March 2022 Hometown Voice by hometownvoice2019

H METOWN VOICE

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March 2022

We applaud all frontline workers. Logan Bailey Assistant Vice President Financial Advisor

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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP3413078 | AD-03-21-0288 | 470944PM-0221 | 03/2021

Your farm is your legacy Let me help you protect it with customized farm insurance. Steven Thomson Financial Representative 103 W North St West Salem, IL 62476-1344 www.countryfinancial.com/steven.thomson steven.thomson@countryfinancial.com (618)456-2309

Farm insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, Illinois. 0820-502HC_03989-2/21/2022

Agriculture: Ever Changing, Ever the Same

By Meghan Fearn Agriculture is an ever-changing industry. Yet through all the changes, there are some things that remain very much the same. There has always been a time to plant and a time to harvest, yet the methods of completing those tasks look very different than they did 100 years ago. Care of the land has always been an important part of being a good steward, yet tillage practices and the way the land is replenished have seen drastic changes. A very notable change in the field of agriculture displays itself in livestock production. Just 30 years ago, most of the farms in Southern Illinois were covered with cattle or pigs, being farrowed, raised, and sold as market animals. Due to government regulations, market prices, and the shift toward grain production, livestock is now a rarity on many farms today. However, a few families have found creative ways to make livestock production a viable option for their operations. Bunting Family Farms and Wiseman Mark and Crystal Bunting with their grandchildren. l-r Family Farms are an example of those who have Dean McCoy, Warren Bond, Meredith Bond, Mark, Aufound a creative way to raise and market their live- drey Mccoy, Rosalind Bond, Crystal, Camille Bond, and in front, Evelyn Bond stock. Wiseman Family Farms specializes in pork production and Bunting Family Farms specializes in beef. Both are multi-generational farm families who continue to have future generations coming into the operation. Grain farming is the primary income for both farms and is an avenue they wish to expand on. However, when planning for the next generation, both were looking for ways to bring in extra income. They wanted to include the whole family and to utilize the experience, buildings, and pasture lands they already had. Wiseman Family Farms includes Marvin and Lori Wiseman and Nic and Whitney Wiseman. The farm, located in Browns, has been in the family for 100 years. Nic and Whitney have six young children who are learning the family business alongside of them. The Wisemans stepped out of market hog production in 2008 but began to bring hogs back in 2015 to raise as freezer meat for friends and family. In 2017, Nic was approached by someone in Albion who wanted to have a quality pork product; but they did not have the freezer space for a half or whole hog. When Nic raised his litter that year, he reserved the meat from one hog to be sold as individual cuts. He sold out very quickly with requests for more. Each year following, he has raised more litters, added freezers, and developed a great working relationship with CountryStyle Meats in Sumner for processing. He now raises approximately 20-30 head for individual cuts, which they have available year around, and another 30-40 to sell as whole or half hog freezer meat. They are a farrow to finish operation. The hogs are raised outdoors without antibiotics and they grow their own Non-GMO corn which is used in their feed mixture. Bunting Family Farms, located in Ellery, has also been in the family for several generations and includes Mark and CrysNic and Whitney Wiseman with their children. Front row: Charlotte, Virginia, Tucker. Back On the cover: Mark Bunting and grandson Dean McCoy check out the crops and cattle. row: Whitney, Eliza, Nic, Wade and Hunter.

Page 1 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Agriculture: Ever Changing, Ever the Same continued tal Bunting and Evan and Ailie Bunting. Mark and Crystal have always enjoyed working with livestock; however, raising market animals wasn’t something that continued to make financial sense for their farm. They knew they needed to either step out of livestock production or find another avenue. Neither could imagine a farm without livestock and they also wanted to allow their grandchildren to have the experience of working with animals. In 2019, they began to implement the concept of selling individual cuts of beef, along with quarter, half and whole sections. They, too, found many people who preferred purchasing the individual cuts as needed instead of filling their freezers with the entire steer. They now keep

five, large freezers full of the choicest cuts of meat and will have approximately 20 steers butchered this year. They purchase their animals at around 600 pounds from a local farmer with a good reputation of raising quality and consistent animals. No hormones are used in the raising of the cows and they are grain fed to approximately 1300 pounds before being processed.

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Agriculture: Ever Changing, Ever the Same continued Both have a customer base that expands into several counties. Between the two operations, they have customers as far as Centralia, Illinois and Newburgh, Indiana. Once people taste the difference and tenderness of high-quality, farm-raised meat, they become consistent customers. They have competitive pricing and offer free delivery to most locations. Much of their communication happens on their Facebook pages (Wiseman Family Farms and Bunting Beef), but they can also be reached through a phone call or text message. (Nic Wiseman 618-302-1208 and Crystal Bunting 618-445-7224) While they are two separate farming entities and

families, both the Wisemans and Buntings have enjoyed the benefits from finding a unique avenue through Agriculture. However, the things they have enjoyed the most are working together as a family, meeting new people, bringing up another farming generation, and being able to educate others about farming.

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Agriculture: Ever Changing, Ever the Same continued Changes have certainly come to all fields of Agriculture, including livestock production. Old hedge posts are replaced with steel posts, new equipment is used in feeding and transportation, the demand for product has certainly changed, and new marketing ideas have been implemented. However, there are many things that have stayed the same. Grandparents still enjoy taking a little one along to help with chores, kids still get excited when they see the birth of a litter of pigs, livestock still provides an income to keep the family farm growing, and people still enjoy a good steak or pork chop. Agriculture will continue to move and change, but one of the beautiful things about farming is that some things will stay the same.

At left top: Mark Bunting with granddaughter Evelyn Bond. Bottom: Bunting grandson, Dean McCoy.

Page 4 • Hometown Voice • February

2022

Edwards County High School FFA Highlights Chapter SAE Projects My name is Gabe Wyatt, I’m a freshman at ECHS and live in Northern Edwards County where I am the eighth generation to live on our family farm. My SAE consists of two books, Beef and Sheep Production. I started both of my projects through 4-H and maintain a small herd of Registered Simmental cattle and a small flock of Hampshire and black face cross sheep that I started with my sister Halley. I enjoy showing both cattle and sheep with my family and have done so at several local, state, and national shows. I plan to expand both my cattle herd and sheep flocks through High School and use the proceeds to help pay for college. JW Simms-Reisner a Freshman from Edwards County FFA is this year’s Section 23 Sheep Production winner. This year JW’s record books are on his registered Montadale sheep and he hopes to add more animals and more breeds in years to come. He travels Above: JW Simms Reisner

Above: Gabe Wyatt

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Edwards County High School FFA Highlights Chapter SAE Projects to multiple county, state, and national shows to exhibit his sheep. He works to improve his project in terms of picking the right rams to breed to ewes to get the best lambs possible. JW hopes to continue showing and selling his sheep for years to come. I’m Caleb Stevens and my SAE Record book is in the category of Outdoor Recreation. My Record book consists of scoring and pulling rounds of trap, 5-stand, and skeet at the Edwards County Sportsmen’s Club. I also do basic maintenance on the trap machines to make sure that they stay operational. Hello, I am Rylan Robb and my SAE Record book is all about my job as a lifeguard! This book is in the Illinois-only Safety area and safety is a big part of lifeguarding. I make sure everyone is following the rules, like no running on the deck, as well as maintaining the concession stand, staying after hours to clean, and giving private swimming lessons! In the 2021 season, I was the Albion Park Pool manager and I enjoyed Above: Rylan Robb

Above : Caleb Stevens

it and learned a lot! With this position, I needed to make schedules and supervise my coworkers. I plan on continuing to lifeguard at the Albion Park Pool for many summers!

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Grayville High School FFA Highlights Chapter SAE Projects

