November 2020 Hometown Voice

H METOWN VOICE

Saluting our Veteran’s

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November 2020

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Area Halloween Activities Trick or Treat Trail through Mt.Carmel City Park October 30th, 2020 from 5-7pm.

Wabash Valley Service Company Drive-thru Tractor Treat Event

Come walk the trail of displays from local business and families in the City Park but make your last stop and visit with your favorite Mt.Carmel Police Officer or Mt.Carmel Fire Fighter to get your bag of goodies.

Please use the parking lot at the Mable Couter Youth Center and enter through the walking gate into the City Park.

Sponsored by the Mt.Carmel Eagles Club, The Rotary Club of Mt.Carmel, City of Mt.Carmel, Mt.Carmel Mayor Joe Judge, MCPD, MCFD, and Wabash General Hospital.

If you or your business would like to be apart of this event please call Mt.Carmel City Hall at 262-4822 for details.

Traditional trick or treating will be held October 31st from 4:30 to 8:30.

Residents wanting to participate should leave their porch lights on that evening.

Held at the Grayville WVSC parking lot. Please enter on Main St. and proceed west through the WVSC parking lot. Exit onto Court St. Please remain in your vehicles at all times. A WVSC employee will give each of your goblins a treat at the tent at the end of the route.

Rain will cancel the event. Check the WVSC Facebook page for weather updates

Go to the Albion Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for up-to-date information on the Virtual Costume Contest.

Grayville First Baptist Church

Hallelujah Festival

October 31st - 4:30 - 6:30 pm A drive thru Hallelujah Festival in the church parking lot.

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Regular Trick or Treating will be October 31st 5-8 pm Page 1 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

25 year Milestone Anniversary Lesley Hispher, Executive Director, of the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce congratulated Rodger Beard, Sales & Morning Show Co-Host, WSJD 100.5FM; Kevin Madden, Manager, WSJD 100.5FM; and Sharon Harris, Sales, WSJD 100.5FM on their 25 year Milestone Anniversary Business of the Year Award Lesley Hispher, Executive Director of the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce congratulates Angie Payton, CSBG/WIOA Director, WADI; Lena Hicks, CEO, WADI; Gary Ritz, Chairman of Business of the Year Award & The Wabash County Chamber of Commerce is so Chamber Board Member on being names Business of pleased to announce the Business of the Year award the Year. for 2020 has been given to Wabash Area Development, Inc! “The staff at WADI always works so hard to help “We are so happy to honor these businesses this year, those in our community in need, but this year they have even without the Annual Banquet to go to. We would worked even more as the amount of people in need rather be safe than sorry this year and hope to keep all during the pandemic has increased.” said Chamber Di- of our Chamber Members healthy and working in our community. We have BIG plans to honor these busirector, Lesley Hipsher.

Jedidiah Wirth was presented with the Wabash nesses again when we can safely do so.” stated ChamCounty Retail Merchants Committee’s 2020 Employee ber Director, Lesley Hipsher. of the Year award. This is an award that is given to an employee of a member of the Wabash County Retail Mercahnts’s Committee that continues to go above and beyond the call of their duties.

The Chamber also would like to Congratulate the Wabash County Farm Bureau for serving our community for 100 year! They are advocates that work closely Thank you for all of the support and kind with area farmers to help them with problems and solutions as well as education and opportunities. They serwords of encouragement over the past vice as a voice for farmers and a communication bride year! Because of you we are so farmers can work together in our community and they have served our agricultural community very well over the last 100 years!

“The Wabash County Farm Bureau is to farmers, We look forward to our 2nd year of what the Chamber is to businesses. It is a great support bringing you local stories about and information system for its members.” says Chamlocal people! ber Directory, Lesley Hipsher.

Also, we would like to Congratulate WSJD 100.5FM on 25 years in business this year. They are a go-to source for information and news in our community. The Chamber has partnered with them for years on many different Seaton & Laurie Snidle projects. Here is to the next 25!

WADI and Jedidiah Wirth receive Chamber top honors

Celebrating our 1 year Anniversary!

H metown Voice

Page 2 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

The Importance of the VFW/American Legion

By Meghan Fearn Three different men were seated around the table.

Three different personalities, lifestyles, and life stories were all represented. However, as I interviewed these three men, one thing united them. There was one common denominator that kept the conversation flowing and created a type of brotherhood that could only be understood between them. This common denominator, the thing that created the mutual respect and understanding, was their service in the U.S. Military.

Mike Hering served as a First Lieutenant in the Air Force from 1962–1965. He was stationed in Stevenville, New Foundland in Canada. Here he served at the Harmon Air Force Base, a Military Air Transport Service Station. This unit served as a refueling and service station for prop planes, such as the C-118. His responsibilities included passenger services, records, fleet service, and air freight services. Calvin Seybold served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1993. His final rank at the end of his 30 years in the service was Lieutenant Colonel of Special Forces. His service sent him to places such as Korea, Vietnam, El Salvador, Panama, and even the Pentagon, to name just a few. He holds a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, numerous badges, citations, and other awards and medals for his dedicated service. Ken Burkitt served as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps from 1966-1971. He holds three Purple Hearts and served two tours in Vietnam. All three were proud of their service to the country they love and have no regrets in signing up. All three of these men are now members of either the V.F.W. and/or the American Legion.

These three veterans are not only members, but they are also passionate about the services that the

Above Calvin Seybold is shown upon his arrival in Vietnam to start his second tour at Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam, with III Corps, Mobile Strike Force Command (B-36), Army Special Forces, in October 1968.

V.F.W./American Legion offer. One of the most important benefits they feel a veteran receives is the lobbying efforts in Washington. The V.F.W. and American Legion both work tirelessly to help put forth legislation to support veterans and their care after and during their time of service. The members of the V.F.W./American Legion understand the needs of the service members.

They know what legislation is good and what is harmful for a veteran. They keep a watchful eye on all policies that affect the lives of U.S. Veterans. This lobbying does not come easy, and every membership to these organization gives aid to that cause.

Another valuable service offered through the V.F.W. /American Legion is the Honor Guard. The Honor Guard provides Funeral Firing Formation and Color Guard Marching. They provide services at military funerals with a 21-gun rifle salute and the presentation of a folded American flag to the family. This helps bring closure to veteran families and assures them that the sacrifices made did not go unnoticed. In the past year alone, the Honor Guard was able to honor the lives of over 50 veterans at funerals. Many people also appreciate the presentations that are done at area cemeteries and local ceremonies honoring the lives of service members. This is getting more difficult to accomplish as many of the members of these organizations are getting older. More members are needed in these organizations to keep valuable services such as these moving forward.

When I asked about what they feel is needed by vetAbove are some of the planes Mike Hering saw dur- erans, there were several subjects approached. Recing his time in Stevenville, New Foundland in Can- ognition for the service is something all three felt was important for a veteran. They stressed the importance ada.

Page 3 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

The Importance of the VFW/American Legion continued that ALL servicemen, regardless of where and how they served, deserved recognition. Whether they have seen combat, worked in an office, served in the kitchen, saved lives, been wounded, or worked in mechanics, each person gave valuable service. Each person deserves to be recognized and honored for their time and service to the United States of America. Mike Hering shares this encouragement to fellow veterans. “Be proud of your service, no matter what branch, every person is important.”

I asked the men if there was anything they would like to say to fellow veterans. They hoped to encourage young veterans, especially the Iraq and Afghan Warriors, not to wait to become a part of organizations like the V.F.W. and the American Legion. The work being done is too valuable not to support. Calvin Seybold said, Above is a map of the routes that the prop “You do not ever have to attend a meeting, or even come to the planes Mike Hering serviced took during building. Just become a member and allow the organization to his time in Canada and below is a picture continue to work for your rights as a veteran.” They also stressed of the license plate from the car he drove the importance of not waiting to have reunions with their fellow sol- home from Canada. diers. “Get together before it is too late.” encouraged Ken Burkitt.

They also hoped to share that a veteran is a veteran for life. Their honor, service, and commitment does not end when active duty is over.

The men did share a couple of stories between each other.

Calvin Seybold shared one about the nights in Vietnam. “I would string up my hammock in between two trees. I would spray bug spray on the straps to keep the fire ants from coming in on me. I would then dig my fox hole directly under my hammock, a difficult thing to do with the tree roots. It would often rain, conversation that I began to realize another one of the so I would cover up with my half pup tent. Inevitably, important contributions of the V.F.W. /American Legion.

‘Charlie’ would start shooting through the trees and we These organizations provide a place for service memwould have to roll out of our hammocks, into our fox bers to be understood. No matter how many war docuholes full of water. We spent many nights soaked.” The mentaries I have watched or biographies I have read, I thick vegetation they had to maneuver in, the opera- will never be able to understand what it was like to walk tions, the loss of life, even stories about being caught a mile in a veteran’s boots. I will never be able to visuin record snowfalls in Canada made for lively conver- alize the jungles of Vietnam or El Salvador. Due to the sation around the table. I could share more of these service of men just like these three, I am thankful that stories in this article, but instead I want to encourage most of us will never have to serve. It also revealed the each of you to take time to talk to a veteran and hear importance these organization play in the life of a vettheir stories in person. Talk to Calvin Seybold about eran. If you are a veteran and would like more informawhat a lifetime career in the military is like. Ask Mike tion on how to join either of these organizations, please Hering about the prop planes he saw during the Cold contact your local unit. There is a minimal yearly fee War at M.A.T.S. Ask Ken Burkitt to tell you about his and the benefits are priceless. good friend, Jim Cooper, who did not make it home.

Ask them their opinions on policy and our current military. Ask about the ways you can support veterans, the V.F.W., and American Legion.

