H METOWN VOICE
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February 2020
Travis Aaron, native of Edwards County graduates from Border Patrol Academy
You talk. We listen. In person. Logan Bailey | Financial Advisor | 1204 Oak St | Mt Carmel, IL 62863 | 618-263-3899
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Northside Missionary Baptist Church wants to Share God’s Love with Grayville Do you know how valuable you are?
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Steven Thomson Financial Representative West Salem , IL 62476
• FREE Food Bundles will be given away in the church basement begining at 8 a.m. on March 7th.
Northside Missionary Baptist Church
805 North State Road, Grayville
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• A FREE Community Meal will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. in the church basement on February 19th.
Sundays: 9:30 am Sunday School • 10:30 Morning Worship • 6 p.m. Evening Worship/Youth/CIA • Wednesdays: 7 pm Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Pastor Dennis Seidel • Youth Leader Amanda Johnson
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Visit Carle Richland Convenient Care Clinic, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., seven days a week. Giving you the option to walk in and see a provider when you need immediate care for aches and pains, cold and flu symptoms, and minor cuts and injuries. Closed major holidays. 605 E. Main St., Olney, IL (618) 392-1140
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Pickleball fastest growing sport in the nation Pickleball is a sport that was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, off the coast of Seattle, Washington. Three dads Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities are credited for creating the game. Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts. The sport itself is a combination between tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played both indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Players use solid paddles and a seamless, perforated plastic ball approximately the size of a baseball. The object of pickleball is to hit the ball over the net so the opposing player or team cannot return it suc-
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New Patients 618-388-3558
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During the month of February help Uniquely Rustique “Give Back”...bring in a nonperishable food item for a local food pantry and get 25% off every total purchase!
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Back row, L-R: Alix Burgan, Jim Cook, Michael Snidle, Thad Beadles, Avery Keener. Front row: Sam Smith, Owner Stu Markman, Kara Gill, Terry Mason, Micah Hasselbring, and Stephen Vallette.
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cessfully. According to the USA Pickleball Association there are more than 17,000 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts in the U.S., at nearly 500 sites all over the country. The sport is played by all ages, and at all levels, from social and recreational players to competitive tournament players. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s 2016 Participation reports puts the number of players in the United States at nearly 2.5 million. Today Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation, and that includes our small community. Mt. Carmel’s very own Pickleball Club has grown over the past year from just a handful of members to nearly 100 strong. Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Rick Andrews and David Miller, two prominent members of the club, to discuss their future plans for the club and the community itself. At the moment Rick and David are seeking private donations through the Mount Carmel Pickleball Sponsorship Program, to help fund a rather large project. The plan for these donations is to build tournament grade Pickleball courts at the Mt. Carmel City Park. This will come in two phases. Phase one will include six Pickleball courts, automated lighting, fully fenced courts, and windshields. Phase two will include portable bleachers and benches, new playground equipment nearby, additional parking spaces, and new bathroom facilities. These courts and facilities will of course be open to public use. The MCPC is a 501 c3 tax exempt organization funded by local folks and businesses. The Mt. Carmel Pickleball Club’s mission statement is to promote the game of Pickleball as a community-based, healthful, sporting activity by creating an environment where good sportsmanship, fun, and
Page 1 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
continued on page 2
Pickleball continued
Travis Aaron graduates from FLETC
continued from page 1
Edwards County local, Travis Aaron, is an extraordinary young man. He has always gone the extra mile to help those in the community and to make his family proud. Recently, Travis graduated from FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center) in Artesia, New Mexico, to join the Border Patrol where he will be stationed at Eagle Pass, Texas. Born and raised in Edwards County, just outside of Albion, he attended school in Albion where he participated in sports all four years. Travis gained a reputation as being an honest hard working young man. He made a name for himself at a young age after taking over and running his brothers mowing business throughout the county. On top of a thriving mowing business, he also held jobs at the Sportsman’s Club in Albion, as well as with the city, and Stumpy Hill Farm. “It’s just how I was raised. My family wanted me to make my own money and be independent so that I wouldn’t have to rely on anyone else.” Travis said. Travis’ upbringing and strong family values are what led him to join Border Patrol. “Several people in my family served in the military and law enforcement, so it was always something that interested me.” After high school he attended Olney Central College for two years, as well as interned with Richland County Sheriff’s Office, where he met his instructor/mentor, Chad Pusey, who is Chief of Police in Oblong. “So I picked his brain on what he thought would be the best way to go, how it all would work, and what would be the best university to go to.” Travis explained.
social interactions are fostered. To provide facilities so that the sport may be enjoyed by participants of all ages, skill levels, and abilities, and to offer skill development programs to enhance recreational as well as competitive play. The club has a very diverse range of age groups from young children to adults in their 80’s. “Pickleball is very social. You may play with 6-7 different people a night. Everyone really likes the social aspect of the game.” Says David. To join the MCPC it only costs $50 per year for a full membership. “We want this to be a community project.” Said Rick. Pickleball is a fun sport and a great way to stay active both physically and in the community. The Mt. Carmel Pickleball Club invites any and all to come and join them, check them out on Facebook, or seek out one of the almost 100 members of the club to see what you think. Be active, make friends, and just have fun.
At right: Preposed Pickleball courts OVER 19 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE ON THE CIRCUIT AND APPELLATE COURTS
OVER YEARS’ ON THEON CIRCUIT AND APPELLATE COURTS OVER 18+19YEARS ASEXPERIENCE RESIDENT CIRCUIT JUDGE OF UNION COUNTY PRESIDING 19 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE THE CIRCUIT AND APPELLATE COURTS After mulling over many options, Travis decided to attend the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he spent two years and achieved his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. With the degree under his belt, he OVER THE CRIMINAL, CIVIL, JUVENILE, MENTAL HEALTH, FAMILY AND x 18+ YEARS AS RESIDENT CIRCUIT JUDGE OF UNION 18+ YEARS AS RESIDENT CIRCUIT JUDGE OFCOUNTY UNIONPRESIDING COUNTY PRESIDING went on to intern with the US Marshals out of St. Louis. “I really enjoyed it. It interested me a lot and became TRAFFIC DOCKETS OVER THETHE CRIMINAL, CIVIL, CIVIL, JUVENILE, MENTALMENTAL HEALTH, FAMILY ANDFAMILY AND OVER CRIMINAL, JUVENILE, HEALTH, something I am very passionate about.” Travis smiled. “Being with the Marshals gave me an inside look at the fedTRAFFIC DOCKETS TRAFFIC DOCKETS HEARD AND DECIDED HUNDREDS OF CONTESTED MOTIONS, BENCH eral side of law enforcement, which is a lot different than local or state.” After a glowing recommendation from his HEARD AND DECIDED HUNDREDS OF CONTESTED x HEARD AND DECIDED HUNDREDS OF CONTESTED MOTIONS,MOTIONS, BENCH BENCH supervisor at the Marshals, Travis went on to apply to several different federal agencies, including the Marshals TRIALS AND JURY TRIALS TRIALS AND JURY TRIALS Border Patrol. TRIALS AND TRIALS ASSIGNED TO JURY THE APPELLATE COURT BY JUSTICE LLOYD KARMEIER AND andWith the Government shutdown happening soon after he applied, the process took a little over a year with ASSIGNED TO THE APPELLATE COURT BY JUSTICE LLOYD KARMEIER AND ASSIGNED TO THE APPELLATE COURT BY JUSTICE LLOYD KARMEIER AND THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2019 several interviews, tests, fitness evaluations and travel. “It was a growing up experience and a learning experiTHE ILLINOIS SUPREME EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2019 THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURTCOURT EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2019 ence just going through application process. I was straight out of college and didn’t know how to do a lot of the x HEAR APPEALS BROUGHT FROM THE THE 37 COUNTIES OF THE HEAR APPEALS BROUGHT FROM 37 COUNTIES OFFIFTH THE FIFTH little things like booking the flights and hotel reservations.” Travis laughed. Travis was selected by Border Patrol and HEAR APPEALS BROUGHT FROM THE 37 COUNTIES OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDICIAL DISTRICT entered on duty on July 21st of 2019. After multiple days of processing at sector headquarters in Del Rio, Texas JUDICIAL DISTRICT AUTHOR OPINIONS INVOLVING ASSIGNED CASES x AUTHOR OPINIONS INVOLVING ASSIGNED CASES he was off to the academy. Elect Justice Mark Mark M. AUTHOR OPINIONS INVOLVING ASSIGNED CASES Elect “The Academy is six months, and from the day