Jersey County April 2022

Germania

Brew Haus opens three new locations

Business offers quality coffee and great atmosphere

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

Germania Brew Haus has been a prototype for the energetic, innovative businesses driving the economic resurgence of Alton and its surrounding communities in recent years. Opening its Alton location in 2017, the coffee house has adapted and grown over time to accommodate both the tastes of the public and the demands imposed on all businesses by the pandemic. Its expansion into three new locations ratifies it as a cornerstone of the increasingly vibrant Riverbend area. The business is owned by

husband and wife, Jared and Carolyn Brynildsen, and Jared’s brother, Ben The Brynildsens all have hometown connections to Alton and a broad exposure to business models they have seen around the world.

Ben Brynildsen manages the ongoing operations of the original Alton location as well as those of the new locations in East Alton, Godfrey and Jerseyville. Born and raised in Alton, extensive business management experience along with a friendly, professional approach to customer service makes him the ideal fit for the position.

Germania Brew Haus offers what Ben Brynildsen describes as a relaxed atmosphere suitable for couples, families, highschoolers, business groups and anyone else who enjoys quality, flavorful coffee drinks. Selections include lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, fresh-brewed coffee, cold brews and espressos. The business also offers teas, smoothies, milkshakes, hot cocoas, craft soda and more. In addition, customers can choose from a food menu of bacon, egg and cheese strudels, Nutella strudel bites, energy bites and overnight oats.

A fourth Germania Brew Haus location is opening in Jerseyville at 309 North State St. in April.

curbside service which allowed customers to remain in their cars while making their purchases. “When they pull up out front, a bell rings inside and we send someone out to take their order,” he says. He says in addition to inhouse and carry-out business, many of their customers today continue to enjoy the convenience of curbside service.

The original Alton location occupies the former Germania Bank building at 617 East Broadway. Brynildsen explains when the pandemic occurred, the business began offering

In August of 2020, Germania Brew Haus opened a new location at 5775 Godfrey Road in Godfrey. Like the Alton location, the Godfrey business offers indoor seating and also accommodates take-out orders. It also has a drive-up window for customers who prefer to stay in their cars.

Ben Brynildsen manages the four area Germania Brew Haus locations.

In February, a third location opened at Eastgate Plaza in East Alton. It is currently drive-through only but offers the same menu as the two walk-in locations. Brynildsen says they will be building a covered patio there in the near future so customers can stay to relax and enjoy their refreshments on site if they wish.

A fourth Germania Brew Haus location is opening in Jerseyville at 309 North State St. in April. It will be a full walk-in location with seating and the complete Brew Haus menu. Brynildsen says they are excited about opening in Jerseyville. “Customers kept telling us we should open there and we’ve found the community and business environment there to be growing rapidly,” he says. Germania Brew Haus’ motto is, “Craft Coffee, Craft Culture and Craft Community.” Brynildsen says Craft Coffee refers to the quality of the product. Crimson Cup brand coffee is ground and brewed in house. “It’s not just about fast service to get the drinks out. We really care about the quality of what we serve.”

He explains Craft Culture refers to the working

environment the company fosters. “Culture is our staff,” he says. We want them to know they are respected.”

He attributes the success of the business to the quality of the menu items and to the friendliness of the baristas and staff. “How great our people are is really the key to our success.”

He says Craft Culture is about what the business can do for the community.

He highlights cash register roundup fundraising campaigns to help local efforts like the Restore Network, an organization helping foster care families.

He points out the business’ employees also volunteer their own personal time to do trash cleanups and volunteer work for charitable groups like Sleep In Heavenly Peace, a group helping children in need of beds.

All Germania Brew Haus locations are open from 6am - 6pm weekdays and from 7am - 6pm on weekends. All locations can be reached by phone at 618-800-5130. The complete menu is available at germaniabrewhaus.com. The business can also be found on Facebook and Instagram. 3

Epic Food Month set for June

Back by popular demand, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau will celebrate local foods with an epic foodie experience throughout the month of June.

Businesses and restaurants that serve up great burgers, wings, ice cream and pizza will be highlighted throughout the month of June during Epic Food Month. Each week a different local favorite food

will be celebrated. The epic weeks include: Epic Pizza Week, Epic Wing Week, Epic Burger Week, and Epic IceCream Week.

Businesses in Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin, Montgomery and Greene counties interested in participating should contact Joey Naples, tourism engagement and outdoor recreation coordinator at: jnaples@ riversandroutes.com 3

BIRTH

Isaac Allen Millburg

January 27, 2022, 10:13 pm

6 pounds, 9 ounces, 19.5 inches St. John’s, Springfield, Ill. Son of Jeff Millburg and Erica De Sherlia of Springfield, Ill. Grandparents are Doug and Becky Millburg of Auburn, Ill., and Bobby De Sherlia of Springfield, Ill. Sister is Madison and brother Alex.

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A Germania Brew Haus barista prepares an Americano at the Alton location. [photos by Frank Prager]

Steak and potato specialty

By Bill Roseberry Big Z Media

I trekked to the southern border of Madison County for my latest food adventure. My dad and I visited a chain joint with only this location in Illinois and the next closest west of St. Louis, heading into central Missouri. It is more commonly found in the south.