Another important service of these organizations became apparent to me during our conversations. I quickly noticed that veterans have a language that is Neil Fearn difficult for a civilian, such as me, to understand. They 618-838-3852 spoke using military terms, geographical locations, weapons, and ranks that I have spent all morning on Mike Harris Google trying to figure out. They laughed at things that 618-839-0526 ‘Charlie’ did during the Vietnam War and talked about driving down the Ho Chi Minh Trail. It was during this

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Page 4 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

All about apples

All about apples – That’s what Wabash County students have been learning about during September Ag in the Classroom presentations.

Students learned everything from the apple life cycle to the parts of an apple. Did you know that the bottom of the apple is called the calyx?

It is the set of sepals of the apple blossom that remains on the apple.

Wabash County kindergartners put their fine motor skills to work tearing colored construction paper to make their very own apple models as we talked about the different parts of the apple.

The 1st-4th grade students focused on the life cycle of the apple. The apple cycle begins when someone or something (did you know a dog can plant an apple seed?) plants an apple seed.

Once the seed is planted an apple tree begins to grow. In the spring, an apple tree blossoms beautiful pink and white blossoms. These blossoms attract the bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and pollination occurs. Each blossom that becomes pollinated begins to grow into an apple. During the summer, these apples receive nutrients from the apple tree, and as fall comes, the apples ripen and apple picking time comes!

Wabash County students were excited to get back into Ag in the Classroom, and I was excited to be back in the classrooms! I am looking forward to another fantastic year of Wabash County Ag in the Classroom!

Did you know that Wabash County Ag in the Classroom also puts together Family Ag in a Bags? Each month, the packet includes hands on activities, Ag Mags, links to Ag in the Classroom videos on that month’s subject matter, and more! Lessons are geared towards students grades K-5, and are available at the Wabash County Farm Bureau office on the 15th (or next business day) of each month. Families interested in enrolling in the program need to call the Farm Bureau office at 618-262-5865 before November 10th to get on the list. of an apple.

Pictured above left to right, clockwise: Avery Dickey, one of our Family Ag in a Bag participants, is putting together her apple life cycle bracelet after reading about apples; Wabash County kindergartner, Otto Tennes, from Mrs. Spencer’s class focuses as he glues green paper pieces to his apple leaf during September Ag in the Classroom presentations; St. Mary’s second grader, Anna Hefner, cuts out the apple tree for the next step in the life cycle

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Wabash Telephone Cooperative Lends Wabash General Hospital $1 Million Louisville, IL, Sept. 28, 2020 - USDA has announced that they will be providing a $1,000,000.00 USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG) to Wabash Telephone Cooperative who will then relend the funds to Wabash General Hospital located in Mount Carmel, Illinois.

REDLG is a program that provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations.

USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities, which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The top recipients repay the lending utility directly. The utility then is responsible for repayment to USDA. These said funds are being relent to the Hospital at zero percent to construct a new medical office at their current campus and to add additional space at their Orthopedic building. The medical office will house 50 existing employees and 6 medical providers. The expansion at the Orthopedic building will allow for the addition of multiple Orthopedic doctors. The hospital plans to utilize the Community Facilities direct loan program.

The renovation in the orthopedic building will cover

2,352 square feet. The new construction will be an additional 2,741 square feet and they will also expand their parking area. This area will allow for an extra 25 spaces. The total site is around 1.5 acres. The new medical office will be a 2-story, 32,000 square foot facility on the property they currently own. There are vacant residential houses that now sit on the property. These will be torn down to make room for the building.

Pictured above Left to Right: Karissa Turner, President/CEO of Wabash General Hospital, Lynn Leek, CFO of Wabash General Hospital, Barry Adair, CEO Wabash Communications Co-op, & Marry Warren, Business Programs Director for USDA.

Albion Grade School hosts Outdoor Education in October Written by: Edwards County Ag in the Classroom During the month of October, the students in grades kindergarten through fifth at Albion Grade School, partake in lessons in the woods owned by the school. These lessons are part of the outdoor education curriculum.

Edwards County Ag in the Classroom (AITC) and the Edwards County FFA assist with many of these lessons.

Through outdoor education lessons, students learn about the web of life, water run-off, the parts of the forest, bird songs and more.

Most of the students enjoy spending part of the day or all day outside learning through hands on activities. They also enjoying learning about nature and seeing the experiencing all that nature has to offer.

At right, top: Chloe Toutloff, a fifth-grade student at Albion Grade School, displays the finished food chain she created as part of an Edwards County Ag in the Classroom activity during Outdoor Education.

At right, bottom; Albion Grade School fourth grade students work on identifying the layers of the forest during a station taught by Ag in the Classroom as part of Outdoor Education.

Page 6 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Local resident remembers days on “Old Guard”

By Meghan Fearn When thinking of the United States Military, one might think of words like discipline or strength. The decorum and the presence of a U.S. Military service member is one of order and unity. Tom Ford experienced this discipline, strength, order, and unity during his time of service in The Old Guard. The Old Guard is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president. It is a reflection of the United States Military, always in the public eye, a representation of the discipline and strength this great country embodies.

Tom Ford joined the service on a two year, no guarantee military enlistment in 1971. He began his infantry training in Fort Polk, LA. It was at this time interviews were conducted on 30 of the men in the hopes of finding someone that could qualify for White House clearance. Throughout the process of qualification, everything about Ford was put under a microscope and scrutinized. Interviews were even conducted with people in Ford’s hometown. If he had more than two traffic tickets, he would have been disqualified. There were certain physical requirements that were considered as well. Out of the 30 men, Ford was one of only two men that qualified.

Ford was now part of the Old Guard, Honor Guard, Presidential 1st Marching Above: Ford stands on Platoon. He was stationed at Fort Meyer, VA from August of 1971 – March of 1973. Death Watch for PresiThe Old Guard was responsible for conducting military ceremonies at the White dent Harry S. Truman in House, the Pentagon, national monuments, and elsewhere in the nation’s capital. December, 1972.

They also provide military escorts at Arlington National Cemetery to show honor to the nation’s fallen heroes. As a part of The Honor Guard, Ford worked alongside with the groups such as the U.S. Army Drill Team, Tomb Guards, and the other service branches.

Ford was a part of the Funeral Company every fifth week and escorted the horse-drawn carriages. He was part of many state funerals, the funerals of two ambassadors, and even participated in the wreath ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.

He served at President J. Edgar Hoover’s Death Watch in May of 1972. Then again, he was called for President Harry Truman’s Death Watch in December of that same year. In January of 1973 he marched as an escort to President Richard Nixon in his inaugural parade. He was also a part of Lyndon B Johnson’s Death Watch that same month. When serving on the death watch, the Honor Guard stands 30 minutes on and two hours off for a continual 12 hour shift.

This display of order and discipline is not done in just the few moments in the public eye. These soldiers train and practice continually day after day and hour after hour. Standards are held high, and hair that is just a centimeter too long, or a uniform that is slightly wrinkled is strictly disciplined. Ford recalls receiving two or three haircuts a week at times, just to stay within regulations. The men are always trained to keep themselves in perfect conduct. They work in unity and can communicate with a simple click of the heel.

They become like one body moving in the same direction, each knowing what the move of the person next to them will be. The men became disciplined to remain silent and still during every circumstance.

Ford shared a few experiences where this became difficult. In one such instance, during a retirement parade, a man newer to the Above: Ford participated in the Army group spoke through clenched teeth. “HEY, what is crawling up my Honor Wreath Laying Ceremony at the neck!” No one answered and after another desperate plea, one Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Arof the men replied, “I don’t know, I’ve never seen one of those be- lington National Cemetery in Arlington Virgina on February 14, 1972 fore.” Ford laughed and said, “You could hear our bayonets rattle

Page 7 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Local resident remembers days on “Old Guard” continued just slightly as we all tried to remain silent and still.” This became a challenge another time when a cannon salute caused a woman to become so startled, she fell off the rail she was sitting on. With her flailing on the ground in a mini skirt, it again became hard to remain silent and still.

Ford is thankful for his time in the Old Guard and is appreciative of the character that he was able to develop from the training he received. He still has his uniform and will twirl his rifle and occasionally practice a few drills.

His service did not end when he left the Old Guard. He has continued to serve through the American Legion, the Honor Guard, U.S. A.M.V., Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus and anywhere else there was a need. In fact, in 2018 he Above: Pentagon full honor arrival ceremony even received an award from the State of Illinois during the bi-centennial celebration through the Honor 200 Program. This award was given to 200 Illinois veterans who had continued a life of service, and who continue to make extraordinary contributions to the people of Illinois.

His service and the service of those who serve in the Guard today, help to maintain our Country’s strong traditions. They showcase the strength of our Army to those around the World and honor the lives of those that have fallen.

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Above: Ford with his Honor 200 Program award. and at a General Officer retirement parade at Summerall Field, Fort Myer, VA

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IACBE Business Faculty of the Year Award

By Meghan Fearn Doctor is not a title that came easy to Edwards County resident, Dr. Jervaise McDaniel. The degree took a lot of time, persistence, and commitment. These are characteristics that Dr. McDaniel now uses to teach young people through her position as Associate Professor at Oakland City University. It has also resulted in a very prestigious award of the 2020 IACBE Business Faculty of the Year.

Dr. McDaniel earned her Associates Degree from Olney Central College where she started working as a secretary in student services. While working, she decided to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Illinois University. At this time, only in-person classes were offered, so Dr. McDaniel decided to drive to Charleston. Over a nine-year period, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies. All the while, Dr. McDaniel was married, raising a son, working full-time, and managing a home. Dr. McDaniel shared “I knew if I could just keep taking one class at a time, it would get me there.”

She used the same determination and persistence to earn her Master’s Degree in Strategic Management from Oakland City University Evansville Center. The timing of this degree could not have been any better.