By Kendal Duncan The Grayville FFA chapter has many active SAE’s (Supervised Agricultural Experience).Rhiannon Nesler, Hanna Waggoner, Gabriella Spencer, and Natalie Cowling all have SAE’s that are housed on school grounds, ranging from a full greenhouse business to keeping bees! Our SAE’s help grow our responsibility, budgeting, research, and time management skills. Rhiannon Nesler operates our chapter greenhouse. She has a business known as “Growing Green”. She grows many plants year-round, and “baby-sits” plants throughout the winter for $10 a plant. What you might see her growing and taking care of is from Wandering Jews all the way to succulents. Rhiannon started managing the greenhouse during her freshman year of high school with Maddy Cunnginham who has since graduated. She spends at least an hour in the greenhouse almost every day she is able. Rhiannon did in fact recently win the district proficiency contest for her SAE, and will be participating at the district level! Hanna Waggoner and Gabriella Spencer have two Katahdin sheep on our school grounds. They applied for the 2021 fall grant, and received $500 dollars to purchase their sheep and supplies. They have plans to participate in rotational grazing, which is where they will move the sheep’s pen to a different location every week. Rotational grazing will ensure the sheep receive all the nutrients they need from the land. Their plans with the sheep is to show them in the 4-H fair and Section 23 FFA show. They also are planning to breed the sheep and live broadcast the birth for educational purposes. The offspring will be raised and sold around 2-15 months old. Gabriella And Hanna switch off watering and feeding their sheep every day. They also check on them during the evening. Hanna Waggoner is also a beekeeper! She runs a business called “Hanna’s Honey’s”. She started planning the business she was going to run her sophomore year of high school. Then she received a grant allowing her to buy the box for her bees the spring of her sophomore year. She caught the bees herself from a local who had a bee infestation! Hanna plans to sell honey and skin products. She also has a social media account to help educate people about bees and the importance of them to our environment! Natalie Cowling has 15 chickens located at the school. She got them in late September of her 8th grade year. She feeds them scratch grains in the morning and later in the afternoon she checks their water and collects eggs. She plans to sell their eggs for profHigh-quality vehicles: We offer a mixture of new and it. Natalie also has a plan used vehicles, with many makes and models to raise chicks in the near at competitive prices. future. Currently she is having the ag construcThe New 2022 Ram tion class build her a new 2500 TRADESMAN chicken coop. She has CREW CAB 14 hens and one rooster. 4X4 6’4 BOX She is planning to eventually move them home Order your new RAM and expand her flock! today and lock-in your The Grayville High price, discounts and/or School has many curspecial pricing! rent SAE’s. Just ask any FFA member about their SAE! Our FFA members work very hard to be proSales: 618-342-4802 412 E Main St ductive and responsible ASK ABOUT OUR DISCOUNTS! Service: 618-565-0896 Fairfield, IL 62837 with their SAE’s. SAE’s On the Job Discounts, FFA Discounts, Parts: 618-339-6337 Case IH and New Holland owner Disand FFA overall help us counts. to prepare for adulthood!

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Mt. Carmel High School FFA Highlights Chapter SAE Projects Even though every student is required to create and maintain a record book for their SAE, some of them work harder than they need to in order to succeed. There are three students whose SAEs specifically stand out. First is Liv Alka. Her SAE is with her chickens. Liv’s category is in Poultry Production Entrepreneurship. This means that she owns her own chickens, and pays for everything herself. She started her journey with her chickens her freshman year. Her freshman and junior years, she participated in Agriscience Fair with projects on predetermining the gender of chickens. Her SAE allows her to express her knowledge of poultry by raising and taking care of her own chickens and selling the eggs for her business. She uses the knowledge gained from her science fair experience to save money by purchasing straight-runs (unsexed) groups of chickens, using her tested methods to predetermine the gender of the chicks, and getting rid of the males before they can cause harm to her flock of production hens. Next, we have Lexi Stevens. Her SAE is in the category of Beef Production Placement. This means that she works for her dad, Clayton Stevens, who owns the cattle, and is paid in return for her labor. Lexi has multiple responsibilities on the farm. Every morning and night, she is required to feed and water the cows and check on the calves. These calves are not just regular calves. These baby cows are actually the product of AI, artificial insemination, that they do themselves. The biggest thing she does on the farm is break cows. Breaking a cow is the process of getting the

Above: Alexia Stevens - I am sitting with one of my new born calves. By sitting with them when they are young they get used to people and it makes it easier to halter break in the future.

Farm Equipment Auction

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www.rothrockauction.com Page 8 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Mt. Carmel High School FFA Highlights Chapter SAE Projects animals used to things that they will experience during a show. These things include getting the cows used to halters, giving them baths so they get used to being around them, and taking them on tractor rides to help break the stubbornness of these cows. As an aspect of her SAE, Lexi competes in multiple cow shows across the Midwest. She has placed very well plenty of times and has impressed everyone. Lastly, we have Steven Haase. Instead of one SAE, Steven has two. His categories are Grain Production Placement and Grain Production Entrepreneurship. Steven not only works for his Grandpa’s farm, he also does farming of his own. Steven works for his Grandpa’s farm, doing everything from planting, to harvesting, to maintenance. He works all year long, helping where he can. In addition to this, he owns his own 280 acres, where he does it all. Steven rents these 280 acres from his dad and also pays rent to use the equipment that his dad owns. He does all of his own planting, purchases his own seed, harvests, and maintains all of his ground.

Steven Haase. “I had to stop at the seed tender to fill up the planter with corn. I use the remote for the seed tender to swing the augur out and lower it into the seed bulk tanks.”

Look for the digital edition of the Hometown Voice on Facebook. Above: Olivia Alka - Here, I am sexing the chicks at the age of 2 weeks. The results of the sexing will be compared to the actual gender of the chicks at 6 weeks. The data will then be totaled and we will find the percent accuracy per method.

EVERY STEP. EVERY SEASON.

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623 Railroad ST Browns, Illinois Page 9 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Farmers are adapting to supply chain issues. Mike Wilson ASA, CCA 4R NMS/ RMS/ PASp. Wabash Valley Service Company. 2022 is presenting supply chain issues for US Farmers not seen since the days of rationing for WWII. It involves everything from fertilizer products and crop protection chemicals to equipment and replacement parts. Things were pretty tough before this past week when it got a little more challenging with the Russian attack on Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine are world suppliers of Agricultural commodities. The strain on the global food system is getting to a critical point that is being reflected in both grain and fertilizer prices. While we already have most of our inputs in place for the current crop, things don’t look so Rosey for Fall and prep for the 2023 crop season. Here at home our Ag industry is dealing with shortages of critical crop protection products due to the fact we just can’t get it made and delivered to the farm due to logistical issues up and down the supply chain. Much of our tech material (the active ingredient that kills the weed) is made in other countries (mostly China) and imported for manufacture here in the US. The winter of 2020-21 was very harsh in Texas with the electrical grid crash and it took some of the plants that manufacture other ingredients for these products months to get back online. The supply still has not recovered. Fertilizer supply looks to be adequate, for now, but most Farmers have planned well and we should be able to get what we need with a few logistic delays still possible. Pricing, however, is at an all time high. The Federal government has promised an investigation into price gouging by the fertilizer companies that basically have a monopoly here in the US, we’ll see where that goes. This growing season Set the thermostat where you want for a more comfortable home. once again shows the ingenuity and adaptability of US agriculture. We have substituted crop protection products to fill hole left by supply chain on qualified models & issues. We have switch installation fertilizer sources for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to make up for shortages of one product or another. We will plant a crop, we will help feed not only our own people Classic Edge 360, 560 and 760 HDX but be able to export are U.S. EPA Certified feed and food products to our trade partners • Highest Efficiency Certified by EPA** around the world. • Peace of Mind - Keep the fire outside and eliminate the

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COUNTRY Financial® Supports AGS, Through Operation Helping Heroes Donation Fracie was awarded $250 from the “Helping Heroes” fund to support her efforts to make learning fun and interactive for her students. There were many wonderful comments about Francie including: “Francie goes above and beyond to help her students and has been instrumental in organizing the plans for the outdoor classroom.” and “I had Mrs. Ellis for first grade and ever since then she has been one of my favorite teachers. She is wonderful with kids and overall a great person. She deserves this because she is always wanting the best for her students.” Francie plans to use the money to buy a whiteboard for the junior high outdoor classroom. COUNTRY Financial donated $3 million in 2020 to organizations and programs that support first responders and active-duty service members, supporting the company’s vision to “enrich lives in the communities we serve.” COUNTRY Financial is continuing the program in 2021 and expanding the opportunity to educators, to help financial represenCOUNTRY Financial Representative Doug Hortin is pleased to sup- tatives further support their local community. port FIRST RESPONDERS / TEACHERS as a 2021 recipient of a The Operation Helping Heroes program was COUNTRY Financial Operation Helping Heroes donation. Congratu- created in 2015 to support non-profit events lations to Francie Ellis 2nd grade teacher at Albion Grade School. and programs that benefit active-duty service members, veterans and their families. There are more awards to be presented over the next few months and many nominations have already been received. You can submit your nomination at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K5329Q5

To advertise or share a story idea contact Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019@gmail.com

Sophie Garcia 6 on March 13th

Look for the digital edition of the Hometown Voice on Facebook.

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Page 11 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Congratulations to the February Student of the Month at ECHS, Campbell Biggs! Campbell was nominated because she excels in class. The Edwards County FFA Officers presented Campbell Bigss with her award. L to R Rylan Robb, Tara Michels, Callie Meserole, Addie Bailey, Biggs, Carissa Jefferson, Kassidi Metcalf, Aly Williams, and Emma Wiseman. For her efforts, Campbell receives a t-shirt and beef sticks from Country Home Processing, $20 cash from Matthes Farms, a Browning hat, a t-shirt from Fifteen West, a lunch container for Gerri Hughes Tupperware, a can cooler from Steve Thomson Country Financial, a water bottle from Doug Raber State Farm, a gift card to Knapp Mart from United Mutual Insurance, Casey’s gift card from the Hope Center, and a McDonald’s gift card. Great job, Campbell!

Most photos in the Hometown Voice are submitted. If you have a photo or story you would like to share please email: hometownvoice2019 @gmail.com

Happy 1st Birthday Zeke!