you get off the bus to the day you graduate you are put under CONTRIBUTES IN PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN THE JUDICIARY AND ElectJustice Justice MarkM. M. CONTRIBUTES IN PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN THE JUDICIARY AND intense stress and tested on all things.” Travis explained that the first three months is a lot of learning, studying COURT SYSTEMS CONTRIBUTES IN PROGRAMS TO STRENGTHEN THE JUDICIARY AND COURT SYSTEMS laws such as; immigration law, naturalization law, and of course, criminal law. Part of the law classes included COURT SYSTEMSOF THE SUPREME COURT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR x MEMBER learning how to work in a court room. “We had to learn how to write reports, what details to put in them, and just MEMBER OFTHE THESUPREME SUPREME COURT ADVISORY COMMITTEE PROBLEM-SOLVING AND MENTAL HEALTH COURTSFOR FOR MEMBER OF COURT ADVISORY COMMITTEE how to conduct ourselves in front of a jury and on a witness stand. It was very stressful and it wasn’t even a real PROBLEM-SOLVING AND MENTAL HEALTH COURTS x PROBLEM-SOLVING FACULTY MEMBER FOR THEHEALTH BI-ANNUAL JUDICIAL EDUCATION AND MENTAL COURTS courtroom.” Travis joked. “The biggest one for me, having grown up here with no Spanish background, was SpanFifth District Appellate Court FACULTY CONFERENCE FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT NEW JUDGE MENTOR ish class. Spanish is throughout the entire academy, you take your last test about a week before you graduate.” MEMBERAND FORTHE THE BI-ANNUAL JUDICIAL EDUCATION FACULTY MEMBER FOR BI-ANNUAL JUDICIAL EDUCATION Fifth District Appellate Court Amongst this plethora of knowledge to be learned, was firearms training, physical training, and tactics. “You get CONFERENCEAND ANDFIRST FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JUDGE MENTOR Fifth District AppellateJUSTICE Court CONFERENCE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT NEWNEW JUDGE MENTOR PROVEN EXPERIENCED pushed, there is no doubt about it. We had several people drop out because of PT (Physical Training), whether it MARK IS A PROUD RESIDENT OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AND WILL THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE IN THE was because of injury or they just decided it wasn’t for them. You’ve got to want it.” Travis’s class started with 52 PROVEN PROVENEXPERIENCED EXPERIENCEDJUSTICE JUSTICE KEEP THOSE VALUES, COMMON SENSE, EXPERIENCE AND OATH and ended with only 35. “If you can make it through the first three months, then you’ve done someREPUBLICAN PRIMARY ON MARCH 17th MARK MARK PROUD RESIDENT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AND WILL participants ISISAAPROUD RESIDENT OFOF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AND WILL TO SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION, INCLUDING THE SECOND THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE IN THE THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE IN THE thing, and you’re half-way to graduation.” Travis explained. Paid for by Friends for Justice Boie KEEP THOSEVALUES, VALUES, COMMON SENSE, EXPERIENCE AND KEEP THOSE SENSE, EXPERIENCE OATHOATHCOURTWith a strong only AMENDMENT, TOCOMMON AN ELECTED TERM ON THEAND APPELLATE work ethic, a hometown heritage, and a lot of personal determination, Travis Aaron is going to
BOIE BOIE BOIE
REPUBLICANPRIMARY PRIMARYON ONMARCH MARCH 17th 17th REPUBLICAN
by Friends for Justice A copy of our report filed with StateBoard BoardofofElections Elections is (or Paid forPaid by for Friends for Justice Boie.Boie. A copy of our report filed with thetheState be) available for purchase the State Board of Elections, Springfield,Illinois Illinois will be)will available for purchase fromfrom the State Board of Elections, Springfield,
TO INCLUDING THETHE SECOND TO SUPPORT SUPPORTTHE THECONSTITUTION, CONSTITUTION, INCLUDING SECOND AMENDMENT, TERM ONON THETHE APPELLATE COURT AMENDMENT,TOTOANANELECTED ELECTED TERM APPELLATE COURT
Page 2 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
do great things. Not only our small counties, but our nation, should be proud to have him serving. “Our country needs men and women to serve. I have no regrets.” Travis said with a smile.
Page 3 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Wabash County Museum Hi-Yo Exhibit Grand Opening set for May 2nd By Claudia Dant The Wabash County Museum began in 1991 after a voter’s referendum passed to create a museum district. The local historical society had a museum which had closed due to lack of funding and volunteers. The new museum is a museum district and levies for tax support each year from Wabash County residents. This gives a budget of about $30,000 to operate on which includes a part-time employee, insurance, utilities, loan payment (for about another 3 years) and any maintenance on the building at 320 N. Market Street. The museum built a website in the early 2000s which is still active but has lots of problems with links which don’t work but software and the internet have changed in that time and it has been put on the back burner for a time. If you want to check out the site it is www.museum.wabash.il.us. There is also a Facebook page—Wabash County Museum where you can see periodic posts, events and notices. You can also send a message to the museum there and many people use it to ask for genealogy help or other research questions. But the big news is that the Hi-Yo Silver exhibit Grand Opening is set for May 2, 2020 to begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue all day. In the afternoon a time capsule will be buried in the museum’s courtyard. This exhibit has been in the works for 2 years of planning, raising funds, building a room, setting up the exhibit and producing a phone app (which is not complete yet). Meanwhile our major donor continues to purchase items for the collection (almost 1,200 at this point) and there are also other donors such as the Fred Foy family (506 items with some containing multiple individual parts) and members of our local community. So you see there is a very large collection at this time. The museum is limited in space so only a portion of the collection will be shown at the grand opening. The grand opening exhibit will include items of children’s clothing, Fred Foy’s favorite award, items from the Lone Ranger radio program sponsors and a bit of Clayton Moore memorabilia. There will be video from the Golden Boot ceremony where Fred received his award, audio of Lone Ranger radio programs and much more to see. Exhibits will rotate as time goes on and we will always keep Lone Ranger fans updated about what is coming next as long as we have contact information. Future exhibits will include Lone Ranger Safety Clubs, other Fred Foy awards, premiums, Lone Ranger toys and items which show the influence of the Lone Ranger to get children to do as their parents wished (wash up, finish their food, etc.). The areas I am most proud of are the mock radio studio and the radio timeline. The timeline gives a history of radio, WXYZ and the radio Lone Rangers, a bit about the movies and the central figures in making it all happen. The studio
uses many authentic items from the WXYZ studio, including the door to the studio from 1933 and realistic poseable figures of Fred Foy and Brace Beemer wearing clothes which belonged to those men. The Wabash County Museum has owned and exhibited Brace Beemer’s only authenticated saddle since 2011. There are lots of opportunities for selfies in the exhibit for fans of all ages and genres. The museum has a small store with many Lone Ranger items for sale plus books by local authors. All the Grand Opening guests will receive a special memento of the day. Guests have been invited from all over the country and Great Britain. But you don’t need an invitation, just come! The Wabash County Museum is located at 320 N. Market Street in Mt. Carmel, IL 62863. Brace Beemer was born in Mt. Carmel where is father owned a music store.
Page 4 • Hometown Voice • January 2020
Edwards County Young Leaders Sponsoring Trap Shoot The Edwards County Farm Bureau Young Leaders are sponsoring a community trap shoot on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Edwards County Sportsman Club. This event serves as the fundraiser for their collegiate scholarship. This will be a team competition, with each team having five members. Each team member will shoot one round of single trap and one round of 5-stand. The entry fee is $100 per team. Cash prizes will be awarded to the three highest placing teams with first place receiving $200. These prizes are sponsored by Remington Seeds, Nutrien Ag Solutions- Browns Plant and Joy Lane Produce. There will be two individual prizes in the team competition- most birds shot by a person not on a winning team and least amount of birds shot. After all teams have finished, an individual “Annie Oakley” style shoot will take place. A separate entry fee will be required to shoot in this competition. The winnings will be determined by the amount of people shooting. “The Young Leaders are hosting this event, as a fun event for those individuals who like to shoot,” stated Rebecca Perry, manager of the Edwards County
Farm Bureau. “This event is designed to allow an opportunity for those who enjoy shooting a chance to do so in a limited competitive environment.” Same day registration and check-in will start at 8:30am, with the shooting starting at 9:00am. Shooters must furnish their own guns and ammo. Lunch will be available. A 50/50 raffle will also be conducted. All ages are welcome, however, anyone under 18 must always have a parent or legal guardian on the grounds with them. This is a fun, family event. All shooters are welcomenovice to advance. Everyone helps each other, encourages the beginners and watches the masters. If this is your first- or hundredth-time shooting, come on out! Registrations are being taken at the Edwards County Farm Bureau and can be made by stopping by the office or calling 445-2113. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, and payment is due at time of registration. Shoot time will be assigned for all pre-registered teams. If you do not have a full team but want to shoot; please register. Random teams will be made from these individuals.