Dr. McDaniel earned the degree and received a promotion through O.C.C. Shortly after this time, her husband passed away unexpectedly. The promotion and subsequent raise were a huge blessing to help her provide for her son during this difficult time.

Always looking to improve, Dr. McDaniel put herself to the challenge of earning her Doctorate. She began this process in 2005 through the University of Illinois.

In-person classes were still the majority of what was required of her. This meant driving back and forth from Olney to the U of I campus. She soon met Dr. Cathy Robb, also of Edwards County. They were both attending the classes at U of I to pursue their doctorates and decided to share rides. Dr. McDaniel says, “Dr. Robb became my mentor throughout the difficult process of earning my doctorate.” Dr. McDaniel also remarried during this time to Mark McDaniel of Albion. She gives credit to him, as there were several times she almost gave up. He supported her dream and continued to encourage her towards it.

Dr. McDaniel continued to raise her son and work full time within the I.E.C.C. District. She is thankful for the experiences there, from being the Secretary of Student Services all the way to directing Title III grants. “I became a Jack of All Trades throughout the college.” quoted Dr. McDaniel. Many of her experiences pushed her to try things completely out of her comfort zone.

Writing a grant and securing a truck simulator was one of these experiences. Another experience came when

the college converted the West Richland High School Building to house the Cosmetology, Phlebotomy, and Massage Therapy Classes. Dr. McDaniel was overseeing construction. Working on a tight budget, Dr. McDaniel showed her work ethic and passion for her job by doing some of the painting herself. “If the walls of the cosmetology room are still gray, Mark and I did that.” she said laughingly.

Dr. McDaniel finally earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Focus on Community Colleges in 2012 from the University of Illinois. A few years later, she was eligible for retirement. However, Dr. McDaniel had not acquired the education and learned all the lessons through her years of hard work for herself. She feels deeply the responsibility to pass these lessons on and encourage others. Her friend, Dr. Cathy Robb, now the Dean of Oakland City University, persuaded her to take a job teaching at O.C.U. She had never taught before; but again, stepped out on faith, and arose to the challenge. She now teaches and serves as the Business Club Advisor.

With the character that Dr. McDaniel has displayed throughout her life, it comes as no surprise that after only teaching for five years, she has been honored with the IACBE Business Faculty of the Year Award.

The IACBE or International Accreditation Council for Business Education is a leading outcomes-based professional accreditation agency for business and management education in colleges and universities.

Page 9 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

IACBE Business Faculty of the Year Award continued The IACBE Business Faculty Award is given to a faculty member, within the IACBE organization that demonstrates excellence in teaching accounting and a commitment to the IACBE in the following ways. 1) Provides opportunity for students to grow in their knowledge of accounting. 2) Has high expectations for student performance. 3) Encourages students to set and achieve educational and professional goals including accounting certifications. 4)Acts as a mentor and is available to help individual students. 5) Models integrity, ethical behavior, and social responsibility. 6) Provides active, hands-on opportunities for students to “practice accounting.” 7) Builds strong relationships with students, colleagues, and the accounting community.8) Maintains current knowledge in accounting through engagement in accounting-related professional development. 9) Researches and/or engages in innovative ways to teach accounting. 10) Is active in the accounting profession through accounting practice and/or involvement in a professional accounting organization.

When asked her favorite aspect of being a teacher, Dr. McDaniel said, “O.C.U. has some great young people. I get to be the advisor for 40-60 students at a time and develop great relationships with the students. I love helping them find their way and seeing what they do.” Her advice to those considering becoming a teacher includes talking to other teach-

If you have a story idea or picture to share...contact Laurie Snidle at hometownvoice2019 @gmail.com

ers and finding a mentor. She also says to make sure to stick with it for at least two to three years. “It takes a little while to find your way.” she says.

It is obvious that Dr. McDaniel is using every opportunity to share her experiences. Her love for her students and pursuit of excellence in her teaching is a true testament. Congratulations to Dr. McDaniel on the IACBE Business Faculty of the Year Award. This award was scheduled to be given at a conference in Dallas this spring; but due to Covid, the conference was done virtually. Oakland City University is still immensely proud of her. Dr. Robb shares “Dr. McDaniel is an asset to the School of Business, and I am honored to have her on my team.”

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Written by Niki Roethe He didn’t have time for fear. He was busy, focused and fear had no place in the equation. His team was moving out in broad daylight with very little available cover. Though they were certainly visible to the enemy, they had met with no resistance. He was not naïve enough to think his team was safe. He would not breathe easily until all of his boys were well into the tree line on the ridge where he knew the rest of the troops were waiting at the relative safety of the base camp.

They were almost there. He could feel the tension gradually lessen in his men as they cautiously moved forward. As the soldiers edged closer to the tree line, the Sergeant slowed his pace to watch his boys, making sure each one would make it to safety. Just as the first men entered the trees, the Sergeant heard the tell tale click beneath his boot. He knew immediately that a landmine lay under his feet.

As casually as he could, he watched the rest of his men head into the trees, careful not to draw attention to himself. All had moved to safety, except for one private who happened to look back. “Aren’t you coming, Sarge?” he asked. The Sergeant shook his head and motioned the young man toward the trees. The private knew immediately that something was wrong and turned back and sprinted toward his commanding officer.

The Sergeant had no choice. The boy had his whole life before him, just nineteen, right out of high school. He could not be responsible for this young man’s death. As the private ran closer, the Sergeant took a deep breath and moved his foot. There was an extremely loud explosion, a bright light and then nothing.

When the Sergeant opened his eyes, everything had changed. He was lying flat on his back in a bright sunny pasture. The birds were singing and he watched in disbelief as a butterfly softly lit on a flower by his left ear.

Suddenly, a voice boomed behind him. “Well, I was wondering when you’d decide to wake up and join us.”

The Sergeant looked up in confusion to see a large burly bearded fellow with a general’s stars looming over him.

“Here,” he said offering a hand, “let’s get you up, Son.” The Sergeant had no choice but to hold up his hand.

Hauled bodily to his feet, the Sergeant tried to pull himself together. “Sir, he asked with a shaky salute, “where am I?” The general slapped his back heartily enough to make him stagger. “First off, Son, there are no ‘sirs’ here.

As to where you are, our Commander will soon come and things will become clearer. Now, in the meantime, let me introduce you to some of the other troops here.”

As they walked, the Sergeant noticed soldiers in all types of dress, swimming, playing baseball and lounging under trees. His mind boggled as he viewed privates in Confederate gray laughing and trading trinkets with

black soldiers in WWII dress. An American Revolutionary minuteman and two soldiers of the Vietnam era played a friendly game of cards. The general was careful to perform introductions to each one.

The Sergeant was shocked as every soldier warmly welcomed him. Suddenly, a sailor in a Navy dress uniform raised a bugle to his lips. As the sound of “Taps” floated across the field, the general poked the Sergeant in the ribs. “Fall in, Son. The Commander is coming to see the new recruits.” The Sergeant quickly glanced to the left and right as he lined up and saw soldiers on both sides in formation as far as he could see.

Suddenly, the soldiers snapped to attention with stiff salutes. Far down the line, the Sergeant saw a lone figure in white making his way from soldier to soldier. As the Sergeant watched, the Man in white touched and spoke to each veteran, causing him or her to visibly relax their stances, smile and even laugh as He passed by. Before the Sergeant was fully prepared, the Man stood before him.

He looked like no soldier the Sergeant had ever seen, dressed in a simple white robe. While He was a relatively young man, His face bore the ravages of a warrior. It was a face, which despite some odd-looking scars across the forehead, commanded respect. The Man in white smartly saluted the Sergeant before him and then held out His scarred and battered hand as He searched the soldier’s face.

The Sergeant slowly lowered his stiff salute and clasped the hand of the Man in white. In that instant, the Sergeant remembered. Right before his ears had exploded with the sound of the landmine, this Man had been beside him. When the world turned curiously white, it was this Man’s scarred hands that had reached through the chaos and held fast to the Sergeant’s arms to keep him from falling. The Sergeant had felt no fear.

The two men looked at each other for a long moment, and then the Commander spoke. “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” He said. Then as he pulled the Sergeant into a warm embrace, Jesus whispered, “Welcome home, Soldier. Welcome home.” And there was peace.

Page 11 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Sponsored by Fairfield Save-a-lot where you can get low prices everyday!

Gak - Gale Irvine Porter 2 cups white glue 1 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup water 1 Tbsp. Borax Mix together glue and 1 1/2 cups water in large bowl.

In another bowl, mix remaining water and Borax. Pur Borax mixture into glue mixture and knead together.

Cereal-Marshmallow Bars - Yield: 24 bars Ingredients • 3-4 Tbsp. butter or margarine (not reduced fat) • 40 large marshmallows or 4 cups of mini marshmallows (10 ounce package) • 5-6 cups ready-to-eat cereal 1. Lightly coat the pan with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Place butter or margarine and marshmallows in large microwave-safe mixing bowl.

Place in microwave on high setting for 2 minutes.

Stir. Microwave an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until melted. OR you may melt the margarine or butter and marshmallows over low heat in a heavy saucepan

while stirring continually.

3. While the marshmallows and butter or margarine are melting, measure the cereal into a large bowl.

4. Stir the melted butter or margarine and marshmallows. Pour this over the cereal. Stir gently until cereal mixture is evenly coated. You may need an adult to help you with this step.

5. Carefully press the warm marshmallow-cereal mixture in the prepared pan.

6. Cool. Cut into small squares or bars.

For extra-special cereal-marshmallow bars, add some chocolate bits, chopped dates, candied fruits, or nuts.

You can use one or more of these and mix them with the cereal before adding the marshmallow mixture.

