H METOWN VOICE
Logan Bailey Assistant Vice President Financial Advisor
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM Retail Local Postal Customer
October 2020
7300 Eagle Crest Blvd., Evansville, IN
812.473.7318
Primary Care Clinic Now Open in Olney We’re now seeing patients, with the same great care and local doctors you know and trust. The new clinic includes all Convenient Care providers, as well as: ADULT MEDICINE
FAMILY PRACTICE
• Josette
•
H. Timothy Garret, DO
•
Drew Schmucker, MD
•
Debra Waggle, FNP
•
Mackenzie Zuber, FNP
Clodfelter, FNP
• Amanda • Tanner
Dillon, FNP
Miller, MD
NEW LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION: 363 N. West St., Olney (618) 392-9400 Schedule an appointment today!
PEDIATRICS •
Norma Kreilein, MD
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH •
Leslie Shan, MS, QMHP
•
Emma Engle, PMHNP
1.2 Million Rural Americans are Served by 260 Telephone Cooperatives in 31 States
NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH 2020
Local Diner Turns 50 By Meghan Fearn The Keensburg Café is turning 50 years old! However, a birthday is not all that the Café has to celebrate. The Keensburg Café is also the oldest operating restaurant in all of Wabash County. Not only does the restaurant offer the best fried chicken around, but it also has become the gathering spot for locals to enjoy good conversation and a hot cup of coffee. Also known as “Little Don’s Café”, the restaurant was established by Don and Mary Kennard in 1970. Don Kennard ran a farm and operated a small grocery in Keensburg for several years. The business grew over time, filling the needs of the community by offering items such as rock, lime, fuel, and even pet food. He served the community of Keensburg, offering heavy equipment services and he also owned the first semi in the area. In fact, many of the local farmers used this semi to gain their license. With all of these enterprises, it was not a surprise that Kennard decided to tackle one more. In 1970, with the coal mine establishing in Keensburg, Kennard decided to add a building next to his offices and open a small café.
Little Don’s Café, as it was known at the time, offered hot breakfasts and lunches for the coal miners, farmers, and community. The restaurant was a family enterprise and each of the Kennard’s seven children had the opportunity to work in the café. Many of their family’s memories were made there. His daughter Cindy met her husband Ernie there. The meeting room has hosted many family wedding showers and Thanksgiving dinners. To this day, it is a gathering place for the Kennard family and any family that chooses to rent the meeting room. A lot of changes have come to the restaurant in 50 years. With the passing of time, many stories can be shared. Kennard told of a particular snowstorm in 1977 that kept the coal miners from leaving the mine. Kennard took a tractor to Mt. Carmel to pick up extra supplies and he fed 200-250 people for three straight days. “I raised my own meat, so we had plenty of that; but I had that tractor filled to the top with all of the buns and bread I could find in Mt. Carmel. You know, we used every last one.” Kennard chuckled. Many stories, such as this one,
are swapped over a cup of coffee with patrons who have been coming to the restaurant since opening day. Andy Hocking, Roy Timberlake, Lyle Alka, and Kennard are just a few who have enjoyed gathering through the years over a hearty home-cooked breakfast. Stop in and grab some catfish and you will probably also learn a little about the Keensburg history or find out that you are related to someone in the area. One thing is for sure, you will leave feeling like family. The Keensburg Café is now operated by Lois Frayser, a wellknown cook in the Mt. Carmel area. Along with a regular breakfast and lunch menu of sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, and burgers, daily lunch specials are offered. All of the food is home-cooked and fresh. Customer favorites include her famous fried chicken on Wednesdays and fried catfish on Fridays. Currently, the restaurant is opened Monday – Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Sunday lunch buffet, which usually serves as many as 250 people, is a hot item that will resume as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. Pick-up orders can also be placed by calling 618-2403229.