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Page 13 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Stephanie Trussell Coming to Spare Time in Albion

By Meghan Fearn “No matter your background, no matter where you start, you are defined by the choices you make and the work you are willing to put in.” Stephanie Trussell shared this quote in a speech, shortly after being introduced as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, running alongside Republican, Gubernatorial Candidate, Darren Bailey. Raised by a single, teenage mother on the West side of Chicago, the fact that Trussell is running for one of the higher elected positions in the State of Illinois, proves these words true. It was the good choices and hard work of her mother that allowed Trussell to attend a private school, dance lessons, and other extra curriculars that kept her busy as a child. It continued as Trussell began working at the age of 14 years old. By the age of 18, she was a manager at the McDonalds where she worked. Fast forward a few years, she went on to work for the City of Chicago, get married and have children. She and her husband decided to move out of the city and into the suburbs of Lisle, Illinois, a place where she was told a Black, West side Chicago girl would never fit in. However, they were welcomed into the community and her children thrived in the great school district there. Trussell left her job to stay home with her children and became actively involved in the school and community. She spent many hours cheering for her five children at their various sporting events and carpooling groups of kids to their many activities. It was during the numerous hours in her mini-van that Trussell began to listen to conservative talk radio. She had always identified with the Democrat political party, but it was during this time she realized that this party didn’t represent the deeply held, Christian values that her and her family believed. It shocked her to realize that she aligned with the platform of the Republican party. In 2012, WLS Talk radio had a contest where they invited people to compete for an opportunity to be a talk show host for two hours. Trussell, a minivan driving soccer mom, competed against over 100 other candidates and won the contest. Those two hours as a talk show host changed her life. WLS invited her back as a fill-in host and she took every spot she could, until one day she was offered her own show. Trussell used her Saturday afternoon talk show to about what is going on in the State of Illinois. She shared her story, interviewed countless people, and talked about her common sense, conservative approach to politics, and most importantly, her heart for Jesus. The show drew a lot of attention as a black, West Side Chicago born Republican woman was a little un-heard of, especially during the Obama administration. Trussell had her show for seven years and feels as though it helped her develop her communication skills, make relationships, and gain courage for the next step in her life, pollical office. In 2021, Trussell was considering a run for State Senate, when David Smith of the Illinois Family Association asked her to meet with upcoming gubernatorial candidate, Darren Bailey. It didn’t take long to see that they shared the same views on God, family, and country and in November, Bailey invited her to join him in running as the Lieutenant Governor for the State of Illinois. It has been a whirlwind of campaign events since then. Trussell has loved traveling the state of Illinois, meeting the people, and learning about the Southern counties. “The people of Illinois are wonderful. Everywhere I go I have people stopping to pray for me, to give me encouragement and support.” Trussell continues. “There were over 110,000 people who left Illinois last year. We shouldn’t have that. Illinois is a phenomenal place to be, but we need to restore this state and make it place where we can stay and raise our children and grandchildren. I tell everyone, don’t put the for sale sign out yet, there is hope for Illinois.” Trussell has lived her life engaged with the culture, raising a family, overcoming adversity, and loving Jesus. She will be making a campaign stop at Spare Time Bowling Alley in Albion, Illinois on March 16th from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend and learn more about the hard work and better choices that Trussell and Bailey hope to make in the future of Illinois. For more information go to baileyforillinois. com.

Page 14 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Olympic Inspiration

By Meghan Fearn Over the last few weeks, my family has been catching bits and pieces of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Not being a strong sports family, it has been fun to do something different and enjoy the competition. We have cheered for Team U.S.A. and learned about each of the games. Although I still have not grasped the full concept of curling, we did try to look up each sport on the internet to try to understand how the games worked. It was a fun, educational experience that the kids seemed to enjoy as much as we did. However, as we watched each competition, I did feel as though there were more lessons being learned than just how to play a game. The athletes would cross the finish line, look at their time, and be overcome with emotion when they realized they had made the podium or maybe hadn’t placed. We would watch families at home who would burst into tears or applaud as they cheered for their loved one. The heartbreak over a fall or missed jump was evident on the faces of the athletes. This led to many discussions over why this moment was so important. To a child, they see a few moments of competition and think “That looks like fun, we should try that.” What they don’t see are the hours, days, and years that have been dedicated to this one moment. They don’t see the pain, sweat, and tears that came from a rigorous workout, countless falls, and hours of practice. They don’t realize the self-discipline each athlete practices through diet, exercise, study, and scheduling. The dreams of that medal are not realized through a 48-second bobsled ride, but from years of hard work. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 it states “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” As we spoke to the kids about the years building to this moment for each athlete, I couldn’t help but correlate it to this verse. Each choice these athletes make daily either leads them to the gold or a second short of winning. The same concept goes for us. We aren’t to aimlessly • FREE Food Bundles will be given away in live our life; we are to live with purpose. the church basement beginning at 8 a.m. We aren’t supposed to coast and hope we make the podium. We are to live each on March 12th and April 9th. day seeking Christ, learning more about Him, and sharing Him with everyone we • A FREE Community Meal will be served from know. Just like being an Olympic athlete, the race of life isn’t easy. It is 5 - 7 p.m. on March 16th and April 20th in the running great to teach the kids to have big dreams and goals; but I hope they understand that church basement. it starts with each moment at home. It means giving 100% to every school subject, job, and task they have been given. It means making wise choices in who they spend time with and how they spend their time. It isn’t always easy, but the elation we saw of the athletes winning their medals will not even remotely compare with the joy of the eternal prize that is waiting for a Christian! Keep running the race! Sundays: 9:30 am Sunday School

Northside Missionary Baptist Church wants to Share God’s Love with Grayville

Northside Missionary Baptist Church

805 North State Road, Grayville

10:30 Morning Worship 5 p.m. Team Kids - Grades 1st-6th & Youth - Grades 7th-12th Pastor Dennis Seidel

Page 15 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Submit your Best Spring Photo to

hometownvoice2019@gmail.com For your chance to be on the cover of the April Hometown Voice Entries due by March 18th Volunteer Firemen’s Association of West Salem

BBQ Pork Chop Supper

April 2, 2022 Serving and Carryouts start at 4 pm at the Firehouse on the square Menu: BBQ Pork Chops, Baked Potato, Baked Beans, Slaw, Bread

Page 16 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

tive youth development,” Gaither says. Gaither first joined Illinois Extension in 2012 as the 4-H program coordinator in Crawford County and later Lawrence County. A 4-H alum, Gaither showed livestock during her time in the program and has continued the 4-H tradition with her two daughters. Gaither is based in the Lawrence County office and canbe reached at sgaither@illinois.edu or (618) 943-5018. University of Illinois Extension educators and speciasts connect every county in Illinois with university research through in-person and distance-learning programming and other educational outreach. They work to provide businesses, families, and agricultural producers with the practical tools and resources needed to solve problems. URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H strives to unlock the potential in every young person, helping them to dream, plan, design, build, and achieve. Around the state, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development staff guide the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. In January, Illinois Extension welcomed a familiar face, Samantha Gaither, to serve as 4-H youth development educator in Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties. “We are very excited to have Samantha as the educator for our 4-H team,” says Tara Buerster, Illinois Extension county director. “She brings several years of experience in 4-H and youth development to help us deliver positive youth programs in our five-county area.” Gaither will provide leadership to the youth and development program that supports 4-H clubs and special interest groups, as well as educational events in southeastern Illinois. She is looking forward to connecting with local youth and volunteers and expanding opportunities across the five-county unit. “I hope to provide opportunities for local young people to build life skills with research-based educational programs focused on social-emotional learning, STEM, environmental stewardship, workforce preparation, and posi-

Grayville Sports Schedule Date March 14 March 15 March 15 March 16 March 16 March 18 March 18 March 22 March 24 March 24 March 25 March 25 March 31 April 04

Team GHS softball home vs. Carmi GHS baseball home vs. Fairfield GHS softball home vs. Fairfield GHS softball home vs. Gallatin GHS baseball home vs. Gallatin County GHS softball @ Red Hill GHS baseball @ Red Hill GHS softball home vs. Clay City GHS softball @ Cisne GHS baseball @ Cisne GHS softball home vs. Christ Our Rock GHS baseball home vs. Christ Our Rock GHS baseball home vs. Edwards County GHS softball home vs. Edwards County

Time 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:15 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30

Happy Birthday Glen Meritt March 12th

Debbie Fearn March 13th

Michael Snidle March 24th

Melanie Wyant March 27th

Ryan Ginther March 30th

Edwards County Sports Schedule

Date March 14 March 14 March 16 March 16 March 18 March 19 March 21 March 21 March 22 March 24 March 24 March 26 March 28 March 28 March 29 March 30 March 31 April 2 April 4

Team ECHS baseball home vs. Casey ECHS softball home vs. Casey DH ECHS baseball @ Oblong ECHS softball @ Oblong ECHS baseball home vs. Mt. Carmel JV ECHS softball @ Fairfield Invitational ECHS baseball home vs. NCOE ECHS softball home vs. Wayne City ECHS softball @ Lawrenceville V & JV ECHS baseball @ North Clay ECHS home vs. Clay City ECHS @ East Richland (JV Trny.) ECHS baseball home vs. Lawrenceville V & JV ECHS softball home vs. Lawrenceville ECHS baseball home vs. Robinson ECHS baseball home vs. Fairfield JV ECHS baseball @ Grayville ECHS baseball home vs. South Central ECHS softball @ Grayville

Page 17 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Time 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:15 4:30 TBA 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 9:00 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 11:00 4:30

Albion Moose Family Center #621 Deceased Pilgrim Memorial Scholarship Applications for the Albion Moose Family Center #621 “Deceased Pilgrim Memorial Scholarship” are now available from guidance counselor Kelley Biggs at Edwards County High School. Applications must be picked up from the ECHS counselor and are not available at the Lodge. Scholarship applications can be mailed to you by contacting Mrs. Biggs at 618-445-2325. This will be the 22nd year for this scholarship program. The scholarship award is $2000. Applications must be returned or postmarked by March 18, 2022. The recipients are chosen based on their individual skills in leadership, citizenship, extracurricular activities, GPA, Moose affiliation, and a 500-word essay entitled “The value of the Fraternal Organization to My Community”. Applications are available to any ECHS senior or any senior attending public high schools in the counties of Wabash, Wayne, White or Richland.