With a western theme and hearty meal choices to boot, this is a great gathering place for larger groups and an overall fun time.

It sits not far off of the interstate, intertwined in with slew of other businesses.

Take a frontage road to your destination, and it does stand solo with a spacious parking lot to serve plenty of patrons.

You can see the giant sign with the restaurant’s name from a good distance, too.

Once you enter the parking lot, you’ll see a small patio to the left of the entrance for outdoor dining on warm days. There is a mural of a country singer holding a guitar and sporting a cowboy hat painted on a yellow wall. There are tin awnings over the windows with the name of the place displayed in red, white and blue lettering above the awnings.

Enter the establishment through a small vestibule and come face-to-face with the host/hostess station.

Pictures of Wild Bill, Annie

Oakley, Calamity Jane and Jesse James adorn the walls near the entrance.

As for the dining experience, there are lots of small dining areas dispersed through small rooms, making for a little more intimate setting. There is one large dining area with a high ceiling, too.

It has western murals on the wall, a deer head hanging up, mounted fish; just an outdoor and western theme.

The smaller rooms have low ceilings with wooden booths and wooden tables. Dad and I set up shop in a booth in one of those rooms in a secluded area. We sat below a wagon wheel chandelier featuring horseshoes and spurs on it.

There is also a bar toward the rear of the restaurant.

But while the atmosphere was quirky and cool, I was there for the grub and it was pretty good. To start, each table is served rolls with butter and honey. That was a good start to the eating experience.

Steaks are the specialty here, so I chose the 12-ounce Hawaiian ribeye with a baked sweet potato and fried okra. Dad went with a 6-ounce sirloin, house salad and the baked sweet potato.

Okra is a great comfort food for me. Here there wasn’t anything special about it, but it met my expectations to please my palate.

The steak was very good, but originally came out pretty rare and I had to send it back. I ordered it medium well. Our waitress was quick to fix the mistake and when it returned it was perfect. There was a great char on the edges, but it was tender in the middle. The taste was driven by the teriyaki and pineapple juices from the marinate. Grilled pineapple slices garnished the top of it and were tender and delicious.

I can’t lie though, the star of the meal was the sweet potato. It was loaded with butter and brown sugar and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The flavor was popping in every bite. It was one of the best I’ve had in awhile.

Dad was super stoked about his sweet potato too, but also enjoyed his steak. While the steaks were very good, they aren’t the best I’ve had, but for the price point it’s well worth checking this place out. There are plenty of other cool options on the extensive menu, too.

Overall:

Cleanliness:

Service:

Food:

Price:

Grab yourself a filet mignon wrapped in applewood smoked bacon, an 18-ounce T-bone, or a 16-ounce ribeye. There are also awesome options like pork chops, fried chicken, mesquite grilled salmon, blackened salmon, fried catfish, a slew of burger, sandwich and salad options, and plenty more. Appetizers like onion tanglers and chipotle chicken nachos don’t sound like they’d disappoint either. 3

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Go Figure

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1. LITERATURE: Who wrote the poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay”?

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Jerseyville teen achieves black belt and instructor status

By Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media

A Jerseyville teen was recently awarded the Martial Arts Student of the Year from Grogan’s Academy of Martial Arts in Edwardsville.

Christian Maag, son of Robyn and Ed Maag, is a junior at Marquette Catholic High School in Alton and earned his first-degree black belt late last year and is now a certified instructor at the school. Big Z Media caught up with the 17-year-old recently to talk about the achievement:

What are your thoughts on achieving the certificate of instructor?

It’s a pretty big honor, especially considering how many other students we have there with the same experience, it’s a big achievement.

When did you get interested in martial arts?

I got involved in fifth grade. My parents wanted me to switch schools, but I made a deal with them that if I switched schools, I could start martial arts.

Did you have an idea of how far you wanted to go?

Not really. I knew I wanted to get my black belt. Growing up, I always watched SpongeBob where he did

Even Exchange

martial arts and that was a big one, and then the Jackie Chan Adventures was also a big one for me and it pushed me to try it for myself.

What’s been the most challenging part?

All the time you have to put into it, especially for earning a black belt you have to learn different forms and I’m not very good at memorization so trying to do the different forms took a lot of time.

What’s been the most fun part of your training?

I just really liked doing it. There’s a lot of protocol with it, a lot of discipline, a lot of bowing and I always enjoyed that kind of stuff. I’ve always wanted to be in the military and thought putting those two together would be neat.

My dad is in the Air Force, and I’ve always thought about someday becoming an Air Force pilot.

And you were named Student of the Year at your academy last year?

It was actually a shock to me. I had COVID at the point when they were planning to present the awards at a Christmas party so I couldn’t attend but someone said something to me about winning an award, but I said I didn’t know anything about it, so I don’t think they were supposed to mention it. Then a couple of weeks later,

I got the award. What’s it like being an instructor?

