SCT 12.25.19

Scott County Times

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019

WINCHESTER, IL 62694

Serving our readers for more than 151 years

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VOLUME NO. 152 NUMBER 52

Campbell Publications offices will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year holiday.

Deadline for news and ads for next week’s edition is 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 27.

Marketplace classifieds and public notice deadline is Friday at noon.

your

Times NEWS JWCC’s Presidential Scholarship competition now accepting applications.

See page A2 Morgan-Scott fugitives of the week.

See page A3

SPORTS

2019 Sports holiday tournament schedules.

See pages A7-8

WEEKEND WEATHER FRIDAY, DEC. 27

48 36 High

Low

SATURDAY, DEC. 28

52 35 High

Low

SUNDAY, DEC. 29

43 32 High

Low

Scott County Times

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Submitted photo

The Winchester Eighth Grade Girls basketball team took second place Thursday, Dec. 19 in the state championship game, losing to Peoria St. Vincent DePaul, 36-28. Team members are, front row, left to right, Olivia Bingeman, Trystan White, Bryleigh Fox, Alli Peterson, Breanna Gregory, Evee Swisher.

Second row, Brylee Lawson, Jaeden Reardon, Ashlyn Likes, Kylie Clayton, Annabell Shafer, Vickie McGee, Reagan Brown.

Silver is sweet

By BETH ZUMWALT Scott County Times The Winchester Eighth Grade girls basketball team

brought home second place hardware from Havana Thursday night. The team lost to Peoria St. Vincent de Paul in the championship game.

Bryleigh Fox led the team with 15 points, followed

by Brylee Lawson and Trystan White, each with six.

Alli Peterson had a free throw to total the 28 points.

Winchester finishes the season with a 22-4 season record.

Scott County schools looking to implement drug testing policy

By CARMEN ENSINGER Scott County Times The Winchester and Bluffs School Districts are looking to implement a student drug testing policy within the next couple of months. Other local districts, such as North Greene has had a drug testing police for the last two years. “It’s something we had been talking about for awhile and it just kind of came to fruition that now was the time to act on it,� Winchester and Bluffs Superintendent Kevin Blankenship said. “We have had some reports this year and violations of the athletic policy that has involved some drug related incidents and after talking with law enforcement, community and board members and teachers, while we don’t identify it as a major problem – we do see that it is a problem for all the kids in Scott County and we just want to address it.�

The first reading of the policy was held at the December board meeting and town hall meetings in both Winchester and Bluffs have been set for the community to give their input. The town hall meeting in Winchester will be held on Jan 8 at 6 p.m. in the auditorium and in Bluffs, Jan. 15, also at 6 p.m. in the gym.

Blankenship said if the boards of the two districts moves forward with adopting the policy then information would be distributed to the parents.

At registration any student wishing to play sports or any other extracurricular activity such as FFA, Spanish Club, band, Key Club students would have to sign a consent form to become part of a random drug testing pool. Also, students who plan to attend prom and homecoming or take drivers education would also have to consent to the testing. “In between both districts that is probably going to capture 95 per(See, DRUG TESTING, A2)

Š 2019

Scott County Times Obituaries listed in this issue: none All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Carmen Ensinger/Scott County Times

Jan. 15 set a public hearing for special service tax

By BETH ZUMWALT Pike Press The Scott County Board of Commissioners has set Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. as the public hearing for the Special Service area in Scott County. The Special Service Area will use tax money, levied by the county, to subsidize the ambulance service, known as Winchester EMS. A public notice advising Scott County property tax payers of the boundaries and the details of the ordinance establishing the special service area is on page XX. A map is also available in the county clerk’s office.

The special service tax is expected to levy .40 cents in taxes which will raise approximately $260,000 in revenue for the ambulance service.

The new money will be used to hire EMTs to supplement the crew which is currently all volunteer.

The public hearing will give all interested persons, including all persons owning taxable real property in the special service area an opportunity to be heard.

If a petition signed by at least 51% of the taxpayers in the special service area and by at least 51% of property owners of land included within the boundaries of the special service area is filed with the County Clerk within 60 days following the final adjournment of the public hearing, objecting to the creation of the special service area to be funded by the levy or imposition of a tax or the issuance of bonds for the provision of special services to the area, no such area may be created, tax be levied or imposed, or bonds be issued.

Prior to passing the ordinance forming the special service area from being passed, the commissioners had to obtain letters of endorsement from the affected municipalities – Glasgow, Alsey, Manchester and Winchester. Bluffs is in the Meredosia Ambulance District and a small (See, TAX, A2)

Winchester Kiwanis member Tom Welch dumps out a big box of whole hams that will be placed in each Christmas Basket Thursday afternoon as Kiwanis members gathered at the Winchester First Baptist Church to pack and distribute 132 Christmas baskets to be distributed to the need in Scott County. Each family got both a turkey and a ham plus all of the fixings to make a Christmas dinner.

Kiwanis Club makes Christmas brighter for many

By CARMEN ENSINGER Scott County Times More than 130 families in Scott County are having their Christmas made brighter this year thanks to the Winchester Kiwanis Club’s Christmas Basket Program.

According to Christmas Basket Chairman Chuck Frost, the Kiwanis has been doing this program for almost a century. “We don’t know exactly how long this program has been in existence, but have records that go back to 1933 that talk about the program,� Frost said. “The club will be 95 years old next year so this has been going on a long time.�

The Kiwanis begin work on the program back in September. “We start talking about it in September and send out a registration letter in October,� Frost said. “We try to have everything done by the middle of November so we can get the Angel Tree names and have them filled out.

We know a lot of people like to shop on Black Friday.�

The program covers all of Scott

County including Bluffs, Alsey, Merritt, Riggston and everywhere in between.

Names of those who might need some extra help during the holidays are gathered from the schools and churches, including the elderly.

This year the Kiwanis filled 132 baskets for those in need and Thursday afternoon six delivery teams delivered 54 of those boxes. The rest of the boxes were picked up at the Winchester First Baptist Church.

The boxes include a turkey and ham, bread, milk, butter, cheese, carrots, celery, fresh fruit and an assorted variety of canned goods.

For households with children, names and clothing sizes are collected and St. Marks and all four banks in the county work to provide the Angel Tree gifts. The Angel Trees are located in these locations and the community takes a name from the tree and provides a gift and/or clothing for that child.

All of the food was purchased at the Great Scott Community Market and Frost estimates the total cost of this (See, KIWANIS, A2)

A2

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

JWCC’s Presidential Tax Scholarship competition now accepting applications

John Wood Community college is hosting its annual Presidential Scholarship Competition scheduled for Feb. 22. Students will compete for three two-year Presidential full-tuition scholarships at John Wood Community College.

The competition involves an interview process with JWCC faculty, students and administrators. High school grade point average and ACT/SAT score, and application attachments will also be factors in the competition.

Presidential Scholarship recipients will be required to take part in leadership and service activities as they complete requirements for associate degrees during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years at JWCC. “JWCC’s Presidential Scholarship is an outstanding opportunity to recognize our

NEWS

Winchester, Illinois

district’s talented high school students,” Michael Elbe, JWCC president, said. “This prestigious award allows area students to earn a two-year scholarship to graduate debt free from JWCC.” All applications are due by Jan. 31. Students with at least a 3.75 GPA should apply by filling out the application form located at www.jwwc.edu/presidential. Students will need to also include their resume, an essay entitled “Why I should be a JWCC Presidential Scholar” and a letter of recommendation from a school official. Additionally, applicants will need to apply for admissions to JWCC and submit high school transcripts to participate in the competition.