Recipe from Cooking 101 Manual Sweet Potato Casserole - Marty Jordan 4 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes 1/2 cup butter 1/3 cup milk 1 cup white sugar 1/2 teas. vanilla 2 eggs beaten 1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup flour 1 cup chopped pecans

1/3 cup butter

Preheat over to 350O. In a large bowl, mix together mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup butter, milk, sugar, vanilla & eggs. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar & flour, cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in nuts. Spread sweet potato mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish, then sprinkle pecan mixture over top. Bake for 25 minures.

Hashbrown Casserole 1 stick butter, melted 1 teas. salt 1 Tbsp. instant onion 1 teas. pepper 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 1/4 cup milk 1 8 oz. sour cream 1 cup shredded chedder cheese 1 bag hashbrowns.

Mix all ingrediants and pour into greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Bake for 1 hour @ 350O

Everyday Low Price Honeysuckle Whole Turkey’s .99 lb.

709 W. Main, Fairfield • 618-842-5040

Open: Monday - Saturday 8 am to 8 pm•Sunday 8 am to 7 pm

Jr Markman, Owner 1365 Illinois Route 130 Albion, IL 62806

618-446-2703 Fax: 618-446-3269

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 12 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Ag on you Thanksgiving Table By: Carol Jo Beadles, Wabash County Farm Bureau Manager and Rebecca Perry, Edwards County Farm Bureau Manager The meal on your Thanksgiving table is possible because of agriculture. There are many different crops grown by different types of farmers that make your meal possible. Join us as we explore some facts about agriculture and the different dishes on your Thanksgiving table.

Turkey - Minnesota is the top turkey producing state in America. Recently, they have been known to raise about 49 million turkeys. It takes approximately 84 pounds of feed to produce a 30 lb. turkey. Young turkeys are called “poults.” Most poultry you buy at the supermarket is classified as “young turkey,” because they are only a few months old when they are processed. There are over 100 million turkeys that live on farms across the U.S. Cranberries - Contrary to popular belief, cranberries do not grow in water. A perennial plant, cranberries grow on low running vines in sandy bogs and marshes.

Cranberry marshes are flooded with water to aid in harvesting. Because the tart, tiny berries contain a pocket of air, when the marsh is flooded, the berries float to the surface to be picked up by harvesting equipment.

Cranberries are harvested each year from late September through October.

Green Beans - Green beans are an herbaceous plant that belongs to the legume family. They originated from Peru but can be found around the world today. There are more than 130 varieties of green bean that differ in taste and in the color and size of pods. Each pod contains 4 to 6 beans. Most varieties of green bean have smooth, kidney shaped beans. Green beans propagate via seed. It takes 45 to 60 days from planting to harvesting. Green beans used to have a very strong fibrous thread along the seams and were thus referred to as “string beans.” Thankfully, modern beans are stringless. The first stringless green bean was developed in New York in 1896.

Potatoes - Potatoes are grown in all 50 states of the USA and in about 125 countries throughout the world.

The average American eats about 124 pounds of potatoes per year. Potatoes are grown from other potatoes and are grown under the ground. Each “eye” of the potato is a root that could produce a potato plant.

Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are both considered root vegetables but are only distantly related.

The sweet potato belongs in the same family as morning glories while the white potato belongs to the same group as tomatoes, tobacco, chile pepper, eggplant and the petunia.

Rolls/Bread - Rolls and bread are made from flour.

Flour is generally a product of wheat. Wheat is a member of the grass family that produces a dry, one-seeded fruit commonly called a kernel. There are six classes of wheat grown in the U.S. The classes have slightly different growing seasons, and they each have different gluten, milling, and baking characteristics. In southern Illinois, farmers grow soft red winter wheat which is mainly used to make cookies, crackers, pretzels, pastries, and flat breads. It is generally planted in the fall and harvested in late spring to early summer. Wheat is grown in 42 states in the U.S. and on six of the seven continents.

Pumpkin pie - Illinois farmers grow more pumpkins than anywhere else in the world! Most of the processed pumpkins are grown in Illinois. Processed pumpkins are those grown primarily for canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie mix. Pumpkins take about 120 days to grow from planting to harvest. During this time, farmers plant the pumpkin seeds, care for the plants, then harvest them. Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins can be eaten.

Processing pumpkins can be carved. But for best results, stick to the pumpkin’s intended purpose.

Northside Missionary Baptist Church wants to Share God’s Love with Grayville • FREE Food Bundles will be given away in the church basement begining at 8 a.m. on November 7th.

• A FREE Community Meal will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. at the church on November 18th.

Northside Missionary Baptist Church

805 North State Road, Grayville Current service time - 10 am Morning Worship Pastor Dennis Seidel Youth Leader Amanda Johnson

Page 13 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Ken Burkitt receives 3 Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam

By Meghan Fearn The following is an account of the some of the military service of Ken Burkitt of Mt. Carmel. It has been adapted to fit this article, with the permission of Mr. Burkitt.

In April of 1966, I joined the Marine Corps on the delayed entry program. This program allowed me to graduate from High School. On September 5, 1966, I left St. Louis, MO with several other men bound for the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego, CA. There, we were greeted by Staff Sgt. Malloy, our Senior Drill Instructor. He promptly informed us of just how worthless we were and that he would be our “mommy and daddy” during the next eight weeks. All our civilian clothes were boxed up and shipped home. We were issued three sets of utilities, three sets of skivvies, three pairs of socks, two pairs of boots, and a yellow sweatshirt. We also received the famous military buzz cut.

For the next eight weeks, we attended classes on history, code of conduct, and various other subjects.

We were drilled and drilled some more. In addition, we had P.T. conditioning courses, combat readiness training, physical drill under arms and commander time.

Above: Burkitt’s CAP unit.

Then we were off to Camp Pendleton for two weeks on the rifle range. We were taught to fire the M-14 rifle from 200, 300, and 500 yards. From there we returned to MCRD for final inspections and graduation. We had four hours of base liberty after eight weeks of intensive labor! That night S/Sgt. Malloy told us our Military Occupations Specialty. Most of us were going into the infantry, because of Vietnam.

The next day, we were transferred to Lima Company, 2nd BN, 2nd I.T.R. (Infantry Training Regiment).

We spent the next month learning to use a map and a compass. We also learned to use a 3.5 rocket launcher and a Browning Automatic Rifle. It was here that I met Jim Cooper and Don Bumgarner. Don’s parents lived in Long Beach. Every weekend that we had off, Jim and I went home with Don. Mary, his mother, called us “her three Marines.”

I received a 30-day leave and then it was back to Camp Pendleton. Twenty-six of us from I.T.R. reported to machine gun school at Camp Mateo, Camp Pendleton, CA. We spend the next two weeks firing, field stripping, and cleaning the M-60 machine gun.

Shortly after, we were transferred to staging BN. There we learned more about the Vietnamese culture and fighting tactics. Twenty-six of us, 13 machine gunners and 13 riflemen, reported to First BN, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in February of 1967. Most of us went to Charlie Company. A few of us trained with the 3.5 rocket launcher. I ended up as the gunner for 3/5. A Marine Rifle Company is made up of three platoons of riflemen and a weapons platoon. Weapons platoon consisted of three squads of M-60’s, two per squad, and a rocket team. The team leader, CPL Martinez, PFC Jim Bradford, and I made up the rocket Above: A letter that was written by a village chief team. We stayed in Okinawa for about a month, training by day and partying by night. It was on Okinawa and translated for Burkitt.

Page 14 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Ken Burkitt continued that my Senior Drill Instructor, S/Sgt Malloy, also joined our company and deployed with us to Vietnam.

On April 4, 1967, we embarked on board the USS Okinawa LPH3 (landing platform helicopter). We were headed to the Philippine Islands for more jungle training. We learned what was safe to eat, and what was NOT! Monkey is not too bad cooked over an open fire, but BBQ sauce would have made it better! We spent about a week learning how to navigate in a double and triple canopy jungle. After this, we were shipped to sunny South Vietnam.

During the nine months we were on Special Landing Forces, we pulled 25 operations. Some of these lasted two – three days, while others lasted as long as two weeks. There were several operations that ended only to begin with another operation the same day or the very next day. The whole time we were in the field, we wore the same clothes and only bathed if we set in by a river. Most of the time, we did not bathe until we Above: Burkitt (far left) and friends when he returned to VIetnam. were able to go back aboard the ship.

Throughout the 25 operations, there are three that have remained with me. The first was Operation Beaver Cage (Union) April 28. The first two days, heat caused more casualties than the enemy. On May 2, as Charlie Company was digging in for the night, we were attacked by an enemy force of at least a platoon. We had a C47 gunship (Puff the Magic Dragon) flying over us all night. Puff had three electric machine guns, each firing 6000 rounds a minute. On May 10, Bravo and Charlie Companies engaged the enemy in a day-long action. It was on this day, that my friend Jim Cooper was killed, along with several others. The operation finally ended on the 12th, and we went back aboard ship. Here we had a memorial service for those who were killed. We were aboard ship for six days and then back to the bush.

Operation Bear Claw (Buffalo) took place on the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) from July 3 – July 17. We had come back from an operation on the 2nd, only to be awakened at 0200 and told to get our gear together. On the 6th, the N.V.A (North Vietnamese Army) placed 1,000 artillery rounds between 1645 and 1900, resulting in the death of three Marines. Second and Third Platoons set out patrols on the east side of the perimeter. They had no more than left when they got hit. Sgt. Pike, and S/Sgt Malloy took reaction forces to reinforce the squads that had been hit. Both men were killed. Another reaction force was sent with rocket teams from the 2nd and 3rd Platoon. Earlier in the day, a tank had been hit and disabled. I was told to climb on the tank and fire a white phosphorous rocket into the N.V.A. to mark the target for the jets. This was the only time in two years I saw live N.V.A. Operation Buffalo ended on July 13th and on the 14th we began Operation Hickory 11.