We have a team of instructors and I teach two days a week, but also fill in if someone else is out. We teach all ages, and the people are grouped based on their ability level. It’s fun!

Tell us about Master Grogan, who runs your school.

He is amazing, he’s such a good speaker and can hold your attention when he talks about anything. He’s a great instructor and really good at what he does.

What else do you want to achieve?

I’m just a first-degree black belt and follow the saying “CAN I”…which means Constant And Never-ending Improvement, so no matter where you are it’s good to be happy with where you are, but also constantly looking to improve on that.

And Master Grogan offered these thoughts on Maag:

Christian has always been a hard worker and role model to other students and his amazing attitude is so empowering to others. He’s a reflection of the amazing core values his family instills and the values we’ve instituted at our academy for over 25 years. 3

by Donna Pettman

Each numbered row contains two clues and two 6-letter answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MA STER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

Christian Maag

JCBA awards the Jersey County Health Department Business of the Year

The Jersey County Business Association (JCBA) has awarded the Jersey County Health Department (JCHD) its Business of the Year Award.

JCHD was honored with the award at the JCBA’s Annual Dinner on March 10 at Westlake Country Club. Doug King, Public Health Administrator, received the award in front of a capacity crowd of approximately 200 people, including Health Department employees. As part of the JCBA Business of the Year award, a promotional video was also created for JCHD and shown at the dinner. This video can be viewed at the JCBA’s Facebook page at facebook. com/JerseyCountyBiz.

The Jersey County Health Department opened in 1966 in the basement of the Jersey County Courthouse. The first services offered were home health under the Medicare Act. Home health has grown to now include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and home services. The health department also covers communicable diseases, maternal and child health, immunizations, environmental health, and emergency preparedness.

JCBA Chair Lisa Wittman, who is employed at Goetten Family Dentistry had the privilege of giving JCHD the Business of the Year Award. She said, “The Jersey

County Health Department is not our typical winner of our Business of the Year award, but the last few years have been anything but typical. While they are not a business, we wanted to honor JCHD for their work within our community to keep businesses safe and open as much as they were allowed. Further, they collaborated with our schools to keep kids in classrooms as much as possible, which allowed parents to keep going to work and our local economy going.”

Doug King, who has been the public health administrator since 2017, said he was very grateful that JCBA honored his agency with the Business of the Year Award. He said, “We are thrilled to be recognized by the JCBA and our community for our work over the last year. We are extremely fortunate to have such a supportive community.”

King continued, “Our relationships with Brad Tuttle at Unit School District 100 and Beth King at the

Jersey Community Hospital were essential. When the pandemic began, our main goal was to keep people safe, but keeping our schools open was also especially important to us. We worked very well with school district staff to see what we had to do to make that happen. For Jersey Community Hospital, we had weekly communications to make sure our efforts were coordinated and that we were giving the community the same messages.”

King added, “During times of peace or little illness, we are working just as hard as we always do, but people may not know us at that point. In public health we often say that if we are doing our job well, no one knows that we are doing it. But this is our task. And when there is a pandemic, that’s our job – keeping the community safe”

The JCBA Business of the Year is chosen through both public participation and a vote by the JCBA Board of Directors. Director Beth Bear explained that nominations are taken from the public, and then these businesses are invited by the JCBA to return a formal submission, which is then scored by the JCBA Board. Bear explained, “JCBA Board members are asked to grade submissions against a predetermined metric, which considers aspects of the business

Jersey Workforce Development Program expands

The Workforce Development Program at Jersey Community High School has expanded to include job shadowing for students, and in-school presentations on new and/or in demand careers.

“We are opening minds to new career options every day, and it is so incredibly exciting to see,” said Erica Heitzig a coordinator or the workforce development program at JCHS. She continued, “We have sent kids to the hospital, to banks, and to a welder/machinist –just to name a few.”

Heitzig explained that the

program has also been using Panther Time, or a morning free period at school, to bring in outside professionals to give presentations about their work. These presentations have been incredibly well attended and students leave feeling energized about their futures and their potential.

“The excitement that the kids have after attending a presentation is incredible. They look forward to these opportunities to learn more about their options and I hear then talking about what they’ve learned for weeks after.”

Further, the workforce

development program works with individuals to find opportunities to fit their desired career path.

For instance, Peyton Smith wanted to gain some experience in a law office, and the workforce development program was able to contact local law firm Wittman & Lorton PLC to arrange for the student to job shadow for the day. Heitzig explained that Smith was able to observe court as well as see what a day in a law office looks like.

Heitzig, said, “Our goal is to place students in their future career field, giving them the

experience they will need to contribute to our business community. Whether it be in business and finance, manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, agriculture, science and engineering, or architecture and construction, we are looking to create a “Talent Pipeline” with our community partners.”

Placing students locally to explore their desired career can create relationships that extend well beyond the initial placement. Heitzig explained, “If your business develops a good relationship with a student, perhaps that

such as community involvement, years in business, and economic impact. If a board member has any conflict of interest with a business that is nominated, we ask them to recuse themselves from voting. It is a rigorous process, and we work hard to keep this qualitative assessment fair.”

