The Breese Journal January 31, 2019

Hidden Lake Winery hosts pin-up show INSIDE: She’s young, she wears ‘50s fashion and she loves Illinois wine. Meet the Whimsical Wine Woman, the brain behind Clinton County’s first pin-up competition. ... 1D

Journal BREESE

INSIDE: A Carlyle automotive business changed ownership after 101 years of service. Read more ... 3A

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Thursday, January 31, 2019

South Central Transit, Marion County continue to clash over representation

ed the SCT board in the 1980s, it elected to have five members.

In October 2018, Marion Coun The conflict between public ty still had five representatives transit company South Central despite having annexed six othTransit (SCT) and Marion er counties into its ridership County continued at the SCT area, making Marion County board meeting on Thursday, just under 50 percent of the Jan. 24 at the SCT Transporta- 11-member board. IDOT said tion Center in Centralia. George that the board makeup was in Guidish, Marion County repre- violation of the MTA — which sentative and board president, bases representation on percentbegan the meeting by asking for age of ridership — and that SCT a motion to approve last month’s must act to remedy the situation meeting minutes despite viola- to continue to receive IDOT tions of the Illinois Mass Transit funding.

Act (MTA.) Marion County’s former “There was a lack of a quo- chairman, Erwin Hahn, disrum. There were only five mem- missed four Marion representabers present and there still are tives — Ed Smalley, Dave Iossi, 11 members on this board,” said Don Johnson and Ben StrateGuidish. “It is bad public policy meyer — in November 2018, to approve these minutes.” leaving Guidish as the sole Mar Guidish’s complaint stems ion County representative. Hahn from a letter received by the was voted out in December SCT board in October 2018 in 2018 and replaced by current which the Illinois Department Marion County chairman Debof Transportation (IDOT) as- bie Smith. serted that Marion County’s Smith attended the Decemrepresentation on the SCT board ber 2018 SCT board meeting was too high.

When Marion County creatSCT / 2A

By Melissa Wilkinson Breese Journal Editor

Schuette’s Market, a grocery store in Breese which closed in early September 2018, is under contract to be purchased by Lechner & Lechner Ltd. According to Schuette’s bankruptcy trustee Robert Eggmann, the company will lease to a tenant that intends to operate another grocery store in the location.

photo by melissa wilkinson

Remaining Schuette’s properties sold for $2.55 million

By Melissa Wilkinson Breese Journal Editor

A deal has been struck for the sale of all three Schuette’s grocery store properties, ac-

cording to bankruptcy trustee Robert Eggmann. At a court hearing on Jan. 23, two competing parties met to attempt to negotiate the purchase of Schuette’s Markets in Troy and

Breese, as well as the SuperValu in Carlyle, all previously owned by Mike Schuette. Once the owner of the oldest grocery store empire in Illinois, Schuette filed for bankruptcy on Sept. 7,

2018, announcing the closing of his two final stores — Troy and Breese — two hours before the workday ended the previous SCHUETTE’S / 2A

Carlyle council scraps plans for sports complex on Old State Road

By Kelly Jo Ross Breese Journal Reporter

Steve Heiligenstein (left) accepts a plaque from Clinton County Board chairman Bob Fix commending his 12 years of service to the people of Clinton County. Heiligenstein resigned from his position as the District 2 representative on Jan. 22 after he moved to a home just outside of his represented area.

photo by melissa wilkinson

Heiligenstein resigns from Clinton County Board

The Clinton County Board said goodbye to District 2 representative Steve Heiligenstein at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Heiligenstein submitted his resignation after he moved slightly outside his represented area.

“He was definitely a big asset to the board,” said chairman Bob Fix. “He was a pleasure to work with all these years. The

By Melissa Wilkinson Breese Journal Editor

county is going to miss him.”

Heiligenstein was presented a plaque acknowledging his 12 years of service. Immediately following the acceptance of his resignation, Heiligenstein’s replacement, Dennis Middendorff, was sworn in. Heiligenstein said Middendorff is “a good replacement.”

“It’s been an honor to serve the great people of Clinton County,” said Heiligenstein.

In other news, developer Duane Nordike approached the

board, repeating information given several weeks ago at a Carlyle City Council meeting.

Nordike said his trust is willing to donate 2.7 acres of property on the west side of K&J Chevrolet in order to keep the Clinton County Health Department in Carlyle. Nordike’s offer is among many prior offers to house the new health department. Other offers include the site where buildings will soon BOARD / 3A

The site where the proposed sports complex that the city of Carlyle had been planning for nearly eight years has been scrapped.

At the Carlyle City Council meeting Monday night, the council approved to lease out the 30.34 acres on Old State Road, west of Carlyle, as farm ground, where the sports complex was proposed to be built in 2011.

The discussion to sell the property was on the agenda.

The property was purchased in May 2011 for $379,625, of which $250,000 of that money was used as a grant.

The sports complex was proposed to have soccer fields, ball fields, a concession stand, restrooms and a retention pond.

A preliminary construction cost by engineers HMG proposed that the sports complex along Old State Road would cost almost $3.2 million and does not include any of the costs associated with construction items being handled by the city (i.e batting cages, playground, maintenance shed and outfitting and furnishing the concession stand).

Earthwork and drainage alone, including topsoil and earth excavation and riprap, would cost almost $500,000.

Other plans include a parking lot and sidewalk work costing over $434,000, softball and baseball diamonds costing over $1.5 million and the construction of buildings and structures costing over $268,000.

"We need to explore other

options and bring a consultant in," said Parks director Andy Brackett. "Aside from the cost, the location was by far the worst thing for this. We need to look for more viable options and stop spending money on engineering."

He suggested not "killing the project" but looking at other costs and locations for it, and look into other alternative funding.

It was noted that the city has satisfied the requirements of the grant by purchasing the ground; and there were no stipulations as to when or even if a sports complex would be built upon the ground.

City administrator Jo Ann Hollenkamp said that the conveyance of the subject real estate was made with the deed restriction that the land be used for park and recreational facilities, or for grain farming purposes, for a minimum period of 30 years from the date of execution of this agreement, or 10 years after the death of Lucille Krebs, whichever first occurs.

"It can be sold as long as we are selling it for farm ground," she said. "We cannot sell it to a developer to build."

Hollenkamp said they did not farm the ground last year because they were hoping to move forward on the sports complex, however, they did make $7,500 from leasing it out.

The council approved to retain the ground and lease it out again as farm ground.

In addition, the council approved to not sell the property near the sewage lagoon. It was noted that the property, approx-

imately 36.585 acres, is on a cash farm lease with a total of $7,500 payable each year to the city.

In other business, the council approved to go to the Clinton County Board about donating city-owned property at 910 Franklin St. in Carlyle for the county to build a new health department building.

The building, currently Bittle Automotive, was purchased by the city earlier last year.

Hollenkamp said that the utility costs were killing the current owner and he may be looking for a new building sometime in the future.

Alderpersons Brenda Johnson and Eric Nordike voted against donating the building.

"I am against giving away property that was bought with taxpayer funds," said Johnson.

"I don’t think it is right. I want to keep (the health department building) in Carlyle, but I'm having a hard time giving away $180,000 in taxpayer funds."

The city is also looking into the possibility of purchasing a building for a new police department at 2431 Franklin St., owned by Doug Hollenkamp.

Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus said he was approached about the city purchasing the propery to be used for a police department.

He said the property is 5,000 square feet upstairs and 5,000 square feet downstairs and the downstairs has 10 foot ceilings.

There is a garage which adds an additional 1,500 square feet and can be used as a sally port.

CARLYLE / 3A

Carlyle Lake Elevation

Fri., Jan. 25 ..................................... 447.67 Sun., Jan. 27 ................................... 448.23 Tues., Jan. 29 .................................. 448.35

Precipitation 98th Year • No. 50

Jan. 26 ........... .00”

Jan. 23 ......... 1.60”

Jan. 27 ........... .00”

Jan. 25 ........... .00”

Jan. 29 ........... .01”

Jan. 24 ........... .00”

Jan. 28 ........... .03”

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Page 2A • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • Breese Journal

Pritzker signs on to U.S. Climate Alliance

By Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois

Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an order Jan. 22 to join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan group of governors who have committed to abiding by the terms of an international climate treaty known as the Paris Agreement, despite the fact that President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from that pact.

Speaking at a news conference in Springfield’s eco-friendly Southwind Park, Pritzker joined officials from the Illinois Environmental Council and the Illinois chapter of the Sierra Club emphasizing the need to take local action to address climate change while also taking a few verbal jabs at the president.

“While the president is intent on taking us backward, I will work hard every day to move this state forward,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker’s action made Illinois the 18th state to join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a group

that was formed in 2017 immediately after President Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

That agreement calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025.

During the news conference, Pritzker focused almost exclusively on the issue of electric generation in the state, saying Illinois is already on a path to producing 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and he suggested the state could achieve 100-percent renewable production by around 2050.

However, he offered no details about specific state laws, regulations or policies that would need to change in order for Illinois to comply with terms of the Paris Agreement. In particular, he did not respond directly to questions about how long existing coal-fired power plants should be allowed to continue operating in the state, or how such a change would affect the state’s coal industry, which provides some of

Schuette’s evening. The Carlyle store closed two years prior, in August 2016.

One party, Lechner & Lechner Ltd., made a bid in late November 2018 for all three properties and the equipment therein for a price of $2.3 million. Another bidder — K2 Commercial Group, made on behalf of Ridge Investments — emerged earlier this month, seeking to purchase only the Carlyle location for $550,000. The parties reconciled at the Jan. 23 meeting.

Lechner & Lechner agreed to purchase only the Troy and Breese locations for $2 million, granting the Carlyle location to Ridge Investments for their original price, bringing the total sale price for all three properties to $2.55 million.

Eggmann said he was “pleas-

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that should be preserved and protected for generations to come.

This is also about ensuring that the people of Illinois have clean

air and clean water. Every Illinoisan deserves a healthy environment to live and raise a family in.”

At left: two attendees of the Jan. 24 South Central Transit board of directors meeting re-enter the boardroom after being dismissed while the board went into an unscheduled executive session to discuss “personnel and possible litigation.” The two men argued that they should be permitted in the room so long as several previously dismissed SCT board members were permitted. The men were told moments later that they were “trespassing” and needed to leave until the public session reconvened.

photo by melissa wilkinson

SCT (Continued from 1A) and recommended it be postponed until a majority of the board was present, asserting that Hahn illegally removed the four members and that SCT’s board still consisted of 11 members.

The meeting continued despite her protests.