On October 11, 1967, we began Operation Medina. Capt. Reczek, company commander, for Charlie Company had been promoted to Major and moved up to Bn. He was the best C.O. I had in the five years I served. Our X.O. was promoted and took over Charlie Company. At approximately 0400 on the morning of the 11th, Third Platoon of Charlie Company was overrun. This forced us back to the company C.P. (Command Post). We lost several men from the third platoon, as well as the Platoon Commander of the 3rd Platoon, the Company Commander, and the Executive Officer. We were lying in the dark, unaware as to where anyone was. This is when I heard a familiar voice. Major Reczek came down and said, “Charlie Company, get on the line, we’re going back out.” As I told him, 40 years Above: One of the 3 purple hearts later, we got up and went because we knew with him, we would be that Burkitt received. ok. It was on this night I got my second Purple Heart.

Page 15 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Ken Burkitt continued On December 17, Charlie Company moved to C4, an outpost on the D.M.Z. by the South China Sea. It was later in that day we had a major fight with the N.V.A. Jets were called in to help. On the 19th of January, in the early morning hours, several N.V.A. were spotted moving north of our position. We moved to try and intercept them, but walked into an ambush. I was hit with a small piece of shrapnel in the corner of my left eye. I was Med-evacuated to the hospital in Dong Ha and then transferred to Charlie Med in Da Nang. I was released and sent home. Of the 26 that went to 1/3, two were killed, 22 received at least one – three Purple Hearts and only two came home with none. ~This recount was only part of the first tour that Ken Burkitt served in Vietnam. He was later sent back

for a second tour in 1970-1971. This time he was in a C.A.P unit that provided security for the villages. There are so many more experiences and sacrifices that he made for our country from 1966-1971. His patriotism and personal convictions even caused him to rejoin the National Guard in Lawrenceville in the 1980’s. Burkitt is a proud member of the VFW, the American Legion, and he serves in the Honor Guard. He attends his military reunion each year and even returned to Vietnam in 2012. His life is a great example of the concept of service, something he still stands by and encourages others in. Thank you, Ken Burkitt, for your service to our great country and for allowing us to learn from it!

Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation and Acorn Estates in Mt. Carmel, IL is looking to grow their staff. If your looking for a rewarding career in a fun loving environment, they are now hiring to fill the following positions:

• RN • LPN • CNA • Activities Director • Dietary Aide • Maintenance Assistant

Applicants can: • Email resume to info@wlcfirm.com • Visit www.wlcfirm.com • Call 618.923.1505 to set up an interview.

Fairfield Holiday Open House Information

The Fairfield Area Retail Merchants are making plans for their annual Holiday Open House. In order to spread out the crowds a bit and make everyone feel a little safer during their shopping experience, the event has been expanded to three days! Merchants will be kicking off the holiday season, Friday, November 20th- Sunday, November 22nd. Hours will be from 9-5 on Friday and Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday. While Mrs. Claus will not be at the Chamber Office for the sending letters to Santa event, children will still be able to drop off their letters in the special mailbox and see a special virtual visit from the Christmas First Lady. Businesses choosing to participate in this event include: Uniquely Rustique, Carnaby Square, Mindy’s Sew Shop, The Willow Tree, The Corner, Gray Area Boutique/Merle Norman, Mama Bear’s 4 Seasons, Blacks Flower Shop, Your Flower Shop, B-Way Design Center, Farmer’s Daughter, Simply Enough, and Kincaids. This is a partial listing of participants.

Participation hours also may vary according to the business. Plan to spend some time in Fairfield this upcoming holiday season! “The Home of the Friendly People,” has much to offer!

Page 16 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

AGS Softball players were recently honored for the 2020 season. At right, (left to right): Jenna Shaw, most improved; Allison Groff, defensive award; Jaycee Kolb, hustle award; Alice Robb, team captain; Grace Bishop, big bat award; Avery Sweeny, big bat award and Lions award, voted on by the members of the team.

Congratulations to the October Student of the Month, Tyler Trout! Tyler has been working really hard to keep up with his classes this year and we are very proud of him. For his efforts, he will receive a Starter Detail Kit, Car Wash gift bag from Super Clean Car Wash, Case Hat from Albion Equipment, T-shirt and Cup from Wabash General Hospital, T-shirt and beef sticks from Country Home Processing, $15 Gift Card from United Mutual Insurance Company, $20 cash from Matthes Farms, $10 McDonald’s gift card, and $20 gift card from Wabash Valley Service Company.

Churches

If you have a special holiday event planned or just want to let 9,300 household know when your services are contact me at hometownvoice2019@ gmail.com.

Page 17 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Maggee Bleyer takes 3rd place Mt. Carmel High School senior student, Maggee Bleyer, takes 3rd Place in her submission in the writing portion for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois Judicial Art Competition titled “Justice Means”.

High School students from each of the 38 counties comprising the federal judicial district known as the Southern District of Illinois were invited to submit artwork and writings centered around the theme “Justice Means”.

Over 30 entries were received. Unfortunately, the pandemic coincided with the submission deadline, and the judging of the entries was delayed.

Winners were announced at a virtual ceremony on September 25, 2020. Maggee Bleyer’s poem, “Justice In My Mirror”, was announced as one of the chosen winning pieces. Her work will be displayed at both federal courthouses located in East St. Louis and Benton, Illinois representing Mount Carmel High School.

YOUR CONSERVATIVE, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

THE CANDIDATE WITH THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS TO EFFECTIVELY AND COMPETENTLY SERVE ON THE APPELLATE COURT

Elect Justice Mark M.

BOIE

Fifth District Appellate Court

PROVEN, EXPERIENCED JUSTICE

NEARLY 20 YEARS’ ON THE CIRCUIT AND APPELLATE COURTS  18+ YEARS AS RESIDENT CIRCUIT JUDGE OF UNION COUNTY PRESIDING OVER THE CRIMINAL, CIVIL, JUVENILE, MENTAL HEALTH, FAMILY & TRAFFIC DOCKETS ASSIGNED TO THE APPELLATE COURT BY JUSTICE LLOYD KARMEIER AND THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2019  HEAR APPEALS AND AUTHOR OPINIONS FOR THE 37 COUNTIES OF THE FIFTH DISTRICT

MARK IS A PROUD RESIDENT OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AND BRINGS HIS VALUES, COMMON SENSE, INTEGRITY, FAIRNESS, INDEPENDENCE, VAST EXPERIENCE, ALONG WITH HIS OATH TO FOLLOW THE RULE OF LAW AND TO SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION, TO AN ELECTED TERM ON THE APPELLATE COURT

RATED BY THE ISBA COMMITTEE ON JUDICIAL EVALUATIONS AS “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”

Paid for by Friends for Justice Boie.

Page 18 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Ag Sales CDE By Rylan Robb

This year in the Ag Sales CDE, members had to sell leaf blowers made by Stihl. The team consisted of Rylan Robb, Caden Rothrock, Caleb Stevens, and Lance Wisner. In this contest, the team had to prepare a sales presentation together and answer questions, take a sales test, and do an individual sale. The team practiced hard for this event and received 4th place as a team! Rylan Robb received Job Interview CDE By Rylan Robb 4th place as an individual as well.

Recently, members of the Edwards County FFA, Kassidi Metcalf and Rylan Robb participated in the Job Interview CDE. Kassidi participated in JV and Rylan participated in Varsity. In this event, members have to prepare a resume and cover letter, fill out a job application, do the interview itself, and write a follow-up letter. Kassidi placed 3rd in JV and Rylan placed 2nd in Varsity, allowing him to advance to the district level! Good job to these two!

If you have a story idea or picture to share...contact Laurie Snidle at hometownvoice2019@gmail.com

Hometown Voice 1069 County Road 200 E Albion, IL 62863 Laurie Snidle, publisher

618-919-1941

hometownvoice2019@gmail.com

To advertise contact Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email hometownvoice2019@gmail. com Page 19 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

2)

November 2020 Edwards and Wabash County Senior Center Menus - Sponsored by The First National Bank

EC - Ham , Macaroni & Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pudding WC -BBQ, Baby Bakers, Corn, Dessert

9)

EC - Cheeseburger on Bun, Pickle, Onion Onion Rings, Macaroni Salad, Pudding WC -Coconut Chicken, White Rice, California Blend, Egg Roll, Dessert 16) EC - Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes White Gravy, Lima Beans Pudding WC - Salisbury Steak, Potatoes & Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit 23) EC - BBQ Chicken Breast Corn Nuggets Bean Salad, Pudding

3)

4)

EC - Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes Gravy, Peas, Pudding WC - Country Fried Steak, WC - Spaghetti w/meatPotatoes & Gravy, Carrots, balls, Salad, Garlic bread, Biscuit, Cookie Fruit

EC - Chicken & Noodles, Vegetable Blend Fruit Salad

10)

EC -Cavatini Pea Salad, Garlic Bread Fruit

WC - Liver & Onions, Potatoes & Gravy, Cauliflower, Fruit

17) EC - Turkey Dressing

WC - Beef Manhattan, Potatoes & Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, Cake

25)

WC - Turkey w/Gravy, Dressing, Yams, Green Beans, Roll, Dessert

26) CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

WC - Chicken Strips, Potato Wedges, Corn, Fruit

WC - Fish Sandwich, Baked WC - Fried Chicken, Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Beans, Potato Salad, Roll, Dessert Dessert

EC - Chicken Casserole w/ Mixed Veggies, Pickled Beets, Fruit

WC - Chicken Noodle Soup, Pimento Cheese Sandwich, Crackers, Dessert

27)

2)

EC - Roast Beef Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Carrots, Cake WC - Ham & Beans, Cabbage, Potatoes, Corn Bread, Fruit