For more information, please contact JWCC’s Admissions office admissions@ jwcc.edu or call 217-641.4337.

(Continued from A1) portion of northern Scott is served by Chapin.

All municipalities involved sent their letters of endorsement.

Ambulance personnel say the number of volunteers has fallen over the years.

Currently we have three volunteers,” Randy Dolen, president of the association, said. “One of us, if not two responds to every call.”

The ambulance service responded to 317

calls last year and the number has been above 300 the last four years.

“That’s 26 calls a month,” Lynette Shaffer, one of the paramedics working with Winchester EMS, said. “And for Medicaid and Medicare calls we have to take what they give us. We can charge as much as we want for a call, but we only get what Medicare and Medicaid will pay which is only about 65 percent of the actual cost of a call.”

Kiwanis (Continued from A1) year’s Christmas baskets was somewhere in the neighborhood of $10,000.

“We received a very nice contribution of $8,000 from MCS (Morgan, Cass, Scott) Community Services in Jacksonville which helped

us a lot with the purchase of the food,” Frost said. “But we also want to thank the county for their generous support of this campaign.

They have always been generous with us to meet the

needs for this program so we don’t have to borrow money from other funds. It is a huge undertaking and the community really supports us in our endeavors and we really appreciate that.”

Carmen Ensinger/Scott County Times

Eighth annual JWCC Foundation and WGEM career makeover competition underway Winner earns free tuition, fees and books; Application deadline is January 26

Every day adults are reinventing their careers by taking courses and earning degrees at John Wood Community College.

However, not all of them can say they are attending for free.

The JWCC Foundation and WGEM have partnered for an eighth year to provide a free career makeover for one deserving individual. Jennifer Stickler of Quincy, Ill., won last year’s Career Makeover contest and is currently working on her associate of arts degree with a concentration in sociology.

Adults 24 years of age or older, who are not current or recent JWCC students, can apply for the opportunity at www.jwcc.edu/ makeover. One winner will earn a scholarship from the JWCC Foundation to cover up to 68 credit hours, or completion of a selected degree or certificate, including tuition, fees and books. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the site to view the contest process, rules and regulations. Two runners-up will receive a $1,500 scholarship to go towards the cost of their program.

Applications will be accepted until January 26.

Eligible Career, Technical and Health Education programs include the following: accounting, agriculture, ag business management, animal science, beef specialist, business, certified nursing assistant, computer-aided design, computer science, desktop publishing, early childhood education, electrical technology, fire science, health care assistant, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), graphic design, industrial technology, industrial maintenance technician, industrial maintenance mechanic, law enforcement, logistics and operations management, manufacturing, management, marketing, medical assistant, medical office technology, office technology, precision machining operator, surgical technology, swine specialist, truck driver training and

welding.

Eligible two-year associate degree programs, which transfer to four-year universities as part of bachelor’s degrees, include the following: accounting, agriculture, art, biology, business, chemistry, communication, computer science, economics, education, engineering, English, fine arts, general studies, health/physical education/recreation, history, law enforcement, liberal arts, math, music, physics, political science/pre-law, psychology and sociology.

Selective admissions programs, such as nursing and surgical technology, are not included in the contest’s eligible programs.

“The JWCC Foundation creates educational opportunities,” Barb Holthaus, JWCC Foundation executive director, said. “Thanks to the continued partnership with WGEM, the Career Makeover contest is a public way of showing the power education has to change someone’s path in life.”

WGEM supports the project as an extension of serving the community and partnership with JWCC. “The Career Makeover is life changing,” Carlos Fernandez, WGEM vice president and general manager, said. “We have so many outstanding applicants every year who invest in themselves through education. We are proud to partner with John Wood to help the next winner change his or her life.”

Now more than ever is the time to develop new skills or start a new career. Regional employers are searching for individuals with the right skills to begin a career and greatly value employees willing to pursue education to help drive their company forward.

“Last year’s applicants inspired us and we get to see the recent winners every day on campus work toward their goals,” Mike Elbe, JWCC president said. “We are proud of them, and all of our adult students, who balance full-time jobs, family and school to make their lives better.”

More information is available at www. jwcc.edu/makeover. Individuals without internet access may pick up paper application materials at JWCC or WGEM.

Reverend Robin Lyons goes over the delivery list with fellow Winchester Kiwanis member Rachel Cooper Thursday during the delivery of the annual Christmas baskets prepared by the Kiwanis Club. This year 132 baskets were made and 54 of those were delivered

by Kiwanis members and the rest were picked up at the First Baptist Church where the baskets were prepared.

Carmen Ensinger/Scott County Times

The Winchester First Baptist Church was wall to wall boxes and gifts Thursday afternoon as the Kiwanis Club filled and delivered 132 baskets of food and gifts for the need in the Scott County community. Bethany Doolin and Rachel Cooper make sure each box has the right amount of items.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Drug testing (Continued from A1) cent of our kids because just about everyone goes to prom and/or homecoming,” Blankenship said. “If they do not agree to the testing, then they can’t participate in the activities or attend prom or homecoming.”

The districts plan to sign on with an independent third party that will do the testing.

“Basically, they will come in and generate random numbers for everyone in the school,” Blankenship said. “Then they will come in and say ‘here are the numbers we want’ and we will then pull those students out of class and they will perform the tests. If the test is negative, that is great, but if it is positive – that is where the policy takes over because there are consequences.”

Blankenship said the goal is to test around three percent of the student population in both districts once a month. For Winchester this means approximately six students per month and three in Bluffs.

“The goal is to keep it random so we are not going to have it on the same day because then those students

who know they are violating the policy simply won’t show up that day,” Blankenship said. “But, we do plan to be consistent with the testing but we are not going to get so predictable that they know when the test is coming up.”

Preliminary cost estimates put the monthly drug testing at around $4,000 a year for Winchester and around $2,000 per year at Bluffs. However, those numbers could change.

“Whenever we made this drug testing policy public, we have had a couple of other companies reach out from across the country,” Blankenship said. “So, we might be able to get those numbers down.”

As for the types of testing, that hasn’t been decided yet as there are several different forms of testing for illegal substances. Anywhere from urine and hair sample to a simple swab sample.

“Our current policy has it to where it could include any of those types of testing and that may end up being something that we take a look at,” Blankenship said.

“It may end up where the testing company has a rec-

ommendation that we mix things up – one month do a urine sample, next month a hair sample and the next month a swab sample. They are the professionals on this so we want to get feedback from them.”

Blankenship said he hopes the policy can be implemented in February.

“The town hall meetings are in January so I can update both boards in January with what the public comments and input has been so we can look at making some tweaks and changes in language if we have to,” he said. “Then we can come back in February and if the public support is really good, we can have the second reading and then vote on it.”

If not, they will have the second reading in February, possibly some more town hall meetings, and vote on it in March.

“Our expectation is that we get some good turnout at both meetings because we think this is important for both districts,” Blankenship said. “We think we will get some good student participation along with parent and community participation.”

How to reach us Scott County Times is published for the whole of Scott &RXQW\ $Q\ ZRUWKZKLOH SURJUDP WKDW ZLOO EHQH¿W WKH county will be backed by the Scott County Times.

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president.