Three of the previously dismissed Marion County board members — Iossi, Johnson and Stratemeyer — were in attendance at the Jan. 24 meeting. After the board approved the last meeting’s minutes, Guidish read a letter from Smith, who was also in attendance, asserting that last month’s meeting was not legal.

Guidish then motioned for “the Marion County board members who were illegally dismissed” to join the board table, as Smith had since reinstated them. None did so.

Franklin County representative Pam Boyd pointed out that the members had been removed in response to the IDOT letter to avoid loss of funding.

“When our funding is cut off

because of the change in direction, will Marion County provide the money?” asked Boyd.

Guidish said that the matter of funding and representation were two different issues. There was discussion of adjourning the meeting. Ultimately, the board voted to go into executive session for “personnel and possible litigation” purposes with the intent of discussing a course of action with their legal counsel, Marvin Miller.

During the 40-minute session, Guidish allowed Iossi, Johnson and Stratemeyer to remain in the room. Two citizens attempted to rejoin the proceedings — arguing that if the dismissed board members were allowed, it was not a legal executive session — but were told they were “trespassing” and asked to continue to wait until the meeting reconvened.

Once back in public session, managing director Sheila Neiderhofer announced she would email out her regular report to members, using the time instead to

deliver a personal message.

“For the last 12 years, my staff and I have worked our butts off to make this one of the best transit systems in the state of Illinois,” said Neiderhofer. “I feel like because of people’s inflated egos and politics they are tearing SCT apart and that really makes me sad and upset.”

Business continued as normal for the remainder of the meeting. Neiderhofer reported that a bill to make all public bus drivers take a 10-minute break every four hours was being reintroduced. The board voted to approve the new Blue Jay route, a shuttle route transporting clients from Community Link in Breese to the industrial park in Nashville.

John Schubert, who represents Washington County, made a motion that the board should operate as a seven-member board until IDOT and Marion County sort out their differences.

“Right now I see IDOT stating one thing, Marion County stating another. I don’t think it’s fair to the members who were taken off. We need to get a clar-

ification on this,” said Schubert.

Boyd seconded the motion, which passed with full board support.

“With due respect to the people going through this, there’s a business to be run, services for people that need them … and we need to figure out a way to continue business until IDOT and Marion County can work it out,” said Boyd.

Clinton County representative David Rodden briefly touched on board member expenses, stating that board members should go through SCT to purchase supplies needed for SCT business and that they should not necessarily expect to be reimbursed for things purchased on their own. Guidish successfully motioned to create an agenda item for next month’s personnel committee meeting to create guidelines for what is or is not an appropriate purchase.

The meeting adjourned shortly after. The next South Central Transit board meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 28 at noon at the SCT Transportation Center, 100 N. Locust St. in Centralia.

Governor names Col. Peter Nezamis to head Illinois Air National Guard

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beauty of our state’s natural resources,” he said. “We’re home to forests and farms, to rivers and lakes, to prairies and wetlands

antly surprised” that the parties were able to split the deal and that he believes both parties have tenants lined up to operate grocery stores in the locations.

“That was an important thing, not just to the bankruptcy estate,” said Eggmann. “It was very much impressed upon me that they wanted an operator in there because Breese needs a grocery store.”

Eggmann said that proceeds from the sale will first go to secured creditors and then to unsecured if there is any left. The sale will be finalized this week.

Eggmann had no predictions for when a new grocery store might open in any of the three locations.

“I’m hoping to know more about it once the order’s entered,” said Eggmann.

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Gov. J.B Pritzker signed an order on Jan. 22 to join the U.S. Climate Alliance at a news conference in Springfield’s eco-friendly Southwind Park. Pritzker was joined by officials from the Illinois Environmental Council and the Illinois chapter of the Sierra Club emphasizing the need to take local action to address climate change. submitted photo: jerry nowicki

(Continued from 1A)

Breese Journal

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the fuel to those plants.

“I think it will be part of a broader effort across the state of Illinois to reduce emissions from those energy-producing plants that, certainly by 2050 as we move to a 100-percent clean-energy economy, will have to evolve,” Pritzker said.

In his remarks, Pritzker also focused his attention almost exclusively on power plants and electricity consumption while saying nothing about other major sources of carbon emissions such as vehicle emissions or agriculture and livestock production.

He did, however, suggest that energy efficiency needs to be “part of the discussion” as his new administration works with lawmakers on a much-anticipated capital improvements package.

He also indicated that his action to join the U.S. Climate Alliance would be just one part of his new administration’s focus on environmental protection, something that was a key element of his 2018 campaign.

“This is about protecting the

526-2241 Chris Dorries & Jerry Kues

On Jan. 22, Gov. JB Pritzker announced that Illinois National Guard’s Chief of the Joint Staff, Col. Peter Nezamis, will serve as the Acting Assistant Adjutant General – Air and be promoted to brigadier general.

He replaces retiring Maj. Gen. Ronald Paul.

“Colonel Nezamis has served our state and our country for over 30 years and it is my honor to promote him to head our Air National Guard,” said Pritzker. “As the commander-in-chief of the Illinois National Guard, I recognize the vital role our airmen and soldiers play in keeping our communities safe. I’m grateful to retiring Maj. Gen. Paul for his decades of service and look forward to our Air National Guard continuing to thrive under Col. Nezamis.”

“When I first joined the Air National Guard in 1986, I never envisioned the journey that would prepare and lead me to this destination,” said Nezamis. “Flying airplanes was a dream I had from a young age.

When I matched that passion with service to our state and nation, the Air National Guard was a perfect fit. It’s truly an honor to have served our citi-

zens and follow in the footsteps of so many great leaders.

My family and I are truly honored and sincerely thankful to Governor Pritzker and Major General Hayes for their confidence in me and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Nezamis will lead the more than 3,000 Illinois Air National Guard personnel at Scott Air Force Base, Peoria and Springfield, Illinois. He will guide the Air National Guard’s three wings within Illinois under the direction of the Illinois National Guard’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Richard Hayes. Nezamis’ broad range of responsibilities include ensuring readiness and mission capability of three major air bases comprised of flying wings, command and control facilities, logistics, and mission support units, while providing trained personnel to meet all the State of Illinois and U.S. Air Force mission requirements. He also supervises a full-time force of over 900 federal and state employees.

Previously, Col. Nezamis commanded the Air National Guard’s 126th Air Refueling Wing based at Scott Air Force Base for 12 years before being named as the Illinois National

Col. Peter Nezamis

Guard Chief of the Joint Staff in March 2018. The wing has been named the Air Force’s most ready KC-135 air refueling wing for the last two years. Nezamis is a command pilot, instructor, and evaluator with more than 5,200 hours in the KC-135 E/R/T Stratotanker. He

photo courtesy of the associated press

has commanded and is a veteran of numerous expeditionary operations having flown over 275 combat and combat support hours.

Nezamis and his wife Teeshia reside in Belleville where they raised their three sons Nick, Eric and Alex.

Breese Journal • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • Page 3A

Board (Continued from 1A) be demolished on Fairfax Street in Carlyle, a one-acre lot on the site of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, and a property on Franklin Street in Carlyle.

Nordike said the health building deserves more space than the other sites provide and that he has three families lined up to donate for the project, including himself and his wife.

“The size right now has to be expanded a little bit,” said Nordike. “Keep it in the county seat and give it room to grow.”

After receiving the Clinton County Zoning Board’s recommendations, as well as a letter of concern from Sugar Creek Township, the board denied a map rezoning request to rezone 32 acres of land from agricultural to agricultural/residential.

The land, owned by Roger and Charity Fuehne, is located in the flood plain. The zoning board voted to deny the request earlier this month after hearing concerns from adjoining citizens worried about flooding and road constraints.

Keith Nordike, who chairs the Economic Development Committee, said that his group met to go over the enterprise statement from last year, revealing that in 2018 he saw 23 applications and gave out around $15,484,000 in low-interest loans for expanding local businesses. Nordike mentioned that the committee has some money

set aside for the new health department building. In the near future, the committee will create a list of local businesses to invite to an economic development meeting “to see if they have any ideas to get jobs in the county.”

Insurance chair Larry Johnson reported that the Insurance Committee “had a good month” with costs of $116,667, just over 10 percent under-budget.

With reimbursements, total costs were $70,5547, equating to approximately 39 percent under-budget. Johnson reported decreases in the liability fund of $204,907 and in the workers’ compensation fund of $220,217, bringing the new fund totals to $292,925 and $158,406 respectively. Johnson said the decreases are due to paying premiums for the upcoming year.

Brad Knolhoff of the Facilities Committee announced that his committee met earlier in the month to discuss possible locations for the health building.

The health department has established a group to form recommendations for the new site.

The group will meet with the Facilities Committee on Feb. 11 to generate an official recommendation.

Knolhoff said that his committee elected to tint the south windows of the Clinton County Courthouse building for security purposes at a cost of $1,388.

After the board approved the monthly financial and budget reports, Treasurer Denise Trame said that the county collected approximately $4,439 from gaming and $8,036 from mobile home distribution in the month of December.

Sheriff Doug Maue said that his newest road deputy, Jordan Hodges, graduated from training on Jan. 4 and has served on the streets since Jan. 7.

In his monthly county engineer report, Dan Behrens said that on Jan. 10, he opened up bids to supply rock to the township and county. The board approved contracts for the low bidders in each category. The board approved Behrens’ request to open up bids for two Dennis Middendorff is sworn in as the new District 2 represennew trucks for the county and to tative at the Clinton County Board meeting on Jan. 22. Middendorff replaced Steve Heiligenstein, who resigned the same day allow a waterline permit for after moving outside of the represented area. Hoffman Rural Water Co., which will be doing work under

photo by melissa wilkinson Shattuc Road in response to the The work will be performed by space for the amount of $450 a closing of the Crooked Creek Auto Cosmetics of Breese. month. Knolhoff motioned to Bridge near Centralia.

Knolhoff plans to discuss more approve the lease but the board Behrens also announced his courthouse security modifica- agreed it would be best to look plans to put counters out in the tions in the future, including over the terms of the agreement near future to determine where updates to the security camera in detail first. traffic has increased due to the system. Wheels are also in mo- Animal Control Committee Crooked Creek bridge closing. tion to fix the security elevator chair Craig Taylor said that his According to Behrens, IDOT in the courthouse, which has committee is planning to look made a commitment to the been out of business for several into concerns raised about the county to supply funding for weeks. conditions of the intake area any damages done by increased Knolhoff also discussed a where dogs and cats are held. traffic due to bridge construclease agreement with Southwest Taylor also said he is consider- tion.