EC - Hot Dog on Bun Baked Beans, Potato Chips Slaw, Fruit WC -Beef Vegetable Soup, Grilled Cheese, Crackers, Dessert

EC - Fried Chicken 13) EC - Chili, Cheese Mashed Potatoes, White Crackers, Peanut Butter Gravy, Green Beans Sandwich, Cinnamon Brownie Fruit Rolls WC - Closed WC - Baked BBQ Chicken, WC - Potato Soup, Cold Cheesy Potatoes, Baby Cut Sandwich, Crackers, Carrots, Roll, Dessert Dessert 18) EC - Sloppy Joes on 19) EC - Swedish Meat- 20) EC - Fish, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Slaw Bun, Pickle, Onion, Carrots balls, w/ Noodles, VegIce Cream etable Blend, Cake Waffle Fries, Fruit

30) EC - Salisbury Steak 1) Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Peas, Fruit

6)

w/ Diced Ham & Turkey, Onions, Peppers, Cheese, & Sour Cream,

EC - Chicken Strips Potato Wedges, White Gravy, Mixed Veggies Pudding WC -Reddi Rib, Potatoes & WC - Taco Salad, Spanish Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, WC - Salmon Patty, Mac & Rice, Refried Beans, TortiFruit Cheese, Peas, Jello lla Chips, Baked Apples EC - Ham & Beans Fried Potatoes, Tomato Salad, Corn Bread Fruit

EC - Jumbo Shrimp Baked Potato, Lettuce Salad, Cake

11) EC - Ld Baked Potato, 12)

Turkey Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Sauce Pumpkin Bars WC - Breaded Tend. Sand., WC - Salmon Patty, Maca- Lettuce & Tomato, Baked roni & Cheese, Peas, Jello Beans, Chips, Dessert

24)

5)

3)

EC - Pork Manhattan Mashed Potatoes, Pork Gravy, Carrots, Cookies

CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

4)

EC - Taco Salad:

(Taco Meat, Lettuce,Tomato, Onions, Salsa, Green Pepper, Cheese, & Sour Cream), Chips & Fruit

WC - Chili, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Crackers, Dessert

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 Page 20 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Grayville FFA Chapter Named 3 Star Chapter for 2020 National Chapter Award by National FFA Organization second year in a row.

By: Madelyn Cunningham The Grayville FFA chapter has been recognized in the 2020 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. Grayville was named a 3 Star Chapter in 2019, as well. The National 3 Star Chapter is an award given by the National FFA to schools with outstanding FFA chapters that premiere leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Grayville received star ratings during virtual judging this summer and will be recognized at the 2020 National FFA Convention & Exposition, October 27-29, 2020, which will be held virtually this year.

Grayville FFA places 2nd at Section 23 Forestry Competition On September 24, 2020, five Grayville FFA members participated in the virtual Section 23 forestry competition.

The competition consisted of tree identification, chainsaw part identification, chainsaw troubleshooting, forestry tool and equipment identification, and tree disorder identification.

Grayville placed 2nd overall. Grayville also had Brynn Nesler placing 5th , Matthew Cowles placing 6th, Callie Neeley placing 8th, and Madelyn Cunningham placing 11th.

Grayville FFA places 10th at FFA State Forestry Competition. On September 26, 2020, five members of the Grayville FFA chapter participated in the virtual FFA State Forestry Competition. FFA members competing were Madelyn Cunningham, Payton Howard, Callie Neeley, Matthew Cowles, and Brynn Nesler. The team placed 10th in the State Forestry competition. There were 22 teams and this is the second highest Grayville has ever placed at a state contest. Grayville FFA members had Matthew Cowles placing 32th, Brynn Nesler placing 35th, Madelyn Cunningham placing 36th, Callie Neeley placing 39th, and Payton Howard placing 53rd out of 100 individuals. SAE GRANTS AWARDED Sev-

eral members of the Grayville FFA have been selected as recipients for the first annual local Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) grant. SAE Grants are awarded primarily based on financial need to help start or expand a SAE. Grayville students submitted applications explaining their project, goals and need for a grant. A committee, formed by the sponsors from Grayville Wabash FS and Edwards County Farm Bureau, judged the applications on September 29, 2020.

The Grayville FFA students chosen to receive SAE grants were Kadyn Cox and Isaac Rankin “Hen House Eggs” - chicken production $300; Hanna Waggoner “Hanna’s Honey” – bee keeping $500; Brynn Nesler “Hydroponic grow towers and house plants” – horticulture $150; and Matthew Cowles “Garden” – vegetable production $50.

The Grayville FFA would like to thank the sponsors who made this first round of grants possible. If you would like to sponsor the Grayville FFA spring round of SAE grants that will be awarded in March 2021, please contact Michaela Greathouse at 618-895-4750 or mgreathouse@gcusd.com.

SAE Grant Winners l-r Kadyn Cox, Isaac Rankin, Hanna Waggoner, Brynn Nesler and Matthew Cowles

Page 21 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

COVID-19 cancels Honor Flight trip for 4 area Veterans Four area Veterans were scheduled to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. this year but all trips have been cancelled due to COVID-19 until Spring 2021 at the earliest.

Pictured above (left to right) Specialist 4th Class Charles Shupe. Served from 1963 - 1965. Did basic training at Fort Polk, Vernon Parish, LA and AIT training at Fort Sam, Houston, TX before shipping out on the USS Upshur to Heilbronn, Germany as a medic attached to the 4th Armored Division.

Private First Class Bernard Stennett served from March 1, 1945 to December 26, 1946 in the Infantry and Air Force in Japan and Korea.

Keith L Baxter served in the U.S Army from September 14, 1963 – September 12, 1966. SP/4 U.S Army MOS U.S. Signal Corp, Teletype Operator Vicenza, Italy 2 years Tactical Unit.

Kenneth F. Ile served from 1963-1965 in the Army 25th Infantry. Did basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Pulaski, MO, and Cavalry Armor Training in Fort Knox, Hardin, KY, was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Oahi, Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan.

The mission of Honor Flight is to transport America’s veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

The Honor Flight Network is a national network of independent Hubs working together to honor our nation’s veterans with an all-expenses paid trip to the memorials in Washington, D.C., a trip many of our veterans may not otherwise be able to take. Participation in an Honor Flight trip gives veterans the chance to share this momentous trip with other veterans, to remember friends and comrades lost, and share their stories and experiences with each other.

The Honor Flight Network is currently serving veterans who served from World War II to the Korean War and through to Vietnam. They also serve terminally ill veterans from any era of service. For more information or to donate go to www.honorflight.org.

Page 22 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Members of the West Salem Fire Department show off their new extrication tools. The Department recently purchased a new spreader tool and shears, both of which are essential for extrications from vehicles. Funding for the tools was provided by a grant from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, a donation from COUNTRY Financial Representative Steve Thomson, and donations from the community. Front (L-R): Assistant Chief Jason Arnold and Mike Clark, Training Officer; Back: Secretary Eric Goldsmith, Brandon Bare, Sam Arnold, Martin Swartzbaugh, and Evan Thomson.

WVC seeking applicants for Phyllis J. Schucker Memorial Scholarship

The West Salem Fire Department sponsored a coloring contest for the WSGS kindergarten and second grade classes during Fire Prevention Week.

Above left, Ezra Bare was the winner from kindergarten and Wyatt Herald at right was the second grade winner.

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Mt. Carmel, Ill.— Wabash Valley College is now seeking applicants for the Phyllis J. Schucker Memorial Scholarship.

The Phyllis J. Schucker Memorial Scholarship is a one-time scholarship, established out of love and respect for Phyllis. The memorial scholarship was set up

by Phyllis’s niece Rayna Kaasa and her husband Dave Kaasa. They knew how much Chapter FK of the Philanthropic Educational Organization and education meant to Phyllis and wanted to honor her memory in this way.

In order to be considered for the scholarship, students must meet the following requirements: They must be a student at Wabash Valley College; They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher; They must submit a transcript of courses taken; They must submit an essay written by the student, giving a short biography which includes educational goals, career goals and lists any service to the community. This essay does not have a minimum word/page requirement; and They must submit a recommendation from a faculty member that has had the student in a course.

This recommendation is a statement of confidence in the student’s academic abilities and verification of the student’s good citizenship as a member of the student body at Wabash Valley College.

Don’t miss your opportunity to earn this scholarship; Submit your essay and letter of recommendation today!

The scholarship’s deadline is Friday, Nov. 13, at 3:00 p.m. Send all required materials to WVC’s Financial Aid office.

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Teachers, clubs, churches... share upcoming events and pictures at hometownvoice 2019@gmail.com

Page 23 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Niki Greathouse’s WSGS Kindergarten class was choosen as the St. Louis Dairy Council Illinois classroom of the month. They are participating in a program called Adopt-a-Cow. Students in the class picked out a dairy calf at the beginning of the school year. Each month they receive a picture and an update about their calf named Oreo. Each student received a keychain, sticker, and bookmark. Pictured above: Presley Shelby, Bristol Winter, Addyson Daxton Baker Back row: Luke Greathouse, Diezel Fisher, Charleigh Perry, and Lyric Paul. At right are: Toutloff, Ezra Bare, Noah Lingafelter, and Axle Hill.

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The 6th - 8th grade students at West Salem Grade School just concluded their first quarter of Accelerated Reading. These students were the top five in points earned for the nine week period, and are pictured with the stack of books they read. (L-R) Karmyn Duncan with 66.6 points, Levi Gill with 82.5 Stop by Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to points, Quentin Pike withfresh 68.0 Smith with 52.3 points, and 12 pm and check out the new cutpoints, meat caseGavin and frozen Wyatt Greathouse with 115.2 food we have available.