The Jersey County Health Department is located at 1307 State Highway 109 in Jerseyville, IL. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Currently, the JCHD is offering drive-thru COVID testing clinics on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please call 618-498-9565 ext. 336 to register (no walk-ins available). There are also drive thru immunization clinics for anyone 5 years of age and older every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All JCHD drive thru clinics are located behind the Jersey County Health Department. Further information can be found at jeresycountyhealth. org .

The Jersey County Business Association is the Chamber of Commerce for Jersey County and has operated since 1955. They are a coalition of approximately 250 area businesses, not-for-profit organizations and individuals who pool their talents and resources to improve the local economic environment. They recognize one business with their Business of the Year award each year.

student continues to work for you over the summers. And maybe they then come back to work full time for a business once they have completed their formal training – whether that is to become an accountant, an electrician, or lawyer.”

Heitzig also wanted to dispel a common myth about potential insurance issues of having a student in the workplace. She said, “When a student is at an employer’s site in a workbased learning setting the school’s insurance extends to the workplace to cover the student. It has to do with the

Peyton Smith

extension of the classroom.” If you have opportunities in your workplace for students, or if you would be willing to present or have a kid shadow someone at your business, please get in touch. Heitzig can be contacted at erica. heitzig@jersey100.org.

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Brunaugh Constructionbuilding on a strong foundation

By Mike Adams Big Z Media

Jason Brunaugh, owner of Brunaugh Construction, understands the necessity for beginning each project with a strong foundation. That has certainly been the case when he began building his business.

Jason grew up around the construction business. His grandfather founded Widman Construction many years ago and his father worked for the company. Their example of hard work, integrity, and quality craftsmanship, along with his mother’s influence of creativity and faith, gave Jason the foundational materials he needed for a strong foundation to launch his company.

Jason went to school in Jerseyville, and was an athlete in high school. His love of basketball won him a scholarship to Arkansas

Tech University where he spent two years learning how to balance a schedule packed with classwork, practices, and a rigorous schedule of games and team activities. It was a crash course in time management that would serve him well in his future career.

After two years at Arkansas Tech, Jason came home and attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville for an additional year. While in school at SIUE he began working with Mike Wickenhauser Construction. While Jason had been around aspects of the construction business for his entire life, this was his first introduction to home construction. That started out as a summer job and three years later

Jason was still working

with Wickenhauser and had advanced from clean-up to more hands-on aspects of the construction process, eventually learning finish carpentry.

From there Brunaugh moved on to work with P.J. Jun

at Jun Construction, where he apprenticed as a project manager.

Jason credits his time with Jun as being where he really learned how to run the business side of a construction company. For the next 15 years, Jun allowed him to learn everything from managing a project to handling the financial challenges associated with the construction process.

In 2014, with the blessing of his employer, Jason launched out on his own to begin Brunaugh Construction. This new venture would prove to be both exciting and a bit scary. After all, Jason was moving from a good paying steady job to a brand new venture with no guarantees. But the foundational things he learned from his childhood and his experience would

soon pay off.

Jason understands that the home construction industry has some bad players who have made some people leery, so if he would be successful, he would have to set his company apart from the crowd. Values like integrity, reliability, promisekeeping, and punctuality would be built into Brunaugh Construction’s DNA. And those ethics have paid off in creating a great company culture and a successful business model.

Since its inception in 2014, Brunaugh Construction has expanded its services to include new home construction, remodeling, home additions, and also insurance reconstruction. Their slogan is “On time, On Budget, On Purpose” and it is one they strive to live up to.

You can contact Jason Brunaugh and Brunaugh Construction at 618-4338811 or visit them online at brunaughconstructiondesign.com. 3

COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT 100, JERSEY AND GREENE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS Brad Tuttle, Superintendent JERSEYVILLE WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kristie Hurley, Principal 1000 W. Carpenter, Jerseyville, Illinois 62052

GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Michelle Brown, Principal 1200 Grafton Hills Dr., Grafton, IL 62037

If you have a child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2022 and will be attending kindergarten in Jersey Unit School District #100, please call 618-498-4322 to schedule a Pre-Registration/Screening appointment. Guardians along with their eligible students are required to attend Pre-Registration/Screening on Thursday, April 14. The Pre-Registration/Screening will be held from 8:30am to 2:30pm at West Elementary.

Required items for kindergarten are: proof of residency, child’s legal birth certificate, recent physical (physical no older than 1 year prior to first day of school), immunization records, eye examination form, and dental examination form.

The following documentation that identifies current address will be acceptable as proof of residency:

1. Electric bill or water bill containing the parent/guardian name.

2. Current driver’s license.

3. Voter registration card.

4. Lease showing name, address and occupancy date. Please bring proof of residency, and birth certificate and recent physical (if you currently have it) to Pre-Registration/Screening. Completed immunization/physical records are required to complete the final registration process. If already completed, these items may be turned in at Pre-Registration on April 14.