Illinois Worknet to rent space in ing using a veterinary techni- “Whether it goes anywhere the current health department cian to perform euthanasia pro- or not, I’d like to get some numbuilding, with the understand- cedures rather than the animal bers on it,” said Behrens. ing that they would move to a control warden. He is consider- Board member Deb Wesselnew health building if built. The ing the costs affiliated with the mann made a motion to deny company would rent office change. participation by elected officials

101-year-old Carlyle business lives on through change in ownership

Carlyle (Continued from 1A) "I think it would be a perfect fit for the police department," he said, adding that although it would be on the west side of town, police officers are not sitting at the department waiting on calls; they are out in their vehicles and patrolling the streets.

However, there were concerns about upkeep and making the building Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, compliant. The city opted to look further into it for the police department.

In other news: • The council approved the 2018 Motor Fuel Tax closeout in the amount of $87,761.92, which included maintenance from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2018. The council then approved the 2020 MFT program in the amount of $148,548.80, with the period beginning Jan. 1, 2019 and ending April 30, 2020. It was noted that the 2020 MFT program will align more with the city’s fiscal year.

• The council approved an ordinance amending the City Code Chapter 24 to add schedule D "One Way Stop Locations" and approved an ordinance to add a stop sign at Sandridge Road and the entrance to the Carlyle Fish Hatchery.

• The council approved to purchase a mini-easement ma-

in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, a public pension system which only applies to board members serving 1,000 hours or more per year. Despite discussion on the unlikeliness of any member reaching the time requirement, Wesselmann’s motion was denied by majority vote. A counter-motion was made to approve participation, which was approved.

Mike Kreke of the Personnel/Labor Committee motioned to approve a revised version of the Animal Control Warden contract. Kreke said that the contract was approved for three years at a previous board meeting but the written version imposes a two-year term.

Rafael Him of the Technology Support Special Committee said that he is currently testing out DropBox for the board, as well as working on obtaining official emails for all board members.

“We can upload our minutes and anything we do and hopefully help save man-hours and expense on mail,” said Him. “We’re also working on improving the boardroom and adding televisions so we can have a digital display of what we’re looking at.”

The board voted to approve the appointment of Chad VonderHaar to the St. Rose Water District.

The next Clinton County Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Clinton County boardroom, 810 Franklin Street in Carlyle.

By Melissa Wilkinson Breese Journal Editor

The winners for the Piper the Penguin contest for the city of Carlyle include (in no particular order): Brody and Liam Clifford; Aubri, Camden, and Cohen Edwards; Kylee, Angeleen, and Tyler Wesselmann; Makenna Reckling; Kaden Meskil; Joey Plantz; Bennett Quinn; Lucy and Drew Selle; Addison Borgmann and Carson Petrea.

chine for the Electric Department from Global Rental Co. in the amount of $78,900.

• The council approved to advertise for the summer park positions for the 2019 season. The summer park positions include lifeguard, maintenance, etc.

• There were 800 Penguin entries to find Piper the Penguin at the park during the Christmas in Carlyle. The winners are: Brody and Liam Clifford; Aubri, Cam-

photo by kelly jo ross

den, and Cohen Edwards; Kylee, Angeleen, and Tyler Wesselmann; Makenna Reckling; Kaden Meskil; Joey Plantz; Bennett Quinn; Lucy and Drew Selle; Addison Borgmann and Carson Petrea.

Carlyle City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Ethel Maddux Meeting Room at Case-Halstead Public Library in Carlyle.

A century-old Clinton County auto business has changed hands as of this Wednesday. On Sunday, Jan. 27, Siever Brothers Inc. of Carlyle announced that their 101-year-old car dealership and auto repair shop would close its doors the following Tuesday. Effective Wednesday, Jan. 30, the business was reborn as K&J Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM, an extension of K&J Chevrolet.

“Even though the name on the building will change, all of the Siever Brothers employees will still be here to take care of all your needs for sales and services,” read a post on the Siever Brothers Facebook page. “We appreciate all of our customers over the years and treasure the friendships we have made along the way.”

Tony Jansen, owner of K&J Chevrolet, said that he plans to add four employees and “quite a bit of inventory” to the current selection of both new and preowned vehicles.

Siever Brothers, located at the corner of Washington and Eighth streets in Carlyle, is now K&J Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM after a change in ownership on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

photo by melissa wilkinson

“We’re very grateful to the Seivers for all they’ve done,” he said. “We plan on providing the same service that they have for all those years.”

As of now, K&J Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM will remain in the same location, at the corner of Washington and Eighth streets in Carlyle. Jansen

said he plans to expand the number of services offered and eventually move the business to another location.

The Facebook post announcing the change in ownership received over 60 comments from local customers saddened to hear about the end of the Siever Brothers era.

Girls Night Out event canceled

By Melissa Wilkinson Breese Journal Editor

A “Magic Mike” themed event at the Keys on Lake Carlyle restaurant and lounge scheduled for Feb. 3 has been canceled, according to a post on the establishment’s Facebook page.

The event, titled “Girls Night Out: The Show,” was set to feature a professional touring group of “ripped” men dancing without shirts. A few weeks before the event, the Keyesport village board met to discuss whether or not the event violates Keyesport village code, which states under ordinance 21-3-12 that, “no licensee, his agent, servant or employee shall permit or allow any lewd or lascivious act or any topless and/or bottomless employee and/or employees … or entertainment to be performed within

the licensed premises by an entertainer employed therein, or by any employee or guest.”

The board was warned by village attorney Ryan Conner that a judge might not be able to cancel the event in advance, but that the liquor commissioner would have an “obligation” to shut down the event as it happened. The village board filed an injunction on Wednesday, Jan. 23 to attempt to preemptively shut down the event.

Thus far, no ruling has been passed.

According to Keys manager Skylar Rensing, who penned the Facebook post announcing the cancellation, her decision to cancel “Girls Night Out” came after a meeting with the Keyesport mayor, Paul Bailey, who is also the village liquor commissioner. During the meeting, Bailey allegedly “threatened” to ticket the Keys so severely that

they would lose their liquor license should they hold the event as planned.

“We decided it was just best to cancel the show so that your evening wasn’t ruined and disrupted by us having to close the doors. If you still want to have a fun night out with friends and family, we will have games … drink and food specials. Come show your support and prove to the mayor that we don’t need hot dancing guys to enjoy ourselves,” wrote Rensing.

Bailey was unable to be contacted for comment.

Rensing said that those who have already purchased tickets to “Girls Night Out” on Feb. 3 can email the showrunners to get a refund. Alternatively, another “Girls Night Out” show is planned for the Red Deuce in Germantown on Monday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. and customers can use their tickets there.

Breese Police investigating series of car thefts

By Kelly Jo Ross Breese Journal Reporter

Breese Police are investigating a series of thefts from motor vehicles that occurred last weekend.

Breese Police Chief Bob Fix said in the late night hours of Thursday, Jan. 24 and early Friday, Jan. 25, numerous vehicles were entered and items taken.

"All of the vehicles were unlocked and several vehicles had items taken, including money, purses, and computer laptops," he said.

He said the thefts occurred around town, none in isolated areas.

"We are currently looking through video surveillance on the thefts," he said.

In the meantime, Fix urges residents to lock their vehicles and garage doors and keep all

valuables away from sight.

“I want to remind all residents to take your keys out of your vehicle as well as all belongings,” Fix said. “And lock your vehicles.”

In addition, Fix adds, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious people, activity and/or vehicles immediately to police.

If anybody has any information regarding the thefts, call Breese Police at 526-7226.

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Opinions SSA warns of fraudulent phone calls

Page 4A • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • Breese Journal

The Social Security Administration has become aware of reports of fraudulent telephone calls from individuals claiming to represent the Social Security Administration (SSA).

In them, unknown callers are using threatening language to warn unknowing victims that they will be arrested or face other legal action if they fail to call a provided phone number or press the number indicated in the message to address the issue. In some instances, these

unknown callers switch tactics and communicate that they want to help an individual with activating a suspended Social Security number. Such calls are a scam, and are not coming from official SSA representatives.

The SSA encourages you to not engage with such callers, and to report any suspicious calls to Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General by calling 1-800-269-0271 or submitting a report on the Office of

the Inspector General (https:// oig.ssa.gov) website. The SSA also urges you to read and share the Social Security Matters blog, which provides more information on the nature of these fraudulent calls, as well as instructions on how to report such activity.

Social Security is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the people they serve. They appreciate your help in spreading the word about this important topic.

USDA announces plan to protect SNAP participants' access to SNAP in February

SHIP counselor on-site at Highland hospital Beginning Feb. 8, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland will have a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselor onsite the second Friday of each month. SHIP counselors are trained through the Illinois Department on Aging to provide free education about Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug coverage. The counselors do not sell insurance products.

Individuals on Medicare and their caregivers can meet with the counselor to ask questions

and learn about their benefits and other social services available. Counselors also can assist with Medicare claims and appeals.

“We are excited to be able to offer SHIP counselors on-site at St. Joseph’s Hospital,” said Barb Strieker, community benefit and outreach facilitator at St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese and Highland and Holy Family Hospital Greenville. “By hosting SHIP counselors on-site monthly, we hope community members will benefit and learn

more about Medicare coverage available to assist them in making informed decisions.”

This service is being provided in coordination with Collinsville Faith in Action. Laura Goss a trained SHIP counselor with Collinsville Faith in Action will be providing the in-person counseling services in Highland. Laura is also an Answers on Aging specialist.

Those interested in meeting with a SHIP counselor will need to make an appointment by calling (618) 344-7788.

HSHS St. Joseph’s Convenient Care welcomes Catrina Vandeloo, APRN HSHS St. Joseph’s Convenient Care welcomes Catrina Vandeloo, APRN, to their team of physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Catrina cares for patients of all ages with non-emergent, urgent health concerns at HSHS St. Joseph’s Convenient Care locations at 14509 IL-127, Carlyle, and 211 E. Hanover St., New Baden. Walk-ins are welcome.

As an advanced practice registered nurse, Catrina is a highly trained health care professional fully capable of diagnosing and treating acute conditions. She has undergone rigorous training and credentialing in order to provide high quality care for patients.

Catrina completed her bachelor’s and master’s in nursing at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She is a member of the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nurses. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, playing with her dog, spending

time outdoors and spending time with family.

For more information about the care offered at HSHS St. Joseph’s Convenient Care, call the New Baden clinic (618588-2900) or Carlyle (618-5944949) or visit HSHSMedical Group.org.