Periodicals postage paid at Winchester, IL. The Scott County Times welcomes letters to the editor. They must be signed and include your address. Letters without an individual’s signature will not be published. The Scott County Times will accept only letters to the editor that are written in good taste.

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Mail: P.O. Box 64 Winchester, IL 62694 sion of acceptance. Letters may be edited for clarity, brevity and fairness.

Opinions expressed in columns are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.

2019

NEWS/OPINION

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Winchester, Illinois

Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties are requesting information to assist the Jacksonville Police Department in their Investigation of a recent battery.

Tuesday Dec. 10 at approximately 11:30a.m., a pedestrian was struck by an object while walking westbound in the County Market parking lot located

on west Morton. The victim stated that a white male driving a blue lifted truck yelled verbal obscenities at him and proceeded to throw an object that struck him in the face before exiting the scene.

The police are asking that anyone who has information concerning this incident or any other crimes within the three-county area submit a tip online by

going to www.morganscottcrimestoppers.webs.com and clicking the leave a tip button on the home page or calling Crimestoppers at 243-7300. Tips may also be submitted by texting 274637 (CRIMES). The first word of the text tip must be “payout”. More information can be found at www.morganscottcrimestoppers.webs.com

Morgan-Scott fugitives of the week The Morgan-Scott CrimeStoppers is looking for these two fugitives of the week: Jared P. Nunes, 10/17/1977, Sex: M; Race: W; Height: 5’11”; Weight: 210; Hair Color: Brown; Hair Style: brust cut; Eye Color: blue; last known address: 215 Whitlock Rd, Murrayville; wanted: domestic battery Tanner J. Ring, 08/09/1991, Sex: M; Race: W; Height: 6’04”; Weight: 221; Hair Color: brown; Hair Style: long; Eye Color: blue; last known address: 505, N State, Arenzville; wanted: probation violation-driving while revoked.

JARED P. NUNES

TANNER J. RING

Ridge Runner Chronicles: Bill Hoagland

IMPOSING DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ALL YEAR MAY NOT BE GREAT

R

ecently, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 533, which provides that Illinois will switch to permanent daylight savings on March 8, 2020 if approval is given at the federal level.

Illinois is not the first state to legislate a switch to permanent daylight savings; there are at least 8 other states where legislation is being enacted to make daylight savings permanent.

The underlying reasons for this legislation are many: daylight savings conserves energy; there is a reduction in crime during daylight savings; it improves retail commerce; and there is clinical evidence that having to switch clocks twice a year causes health issues including heart attacks and strokes.

This bill has a long way to go before it could become a reality; not only must it be approved by the Illinois House and the Governor, but it also would have to be approved at the federal level.

But before it becomes law in Illinois, maybe we should reconsider the threshold question of whether we really would be healthier —and happier — if we had daylight savings all year long. Sure, some folks are inconvenienced by having to switch their biological clocks twice a year, and perhaps there is some undue stress associated with that, but what about the folks who would

now have to get up and go to work three hours before sunrise in the middle of the winter?

There is medical evidence to suggest that that is not healthy either. Dr. David Avery, a psychiatrist at the University of Washington Medical School, says that having daylight early in our daily routine —meaning when we first wake up — is very important for our wellbeing and that without it, we suffer seasonal depression and other issues.

Think about how you feel when you haven’t seen the sun for 10 days.

Putting aside the controversy over the health issues, would we really be happy with the change to full-time daylight savings?

A brief history lesson about daylight savings time may be helpful.

Prior to 1883, we did not have any standardized time for the entire country. In 1883, there was a fatal train crash caused by inconsistent time zones. At that point, railroads began implementing uniform time zones for the entire country, but it was not until the federal Standard Time Act of 1918 that all states were required to conform to a national time schedule.

It was at that point that daylight savings was instituted all year long so as to conserve energy because of our entry into World War I. Once the war was over, permanent daylight savings was repealed because it

r e n n u R e Ridg C H R O N IC L E S

was unpopular.

Then in January 1942, to conserve energy during World War II, the War Time Act imposed permanent daylight savings until the war ended in 1945, at which time daylight savings was abolished at the national level because it was, again, unpopular over the long haul. For the next 20 years, each state was free to impose its own choices as to daylight savings; within each state, some counties and even some cities were allowed to have their own time zones different from the rest of the state.

This, of course, led to tremendous confusion and ridiculous situations. For example, during that era, to drive from Wheeling, West Virginia to Steubenville, Ohio—a distance of roughly 35 miles—a traveler would go through seven time changes.

Finally, in 1966, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 was enacted to make time zones consistent and to make daylight savings mandatory for six months every year.

More recently, the daylight savings time requirement has been increased to eight months of the year. The

Uniform Time Act does allow individual states to become exempt from the act, but so far, only Arizona and Hawaii are exempt.

Is switching to permanent daylight saving really a good idea? Suppose Illinois is allowed to have daylight savings all year but Missouri, Kentucky or Iowa does not want it.

Wouldn’t we ultimately be back into the hodgepodge of confusing time zones?

And is everyone going to love having to get up an hour earlier every day in the middle of winter?

Maybe not. We have tried it before, and it was repealed twice.

Many of us, including me, are fine with the way things are right now. And if it ain’t broke, why fix it?

––––––––––––––––––– Q Bill Hoagland has practiced law in Alton for more than 50 years, but he has spent more than 70 years hunting, fishing and generally being in the great outdoors. His wife, Annie, shares his love of the outdoor life. Much of their spare time is spent on their farm in Calhoun County.

Bill can be reached at billhoagland70@gmail.com.

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Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Assembly of God Church

Glasgow Baptist Church

27 West Cherry Street Pastor Cindy Colbert 217-742-3311 Sunday School – 9:30 am Morning Worship – 10:30 am Everyone welcome

217-473-4110 Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship - 6 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study - 6 p.m.

Office open 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Alsey Baptist Church Sunday School-9:30 a.m.

Worship Service-10:30 a.m.

Youth Group-7 p.m. on Wednesday Grades 6th-12th Pastor Jeff Daak

Bloomfield Baptist Church

Grace Baptist Church Terry Beauchamp- Pastor 224-326-4551 Corner of Cherry and Maple Winchester, IL 62694 Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. and worship 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Mark Norris 217-473-1967

Manchester Baptist Church

Bluffs Baptist Church

404 East Street Manchester, IL 62663 Pastor Shawn at 217-587-2761

112 S. Rodgers St. P.O. Box 231 Bluffs, IL 62621

Christ Lutheran Church

New Song Ministries

125 W. Jefferson 217-742-3919 Rev. Richard Harre, Vacancy Pastor Sunday, December 29: Divine Service, 10:30a.m.

Monday, December 30: Newsletter Articles Due

1465 Exeter Road Bluffs Pastor David VanGiesen 217-754-3718 Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Childrens Church - 10 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study - 6:30 p.m.

Cornerstone Baptist Church

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

226 Cornerstone Drive Winchester, IL 62694 Church Phone: 217-742-8000 Pastor Ted Rhoades: 217-742-5841

Route 106 - One mile south of Alsey Pastor Eric Kirgan 217-742-3202 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m.