4-H Youth in Action Have you ever been challenged in something that you thought you were never capable of doing? I have been involved in 4-H for the past 10 years and I have raised goats for a total of 8 of these years. 4-H is what introduced me to this career and the livestock industry as a whole. This past year at our county fair, I was the Senior Showmanship winner for the Goat Species, meaning I would compete in Master Showmanship in less than 24 hours the next day. I have never showed any other species of animal other than goats and I have little to no knowledge about the other species of animals including cattle, sheep, and hogs. I ended up doing very well in the competition, actually better than I thought I would, and left the show ring feeling proud of myself for the work I put into the competition. Without being in 4-H and having the opportunity of competing in that competition, I would not have challenged myself and would not have believed in myself. This competition, and 4-H, has shown me how to be confident in myself and I hope to show others what 4-H can do for them and how it can benefit their lives. My name is Hayley Buerster and I am representing Edwards County as a Unit #25 4-H Ambassador for 2019-2020.
Page 5 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Edwards County Ag in the Classroom presents PIZZA lessons at WSGS By Jane Jones, Edwards County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom No matter how you slice it, Americans love pizza. The Illinois Pizza Ag Mag tells us that every day, 13% of the U.S. population chows down on a slice. As a nation, we eat the equivalent of 100 acres of pizza per day or 350 slices per second! And, it is estimated that the average American eats 23 pounds (46 slices) of pizza each year. I’d say these stats confirm that Americans like pizza. West Salem Grade School students enjoyed learning about all the different ingredients used in making pizza during a recent Ag in the Classroom lesson. Pizza depends on wheat farmers, vegetable farmers, and dairy farmers for the three main ingredients-crust, sauce, and cheese. Then, when you consider all the different toppings, you need pig farmers, beef farmers, chicken farmers, and all the different specialty crop farmers. Specialty crop farmers grow the onions, mushrooms, peppers, greens, herbs, and spices that flavor our delicious pizzas. Students enjoyed creating a pizza as they took a look at the many farmers that grow the ingredients people enjoy on their beloved pizza. Next time you bite into a slice of pizza, thank a farmer for making it possible. WSGS students finished their lessons by tasting pizza snacks. A fun time was had by all.
Super Seven Sandwich Shoppe now open The Super Seven Sandwich Shoppe is a small, mainly drive-thru, operation in Albion. Owned and operated by Jason Laws, his wife, and their seven kids the sandwich shop opened in November of 2019. They serve a variety of food from halfpound burgers, pork-burgers and tenderloins, to homemade coleslaw, macaroni salad, and potato salad all along with their own homemade seasoning and spices. Jason’s mother also helps with making homemade desserts such as pies, cherry delights, and bread-pudding. They get all of their meat locally from Borowiak’s, where Jason had worked for many years before going into business with his family. “We try to stay away from fryers so it’s a little healthier.” Explained Jason. Right now they are open from 10:30 to 1:30 Monday through Friday, however they are considering starting to serve breakfast and dinner as well. The Super Seven offers drive-thru service as well as pick up and delivery, they also do catering. “I’ve been in the food industry most of my life. Since I was 16 I’ve worked at the grocery store, meat processing, I delivered bread of Colonial Bakery. I enjoy food, I like doing it. It’s something a man can make a living at.” Jason said. The Super Seven Sandwich Shoppe is the embodiment of a hometown mom and pop shop, with a variety of delicious food and friendly service there’s no where better to get a quick bite.
MCHS Scholar Bowl Team Participates in Tournament
Pictured above: West Salem Grade School student, Mickey Bell, works on creating a paper pizza. This project was a part of recent Ag in the Classroom lessons, where students learned about all the farmers it takes to make a pizza.
Oak Leaf Trucking, Inc.
At left: West Salem Grade School 4th grade students all enjoy their pizza snacks. These snacks were provided by Ag in the Classroom, after the recent lesson on pizza and all the different farmers it takes to make a pizza.
Grain Hauling Neil Fearn 618-838-3852
Mike Harris 618-839-0526
Albion, IL
Have a story to share...email hometownvoice2019@gmail.com
Page 6 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
MCHS Cheer Team Wins First Place The Mt. Carmel High School cheer team won first place in their division at the Midwest Open Championship in St. Charles, Missouri. In addition to their first place, they received awards such as “Best Use of Jumps” and “Technical Excellence.”
On January 11th, the MCHS scholar bowl team traveled to Fairfield Community High School to compete in the annual 2020 IHSSBCA Turnabout. Abbreviated for Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association, it is a tournament for varsity scholar bowl teams. Several teams were there: Carterville, Fairfield Varsity, Fairfield Junior Varsity, Hamilton County, Herrin, Mt. Carmel Varsity, Mt. Carmel Junior Varsity, and NCOE. Each team played seven matches. Mt. Carmel Varsity won three matches, and Mt. Carmel Junior Varsity won against NCOE. Senior Brennan Lathrop and sophomore Ivan Holt were both awarded medals for tossups, with 20 and 12 respectively. Herrin won the tournament with a score of seven to zero, and Carterville placed second with a score of six to one. After a fun-filled day, the MCHS scholar bowl team brought home several wins and a couple medals.
Page 7 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Grayville High School FFA Grayville FFA is a dynamic group of young leaders. Our organization aims to change lives and prepare members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Last year we were recognized as a National 3 Star FFA Chapter. This is a huge honor as only 350 chapters across the country receive this honor. We host multiple events a year and keep the members interested in the program by participating in contests, conventions, and fun activities/parties. An upcoming event we have for our members is FFA week. This is a nationally recognized event by FFA chapters across the country. The week will be held Feb. 22nd through the 29th. FFA week is something fun for the students to participate in. This is a week for students to dress up to themed days. The themes were picked by the committee leaders. The themed days include, Merica Day on Monday, Tuesday is Camo Day, Overalls on Wednesday, Thursday is FFA Merch Day, and rounding out the week is Flannel Friday. The students will also be hosting a Teacher/Staff Appreciation Breakfast on Friday morning as well. Our FFA leadership is made up of four committees, Chapter Management, Executive, Public Relations and Finance. These committees work together throughout the year to plan the activities and service projects we participate in during the year. The Grayville FFA is also very involved whenever it comes to holding events for the community to participate in. An upcoming event we are hosting is a Spaghetti Supper on Valentine’s Day at the Elementary School. The FFA members will be busy with preparing the decorations and food all by themselves. The cost of the event includes the following, couples ticket (two meals) $25, Single ticket (1 meal) $15, Kid ticket (12 and under meal) $7. The meal is an all you can
Executive Committee: L-R Galriella Spencer, Hanna Waggoner, Payton Howard, Alyvia Rahmoeller, Kareron Worley, Matthew Cowles, Callie Neely.
Finance Committee: L-R Alyssa Chiarello, Evelyn Rose, Macy Knight, Kailyn Tomlinson and Tyler Culiver
Chapter Management Committee: L-R Alessandro Burke, Nicholas Snyder, Tyler Culiver, Tyson Thompson, Korey Funkhouse, Kensley Burtona
eat spaghetti or alfredo, green beans, salad, garlic bread, and dessert. Contact an FFA member to get your tickets! Also, the Grayville FFA is selling fresh strawberries! The strawberries will be delivered at the end of February/early March. Contact an FFA member to purchase your fresh strawberries by Feb. 5th! FFA has positively impacted me in more ways than one. I have learned skills such as public speaking, time management, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. FFA makes me step out of my comfort zone and pushes me. The preparation needed for contests is almost the same as the preparation an athlete takes. Doing well in contests takes practice, hard work, and a competitive edge. Our FFA advisor, Mrs. Greathouse always motivates us to do our best with her passion for agriculture and endless support. Due to the hours put in, that I share with my fel- FFA members with FFA advisor, Michaela Greathouse, in atlow members, FFA has created relationships tendance at the Wabash Valley Service Company FFA banthat will last me a lifetime. If you aren’t or were quet. never an FFA member you might not understand why all of the long rides, enduring official dress, memorizing speeches, and late nights are worth it! Written by: Macy Knight
Special Thank You to Tricia Cunningham and David Jordan for providing photos!
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LeMond’s Chrysler Center Public Relation Committee: L-R Madelyn Cunningham, Hanna Waggoner, Macy Knight, Gabriella Spencer, Kylee Hosman, Callie Neeley
Page 8 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
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Page 9 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Naylor Ancestors Have Ties to the Levant
GRAYVILLE FFA SPAGHETTI DINNER COUPLE'S TICKET - $25 SINGLE'S TICKET - $15 KID'S TICKET - $7 (Kid meals will be supervised by FFA members in the gym so
SAE spotlight! Nicholas Snyder is collecting plastic lids. He will take these plastic lids to a company that will melt them down and then turn them into benches, tables and all kinds of products! Please help Nicholas collect lids! Drop them off at the Grayville High School office.
parents/guardians can enjoy a quiet night out. There will also be games and activities.)