About HSHS Medical Group HSHS Medical Group is the physician organization of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS). Launched in 2009, HSHS Medical Group is a critical component of the HSHS Care Integration strategy, which focuses on bringing physicians, technology and patients together to improve the overall health of our communities.

Today, HSHS Medical Group is comprised of over 1,300 colleagues in locations throughout central and southern Illinois.

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At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has announced a plan to ensure that low-income Americans have access to the nutrition they need, despite the inability of Congress to pass an appropriations bill that safely secures our borders. The plan provides full benefits for participants in USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the month of February.

When USDA’s funding expired on Dec. 21, 2018, SNAP benefits for January were fully funded. States have already received that money and have been distributing it to participants.

Since the lapse in appropriations, USDA has been reviewing options available to the department for funding February benefits without an additional appropriation from Congress.

To protect SNAP participants’ access for February, USDA is working with states to issue February benefits earlier than usual.

The just-expired Continuing Resolution (CR) provides an appropriation for programs like SNAP and child nutrition to incur obligations for program operations within 30 days of the CR’s expiration.

USDA will instruct states to request early issuance of SNAP benefits for February. States had until Jan. 20 to request and implement the early issuance. Once the early issuances are made, the February benefits will be made available to SNAP participants at that time.

USDA has also ensured the other major nutrition assistance programs have sufficient funding to continue operations into February. The child nutrition programs, including school meals and after-school programs have funding available to continue op-

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Nutrition assistance programs under a lapse in appropriations Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP monthly issuance for February is estimated to be approximately $4.8 billion and state administrative expense is estimated at about $350 million for a total need of approximately $5.1 billion.

This approach requires careful coordination. FNS has notified states to hold their issuance files.

States would, instead, implement an early issuance strategy, providing February benefits to SNAP participants on or before Jan. 20, 2019.

Child nutrition programs For these programs, including school meals and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, states already have funding to cover CN program operations for January (approximately $2.1 billion) on the basis of the last continuing resolution.

USDA will provide an additional two months’ worth of funding, consistent with the standard practice of funding these programs on a quarterly basis.

Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs For WIC, FNS has identified resources to cover projected state expenditures for February. The agency allocated at least $248 million to state agencies last week, and have identified an additional $350 million in unspent prior year funds to allocate at a later date. A total of approximately $600 million in funding will be provided to WIC state agencies. They will continue to work with states to make resources available to the extent possible.

For the WIC Farmers’ Market and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, FNS does not anticipate significant operational impacts as they are seasonal benefit programs with annual grant funds.

For the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), food deliveries planned for February will continue. Due to the lapse, states have not received their 2019 caseload assignments, so CSFP-participating states must operate at 2018’s caseload levels.

Similarly, states have received no additional administrative funds since the lapse, and none can be made available until the lapse ends.

For The Emergency Food Assistance Program, food deliveries planned for February (including entitlement, bonus and trade mitigation) will continue. States have received no additional administrative funds since the lapse, and none can be made available until the lapse ends.

For the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), food deliveries planned for February will continue. FDPIR programs have administrative funding through Jan. 31 and are expected to operate the program.

USDA highlights accomplishments in 2018 that build rural prosperity Assistant to the secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett recently highlighted accomplishments of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during 2018 that assisted rural communities in building prosperity and contributing to America’s growing economy.

“Under the leadership of Agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA has made major strides to

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ay, d h t r y Bi ! p p a H ne e l r a D

erations through March.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has prior year funding which USDA will begin to provide states this week to facilitate February benefits. Other FNS programs, which provide critical assistance to our nation’s food banks, the elderly, and Tribal nations, may continue to utilize grant funding provided prior to the lapse in appropriations. Commodity deliveries to those programs will continue.

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create rural economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for rural Americans,” Hazlett said.

“By partnering with rural communities and stakeholders, modernizing infrastructure and innovating to address real-world challenges, USDA is infusing America’s rural towns and cities with the resources they need to build sustainable, prosperous futures.”

Here are a few highlights of USDA Rural Development’s accomplishments for the 2018 fiscal year: Infrastructure • Invested in new and improved broadband e-Connectivity for more than 45,000 rural homes and businesses.

• Invested in modernized rural electric infrastructure for more than 7 million customers.

• Invested in new and improved water and wastewater infrastructure for nearly 3 million rural customers.

• Invested in new and improved community infrastructure including roads, aviation, ports, and water and storm water resources for 1.2 million rural Americans.

Partnerships • Implemented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small Business Administration to increase access to capital in rural America and increase leverage of USDA’s guaranteed loan funds.

• Partnered with federal and state leaders, local government interests and industry to discuss model practices and explore prospects to maximize the opportunity for natural gas development in rural communities.

• Co-led the White House Rural Opioid Federal Interagency Working Group alongside the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to help address the opioid crisis by improving coordination of federal response in the nation’s rural communities.

• Established a pilot program to increase homeownership on tribal lands in partnership with two native community development finance institutions with longstanding relationships with South Dakotan and North Dakotan tribes.

Innovation • Cut red tape and broke down regulatory barriers to expedite the construction of rural infrastructure by streamlining the regulatory review process.

• Launched a major regulatory reform effort to streamline four guaranteed lending programs into one common process through the One Guarantee rule, helping businesses and community leaders access the capital they need to compete and grow.

• Invested in 145 innovative distance learning and telemedicine projects to use broadband eConnectivity to help 4.6 million rural Americans access health care, education, and job training opportunities in more than 730 counties.

• Created a data analytics and evidence team in the Rural Development Innovation Center to enable data-driven decision making in targeting Rural Development program investments.

• Built greater capacity for innovation at the local level through a new Rural Economic Development Initiative that will provide technical assistance for assetbased planning.

• Created a suite of tools to help rural communities address the opioid crisis including: —An interactive map of re­ sources in rural communities to help individuals struggling with substance misuse.

—A Community Assessment Tool to help rural leaders understand the impact of the opioid epidemic and other socioeconomic factors in their communities with data.

—An all-encompassing onestop-shop guide to federal programs that can be used to build resilient communities and address opioid misuse in rural communities.

In April 2017, President Donald Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the task force’s findings to the president.

Obituaries Jo Ann Fuhler

Jo Ann Fuhler, 84, of Highland, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at Breese Nursing Home.

She was born July 25, 1934, at Highland, the daughter of Wilhelmina (Wagner) and John Koch. On Nov. 3, 1956, she married Ralph J. Fuhler at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland.

Jo Ann grew up in Highland, graduating from St. Paul High School in 1952.

She worked as a telephone operator in Highland. She and Ralph lived and raised their family in Highland while Ralph operated Breese Salvage in nearby Breese. Later in life, they moved to Edgewater Beach north of Carlyle where she resided until returning to Faith Countryside Homes in Highland.

Jo Ann enjoyed bowling while in Carlyle, and she loved puzzles, preserving her family's history through genealogy and playing Scrabble and euchre. She was an avid quilter and many of her family members were recipients. She was honored to have one of her quilts accepted and displayed at the American Quilter's Society Quilt Show in Paducah, Kentucky. Her quilt "Remembering Franz," one of her ancestors, was featured in "The Civil War Diary Quilt" by Rosemary Youngs.

Jo Ann cherished her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, lifelong friends, quilting friendships, more-likea-sister Mary Koch Ansley, goddaughter Angie Wilson and niece Barbara Williams. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and American Quilter's Society, and a former member of St. Teresa Catholic Church in rural Carlyle.

She is survived by two daughters, Lynn (spouse Steve Frazier) Fuhler of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and Jill (Brian) Shubirg of Troy; three sons, Neal (Peggy) Fuhler of Middleburg, Florida, Mark (Jan) Fuhler of Highland and John (LeOra) Fuhler of Piedmont, South Carolina; grandchildren, Megan (Tyler) Deibert, Emily Fuhler, Tyler (Angela) Fuhler, Anna Fuhler, Claire Fuhler, Nicholas Fuhler, Amelia Fuhler, Miranda Hartman, Amanda Hartman and Hunter Hartman; great-grandchildren, Della Deibert and Bailey Capps; and a sister-in-law, Mary Koch Ansley of Mt. Vernon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on June 28, 2009; siblings, Adrienne (Ralph) Long, Dr. Cyril "Nic" (Geraldine) Koch, DDS, and Paul Koch; and a brother-in-law, Dr. James "Doc" Ansley.

Visitation was held Tuesday morning at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland. Father Pat Jakel presided at the funeral Mass on Tuesday at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland.

Interment was in St. Felicitas Cemetery at Beaver Prairie.

Memorials may be made to the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky.

Eric Trampe

Eric W. Trampe, 44, of Trenton, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese.

He was born April 23, 1974, the son of Jean (Schwarzenbach) and Wayne Trampe.

Eric grew up in Highland, attended Highland schools, and graduated from Triad High School in 1995. He worked at Community Link in Breese. Eric moved to Trenton in October 2017 to live in a CILA house. He enjoyed yardwork (cutting the lawn, blowing leaves) and camping. He liked riding fourwheelers and was an amusement park rider junkie. He also loved to draw and take pictures.

Eric had participated in Special Olympics in swimming, bowling, track and field, basketball, weight lifting and went to state competitions several times. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his father of Highland; a sister, Kelly (significant other Eric Arguelles) Hartmann of Highland; an aunt, Laverne (Duane) Meyer (twin) of Hamel; an uncle, Vernon (Judy) Trampe (twin) of Collinsville; and a niece, Marcella Hartmann of Highland.

He was preceded in death by his mother on April 15, 2015; and two uncles, Alvin Trampe on May 6, 2002, and Leland Trampe on July 2, 2000.

Visitation was held Sunday evening at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland and Monday morning at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland. The Rev. Scott Busacker presided at the funeral service on Monday at the church. Interment was in Highland City Cemetery at Highland.

Memorials may be made to Special Olympics, Community Link or Hope Lutheran Church.

Deloris Littell

Deloris L. Littell, 85, of Keyesport, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, at Carlyle Healthcare Center.

She was born Sept. 25, 1933, at Keyesport, the daughter of Edna (Eveland) and Glen Willmirth. On Dec. 24, 1953, she married Arthur Lee Littell.

She is survived by her children, Rita (Jim) Griffin and Kevin (Linda) Norris of Carlyle, and Gregory (Iva Kay) Littell of Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Aug. 22, 1961; and a sister and two brothers at infancy.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Zieren Funeral in Carlyle.

Kevin Norris will preside at the 10:30 a.m. service on Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in McKendree Chapel Cemetery at Keyesport.

Alois Koopmann

Alois F. “Al’ Koopmann, 88, of Bartelso, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

He was born July 20, 1930, at Bartelso, the son of Cecilia (Varel) and Herman Koopmann.