University of Illinois Extension Edwards County 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest The University of Illinois Extension Edwards County 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest was held on February 21, 2022 in the Edwards County Farm Bureau Community Room. Kamryn Trowbridge gave a Formal speech - “Horse Slaughtering, Yeah or Neigh” and Skylar Greathouse gave a Formal speech – “Keep Trying”. Meadow Miller gave an Illustrated speech – “Learning from the Desert” and Alyssa Smith gave an Illustrated speech – “Apples to Apples”. Congratulations to all on a fine job! Skylar Greathouse and Alyssa Smith were chosen as State Fair delegates. The Extension Office wants to thank the judges Sherry Harder and Doug Raber for their asPictured above (l-r): Kamryn Trowbridge, Skylar Greathouse, Alyssa sistance in judging. Smith and Meadow Miller.

Most photos in the Hometown Voice are submitted. If you have a photo or story you would like to share please email: hometownvoice2019@gmail.com We do Hair, Nails, Toes and Waxing Contact Morgan at 618-919-0776 for an appointment.

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The Edwards County Housing Authority is accepting applications for income based apartments in Albion and West Salem. Utilities are included with charge for electric overage. Applications are available at the ECHA Office located at 125 W. Cherry St., Albion, IL Equal Housing Opportunity

Page 18 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Trust - By Daisy Roser

like such, what could a stranger do? A stranger who has no personal connection, doesn’t know or care about us Daisy is a fifteen year old farm and our feelings, or could be downright evil, out to get girl. She works, studies and rides us. her horse, Hondo, near Enfield, The question of trust runs deep, and sometimes her home. She’s got eight siblings, stings, because we ourselves are untrustworthy, whetha bunch of half-filled sketchbooks er or not we try to be. Who is there that hasn’t forgotand a head full of dreams. Some- ten something that they promised to do? Or forgotten day she’s gonna be famous, just that they weren’t allowed to do something, accidentally wait. disobeying their parents or guardian? Though it could Daisy is the daughter of Tim and all be accidental, and thus unimportant and inarguable Angela (Hawkins) Roser. in this context, it seems to me that even the accidental and minute ‘betrayals’ of day to day life demonstrate By: Daisy Rose The question of trust is, and always has been, the extreme culpability of humans. We aren’t trustwordreadfully important… because people are untrust- thy. We are not capable of complete trustworthiness, or even complete trust, because we understand the ulworthy. People tell lies, cheat, backstab, and turn colors of- timate fallibility of anything and everything. From the frayed rope in the barn loft, to a swing in the backyard, ten, unexpectedly, and in the blink of an eye. Looking through the pages of history it is easily dis- the branch holding the swing, a ladder in the orchard, or cernible why the question of trust is so weighted. Julius the friend steadying the ladder, there are innumerable Caesar in ancient Rome was betrayed by Marcus Ju- possibilities of trust and letdown. Understanding the possibility and capability of anynius Brutus, his friend, and Cassius, Brutus’ brother-inlaw. The famous turncoat Benedict Arnold, went to the thing and everything to let us down and betray us, lends British in 1780, generals sold secrets to Russia, chiefs us a perfect incapability of trusting anything completely. in Africa traded their people to the white man for whis- We may repeat the oft-used saying, “I trust you with my key and firearms. The numerous Shakespearian plays life,” and mean it, too, even act upon it, putting our lives within which characters turn on each other, backstab- in our friends’ hands. But this trust is not a perfect one. While we may wholeheartedly believe that our bing brothers, uncles, and other relatives, for example, have influenced drama and literature for years, making friends want the best for us and will do everything in the betrayal the most pivotal scene in the entire story. their power to keep us from dying, we cannot have the Biblical examples like Cain and Abel and the betrayal perfect faith that they always will keep us from dying, of Jesus by Judas, all demonstrate the immeasurable or falling, or failing, because we know that they cannot. They are human, untrustworthy, incapable of perfect treachery of the human race. But we do not get our mistrust of those around us and unwavering steadfastness. This is why I trust in a much higher power. from high and mighty historical plays, intriguing novels, The One, the only One, who is perfectly trustworthy and the like, every one of us has had some sort of personal betrayal in our lifetime. It could simply be the fail- and in whom I place my trust. ure of a parent to fulfill a promise, the failure of a team But this trust is not perfect. I can’t have perfect trust, you had faith in to win state, but also it could have been growing up in this world, I have the innate knowledge, the blatant betrayal of a friend gone astray, a familial from the moment I was capable of trust, that trust can and will be broken. I have no way to fully comprehend abandonment, or a firm belief shaken or disproved. Whether one way or the other it has been inextri- the fact that there is Someone actually worthy of my cably impressed upon all of us that people, things, and trust, although I know it as a memorized fact. I have faith that this trust will someday be transformed beliefs can betray us. Promises are broken, friendships abandoned, and into a perfect trust, but it can never be so until I am marriages dissolved, all because of the incapability of perfect. I trust that someday, in heaven, God will grant all the human race to ever be fully trustworthy, even when of his believers the perfection that they so constantly trustworthiness is our goal. Some of the most meaningful betrayals are the strive towards. But even this trust is imperfect. I do not trust all the time, because I cannot. ones of those closest to us, friends, relitivies, and loved I doubt, and I wonder, and I question, because I ones. They betray us, though often, they don’t even try to, their promise breaking and abandonments ac- have not seen with my own eyes the wonders of the cidental. This makes us even more wary of strangers, Lord. My imperfect human eyes would melt underneath because if a friend could betray us like so, and hurt us his majesty. But• even though Page 19 • Hometown Voice March 2022 I question, I trust.

Meet the Author

Trust - By Daisy Roser Even though this trust is imperfect, I trust. Even when I doubt, and I falter, and I fail, I try my hardest, I trust my hardest, and that is a human capability, granted by the Lord. It is the same way with everyone, though they perhaps trust in different things. No matter how many times their trust has been broken, they still have the capability to trust, albeit imperfectly, with the full knowledge that their trust will be broken. They trust other people, though it has often been demonstrated to them that people will let them down, they still have friends, family, and they still have enough imperfect trust to love, although also imperfectly. They trust their feet, their capability to walk, though they know that they will trip. They trust the constant rising and setting of the sun, though they fear it will end. They trust that rope, though it might break, they trust just enough to jump. They trust, they trust, they trust. There is a reason that the Bible compares us humans to sheep so often. I don’t like sheep, but sheep are trusting animals, they follow their shepherd where he leads. I’m not really sure of the capability for actual, as opposed to metaphorical, sheep to have perfect trust; but, they trust their shepherd enough to follow. Which is what I do, or I hope to do. I hope those reading will (or do) as well.

Ellery Panthers 4-H Club - January Meeting Minutes The January meeting for the Ellery Panthers 4-H club was called to order by Mrs. Shelton at 6:02 p.m. at Little Prarie Christian Chuch. The roll call question for this month was: “What is one of your 4-H projects?” Landon Lloyd and Emma Wiseman lead the club in the pledges. The treasurer’s report was given, the club has a balance of $290.27. The secretary’s report was given, the minutes were approved as read. Old Business:Those that haven’t done the QAEC and WQAV need to do so. February 18 and February 21 are two dates on which you can attend a seminar. You can also do training at home. New Business: If you are on the Health Committee, please contact Mrs. Shelton about a possible activity for next month’s meeting. Since there is no longer a newspaper, the Hometown Magazine will now publish the meeting minutes. Scrumptious Science - Tuesdays in February In the foods room in the high school. The Swine Clinic is Saturday, April 23, at 12:00 p.m. Little Roots Gardening Program - Tag-a-longs 5-7 years old Grow your own food and flowers Sign up by March 1st. There are multiple scholarships available to high school seniors sponsored by the Edwards County Farm Bureau. 4-Hers who are ages 8-12 were given the Edwards County Women’s Farm Bureau Grant paperwork. A minimum of $25, with a maximum of $150 The newsletter is available online. Please turn in off-premise forms as soon as possible. There is a speech contest in February. Will be held at the Farm Bureau building. 4-H in a Bag- February - Snowflakes; March - Garden in a Glove March 1st is the deadline for project enrollment. Check the dates on which you need to have ownership of your animals to show.