Everyone Always Welcome

First Baptist Church of Winchester Pastor Bill Baughman Church: 217-742-3480 Email: fbcwinchester@gmail.com Website: fbcwinchester.com Office hours: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

First Christian Church 20 N. Main 8JODIFTUFS *- t fccwin@irtc.net Pastor Alan Bradish First Sunday Fellowship with coffee and donuts 9 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School during service Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Bible Study 2nd-5th Sundays 9:15 (while interest continues)

Freedom Family Worship Center 428 N. Commercial, Winchester 217-883-3763 Pastor Gary Wells (Non-Denominational) Morning Worship 10 am Children's Sunday School during Service Country Gospel (Potluck 1st and 3rd Sundays) Come Expecting a Blessing!

Everyone Welcome

Feeling

CHURCH

Winchester, Illinois

St. Mark’s Catholic Church Winchester, IL

Winchester United Methodist Church at Work!

20 N. Walnut Rev. Robin R. Lyons: 217-742-3610 Email: winchesterumc@frontier.com Parsonage: 217-742-3320 This Week’s Opportunities  Wednesday, December 25, 2019 MERRY CHRISTMAS Church Office Closed Thursday, December 26, 2019 Church Office Closed Saturday, December 28, 2019 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Lashmett Birthday Reception Sunday, December 29, 2019 8:00 a.m. 5th Sunday Breakfast prepared by Reaching Team 9 a.m. Worship - Noisy Offering 10:05 a.m. Sunday School Monday, December 30, 2019 Doorbell Dinners – Winchester UMC delivers Tuesday, December 31, 2019 Doorbell Dinners – Winchester UMC delivers

Social?

Make plans to attend the church of your choice Follow Us On today!

Facebook Alsey Baptist Church Jeff Daak, Pastor

Sandridge Baptist Church

Barrow Baptist Church Gerald Day, Pastor

New Beginnings Church 742-3459

Bloomfield Baptist Church

Winchester United Methodist Church Rev. Robin Lyons Church: (217) 742-3610 Home: (217) 742-3320

Cornerstone Baptist Church 742-5841 Friendship Primitive Baptist Church Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Eric Kirgan, Pastor Manchester Baptist Church (217) 587-2761 or 4211

St. Mark’s Church 742-5224 Winchester Assembly of God Pastor Cindy Colbert 217-742-3311 Glasgow Baptist Church (217) 742-3680

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CHURCH NEWS LISTED PLEASE CALL US! 742-3313 Manchester Methodist Church Rev. Robin Lyons 217-742-3320 First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) First Baptist Church Church: (217) 742-3480 East Union Baptist Church Grace Baptist Church Terry Beauchamp Christ Lutheran Church 742-3919 Church of the New Song Church 217-754-3617

Pat Van DeVelde Peak Insurance Agency 16 S. Hill, 742-3316 First National Bank of Winchester 26 W. Cherry 742-3134

Christmas is About Love N

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.�

1 John 4:11-12 NIV

ow that Christmas has finally arrived, we might be thinking “what next?� While many of us are probably looking forward to the New Year and getting back into the “swing of things,� perhaps we should pause and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Christmas, of course, means many things to many people, and in truth it is so full of meaning that it is no exaggeration to say that it means something different to everyone. But at its most fundamental level, Christmas is an expression of God’s love for us: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.�

(1 John 4:9-10 NIV) What better expression of God’s love than a tiny baby, completely helpless, and born under trying circumstances, but loved and nurtured by caring parents so that he might grow up and fulfill his mission, which is to show us how to love one another, as God has loved us. The message of Christmas is love. Consider how you might spread that message, now and in the year to come, and for the rest of your life. –Christopher Simon

These religious messages are published each week in the Scott County Times as a service to our churches and are sponsored by the listed business firms.

CAMPBELL PUBLICATIONS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019

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JERSEY COUNTY JOURNAL

CLASSIFICATIONS ‡ $XWRPRWLYH ‡ %XVLQHVV ‡ &ROOHFWLEOHV ‡ )DUP 0DUNHW ‡ )RU 5HQW $ &DOKRXQ &RXQW\ % *UHHQH &RXQW\ & -HUVH\ &RXQW\ ' 3LNH &RXQW\ ( 6FRWW &RXQW\ ) 0LVFHOODQHRXV ‡ )RU 6DOH ‡ +HOS :DQWHG ‡ +REE\ 6KRS +DQGLFUDIWV ‡ +XQWLQJ ‡ .LGV )RU +LUH ‡ /RVW )RXQG ‡ 0HHWLQJ 5HPLQGHUV ‡ 0LVFHOODQHRXV ‡ 1R 7UHVSDVVLQJ $ &DOKRXQ &RXQW\

% *UHHQH &RXQW\ & -HUVH\ &RXQW\ ' 3LNH &RXQW\ ( 6FRWW &RXQW\ Â&#x2021; 3HWV Â&#x2021; 5HDO (VWDWH $ &DOKRXQ &RXQW\ % *UHHQH &RXQW\ & -HUVH\ &RXQW\ ' 3LNH &RXQW\ ( 6FRWW &RXQW\ Â&#x2021; 6HUYLFHV Â&#x2021; :DQWHG Â&#x2021; :HE 6LWHV Â&#x2021; :RUN :DQWHG Â&#x2021; <DUG 6DOHV $ &DOKRXQ &RXQW\ % *UHHQH &RXQW\ & -HUVH\ &RXQW\ ' 3LNH &RXQW\ ( 6FRWW &RXQW\

400 FOR RENT OFFICE SPACE. Prime location. Ample parking. West Washington St., Pittsfield. Call 217285-2848, 217-285-5925 or 217-653-0212. TFN FOR RENT in Griggsville: Efficiency upstairs apartment. Suitable for one. Low utilities, reasonable rent. No pets. Lyndle Ellis. 217-8332107. 1.1.20 BLACK OIL seed, sunflower see or bird feed.

30 cents a pound. Call (217) 430-2881. tfn

500 FOR SALE

ONLINE ONLY REAL ESTATE AUCTION

P.O. Box 138, Winchester, IL 62694

BIDDING ENDS: Sunday, December 29th 1pm LOCATION: 1415 W. Main St., Grafton, IL INSPECTION DATE: Sunday, Dec 1st at 12 noon OR call Gary for private appointment to view at (618) 781-3814

GENERAL INFORMATION '($'/,1(6 Classified ads, Monday 3:30 p.m. (For placement and for cancellation.) &/$66,),(' 5$7(6 )LUVW LQVHUWLRQ, 25¢ per word, minimum $6. &RQVHFXWLYH UHSHDW LQVHUWLRQ, 15¢ per word, minimum $5.

Prepayment is required. Any change in original ad will be considered start of a new ad. %OLQG $G, $4 service charge, plus postage if replies are to be mailed. <DUG 6DOHV $6 up to 20 words. 1R 7UHVSDVVLQJ QRWLFH, one year, up to 20 words, $60. $'9(57,6,1* 32/,&< 7KH IROORZLQJ DUH SROLFLHV RI &DOKRXQ 1HZV +HUDOG *UHHQH 3UDLULH 3UHVV -HUVH\ &RXQW\ -RXUQDO 3LNH 3UHVV DQG 6FRWW &RXQW\ 7LPHV We are not responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of display and classified advertising. One free insertion will be allowed for a classified ad with a significant mistake. Please let us know immediately. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement submitted for publication. Yard Sale and Work Wanted ads are payable in advance. Proper identification is required of persons placing ads. A F.O.I.D. card will be asked for when selling a firearm.

No exceptions will be allowed. Newspaper reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including the right to do so after the ad has been accepted for publication but before publication occurs.

The advertiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole remedy for such refusal shall be the refund of the funds paid to purchase the ad. Advertisements are accepted by the newspaper upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the contents and subject matter of the advertisement and that it is not libelous or does not infringe on the privacy of any individual or entity. All advertisements are accepted and published by the newspaper

900A NO TRESPASSING Calhoun County

upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and hold harmless the newspaper from any loss or expense, including the cost of defense and any settlement and/or judgment resulting from claims based upon the contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, violation of right of privacy, plagiarism or copyright infringement. All advertisements created by the newspaper are not considered a â&#x20AC;&#x153;work made for hireâ&#x20AC;? and the newspaper retains the copyright to all advertisements created by the newspaper for the advertiser. The advertisement may not be reproduced without the written permission of the newspaper.

(48$/ +286,1* 23325781,7< All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination, in the sale, rental or financing of housing. In addition, the Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, marital status, or unfavorable discharge. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which violates the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call the Chicago area Fair Housing Alliance toll free at 1-800-659-OPEN.

Business opportunity on riverfront property with daily traffic count of 12,600 ~ newly renovated in 2018 with updated plumbing and electric, interior walls, restrooms, bedroom and office space along with large retail space. Ample parking in asphalted lot with 20+ parking spaces. Sale includes large open front building to rear of property. Over head door at front of building. Coolers stay. This business had formerly been a convenience store that offered deli and liquor sales.

Parcel ID: 08-325-004-00

For Bidding & More Photos Go To: Gary Niemeier - Auctioneer Live.LegacySells4U.com (618) 781-3814 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT PIKE COUNTY, PITTSFIELD, ILLINOIS Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. PLAINTIFF Vs. Jeremy D. Para; et. al.

DEFENDANTS 2019CH10

1200 SERVICES

CRACK YOUR pecans. 40 cents a pound.

NO TRESPASSING or hunting allowed on the Call (217) 430-2881. tfn land in Batchtown owned by Marcy Klockenkemper, Judy Lamer, Jeremy Russell, Bonnie 1300 Stepanek and Cindy Mezzos. Violators will be WANTED prosecuted. 8.5.20 WANTING LAND to lease for family hunting.

Would like a long term lease, any size tracts.

Please call Greg at 903-736-5779. 1.29.20

900D NO TRESPASSING Pike County MAYFAIR FARMS ground North of Highway 10 East of Nebo is private property. Trespassing is forbidden. Violators will be prosecuted.

CATERPILLAR D-5K construction dozer with 1.2.20 cab. Air/heat, 1900 hours. For more info, conNO TRESPASSING and no hunting of any tact 217-491-1042. 1.1.20 kind, is permitted on any property owned by Double Creek Farms. Can be prosecuted.

900A NO TRESPASSING or hunting allowed on NO TRESPASSING my land in Pearl and Spring Creek township Calhoun County owned by Timothy Brinkmann. Violators will NO TRESPASSING or hunting allowed on the be prosecuted. 10.21.20 land in Batchtown owned by Steve and Cindy READ THE classifieds every week for the best deals around!

Meszaros. Violators will be prosecuted. 8.5.20 12.19.19

Open government.

Informed citizenry.

It takes a free press.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call us at 618-498-1234

This Day In History

Dec. 25 Q 1776 - Gen. George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River for a surprise attack against Hessian forces at Trenton, N.J. Q 1818 - "Silent Night" was performed for the first time at the Churchof St. Nikolaus in Oberndorff, Austria.

Q 1998 - South Carolina proceeded with the U.S.' 500th execution since captial punishment was restored.

Q 1939 - "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens was read on CBS radio for the first time.

NOTICE OF SHERIFFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SALE OF REAL ESTATE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 08/09/2019, the Sheriff of Pike County, Illinois will on January 10, 2020 at the hour of 8:45 AM at Pike County Courthouse 100 East Washington Street 2nd Floor Courtroom of courthouse 3LWWVÂżHOG ,/ RU LQ D SODFH otherwise designated at the time of sale, County of Pike and State of Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

and the foreclosure takes place after 1/1/2007, purchasers other than the mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under The &RQGRPLQLXP 3URSHUW\ $FW ,/&6 J

DQG J

,I WKH property is located in a common interest community, purchasers other than mortgagees will be required to pay any assessment and legal fees due under the &RQGRPLQLXP 3URSHUW\ $FW ,/&6 J ,I WKH VDOH is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgageeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser shall UHFHLYH D &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 6DOH which will entitle the purchaser to a Deed to the real estate afWHU &RQÂżUPDWLRQ RI WKH VDOH The successful purchaser has the sole responsibility/expense of evicting any tenants or other individuals presently in posses3,1 sion of the subject premises.

Improved with Residential The property will NOT be open COMMONLY KNOWN AS: for inspection and Plaintiff makes 6WDWH +LJKZD\ no representation as to the con1HZ &DQWRQ ,/ dition of the property. ProspecSale terms: 10% down of the tive bidders are admonished to KLJKHVW ELG E\ FHUWLÂżHG IXQGV DW FKHFN WKH &RXUW ÂżOH WR YHULI\ DOO the close of the auction; The bal- information. ance, including the Judicial sale IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGfee for Abandoned Residential OR (HOMEOWNER), YOU Property Municipality Relief HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN Fund, which is calculated at the ,1 3266(66,21 )25 '$<6 rate of $1 for each $1,000 or frac- AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER tion thereof of the amount paid OF POSSESSION, IN ACby the purchaser not to exceed CORDANCE WITH SECTION LQ FHUWLÂżHG IXQGV LV GXH 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS within twenty-four (24) hours. MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE The subject property is subject to LAW. general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes For information: Examine the levied against said real estate FRXUW ÂżOH RU FRQWDFW 3ODLQWLIIÂśV and is offered for sale without attorney: Codilis & Associates, any representation as to quality 3 & : 1RUWK )URQWDJH or quantity of title and without re- Road, Suite 100, Burr Ridge, IL course to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;?

3OHDVH condition. The sale is further sub- UHIHU WR ÂżOH QXPEHU MHFW WR FRQÂżUPDWLRQ E\ WKH FRXUW , If the property is a condominium

12.18, 12.25, 1.1

Community newspapers

the original social networking site Campbell Publications

A6

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Winchester, Illinois

COOKING

FAMILY FEATURES

W

hen cold weather hits, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural to seek comfort in a variety of forms: warm blankets, layers of sweaters and delicious, hearty meals. Winter is the perfect season for spending time indoors honing cooking skills to take your culinary creations to the next level.

Simple Recipes for Shorter Days With less daylight hours during the winter, many people tend to get sleepy earlier. Quick weeknight dinner recipes are usually ideal, especially when they take only 30 minutes or so to prepare. Easy dishes are perfect for those nights when you want something savory and delicious, but you also want to get into pajamas and onto the nearest couch as soon as possible. Few things are better WKDQ D ZDUP ERZO IXOO RI Ã&#x20AC;DYRU OLNH WKLV WDVWH WHPSWLQJ FXUU\ UHFLSH EXUVWLQJ with caramelized onion and roasted garlic notes.

