Jersey County February 2023

and

But Nathan doesn’t see this as just a career, but it’s an opportunity to help others.

Nathan

importance of a home for a family. After graduating from East Alton-Wood River High School, Nathan pursued a career in financial services and wanted to use that knowledge to serve others in the community.

took the early investment planning and coaching training that he had and used it to help

families that were struggling to make ends meet. Many of the families he encountered would love to find a way to invest in their own future but just didn’t have the resources to do so.

Kerpan said “I’ve always looked at the mortgage as a tool. And I think that’s something that’s very unique about Benchmark, that’s very unique about the Kerpan Group. We leverage a mortgage as a financial tool. Many people, whether they realize it or not, need someone who is willing to come alongside them, guide them through the finances, provide them with the pros and cons, and provide them with the extra knowledge they just don’t have. They need and want someone that is going to care, is going to come alongside them, is going to see their goals and their dreams and say, well, here’s how you craft that. Here’s the delivery system to get you to your goals and dreams.”

Benchmark is a nationwide company that operates with a certain set of values and they do a good job of ensuring that those on their team have the heart of a coach. Coaching others is important to the Kerpan Group and they utilize a team approach to how they serve. Developing partnerships with realtors and others in the industry, developing a fluid approach to business, and maintaining good communication has been key to their success.

Their motto as a team is, “Being champions for the American dream”. That impacts the way they do business and the way they see their clients. A mortgage isn’t just a business transaction and those coming to the Kerpan group aren’t seen as just another customer.

You can contact Nathan and Benchmark Mortgage by texting or calling 314-5519587, email coachkerpan@ benchmark.us or visit them online at champthedream. com. 3

AMH Auxiliary seeking wheelchair sponsorships

The AMH White Cross Auxiliary is continuing in its mission to replace all of the hospital’s old wheelchairs with newer Staxi wheelchairs in its “Wheels of Love” campaign.

The Auxiliary has added four new chairs recently in addition to the 10 that were purchased early last fall. The new chairs were sponsored by or in honor of three former employees and a White Cross Auxiliary member/hospital volunteer.

The chairs are much easier to use than a standard wheelchair.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring a chair, please contact Meg Dorris at 618-530-7006 or Irene McLaughlin at 618-530-8589. A company name, in memory of, or in honor of can be displayed on the name plate on the back of the chair that you sponsor. 3

Brunch paradise can’t be beat

By Bill Roseberry Big Z Media

This awesome brunch spot in central Madison County is worth a visit. You can eat healthy here, or you can get down and dirty, whatever you choose, I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

It’s hard to miss, the restaurant sits right by a main road through town inside a business complex.

The standalone building is front and center inside the group of businesses, too. The parking lot wraps around the brick building, with plenty of spots for patrons. You enter at the front of the building through a small vestibule and arrive at the host/hostess station.

The dining room is split into two sides. On the right side you’ll notice a long bar along the wall. There are both high and low tables situated on the right side, all including uncomfortable metal chairs. They are gray tables with orange and gray chairs. On a side note, the chairs will be my only complaint.

The walls are painted orange and it features tan laminate flooring. A bench partition separates the two dining rooms and offers high backed booths with high tables and high metal chairs on the adjacent side.

A wall with green indoor/ outdoor carpeting is near the partition, separating the hallway to the bathroom and the entrance to the kitchen. There are more booths and tables on the left dining area. Booths align the outside walls with a few more tables throughout the middle of the area.

TVs hang throughout the restaurant, one even playing 80s music videos on my visit. It’s a really gimmicky atmosphere and menu, but the star here is the food and it stands out.

Get your mitts on a menu and you’ll see all the creative and humorous names to the dishes. Read the descriptions and you’ll be stoked.

I recently visited with a couple of friends and sat in the right dining area. After quickly perusing the options I decided on the St. Louis slinger, served with their signature “Nothing Gets Cheddar Than This” biscuits and a vanilla almond cream iced coffee. Other orders at our table included the Swimming Upstream frittata with no avocado, a half basket of the cheddar biscuits and the pineapple upside down pancake.

My slinger was phenomenal. It featured a four-egg omelet stuffed with smoked sausage and country-style potatoes and was topped with chorizo chili, shredded cheddar cheese and pickled onions.

The guiding taste in the slinger was the chili. All of that chorizo had such a hearty and robust flavor. Another addition was the pickled onion, which stood out with a quirky twist for the palate. It was super filling, too.

I have to give a big shout out to the cheddar biscuits. These house-made treasures are filled with cheddar cheese, bacon, cracked black pepper and garlic. The addition of the honey butter

to lather on puts them over the top. They are definitely a destination dish. As for the other meals from my cohorts, the pineapple upside down pancake gets a standing ovation. This oversized, fluffy masterpiece was stuffed with caramelized pineapple, brown sugar and cherries then topped with powdered sugar. I pilfered a few bites and was in culinary heaven. The pineapple and cherries were popping with flavor and the sizable chunks were plentiful. It was just oh so sweet. Again, this is a destination dish.