There was a leader’s meeting and some updates were made to the fair schedule. June 13, Clothing Show • July 12, General Show • July 14, Fair Queen • July 19, Dog Show • July 26, Horse Show • –––July 24, Rabbit Show Most notably, the auction will be held on the Thursday of fair week. It will start at 5:30 p.m. Some parents had some concerns regarding this date since Wabash County is holding there on the same date. The Pork Burger Sale for the Farm Bureau will be held in early April (most likely April 2nd), around 9:30-10:00. Will be a bake sale as well. Demonstrations Chyenne Duncan - Different Cuts of Pork Talks Hannah Perry - Rabbit Breeds Hayley Perry - Discovering Family Heritage JW Simms - Reisner - Livestock Auctioneers’ Job Kenleigh - Radiologic Technology Chyenne Duncan - History and Heritage of Pigs Chase Shelton - Grain Bin Safety Specials Ellie - I Love Winter Lucas - Snow Day Records Mrs. Shelton passed out information regarding goal sheets. Need at least six goals. The next meeting will be held on February 23rd, at 6:00 p.m. at Little Prarie Christian Church. The refreshments will be provided by the Troyer and Groff families next month. The meeting was adjourned by Addison Anderson and JW Simms - Reisner at 7:42 p.m.

Page 20 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Sponsored by Fairfield Save-a-lot where you can get low prices everyday! ¼ cup butter, melted Corned Beef and Cabbage ¼ cup buttermilk 3 pounds corned beef brisket 10 small red potatoes 5 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces Directions 1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges Preheat oven to 375 degrees F . Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Directions Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and cover with water. Add the spice packet baking soda, baking powder, salt and margathat came with the corned beef. Cover pot rine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn and bring to a boil, then reduce to a sim- dough out onto a lightly floured surface and mer. Simmer approximately 50 minutes per knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small pound or until tender. bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup Add whole potatoes and carrots, and cook buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use until the vegetables are almost tender. Add a sharp knife to cut an ‘X’ into the top of the cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes. Re- loaf. move meat and let rest 15 minutes. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Check for donemuch broth (cooking liquid reserved in the ness after 30 minutes. You may continue to Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice brush the loaf with the butter mixture while meat across the grain. it bakes. Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs 4 tablespoons white sugar 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tablespoon baking powder ¼ cup butter ½ teaspoon salt 3 (8 ounce) pkgs cream cheese, softened ½ cup margarine, softened 1 ¼ cups white sugar 1 cup buttermilk ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 egg

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 eggs ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup Irish cream liqueur Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs, confectioners’ sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa. Add melted butter and stir until well mixed. Pat into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes; set aside. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, white sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa and flour. Beat at medium speed until well blended and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the sour cream and Irish cream liqueur; mixing on low speed. Pour filling over baked crust. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees F, and continue baking for 60 minutes. With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan. Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill before serving. If your cake cracks, a helpful tip is to dampen a spatula and smooth the top, then sprinkle with some chocolate wafer crumbs.

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709 W. Main, Fairfield • 618-842-5040 Open: Monday - Saturday 8 am to 8 pm•Sunday 8 am to 7 pm Page 21 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

34 37

45 47

Across 1. Mandela’s org. 4. Island in the Bay of Naples 9. Shut 14. Fam. member 15. At right angles to a ships length 16. Tricks 17. Hosp. picture 18. Spiritual sustenance 19. City on the Rhone 20. Worldliness 23. On the main 24. Mack of old TV 25. Native Israelis 28. Cervine creature 30. Star Wars letters 33. Winning

34. Mercury and Saturn, e.g. 35. Frequently 36. Make urban 39. De-intensify 40. Meadowlands 41. Hermit 42. Mimic 43. Muslim judge 44. Straightens 45. Large cask 46. Dramatic conflict 47. Inadequate 54. Lend ___ 55. Flora and fauna 56. Old French coin 57. Fab Four name 58. Heron

59. Little spasm 60. Hopscotch 61. The ones here 62. Lodge

Down 1. Upper limbs, weapons 2. Adopted son of Claudius 3. A good one gets youthere in a hurry 4. Military attack made at night 5. Humbles 6. Five: Prefix 7. Hindu princess 8. Apple computer 9. Orifice of a volcano 10. Sensational 11. Christiania, today 12. Witnessed 13. Sigmoid shape 21. Zimbabwe’s capital 22. Bikini blast 25. Brazilian dance 26. Lots 27. Davis or Midler 28. ___ Lama 29. Goddess and sister of Ares in Greek mythology 30. Toss 31. Group of 12 32. Anatomical passages 34. Like some dorms 35. Apply oil ritually 37. Factory 38. Assign 43. Game hunted with hounds 44. Playing marbles 45. Autocratic Russian rulers 46. Preceding, poetically 47. Do ___ others... 48. Cool! 49. Ha! 50. Sound of relief 51. Bone: Prefix 52. Disturb 53. Expression of disgust 54. Viper

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Albion, IL Page 22 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Do you know your chocolate better than a 4th Grader? By: Edwards County Ag in the Classroom Candy ingredients are grown and processed all around the world. Here in Illinois, agriculture accounts for many candy ingredients. These include corn, soybeans, milk, sugar, eggs, and honey. But what about the ingredients that are not grown in Illinois? In South America, farmers grow a very special candy ingredient- coco beans! This tropical crop is harvested and processed to make chocolate. The 4th Grade students at West Salem Grade School were given the opportunity to taste the byproduct of this unique crop. Edwards County Ag in the Classroom (AITC) created a chocolate taste testing activity for the classroom. Students were given 5 different types of chocolate to taste and label. These students all seemed to be chocolate connoisseurs. How well do you know your chocolate?

Students in Mrs. McVaigh’s 4 th grade class at West Salem Grade School taste different types of chocolate during the AITC lesson on chocolate in February.

To advertise call Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: Stop by Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm and check out the new fresh cut meat case and frozen hometownvoice2019@gmail.com food we have available. You’ll never know what you will find!

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Hunt often to increase your chances to win! Shop early for Easter basket goodies, Bibles and Inspirational Gifts.

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Page 23 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Mission III Academy

By Meghan Fearn Over the past couple of years, private school enrollment is on the rise. New opportunities have opened in almost every community. Homeschooling has also risen in popularity, with statistics showing the number of homeschool students doubling from 2020 to 2022. With so many parents looking for options in education, Pinehaven Christian School launched an education opportunity for this area in 2020, under the direction of Albion resident, Lesa Shilling. With a beginning enrollment of 17 students, Shilling began to work with the students and their families to build a ministry that would be a blessing and a service to the community. Enrollment has risen to 42 students from several of the surrounding counties, and new inquiries are steadily coming in. With the rise in enrollment, the hiring of additional teachers, and the blessings that have come from this opportunity, it has become evident that this form of education is indeed a growing and needed ministry. With much prayer, the school has started its journey as a local Not-for-Profit Private Christian School under the name Mission III Academy. Mission III Academy (MIIIA), formerly Pinehaven Christian School, is a private Christian school that combines the best of a private school education with the blessings of homeschooling. The homeschooling aspect of the Academy allows the student to remain in their home environment, welcomes and requires parental involvement, and allows the flexibility of a homeschool schedule. The parents play an active role in the education of the students. However, being both parent and teacher to the student may feel a little overwhelming. This is where the private Christian school aspect of this hybrid education comes into play. The private Christian school benefits include access to experienced, certified teachers who provide Biblebased curriculum, oversee assignments, provide tutoring, take care of grading, and so much more. Shilling, the headmaster of the school, brings over 15 years of education experience, including the public school, private school, and at the college leve. Fleta Shepherd has 21 years of teaching experience on the elementary school level and will serve as the Deputy Headmaster for Grades K-2. Jerri Ballard is an experienced homeschool mom who serves as the Deputy Headmaster for Grades 3-12. Each of these instructors are Bible- believing Christians who will not only help educate the students, but pray for them and their families diligently. Mission III Academy also has the benefit of a local board of directors, comprised of four husband-and-wife teams who serve together to keep the school pointed toward the direction of its mission. “Mission III Academy’s vision is to equip families to train up children in the way they should go spiritually and intellectually in cooperation with God’s mission to love Him (I), love people (II), and serve both (III).” The entire focus of Mission III Academy revolves around Christ and His commands to love God and love others. Curriculum has been carefully selected to align with the vision of a Bible-based education and is included in the yearly tuition price of $500.00 per student. The primary curriculum for MIIIA begins in K-2 with Abeka. Students have weekly paper/pencil practice in Language Arts, Writing, Math, and Bible to be completed at home. The students also benefit from in-person learning, meeting once a week with Mrs. Shepherd for core subjects. Grades 3–12 primarily use Ignitia by Alpha and Omega Publications. This is an online program that is computer generated. MIIIA Teachers are online from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. during the weekdays to assist students with any coursework. They also meet once per week for organized P.E. classes and have a weekly age-based discussion group they can attend in-person as well. The whole family also joins together monthly for a fun event, field trip, or community service project. MIII Academy presents an opportunity to bring the family together through an education built upon loving God (I), loving people (II), and serving both (III). For those who are interested in this Christian based, hybrid approach to education, informational meetings will be held at Little Prairie Christian Church in Albion on March 10 at 6:30 p.m. and March 13 at 2:00 p.m. More information can also be found on their Facebook Page: Mission III Academy.

