Jersey County January 2023

BEST

ProfessionalHearingAssociates.com

A cancer diagnosis changes everything.

Turn to what gives you strength – your family, friends, faith and the cancer experts at OSF HealthCare.

A trusted team of top cancer specialists from OSF Moeller Cancer Center at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center will guide you through survivorship from diagnosis to treatment. They’ll work with you to create a personalized care plan using the latest technology and the most advanced treatments to give you the strength to fight.

Dr. Joe Hopper, FAAA Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Michelle Cramer, FAAA Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Kim Hopper, FAAA Doctor of Audiology

Mark Ellebracht

December 12 after a year-long study of everything that represents the Godfrey-based school that is 52 years old. While there have been a few changes along the way, this is the first formal update to the branding of the school since its inception.

College President Dr. Ken Trzaska says it’s all about the students, “Our students are at the heart, the core of this institution and being able to unveil this new brand for them and talk about how it’s going to take us into the future is amazing. We love our students and we’re ready to keep it going!”

The new logo was unveiled on the large sign along Godfrey Road just before the celebration event in The Commons which

was attended by more than 100 students, faculty, and staff. “Driven to Discover” is the new tagline for the school and a new promotional video also had its debut. Trailblazer blue and white will remain the primary school colors, but secondary colors of battleship grey, sunglow (gold), and black have been added. A new website is currently being designed and should be ready for its debut later next spring. 3

Dr. Ken Trzaska speaks at the brand launch event on Dec. 12. [photos by Mark Ellebracht]

Barrett serves area for 126 years

FIFTH GENERATION FAMILY MEMBERS CONTINUE BUSINESS

By Frank Prager Big Z Media

Air conditioning and heating are mainstays of modern life. What might have once been considered a luxury is now an essential part of everyday living. It is hard to imagine struggling through a frigid winter with nothing more than a wood stove and a fireplace or sweltering indoors when the thermometer outside inches into the 80s and 90s in the Midwestern humidity.

Barrett Heating & Cooling in Alton has maintained a reputation for reliability and service for 126 years. The company was established on April 22, 1896 by James J. Barrett. Throughout the decades, the Barrett family has changed, updated and expanded the business to stay current in the field. From the coal and oilfired gravity furnaces of the early 20th century to the advanced designs of modern-day variable-speed compressors and high-tech electronic thermostats and control boards, Barrett Heating & Cooling has kept pace with the ever-evolving

technologies in the industry.

After 126 years, the company remains family-owned and operated. Ed Barrett is the sales manager for Barrett Heating & Cooling and is a fifth generation descendent of the company’s founder.

He notes that estimates for work by the company are free, including for services such as indoor air quality solutions and duct cleaning. “I’ll come out and look at all of the ducts and registers to assess the work needed,” he says. “Estimates on work is free.”

The company specializes in residential, light commercial and new construction work. They repair and maintain existing equipment as well as do new installations. Among the equipment they work on are Lennox furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps, Geo Comfort Geo-Thermal heat pumps, Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps as well as Lochinvar, American Standard and Buderus equipment.

In addition, the company installs and maintains Generac generators, which will provide electrical power

to entire households in the advent of a power failure.

“We see more interest in the Generac systems because of increasing awareness of the dangers of loss of power if something affects the power grid,” says Barrett.

Storms and unanticipated interruptions to power feeds pose a risk not only to heating and cooling systems but to refrigerators, deep freezers, Internet service and other electrical and electronic devices.

Barrett Heating & Cooling also provides indoor air quality solutions. The company sells Aprilaire humidifiers and Space Guard air cleaners. Humidity control equipment, duct cleaning, high-efficiency filters and air scrubbers can all play an important role in maintaining the quality of the air in a home.

The company sells and installs water heaters.

“We haul away the old equipment,” says Barrett.

“The existing water heating equipment is often extremely heavy due to the sediment buildup over years of use and can pose a problem for homeowner when attempting to remove it.”

Barrett Heating & Cooling offers a variety of

maintenance plans, ranging from basic spring and fall equipment inspections on either heating or cooling equipment to inspections and repair on all equipment, including humidifiers. Maintenance plans include discounts on parts, priority service on emergency work, elimination of overtime charges and reduced diagnostic fees.