Watch Jason Brunaugh on Big Z Media’s “BUSINESS OVER A BREW” advnews.link/ brunaugh

Jason Brunaugh

Gov. announces release of $37.5m for main complex renovation

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined leaders from the Metro East and Lewis and Clark Community College Monday in L&C’s Reid Memorial Library to announce the release of long-awaited funding for the college’s Main Complex Renovation Project.

“This project has been a long time coming, and so the commitments across many organizations to make this possible are exciting,” said L&C President Ken Trzaska. “It never would have happened without true commitment by a team of dedicated team members here at the campus and throughout the state.”

The Main Complex includes five historic buildings (Baldwin, Caldwell, Wade, Fobes and Reid Halls), totaling approximately 170,000 square feet. Contained within that space are a number of classrooms and student service areas, including the library, bookstore, enrollment services, financial aid and more.

Planned renovations include mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades, health and life safety improvements, the replacement of the fire suppression and fire alarm systems, ADA, lighting and elevator upgrades, interior finishes, and upgrades to the roofing systems, windows and building envelopes.

“The Main Complex represents our past, but with this investment, it also brings to the forefront a critical investment to our future – a future that symbolizes a renewed model for educational access and flexibility,” Trzaska said.

The project will be partially funded by a $37.5 million

investment through Rebuild Illinois, the governor’s bipartisan capital plan and the first in nearly a decade, as well as an additional $12.5 million local match from the college, which was approved by the L&C Board of Trustees at a special meeting in September 2021.

“Throughout my governorship, I’ve been very proud to increase support for L&C and also for all of our community colleges, and to make college more attractive and more affordable for students,” Pritzker said.

“There’s no better time than now to put a down payment on the strongest possible future for the Metro East and the entire region. The renovations here at Lewis and Clark represent just that – fuel for growth in this region for many years to come.”

The grant was originally appropriated by the state in the Rebuild Illinois Capital Program in 2019. Sen. Rachelle Crowe recognized the need for critical renovations, particularly when L&C officials closed parts of the Main Complex in Fall 2021 due to safety concerns stemming from

failing HVAC systems that created mold issues. She was instrumental in acquiring the funds, according to Trzaska.

“This is truly a great day,” Crowe, a proud L&C alumna, said through a huge smile Monday afternoon. “Lewis and Clark’s Main Complex is the heart of the campus for students, for faculty, for staff and for visitors, and I’m so relieved to see today’s investments moving forward so we can continue to operate on the main campus. This renovation offers the strongest, most cost effective path to return this historic complex to full working capacity.”

L&C Student Trustee Sam Copeland said he hopes much of the funding will be spent to upgrade classrooms and learning spaces in the historical complex.

“It’s impossible to put into words the feeling you get when walking down these historic halls that students have been walking down for years and years – thousands of students – and that’s what makes it so hard to look at how this building has deteriorated,” Copeland said. 3

Rep. Amy Elik, Sen. Steve McClure, Sen. Rachelle Crowe, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, L&C President Ken Trzaska and L&C Student Trustee Sam Copeland. [photo by Jan Dona, L&C Marketing & PR]

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By Keith Roach, M.D. Yellow Lenses to Rescue for Macular Degeneration

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have an elderly friend who’s becoming blind from macular degeneration. After hearing of a particularly frustrating event she experienced due to vision loss, I remembered the great clarity that the yellow-lens (to reduce glare) glasses gave me, not just at night, but daytime also.

So, I sent her a pair to see if it would help, as a lastditch effort. She called me crying, it had made such a difference! She has now had her prescription eyeglasses

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done with the yellow (blue-canceling?) lenses. Of course, we understand that this is just a temporary help, and won’t prevent the blindness from taking its course, but it has given her much better vision for a time. -- I.L.B.

ANSWER: Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in industrialized countries. It is a degeneration of the central part of the retina, called the macula, which is responsible for fine detail central vision. The underlying cause is not precisely known, and the course is progressive. I was able to find a 2002 study that confirmed

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

that yellow or orange lenses improved contrast sensitivity in people with early age-related macular degeneration, whereas red and gray lenses worsened it. Another study suggested that the perceived benefit (the subjective experience by the person) was enhanced, but that objective improvement in vision was not actually improved much at all.

In my opinion, perceived benefit is still worth a great deal, and since there is little effective treatment for the more common “dry” form of ARMD beyond vitamins and smoking cessation, I am publishing your letter in hopes that some people will

By Matilda Charles Waiting Out COVID

An unscientific poll of senior friends and neighbors revealed just what we’ve accomplished during the past two years of this pandemic. The answer: not much.

Mostly, it seems, we’ve been waiting. Waiting for it to

be safe to shop in person. Waiting for our clubs and meetings to start up again. Waiting for a visit from family across the country that has feared bringing COVID to our door. Waiting for all the vaccines and boosters to do what they were supposed to do. Waiting to be unafraid again.

