@intranix.com
Photo by Carla Waters Daniel Focken, Don Lancaster, Aaron Bruniga, Russell Harrington, Adam Wells, Joyce Harrington and Cole Jarvis hold up the socks The Arc of Iroquois County collected for the Watseka Park District sock drive.
“22 Years” Bob Burd
Financial Representative bob.burd@countryfinancial.com
With a big help from The Arc of Iroquois County, the Watseka Park District has met its goal for its sock drive. “Home Based Services at The Arc of Iroquois County decided to do a sock drive to assist the park district,” said Anita Wyatt, family support associate. “People supported, Arc staff and families generously donated 291 pairs of socks.” That pushed the sock count at the park district to 453, said Executive Director Sherry Johnson. There’s still time for people to donate socks and help those in need in the area keep their feet warm this winter. “Everyone likes cozy socks,” she said. The socks are being displayed in the window at the park district office, where people can see the progress. Several members of Home Based Services dropped off the socks yesterday afternoon to park district staff. Daniel Focken, Don Lancaster, Aaron Bruniga, Russell Harrington, Adam Wells, Joyce Harrington and Cole Jarvis carried in the socks along with Anita Wyatt and Donna Hodge, the family support associates. Johnson said she is hoping to get the socks distributed Dec. 19 when the Toys for Tots distribution is conducted. Donors still have until Dec. 17 to give socks to the park district staff for distribution.
“20 Years”
BAIER FUNERAL HOME
102 WEST OAK ST., WATSEKA, IL ROY BAIER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR
815-432-2222
THANK YOU COMMUNITY FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT
Since 1994
“19 Years” LINDA’S HAIR & TANNING
“13 Years”
“19 Years”
“17 Years”
Since 1996
300 E. Frederick, P.O. Box 24, Milford, IL Buy, Sell & Trade Used Farm Equipment Jon 815-471-4191 Jim 815-471-9610 www.mowreyauction.com
Since 1997
“13 Years”
Affordable Assisted Living
577 E. MARTIN AVE., WATSEKA, IL 815-432-4560 Since 2003
200 N. Laird Lane, Watseka, IL 60970
815-432-6175
815-889-5119
Since 1997
IROQUOIS MEMORIAL HOSPICE
www.baierfuneralhome.com
701 E. JONES, MILFORD, IL
Linda Larimore Hours: Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-?? Saturday 8:30 a.m.-Noon Evening Appointments Available
“20 Years”
227 W. Walnut, Watseka, IL Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Since 2003
Since 1996
106 E. JONES ST. MILFORD, IL
815-889-9902
& Bar l Gril
Since 1999
“9 Years”
Richard L. Smith, Broker/Owner 815-432-2900 815-471-1948 cell 815-432-5509 home 815-432-2905 fax www.rlsmithsells.com email:RLSmithsells@aol.com Since 2007