Come join us in the cafeteria at the Elementary School for Valentine's Dinner!
02.14.20
5:00pm-8:30pm
All proceeds benefit the Grayville FFA!
Menu: All you can eat Spaghatti, Alfredo, Green Beans, Salad, Garlic Bread and Dessert
Among the early settlers of The English Settlement in Edwards County, Illinois were Robert Naylor (17761853) and his wife Elizabeth Bobbitt (1775-1845). Their children intermarried with other early English immigrants, leaving numerous descendants. Francie (Briggs) Kieffer, a member of the Edwards County Historical Society, has researched the family of Elizabeth (Bobbitt) Naylor and has written a very interesting summary of her findings. Elizabeth (Bobbitt) Naylor was the daughter of Richard Bobbitt (1744-1838) mentioned in the first paragraph below. The Bobbitt Family in the Levant by Francie (Briggs) Kieffer For years my family has passed down a vague tradition that our ancestor John Bobbitt had worked in Turkey in the early eighteenth century and had married a Turkish lady. We knew that their son Richard (my fifth great grandfather) had been born in Smyrna on 30 July 1744 and, when he was only six or seven years old, had been sent to England to be educated – this was confirmed by his obituary in a local newspaper [1]. John Bobbitt was mentioned as Richard’s father in the record of the baptism of Richard’s son [2]. Until recently, the only other written confirmation of the story appeared to be in the register of the English factory at Aleppo, which recorded the death and burial there of John Bobbitt himself in August 1765 [3]. However, some lucky
finds have now enabled me to fill in a little more of the story, although many questions still remain. The first find was a copy of the will of Petronella Bobbitt [4], the widow of John’s brother Henry, whom she described as having been an English merchant of the city of Smyrna. The will is dated 12 December 1764 and is neatly laid out in eleven numbered clauses. In the third clause she says: “I leave to my brother-in-law Mr John Bobbitt and to his wife and their two children, and to the two Daughters of the late Mr Richard Dobbs [5] the sum of Five Hundred Piastres to be divided equally among them.” Henry Bobbitt was admitted to the Freedom of the Levant Company on 10 October 1751 [6]. Either he or his brother John may have been the “Mr Bobet”, an English merchant whom Richard Pococke had met at Salonica in 1740 [7]. Records of the English factory at Smyrna show that Henry attended assemblies on 22 September 1757, 19 October 1757 and 21 November 1757; but was not present at those on 4 January 1758 or later [8]. So it looks as if he may have died at about that time. A list of members of the English nation at Smyrna in 1759 [9] includes Mrs. Petronella Bobbitt, “Widow to an English Merchant, without any possessions”, and also Mrs. Ann Bobbitt, “Wife to an English Taylor”, although no tailor is listed among the men. This Ann was almost
Grayville Herd SHOUT OUT TIME!! February Student and Staff Spotlights. Above:L-R Back row: Nevaeh Kissee, Holly Morris, Tori Gill, Lane Bohach. Front row: Melody Raber, Echo Raber, Adelyn Colyer and Payton Howell. Staff Spotlights, top left: Lisa Kurtz, and Stacey Tate. Bottom left: Brandi Ballard, Nicole Bonan, Janet Wheeler and Sara Johnson. Congratulations from The Herd!! Keep up the great work!! Page 10 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
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Naylor Ancestors continued continued from page 11 certainly the wife of John, and it seems more likely that she was Greek or Armenian rather than Turkish, as the family tradition would have it. Petronella’s will gives some interesting details about the community in Smyrna. She refers particularly to James and Margaret Fremeaux, who had given her a diamond ring and been particularly kind to her when her husband died. She appointed as her executors her “most Intimate Friend and Protector” Daniel Fremeaux, George Boddington, the British Cancellier, and the Count [Daniel Jean] de Hochepied, the Dutch consul. She mentions that her former house had been completely burnt down in 1753 and that her present house had been entirely built at her own expense. She appears to have been in business herself because she bequeathed five hundred piastres to her head warehouseman, Jani, “for his faithful services over so many years.” Also mentioned are her brother Abraham Smerachi and her late brother Pietro Smerachi and his widow. All her furniture, clothes and linen were left to her bosom friend, Mrs Francesca Series. She directed that, after the payment of her debts and the various individual bequests, the residue of her estate be distributed to the widows and orphans and all families in need – particularly to Widow Edwards (possibly the widow of Eleazar Edwards senior) and to her daughter Anna Edwards. Further finds have included reports made in July 1757 by the Dutch consul, Daniel Alexander de Hochepied (the father of Daniel Jean) about an incident in the Seven Years’ War, when England was fighting France but the Dutch Republic was officially neutral. The French at Smyrna had seized goods and cash consigned to Pietro Smerachi. The reports tell us that Pietro was the son of Dimitrachi (or Demitrachi) Smerachi, who had worked for many years for de Hochepied’s parents and had become a naturalised Dutch subject, so that he and his family were under Dutch protection. It also states that the pretext given for the seizure was that Pietro lodged with his sister (obviously Petronella) who was married to an English merchant (Henry Bobbitt) and he was therefore suspected of breaking a French blockade on English goods [10]. It seems that Pietro himself wrote about the seizure to the Dutch ambassador at Constantinople [11] and a list of Dutch nationals at Smyrna on 10 October 1759 [12] included him as “Pietro Smirachi”, clerk (scrivano), of Dutch descent, with no wife and no real estate. Returning to Henry Bobbitt, just one month before he was admitted to the Levant Company, on 10 September 1751 he had been admitted by Redemption (i.e. by payment) to the Freedom of the City of London as a
member of the Wheelwrights’ Company [13]. On the record of his admission he is described as the son of John [Bobbitt], late of Bridgwater in Somerset, innholder [i.e. innkeeper], deceased. So at last I know where the Bobbitts came from. As for Richard, it seems that he never returned to the Levant. He had been sent to a boarding school in Yorkshire where he was very unhappy. It may have been one of the infamous schools on which Dickens based his Dotheboys Hall in David Copperfield. Richard’s father, or possibly his uncle Henry, arranged for him to move to another school and he remained in Yorkshire for the rest of his life, first as a schoolmaster and then, for fifty years, as curate of Kirk Bramwith. Most of his children emigrated to the United States. This article has been published on the Levantine Heritage Society web site at www.levantineheritage.com/ links.html where much more information can be found about the Levant. There is also a chart with the article on the web site showing the connection of Petronella (Smerachi) Bobbitt to those mentioned in her will. Those mentioned in her will were of the upper echelon of society in the Levant. REFERENCES [1] The Sheffield Independent and Yorkshire and Derbyshire Advertiser, Saturday 28 July 1838, p. 5. http://levantineheritage.com/pdf/Smyrna_BMD_19th_century_British_ Newspapers.pdf [2] Register of St. Mary’s, Kirk Bramwith, Yorkshire: baptism of William Jefferson Bobbitt, 29 December 1793 [3] The Pedigree Register, vol. 3, 1913-1916, p. 217. [4] A copy of Petronella’s will, which is in Italian, is among the papers of the Fremeaux family in the Huguenot Library at University College London (Special Collections, F/ FR/ 50). [5] Alexander Drummond, Travels, London, 1754, p. 114, mentions dining with Richard Dobbs and others at Smyrna in 1745. [6] TNA: SP 105/333, p. 24. [7] Rachel Finnegan (ed.), Letters from abroad, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny: Pococke Press, 2013, p. 279. [8] TNA: SP 105/337, pp. 1, 2, 3. [9] TNA: SP 105/337, p. 20. [10] ] Verzameling van geheime brieven van en aan de gezanten der Nederlandschen Republiek [Collection of secret letters from and to diplomatic emissaries of the Dutch Republic], April 1756 – April 1762, vol. 5, The Hague, [n.d.]. [11] Meiden, G.W. van der (ed.), Inventaris van het archief van de Legatie in Turkije, 1668-1811, The Hague, 1974, p. 46, c.24: P. Smyrachi to Elbert de Hochepied, 1757. [12] Nanninga, J.G. (ed.), Bronnen tot de geschiedenis van den Levantschen Handel [Sources for the history of the Levant trade], part 3, 1727-1765, The Hague, 1952, p. 396. [13] London Metropolitan Archives, COL/CHD/FR/02/0754-0761
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Dangeours Words by Daisy Roser
Words, meaningless or meaningful, spoken, ignored, misused and valued every day. Words can hurt and words can heal; words are powerful, more powerful than most people will ever know. Words can tell stories, give commands; words are the way you communicate with other people, whether it is an idle conversation or the most important discussion the world will ever know. Words are so powerful, they are used to express thoughts, and time, and events, and feelings. It is rare for someone to have the ability to describe feelings or thoughts, but someone with that ability could become extremely powerful. Behind the words are feelings, thoughts, emotions… and if someone could unlock the potential behind the words we speak every day, they could become the most powerful person on earth. What if an author, well, any human being, could capture and deploy words just so effectively as he, or she, wove them into story. If someone had the power to express their feelings through their words without even speaking of feelings, they would become either famous, or rich, more than likely both. If someone could weave words into a story so that they captivated the listener, or the reader, so well that the reader was drawn from reality into the world of words, what would happen? What if one such person lived among us, walked on our small town streets daily, without anyone noticing? Nevan Olifal was such a person. He rarely spoke, and whenever he did, people rarely listened. His words were like treasures, and he kept them safe and hidden in his mind. He was a very thoughtful man, the kind of man no one notices when they walk by him on the street. He was a little shy, though his six-foot frame was rather intimidating . He always wore a trench coat, even when it was hot out, though it was rarely hot where he lived. Sometimes late at night he would sit in his little office and stare out the windows onto the deserted streets below. His penetrating blue eyes roamed over the dark buildings as he sat there and sifted through his thoughts; he would wait patiently. While he waited for his thoughts to settle, he would hold a pen in his left hand, cup his chin in the other and click the pen. Click, click, click. Sometimes he would do it for a few minutes; sometimes he would sit there for hours, until his hand was stiff and a red mark formed on his chin. But, after he stared out the window long enough, he would set down his pen, and walk slowly over to the shelf lining the wall opposite the desk, his shoes making a steady click, click, click on the hardwood floor.