In the beginning we were

get improvements in their vision, as your friend did, from this low-cost treatment with essentially no risk of side effects.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a healthy 73-year-old man who has always had a large prostate. Thirty years ago, my urologist described it more like the size of an orange rather than a walnut. Despite its size, it has never given me any problems -- no UTIs, sudden urination, poor stream, waking me in the middle of the night, etc. Despite not having symptoms, about 10 years ago I was prescribed finasteride at a dose of 5 milligrams, and Rapaflo to “try to keep it in check.” In

SENIOR NEWS

all for following the rules. We seniors are a tough bunch, and we know a lot. We have coping skills that got us through any number of crises life has thrown at us. But this pandemic has brought many of us to our knees. Each person in my humble survey could, when queried, point to the exact time when the tide turned in

their mental health. It was the omicron variant and the additional vaccine booster, when it became apparent that COVID wasn’t going away soon.

For me, a daily to-do list has come in handy. On a sheet of paper I have two columns: one work, one play. In the work column there are household tasks such as

2018 I had an ultrasound done of my prostate, and it was measured at 185 grams. It was measured again recently and is now 232 grams. My PSA is always in the 3.2-3.5 range. At what point does a prostate get too large? Should I be concerned even without having any symptoms? To his credit, my urologist discussed my surgical options, along with the related side effects. I am reluctant to do anything if it’s not necessary. -- J.J.

ANSWER: The normal prostate gland is about 20 grams, and only 4% of men will develop a prostate over 100 grams. Yours is well past that, though far short

of the world record of 2,410 grams.

It is striking that the size of the prostate does not well correlate with a man’s symptoms. Since you have no symptoms and a low PSA level (especially considering the size), there is no indication to do anything surgically. The risk of surgical complications is higher in men with very enlarged prostate glands, so I would certainly be cautious about considering surgery. 3

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Email questions to toyourgoodhealth @med.cornell.edu.

doing one load of laundry. In the play column are things like wiping the dust off the piano and learning a new song each week.

On the back of the page are two more columns. One is a list of names, and somebody gets called every day. In the other column is an ever-lengthening list of things that are going right.

This one is sometimes hard to fill out, but it gets done, even if it’s only notes like: Completed a crossword puzzle in seven minutes.

Try it. Make your lists, especially if you’ve felt yourself sinking under the weight of this never-ending pandemic. 3

Cruise port development and high-speed rail are critical to the success of tourism and community development in southwest Illinois, Cory Jobe President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau told an Illinois Senate Committee Thursday.

“Both represent massive infrastructure opportunities to move people to destinations -- not just commodities and freight,” Jobe told the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee during testimony. “We must quit thinking of our waterways as only highways for commodities and freight.

The cruise ship industry is poised and ready to ramp up cruise experiences on Illinois Waterways.”

Development of outdoor recreational opportunities goes hand-in-hand with attracting travelers to southwest Illinois, Jobe pointed out. The bureau is working with key partners and service providers to activate a plan for a regional approach to better utilize the natural resources, open spaces and byways in the region. Building the visitor experience can also build better communities. The overall effort needs to be bent toward expanded livability. Jobe noted in this way, the region will grow the hospitality and tourism sector; the GDP, and will produce preferred relocation destinations that can attract and retain young families, retirees, displaced workers, and start-ups…laying the foundation for future growth in southwest Illinois communities.

“These changes will then put the region in a tremendous position for future, beneficial development,” Jobe noted.

Southwest Illinois is home to key tourism drivers that can’t be replicated anywhere else, Jobe said. It is home to the confluence of the nation’s three great

Tourism Bureau president outlines regional tourism growth plan

Flashing yellow arrow signals coming to U.S. 67 in Godfrey

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that flashing yellow arrow traffic signals will be installed in the coming months along U.S. 67 from Illinois 140/Broadway

Connector in Alton to U.S.

67 and Illinois 111/267

Lars Hoffman Crossing in Godfrey, improving safety and traffic flow along a major commercial thoroughfare.

rivers – the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri.

It is also home to two national byways – The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway and Illinois Route 66. All are key draws for increased tourism in southwest Illinois.

The Tourism Bureau has created two impact reports highlighting the cruise industry and development of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Both reports show the importance of the leisure Mississippi River cruises on Alton and the impact of recreational byway development along the 33-mile byway corridor.

“Becoming a gateway and regional hub for outdoor recreation is key to Alton’s continued growth and economic health - I am excited to work with mayors along the byway to embrace

618-779-0376

transformational change for our region and State of Illinois,” Alton Mayor David Goins noted.

Jobe, who has been appointed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to head the Illinois Route 66 Centennial Commission, also pointed out the need to continue to revitalize and prioritize Route 66 in Illinois leading up the centennial

anniversary of the road in 2026.

“Sustaining a commitment of funds for preservation, development, and marketing of Route 66 from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge is critical in telling our story and capturing international and domestic leisure travelers to Illinois,” Jobe pointed out. 3

The first flashing yellow arrow signal was recently activated at the Walmart entrance on Godfrey Road and U.S. 67. Installation of all 12 planned flashing yellow arrow signals is expected to be complete in June. Temporary daytime lane closures will be required.

The Federal Highway Administration encourages flashing yellow arrow traffic signals at certain intersections to reduce left-turn crashes, following research that shows drivers found them easier to understand and fewer collisions occurred where they were used when compared to traditional yield-on-green signal configurations. They also have been proven to increase intersection capacity, allowing higher traffic flow than those with only the standard red, yellow and green arrows.