Chickpea, Spinach and Coconut Curry Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes Servings: 6 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 tablespoon turmeric 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus additional, to taste 1 can (29 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 jar (24 ounces) FarmToFork Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic Sauce 1 can (15 ounces) light coconut milk 4 cups baby spinach 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt, stirred 1/2 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped

QDDQ Ã&#x20AC;DWEUHDGV WRDVWHG DQG VOLFHG In large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil, ginger, garlic, onions, turmeric, salt and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper. Cook 6-8 minutes, or until onions EHJLQ WR EURZQ VWLUULQJ IUHTXHQWO\ $GG FKLFNSHDV VDXFH DQG FRFRQXW PLON FRRN PLQXWHV RU XQWLO KHDWHG WKURXJK $GG VSLQDFK FRYHU ZLWK OLG 6LPPHU 3-4 minutes, or until spinach is wilted. Mix well.

Spoon mixture into six serving bowls and top each with spoonful of yogurt, pinch of cilantro and additional crushed red pepper, to taste. Serve with Ã&#x20AC;DWEUHDG VOLFHV

Find more winter recipes at farmtoforksauce.com.

Chickpea, Spinach and Coconut Curry

The Perks of Passive Cooking Wintry weekends call for warming meals that bring an extra sensation of coziness through the wafting aroma of slow-cooked dishes. Wintertime is the perfect season to break out your slow cooker or put your stove on low heat and let fragrant dishes such as Savory Harissa-Roasted &KLFNHQ DQG 9HJHWDEOHV VLPPHU VORZO\ DQG ¿OO \RXU KRPH ZLWK HQWLFLQJ VPHOOV Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons harissa and 2 tablespoons oil. $GG RQLRQV DQG FDXOLÃ&#x20AC;RZHU WRVV WR FRPELQH Prep time: 20 minutes Spread vegetable mixture in single layer on Cook time: 50 minutes Servings: 6 17-by-12-inch foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.

In same bowl, whisk remaining harissa, 1/3 cup harissa paste, divided 1/3 cup olive oil, divided 2 tablespoons oil, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 large red onion, cut into cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon 1/2-inch thick slivers SHSSHU $GG FKLFNHQ WRVV ZLWK WRQJV XQWLO

VPDOO KHDG FDXOLÃ&#x20AC;RZHU FXW well coated. Arrange chicken atop vege LQWR VPDOO Ã&#x20AC;RUHWV tables on baking sheet. Bake 50-55 minutes, 1 jar (24 ounces) FarmToFork or until chicken is deep golden brown and Marinara Sauce, divided 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin internal temperature reaches 165 F. 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided Use vegetable peeler to create long 3/4 teaspoon ground black ribbons of carrots. In bowl, toss carrots with pepper, divided 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken chopped herbs and remaining oil, salt thighs (about 2 pounds) 1 pound rainbow carrots, and pepper. In separate bowl, mix yogurt, trimmed and peeled remaining lemon juice and remaining herbs.

1 lemon, juice only, divided Serve each chicken thigh with roasted FXS ¿QHO\ FKRSSHG IUHVK KHUEV VXFK vegetables, dollop of herbed yogurt, carrot as dill, mint or cilantro, divided 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt mixture and 1/4 cup warmed marinara sauce.

Savory Harissa-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Gnocchi with Hearty Mushroom Bolognese

Opt for Seasonal Produce While the days of peaches and watermelons may be over, dropping temperatures bring a slew of seasonal SURGXFH PDGH IRU FRRO ZHDWKHU FRRNLQJ 7KLQN ZLQWHU VTXDVK DSSOHV URRW YHJHWDEOHV DQG FDXOLÃ&#x20AC;RZHU 7U\ using a seasonal food guide to learn what produce is in season in any state at any time of the year. Cooking ZLWK VHDVRQDO SURGXFH KHOSV HQVXUH \RXU IRRG LV LQ SHDN IRUP DW LWV PRVW QXWULWLRQDO DQG Ã&#x20AC;DYRUIXO VWDWH

Find Comfort in Your Favorite Foods $OPRVW QRWKLQJ EHDWV SDVWD DQG VDXFH RQ D FKLOO\ QLJKW :KHQ FUDYLQJ ZDUP DQG ¿OOLQJ PHDOV GXULQJ ZLQWHU a quality, jarred pasta sauce like FarmToFork can add simple goodness to hearty dishes like Gnocchi with Hearty Mushroom Bolognese. Made with sustainably grown, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh garlic, basil DQG RQLRQV WKH VDXFH EULQJV ULFK GLVWLQFWLYH Ã&#x20AC;DYRU WR D YDULHW\ RI FRRO ZHDWKHU IDYRULWHV IURP WUDGLWLRQDO pasta recipes to soups and oven bakes. During the season of giving, comfort and warmth can also be found LQ GRLQJ JRRG IRU RWKHUV ZKLFK LV ZK\ )DUP7R)RUN VXSSRUWV %LJ *UHHQ D QDWLRQDO QRQSUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQ that partners with low-income schools around the country to bring garden-based learning and food literacy curriculums to children.

Gnocchi with Hearty Mushroom Bolognese Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 6 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped 1 carrot, coarsely chopped 2 ribs celery, coarsely chopped 2 cloves garlic 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 pounds button, cremini or portobello mushrooms 1 jar (24 ounces) FarmToFork Marinara Sauce 3 tablespoons butter 1 pound refrigerated or frozen gnocchi 1/2 cup pecorino Romano cheese, grated 1/4 cup Italian parsley, coarsely chopped

In food processor, pulse onions, carrots, FHOHU\ DQG JDUOLF XQWLO ¿QHO\ FKRSSHG ,Q large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped vegetables, salt and pepper. Cook 10 minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.

In food processor, pulse mushrooms until coarsely chopped. Add to large pot with vegetables. Cook 10-12 minutes, or until most liquid is evaporated, stirring occasionally. Stir in marinara sauce and butter.

Cook gnocchi according to package GLUHFWLRQV GUDLQ $GG WR VDXFH PL[ WXUH PL[ JHQWO\ 6SULQNOH ZLWK FKHHVH and parsley.

Savory Harissa-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

SPORTS/NEWS

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

good GROWING Keeping you growing with good ideas s University of Illinois Extension

Examining the American food waste problem this holiday season ‘Tis the season for…potlucks? That’s at least what it has felt like these past few weeks. Here’s the thing about potlucks – there’s always way too much food and you must try everything! To top it off, I throw out all the rules when it comes to making food for others to enjoy. I use lots of butter, salt, lard (if the recipe called for it) because I don’t want to serve something that tastes like a soggy Saltine. And I imagine, lots of other potluck-goers do the same.

We are lucky to live in a time and place where food is in such quantity that we often don’t think twice about throwing away uneaten food. Garbage bags become overburdened with half-eaten casseroles, hams, turkeys, salads, and so much more. I should know, I’m usually the one carrying out the garbage, praying the bag holds together long enough to get it in the garbage can.

Even as we celebrate the holidays and surround ourselves with abundance in family, friends, and food, it’s also important to remember, lots of our fellow global citizens, including 1 in 6 Americans, have little to no access to food now and throughout the year. Yet, when we look at the production of food in the United States, there should be more than enough to feed all Americans. So, where’s the food?

The USDA estimates that in the United States, 30 to 40 percent of the food supply is never eaten. Food loss comes from multiple causes. It begins on the farm where insects or disease infect a crop, or a vegetable is grown that the farmer cannot sell because of superficial qualities that don’t affect the taste, but people won’t buy an ugly veggie. Spoilage can occur in transport from farms to grocer or during processing. Then food sits on well-stocked grocery shelves, without being purchased, eventually getting tossed. And finally, the consumer often buys far more than they will eat and sends the extra food to the landfill. From a consumer standpoint, restaurants account for 33 percent of food loss in America, while households are the biggest source of food waste at 44 percent.