“Maintenance agreements are a way to keep costs down by reducing fees and keeping equipment running well,” says Barrett. The company provides emergency service callouts as well as support when parts need to be ordered. “Customers can call twenty-four hours a day,” says Barrett. “We can also provide temporary heaters and window air conditioning units if time is needed to acquire parts.”

Installation and service technicians are EPA and Nate (North American Technician Excellence) certified. Barrett explains that technical personnel undergo ongoing training to stay current on modern and evolving technologies. He also notes job openings are available for anyone EPA certified in the field.

Barrett Heating & Cooling accepts cash, checks and credit cards for payment. They can also provide financing. The company does not consider jobs complete until the customer is satisfied and it offers a money back guarantee for one year after work is performed.

Barrett Heating & Cooling is located at 500 Belle Street in Alton. They are open from 8am until 4:30pm Monday through Friday and from

8am until noon on Saturday. Service or requests for estimates can be scheduled by calling them at 618-4653731 or on their website at barrettheating.com. Detailed information about products and services offered by the company can be found at their website as well as information on maintenance plans, financing and special offers. The website also lists the 42 towns and cities in their service area. 3

Ed Barrett is the sales manager at Barrett Heating & Cooling and is a 5th generation descendent of the company’s founder. [photo by Frank Prager]

James J. Barrett

Eclectic, upscale establishment

By Bill Roseberry Big Z Media

For this food adventure I traveled to northwestern Madison County for an eclectic experience at a pretty elegant establishment.

You will find this place in the nightlife business district of this community and depending on when you visit you’ll get a different array of creative cuisines to choose from. There are lunch and dinner menus, as well as a Saturday brunch menu. A call to check on wait times or make reservations may be in order due to space and popularity.

Look for street parking and there is plenty, but you may have to take a short stroll if there is nothing out front of this jiving joint.

The brick storefront with the name of the restaurant prominently displayed is easy to see. There is also an outdoor menu strategically placed to tease the tasty treats inside. Look for the green door between the large windows to enter into the storefront.

It is surprisingly spacey from what you fathom outside the building. You’ll quickly inhale the upscale ambiance and realize this will be an experience rather than just a meal.

You’ll immediately be greeted by a hostess to guide you on your adventure.

The bar area is the starting point. A small bar wraps around the corner with a dimpled metal top and wooden front. Several metal stools with wooden tops line the bar for patrons to sit. There are also four high

top tables with stools for additional seating. There is one with a dimpled metal top, like the bar, while the others have wood tops.

The flooring is a rustic wood setup, while there is a brick wall adjacent to the bar featuring a mantle and fireplace to add pizzazz. Lots of liquors, wines and beers are on display, too.

Walk through the bar, turn left and you’ll discover a hallway leading to the restrooms before opening into a small dining room.

There is also a quaint, enclosed brick patio in the back of the building for casual and intimate dining.

The indoor dining room has rustic features perfect for a date night, or a casual gathering of friends. It’s evident they’ve taken great pride in the design of the restaurant.

I ponied up to one of the tables in the bar for my recent lunch visit. I really enjoyed the touch of the “Reserved Parking for River Dragons Fans Only” sign in the room to represent the Riverbend with pride.

When you get a gander at a menu here, you immediately see they put a lot of effort into their eclectic and creative fare.

The lunch menu is dominated by soups, salads and sandwiches, so I went with a soup and a sandwich and washed it down with a tasty beer.

I’ll start with my soup, which was wild mushroom and asparagus. When the cup arrived it featured big spears of asparagus, hunks

of mushrooms and finely sliced onions. It was oh so creamy and popping from the robust flavors of the asparagus, which was definitely the driving taste. It was a fabulous starter.

For my sandwich I ordered Beau’s twisted Cuban. It consisted of roasted turkey, smoked ham, bread and butter pickles, swiss cheese and their house made Cuban sauce, which was a creamy mayo mustard aioli. The sauce and the pickles steered the taste. The ham was super tender and along with the panini bread added to the experience, too.

The bread was deliciously doughy in the middle but offered a great crunch on the edges. Unfortunately, the turkey was pretty non existent in the flavor. The aioli was so creamy and powerful. It was both sweet and bitter to awaken my palate.

My only knock is it left me wanting more. It was so good but not quite enough food for a growing boy like myself.