The flashing yellow arrow

is used in addition to the standard red, yellow and green arrows. When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows motorists to make a lefthand turn after yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Otherwise, the new traffic signals work the same: A steady green arrow means turn left, a steady yellow arrow warns that the signal will turn red and a steady red arrow means stop.

A new policy is under development at IDOT that will require the use of flashing yellow arrow signals at signalized intersections if cost and intersection design allows. A video on how they have been used in Illinois can be found on IDOT’s YouTube channel by clicking here.

For news on this and other projects in IDOT’s District 8, follow @IDOTDistrict8 on Twitter or sign up to receive email alerts from IDOT in Motion. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook. 3

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONs FOR HOUSING

The

HAWKLAND ESTATES

Now accepting applications for 2 and 3 bedroom homes in Carrollton, IL, close to hospital, grocery store and restaurant. Mini-playground area, nice neighborhood. Rent varies based on income.

Homes include: Large landscaped lots, Paved driveways, One (1) car attached garage, Patios in back. Washer/dryer hook-ups, Fully equipped kitchens (stove, refrigerator & dishwasher), Central air & Garbage removal furnished.

Applications may be obtained at the o ce of the Housing Authority of Greene County, 325 N. Carr St., White Hall, IL, or you may call 217-374-2128 between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday-Friday.

Shelly K. Mason • Executive Director

Have you been wanting to build your dream home? Come see us with your plans/ideas/wish lists. You will also want to be sure to check out our latest Photovoltaic solar system! It can enable you to have net zero energy by producing your own power. Wooded 1 acre lots available in this subdivision or we can build on your land. Let’s get started making your dreams come true!

Host: Ralph Paslay 618-531-3377

E Bethalto Dr, Bethalto

Walnut Estates

Now accepting applications for 2 and 3 bedroom homes in Carrollton & White Hall, IL. Mini-playground area, nice neighborhoods. Rent varies based on income. In addition, you may be eligible for rental assistance.

Homes include: Large landscaped lots, Paved driveways, Two (2) car attached garage, Patios in back. Washer/dryer provided, Fully equipped kitchens (stove, refrigerator & dishwasher), Central air & Garbage removal furnished.

Applications may be obtained at the o ce of the Housing Authority of Greene County, 325 N. Carr St., White Hall, IL, or you may call 217-374-2128 between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday-Friday.

Shelly K. Mason • Executive Director

GREENE COUNTY HOMES L.P.

325 NORTH CARR ST., PO BOX 33 WHITE HALL, IL 62092

Now accepting applications for brand new 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes in Roodhouse & Greenfield, IL. Homes include: Large landscaped lots, with front & backyards. Paved driveways, Two (2) car attached garage, Patios in rear of home. Washer/dryer provided, Fully equipped kitchens (stove, refrigerator & dishwasher), Central air & Garbage removal furnished.

Rent is based on income. In addition, you may be eligible for rental assistance.

Applications may be obtained at the o ce of the Housing Authority of Greene County, 325 N. Carr St., White Hall, IL, or you may call 217-374-2128 between the hours of 8am and 4pm, Monday-Friday.

Shelly K. Mason • Executive Director

Walnut Creek Dr., Dow (Eagle Crossings Subdivision)

Project Car 1980

By Lucie Winborne

• Agree with those diehard fans of Pluto who still insist it’s a planet? So does New Mexico. Its legislature resolved that Pluto is still legally a planet ... at least whenever it passes over the state.

• During a time of political turmoil, Michelangelo hid in a secret room under Florence’s Medici Chapel for three months, passing the time by sketching on the walls. His secret wasn’t discovered until some five centuries later, when the museum director stumbled upon the room in 1976.

• Honorary members of the Harlem Globetrotters include Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.

• The Rhizanthella gardneri orchid, which grows entirely underground, was discovered by an Australian farmer in 1928 and generated such excitement that a wax model of it toured the British Isles.

• A hen will eat her own raw eggs if not satisfied with her diet.

• The Mexican language Ayapaneco, or, more properly, Nuumte Oote (“the true voice”), is dying out, and small wonder: Its only fluent speakers number a grand total of two, and they refuse to talk to each other!

• A paired kidney exchange allows people to donate their kidney that wasn’t a match for an intended recipient to a stranger in exchange for a kidney that is a match for their loved one.

• “Jeopardy!” contestants stand on adjustable platforms so that they all appear to be the same height on camera. 3

Follow the plan, and make stuff happen!

DEAR DAVE: I just started Baby Step 3 of your plan. It took me about 12 months to pay off $8,000 in debt during Baby Step 2. I am 50, and I work in the printing industry making about $38,000 a year in a city with no local or state income tax. I have not done a lot about retirement yet, and that worries me now that I am learning to manage money in a smarter way.

How can I stay on track with the Baby Steps and still do something about retirement?