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Notice to WERTA: Wabash/ Edwards Retired Teachers : The March 11th meeting has been cancelled. You will be notified in plenty of time to attend the May 13th, 2022 meeting.

Page 24 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Carle Richland helps secure Connect Illinois grant, partners with Bspeedy Wireless By Tara Lemke Earlier last week it was announced by the office of Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Broadband that $47 million in funding for 22 projects in every region of the state were awarded through a second round of Connect Illinois, the state’s broadband expansion plan. Of the awarded monies, over $150,000 was granted to the Carle Richland Broadband Access and Innovation Project.This project brings together a partnership between the local hospital and Bspeedy Wireless, an internet service provider (ISP) from the Clay County area, to advance the access of internet services in rural areas. The pandemic brought to light just how lacking internet access was for those trying to work, attend school or make a virtual visit with a healthcare provider. “As the COVID-19 pandemic made its way into our area and we saw schools, healthcare and businesses move to the home, it became apparent how disconnected our most rural areas are to this key resource. We knew from our patients and our local team members that they too lacked access and we knew we needed to do something about it. Working with local internet service provider, Bspeedy Wireless, we created a plan to expand services in our area,” Tynan O’Neil, director of business development and operations said. The first part of that plan involved identifying an ISP interested in partnering to apply for funding. The second part of the plan was to start fundraising for the additional money needed to match the grant dollars from the state. O’Neil, who led the initiative to raise the funds needed, enlisted the help of the Carle Center for Philanthropy and quickly began presenting to local businesses and organizations throughout the counties in the Carle Richland Memorial Hospital (CRMH) service area that will benefit from the higher speeds and increased access to services. Counties that will benefit from this increased connectivity include Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Jasper and Edwards, including many small townships. CRMH is seeing a good response to their efforts and after the grant, the money put forth by Carle and Bspeedy, and the donations from both businesses and organizations in addition to community donors, the full amount of $367,000 was raised for the project. “The request for funds to make this project successful was met with great interest. Both local businesses and individuals in the community realized how much reliable, fast internet service is needed in our area and our local community really came through for us,” O’Neil said. Wal-Mart D.C. #6059, TrustBank, the Richland County Board, as well as the school system, just to name a few, were very excited to jump on board. ’ TrustBank is honored to partner with Carle Richland to provide a much needed expansion of internet access to our rural areas. This expansion will allow our communities improved access to healthcare, education, and financial services,’’ Dan Eichelberger, president of TrustBank, said. The second round of Connect Illinois grant awards includes 14 different internet service providers, rural cooperatives, and local governments – a diverse group of recipients representing every region of the state, with projects supporting fully scalable broadband infrastructure that will serve these areas for decades into the future. Once the initiative receives all the final approvals from the state, the project is expected to take approximately six to nine months to complete all upgrades to the towers in this region. “Together, our community will be able to provide a crucial access point to information, beginning to remove a barrier that has impeded the education system, businesses, and provision of healthcare in our region,” O’Neil said.

Page 25 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Grief Support Ministry to be offered at General Baptist Church in Mt. Carmel GriefShare, a biblical, Christ-centered grief support group ministry, is being offered at General Baptist Church in Mt. Carmel on Mondays at 6:30 pm from March 14-June 6th, 2022. Churches, family, and friends often encircle the griever in the immediate days surrounding the death of a loved one. GriefShare is designed to help in the long months after the funeral, when those around the griever return to “normal” lives. Navigating the grief journey isn’t easy, but GriefShare helps people as they travel the road from mourning to experiencing joy again. The ministry provides 13 weeks of meetings where the GriefShare group will watch a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies, dramatic reenactments, and on-location video. The 13 videos are “self-contained” so a person can start and stop at any time. It is recommended that each participant commit to three weeks of GriefShare to be able to evaluate it fully. Sessions may be difficult at first, but with the information, encouragement and support, the grief process does get easier. The 13 session topics are: 1) Is This Normal? 2) Challenges of Grief 3) The Journey of Grief – Part One 4) The Journey of Grief – Part Two 5) Grief and Your Relationships 6) Why? 7) Guilt and Anger 8) Complicating Factors 9) Stuck 10) Lessons of Grief – Part One 11) Lessons of Grief – Part Two 12) Heaven 13)What Do I Live for Now? The support group sessions include a time to talk about the GriefShare videos and opportunities for participants to share their challenges and victories (if they so choose). Group members receive a workbook to help them sort their thoughts and emotions and help them discover what God says about their situation. The workbook contains a daily Bible study, weekly journal, a gospel presentation, and tear-out Scripture cards. Workbooks are $15, but scholarships are available if there is a financial need. For more information, visit the GriefShare website: www. griefshare.org. or call the General Baptist Church at 618-263-3477. The GriefShare group is led by Belinda Potts-Miles, Chester Miles, and Debra Schwartz. Each of the leaders has experiences the loss of a spouse. Some have experienced multiple losses of family members.

Squeaky Toys Gallery Exhibit at Wabash Valley College

The Wabash Valley College Brubeck Art Gallery is exhibiting recent work by photographer Michael Mullen. Mullen’s latest series is titled, “Squeaky Toy Variations” and is a series that Mullen says, like traditional still life painting and photography, is “rife with symbolism” through artful arrangement of his vast collection of old but colorful plastic squeaky toys. He says this about the project: “Since I am using a limited language exploring a limited number of themes, I’ve found it interesting to explore these issues by rearranging the language. So, this is not a single knock on the door, but a continued pounding. “Look! Pay attention! How many times do I have to say this?” As always, Mullen’s work is unique and fun while provocative, giving viewers lots to talk about and many opportunities to reminisce. The exhibition will be on display until April 5. The exhibition is family friendly and open to the public. The Gallery is open when classes are in session and during performing arts events.

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To advertise or share a story idea call Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019@gmail.com Page 26 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

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March 2022 Edwards and Wabash County Senior Center Menus - Sponsored by The First National Bank 7)

EC - Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Stewed Tomatoes, Fruit WC -Bacon, Egg, Cheese on Croissant, Hash Brown, OJ

14) EC - Chicken Strips

Broccoli Salad, Potato Wedges, Fruit

WC -Chicken Strips, Curly Fries, Mixed Veg, Fruit

8)EC - Sweet & Sour Pork 9)EC - Loaded Baked Potato, 10) EC - Fried Chicken Brown Rice, Spring Rolls, Sherbet WC - Liver & Onions, Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Pudding

15)

EC - Roast Beef Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable Blend, Pudding

WC - Italian Beef, Pasta Salad, Pickle Spear, Chips, Pudding

w/ diced ham, turkey, Shredded Cheese, Peppers, Onion, Nacho Cheese, Sr Cream, Butter, Cookie

WC-Beef Stew, Brussels Sprouts, Biscuit, Cookie

16)

EC - Ham & Beans Potatoes, Tomato Salad Corn Bread, Fruit Salad WC - Breaded Tenderloin, Lettuce & Tomato, Tator Tots, Cookie

21) EC - Cheese Burger on 22)EC -Chicken & Noodles 23) Bun, Pickles, Onions Lettuce Leaf, Macaroni Salad, Fruit

WC -Country Fried Steak, Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Fruit

Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Pudding

WC - Pork Burger, Pickle WC - Cavatini, Broccoli, & Onion, Macaroni Salad, Cauliflower, Garlic Bread. Cookie Pudding

28)EC - Porkburger on Bun 29) Pickles, Onion Fried Okra, Fruit Crisp WC -Pizza, Salad, Breadstick, Fruit

EC - Sloppy Joes on Bun, Pickles, Onion, Onion Pedals, Peas, Cookies

EC - Pepper Steak Brown Rice, Broccoli Jello

WC -Mexican Chicken, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Baked Apples

Mashed Potatoes Mixed Veggies, Fruit

WC - Ham, Baby Bakers, Peas & Carrots, Roll, Dessert

17)

EC - Corned Beef Cooked Cabbage, Boiled Potatoes, Cake WC - Meatloaf, Potatoes & Gravy, Carrots, Roll, Dessert

WC -Meatball Sub, French Fries, Pea Salad, Cookie

Soup, Chicken Salad, Sandwich, Crackers, Fruit Cobbler WC - White Chicken Chili, Pimento Cheese Sandwich, Crackers, Dessert

18)

EC - Big Hot Dog On Bun, Relish Onion, Baked Beans Slaw, Ice Cream WC - Broccoli Ch. Soup, Turkey Sandwich, Crackers, Dessert

24) EC - Beef Stroganoff 25) Peas, Carrots Dessert Bars

WC - Fried Chicken, Corn, Coleslaw, Biscuit, Dessert

30) EC - Polish Sausage 31) EC - Smoked Pork Peppers & Onions Potatoes, Black-Eyed Peas Pudding

11) EC - Broccoli Cheese

Chop, Baked Potato Butter, Sour Cream Green Beans, Fruit WC - Beef Pot Pie, Green Beans, Roll, Dessert

EC - Chef Salad:

w/ Lettuce, Tomato, Ham, Turkey, Onions, Shredded Cheese, Chopped eggs, Crackers, Fruit Cobbler

WC - Chili, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Carrot Sticks, Crackers, Dessert

EC - Veg. Beef Soup Cheese Salad , Sandwich Crackers, Ice Cream WC - Chef Salad, w/ Ham,

Turkey, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Shredded Cheese, Eggs, Crackers,

Cottage Cheese, Peaches

To order a meal in Edwards County please call by 9:30 am. Albion- 618-445-2017 • Grayville- 618-375-7777 • West Salem-618-456-3600 Suggested donation for those 60+ in Edwards County is $5.00. Under 60, (unless married to someone 60+) the cost is not a suggested donation and is $7.00.