I washed it down with a quenching peaches and cream ale off of their rotating craft beer menu. It was subtly peachy, extremely creamy, light and the perfect companion for my small lunch. They have a small,

Overall:

Cleanliness:

Service:

Food:

Price: Any

but exceptional beer menu. Of course there is plenty more to experience here, from salads, soups, paninis, quiches and crepes on the lunch menu to the tantalizing dinner menu and mouth-watering brunch menu.

Check out the eight-ounce filet, the shrimp fettuccine, or the vegan cannelloni with cauliflower and mushrooms off the dinner menu. Look for the Elvis inspired Hunka Hunka Burnin Love on the brunch menu, which offers peanut butter, bananas and bacon between two slices of French toast. There is plenty more to please the palate and offer a sophisticated experience here, too. 3

Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

TRIVIA TEST

By Fifi Rodriguez

1. MOVIES: What was the name of the fictional kingdom in “Frozen”?

Even Exchange

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.

FLASHBACK

By Mick Harper

1. What did “Where the Action Is” and “American Bandstand” have in common?

2. Did Gary Puckett & The Union Gap ever have a No. 1

Sudoku

3. Who had the most success with “The Tide Is High”?

4. Which artist went on the Who’s That Girl World Tour?

DIFFICULTY

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “I keep a close watch on this heart of mine, I keep my eyes wide open all the time.”

(answers in puzzle solutions)

Go Figure

Arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

CryptoQuip

DIFFICULTY H H

2. HISTORY: How many people died as a result of the Boston Massacre of 1770?

3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What was the name of Scrooge’s business partner in “A Christmas Carol”?

4. TELEVISION: In what city is the long-running drama “Grey’s Anatomy” set?

5. GEOGRAPHY: Which two cities were the original endpoints of the Orient Express?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many legs does an ant have?

This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. Solution is accomplished by trial and error.

7. LITERATURE: What is the title of Toni Morrison’s first novel?

8. MATH: How many minutes are in a week?

9. BUSINESS SLOGANS: Which company’s slogan is, “Expect more. Pay less”?

10. EXPLORERS: What is the home country of Roald Amundsen, the first to reach the South Pole?

(answers in puzzle solutions)

Word Search ENERGY TERMS

What’s The Difference?

Find the listed words in the diagram. They run forward, backward, up, down and diagonally. Unlisted hint: Derived from the sun

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Word Scrambler

4.8 Star Google Reviews

“Barrett Heating and Cooling is a highly professional, local business. We’ve had them out for yearly maintenance. We recently had some leaking from the basement humidifier and Greg came out same day to fix the issue, which happened to be Christmas Eve. ... This new mother of twins is appreciative of Greg and Steve’s dedication to making the customer experience absolutely phenomenal.”

“Amazing customer service! I placed a work order request on their website and requested help with our air conditioner. Roger called in advance of arrival and as always was friendly and professional. Roger diagnosed my components systematically and explained what he was doing. He had the replacement components on his truck. One hour later and our emergency is over.”

The star

I loved acting when I was in high school. And I was pretty good at it, too. I usually secured the lead role in any school play, except musicals. After all, it’s hard to vie for the lead in a high musical when you can’t sing worth a hoot. Many of my teenage peers could sing beautifully, but I sang only to kill time—and it was a very effective weapon.

It had been years since I acted in a public play, and I thought it would be the perfect occasion to attempt a comeback now that the Christmas season was upon us. Specifically, I was looking for a role in the community Christmas program. The lead roles, of course, required no singing ability, because the community chorus was singing all the carols.

I confidently approached the lady in charge. Not one to hand out major roles that freely, the Gestapo-like director asked, in guttural tones and syllables, if I would be willing to play an angel.

Thinking quickly, I said, “I think I could wing it.”

She was unamused. Imagine that. You would think the Gestapo would have a better

LIFE HESTON ON

By Pat Heston

sense of humor. I quickly cut to the chase. “I would prefer the lead role,” I explained. “After all, I am an experienced actor.”

Upon hearing that, she suggested—with what seemed like rolling eyes— that I might want to try playing a stable cow instead. In fact, she told me, that if I would hurry over to where Mrs. Claremore was standing, there still might be a minor bovine part for me.

Always quick on my feet, I replied, somewhat sarcastically, “Well, then, I’ll hoof it right over there.”

Once more, she was unamused. Go figure.