While I didn’t try any of the Swimming Upstream, I have to applaud its healthiness and creativeness. It consisted of an eggwhite frittata filled with chicken sausage, onions, mushrooms, tomato and spinach. It was topped with herbs and smoked salmon. Normally it includes avocado, but my friend subtracted that. I would not have, I love avocado, but to each their own.

There are so many other great options here from the breakfast menu, as well as the mid-day munch menu.

The Brunchy BLT is a must try for me with bacon, a fried egg, avocado, tomato, lettuce and dijonnaise on

multi-grain bread. This joint has an extensive alcohol menu too, with a bunch of bloody mary options, mimosas, coffee cocktails, bourbons, beers and more.

I wasn’t in the mood for adult libations on my visit, so I went with their coffee line and the vanilla almond cream iced coffee I ordered was tremendous. It was so sweet and flavorful and added a nice exclamation point to my awesome experience.

And I lied, I have one other complaint, this place isn’t open enough. Only available for breakfast and brunch, the hours are 7am - 2:15pm seven days a week. 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. GEOGRAPHY: What is the second-longest river in North America?

2. MOVIES: Which 1973 movie advertised itself as a place “where nothing can possibly go wrong”?

3. GAMES: Which party game claims that it can “tie you up in knots”?

4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president was the first to appoint an African American as a member of his Cabinet?

5. HISTORY: When was the Warsaw Pact between the Soviet Union and seven Eastern Bloc countries

By Mick Harper

1. Who was the lead singer for The Crickets?

2. “I’d Like to Teach the

signed?

6. TELEVISION: Which TV game show often uses the phrase “Survey says ...”?

7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female peacock called?

8. FOOD & DRINK: How many meals do Hobbits eat in a day, according to the movies?

9. ADVERTISING: Which product used a manicurist named Madge in its advertisements?

10. MEDICAL: What is a common name for the condition called septicemia?

What did the sushi say to the bee?

Wasabi!

Someone glued my deck of cards together. And I just don’t know how to deal with it.

Not all construction work is equally enjoyable. For example, enlarging a drilled hole is boring, but fastening pieces of metal

together is riveting. I called my pet termite Clint. Clint Eatswood. How do you survive a fall from the Eiffel Tower? You quickly pull your Paris chute. Times New Roman and Comic Sans walk into a bar. Bartender says, “We don’t serve your type here.”

My uncle named his dogs Rolex And Timex. They are his watch dogs.

Dad Jokes.

FLASHBACK

World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony)” ended up as advertising for which product?

3. Name the group that released “Our Day Will Come.”

4. Which artist released

the “One Man Dog” and “Walking Man” albums?

5. Name the song that contains these lyrics: “Why

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

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.

can’t you see what you’re doing to me, When you don’t believe a word I say?”

(answers in puzzle solutions)

BECOME PAIN FREE THE NATURAL WAY

Hip Pain/Muscle Strains

Knee Pain/Neck Pain

Shoulder Pain/Tendonitis

Heel Pain/Chronic Pain

Pain Due to Injury/Numbness

Benefits

Pain

Therapy

Treatment

Extremely Safe with No Known Side Effects

Rapid Results

Speeds Healing Process

Extraordinary Food IN AN UNLIKELY PLACE! DOWNTOWN ALTON Serving the area with the coldest beer since 1983! Temperature-controlled Biergarten, with full menu and four-sided garden bar Mac’s Downtown Alton 315 BELLE ST • 618-465-1006 MON–THU 11AM–1AM • FRI–SAT 8AM–1AM • SUN 9AM–1AM OFF TRACK BETTING IS HERE Place your bet, grab a drink and a meal –AT THE SAME TIME macsdowntown.com ONLINE ORDERING & DELIVERY AVAILABLE

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BIRTH INJURY? 618-655-9600 •

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Illinois American Water celebrates opening of Jerseyville center

Construction is now

on Illinois American Water’s new 16,000-squarefoot operations

consolidating field operations, administrative, and operations support staff in a single location. The new center, located at 502 Mound Street in Jerseyville, was celebrated with a ribbon cutting to signify the grand opening.

Joining on the momentous occasion was the Jersey County Business Association and the City of Jerseyville’s mayor, William Russell, who kicked off the ribbon cutting by welcoming Illinois American Water to the community and thanking attendees for participating in the day’s celebration.

Ethan Steinacher, Sr. Manager of Operations for Illinois American Water’s Central Division, addressed the audience, saying, “Illinois American Water committed to building a new operations center in Jerseyville, not only as a sign of our commitment to the City Administration and our customers but also to be an integral part of economic development in the region. Celebrating this constructed space today allows us to reflect on that commitment and our ability to provide the people of Jerseyville with industry-best service, reliable and safe water and wastewater treatment, and peace of mind to know that these necessities are our top priority.”