In Wabash County call 618-262-7403 60 and older $4.25, under 60 $6.25, students $5.00, children 12 and younger $4.25

Look for the digital edition of the Hometown Voice on Facebook Page 27 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Edwards County Farm Bureau “14¢ Breakfast”

IT’S BACK! Mark your calendars and plan on attending the 11th Annual “Farmer’s Share Breakfast.” The breakfast is being sponsored by the Edwards County Farm Bureau and the Edwards County FFA. It will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 6:30am until 9:30am in the community room of the Edwards County Farm Bureau. The breakfast will feature pancakes, eggs, sausage and drinks. The cost of the breakfast will be $0.15 per person. “14.2¢ is the amount farmers and ranchers receive for every food dollar consumers spend,” stated Rebecca Perry, manager of the Edwards County Farm Bureau. “The purpose of this breakfast is to show consumers how much the farmer actually receives out of every dollar they spend on food,” stated Perry. The amount of money a farmer receives from the food dollar has gone down six cents from 2016. The breakfast is open to the public! Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends out for a great (and cheap) breakfast! Carry-outs will be available.

IAA Foundation Offers Scholarships to Drive Agriculture Forward

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Truck drivers are critical for transporting farm commodities, inputs and food throughout Illinois and the nation. The Driving Agriculture Forward Scholarship helps offset the cost of needed commercial truck driver training and ensures more well-trained, safe drivers are available. “We are pleased to diversify the types of scholarships available through our program,” said Jennifer Smith, Development Manager, IAA Foundation. “We are encouraged by the insightfulness of donors who choose to support all facets of agriculture.” Applicants enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a commercial driver training program at an Illinois Community College are encouraged to apply. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded every three months and are based on the Illinois Farm Bureau region where the applicant resides. All applicants must Illinois residents and must provide proof of enrollment in during the award cycle. Additionally, an endorsement is required from a farmer, County Farm Bureau leader, agribusiness, or food processing business. Full eligibility guidelines and the link to apply is available on the Foundation website, www.iaafoundation.org. For more information, contact your County Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation at 309-557-2232, or e-mail Jennifer Smith at jsmith@ilfb.org The mission of the IAA Foundation, Illinois Farm Bureau’s charitable arm, is to fund education, research, and charitable activities that benefit Illinois farm families and agriculture.

Redistricting “Meet & Greet” to Wabash and Edwards County The Wabash and Edwards County Farm Bureaus are hosting a “Meet & Greet” with the candidates running for the newly formed legislative districts associated with the 2020 census. The program will take place on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 6:30pm in the Edwards County Farm Bureau Community Room. Candidates running for office for the newly formed state and national legislative districts have been invited. The program will allow time for questions from those in attendance.

Page 28 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Stay local for your surgery needs. Welcoming our newest expert surgeon, now accepting patients. Hazem Elariny, MD, PhD, FACS General Surgery

You don’t need to travel out of town for world-class care. Carle Richland Memorial Hospital has an expert team of surgeons ready to care for your needs. Dr. Elariny can help with your general surgeries, colonoscopies, hernias, gastrointestinal procedures, reflux issues and cancer surgeries of the colon, small bowel and stomach. He’s a highly skilled general surgeon and expert in minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Elariny can help adults with any type of general surgery needs, and adolescents with certain issues. If you think Dr. Elariny can help you, contact your primary care doctor and ask for a referral. Carle Surgical Services 605 E. Main St., Olney, IL (618) 395-6032 carle.org

Page 29 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

The Smokin Pig opens restaurant in Westwood By Meghan Fearn There is a new sheriff in town! The Smokin’ Pig, operated by Richard, Drew, and Taryn Bunting, will be opening a restaurant in the Westwood Saloon. It is located in the Grayville/I-64 KOA Holiday just outside of the Grayville city limits. The Buntings are well known for their culinary talents available through their food trucks, Street Meats and The Smokin’ Pig. After building a name for themselves with such menu items as Piggy Mac, Ribeye Sandwiches, Shrimp Po Boys, and the Award-Winning Pork Everest, the Buntings will bring the two menus together to open one outstanding restaurant. Beginning the first of April, they will open under the name The Smokin’ Pig and offer a mixture of the Street Meats and Smokin’ Pig favorites along with new items and a full bar. They eventually plan to have nightly specials such as Steak Night, Brisket Night, and Crab Leg Night, and are considering a Sunday brunch as well.

Richard Bunting will keep the fires burning in the kitchen and will serve as the head chef. He is bringing his whole staff to provide top-notch, friendly service for the 65-person capacity dining room. There is also room for 20 more diners in the outdoor seating area. Westwood offers a western-themed shooting gallery, playground, and 27 hole, putt-putt golf course on the premises and the Buntings look forward to adding a fantastic dining experience to those who visit. The Smokin’ Pig will be open Wednesday – Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. beginning in April, but don’t worry, the Smokin’ Pig food truck will continue to operate as usual. For the latest updates, watch The Smokin’ Pig Facebook page.

Page 30 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Wabash County Farm Bureau’s 102nd Annual Meeting

Ed Holmes from Red Tractor Nation was the guest speaker during the Wabash County Farm Bureau’s 102nd Annual Meeting. Ed is a collector of stories and a teller of tales.

The Wabash County Farm Bureau’s 102nd Annual Meeting was held February 21, 2022. The meeting took place at the Eagles, and featured a delicious meal prepared by Big Jon’s Lunchbox. The main event of the evening was the silent auction fundraiser benefiting the Wabash County Farm Bureau Foundation. The auction raised $3838. During the business meeting, five new board members were elected to two-year terms- Bryce Pavia for At-large, Zach Weber- District 1, Willis Kelsey- District 2, Kyle Schonert- District 3, and Deric Wright- District 4. The evening ended with entertainment by Edwards Holmes of Red Tractor Nation. Around 70 members and guests enjoyed the performance.

Courtney Potts, Wabash County Fair Queen, lead the pledge of allegiance to open the 102nd Wabash County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. At left: The newly elected 2022-23 Wabash County Farm Bureau Board of Directors is as follows first row (l to r): Deric Wright, Dolores Timberlake, Brent Strine, and Zach Weber. Back row: Bryce Pavia, Lee Berberich, Kyle Schonert, Brad Winter, Willis Kelsey, and Chad Broster.

If you would like to advertise or have a story idea or picture to share...contact Laurie Snidle at hometownvoice2019@gmail.com Page 31 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Bobe’s Pizza opening in Albion The Bobe family is no stranger to the pizza business. Bill Bobe opened the first Bobe’s Pizza in 1954. Since that time, other family members have opened branches in Lawrenceville, Vincennes, Mt. Carmel, and Olney. In Mid-March, armed with their secret recipes, Allie, Joe, and Cody Bobe are set to open a new location in Albion. While the siblings are involved in working with the other branches, this restaurant holds a special place in their hearts as the first one the trio will open independently. “We love working in rural areas like Albion. We grew up in a rural area ourselves and love to get involved in the communities we are in.” Allie Bobe continued to express her excitement and gratefulness to those who have already

welcomed them. “We have had great people come in to interview and people seem eager for us to open.” They have been working diligently to transform the former Donut Factory on Main Street into a casual dining pizzeria. Besides the usual painting and bathroom additions, the building transformation has included removing the flooring, bringing in 140 tons of pea gravel and pouring all new concrete floors. The restaurant will now have a dine-in capacity for 30, making it a great place to stop in for lunch during the week or a family night out. Bobe’s will also offer carry-out and delivery within a five-mile radius of town. The menu will offer breadsticks, garlic cheese bread, cinnamon sticks, a variety of toasted sandwiches and subs, and of course – PIZZA! The family is known for their amazing recipe for sauce and pizza dough and their signature sausage. The number one fan favorite pizza is the Farouk, which is a form of supreme. The different crust options also make for loyal, repeat customers. Bobe’s Pizza will have the hours of Tuesday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Customers can order their pizza by phone at 618-442-0044 or through online ordering on their website www.bobespizz.net. Be sure to watch Albion Bobe’s Pizza Facebook page for updates and for their official opening!

Page 32 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

ECHS ACES team place 2nd in regional The Edwards County High School ACES team took 2nd place in the regional Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science competition, hosted by Olney Central College on February 9, 2022. The team will advance and compete in sectionals virtually via Eastern Illinois University in March. Individual team winners were: 1st place - Emma Wiseman English; Lauren Luker - Biology; Tobias Reineke – Physics; Molly Swardstrom – Engineering Graphics. 2nd place - Ali Barnes - English; Max Fieber - Physics; Tobias Reineke - Computer Science 3rd place - Molly Swardstrom Mathematics; Greg Thompson Computer Science Other team members are Emma Gill, Owen Grimes, Sam Lynch, Cage Metcalf, Kassidi Metcalf, Jason Nguyen, and Rylan Robb. The team is coached by Janette Zurliene and Will Swardstrom.