The biggest impact of food waste is los-

A7

Winchester, Illinois

Macomb-Western Holiday Basketball Tournament December 26TH, 27TH & 28TH

ing these nutritious ingredients that could feed families in need. Food is also the largest component in landfills, generating methane, which is a major greenhouse gas and contributor to climate change. You also must account for all the land, labor, water, pesticides, and fertilizers that went into producing food that is never eaten.

If you’re reading this while slowly walking that half-eaten ham sandwich to the trash, don’t worry I’m not going to pop out of the paper and slap your hand. I don’t have kind of power…yet. But there are things you can do to help prevent food loss and they follow the all-familiar mantra of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle.

We can reduce the amount of food we purchase by budgeting our trips to the store or thinking out meals in advance. This is ranked as the most preferred option by the USDA to avoid food loss.

We can reuse food by working with local food recovery programs that take uneaten food from restaurants, farmers, or grocers to shelters or food pantries.

And we can recycle food through composting. In my home, we have a worm composter that we put leftover vegetable scraps, bread, coffee grounds, eggshells, and much more into the bin for the worms to turn into fertilizer for my garden and houseplants.

I hope this holiday season leaves everyone with full bellies and joy. Even with the massive problem of food waste, the solution lies in all Americans each doing a few small things to provide the solution. Now it is time to get ready for my next potluck.

Somehow, I need to make this salad taste amazing. Ah yes! Lard should do the trick!

Good Growing Tip of the Week: Don’t have a food recovery program in your area?

You can start one! I know a few people in Central Illinois that aren’t part of a large organization, they just hop in their car and pick up a few trays of pasta or salad from a restaurant and bring it to the nearby shelter once a week. There are also food recovery options to take leftovers to farms for livestock feed. I like to think of it as turning leftovers back into bacon.

Pritzker signs pension consolidation bill into law: 649 funds will be combined into two

By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois A new law signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker will consolidate 649 downstate and suburban police and firefighter pension funds into just two.

Pritzker signed the measure, passed in the recent fall veto session, in Chicago and hailed it as an initiative 70 years in the making.

“Bipartisanship in this General Assembly has achieved what none of their predecessors have been able to do: consolidate the (nearly) 650 downstate and suburban pension funds to just two, amplifying their investment power and reducing the burden on property taxpayers,” Pritzker said in a news release. “Working together, we are helping hundreds of cities in Illinois alleviate their spiraling property tax burdens, and just as importantly, we’re showing that Illinois can tackle its most intractable problems.”

The governor’s office said Senate Bill 1300, the legislation he signed Dec. 18, will leverage “$15 billion in assets — $8.7 billion in the police fund and $6.3 (billion) in the fire fund — to increase investment returns and lower management costs.” It estimated the new law would create greater returns from $820 million to $2.5 billion over the next five years, and “billions more over the next 20 years.”

The bill passed with broad bipartisan support by tallies of 96-14 in the House and 42-12 in the Senate.

It was also supported by the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and the Illinois Municipal League, a statewide organization that represents local communities throughout Illinois “Consolidating the assets of the … downstate public safety pension funds throughout Illinois will help provide

stronger investment returns for active and retired public safety employees and reduce redundant administrative costs on Illinois’ taxpayers,” IML Executive Director Brad Cole said in a release. “This is a good first step forward on the complicated and comprehensive issue of pension reform.”

Despite bipartisan support, detractors, including several Republicans, opposed a provision that retroactively enhances benefits for so-called “Tier 2” employees — those hired after Jan. 1, 2011, when the state implemented new retirement systems with substantially lower benefits.

Several pension experts, however, have said the provision was necessary because many of those positions are not covered by Social Security. That’s allowed under federal law known as a “safe harbor” provision, but only if the benefits are at least as generous as what Social Security would pay.

The governor’s office said the new law “brings Tier 2 pensions into compliance to avoid future additional liabilities, which is estimated to cost $70 to $95 million while projected investment gains can generate an additional $820 million to $2.5 billion.”

Rep. Mark Batinick, a Plainfield Republican who serves as minority spokesperson on the House Personnel and Pensions Committee, praised the passage of the bill in a news release.

“Our state’s broken pension system has been a heavy weight on the backs of Illinois taxpayers,” Batinick said.

“With today’s bill signed into law I can proudly say that we are providing relief to our hardworking residents. This was a significant bipartisan reform effort that will make positive change. The work is not done on pensions, but today we can all celebrate this success.”

The bill was a recommendation of the Illinois Pension Consolidation Feasibility Task Force, which is a body Pritzker created early in February.

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A8

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Winchester, Illinois

38th Annual Lady Tiger Classic 2019 Tournament Bracket Consolation Bracket:

Lewistown (1)

Routt (2)

G16-8:00-HS

G15-7:30-MS

26-Dec

26-Dec

Abingdon (16)

Loser 16 Liberty (15) G21-1:30-MS

G12-5:00-HS

G11-4:30-MS

26-Dec

26-Dec

27-Dec

Athens (17)

G28-7:00

G24-3:30

N Greene (18)

27-Dec HS-Gym

27-Dec HS-Gym

M-Unity-(10) G23-3:00-MS G2-9:30-HS 27-Dec 26-Dec Loser 13

G40-7:00

Illini West (4) Brown Co (13)

G47-7:00

28-Dec

30-Dec

28-Dec

HS-Gym

HS-Gym

HS-Gym

Loser 8

G7-1:30-MS

26-Dec

26-Dec

G4-11:00-HS 26-Dec

Loser 7 27-Dec

G3-10:30-MS 26-Dec

Loser 14

Macomb (20)

G26-5:30

G22-2:00

N Fulton-(19)

27-Dec

Loser 40

27-Dec

W Hancock-(11)

G9-3:00-MS

HS-Gym

G46-5:30-HS

HS-Gym

Consolation Loser Bracket: Loser 21 G31-12:00-MS 28-Dec Loser 23 Loser 25 G42-12:30-HS G32-12:30-HS 30-Dec 28-Dec Loser 27

26-Dec

Loser 38

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Play-In Consolation Bracket: Loser 12 27-Dec

G14-6:30-HS Btown-(22) Loser 1 G33-1:30-MS 26-Dec Loser 4 28-Dec W Central-(6) G18-11:00-HS 27-Dec Loser 9 G43-1:30

Play-In Loser's Bracket: Loser 17 G29-10:30-MS 28-Dec Loser 18 Loser 19 1-12:00-MS G30-11:00-HS 30-Dec 28-Dec Loser 20

28-Dec

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

G10-3:30-HSG17-10:30-MS

30-Dec

Barry (21) G13-6:00-MS 26-Dec MWC (5)

30-Dec HS Gym

G27-6:30-MS Triopia-(14)

Pittsfield (12) 26-Dec

G44-2:00

Loser 6 G36-3:30-HS Illini Bluffs-(3)

G8-2:00-HS

3rd Place:

It takes a free press.

28-Dec

G6-12:30-HSRushville-(23) Loser 15 26-Dec G25-5:00-MS Havana-(7) 27-Dec

G38-5:30

Open government.

Informed citizenry.