Page 1 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Citizens National Bank of Albion Eighty Years and Still Going Strong By Meghan Fearn When Citizens National Bank of Albion opened their doors 80 years ago, on August 6, 1940, the world was quite a different place than it is now. The country was rising from The Great Depression, World War II was emerging across Europe, and Franklin D. Roosevelt was running a campaign to hold on to an unprecedented third term in office. The price of gasoline was 11 cents. The average cost of a new home was $3,920 and the average annual wage was $1,725 per year. While times have changed the environment and the economy, Citizens National Bank has remained relevant and current with each trend, always striving to provide the services needed in the community. Citizens National Bank was originally housed at 11 North Fifth Street (currently the TJ Marche building) before building their new location at 10 West Elm Street in 1967. Since that time, the bank has added branches in Olney, Mt. Erie, Crossville, Lawrenceville, and Bridgeport. The current president
is Jan Ridgely. The current Board of Directors includes David Broster, Randy Longbons, Rick Wolfe, Davis Messman, and Dr. Lawrence Speir. The bank also has over 50 dedicated employees who currently work across the six branch locations. The growth and stability that CNB has seen over the past 80 years is a result of many factors. Each employee plays an important part in building the trust of the customer. The bank also strives to stay current in the world of digital banking and provides most of these services for free. Just recently, CNB featured a brand-new website at www.cnbalbion.com and a Mobile Banking App. Both are home to several new products and services. SPIN is one of the services new to CNB. SPIN is a personto-person payment tool inside CNB’s digital banking. It is a
Main teller windows of Citizens National Bank of Albion on opening day, August 5, 1940.
Page 2 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Citizens National Bank of Albion Eighty Years and Still Going Strong continued free and easy way to instantly send money to just about anyone. For example, let us say a person needs to give their sister $50 to pitch in on a parent’s Christmas gift. The person will simply enter the sister’s email or mobile number, set her up as a payee, and send the money. She will receive a link and accept the money by entering the requested information. All of this can be done in a matter of minutes. CNB also offers Bill Pay, or the ability to safely and securely transfer and track payments in real-time. Intuit QuickBooks and Quicken can also be used within digital services for budgeting and reporting purposes. Mobile Wallets are another new feature offered through CNB. This service makes it easy to safely and securely “tap and pay” with a debit card. The Mobile Wallet will also store merchant and club rewards programs, coupon codes, and spending trends. These digital services are in addition to the convenient services already offered, such as 24-hour ATM machines, loans, checking accounts, savings accounts, safety deposit boxes, money orders, notary services, and so much more. Eighty years of service has built a strong foundation for CNB. While things in the economy and the environment might have experienced many changes, CNB has been a consistent and trusted financial partner in the community. They will continue to grow and provide the quality and current services you need to “Know Better Banking”. Congratulations to Citizens National Bank of Albion on 80 years!
Left to right: Richard Wolfe, Susan Roethe, Myrna Mason, Michael Copeland, Erica Billingsley, Judith Baughman, Billie Taylor, Debra Fearn and Newly Sawyer.
Oak Leaf Trucking, Inc. Grain Hauling Neil Fearn 618-838-3852
Mike Harris 618-839-0526
Albion, IL Page 3 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Mark M. Boie Office Sought: Republican candidate for Judge of the Appellate Court Fifth Judicial District.
Name: Mark M. Boie Education/Family/Community involvement: I graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School and then attended The University of Mississippi in Oxford graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor Arts degree. I received my Juris Doctor degree at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois in 1997. I currently live in Anna with my wife, Emily, who is a teacher at Cobden Elementary School. We have three children, Nicolas, Kaelyn and Peyton. As the circuit judge of a small county, I made the decision early in my career that I would not join any of the various community social organizations. Since I would be the judge hearing the majority of the criminal and civil cases filed, I did not want to create any more possible conflicts that might potentially arise. I have, however, participated in events and supported the various organizations as a community member over the years. I have also given classroom presentations at local schools as well as invited classes to tour the courthouse and/or attend court proceedings and spoken with the students there. Experience/Background: Prior to becoming a judge, I was in private practice with my father, Wesley L. Boie, in Anna, Illinois. In November 2000, I was elected the Resident Circuit Judge of Union County and have been fortunate to be retained by the voters to that position in 2006, 2012 and 2018. I was the presiding judge overseeing the judicial system of the county and managing the administrative duties of the office. I presided over the various dockets for the county, including the civil, family, juvenile, mental health, traffic, small claims and criminal dockets. I conducted hundreds of contested hearings and bench trials, as well as dealing with high-volume court calls. I presided over numerous criminal and civil jury trials and was assigned to hear the traffic, small claims and conflicts dockets in Massac County from 2000 to 2014. I was also assigned to hear cases throughout the entire First Judicial Circuit.