He would pick up a small notepad, worn and tattered around the edges, and then he would walk back to the desk. Click, click, click, his shoes on the floor. He sat down, picked up a pencil that was barely a stub anymore, and stuck it in an electric sharpener that made a terrible grinding sound as it filed the sides of the tiny pencil. Nevan hardly noticed he was so used to the loud sharpener. He just stared out the window for a few seconds more, and then pulled the pencil stub out of the sharpener. He eyed the point for a second, and then opened the notebook to the last page. He took another careful look at the pencil point, and placed it in the sharpener again for barely a second. He withdrew it and placed the point onto the last piece of yellowed notebook paper. He frowned deeply, lines creasing his pale face as he slowly, carefully, formed tiny letters that could have been works of art for how beautifully he wrote them. And slowly word after word appeared across the page until he came to the bottom. The next morning when Nevan woke up, he yawned slowly and stretched. Then he reached for the notebook he had placed beside his bed. He looked at the last page he had written, at the carefully scripted words. The End...He stared at those words for a long, long time. The end, the end. It echoed through his brain, the book was finished. What do I do now? He asked himself. Later that day, on his way home from work, he went to see a friend, a good friend, a very old friend. A friend who had quite a lot of influence in the way of books, considering he had written quite a few, and was now rather famous. Nevan went for his friend’s opinion. He paused at the door of the house; he looked around carefully at the beautiful garden his old friend was so fond of. Nevan looked at the small red-brick house his friend had lived in for the past six years. Though it was neat, and clean, and nice-looking, it certainly didn’t suggest that his friend was rich. He stared at the particular design on the door’s handle. He placed his hand against the grain of the particular wood his friend had insisted upon using for his front door although Nevan had suggested a more common soft-wood. Then he looked down at his briefcase, and thought of the notebook inside. He gave a firm knock on the door. In an instant, the door opened; a short, balding man of about fifty looked up at him. He looked around carefully and then motioned Nevan inside. Nevan had to duck under the door-frame, it was as if the house had been built purposefully small.
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Dangeours Words by Daisy Roser continued from page 13 The room was dark, lit only by a few bare lightbulbs. The walls were painted a dark color, the furniture was dark, and even his friend was dressed in dull, brown clothing. And when Nevan stepped inside his eyes had trouble adjusting . “What is it?” the short man asked, his voice was surprisingly kind, though it sounded old and tired. Nevan surveyed his friend seriously: his rough, worn hands, his tanned skin and balding black hair. He looked in his friend’s dull brown eyes and said. “Aron, my friend, it is good to see you.” “What is wrong with you friend?’” Aron said smirking, “You only call me friend when there is something wrong… Here sit,” he added carelessly as he motioned to the table, which was made of the same wood as the door. Nevan shook his head, though he moved toward the table. Aron followed him and pulled out a chair for him to sit in. Nevan ignored the gesture and set his briefcase on the table, he unlocked it slowly and methodically. Aron watched with rapt attention, his brown eyes never blinking as he waited for Nevan to finish opening the briefcase. When Nevan handed him the tattered notebook, Aron shook his head and smiled grimly, “You’ve finished.” Nevan nodded again, the smallest hint of a smile crossed his face. “I will read it, yes?” Aron asked. “Of course,” Nevan replied as Aron snatched up the briefcase and ushered Nevan out the small door. “Goodbye, nice visit, see you tomorrow when I finish, yes?” Aron asked, slamming the door behind Nevan. Nevan shrugged to the wooden door and turned away as it started to rain. Nevan was awakened the next morning to the sound of a knock on his door, he rolled over and looked at the time, 5:05. “What’s anyone doing up at this hour?” he mumbled to himself groggily. He untangled himself from the sheets and went to unlock the door, flipping the light-switch on in the living room. A dark form bolted inside before he even had time to open the door fully. There stood Aron, his balding hair ascue, brownish clothes torn, brownish eyes wide and wild with fear, a tattered notebook in his hands. “What’s wrong?” Nevan asked in horror, forgetting to close the door as he stared at his wild-looking friend. “Too powerful,” Aron mumbled, his eyes darted around the room suspiciously. “What are you doing here at five in the morning?” Nevan asked slightly louder.
“The story,” Aron said, hardly glancing at Nevan. “What happened to you’re clothes?” Nevan wondered aloud, “What happened to your hair?” “They’re looking for it,” Aron said louder, looking around the room again, as if the shadows would suddenly spring to life. “What?!” Nevan followed his friend’s gaze but saw nothing. He grabbed his friend’s shoulder, Aron jumped and gave a little shriek of terror. Nevan held onto him tightly and led him toward a chair. “It’s okay,” Nevan said calmly, “Let’s just sit down and relax, it’s okay.” Aron relaxed a little, and sat. His eyes stopped darting, and he looked Nevan in the eye, Nevan could see his friend’s fear. Aron carefully placed the notebook on the table and stared at it for a while. “I’ll make some coffee,” Nevan said softly. “Pleh,” Aron said, “Nasty stuff.” Nevan smiled and started brewing a pot, he grabbed some toast and started buttering it. Aron relaxed a little more. “Last night, read story,” he was still nervous, Nevan could tell because his broken English was flaring up. “Good story, very good story, best story ever read!” Aron gave a little laugh that sounded a bit deranged. “Too good,” he mumbled as Nevan handed him a piece of buttered toast. “Nevan,” he said, grabbing Nevan’s arm and looking into his eyes with a sudden intensity, “that book is dangerous.” “Dangerous?” Nevan asked as he sat down the plate of toast and reached for the pot of coffee. He poured Aron a cup, and he gulped down several swigs of the burning liquid before Nevan had time to stir in any creamer. “Three men came in the night,” Aron said, his eyes darting to and fro once again. “They were looking for it, they wore all black,” Aron was speaking so fast Nevan could hardly understand him. “Slow down, Aron,” he said. “How would they know about my book? You’re the only person I’ve told, and why would they want it? Dressed in black?” “Your words,” Aron said, “your words,” he mumbled it over and over, as he took another sip of coffee shaking his head. “Okay?” Nevan asked yawning, he looked at the clock, 5:42. “Nevan,” Aron said, his voice deadly, “They want your words, they want your words for themselves.” Nevan raised an eyebrow. “And they will take it, by force,” Aron added. “But, they can’t take my…my voice, what are they gonna take? My book? I’ve got an online copy…” “Nevan,” he said again, “They will kill you for it.” Nevan gasped, and jumped up, spilling his coffee all over the glass table-top as something dark flew across the window.