An important part of the construction process was Helmkamp’s commitment to utilizing local consultants, contractors, and suppliers, emphasizing the impact of local economic

It’s Girl Scout Cookie time!

Girl Scouts throughout Southern Illinois are excited to once again bring some of America’s favorite treats to consumers. Booths are starting to pop up throughout the region;

you can find one near you by visiting gsofsi. org/findcookies. While picking up some cookies for yourself, you can also purchase a box or two to donate to your local

Hometown Heroes – our Gift of Caring program that supports the everyday heroes right in our own communities.

Every Girl Scout Cookie

purchase fuels local Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year: exploring what interests them, discovering their passions, and taking action on issues they care about. 3

development. Some of these businesses included Loellke Plumbing, Pointer Electric, and Heneghan Engineering, three examples of outstanding professional resources in Jerseyville.

The project was a genuine team effort that not only included contractors and consultants but local agencies as well.

Steinacher thanked the City of Jerseyville for their efforts with permitting and inspection and the Fire Department for their oversight, input, and inspection during the process. 3

Stu Bailey (Helmkamp Project Manager), Randy Houck (Helmkamp Superintendent), Ric Cooper (ILAW Senior Design Engineer - Wastewater), Brendan St. Peters (ILAW Senior Supervisor – Water & Wastewater Operations), Jerseyville Mayor Bill Russell, and Ethan Steinacher (ILAW Senior Manager, Operations – Central Division)

Alton announces 32nd annual Women of Distinction celebration

YWCA Southwestern Illinois

Women of Distinction

Event Chair Donna Dixon pleased to announce that the nomination period for the Women of Distinction program is now open. In addition, the 32nd Annual Women of Distinction Celebration will be held on Thursday evening, May 4, 2023, at Julia’s Banquet Center, East Gate Plaza, East Alton.

Each year, some of the region’s brightest, boldest, bravest and most influential women have been honored at the YWCA‘s Women of Distinction (WOD) celebration. Honorees are women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in their professional, civic and personal lives. The

WOD Academy has grown into a dynamic and diverse group of over 300 women representing a wide range accomplishments and contributions.

YWCA is requesting the public’s help in soliciting nominations for Women of Distinction. The community is urged to nominate exceptional women who create real change in our communities. Nomination packets are available now at YWCA, online at altonywca.com, via email: info@ywcaswil.org, or by calling 618-465-7774.

Nomination deadline for the 2023 Women of Distinction program is Friday, February 24, 2023 no later than 5pm or postmarked by February 24, 2023.

A volunteer panel of

judges will select the honorees from nominations. Nominees must live, work or volunteer in Madison or Jersey County. Honorees will be selected who make significant contributions in giving back to the community through time, talent, mentoring and resources, demonstrate a commitment to YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, work for positive social change that helps improve communities, including advocating for policies and practices, changing attitudes and taking action, and create programs that positively impact families, including, but not limited to, the areas of health, safety, economic stability or development.

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.”

@DaveRamsey

I Know He’s Your Dad, But It’s His Responsibility – Not Yours

DEAR DAVE: My husband and I just heard of your plan. We are excited to learn more about money, and we have already saved up $1,000 for our beginner emergency fund. Right now, we have a problem. My father has never taken his finances seriously, and the other day he asked us for $400 to pay his cell phone bill and overdraft fees at his bank. Even as an adult, he would go to his parents regularly before they died asking for money when he always had a good job. Giving him the money right now would make things really tight for our family, and we don’t want to lose the ground we have gained where our finances are concerned. Do you have any advice? -- Brooke

DEAR BROOKE: Way to go! It makes me to happy to hear folks so charged up and on fire to get control of their finances. You won’t regret the decision.

I’m going to be straightforward with you, ok? You and you husband need do the right thing, no matter how dad reacts to this. And the right thing, right now, is taking care of your family first and not putting your finances in jeopardy. If I were in your situation, my answer to dad would be no.

I understand there’s a feeling of obligation to help your father. But it sounds like dad needs to learn a lesson or two about life and money. When you say your dad is irresponsible with money, handing him more of it won’t help. It would be like giving a drunk a drink. On top of that, it will reinforce the idea he can continue being dumb with money and there will be no consequences.

Trust me, I understand the emotions involved in helping out a parent. If you feel this is a situation where there is literally no alternative, I’d suggest making the $400 contingent on your dad beginning—and successfully completing—a good financial counseling course. Whatever you do, be gentle and respectful when you talk to him. And make sure he understands it hurts when you see him struggling. But let him know, too, it’s his responsibility to work through his bills and take care of his finances.