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During Fire Prevention week the West Salem Fire Department made their yearly trip to the West Salem Grade School. While there they gave a presentation to the student body, showed the students the fire trucks and let them spray the fire hose. Pictures above: Niki Greathouse’s kindergarten class took their turn touring the fire truck. Below top left: Jason Arnold shows the WSGS kindergarten class the inside of the fire truck; top right: Fire Chief Harvey Fenton and Dylan Jones taught the students about the equipment they use; bottom left: Martin Swartzbaugh helped Ezra Bare spray the fire hose; bottom right; Martin Swartzbaugh helped WSGS first grader Anzlee Adams spray the hose while classmate Connor Goble waits his turn.

Page 25 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Small Town Fire - by Daisy Roser Meet the Author

Daisy is the 13 year old daughter of Tim and Angela (Hawkins) Roser. Daisy is a homeschooler who lives on a farm near Enfield, IL. She spends a lot of time tending animals, but she enjoys most a beautiful horse named Hondo.

She loves to draw and read and plans to be a best selling author some day.

I smelled smoke… my throat constricted as my eyes opened suddenly.

Where am I? I wondered frantically, blinking sleep from my eyes and sitting up hurriedly. Smoke curled before my vision. I leaped out of my bed with a gasp, struggling out of tangled sheets. I squeaked, unable to yell.

Were firefighters on the way? Had someone called the police? Surely someone would have noticed. Or were people in this little town so indifferent to strangers that they would pretend not to notice that my newly acquired house was on fire?

“Help!” I squeaked, not to anyone outside, but a quiet, desperate prayer that burst from my lips almost before I thought it.

I stumbled toward the door. Should I open it? Try to get out? Wait for someone to come and rescue me? I struggled to remember what I had learned about fire procedures. Don’t open doors, giving a fire more oxygen could make it explode… or was that for… No. I struggled to think coherently, wondering if the smoke curling underneath my bedroom door was already affecting my brain.

No, I told myself sternly, I have to get out in case nobody’s coming.

I felt the doorknob desperately, it wasn’t hot. Did that mean there was a fire on the other side or that I was safe?

Yourself, others, possessions… or was that what they tell you before a plane crashes?

I didn’t ponder the question long though, throwing the door open I dashed into the hallway.

I rushed toward the stairs, or toward where I thought the stairs were. I hoped they were in this direction, I had only finished moving in yesterday, and my sleep-clouded brain was still struggling to comprehend my situation.

My throat was dry, heat surrounded me, seeming to suck the very air that I breathed. The only sound was the ominous crackling of the fire, and the deafening pop, pop, pop, of quickly burning timbers. I tried to swallow, but my tongue clung to the roof of my mouth making it nearly impossible.

I looked around with a frantic gaze, eyes wide with terror.

“Help!” I squeaked desperately past a quickly building lump in my throat, I wasn’t ready to die.

The fire surrounded me, flames licked up all around, staining the once pristine walls with black marks of burning drywall. A red blaze licked upwards from a picture frame lying on the carpet, somehow knocked from the wall during the night. My clouded mind rested on each detail far too long, distracting me from my escape. Is this what it felt like to be dying? I wondered lazily as I studied the curling flames and thick clouds of blackened smoke.

The heat drifted up toward the barely visible ceiling, misting it with fuzzy tendrils of curling smoke.

I took a step forward, struggling to tear my wandering attention from my surroundings, struggling to run, desperate to escape the fire. The world was spinning. I couldn’t tell if I was going forward or backward, everything seemed... fuzzy… distant… hazy smoke-filled my gaze, the booming crack, crack, crack, of the fire echoing in my ears.

I stumbled forward, landing solidly on my hands and knees. The world spun around me. I gagged from the dizzying fall, choking on the pain that flared in my throat with the movement. The thick haze made my eyes water.

All I could see was smoke and reddish-gold flames flickering upward in a mesmerizing dance.

They swirled around me, hot and dangerous and mesmerizing. Heat flared in at my fingertips, pain searing upward through my limbs.

Something was sizzling, the scent of burning flesh filled my nostrils. Was it my hand? My leg? My hair? Was I melting?

I couldn’t tell, I couldn’t feel, I couldn’t breathe.

Something grabbed me around the waist, someone slinging me up across their shoulders before slumping under my weight. The world twisted dangerously, nausea boiled in my stomach.

Bouncing with a running gait I swayed across the person’s shoulders, head lolling against a person’s back.

I could feel their muscles trembling with exhaustion as they bounced down the stairs. I couldn’t see, all was smoke and fire and dancing flame. I fell, hardly feeling continued on page 27

Page 26 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

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Small Town Fire - by Daisy Roser continued ples remained. The man who had saved me, his wife, continued from page 26 as I bumped against the hard floor of my living-room.

Something grabbed my hands and dragged me.

It seemed like forever before they released me, I fell, collapsing onto the cool sidewalk. My face was pressed against the hard concrete beneath me. Unable to open my eyes for fear of vomiting.

I couldn’t think.

All I could do was focus on the next breath, body heaving with the exertion. My dry throat ached with each frantic breath.

I blinked. The world tilted dangerously as I struggled into a sitting position.

I blinked again as the fuzzy surroundings came into focus.

Ten yards away the fire still raged, crackling and popping as its flames danced upward. But it seemed quieter now, more contained.

“Are you alright?” questioned a wheezy voice beside me, I turned toward it. A middle-aged man sat next to me, sweat dripping down his face and neck, staining the edges of his soot-streaked shirt.

I barely had the wits to nod dully.

A pretty woman rushed up, looking close to tears as she embraced the man enthusiastically. “Oh, I was so worried!” she complained, patting his hands frantically as if to assure herself that he was really there.

He stroked the ends of his dark beard, slightly peppered with grey, and flashed a grin, “All in one piece,” he informed readily.

Voices in the background echoed in my ears as several other people crowded around me and the man. I coughed and struggled to stand. Several sets of hands pressed me back down again. I clutched my thin teeshirt to myself, barely able to suppress a shiver. After the warmth of the fire, I knew I should be grateful. I should be praising God and thanking this kind man who had saved me. I should be grateful, but sitting on a cold, concrete sidewalk in a thin tee-shirt and PJ-pants I didn’t feel grateful, I felt freezing.

Tucking my bare feet underneath me I shivered as a cold November wind whistled in my ears.

“Oh, poor dear, she’s cold,” commented one woman sympathetically, patting my back. I barely heard the order she gave her husband to give me his coat while I stared at the burning remains of what had been my house for all of three days.

The woman wrapped a coat around my shoulders and I burrowed into it, hardly able to hold back the tears forming in my eyes, already red-rimmed and watery from the smoke.

I heard the whining siren of a fire engine coming up the street, most of the people scattered, realizing that I was alright and the fire would soon be put out. Only two cou-

the loud woman, and her husband, who owned the coat I now wore.

The rickety, old engine slowed and pulled to a stop with a screech of tires and a whine of old breaks.

Soon they had put the fire out.

And all I could do was silently stare at the charred remains of my life-savings. The house had sunken onto its foundations limply, it sagged in the middle.

“Oh,” mumbled one of the remaining women, “How awful!” Her comment seemed quite appropriate for the situation.

I could feel the stares of several people as they waited for my reaction.

All I could do was shake my head numbly and stare at the house. “What will I do?” I wondered aloud to no-one-inparticular, voice cracking on the desperate words.

Several people nodded their head sympathetically, several clucked their tongues, but no one offered a solution.

No one offered to help.

I felt so helpless.

After a long night of tossing and turning in a tiny bed, a long night in a tiny motel down the street from my house, I woke up, makeup smeared across my face, tears forming in my eyes, wondering where I was and what I was doing.

Two hours later I was walking through the house, the firemen had said it was relatively stable. The blackened walls and charred furniture were irreplaceable, I didn’t have enough money to fix any of it… few of my belongings were salvageable, there was little I could do.

As an aspiring young author I had very little… of anything.

I sighed as I ran a hand along a blackened wall, pausing at a picturframe with dark edges of burnt wood. The picture of my parents and me.

I would have to move back in with them again, they’d be disappointed... again. I didn’t want to binge on their hardearned life again, I had just gotten away from that.

“Nineteen,” I whispered to myself, “Nineteen,” I repeated helplessly, “I’m a grown woman, I ought to be able to fix this,” my mumbled comment remained unheard by anycontinued on page 28

If you would like to encourage this young author or tell her Happy Birthday on November 13th, send her an email to: daisy@carmifamilydental.com

Page 27 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Small Town Fire - continued

continued from page 27 one but God. “Oh…” I moaned desperately, staring up at a blackened ceiling, “What will I do?”

I didn’t feel like a grown woman, I felt like a helpless child.

“You could ask for help,” commented a kind voice from behind me, I turned quickly to see my rescuer from the night before standing in the middle of the charred hallway.

My cheeks flushed, I had been so caught up in my own thoughts that I hadn’t even heard his footsteps crunching on the coals of burnt wood. He had heard me talking to myself, heard me praying. I ducked my head.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of, dearie,” the woman standing behind him informed me gravely. “We all have to ask for help sometimes.”

I shook my head dully, but they paid me no mind.

“It’s not irreplaceable,” the man commented, running a hand along a broken doorframe, “I know some people who would volunteer for free, some people would give money, food, supplies,” “Yes, dearie!” the woman added enthusiastically, “It’s not like one of those big cities around here. We may not know you well, but we want to know you better, we’d love for you to stay, we’d help you get back on your feet!”

“The Bible teaches for you to love your neighbour, whether it’s your neighbor next door or the one a million miles away. And loving means helping them and caring about them,” the man smiled at me. “Now, I know a bit about carpentry, no good with a hammer, but I can use a drill.”

“I-umm-uhh,” I could only stutter in confusion, I had heard that small towns were unfriendly, suspicious of strangers… but they seemed so sincere. “But-but, are you serious?”

“Well, yes,” the man cocked his head at me, running a hand over his balding head, “I don’t understand girls these days, I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.”