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Edwards County High School FFA
FFA Week at Edwards County FFA, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is now known as The National FFA Organization. FFA is a leadership organization that is all about giving the youth numerous opportunities and helping them reach their full leadership potential. Throughout the year, FFA provides conferences, conventions, and workshops to aide students in being the strongest leader they can be. Some of the conferences include the BUILD conference, 212 conference, and numerous others. These two conventions specifically are designed for designated age groups. BUILD is for students in their junior and senior years of high school. At this conference, students learn how to “build” their leadership skills. 212 conference is the conference for freshman and sophomores. At this conference, students learn to get their leadership to a boiling point. All of the conferences that students participate in are focused on helping the students become the best leaders they can possibly become. All of the competitions that ECHS FFA participates in are considered Career Development Events. These events teach members skills that they can use for the rest of their life. While the competitions teach students technical skills, they also teach members how to communicate, teach teamwork, and give students opportunities to excel in fields they have a rising interest in. These competitions include forestry, livestock judging, poultry, and public speaking. The many other contests throughout the year are just as beneficial. Some of the community service Edwards County does throughout the year include outdoor ed, Autumn AgVenture, and the Farmer’s Share Breakfast. FFA members that choose to volunteer for outdoor ed spend an entire school day outside with a
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younger class. The high school students teach the elementary students things like how to conserve water, why agriculture is important, and how to care for the soil. Autumn AgVenture is always a big hit with the elementary students. Around 50 FFA members spend a Friday at the park with elementary students and teach them the basics of agriculture while building bonds and having a blast. Edwards County FFA works very hard throughout the entire year doing service projects for the community. This year, for FFA week, the ECHS FFA is taking on the project of collecting food items to donate to WADI. Edwards County always strives to meet community needs. This year, FFA week will definitely be an exciting time in Edwards County. The FFA officers have planned a week of dress up days, lunches, a petting zoo, and the annual “Drive Your Tractor to School” day. The schedule of the week is as follows: • Monday: No School • Tuesday: Wear your favorite hat to school day; kick off to food drive • Wednesday: Bib overall day; Drive your tractor to school day • Thursday: Deck yourself out in your FFA gear; Petting Zoo Day • Friday: Flannel Friday; Pork burger lunch for the members and FFA alumni Edwards County FFA invites all ECHS FFA alumni to join them at their member lunch from 11am-1 pm in the ag shop at the high school. We also invite anyone to come out to the petting zoo on Thursday from 8:30am2:30pm. Anyone who would like to visit the petting zoo or bring their little ones can contact Mrs. Wiseman at (618)445-1047.
ECHS FFA Officers L to R: Carissa Jefferson (Historian), Callie Meserole (Points Chair), Peyton Fallen (Sentinel), Hayley Buerster (Treasurer), Laney Stephens (Vice President), Halley Kocher (President), Emma Wiseman (Secretary), Libby Kincart (Reporter), Blake Mewes (Student Advisor), Tara Michels (Chaplain)
Edwards County FFA advisor Michelle Wiseman congratulates FFA alumni, Brooklyn Hazel who was recently crowned Miss Rodeo Illinois 2020. Best wishes for a fantastic year!
Simplicity “The Way to a Beautiful Lawn”
Congratulations to the January Student of the Month, Jaycey Buerster! Her teacher said she has a “wonderful personality!” For her efforts in the classroom, she will receive $20 cash from Matthes Farms, a cooler bag from Doug Raber, State Farm Insurance, a car care gift bag from Super Clean Car Wash, a water bottle from JW Equipment, a $25 gift card from Knapp Mart, a value meal from McDonalds, and a $15 gift card from United Mutual Insurance Company.
Proud to support FFA and the students in our community!
Proud to support FFA!
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For details on these and other mowers go to hjohnsonimp.com
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14 N. 4th Street, Albion•445-2306 Page 17 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Wabash Valley Service Company holds FFA Banquet On January 24th Wabash Valley Service Company held an FFA banquet to recognize participants in their NCGA Yield Contest through InVision Seed Corn. Wabash Valley invited 15 FFA Donnie Perkins from Albion presents his granddaughter Callie Mechapters from the 10 counties that serole with a $100 check for participating in the NCGA Yield contest. Wabash Valley services. 10 FFA chapters attended the event along with the growers that participated in the program. Each participant received a $100 donation from Wabash Valley to donate to the FFA club of their choice. The top three clubs with the most participants received additional awards of $1,500, 1,000 and $500. The grower with the top yield also received an additional $1,000. The top three clubs were: Gallatin County with 12 entries, Newton with 4 entries and NCOE with 3 entries. Gallatin County also received the high yield award and took home a total of $3,700. Wabash Valley and InVision Seed Corn donated a total of $6,300 to the FFA clubs. In addition to the meal, a total of $4,000 was given out in door prizes. The FFA club with the most in attendance was Cisne and they will receive a party of their choice. Edwards County had one farmer participate in the program, Donnie Perkins and he donated his $100 to the Edwards County club. Mt. Carmel and Grayville did not have any participants last year. Each grower in attendance received a knife compliments of Wabash Valley. If you are interested in participating this year you can contact an FFA member or Wabash Valley Service Company crop specialist for details. Wabash Valley plans to continue this program to support the area FFA clubs and hopes that it continues to grow. InVision Seed Corn will pay for the NCGA membership fee of $75 and the NCGA yield contest entry fee of $75.
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Rockets Foundation Mardi Gras 5k/10k Run/Walk
Wabash County Ag in the Classroom presented lessons on dairy in January. During the lessons, students had the opportunity to make butter by shaking heavy cream until the butter and buttermilk separate. Miranda Kennard, 4th grade student at MCGS, concentrates while spreading her homemade butter on a cracker.
For the past 10 years, the Rockets Foundation has been holding a 5k/10k Run/Walk Event called Mardi Gras. This year, the event has been revamped, including a new event name--Rockets 5k. The event is being held Saturday, February 29. Registration will be held from 10:00am-1:00pm in St. Mary’s Church, and the start line for both the 5k and Kids Fun Run is in front of St. Mary’s Church. The Kids Fun Run for ages 10 and under starts at 1:30pm and the 5k begins at 2:00pm. At 3:00pm, winners and door prize winners will be announced outside (weather permitting) or inside the church’s gathering hall. Raffle tickets are also available to purchase for a chance to win some fabulous prize baskets! After the run/walk, the Mt. Carmel Elk’s Club will have a menu available at their new location on 5th Street. The Rockets Foundation is a non-profit parent organized group set up to benefit the students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School. Their mission is to provide teachers and students with the tools they need to excel in education, technology and athletics and to enhance the modernization of the school. If you are interested in supporting the Rockets Foundation or becoming a sponsor, please check out their website at www.fueltherockets.com for a complete list of contributions made possible through donations and for more information on how to become a sponsor. Checks and registration forms can be mailed to Rockets Foundation, PO Box 56, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863 or can be dropped off at St. Mary’s Catholic School, 417 Chestnut Street, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863.
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Allendale Grade School
Allendale Grade School
Yellow Jackets Regional Champs On Friday, January 31st, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to Clay City for the Class S Regional Championship game against New Hebron. The Yellow Jackets started out the first quarter rather slow, but went on a 10-4 run to end the first quarter on top 10-9. In the second quarter, the Yellow Jackets were on fire and expanded their lead to 27-20 at halftime. The third quarter was not very explosive for either team, but the Yellow Jackets still maintained a seven point lead at 34-27. The Yellow Jackets saved their best quarter for the fourth quarter and pulled away with the Regional Championship victory by the final score of 53-39. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Elliott Acree with 14 points, Matt Jackson with 13 points, Carlos Monroy with 12 points, Kollin Kelsey with 7 points, Trent Casburn with 5 points, and Reed Stinson with 2 points. The A-team is now 13-8 on the season. Next up: SIJHSAA Class S State Tournament at Rend Lake College on Saturday, February 8th at 1:15 pm.
7th Grade Yellow Jackets place 3rd in Cisne Tournament On Saturday, January 25th, the Yellow Jackets continued in the Cisne 7th Grade Basketball Tournament. In the first game of the morning, the Yellow Jackets took on Fairfield in a semi-final game. The first quarter started out slow, as Fairfield took a commanding lead at 11-5. But, the Yellow Jackets found their stride in the second quarter and led at halftime 17-13. The third quarter went about as well as the first quarter, with Fairfield re-taking the lead 25-21. In the fourth quarter, as time
was running out, Brendan Bowser hit a 3-pointer from the right wing to tie up the score at 33-33 and send the game to overtime. In the overtime, Fairfield jumped out on top and never looked back, winning the game 41-35. This would send the Yellow Jackets to the 3rd Place game to take on New Hope for a trophy. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Kollin Kelsey with 12 points, Chase Gher with 9 points, Brendan Bowser with 5 points, Elliott Acree with 5 points, and Reed Stinson with 4 points. In the 3rd Place game against New Hope, the Yellow Jackets started the first quarter much better than earlier and led 8-5. Staying consistent, the Yellow Jackets led at halftime 17-9 and were two quarters
away from getting their first trophy in the Cisne Tournament. The halftime speech much have been inspiring, as the Yellow Jackets came out and took a commanding lead of 34-14 with 6 minutes left to play. All team members saw action in the fourth quarter and the Yellow Jackets captured the 3rd Place trophy with a 39-24 victory over New Hope. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Kollin Kelsey with 14 points, Elliott Acree with 8 points, Reed Stinson with 5 points, Brendan Bowser with 5 points, Chase Gher with 4 points, Brady Porter with 2 points, and Cameron Kolb with 1 point. With the victory, the B-team closes their season with a final record of 11-7.