Effective May 1, 2019, I was assigned to serve on the Fifth District Appellate Court by then Chief Justice Lloyd Karmeier and was unanimously approved by the Illinois Supreme Court. Since then I have sat in panels hearing the various appeals brought from the 37 counties of the District and authored numerous orders and opinions for the cases assigned to me. I serve on a Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee that promulgates the standards, application, certification and review process for the various problem-solving courts in Illinois and also serve as the Co-Chairman of its Compliance-Mental Health Sub-Committee. I recently took over the role as the Illinois judicial representative for the Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative (RJOI) comprised of seven midwestern states. I am a faculty presenter at the Judicial Education Conference and was a First Judicial Circuit Mentor for new judges. Why are you running for office? I believe that my extensive experience as both a circuit and appellate court judge provides me with the legal traits necessary to serve on the Appellate Court. I am a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois and believe that my personal upbringing and background taught me integrity, fairness and to possess the proper demeanor that is needed on the bench. These personal traits have been honed and expanded during my 19+ years’ experience as a judge. I am seeking this elected position to make a long-term commitment to maintain my impartiality, independence, common sense, Southern Illinois values, and most importantly, my vast experience and oath to support the Constitution, on the Appellate Court for the citizens of Southern Illinois. What are some issues you would like to address or change? As an Appellate Court Justice, my role is to interpret the law in the particular case we are reviewing. We do not make the laws, that is for the Legislature to address. Therefore, we are preempted from discussing issues that may come before us. I will follow the rule of law and the Constitutions of the State of Illinois and the United States of America to be fair, independent and impartial in my considerations and opinions. Final comments: I am the candidate that possesses the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively and competently hear and decide cases on the Appellate Court. I have nearly 20 years’ experience on both the Circuit and Appellate Courts hearing all types of cases and have proven myself to be the candidate sufficiently qualified for the position. I believe that I am respected by the citizens, my judicial colleagues and the attorneys that appear before me. I am honored to be rated by the Illinois State Bar Association Committee on Judicial Evaluations as “Highly Recommended.”
Page 4 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
WVC Baseball Warriors hold Pro Day Mt. Carmel, Ill.— Wabash Valley College’s baseball team hosted a number of professional scouts, ranging from area scouts to national cross-checkers, for a showcase on Sept. 17. There were several in attendance representing the majority of the Major League clubs. WVC Head Baseball Coach Rob Fournier stated the scouts “were there to see and evaluate our athletes, to determine who may be a fit for their organization in the future.” In total, more than 30 MLB and college/university scouts were on hand to scope out the wealth of talent the WVC baseball Warriors have to offer. “It was a great event for the guys. It allowed them to compete against one another, celebrate each oth-
er and showcase their skills in front of some great professional organizations. All around it was a great day,” said Fournier. The importance of the event wasn’t lost on the team either. For two years straight, Warriors have been drafted into the MLB. In total, 103 former WVC baseball Warriors have been drafted into the MLB since 1986. 85 of those 103 were drafted under the leadership of Coach Fournier since 1997. “We had a lot of positive interactions as there are a number of athletes who have the potential to play professionally,” said Fournier. “The guys responded well to having the scouts in attendance. They didn’t let the moment get too big for them.”