Members of the ECHS ACES team: Front row (l-r): Lauren Luker, Molly Swardstrom, Rylan Robb, and Ali Barnes. Middle row (l-r): Kassidi Metcalf, Emma Wiseman, Cage Metcalf, Jason Nguyen and Emma Gill. Back row (l-r) Owen Grimes, Tobi Reineke, Max Fieber, Sam Lynch and Greg Thompson.

Look for the digital edition of the Hometown Voice on Facebook.

Lauren Luker scholarship recipient Lauren Luker, a member of the Ellery Panthers and Edwards Co. 4-H, is a recipient of a scholarship awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. She was chosen for her application for the STEM and Robotics category. This award recognizes youth who have focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. A celebration and ceremony will be held April 9, 2022 in Champaign. Lauren is the daughter of Tim and Stephanie Luker of Albion.

Alka Family Chiropractic Center Dr. Kay Lynn Alka

618-262-4994 CHIROPR A ILY

IC CT

FA M

2103 West 9th St., Mt. Carmel, IL

HOURS: Mon and Wed 7:30a.m.-5:50p.m. Tues and Thur 12-7p.m.

Imagine what you could do if you felt good all the time. Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare participating provider. Most insurance welcome.

Page 33 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Wabash County 4-H Cooking Workshop Wabash County 4-H hosted a cooking workshop on Tuesday February 8 ,2022 for any youth in Wabash County between the ages of 5 and 18. We had 25 kids in attendance of our workshop! We were able to teach the kids the importance of sanitation in the kitchen, how to follow a recipe, how to cook with an oven and stove top, and how to have fun whipping up a new recipe! During our workshop we cooked homemade mini pizzas as we observed the different toppings you can add, some even tried new topping they didn’t know they liked. Then we mixed up some dirt pudding a dessert for them to enjoy with their personal pizzas! Interested in being a part of Wabash County 4-H contact our office today at 618-262-5725. Or stop by at 738 N Market St., Mount Carmel, IL 62863. Pictured above: Mark Deming.

Pictured above: James Brewer.

Pictured above: Nicholas Moore.

Pictured above: Rhyann Turner.

Pictured above: Wyatt and Henry Buchanan.

Page 34 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Carey’s Magnificent Mercantile By Meghan Fearn Sherry Garcia loves to find unique antiques, furniture, and treasures. She has always enjoyed buying, collecting, and selling the things she finds; but it wasn’t until the Grayville Citywide Yard Sales that she considered turning this treasure hunting into a brick-and-mortar business. Garcia had been using a building in downtown Grayville to store her various finds while they were waiting to be sold online. On yard sale day, she decided to stage a few of her pieces and open the building up for people to shop. The day was a success! People were so impressed with her unique collection and staging that they begin calling and asking when she would be open again. It seemed to be appropriate that Garcia would consider opening a business in Grayville. Each generation of her family, the Carey family, have owned and operated a business in Grayville, at one time or another. Garcia spent time painting and giving the building a fresh look. Within a short period of time, Carey’s Magnificent Mercantile opened its doors at 213 East North Street in Grayville. Garcia enjoys finding unique items and has an ever-changing inventory of antiques. Each time a customer visits the store, they are bound to find something new. She also decided to add retail items to expand the shopping experience in her Mercantile. She now carries jams, dips, sauces, pillows, rugs, T-shirts, and other gift items. The Mercantile is open Wednesday – Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The phone number for Carey’s Magnificent Mercantile is 812-431-3626, or you can check their Facebook page where you can see pictures of her recent treasures. Be sure to stop in and do some treasure hunting in this unique Grayville find!

To advertise or share a story idea call Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019@gmail.com Page 35 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Town and County 4-H hold meetings

On December 11th members of the Town & Country 4-Hers met at the home of Kevin Broster and Debra Bullock for their annual Christmas party. While there they made tie blankets for the Hope Pregnancy Center for a community service project. Those attending the party included: Alexis Betram, Rylie Broster, Bryan Broster, Anna Bromm, Josie James and leader Christy Bromm. After making the tie blankets they enjoyed pizza and then exchanged gifts. On December 22nd members met again at the Hope Pregnancy Center to drop off the tie blankets. Then they went out to the Wabash County Animal Shelter and dropped off dog and cat toys that they had made at a previous meeting. Those helping in drop off that day were: Alexis Bertram, Rylie Broster, Bryan Broster, Anna Bromm, Josie James and Jackson James. Submitted by Josie James

Samantha McDaniel Educational Services Representative

We have a GREAT selection and GREAT prices to make your tax refund go further! 6664 N 900 Blvd., Keensburg • 618-298-2474 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 to 4 • Sat. 8:30 to 3 • Closed Sunday www.timberlake-furniture.com

Page 36 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Fill your Easter baskets or stock up on spring break boredom busters with new books, puzzles or fun learning resources! Contact me to place an order, for recommendations, to do a fundraiser or to host your own online book gathering to earn free books!

sjrmcdaniel@gmail.com Shop here, anytime: https://j7584.myubam.com

Allendale School is proud to announce the Students of the Month for January:Front row (l-r): - Adalynn Blythe (Kindergarten), Owen Phelps (1st Grade), Samuel Smith (2nd Grade), Ava Jones (3rd Grade). Back row (l-r) - Stephen Culp (4th Grade), Emma Ford (Jr. High), Olivia Smith (Jr. High).

Allendale Spelling Bee Winners

Above: Elizabeth Perry congratulates Conner McGinnis (left) and Ashleigh McGinnis (right). Allendale School held its annual Spelling Bee on Wednesday, January 26th. Ashleigh McGinnis, after 28 rounds, defeated Conner McGinnis by spelling the word ‘granules’ correctly. Outstanding job by all who competed, but congratulations to Ashleigh who will represent AJHS in the next round of the Spelling Bee competition on zoom. Thank you to Allendale First National Bank for providing the $25 Life Saver CD to the winner of the competition.

Page 37 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Edwards County High School recognized their senior basketball players and cheerleaders. Front row: Tayler Summerfield, Addie Cowger, Sage Alka, Caterina Roncaglia and Lavinia Leonchini. Back row: Alex Calverly, Mitch McFall, Tobias Reineke, Dylan Rhodes, and Kaden Cowling

West Salem Grade School recognized their 8th grade volleyball players: Grace Glover, Kami Keener, CoackRilee Vallette, Autumn Grisham and Haiden Haley.

Page 38 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Edwards County High School recognized their senior basketball players. Morgan Dardeen, Cheri and Tim Dardeen; Carissa Jefferson, Blake and Ora Lee Jefferson; Tara Michels, Galen and Jennifer Michels; Jalyn Smith, Rick and Jennifer Smith.

Albion Grade School recognized their 8th grade volleyball players. Shilo Beadles, Wendy Coles and Josh Beadles; Grace Bishop, Jason and Erica Bishop; Allison Groff, Brian and Amanda Groff; Mikayla Harris, Melissa Harris; Chloe Iles, George David and Bev Iles.

Albion Grade School recognized their 8th grade volleyball players. Jaycee Kolb, Jr and Kristie Markman, Joe and Courtney Kolb; Grace McCarty, Amy and Jason McCarty; Mya Pickering, Tabitha York and Kevin Pickering; Allee Reid, DiElle Rogers and Krystal Bailey; Alice Robb, Cora and Mark Robb; Emily Spray, Audra and Chris Spray.

Page 39 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

Allendale Yellow Jackets Basketball win Regional Championship

At left (l-r): Justin Dulgar, Larry Letson, Cameron Kolb, Karson Ash, Tim Harness, Kasen Dulgar, Will Freeland, Elliott Acree, Rhett Andrews, Tristan Bray, Brendan Bowser, Brady Porter, Bob Bowser, Jon Porter.

Celebrating 25 Years! Join Us

April 1st

Starting at 11 am •Food •Games •Giveaways Stop by and congratulate Jr. on 25 years! Congratulations to Rhett Andrews, student at Allendale Junior High, as he has been named the 8th grade Chapter winner for the Daughters of the American Revolution American History Essay Contest.

Jr. Markman, Owner 1365 Illinois Route 130 Albion • 618-446-2703

Page 40 • Hometown Voice • March 2022

WGH NAMED TOP 100 CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITAL IN NATION

Wabash General Hospital in Mount Carmel, Illinois has been recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals. To determine the 2022 list, the Chartis Center used the Hospital Strength Index, which assesses performance in eight areas: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and financial efficiency. Wabash General Hospital is the only hospital in the State of Illinois to receive this recognition. WGH President & CEO, Karissa Turner, stated, “I’m very proud of each and every one of the 460 staff members at WGH. Their hard work and commitment to making WGH the best healthcare provider does not go unnoticed. We are very thankful for the support we receive from the communities we serve and look forward to many more years. We couldn’t be more blessed and grateful for receiving this award.”