“Really?” I asked again.

The woman smiled warmly, “we wouldn’t raise your

hopes just to dash them down again, I think we could do it… if you say please.”

“Y-yes! Please! Thank you!”

And they were serious, they really meant it, I don’t know if I would have made it without them. Nobody knows how that fire started but I’m starting to think it was God’s way of showing me how much he cares for me. Him caring for me by putting those kind people in my path.

My suspicions about small towns are completely vanquished. The people in them are so… different from what I was used to. In the city everything was so busy, people were rushing every-which direction, so caught up in their own lives they couldn’t care less about the people around them.

But these people out here in the outskirts of tiny towns and little communities of rual Illinois, people are so kind and generous. And more than that, they are changed people, so many of them are genuine Christians, unlike I had ever experienced before, they don’t just tell you their faith, they act upon it!

God put these people in my life to change me. I’ve been here for almost three years, I’ve never had so many friends, I see them every Sunday, they are like family to me.

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Page 28 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Judge Sarah D. Smith Office Sought: 5th District Appellate Court Judge

Education/Family/Community Involvement: I grew up in Moro, a small farming community in Southern Illinois. My father is a union lineman and my mother a stay at home mom. Grit and hard work were values instilled in us at a young age. I started my own paper route at the age of 9 and then later de-tasseled corn thru junior high and high school. I am a graduate of Edwardsville High School class of 1994. I earned an Associate’s Degree in Philosophical Studies while in high school (1993), a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (1993) from Millikin University, a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and my Juris Doctorate from Regent University in 2002, and I just recently graduated with a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in July of 2020. I am married to an Active Duty Army Officer (a 4x combat veteran) and we have 3 little boys.

I am passionate about serving my community. In addition to my military service and involvement in my local church, I am actively involved in numerous charitable and community organizations to include serving on the Edwardsville YMCA Board, the Alton Boys and Girls Club, the Madison County Urban League, Refuge (an organization that provides free counseling for children who have experience trauma), Riverbend Family Ministries, the Edwardsville Gun Club, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace (we build beds for children that do not have them).

Experience/Background: Prior to becoming a Judge I spent 15 years in front of the bench as a civil litigator and Prosecutor. As a Judge I have handled every docket that we have in our courthouse including thousands of cases ranging from family cases to juvenile, land lord tenant, small claims, civil, and criminal.

I am currently the chair of the Third Judicial Circuit’s Pro-Bono Committee, an organization that is dedicated to providing free legal services to the Madison and Bond County Community. I helped organize and create the Child Support Accountability Court, the Domes-

tic Violence Accountability Court and I assist with the Veteran’s Treatment Court. I serve on the Board of the Illinois Judges Association, and I am a past office holder of the Illinois Judges Foundation. I also serve on various legal organizations such as the Illinois State Bar Associations military affairs and elder law subcommittees. I have taught numerous courses to attorneys throughout the State on various legal topics and was recently selected to teach at the bi-annual Judge’s Educational Conference.

I enlisted in the United States Army right out of High School as a mechanic in order to pay for college. I used the GI bill to help pay for my schooling and once I passed the bar I was commissioned as an officer in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. I am a Colonel, a two-time combat veteran and currently the State Judge Advocate, the highest-ranking JAG officer in the Illinois Army National Guard. While deployed in Afghanistan I served on the base Volunteer Fire Department, conducted dozens of mounted and dismounted security patrols. I planned and organized dozens of Humanitarian Assistance Missions to villages throughout Afghanistan and was selected to mentor the only female Afghan General. For my service in Afghanistan I was awarded the Bronze Star. I helped draft the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure and the Illinois Manual for Courts Martial, I was selected to serve as the first female Military Judge in the entire United States Army National Guard. I have spoken about my military-legal experiences to various foreign dignitaries and ministries to include the Polish Ministry of Defense, Israeli Ministry of Defense and the United Nations.

Why are you running for office?: I am running for office for two reasons: First, I believe that the voters of Southern Illinois deserve fair and impartial judges free from any political bias or motive. I am not a political appointee. While Illinois law requires judges to declare a party, I am beholden to no one but the law and the people I serve. I have seen what partisan politics has done to this country at the national level and I refuse to give it place in my courtroom. Citizens of Illinois deserve judges who are committed to serving the public (no matter what their politically affiliation) fairly and impartially. Second, I am running because right now our country is so divided. I wanted to demonstrate to the people of Southern Illinois that there are public officials who want to do anything they can to unite this country. While we are polarized politically at the national level, at the local level there are candidates that want to reach across the aisle to do what is best for the people they serve- the people they work with, the people they attend the same church with, whose children go to the

Page 29 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Judge Sarah D. Smith candidate profile continued same school. The voters of southern Illinois need candidates who will focus on all of the things we have in common rather than continue to exaggerate our differences in an attempt to further divide us. With almost 26 years of military service I understand the great weight or responsibility that comes with being a public servant.

What are some of the issues you would address or change? As a Judge we have two responsibilities. The first involves handling legal matters and overseeing cases that come before us. It is not our job to legislate from the bench. I will handle the cases as they arise, so for this responsibility there is nothing I would be able to address or change. Our second responsibility involves the administration of justice. This involves making sure justice is administered in a fair, impartial and expedient manner. Should I earn the trust and confidence of the voters in Southern Illinois I would make every effort to ensure voters have ease of access to the appellate court and that justice and our rulings would be issued quickly.

Final comments: I am frustrated that judicial elections have become so politicized. The role of the judiciary is a significant responsibility that should remain free from any political pressure or bias. I am proud to receive the support of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. I am also proud of the high ratings I

have received for impartiality and integrity by lawyers from both parties who have appeared before me and the “Highly Recommended” rating I received from the Illinois State Bar Association Committee on Judicial Evaluations. In addition to my legal experience and life experience, I am a candidate who simply cares for people- and that dedication crosses all partisan lines. I hate what partisan politics has done at our national level and I refuse to give it place in my courtroom. I think if we could all love people more than we hate their politics our nation would begin to heal. I would be humbled to serve Southern Illinois as their next Appellate Court Judge.

Registration for Spring semester at WVC now in progress Mt. Carmel— Wabash Valley College is now scheduling registration appointments for the upcoming spring semester. To make an appointment, call WVC Student Services at 618-262-8641 or email wvcregistration@ iecc.edu. Current students may also contact their advisor to register.

The Spring schedule is available at www.iecc.edu/ schedules. The spring semester begins on Monday, Jan. 11.

Join us for our 8th Annual

Christmas Open House Friday, November 6 • 8a-8p Saturday, November 7 • 8a-Noon

We’re ready to enjoy the Holidays and to share them with you!

Stop by for a visit and check out the unique silk and fresh floral arrangements, home decor, jewelry, clothing, candles and all things Christmas!

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107 W. Main Albion 445-3924 Page 30 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Congratulations to the AGS Baseball team!

The AGS Baseball team finished with a record of 14-6 and finished 3rd in the SIJHSAA Class M State Finals. Coach Kris Duncan said “I was very proud of the boys’ hard work throughout the season. They showed a lot of improvement and were playing their best baseball coming into the postseason”. Coach Duncan would like to give a big thank you to the assistant coaches for all their hard workk, Kevin Smerdon, TJ Smerdon, Christian Cullison, and Sam Speir for all of their time and dedication to the baseball program. Team members shown above: Front Row: Cy Nelson, Drew Seibert, Jex Schnepper, and Jaron Weaver. Middle Row: Drew Roosevelt, Evan Rhodes, Drew Lankford, Elijah Brinkmann, Aydan Wang, and Aiden McDowell. Back Row: Dylan Prather, Wyatt Collins, Jackson Hensley, Caden Hart, Cash Conner, Jax Duncan, and Rylyn Nix.

We’re thankful for your years of loyalty to Wabash.

We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve you. We’re thankful for our ability to enhance your communica�ons. We’re thankful for the joy of living and working in this community. Most importantly we are thankful for your con�nued trust as we move forward.

Page 31 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Allendale School September Students of the Month

Allendale School is proud to announce the Students of the Month for September: Left to right, first row: Quinn Keepes (Kindergarten), Luke Harms (1st Grade), Harper Prosise (2nd Grade).

Grasyn Morgan (3rd Grade), Ryland Houchin (4th Grade). 2nd row: Rhett Andrews (Jr. High), Hallie Courter (Jr. High).

Allendale School was glad to partner with Corporate America Family Credit Union to help in their challenge to support WADI with a can food drive. Pictured from left to right are: Kollin Kelsey, Chase Gher, Mr. Nick Waldroup, and Ava Bates.

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Page 32 • Hometown Voice • November 2020

Join us in a prayer for the safe return of the soldiers who continue to keep America safe.

Saluting the United States Armed Forces Thank you veterans! We owe our way of life to your brave defense of freedom. The country and its people are in your debt.

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“JUST A SMIDGEN UP THE ROAD FROM WHERE YOU LIVE!” Hwy 64 W, Princeton ACROSS FROM WALMART

812-386-6193 OR 1-800-531-2863

TEMPORARY SALES: MON-FRI 8AM-5:30PM, SAT 8AM-4PM

Hablamos y Negociamos

en Español

SERVICE: MON-FRI 7AM-5:30PM, SAT 8AM-NOON

Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic

Now accepting patients of all ages

Health issues involving the ears, nose and throat not only affect how you feel, but how you function in everyday life. Drs. Allison and Mark Royer, specialist at Wabash General Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, have been treating patients with chronic and acute issues for years, and their excited to provide this specialized care to our community.

Now accepting patients of all ages for consultations and procedures. Call 618-240-2740 for more information or to schedule your appointment today.

1418 College Drive, Mt. Carmel | 618-240-2740 | wabashgeneral.com