But I wasn’t knuckling under—certainly not to her suggestion of a bovine part, or even to the decidedly more significant part of an angel.

Again, I insisted, “I want the lead role. I am an experienced actor.”

“So, you want to be the star of the show?” she queried.

“Well, in a word … yes,” I replied in as humble a tone as possible, not realizing how hard it is, on the fly, to make blatant hubris sound like believable humility.

To my disappointment,

she told me that the lead role was already taken and that I couldn’t have it. It had been promised, as it is every year, to the Township Supervisor’s daughter’s doll. The domineering director then suggested that I could, if I wanted, silently lead the Magi to Joseph and Mary’s.

“Silently?” I asked, not quite believing what I had just heard.

“That’s right,” she answered. “Silently. You could silently lead the Magi.”

“No lines?”

“That is what ‘silently’ means,” she answered with a wry smile.

“So, you mean I couldn’t speak a single word?”

“That is correct, not a single word.”

“Why would I want a part like that?” I asked.

“Well,” she replied, “you said you wanted to be the star.”

I was unamused. 3

Pat Heston is co-host of Let’s Talk on Tuesday and Thursday on WBGZ 107.1FM/1570AM. He’s also the author of the book “Journey Into Newness: The Soul-Making Power of a Wilderness,” and a retired pastor.

Macoupin County named inaugural U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence finalist

Nonpartisan program brings together election officials, designers, technologists, other experts

Macoupin County is a finalist in the nonpartisan U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence inaugural cohort of Centers for Election Excellence, a recognition that Macoupin is committed to leadership in election administration and looking to develop even more resilient, trustworthy, and voter-centric election administration practices.

As a Center for Election Excellence, Macoupin County will have an opportunity to join together with a bipartisan group of

election officials to support each other, and keep their skills fresh. The diverse inaugural 2023 cohort of Centers for Election

Excellence include:

• Contra Costa County, CA

• Shasta County, CA

• Greenwich, CT

• Kane County, IL

• Macoupin County, IL

• Ottawa County, MI

• Clark County, NV

• Brunswick County, NC

• Forsyth County, NC

• Madison, WI

According to a recent study from MIT, public spending on election services ranks near the bottom, about the same as what local governments spend on parking facilities. This means professional development opportunities for election department staff can be extremely limited.

The Alliance will provide Macoupin County staff opportunities to collaborate with and share best practices with their colleagues from around the country, creating a national community of learning and support.

“I am thrilled that after a nationwide call for applications from jurisdictions across the country, we have chosen Macoupin County as a Center for Election Excellence,” said Tiana Epps-Johnson, executive director of the Center for Tech and Civic Life.

“Macoupin County is a leader in safe, secure and inclusive elections that put voters first. I’m thrilled to work with the Macoupin staff to take their election administration work to the next level.”

“As County Clerk, I am excited that the Election office has been chosen as one of the ten initial finalists,” Pete Duncan, Macoupin County Clerk said. “We have always strived to provide each voter with the best possible voting experience and this opportunity will only enhance our ability to do that. While we may be one of the smaller finalists selected, I believe this shows that Macoupin elections can compete with anyone when it comes to providing a fair election process that every voter can trust.”

The U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence launched in 2022 and is a five-year, $80 million nonpartisan program that brings together election officials, designers, technologists, and other experts to envision, support, and celebrate excellence in U.S. election administration. Launch partners include:

Center for Tech and Civic Life: The Center for Tech and Civic Life connects Americans with the information they need to become and remain civically engaged, and ensure that elections are more inclusive and secure.

Center for Civic Design: The Center for Civic Design works with elections offices and advocates across the country, using research, design, accessibility, and plain language to remove barriers in the voter journey and invite participation in democracy.

The Elections Group: The Elections Group partners with state and local election officials looking to implement new programs or improve processes for voters and stakeholders. Their team of election experts

works quickly to provide guidance, resources, and direct management support for jurisdictions.

U.S. Digital Response:

U.S. Digital Response is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps governments and organizations respond quickly and efficiently to support the critical needs of the public. Through USDR’s Elections Program, election officials receive simple, effective digital tools and rapid response assistance to meet voters at the speed of need.

Institute for Responsive Government & Center for Secure and Modern Elections: The Center for Secure and Modern Elections aligns bipartisan, pro-voter campaigns in states across the country

that modernizes the voting system, making elections more efficient and secure.

Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (the d.school) at Stanford University: The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford was founded in 2005 to prepare a generation of innovators to tackle complex challenges. Referred to as the d.school, the institute brings students and faculty from radically different backgrounds together to develop innovative, human-centered solutions to real world challenges.

Prototyping Systems Lab: The Prototyping Systems Lab utilizes elements of design thinking, participatory design, and critical making to create change within complex systems. 3

Federal REAL ID deadline extended to May 7, 2025

Illinois Secretary of State

Jesse White announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the federal REAL ID deadline an additional two years, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025. With this extension, current standard Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports for domestic air travel until May 7, 2025.

Illinoisans interested in applying for a REAL ID are encouraged to visit REALID.ilsos.gov and use the interactive document checklist. This checklist is designed to help ensure REAL ID applicants gather

all the documents required by the federal government to obtain a REAL ID before visiting a Driver Services facility. First-time REAL ID applicants are required by DHS to visit a Driver Services facility in person. Not everyone needs a REAL ID, and in Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office gives Illinoisans a choice. Illinoisans who do not fly domestically do not necessarily need a REAL ID. Additionally, a valid U.S. passport is a compliant REAL ID document; therefore, those with valid U.S. passports do not necessarily need a REAL ID. 3

was the first form of saddle-light navigation.

I went to the library and asked the librarian if they had a book on Pavlov and Schrödinger.

The librarian said, “That rings a bell, but I’m not sure if it’s here.”

Dad Jokes.

Clean Energy Home Upgrades Clean energy home upgrades

Make dependable environmental improvements

FAMILY FEATURES

When you’re considering upgrades for your home, earth-friendly enhancements that impact your energy usage are smart investments. Energy-saving home upgrades can offer long- and short-term advantages for the earth, your wallet and even your safety.

Many homeowners evaluate their energy needs as they plan home improvements. There are several lowcarbon, resilient energy options available that can help safeguard your family. Consider these environmentally friendly upgrades to diversify your home’s energy sources, reduce energy consumption and ensure your home is well-prepared to withstand interruptions to power service if the electrical grid fails.

Diversify Energy Sources

The growing conversation to “electrify everything” will require an overhaul on the aging electric grid just to manage the increase in demand. Accomplishing this will take decades and cost billions, according to the Department of Energy. In fact, according to a study conducted by Acupoll Precision Research on behalf of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 54% of respondents believe electricity for everything will be too expensive for taxpayers while 70% strongly agree Americans should have a choice when it comes to their energy source. Propane is a clean, affordable and abundant energy option that reduces carbon emissions right now. Using propane appliances like furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and kitchen appliances alongside other energy sources reduces the strain on the fragile electrical grid. Unlike electric appliances, propane appliances can work even during power outages.

Seal In Energy

Outdated doors and windows often lack energy benefits. Newer models have stronger, thicker panes that reduce the transfer of heat from inside to outdoors (and vice versa in the warmer months). Updating doors and windows allows you to easily repair any cracks or faulty seals that make it easy for energy to escape. When your home is well-insulated, your heating or cooling system works more efficiently.

Consider Solar Panels

When many homeowners think of renewable energy, they often think “solar.” Some states are mandating solar adoption, and while financial rebates help, solar panels are still considered an expensive upgrade for many people. The number of panels you need depends on your geographic location and weather, as well as the size of your home and your family’s energy consumption habits, which can add up. If you have access to propane and electricity, and are planning to upgrade to solar, consider adding propane appliances to offset the energy load required from your solar system.

Install a Backup Power Source

The Department of Energy’s “Electric Disturbance Event Annual Report” showed an increase in power outages from 2000 to 2020. More than half of consumers nationwide indicated they or a close family member or friend have been personally impacted by a power outage in the past two years, according to PERC. As a result, many homeowners are saying “yes” to backup power generators. A propane standby generator can be a key part of resilient home upgrades by offering supplemental electricity in as little as 10 seconds after an outage. Propane doesn’t degrade over time, making it an ideal standby power fuel. Plus, it’s cleaner than diesel so you can keep your home functioning and family safe while being a good steward for the environment.