-- Blake

DEAR BLAKE: I generally look at a timeframe of six months to a year for saving a fully funded emergency fund. So, if it took you about a year to pay off $10,000 in debt, you’re probably looking at about the same length of time—or less, since the debt is gone—to save up an emergency fund. Keep in mind that an emergency fund is three to six months of expenses, not income.

But here’s the thing. If you start building retirement right now and have an emergency, do you know what you’ll use? Yep, you’ll use your retirement. That’s why an emergency fund comes before retirement in the Baby Steps.

The median household income in America is around $68,000, and that’s often two incomes. You’re probably working pretty hard for that $38,000, so I would challenge you to think about and work toward something you could be doing in the near future to make that much money or more.

I want you to open your mind and imagination, and start thinking fresh again. Don’t do something silly like quit your job today, but if you’re going to be making $38,000 five or 10 years from now it’s time to aim at something else.

I’m trying to speak to your retirement fears, as well as warn you against addressing retirement without having an emergency fund in place. Save up a solid emergency

fund over the next year, while at the same time doing some serious thinking and goal setting.

Maybe you’d like to do something completely different, or even own a printing company by that time. Who knows? The cool thing is you can make it happen, and the choice is all yours!

AD&D insurance? No, thank you

DEAR DAVE: My wife and I both work, and we have been looking at level term life insurance policies. A friend says it would be a good idea for us to have accidental death and dismemberment insurance, too. Do you agree? -- Aiden

DEAR AIDEN: You both definitely need good level term life insurance policies. Stick with 15- to 20-year level term life insurance, and make sure that coverage is separate from anything provided by your employer.

Each one of you needs 10 to 12 times your yearly income wrapped up in a policy. If you make $50,000 a year, that means you need a policy with $500,000 to $600,000 worth of coverage.

The idea of life insurance is to take the place of income. If you or your wife died, the other could invest the insurance money and replace that lost income.

You do not—I repeat, not— need accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. These policies are cheap, but they’re pretty much worthless because of the long list of conditions they won’t pay out for. Most pay out only a small portion

in cases of dismemberment, and many won’t pay a death benefit if you die from a medical procedure, health-related issue or drug overdose. The devil’s in the details, and AD&D policies are chock-full of them.

If you have long-term disability insurance in place, which is what I recommend, you can be covered for a substantial part of income lost due to an injury or disability. One study says 25% of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled by age 67. In my mind, those odds are way too high for you to skimp on long-term disability insurance—especially when it’s very affordable in most cases. If you’re in your prime income-earning years, a permanent disability could derail your dreams of homeownership, paying for your kid’s college or having a dignified retirement.

Date night can be inexpensive and fun

DEAR DAVE: We’re trying to get control of our finances by living on a budget. We also have about $18,000 in debt we are trying to pay off. My husband brings home $3,400 a month, and I am currently taking care of our eight-month-old baby. We would like to have a date night once a month, and he thinks we should set aside $200 for this. Under the current circumstances, I feel like this is too much. What do you think? -- Carolyne

DEAR CAROLYNE: If you’d told me you guys make $150,000 a year, I’d say

go have a great time. But with your income, and a lot of debt on top, I’d put the brakes on that amount. It sounds like he’s looking for an outlet to unwind and have a little fun, without giving a lot of thought to the big picture. The good thing, though, is you’re working together and beginning to take this personal finance thing seriously.

My advice would be to lower the date night amount to about $50 right now. That’s plenty for a reasonable dinner and a babysitter for a couple of hours. You might not have to figure babysit ting expenses into the equa tion at all if you have family or friends nearby.

Going out on a date doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Years ago, when my wife and I were broke, we did tons of stuff that didn’t cost a dime. Things like hiking and picnics are great ways to spend quality time together, while keeping your pocketbook in your pocket. Just be creative, talk about it together and make sure you find ways to have a little us time on a regular basis.

I think you’re right on this one, Carolyne! 3

Dave Ramsey is a seventime #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, which airs 1-3pm weekdays on WBGZ 107.1FM / 1570AM

Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives.

Each business listed on the site has agreed to offer customers a reduced price gift certificate to discover their business. Each Deal comes with Fine Print, which you should read carefully prior to making a purchase. Once you make the purchase, you have a limited time from purchase date to use the Deal Voucher for its Promotional Value.

@DaveRamsey

and the islands of Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

5. Pork

6. Coca-Cola

7. 20 mph

8. Vincent van Gogh (by actor Kirk Douglas)

9. 1953

10. Ferdinand Magellan

Flashback

1. Supertramp, in 1977. It first appeared on their “Even in the Quietest Moments ...” album and was later released as a single.

2. Pat Benatar, in 1984. The song netted Benatar a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, her fourth. The Grammys no longer separate by gender in this category.

3. Baccara, a Spanish flamenco dance duo, in 1977. The disco tune became a big hit in Europe and topped the charts in the U.K.

4. John Lennon told him to. The “J” was for Julian, Lennon’s son.

5. “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” by Andy Williams in 1958. The song was from the 1926 Hawaiian “Ke Kali Nei Au” (Waiting There for Thee). It was retitled and has been covered by numerous others, such as Elvis Presley in the 1961 film “Blue Hawaii.”