Al was a Korean War veteran and formerly worked as a truck driver for Rakers Elevator in Bartelso. He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 4745 in Bartelso, and Clinton County Farm Bureau.

He is survived by his siblings, Roman “Butch” (Lorene) Koopmann and Andrew “Pete” (Janet) Koopmann of Belleville, and Blanche Vandeloo and Ed Koopmann of Bartelso; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Marie Koopmann at infancy, Thomas Koopmann and Helen Gebke; and brothers- and sister-in-law, Cornelius Gebke, George Vandeloo and Jane Koopmann.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the church. Interment will follow in St. Cecilia Cemetery at Bartelso.

Memorials may be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church, and they will be received at the church or at Moss Funeral Home through which arrangements have been made.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com.

Breese Journal • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • Page 5A

Walter Wirtz

Walter W. "Smiley" Wirtz, 91, of Highland, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at his residence.

He was born Sept. 10, 1927, at Grantfork, the son of Anna (Branger) and Frederick Wirtz. On April 26, 1952, he married Violet J. Keilbach.

Walter grew up in the Grantfork area and graduated from Highland High School in 1945. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force, serving from Jan. 26, 1946, to July 25, 1947. When he returned home he started work at Highland Box Company and retired from there. After retirement he worked at Wick Aircraft.

Walter enjoyed playing golf, still playing at age 91. He was an avid card player (bridge, euchre, gin rummy, Jass). He also enjoyed fishing and the baseball Cardinals. Walter was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland Masonic Lodge #583 (50-year member) and Highland Country Club.

He is survived by a son, Lonnie (Mary) Hoffman of Breese; a grandson, Kevin (Chelsea) Hoffman of Morton; a great-grandchild, Owen Hoffman; two sisters, Minnie Baer of Highland and Louise Gardiner of Manassas, Virginia; and a special friend, Rosemary Neathery of Highland.

He was preceded in death by his father on Aug. 22, 1975; his mother on March 29, 1968; his wife on Dec. 23, 2001; a grandson, Jeffrey Hoffman on Jan. 30, 1990; brothers, Arnold Wirtz on Sept.

19, 2005, Herman Wirtz on July 31, 2003, and Arthur Wirtz on Jan. 25, 2005; and sisters, Mary Katherine Wirtz on Jan. 14, 1919, and Laurene Brown on June 5, 1974.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 to 10 a.m. on Friday at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland. The Rev. Will VerDuin will preside at the 10 a.m. service on Friday at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Grantfork U.C.C. Cemetery at Grantfork.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

JoAnn Martoccio

JoAnn Martoccio, 63, of Centralia, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, surrounded by her family.

She was born April 20, 1955, the daughter of Geraldine (Freeman) and Nicholas Mangiolardo.

JoAnn was a devout Catholic. She was an avid sports fan, cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs and making successful wagers on Sunday football. JoAnn will always be remembered for her generous spirit and her welcoming home. She truly enjoyed hosting friends and family, spoiling them with her delicious homemade gravy (spaghetti sauce). JoAnn cherished her memories at the beach during many family vacations.

Everyone had a wonderful time when JoAnn was present as she was the "life of the party." Her most treasured times were spent with her family. She adored her amazing grandchildren and loved to hear them call out, Grandma JoJo. She often told stories of her being a ballet dancer when she was younger. Her family and friends will cherish her memory and continue on her legacy of kindness and love.

She is survived by her children, Fred (Krissy) Venturini of Aviston, and Megan Venturini and Chris Dixon of Centralia; two grandchildren, Josie Venturini and Noelle Venturini; a brother, Brian (Susan) Newson; a sister, Rose Quandt; aunts, Babe and Flem; uncle, JoJo and wife; nieces and nephew, Kathy, Patti and Jimmy; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Nicholas Mangiolardo; her mother, Geraldine Maluchnik; stepfather, Eugene Maluchnik; and a brother-in-law, Ted Quandt.

Deacon John Hempen will lead a rosary service at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Father Dale Maxfield will preside at the 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval. Interment will be in Vernon Cemetery at Vernon.

Memorials may be made to Six Lemons, and they will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences and memories of JoAnn can be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.

Lewis Deutschmann

Lewis Jean "Lewie" Deutschmann, 66, of New Baden, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

He was born Feb. 6, 1952, at Highland, the son of Mildred (Haar) and Clarence Deutschmann. On Feb. 28, 1976, he married Donna Davidson at Belleville.

Lewie was a 1970 graduate of Mater Dei High School in Breese and a 45-year member of Laborer's Local 742 in Mascoutah. He was a very active member of Knights of Columbus Council 10311 in New Baden, serving as Past Grand Knight and financial secretary. He also was a Fourth Degree member and Past Faithful Navigator of Bishop Althoff Assembly 193.

Lewie's memberships also included New Baden PTO, past New Baden Scout leader, past Clinton County Red Cross chairman, past New Baden Fire Department, Emergency Services director, New Baden EMT and Southwestern Illinois Firefighters Association. His hobbies included gardening, woodworking, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife; two children, Patricia Deutschmann of New Baden and Bryan (Geneva) Deutschmann of Belleville; three grandchildren (Lewie's angels), Haley Haas, Emma Deutschmann and Miranda Deutschmann; two brothers, Ronald Deutschmann and Daniel (Charlotte) Deutschmann of New Baden; and brotherand sisters-in-law, Dennis Davidson, Dianne Davidson and Debora Wodsedalek, all of Millstadt, and Dee (Edgar) Brockhann of Lebanon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sisters, Ramona and Loretta; a sister-in-law, JoAnn Deutschmann; and his father- and mother-in-law, Donald and Irene Davidson.

According to his wishes, his remains will be cremated and no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.

Friends may register online at www.KalmerMemorialServices. com.

Arrangements were made through Kalmer Memorial Services in Lebanon.

Dorothy Taylor

Dorothy E. Taylor, 88, of rural Carlyle, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at her home.

She was born Sept. 11, 1930, at Belleville, the daughter of Irene (Klotzer) and Edgar Conklin. On May 17, 1947, she married Robert J. Taylor at Arkansas.

She is survived by a son, Loran (Patricia) Taylor of Terre Haute, Indiana; two granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Feb. 17, 2000; and an infant daughter, Barbara "Susie" Taylor.

Following cremation, Dorothy will be interred at Walnut Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements were made through Zieren Funeral Home in Carlyle.

Bernell Warnecke

Bernell D. Warnecke, 86, of Breese, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese.

He was born Feb. 11, 1932, at Highland, the son of Florence (Wringe) and Harold Warnecke. On July 11, 1953, he married Yvonne M. Jenny at St. Paul E&R Church in Jamestown.

Bernell grew up on the family farm south of Jamestown. He graduated in 1950 from Breese High School and served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, with duty in Japan. Bernell operated a grain and dairy farm north of Breese. He retired from the dairy in 1977 and retired from grain and livestock in the early 1990s. He also worked at Alton Box Board in Highland from 1956 to 1982.

Bernell served a number of terms on the Breese Community School Board in the 1960s. He also held many offices at St. Paul United Church of Church and in the Men's Brotherhood. Bernell was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, St. Paul UCC Men's Brotherhood, American Legion Post #252 in Breese and Clinton County Farm Bureau.

He is survived by his wife; a son, David (Jan) Warnecke of Caseyville; a daughter-in-law, Diane (Marcus) Warnecke of Breese; his grandchildren, Sarah (Jason) Timmermann, Jenny (Greg) Santel, Catherine (Michael) Babinski and Joseph (fiance Jasmine Carpenter) Warnecke; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Warnecke, Jadyn Schulte, Charlotte Santel, Norah Santel, Andrew Babinski, Jayce Timmermann and Jeremy Timmermann.

He was preceded in death by his father on Nov. 11, 1988; his mother on Oct. 16, 1977; and a son, Allen Warnecke on April 11, 2014.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Sunday at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland. The Rev, Don WL Propeck will preside at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Jamestown Cemetery at Jamestown.

Memorials may be made to Jamestown Cemetery or St. Paul UCC.

Mary Ann Peek

Mary Ann Peek, 88, of Breese, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon.

She was born Jan. 4, 1931, at Breese, the daughter of Laura (Usselmann) and Frank Hustedde. On Sept. 27, 1949, she married Henry "Hank" Peek at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese.

Mary Ann worked many years at Krebs Studio in Breese and later retired from Dillard's in Fairview Heights. She was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church and American Legion Post 252 Auxiliary in Breese.

She is survived by her children, Duane Peek of Plano, Texas, Donna (Rodell) Weh of Breese, Cindy Dumstorff of High Ridge, Missouri, and Lisa (Michael) Enright of Harvest, Alabama; six grandchildren, Holly (Kris) Hanson, Dan (Hanni) Peek, Kristie Weh, Derek (Melissa) Weh, Lindsay (Craig) Hejnal and Hannah Enright; 10 great-grandchildren, Georgia, Kristopher, Kinsley, Camden, Emma, Paxton, Ella, Keaton, Greyson and Evie; siblings, Monica Boeckmann and Rita (Maurice) Albers of Germantown, Rose (Francis) Rehkemper, Herb (Carol) Hustedde and Anthony Hustedde of Breese, and Dorothy (Gerald) Showalter of O'Fallon; a sister-in-law, Carol Peek of Breese; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Oct. 1, 2013; brothers, Robert Hustedde, Joseph Hustedde and Francis Hustedde; her mother- and father-in-law, Theresia (Kampwerth) and John Peek; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Charles Boeckmann, Joseph and Martha Peek, August and Leona Peek, Sister Teresta Peek, SSND, Cyril and Estelle Peek, Gerhard and Arlene Peek, and John "Jack" Peek.

Visitation was held Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning at Moss Funeral Home in Breese. Father Patrick Peter and Deacon Linus Klostermann presided at the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese. Interment was in St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemetery at Breese.

Memorials may be made to St. Dominic Catholic Church or to Hannah's Playground, and they will be received at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www. mossfuneralhome.com.

Roman Wilke

Roman H. Wilke, 94, of St. Rose, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at Breese Nursing Home.

He was born Oct. 27, 1924, at Aviston, the son of Anna (Schrage) and Bernard H. Wilke. On April 20, 1949, he married Rosemary Klostermann at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston.