Managing A Friend’s Will

DEAR DAVE: Our next-door neighbor was an older single man with no family, and my wife and I always tried to look out for him and help with things. He died recently, and in his will, he left us his home, his car and the money he had in his bank account. The will was handwritten, and it said the house was worth around $350,000, with $150,000 left on the mortgage. The car is worth about $10,000. Officials at our county office building said the money in the bank account wouldn’t have to

go into probate since I was listed as the beneficiary, and I was given a check for that amount. --

Steven

DEAR STEVEN:

There are a couple hundred thousand dollars in equity involved here. The fact that the will is handwritten doesn’t necessarily invalidate it, but it does increase the possibility of encountering some bumps down the road.

I’m not a lawyer, so the first thing I’d do is talk to a couple of probate attorneys in your county. Find out what they’d charge to handle things. I wouldn’t spend thousands of dollars to get this done, but I would pay $500, maybe $1,000, to let someone who knows what they’re doing handle things. On top of that, if the attorney you work with knows folks at the courthouse and is familiar with how things work there, then it’s kind of like traffic court, you know? It’s almost automatic. I mean, we’re only talking about three assets here—a bank account that’s already been handed off, a car and a house that’s mortgaged. For me, it’d be worth a little money to have someone on my side who knows the path through the woods.

File Bankruptcy? That’s Really Bad Advice

DEAR DAVE: My husband co-signed a loan for an old girlfriend four years ago. Apparently, she hasn’t made a payment in almost two years, and a collection agency called him last week wanting the balance of $3,000. We make about $80,000 a year combined, and an attorney we spoke with recommended we file bankruptcy. Is this really the best thing to do?

-- Scarlett

DEAR SCARLETT: If you have the money, and you can pay it off without putting yourselves in a bind financially, do it. That’s the right thing to do, both morally and legally. If you don’t have that kind of cash on hand, try haggling with them. See if they’ll agree to settle for $1,500. At this point, they might even take less. But if they go for the idea, do not give them electronic access to your bank account. Make sure you get the agreement in writing, too, before sending them a penny.

This collector bought the loan for pennies on the dollar. It’s an old debt, and that means the expectation for collection is very low. At the same time, your husband did co-sign for the loan. They’ll probably threaten to sue and whatnot, but my guess is you can work something out. It might a little patience, but that’s a small price to pay if it saves you a bunch of money.

3

Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #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 and build wealth.

Service League sponsors community raffle

The Alton Community Service League is offering a fantastic raffle to help support fundraising that goes directly back into the community. For $10 each or 3 for $20 you have a chance to win the following:

1st prize: $300 Aeries gift certificate

2nd prize: 2 nights Aeries lodging (Su-Th)

3rd prize: 2 Aeries zipline tickets (Su-Tu)

The drawing will be held on March 13, 2023. Tickets can be purchased from any ACSL member or by calling Jean Conrady at 618-466-0438. Aeries resort, located in Grafton, offers a restaurant, lodging, the Grafton Zipline, the Grafton Sky Tour, and Aerie’s Alpine Coaster, The Resort sits on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers above downtown Grafton, providing a stunning view that captivates any visitor. 3

YOUR TEXT HERE

Reach every local household by advertising in AdVantage: 618-465-3535

Medora FS Inc. has a full time opening for an o ce manager/ bookkeeper. Duties include: preparing monthly financial statements, maintaining accounts receivable and accounts payable ledgers, billing customers via computer, preparing payroll. Knowledge of accounting procedures is preferred. Insurance and 401 k benefits are available. Hours are usually 7 to 4, Monday through Friday, except for extended hours during the busy farming season. Interested applicants may pick up application at Medora FS Inc. 367 FS Road, Medora, IL or call 618-729-4411

You focus on celebrating. I’ll focus on protecting your family and financial future.

2-3

618-779-0376

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONs FOR HOUSING

The Housing Authority of Greene County will be accepting applications for 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments

•

•

• 24-hour emergency maintenance service

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

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

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

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

Hardin: 618-576-2225

4. Lyndon Johnson.

6. “Family Feud.”

7. A peahen.

8. Seven.

Palmolive dishwashing liquid. 10. Blood poisoning.

Flashback

1. Buddy Holly. Holly was releasing music under both his own name and anonymously with the group, working for two different record producers.

2. Coca-Cola, in 1971. The original was a jingle called “True Love and Apple Pie,” by a pair of British songwriters. In TV commercials, groups of people stood on a hill in Italy lip-synching the altered lyrics with and without references to the soft drink.

3. Ruby & the Romantics, in 1963. In 2007 the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

4. James Taylor, in 1972 and 1974.

5. “Suspicious Minds,” by Elvis Presley in 1969. The song was originally written and released by Mark James, but it never got any attention until Presley released a cover the following year.