Increase Energy Efficiency

While landscaping plays an important role in curb appeal, it also serves more practical purposes. Thoughtfully placed trees and shrubs can block the heat that comes from powerful direct sunlight while serving as a break against blustery winds and providing a natural form of external insulation for the home. In outdoor living spaces, propane-powered appliances can offer increased energy efficiency. For example, propane can power full outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and fire pits, patio heaters, flame lighting or pool and spa heaters. Find more ideas and information to inspire your earth-friendly home upgrades at Propane.com.

When the Grid Fails

In 2021, a winter storm decimated a major electrical power grid, leaving thousands of Americans in the dark and cold. Some people lost their lives while others battled to overcome extensive damage to their homes and businesses.

Jennifer Borget’s family is one of many that weathered those winter storms. However, the Borget family home used propane to power their water heater, stove, furnace and fireplace.

“When your power goes out, you can still use some propane appliances,” said Borget, who blogged about her experience. “This is one of those things I didn’t realize but learned during the historic winter storms. When the power was intermittent, our propane-powered fireplace and water heater quickly warmed our family.”

One year later, the Borgets are discussing investing in a standby generator to mitigate future power outages.

Another way to reduce the risk of large-scale disasters is increasing Americans’ reliance on a broader mix of energy sources. Using a combination of propane, solar, electricity and natural gas can keep homes and businesses alike running efficiently and safely.

Relying on alternative energy sources like propane can also make a meaningful environmental impact in the long-term while offering short-term advantages, including continued access to power during emergencies when another energy source fails.

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OFF any NEW garage door purchase with install. Must present Ad at time of order. Expires 12/31/2022

Dear Jerseyville, Her name is Jirushaya but you know her as Jinny, your favorite nail tech at Queen Nails. I am her husband. I would be eternally grateful if one of her loyal customers could find a way to tell her about Jesus because she doesn’t want to hear it from me and Buddha is not going to get her into heaven.

Wait Until the Time is Right DEAR DAVE: Is it even worth it to buy a house these days? I’ve always been told buying a house is the adult thing to do and that it’s a great investment, but I can’t find anything decent and livable in my area for less than $350,000. My wife and I are debt-free, and we’re expecting our first baby in January. I was hoping to get your advice. -- Craig DEAR CRAIG: I can understand how things might feel a little hopeless in your current situation. You’re probably feeling the weight of the responsibility a new life brings to the picture. Things are getting real really fast, aren’t they? Believe me, I get it.

The truth is you may not be ready to buy a house today. And that’s okay. Having a new baby on the horizon doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a home. That little boy or girl isn’t going to know the difference between a house and an apartment for a long time. Right now, giving your child a safe, loving environment is the most important thing. Now, looking down the road, is owning a house worth it? Yes. But it’s not worth doing it at the wrong time or in a stupid way. You first need to make sure the income is there. Then, you need an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses in place along with a strong down payment. So, what if you don’t buy a home for another two or three years? Home buying should always be done with patience and

wisdom.

There are two or three things that make buying a home a great long-term investment versus renting your whole life:

Rents go up every year. If you lock in a good, fixed-rate mortgage, that payment will stay the same. The value of your home will increase. When you rent, you don’t own your residence, and you won’t benefit from the value of it going up.

Our study of 10,000 millionaires showed that most say two things were integral parts of their ability to build wealth: Good retirement investments and a paid-off home.

A house is a great wealthbuilding tool, and it can also stabilize the biggest line item in your budget— housing.

A Travel Agent for Guilt

Trips

DEAR DAVE: My dad and his wife asked my husband and I for $55,000. They want the money so they can pay off their debt. We’re debtfree and have a net worth of between $2 to 3 million, but we’re also retired. We don’t keep that much in the bank, so we’d have to draw from our retirement accounts— which is something we don’t want to do. They’ve already approached other family members about this too. His wife is owed money at some point from a family settlement, but they don’t want to wait that long. My dad said we should do this if we want them to get ahead and have anything left in their later years. My dad is 80, and his wife is in her late 70s. My husband and I are both in our 50s. Please tell me how to handle this.

-- Karla

DEAR KARLA: In their later years? I’m not trying to be mean, but they’re already in their later years.

I’m really sorry you’re in this situation. Even though you’re in your 50s, he’s still your dad, and I know this hurts your heart. It’s probably even tougher to accept the fact that he’s being manipulative. I mean, seriously. What dad calls up his daughter with the idea he’s entitled to $55,000 of her money and starts acting like a travel agent for guilt trips in the process? That’s just wrong.