Roman was a self-employed grain and dairy farmer. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church and Holy Name and St. Rose Development Club. Roman enjoyed music, a talent he picked up from his father, and even though he could not read musical notes he played the accordion by ear. He played in a band in his younger years, and was very well known in the area for entertaining all ages with his accordion. Roman also enjoyed playing cards, bingo, horseshoes, but most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children, Alice (John) Feldmann of Aviston, Janet (Rick) Musenbrock of Albers, Jeannie (Marvin) Frohn of St. Rose and Bonnie Lococo of St. Peters, Missouri; grandchildren, Erin (Mike) Giampaolo, Kent (Kathryn) Feldmann, Kerry (Adam) Bray, Shelby (fiancé Drew Henderson) Musenbrock, Phillip (fiancée Beth Hatley) Frohn, Emily (Ryan) Emig and Craig Frohn; great-grandchildren, Aston Henderson, and Violet and Scarlett Giampaolo; and siblings, Genevieve Thole of St. Rose, Ben Wilke of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Ann Weis of Pierron and Tom Wilke of Highland.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on Nov. 17, 2004; a son, Richard Wilke; siblings, Rosemary Wilke at infancy, Sister Dolores Wilke, ASC, Hugo (Ruth) Wilke and Thecla (Herb) Clements; and brothers- and sister-in-law, Otto Thole, Willie Weis and Judy Wilke.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at Moss Funeral Home in Breese. Father Edward Schaefer and Deacon Linus Klostermann will preside at the 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at St. Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose. Interment will follow in St. Rose Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Mater Dei Catholic High School, Aviston Elementary Band or St. Rose Elementary Band, and they will be received at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www. mossfuneralhome.com.

Page 6A • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • Breese Journal

Jaber sentenced to 10 years in IDOC for aggravated kidnapping

By Kelly Jo Ross

Breese Journal Reporter

A Missouri man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated kidnapping in connection to an incident that occurred a decade ago.

Jamil Jaber, 31, of St. Louis, Missouri pleaded guilty last week in Clinton County Circuit Court to Class X felony aggravated kidnapping.

According to the charge filed on Jan. 19, 2009, Jaber allegedly committed the offense of aggravated kidnapping, in that he knowingly by force or threat of imminent force carried another person from one place to another with the intent to secretly confine that person against her will and

in doing so inflicted great bodily harm upon that person.

It was noted that Jaber allegedly committed the offense in rural Highland.

Court dockets indicated that Jaber was serving a 15 year prison sentence following a guilty plea in 2009 to aggravated criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony.

Initially, he was also charged with criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony, however, as part of the plea, the Class 1 felony was dismissed.

Court documents stated that Jaber allegedly committed the offense of “aggravated criminal sexual assault by use of force, in that, committed an act of sexual misconduct and in doing so, caused bodily harm to the victim by holding her down forcibly, thereby bruis-

ing her left forearm.”

Jaber was serving the prison sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), for the aggravated criminal sexual assault conviction, however, his negotiated guilty plea on the 2009 conviction was withdrawn and he was released from IDOC custody.

In November 2017, Jaber was then charged with the Class X felony aggravated kidnapping.

Jaber has over eight and a half years of credit for time already served, and once he is released from prison, he will have three years of mandatory supervised release, or parole.

In addition, once released from prison, Jaber is required to register under the Murder and Violent Offender Against Youth Act.

Two Belleville women indicted for fraud for purchasing new cars under false names at Jansen Chevrolet

By Kelly Jo Ross Breese Journal Reporter

A federal grand jury has indicted two Belleville women with conspiracy and wire fraud at a Germantown car dealership.

The Southern District of Illinois returned an indictment charging Tamecia C. Buckley, 36, of Belleville, and Kyetia M. Hines, 36, also of Belleville, with conspiracy and wire fraud, announced Steven Weinhoeft, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.

The charges arise from a scheme to purchase new automobiles under false names at Jansen Chevrolet in Germantown.

The indictment charges that in late October 2018, Buckley and Hines both submitted online credit applications under false names to Jansen Chevrolet.

Then, on separate days, both Buckley and Hines went to Jansen Chevrolet and purchased new Chevy Malibus using those false names. For purposes of obtaining financing to purchase

those cars, both Buckley and Hines provided the dealership with fraudulent documents containing the false names, including fake temporary Illinois driver’s licenses.

Both the charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud carry maximum sentences of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The arraignments for both Buckley and Hines will be conducted on Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Federal Courthouse in East St. Louis.

Local hospitals collecting used hearing aids January 24 marked the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of the deaf. Honored as a saint in the Catholic Church, St. Francis de Sales was known for developing a type of sign language that he could use to teach a deaf man about his religion. In recognition of St. Francis de Sales, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese and Highland and HSHS Holy Family Hospital Greenville are hosting a used hearing aid collection drive.

Used hearing aids can be dropped off in designated boxes located in the front

lobby of all three local hospitals through Feb. 28. The Audiology Department at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese and the Rehabilitation Department in Highland are also collection sites.

Used hearing aids collected will be donated to the Illinois Lions Hearing Aid Bank through the local Lions Clubs in Highland and Breese. If individuals have eyeglasses that are no longer used, those also can be donated.

The Lions Hearing Aid Bank reconditions any usable hearing aids and has them available for distribution through local Lions

Clubs to individuals who have difficulty covering their costs. Hearing aids that are no longer usable are sold for salvage that helps offset the Hearing Aid Bank’s costs for reconditioning useful units.

Hearing loss, whether permanent or temporary, minor or severe, can lead to social isolation, as well as limit an individual’s ability to work and manage their daily life. With the hearing aids collected and reconditioned, a person's sense of hearing can be restored, improving their overall quality of life and well-being.

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Deputy Jordan Hodges

Deputy Jordan Ledbetter

Deputy Travis Becherer

Clinton County Sheriff's Office new hires The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office announces the addition of three new patrol deputies: Deputy Jordan Ledbetter is a Carlyle native and the son of Craig and Becky Ledbetter. Jordan is a graduate of Carlyle High School, McKendree University and the Illinois State Police Academy. Jordan started his law enforcement career with Centralia Police Department where he worked for two years before joining the sheriff’s office on April 8, 2018.

Deputy Travis Becherer, the

son of Charlie and Tammy Becherer, was raised in Highland. Travis graduated from Highland High School, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center. Prior to his employment with the sheriff’s office, Travis worked as a GIS specialist for Madison County. Travis started his employment at the sheriff’s office on April 8, 2018.

Deputy Jordan Hodges is a life-long resident of Clinton County, growing up in rural New Baden. He is the son of

Tim and Kathleen Hodges. Jordan is a Mater Dei High School, Kaskaskia College and Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center graduate. He started at the sheriff’s office on Sept. 4, 2018 after spending a year and a half with the Illinois Department of Corrections working as a correctional officer.

Congratulations deputies!

The sheriff's office knows each of you will continue the traditions of integrity and service that the residents of Clinton County have come to expect.

Rep. Charlie Meier co-sponsors fair map amendment Illinois state Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) co-sponsored legislation introduced by House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) calling for the independent drawing of legislative maps.

The proposal (HJRCA 10) is a constitutional amendment cosponsored by all 44 members of the House Republican caucus.

“It’s time to remove party leaders from the process of drawing legislative districts and put the decision in the hands of an independent commission,” said Meier. “The fair maps legislation is supported by all of my House Republican colleagues and the concept of fair maps is supported by our newly elected Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker.”

HJRCA 10 would establish an independent commission, comprised of 11 members, charged with proposing a legislative map. The commission would be required to hold public hearings both before and after releasing a proposed plan.

According to Durkin, “Governor Pritzker has urged the legislature to create an independent commission to draw legislative maps, so House Republicans are proposing to do just that. Not only are we answering the governor’s call on this issue, but we are also prepared to provide the majority of the votes required to pass this out of the House and on to the Senate. So I call on my Democratic colleagues to join us and Governor Pritzker in supporting the independent

drawing of legislative maps and pass HJRCA 10 this legislative session.”

The map would need to receive the affirmative vote of at least seven commissioners, including two from each political party whose candidate for governor received the most and second-most votes and two commissioners not affiliated with each such political party.

If the commission fails to adopt a new map by June 30 of the year following the decennial census, the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court and the next senior Justice, not of the same party as the Chief Justice, will be required to appoint a Special Commissioner for Redistricting that must adopt and file a map by Aug. 31 of the same year.

Illinois payrolls up from prior year in most industries Unemployment rate up slightly in December The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced on Jan. 17 that the unemployment rate rose to 4.3 percent in December and nonfarm payrolls increased by +13,600 jobs over-the-month, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The November jobs gain was revised upward from the preliminary report (from +5,900 jobs to +8,000 jobs).

Job growth was stronger during the October to December period posting an average monthly change of +9,500 jobs, an improvement over the prior month when the three-month average change was +5,500 jobs.

“It’s clear there is room to both grow the Illinois economy and create opportunity for working families,” said Deputy Gov. Dan Hynes. “That’s why Governor Pritzker has taken action in his first days in office to protect and raise the wages of Illinois

workers and strengthen workforce development training in growing industries. The governor looks forward to continuing to work with stakeholders, business leaders, and workers to create jobs statewide and ensure all of our communities can thrive.”

In December, the three industry sectors with the largest overthe-month gains in employment were: Government (+6,300), Leisure and Hospitality (+4,600) and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,800). The industry sectors with payroll declines were: Information (-1,000) Financial Activities (-700) and Construction (-600).

Over-the-year, nonfarm payroll employment increased by +71,000 jobs with the largest gains in these industry sectors in December: Government (+24,700); Education and Health Services (+11,200) and Leisure and Hospitality (+10,200). The industry sectors with over-theyear declines were: Information (-3,900) and Other Services (-300). Illinois nonfarm payrolls were up +1.2 percent over-theyear as compared to the nation’s

+1.8 percent over-the-year gain in December.

The state’s unemployment rate is +0.4 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for December 2018, which rose to 3.9 percent. The Illinois unemployment rate is down -0.6 percentage points from a year ago when it was 4.9 percent.

The number of unemployed workers increased +1.3 percent from the prior month to 277,500 but down -12.2 percent over the same month for the prior year.

The labor force was about unchanged over-the-month and over-the-year. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and are seeking employment.

An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work. To help connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring, IDES’ maintains the state’s largest job search engine, Illi noisJoblink.com (IJL), which recently showed 59,527 posted resumes with 91,018 jobs available.