Loser 5 G35-3:00-MS

Illini Central (9) G1-9:00-MS 26-Dec Jville (24) G5-12:00-MS 26-Dec South Fulton (8)

SPORTS/PUBLIC NOTICE

5th Place Bracket: Loser 28 G37-5:00-MS 28-Dec Loser 22 Loser 26 G45-3:30-HS G39-6:30-MS 30-Dec 28-Dec Loser 24

Loser 11 30-Dec G19-12:00-MS MS-Gym 27-Dec Loser 2 G34-2:00-HS Loser 3 28-Dec G20-12:30-HS 27-Dec Loser 10

Meals available at MVIT Unity High School Class of 2020 is hosting meals, Dec. 26 and 27 during the MVIT basketball. Serving is 4:30-7 each night in the high school cafeteria.

Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meal is Maid-rite and incudes a sandwich, chips, dessert and drink.

Fridayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meal is soup-chili or vegetable beef, chips, dessert and drink.

Both nights items can be purchased Al-a-crate.

Maid-rite Supper Thursday, December 26, 2019 Unity High School Cafeteria Mendon, IL From 4:30-7:00 p.m. $5 meal-includes: Sandwich, chips, drink and dessert A la Carte: Sandwichâ&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦ $3.00 Chipsâ&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦..â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦..$1.00 Dessertâ&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦..â&#x20AC;¦..$1.00 Drinkâ&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦..â&#x20AC;¦..â&#x20AC;¦... $1.00 Sponsored by the UHS Class of 2020 During the Mississippi Valley Invitational Basketball tournament Soup Supper Friday, December 27, 2019 UHS Cafeteria Servicing 4:30-7:00 p.m.

During the Mississippi Valley Invitational Tournament Chili and Vegetable Beef Mealâ&#x20AC;¦$5.00 Al-a-crateâ&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦ Soupâ&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦..$3.00 Chipsâ&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦$1.00 Dessertâ&#x20AC;¦â&#x20AC;¦.$1.00 Drinkâ&#x20AC;¦.$1.00 Sponsored by the UHS

Happy Holidays!

The Bank of Bluffs/Meredosia Community Bank Holiday Hours:

D

Dec. 31 - Closing at noon Jan. 1 - CLOSED / #MVÄ&#x2019;T 4U r #MVÄ&#x2019;T *- 1I

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Scott County Times Notice of Hearing: On the Establishment of Scott County Special Service Area Number 1 Within Scott County, Illinois to Support Emergency Ambulance Service Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of Scott County, Illinois pursuant to the Special Service Area Tax Law (35 ILCS 200/27-5 et.seq., as amended) has adopted an ordinance proposing the establishment of Scott County Special Service Area Number 1 within a portion of Scott County, Illinois for the purpose of funding the provision of emergency ambulance service.

Pursuant to 35 ILCS 200/27-25, a public hearing will be held on the establishment of the special service area on January 15, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Scott County Courthouse, 35 East Market Street, Winchester, Illinois 62694.

The boundaries and description of the proposed special service area are as follows: All of the incorporated and unincorporated areas Scott County, Illinois except: All of Township Fifteen (15) North, Range Thirteen (13) West of the Third Principal Meridian, Scott County, Illinois; Sections Seventeen (17), Eighteen (18), Nineteen (19), Twenty (20), Twenty-nine (29), Thirty (30), Thirty-one (31), and Thirty-two (32) all in Township Fifteen (15) North, Range Twelve (12) West of the Third Principal Meridian, Scott County, Illinois; All that part of Township Fifteen (15) North, Range Fourteen (14) West of the Third Principal Meridian, Scott County, Illinois; That part of sections on (1), two (2), and three (3) lying North of Interstate Highway 72, all in Township Fourteen (14) North, Range Fourteen (14) West of the Third Principal Meridian , Scott County, Illinois; and that part of sections one (1), two (2), three (3), four

¿YH DQG VL[ O\LQJ 1RUWK RI ,QWHUVWDWH +LJKZD\ DOO LQ 7RZQVKLS )RXUWHHQ 1RUWK 5DQJH 7KLUWHHQ :HVW RI WKH 7KLUG 3ULQFLSDO 0HULGLDQ 6FRWW &RXQW\ ,OOLQRLV DQG 6HFWLRQV WKH 1RUWK KDOI RI 6HFWLRQV 7RZQVKLS 15 North Range 12 West of the Third Principal Meridian.

The service to be provided by Scott County Special Service Area Number One will be emergency ambulance service (EMS).

6FRWW &RXQW\ 6SHFLDO 6HUYLFH $UHD 1XPEHU 2QH ZLOO KDYH D SURSRVHG WD[ OHY\ RI IRU WKH LQLWLDO \HDU WKDW WD[HV ZLOO EH OHYLHG ZLWKLQ WKH VSHFLDO VHUYLFH DUHD $Q DFFXUDWH PDS RI VDLG WHUULWRU\ LV RQ ¿OH LQ WKH 2I¿FH RI WKH &RXQW\ &OHUN DQG LV DYDLODEOH for public inspection. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a proposal for providing special services in the nature of FRQWUDFWLQJ IRU WKH SURYLVLRQ RI DPEXODQFH VHUYLFHV WR VDLG DUHD 7R ¿QDQFH WKH FRVW RI WKH SURYLVLRQ RI DPEXODQFH VHUYLFHV L WKH County may levy taxes in Scott County Special Service Area Number One. The maximum rate of taxes which will be extended in Scott County Special Service Area Number One in any year is .40% [.004], unless an increase is otherwise permitted under the laws of the State of Illinois; and (ii) the County may provide such other sources of payment for said services as are otherwise legally available. The funds received through Scott County Special Service Area Number One will be used by the Scott County Board of Commissioners to provide emergency medical services and ambulance service within the area proposed to comprise the Scott County Special Service Area Number One. All interested persons, including all persons owning taxable real property located within the special service area affected by the formation of Scott County Special Service Area Number One, will be given an opportunity to EH KHDUG UHJDUGLQJ WKH IRUPDWLRQ RI VXFK DUHD LWV ERXQGDULHV WKH WD[HV WR EH OHYLHG DQG ZLOO EH JLYHQ DQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR ¿OH ZULWWHQ objections to the formation of such area, its boundaries, or the taxes to be levied. The hearing may be adjourned by the Board to DQRWKHU GDWH ZLWKRXW IXUWKHU QRWLFH RWKHU WKDQ D PRWLRQ WR EH HQWHUHG XSRQ WKH PLQXWHV RI VDLG PHHWLQJ ¿[LQJ WKH WLPH DQG SODFH RI its adjournment. If a petition signed by at least 51% of the electors residing within the special service area and by at least 51% of WKH RZQHUV RI UHFRUG RI WKH ODQG LQFOXGHG ZLWKLQ WKH ERXQGDULHV RI WKH VSHFLDO VHUYLFH DUHD LV ¿OHG ZLWK WKH &RXQW\ &OHUN ZLWKLQ GD\V IROORZLQJ WKH ¿QDO DGMRXUQPHQW RI WKH SXEOLF KHDULQJ REMHFWLQJ WR WKH FUHDWLRQ RI WKH VSHFLDO VHUYLFH DUHD WR EH IXQGHG E\ WKH levy or imposition of a tax or the issuance of bonds for the provision of special services to the area, no such area may be created, tax be levied or imposed, or bonds be issued.

Sandra K. Hankins, County Clerk Dated this 11th day of December 2019 12.25