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Allendale School is proud to announce the Elementary students making the Honor Roll for the 2nd Quarter: Bottom Row: Henry Buchanan, Elijah Dishman, Emily Foster, Whitley Grimes, Luke Harms, Bennett Morris, Samuel Smith. Second Row: Casey Burton, Brice Cooper, Braxton Culp, Vivie Doerr, Harper Prosise, Charles Stepro, Grayson Wilford, Third Row: Quentyn Blythe, Wyatt Buchanan, Max Ford, Abe Medler, Grasyn Morgan, Summer Perry, Jayce Weiss, Back Row: Conner McGinnis, Jacie Spore, Eli Garrett, Ryland Houchin, Kelsey Morgan, Jaxon Morris, Haleigh Prosise
Allendale School is proud to announce the Junior High Students making the 2nd Quarter Honor Roll: Front Row: Lillie Keeling, Lucas Isaac, Hayden Hendrix, Isaiah Courter, Ava Bates, Kathryn Andrews. 2nd Row: Isabella Monroy, Cameron Kolb, Olivia Smith, Michael Smith, Ashleigh McGinnis, Braden McGinnis, Tristan Bray, Rhett Andrews. 3rd Row: Brayden Wilford, Alex McGinnis, Blake McDonald, Kollin Kelsey, Kenadie Homan, Chase Gher, Roland Foster, Hallie Courter, Haley Carie, 4th Row: Chloey Wheeler, Jordis Riley, Clay Morgan, Cydnie Lawrence, Matt Jackson, Lauren Fisher, Holly Doerr, Xander Doan, Chloe Cusick, Chandler Cusick, Trent Casburn, Emma Carie
Allendale School is proud to announce Elementary students with Perfect Attendance for the 2nd Quarter: Front Row: Wyatt Buchanan, Rey Lopez, Jayce Weiss, Paisley Cusick, Easton Garrett, Harper Prosise, Henry Buchanan, Elijah Dishman, Back Row: Cadence Buchanan, Keilob Escobedo, Conner McGinnis, Tiffany Smith-Terry, Aiden Swift, Jackson Cusick, McKinlee Grimes, Kelsey Morgan, Olivia Phelps.
Allendale School is proud to announce Junior High students having Perfect Attendance in the 2nd quarter: Front Row: Lillie Keeling, Hayden Hendrix, Jason Ford, Isaiah Courter. 2nd Row: Jordis Riley, Kollin Kelsey, Hallie Courter, Isabella Monroy, 3rd Row: Matt Jackson, Chloe Cusick, Chandler Cusick, Thomas Conrad, Trentin Casburn
Teachers...would you like to see your students in the Hometown Voice? You can send pictures and information to hometownvoice2019@gmail.com
Page 21 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Allendale Grade School
Yellow Jackets 6th grade team wins 3rd place On Saturday, February 1st, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to Clay City for the annual C-team tournament to end the season. In game one, the Yellow Jackets played Albion and led after the first quarter 6-5. After a big second quarter, the Yellow Jackets led at halftime 17-6 and never looked back. The final score of the first game of the day ended up with the Yellow Jackets on top 27-12. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Elliott Acree with 14 points, Will Freeland with 8 points, Brendan Bowser with 4 points, and Brady Porter with 1 point. The win moved the Yellow Jackets into the semifinal game
against Cisne. The Blazing Bullets from Cisne was like kryptonite for the Yellow Jackets and Cisne won the game 43-15. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Cameron Kolb with 4 points, Will Freeland with 3 points, Elliott Acree with 2 points, Brady Porter with 2 points, Brendan Bowser with 2 points, and Tim Harness with 2 points. With the loss, the Yellow Jackets would immediately turn around and play St. Joe for 3rd place. After one quarter, the game would be tied at 10-10. The second quarter would prove to be the best quarter of the day for the Yellow Jackets and they would go into halftime with the lead at 25-21. The Yellow Jackets would extend their lead after three quarters to 38-32 and would pull away to win the 3rd place game 45-35. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Brady Porter with 18 points, Elliott Acree with 13 points, Brendan Bowser with 10 points, Will Freeland with 2 points, and Cameron Kolb with 2 points. Congratulations to the C-team on bringing home a trophy from the Clay City Tournament. They ended their season with a 11-6 record.
AGS celebrates 100 Days of School
Mrs. Harpers class
Mrs. Munsey’s 1st grade class
Mrs. Gerlach’s 2nd Grade Class
Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup submitted by Karen Fritchley Ingredients • 1 bag (30 oz.) of frozen dieced hash browns • 1 box of chicken broth (32 oz.) • 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10oz. ) • 1 package cream cheese (8 oz., not fat-free) • 3 ounces of bacon bits • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Salt & Pepper to taste Put the hash brown potatoes in the crockpot. Add in the chicken broth, cream of chichen soup and half of the bacon bits. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook on low for 8 hours or until hash brown potatoes are tender. An hour before serving, cut the cream cheese into small cubes. Place the cubes in the crock pot. Mix a few times throughtout the hour before serving. Once the cream cheese is completely mixed in, it’s ready to serve. Top with cheddar cheese and some additional bacon bits.
Mrs. Gerlach’s 2nd Grade Class
Mrs. Gerlach’s 2nd Grade Class
Jr Markman, Owner 1365 Illinois Route 130 Albion, IL 62806
618-446-2703 Fax: 618-446-3269
Page 22 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Ms. Gillard’s kindergarden class Page 23 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
AGS & WSGS celebrates 100 Days of School
Mt. Carmel High School FFA
Mrs. Ellis’ 1st grade class Mrs. Ellis’ 1st grade class
Mrs.Henson’s kindergarden class
Mrs.Henson’s kindergarten class
West Salem Grade School students West Salem Grade School students Page 24 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
The Mt. Carmel FFA has had a fantastic school year thus far, full of fun, friends, and some good ole’ classic FFA tradition. From attending National Convention, planning and working events, participating in various contests, or having a great time in the classroom learning about the various aspects of agriculture; FFA members throughout the chapter have been learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve all year long. Some of this years’ highlights include having our annual fish fry, the trap shoot meeting, seeing Temple Grandin speak at SIU, our annual Halloween meeting in which we had various creative and fun costumes present, attending the 90th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis where we got to see Brett Young in concert, tour the Indianapolis Speedway, attend a rodeo, and volunteer at the FFA National Days of Service, decorating a humongous Christmas tree located in the ag room for Christmas, and participating in various contests throughout the state. Each one of our members has had numerous opportunities to participate in conferences, contests, and events so far this year. Some of our greatest achievements this year include winning the Section 23 Horse Judging contest, placing 2nd in the Section Forestry contest and moving on to win 4th place in the state. For both of the section contests, we had the top individuals in the section. Mt. Carmel is also the proud home of the Section 23 President Mr. Coy Crull. We are proud of all our members and their various accomplishments and are looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year has in store for us. Our FFA Chapter would like to invite you to come to our annual Chili Supper and Auction on February 20th at Mt. Carmel High School. We are also proud to announce that the FFA plant sale will be from April the 20th to the 25th in the greenhouse. We hope to see each and every one of you there. Written by: Eva Hocking Mt. Carmel FFA Reporter
Brandon Bosecker and Liberti Noble received their American FFA Degree!! The highest honor a member can earn in the FFA.
Liv A and Eva H participated in the section 23 job interview contest. Liv(JV) placed 4th and Eva ( Varsity) placing 6th overall.
Page 25 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
MCHS FFA Officers L to R: Gehrig Jones, Eva Hocking, Sam Wheeler, Coy Crull, Courtney Potts, Gus Kolb
Sponsored by Ingram Meridith Funeral Home
Mt Carmel Ffa students have a heart of gold volunteering their time during National FFA Convention making Indy a better place. They worked with Big Car Collaborative which is a nonprofit art and design organization, Big Car Collaborative utilizes tools of culture and creativity to build community and social cohesion — helping connect people as a way to boost quality of life. Student’s had the opportunity to meet new friends from Ohio and North Dakota FFA’s, working together for a mission! Principal Dale Schmittler poses with kindergarten students Zaylee McMahel and Emersyn McVaigh of West Salem Grade School on the 100th day of school. Principal Schmittler got in the spirit and made a shirt with 100 peanuts on it.