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Dec. 2018 Nov. 2018 Dec. 2017

Illinois 4.3% 4.2% 4.9% U.S. 3.9% 3.7% 4.1%

3-Month Moving Average 4.2% 3.8%

Over the Over the Month Year Change Change 0.1 -0.6 0.2 -0.2

Illinois Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs - by Major Industry

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Industry Title Dec. 2018 Nov. 2018 Dec. 2017 Over the Over the 3-Month Change from

Current* Prior Year Month Year Moving Previous 3-Month

Month** Ago Avg. Avg. Moving Avg. Total Nonfarm 6,152,200 6,138,600 6,081,200 13,600 71,000 6,140,500 9,500 Mining 7,600 7,700 7,500 -100 100 7,700 0 Construction 227,100 227,700 222,700 -600 4,400 227,800 -200 Manufacturing 591,500 591,500 586,000 0 5,500 592,500 -500 Trade, Transportation & Utilities 1,223,800 1,221,000 1,215,100 2,800 8,700 1,220,700 3,300 Information 92,100 93,100 96,000 -1,000 -3,900 93,300 -200 Financial Activities 399,800 400,500 392,100 -700 7,700 400,300 -300 Professional and Business Services 944,200 944,400 941,500 -200 2,700 942,800 0 Educational and Health Services 934,900 933,700 923,700 1,200 11,200 933,300 1,700 Leisure and Hospitality 624,100 619,500 613,900 4,600 10,200 621,600 1,600 Other Services 251,600 250,300 251,900 1,300 -300 250,500 700 Government 855,500 849,200 830,800 6,300 24,700 850,100 3,400 *Preliminary **Final

Breese Journal • Thursday, January 31, 2019 • Page 7A

News Briefs g Polar

/ Dumpster Plunge

The 2019 Polar Plunge at Carlyle Lake and Donut Dash 5K will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, snow or shine. The plunge is at noon.

The second annual Dumpster Plunge at 4204 Banquet Center in Belleville is on Friday, March 8. g Glo

Bingo Feb. 2

A Glo Bingo will be held Saturday, Feb. 2 at St. Mary Parish Center in Trenton.

Doors open at 6 p.m., bingo starts at 7. $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. Includes six bingo cards for 10 games, glow hat and dauber ($5 per additional six bingo cards).

For tickets contact Betsy Horstmann (618) 920-8921 or Lynnie Haselhorst (618) 2249810.

Bring your own snacks, cash bar. Over $1,000 in cash prizes. Must be 18 or older to attend. Proceeds benefit St. Mary Church, Trenton.

g Scholarships

offered

The New Baden Lions Club is looking for applicants for two $1,000 college scholarships.

Applicants must attend Wesclin, Mater Dei or Mascoutah high schools and have a New Baden, New Memphis or Trenton mailing address.

Please see your school counselor for details.

Applications must be postmarked by April 6.

g 11th Annual Basket Bingo Raffle and Bake Sale

On Sunday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m., the St. Ann Sodality of Carlyle will sponsor the 11th annual Basket Bingo, Raffle and Bake Sale at the Carlyle KC Hall, 1471 Fairfax Street.

There will be 24 filled baskets valued at $50 each and quilt and afghan raffles. A special valentine’s basket will be given out as an attendance prize.

Doors open at 11 a.m.; lightening raffle begins at

noon. All players must be 18 years old. Desserts and sandwiches will be available for purchase.

Come on out and win that special someone a beautiful basket for Valentine’s Day!

If you have any questions about the event, contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484 or email carlylelake@usace.army.mil.

g Red

An all you can eat Wurst Markt sponsored by St. Peter’s UCC in Okawville will be held Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Educational Building from 3 to 7 p.m.

Pork sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, pie or dessert and drink will be served.

Adults (ages 13 and up) $11; children (6-12) $5; ages 5 and under eat free; all carryouts $11 (four links of sausage per carryout).

Place meat/sausage orders

by Feb. 5 by calling Melinda Albers at 243-5354.

Barons reunion

Anyone who played on the Red Barons softball team — and all teams who they played — are invited to a get-together, sharing old times and spectacular plays as remembered. If you played men’s softball between 1960 and 1977, your presence is requested.

Managers are asked to contact their team members for a “spring warm-up.” Teams the Red Barons played were from Breese, Aviston, Damiansville, St. Rose, Bartelso, Germantown and Beckemeyer.

Contact Tom Berndsen at (618) 973-7900 if you have questions or for more information. g Eagle

watch event

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with Case-Halstead Public Library in Carlyle, will host an eagle watch on Saturday, Feb. 9, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Starting at 8:30 a.m., park rangers will have replicas of a bald eagle skull, talons and feathers on display at the library, and will assist visitors with making eagle themed crafts. At 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., the World Bird Sanctuary will present “All About Eagles,” an interactive presentation, with a live bald eagle, that demonstrates the majestic flight and nature of this beautiful bird.

Before and after the presentations, park rangers and volunteers will be stationed at various locations around the lake to assist visitors with provided spotting scopes to view bald eagles in their natural environment. Maps of these locations will be available at CaseHalstead Public Library. Those attending the event are encouraged to bring binoculars and dress accordingly for the weather.

g Wurst

Markt

g Euchre

tourney Feb. 1

A euchre tournament is planned for Friday, Feb. 1, at the American Legion Hall in Germantown. Sponsored by Germantown Kernel Nut Club, the tournament is single player registration.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and play begins at 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are $25; tickets at the door are $30. The price of the tickets includes draft beer, soda and fried chicken.

There is a minimum of 120 players for $1,000 in prizes.

Tickets are available through Feb. 1 at Germantown Trust & Savings in Germantown and Breese, Kohnen Heating & Air Conditioning, All The Buzz Salon & Tanning, Germantown Grocery and Stylin’ On Main Salon.

All proceeds benefit youth activities. g Brushstrokes

Buddy Walk

for the

Sponsored by Team First Step and Community Link, join us for Brushstrokes for the Buddy Walk on Friday, Feb. 8, at the American Legion Hall in Beckemeyer.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

and the event begins at 7 p.m.

The cost is $20 if registered by Feb. 1 and $25 at the door. Call 526-8830 to register. Drinks must be purchased at the Legion, but you may bring in your own snacks. There will be a basket raffle at the event.

All proceeds go directly to the Buddy Walk.

View painting samples on our Facebook page at face book.com/commlink1972.

history.

The Society’s monthly meeting will follow the meal.

Bring your appetite along with your ideas for future events at the museum.

All members and nonmembers are welcome as well as all ages. Admission is free.

g Valentine’s

State Historic Site will celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday with a special event on Saturday, Feb. 9.

The free party, a tradition at the site since 1973, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.

Local historian Linda Hanabarger will lead visitors in songs such as “America” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Kevin Kaegy from the Bond County Historical Society will deliver a presentation at 1 p.m. on Lincoln and the Black Hawk War. Vandalia Statehouse is the oldest surviving capitol building in Illinois. It served as the state capitol from 1836 to 1839.

It is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is located at 315 W. Gallatin St. in Vandalia.

For more information call (618) 283-1161.

bake sale

Come out to Community Link’s East Building (1665 N. Fourth St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, and pick up some sweets for your sweetheart. They’ll be cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, homemade bread, cakes, brownies and more for sale.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward the Buddy Walk. g CC

Historical Society book sale / potluck

The Clinton County Historical Society will host a book sale at its museum in Carlyle on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. Many new and gently used books will be available including children’s editions.

There also will be gift and jewelry items available to purchase. The sale is during the Society’s monthly open house.

After shopping, enjoy an afternoon exploring Judge Sidney Breese’s beautiful home.

There is something of interest for all ages. Articles on display include vintage wedding dresses, furniture, kitchen items and appliances, toys, military items, historical books, postcards, and photos, genealogy files, and the judge’s bench from the original Clinton County Courthouse. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

— — — The Clinton County Historical Society is hosting a potluck supper at its museum in Carlyle on Monday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. This is a great way to meet new friends and to catch up with friends from the past who share an interest in local

Renovations continue at Central High School

By Kelly Jo Ross Breese Journal Reporter

Building additions and renovations at Central Community High School in Breese continue to move at varying rates of progress.

The 2018-2019 renovations and building addition projects include replacement of the HVAC rooftop system, which is over 20 years old, and renovation of outdoor facilities, including football bleachers and press box, sprinkler system, lighting, fencing, and dugouts.

In addition, construction of a media/research and technology center and a new building addition for the band program.

"We have progressed to the point in which our issues in the HVAC system have been resolved at this time," said Superintendent Kevin Meyer at the Jan. 22 school board meeting.

However, the outdoor renovations continue to progress at a very slow pace due to the weather.

Meyer said that the grandstands at the baseball and softball complexes have been finished and all seating has been installed.

"The only work remaining is the dirt work and fencing areas at the JV baseball field and drainage areas," he said. "We have discussed the issues there and the impact it will have on next spring's season."

The board approved to pay application #8 to Litteken Construction in the amount of $90,616.45.

The building additions also continue to move forward with the installation of windows and

doors, drywall and continuing interior developments.

Plaster and paint work will be commencing and other interior trim and finishings will begin soon, "I am extremely pleased to report being ahead of schedule and the possible ownership of the building additions a little earlier than anticipated," Meyer said.

The board approved change order #2 on additional concrete areas and sidewalk in the amount of $45,321.28 as well as application for payment #7 in the amount of $103,738.50 to Millenium Construction.

In addition, the board authorized the preparation of specifications on certain furnishings and equipment necessary for the new media center, band/ music room and technology area.

The Illinois State Board of Education released the annual Financial Profile Designation for all school districts and Meyer was pleased to report that Central received a 3.90 overall rating (with a 4.0 rating as the highest).

"The only figure that kept us from having a perfect rating was the percentage of long-term debt margin we now have due to our projects," he said. "We should all be very proud of the financial health of our district and thankful for the support we receive from a strong and growing community. The budgetary decisions we have made, and continue to live by, should help us hold a good course for the near future."

The school cancellation day that occurred Jan. 14 has re-

sulted in an extra day of school, with May 22 being the last day of school.

Central called the day off school Jan. 14 due to a smoke sensor at the school being set off.

"The building was fine and we are all fine, but we had an issue that was really hard to explain until now," he said. "We eliminated anything that could create a problem, but the smoke sensor activated about 5 a.m. that day and, coincidentally, that went off with the time that our heating units kick in and increase the temperature."

He added that there was no smoke and no smell of smoke and the fire department checked everything, however, it was right around the time in the morning where he was uncomfortable bringing kids into the school without fully knowing what was the issue, and so school was called off that day for the safety of the students.

He believes that something, such as a small piece of insulation, had gotten into the booster coils, and had incinerated and possibly activated the sensor.

In other news, the School Community Council is sponsoring their second Community Education program this year and keeping with their theme of student wellness.

Trisha McKnight of the Butterfly Alliance will speak on Wednesday, Jan. 30 in the Commons Area at the high school.