Look, if the relationship and the situation were different, we might have something to talk about. With your net worth, you’re

not going to miss $55,000 out of $2 to 3 million. In a good relationship, I’d help my mom or dad like that in a heartbeat—just to help them out because they’re older.

But this situation already is what it is. Something tells me this isn’t the first time he’s behaved in a manipulative way. And if you say yes to this, then I’ve got a feeling it isn’t the first time you’ve caved into him. I’m worried you won’t be able to live with yourself if you do this, and that it may cause a big rift between you and your husband.

It’s wrong of your dad to treat you this way and put you in this situation. If you want to tell him your money’s tied up, which it is, or you just don’t like the way it feels, that’s fine. But my advice is to try to step back from the emotions and come to the realization in your own head that no is a complete answer.

You don’t have an ethical or moral obligation to give manipulative people money just because they’re related to you.

Are Debit Cards Safe for Online Purchases?

DEAR DAVE: I use a debit card for all my regular, dayto-day purchases. However, I use a credit card for plane tickets, big ticket items, or when I shop online because someone told me it’s easier to dispute purchases when they’re made with a credit card. Are you putting your checking account at risk by using a debit card for these types of purchases?

--

Wendy

DEAR WENDY: I don’t know who this “someone” is, but they’re a lousy financial advisor. The firm of Someone, They Said, and I Heard? That’s a financial planning company you don’t want to work with.

A debit card has the exact same protections for fraud that a credit card has. It does come out of your checking account, but the bank has to put it back once you dispute the charge and prove your dispute. It may take a day or two, but they’ll get it done. I’ve used a debit card for decades, and I haven’t owned a credit card since way back in my dumb-withmoney days. I’ve never had any problems using a debit card, and I’m not going to make the mistake of playing around with debt ever again. I hope you won’t either!

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Dave Ramsey is a seventime #1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, which airs from 6-9pm weeknights on WBGZ 107.1FM / 1570AM

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

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION

5501 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey 618-498-5050 dansgaragedoorservice.com

Scott Smith Godfrey

@DaveRamsey

MOMENTS IN TIME

The History Channel

• On Dec. 28, 1900, Mrs. Lulu Jenkins, of Chicago, was paid $4,000 in compensation for the lynching of her husband in Ripley County, Indiana. Mr. Jenkins allegedly was involved in the theft of a horse and ended up the victim of a furious mob. Two other men were killed as well.

• On Dec. 31, 1943, Henry John Deutschendorf, better known to us today as singer-songwriter, actor John Denver, was born. In a four-decade career before his untimely death in an airplane crash, he won worldwide affection and acclaim not just for his music but for his dedication to humanitarian and environmental causes.

• On Jan. 1, 1962, the U.S. Navy SEALs unit was created. Their elite members (only about 20% actually make it that far) are trained to operate in urban, desert and jungle locations and to withstand torture.

• On Dec. 26, 1966, the first

Kwanzaa celebrations began in America, with the holiday continuing until Jan. 1.

Created by activist, author and professor of Africana studies Dr. Maulana Karenga, the annual event, which affirms African family and social values, was originally intended to replace Christmas for Africans.

• On Dec. 30, 1984, speleologists (cave studiers/ explorers) in the Mexican state of Oaxaca landed upon what was then thought to possibly be the world’s deepest cave after going through a maze of underground tunnels in the jungle. 3

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONs FOR HOUSING

The Housing Authority of Greene County will be accepting

Shelly K.

GREENE COUNTY HOMES L.P.

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 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

1. The television musical programs were both created by Dick Clark, with Clark hosting “Bandstand” from 1956 to 1989. He never appeared on “Action,” only doing remote announcing of the bands. 2. Once, but it was in the U.K., when “Young Girl” topped the charts in 1968.

3. Blondie, in 1980. The original was released by the Paragons, in 1967.

4. Madonna, in 1987. Her first was the Virgin Tour in 1985.

5. “I Walk the Line,” by Johnny Cash. He penned the song, about marital fidelity and avoiding temptation, in under an hour. It stayed on the charts for 43 weeks and, in 2014, ended up as No. 1 on the list of the 100 greatest country songs of all time.