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Learn more our Ag Services at www.firstmid.com. Page 26 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
February 10th: WSGS Volleyball home vs. Allendale @ 5:15 11th: AGS Volleyball home vs. Mt. Carmel - 5:15 11th:WSGS Volleyball home vs. Cisne - 5:15 13th: JH Girls Volleyball vs Carmi-White Co. @ 5:15 PM @ home 13th: Dr. Tim Roser from Carmi Family Dental will visit the AGS Kindergarten through 2nd grade 13th: AGS Volleyball @ Jasper - 5:30 14th: 3-hour Early Dismissal 17th: President’s Day—No School 17th: HS Boys Basketball Game vs. Richland Co. @ 6:15 18th: AGS Volleyball home vs. Grayville - 5 p.m 19th: WSGS Volleyball home vs. New Hope - 5:15 20th: JH Girls Volleyball vs Richland Co. @ 8 AM @ home 20th: WSGS Volleyball home vs. St. Mary’s - 5:15 22nd: AGS Volleyball Effingham Tournament TBA 24th: AGS Volleyball @ Carmi - 4:15 24th: WSGS Volleyball @ Jasper vs. Jasper/Geff - 5:15 25th: JH Girls Volleyball vs West Salem @ 6 PM @ home 25th: AGS Volleyball home vs. Fairfield - 5:15 27th: JH Girls Volleyball vs Flora at 5 PM @ home 27th: AGS Science Fair 28th: AGS Volleyball home vs. Olney - 5 p.m. March 3rd: JH Girls Volleyball vs St. Mary’s at 5:15 PM @ home 3rd: AGS Volleyball home vs. Flora - 5:30 7th: JH Girls Volleyball MC 6th Grade Tourney @ 9 AM, Mt. Carmel Grade School 7th: MCHS FBLA Dodgeball Tournament at 9:30 AM, MCHS gymnasium Elementary School
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Page 27 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Enjoy an evening with
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as he shares basketball stories and his faith
Saturday April 11th • 5:30 pm Edwards County High School For more information call
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Albion Grade School collecting for St. Jude Children’s Hospital It is that time of year that the AGS students participate in the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Math-a-Thon. AGS was one of the top 100 fundraisers for St. Jude in 2019 by collecting $12,022.70. Since 1986, AGS has collected $135,316.24 for the children at St. Jude. The money that the hospital receives goes directly to helping the children there that are battling cancer. The children at St. Jude receive free treatments due to the money that is collected through events like the St. Jude Matha-Thon. On February 7th, the AGS students will have a Kiss Cancer Goodnight Kick-Off. Students will receive information on how to collect money. Money will be collected through the month of February. Many local businesses have donated some awesome prizes for our top collectors. The school will be divided into two categories, K-3rd grade and 4th-8th grade. The top four collectors from each category will receive one of these prizes: Drone Potensic T25, IPods, Bike, or IPad. We have set our goal for 2020 at $10,000. We hope that you will help make a difference in the life of a child receiving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Hospital. If you would like to make a donation, please contact an AGS student or you can contact Francie Ellis at the school.
Mount Carmel, Ill.— Wabash Valley College’s bass coach, Professor Todd Gill, is excited to announce the signing of Holden Kauble for the upcoming 2020–2021 collegiate bass season. Kauble signed on Friday afternoon, Jan. 31. Holden Kauble is the son of Lance and Kelly Kauble of Clay City. He is a senior at Flora High School and will be competing this spring with the Flora bass team for the fourth straight season. During Kauble’s high school career, he earned “Big Bass of the Year” honors for 2018 and is on one of two teams from Flora that qualified for the IHSA Sectionals to be held May 7 at Forbes Lake. Kauble plans to study Agriculture Production in college and is excited about his opportunity to be a part of the Wabash Valley College bass team. Those interested in learning more about the Wabash Valley College bass team can visit www.wvcwarriorathletics.com, click on Club Teams and select Bass Fishing. High school juniors and seniors that have an interest in a campus visit can fill out the recruiting questionnaire and Coach Gill will contact them to discuss the team and schedule a campus visit. You can also keep up with WVC bass team news by following them on Facebook @WVC Bass Team and on Instagram @ wvcbassteam.
2020-21 Wabash County Board The newly elected 2020-21 Wabash County Farm Bureau Board of Directors elected during the 100th Annual Wabash County Farm Bureau meeting is as follows: first row (l to r): Kyle Schonert- Mt Carmel City, Brad Winter- Wabash, Brent StrineMt Carmel Rural, Dolores Timberlake- Bellmont, and Connie Hocking- Compton. Back row: Willis Kelsey- Friendsville, Chad Broster- Lick Prairie, David Blythe- Lancaster Ryan Peter- At Large (Lick Prairie), and Deric Wright- Coffee.
Wabash County Farm Bureau celebrated its 100th Annual Meeting on Monday, January 20, 2020. Over 140 attendees helped the organization commemorate the event. The COUNTRY Financial Representatives in Wabash County sponsored the meal and Wabash Valley Service Company sponsored the guest speaker, Sean Arians. Each family that attended, received a commemorative indoor/outdoor thermometer which displayed the especially created 100th Anniversary logo for Wabash County Farm Bureau. Current and past board presidents and managers were honored during the event. Wabash County Farm Bureau is proud to have served the farmers and community of Wabash County for 100 years, and they look forward to continuing these efforts for many years to come.
The current and past presidents of the Wabash County Farm Bureau were honored during their 100th Annual Meeting on January 20, 2020. Those present for the meeting from left to right are Brent Strine, Keith Hocking, Brent Ford, Teddy Bosecker, Kevin Raber, Raymond Haase, James Stevens, John Haase, Michael Steckler, and Chad Broster.
TERRY L. HARPER Certified Public Accountant 9 North Fifth Street Albion, IL 62806-1021
618-445-3433
Wabash County Farm Bureau celebrates 100th Annual Meeting
Holden Kauble joins WVC Bass team
Pictured at the signing were Lance Kauble, Holden Kauble and Kelly Kauble.
Experienced Income Tax Preparation and Accounting Services
Page 28 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
Middle left: During the 100th Annual Meeting of the Wabash County Farm Bureau on January 20, 2020, the current and past managers of the organization were recognized. Those able to attend the meeting from left to right are Carol Jo Beadles, Steve Williams, Gary Kennedy, and Roger Christin. Bottom left; Connie Hocking generously donated a 3’x3’ barn quilt as a door prize for the 100th Annual Wabash County Farm Bureau meeting on January 20, 2020. Connie is pictured here with the fortunate winner, Michael Steckler.
Page 29 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
St. Mary’s Catholic School SMS/Allendale Co-op wins tournament St. Mary’s Catholic School and Allendale School hosted 22 teams the weekend of January 10-12 for the 2020 Belleville Diocesan Girls Basketball Tournament. There were 31 games played in three days between the Junior (5th/6th) division and Parochial (7th/8th) division. The SMS/Allendale Co-op Varsity team won Championship 39-32 at Allendale School on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Vic’s Bread and Brew is the place to be Mt. Carmel local businessman Vikram Singh, or Vic as he is known by many friends and customers, has recently opened his third business in Mt. Carmel, Vic’s Bread and Brew. Originally from India, Vic worked for 12 years as a mechanical engineer before deciding to go into business for himself. His first business is the Shamrock Motel in Mt. Carmel that he opened in 2014. A couple of years later he purchased and opened 8th Street Liquor. With the confidence gained from owning two successful businesses Vic decided to take another chance. “I saw the need for a coffee shop and bar in town. When I came to this building and saw it for sale I thought, why not put both in one place. So I did.” Vic said proudly. Vic’s Bread and Brew opened its doors early in January and has already received many glowing reviews and kind words over social media. Serving a va-
riety of toasted sandwiches, coffee, and espresso throughout the week as well as having a full functioning bar on the weekends the place is already booming. They also plan to host a variety of events including, of course, the Super Bowl. So if you’re in need of a hot cup of coffee, a delicious sandwich, or a stiff drink on the weekend, Vic’s Bread and Brew is the place to be.
Timberlake Furniture has new owners about buying out the business. “We thought it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.” Said Morgan. Born and raised in Mt. Carmel Morgan taught 1st grade for 9 years at South School, then was an art teacher at St. Mary’s before taking over her family’s business. Tyson was a national sales account manager for a global seed company. “So it’s a little different for both of us, but we’re slowly learning and trying to find our way.” Morgan said with a smile. Even with an inventory of over 400 couches just on the sales floor, they still offer special orders. “We can order anything you want. If you don’t see it here we can probably get it.” Explained Tyson. If you want to make your house a real home, check out Timberlake Furniture’s expansive selection of all kinds of furniture and houseware.
Morgan and Tyson Meador new owners of Timberlake Furniture in Keensburg Timberlake Furniture opened its doors in 1982, located in Keensburg in Wabash County. Owned and operated by Roy and Alma Timberlake who grew the business to be one of the, if not the, largest furniture vendor in the tri-state. On January 1st of 2020, Roy approached his granddaughter Morgan Meador and her husband Tyson
Page 30 • Hometown Voice • February 2020
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