The topic will focus on ensuring children's safety in a changing world, especially current risks teens face online and in society.

The alliance focuses on awareness and prevention on a

wide range of topics such as bullying, violence, sexual harm, human trafficking and other concerning issues.

Meyer reported that 47 seniors still owe on outstanding textbook and activity fees.

"We continually still send out monthly notifications to families for fees," Meyer said, noting that it was "imperative" that the school enforces the policy of preventing participation in the graduation ceremony from any senior student with unpaid fees.

The board approved job descriptions for a new non-certified position for the technology director. Lisa Wiegmann, who serves as the technology coordinator at Central, will retire at the end of the school year.

The position includes benefits, paid holidays, etc. The board is advertising for the position with the intentions to employ someone by March.

Central is authorizing the opening and advertisement of the position for the agriculture instructor and Future Farmers of America sponsor following Rick Harre's retirement.

Meyer reported that they will complete their five-year agreement with Aramark School Services at the conclusion of the school year.

"Therefore, it is time to prepare a bid package for this program," Meyer said, adding that it is a long and tedious procedure with a great deal of paperwork.

Central Community High School board meetings are held the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at Central.

Health care career students invited to apply for $1,000 IHREF grant

Students in or entering a health care career field are invited to apply for $1,000 scholarships offered by the Illinois Hospital Research and Educational Foundation (IHREF) in conjunction with the Auxiliary at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

Applications are available from Volunteer Services at the hospital by contacting 526-5351 or judy.schrage@hshs.org and must be returned to the IHREF,

1151 East Warrenville Road, P.O. Box 3015, Naperville, IL 60566

by Monday, April 15.

IHREF scholarships are given on an academic year based on the student’s scholastic achievement, financial need and availability of funds. Selection is made in June; only recipients will be notified.

This award will be applied toward tuition, fees or books and sent to the authorities as designated by the recipient. If the re-

cipient leaves school while the award is in effect, funds must be returned commensurate with the school year remaining.

To be eligible, the applicant must be an Illinois resident and accepted into or currently enrolled in a hospital-related health care professional curriculum. Applicants enrolled in an associate degree or hospital-based program will be considered his or her first year; students having less than

one academic year remaining until graduation are not eligible.

The school attending must be accredited or recognized as an approved program by the appropriate agencies; it need not be located in Illinois.

To be competitive, a gradepoint average of 3.5 out of 4.0 or 4.5 out of 5.0 is necessary.

Questions can be referred to Renna Lemberis at 630-276-5498 or rlemberis@team-iha.org.

g Lincoln’s birthday to be

celebrated at Vandalia The Vandalia Statehouse

g Rummage sale

St. Teresa Church in Marydale is hosting a rummage sale Feb. 14 (9 a.m.-6 p.m., 15 (9 a.m.-6 p.m., and 16 (9 a.m.noon).

Twenty percent of the profits will benefit Rae Anne Toennies. g Movie

night at the CCHS museum

The Clinton County Historical Society will show the 1954 road comedy “The Long, Long, Trailer” on Friday, Feb. 8, at its museum in Carlyle.

Starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, this film is about a newlywed couple who buy a trailer to travel around America.

There are hilarious scenes such as Lucy trying to make dinner in the trailer’s kitchenette and

Ricky making a cliffhanging drive through the mountains.

This movie was one of 1954’s biggest hits.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. A silent auction will be held before the movie and during intermission. Popcorn is provided, but please bring your own beverage. Admission is free. g Winter crop seminar

As 2019 gets underway, the Illinois crop planting season won’t be far behind, and there are plenty of tools and updates to help farmers plan and prepare for a successful season. Upcoming winter crop seminars are scheduled across the state to assist farmers on a variety of topics, including Federal Crop Insurance offerings, using drones to provide an aerial view for crop monitoring, navigating the crop insurance claims process should devastation hit your farm, and a market outlook on grain prices for 2019.

Country Financial, Illinois Farm Bureau and other organizations have teamed up for these seminars to better equip farmers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions for their operations.

A seminar will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Clinton County Farm Bureau in Breese.

The meal and registration begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program at noon.

Doug Yoder, Country Financial crop agency manager, will be the speaker. This seminar will include a 2019 crop insurance update.

Contact Keith Wilken (618526-1179) or Theresa Richards (618-526-1100) for information. For additional scheduled seminars, visit COUNTRY Crop.com g Sunday Funday

Doz Reitz “Bang-o-Licious” will be performing from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston.

Check out www.facebook. com/doc.reitz for more information.

Escape it all with

Erica S. Eversgerd, LMT 618-658-0891

Breese, Illinois

7601 Covington Rd., bartelso Shelly McRoy: 979-7179 • Albert Meyer: 977-3046

FOPPE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. 215 N. Main St • Breese

618-526-4505

www.foppeinsurance.com breese@foppeinsurance.com

Page 8A • Thursday, January 24, 2019 • Breese Journal

Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center Seeks Volunteers

By Kay Langenhorst Chakota

Despite how quickly time is flying by, Chakota is not wasting time at all. The meetings and phone calls started right after the first of the year. There are many exciting changes in store for the 2019 season.

The most important item on the Chakota agenda is the need for volunteers. Chakota does not work without all of those who have come out over the years and helped create the wonderful facility that it is today. We have a few riders on a waiting list that may be able to ride this spring, but that is all going to depend on how many volunteers sign up before lessons start.

There are many different ways Clinton County citizens can help and no experience is necessary. There will be several training workshops available to fit any schedule. Safety is always first priority and the new training will be more in depth and hands on.

Volunteers can attend as many training workshops as they desire until they are comfortable and feel confident.

Here are a few key volunteer positions that need to be filled as soon as possible.

Sidewalker: walks next to the horse and is in charge of a rider during their hour lesson.

Must be at least 14 years old.

Horse leader: responsible for the horse during your rider's lesson and helping a rider accomplish their tasks. Horse leader will then take care of the horse after lessons until handing horse over to a horse handler. Must be at least 14 years old or have solid horse experience to be considered.

Horse handler: retrieve assigned horse from the pasture and then get horse ready for the lesson. Handler is responsible to groom, tack, be ready by lesson time, untack and love on the horse for a job well done. Must be at least 14 years old or have solid horse experience to be considered.

Instructor: work with the program director for assigned rider. Instructor will be hands on with an assigned rider and engaged in the activities during

The Golden State Foods Foundation donated $5,000 to end Chakota’s 2018 year with a bang.

Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center Volunteer of the month Melissa Muskopf is Anna Correale’s horse leader during her lesson.

lessons. There is always a goal and objective to work toward and Chakota uses a lot of interactive toys, music and creative games. Great position for responsible, fun and creative people.

Office help: for those who want to help but are unsure about being involved in lessons. Position involves data entry, filing and other office chores.

Grounds help: Chakota is a working farm. This position involves being outside and keeping the grounds kept.

Handyman helper: work with our maintenance director to fulfill the odds and ends building

needs that come up. Must be able to follow a work list.

Friend of Chakota: For those who want to help, but don’t have a lot of time to come out to the farm. This position involves being an extra for an event, helping to sell raffle tickets, baking cookies for the lesson volunteers and riders, helping stuff and address envelopes or be in a parade. There are many ways to help.

Volunteer applications are on our website, www.chakota- trc. com. Print them off, fill them out and contact Chakota via phone at (618) 334-0885 for a meet and greet.

Volunteer of the Month Melissa Muskopf of Breese started volunteering last year.

She was looking for a place to go to feel like she was making a difference. She wanted to use her horse knowledge and skills she learned from her father.

Thankfully, she has found her place here at Chakota!

Muskopf has made a huge difference, especially during this cold and wet winter. She has been out almost every day since lessons ended to help feed and train horses, and maintain the barn. She has now convinced her husband and son to come out to

Carlyle Council #1382 Knights of Columbus was one of the donations that helped to start 2019 off right.

help.

Inc.

Community supporters and believers • Golden State Foods Foundation donated $5,000 to Chakota in 2018.

• Carlyle Council #1382 Knights of Columbus made a donation in 2019.

Chakota also received donations from: • Catholic Holy Family Society Aviston Council 6 • Tommy’s Auto Detailing • Menasha Corporation • Jim’s Formal Wear • Alberternst Construction

Upcoming activities and events • Pop Culture Trivia Night: Friday, Feb. 1 at Breese K of C Hall; doors open at 6 p.m., trivia starts at 7.

• Chakota’s ninth annual Mane Event: Saturday, March 30 at the American Legion in Albers, doors open at 4 p.m., Happy Hour 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., dinner and silent auction 5 to 7 p.m.; oral auction 7:45 p.m.; music and dancing 8:30 to 11 p.m.

Siever Brothers Inc. – Since 1917 –

811 Washington • Carlyle, IL • 594-2624

Speedy Benhoff Memorial Scholarship established

Committee to Support Central (CSC) president Dr. Craig Revermann (center) accepts a donation in memory of Maurice "Speedy" Benhoff from (left to right) Greg Kruse, Kristine (Benhoff) Beer, Mary Stefanisin and Mel Benhoff. After his passing in 2018, the family and friends of Speedy founded a scholarship in his name to celebrate his life and to assist a Central Community High School student in their postsecondary pursuits. Beginning this year, the Speedy Benhoff Memorial Scholarship Fund will begin annually awarding a scholarship to a deserving student. The CSC was founded in 2008 to provide support and assistance to students at Central. Visit the school website at www. centralcougars.org or contact the school for more information on scholarships.

After 101 years in business, it is with heavy hearts that we are announcing Siever Brothers closed its doors on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019. We appreciate all of our customers over the years and treasure the friendships we have made along the way. We are grateful for the trust you have given us to make sure your vehicles were always taken care of and for the support from our community. We wouldn’t have been able to make it this far without all of you. Effective Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, the Siever Brothers franchise will be under the operation of Tony Jansen of K&J Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. Even though the name on the building will change, all of the Siever Brothers employees will still be here to take care of all of your needs for sales and service as we have for the past century.

From Julius to Bill to Mark, and everyone in between, we want to thank you for all that you have done for our family for the past 101 years.

Private short-term

rehabilitation suites

NOW AVAILABLE

111 E. Illinois St. | New Baden, IL 62265 ONE OF THE TOP RATED NURSING HOMES IN THE METRO EAST

For a tour of our home call 618-975-6724 and ask for Mary Lynam-Miller.

Visit us online at www.clintonmanorlivingcenter.com To make a referral, call 618-588-4924 ext. 101 ask for Darla Loomis, Director of Nursing