Mt. Carmel, IL – If you are interested in recertifying your Illinois Concealed Carry Permit, now is your opportunity to enroll in the IECC Concealed Carry Recertification course that provides the 3 hours of required training. This course is for any Illinois Concealed Carry permit holder that needs to take the recertification training. Seven years ago, in the fall of 2013, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges started offering the Concealed Carry Program. The first students through the program must now take this recertification course to be recertified. Training includes: Updates to the Law; Changes to the FOID Act and Unlawful Use of Weapons; Review of
Handgun Fundamentals; Dry and Live Fire Drills. Pre-registration is required. MUST have your Illinois Concealed Carry Permit to take the Recertification Class. The class will be offered from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, at the Advanced Technology Building on West Third Street. Jay Carter is the instructor. To get registered, contact the Student Services Office: Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, 866-9824322. If you have questions concerning the program, contact the Concealed Carry Coordinator, D Ray Etzkorn, at 618-262-6346, and leave a message.
Concealed carry recertification course to be offered at WVC October 10th
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 5 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Fifteen West to offer variety of gift items and decor By Meghan Fearn Michele Ward has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. This spirit has combined with a desire to breathe life into one of the older buildings on Main Street, Albion. The result is the opening of a new boutique called Fifteen West. Fifteen West will offer home décor, seasonal décor, women’s apparel, children’s gift items, jewelry, wedding gifts, shower gifts, etc. Farm House Fresh apothecary and lotions will be featured. Luxury Lights flameless candles and Wind and Willow dip mixes will be for sale as well. Another featured item will be Callie Co. Candles. This is Wards own brand of candles that feature a longlasting, soy candle that comes in multiple scents. Many other items will be available and will change seasonally. Wards style has a traditional, farmhouse feel. This can be seen in the exposed brick accents on the walls and the antique pieces that display the items for sale. Ward (formerly Michele Woods) is married to Trevor Ward, a Marketing Research Analyst. They are in the process of moving back to Albion with their two daughters Callie (2 ½) and Merit (6 months). “I really want to serve the people of the community and be a blessing to them.” says Ward. She hopes that Fifteen West will give her that opportunity to be a blessing to the community they were both raised in. She has always felt that Edwards County needed a store like Fifteen West. Ward desires to encourage a fun day of shopping among friends and to add life to the streets of the town she loves. Friends can stop into the Colyer Coffee House for a morning coffee. They can walk along the beautiful brick streets and visit the Prairie Albion Antique Mall to find a hidden treasure. They can grab a fresh bouquet of flowers from the Watering Can and even get their nails done at Salon Meraki. She hopes they will then stop in at Fifteen West and enjoy perusing the shelves for that special item that will make their house a home and a gift for someone they love.
Page 6 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Fifteen West to offer variety of gift items and decor continued Fifteen West will celebrate its Grand Opening on October 3rd with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments, samples, and shopping will be open to customers starting at 10:00 a.m. The hours will continue Thursdays and Fridays from 10a.m.-5p.m and Saturdays from 10a.m. – 3p.m. Expanded hours will be offered after the New Year, giving baby Merit a chance to grow a little more. To find out more about Fifteen West, visit them on Facebook or Instagram @shop15west.
916 Oak St. Mt. Carmel, Illinois • 618-263-4092 The November Hometown Voice would like to honor some of our local veterans. If you have a story to share or know of a local veteran that would like to be interviewed please contact Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or hometownvoice2019@ gmail.com by October 12th
Acorn Estates empowers you to live more independently, on your terms. We are a community in Mt. Carmel, IL that welcomes the use of Medicaid should financial resources become low. Let our highly trained staff see to the housekeeping, maintenance, and cooking. Our residents enjoy the confidence of having nursing services and discreet personal assistance available whenever needed. Most affordable, all inclusive supportive living facility. • On Site Physician and Nursing Care
• Nutritional Care • Private, home like apartments • On site salon • Free cable & phone • Pharmacy Services
Mention this ad for a $500 credit towards first month’s rent! Page 7 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
• Free concierge transportation services
Infinite Ink opens in Mt. Carmel
Infinite Ink a full-service tattoo and body art studio is now open at 311 N. Market Street In Mt. Carmel. Devan Twitchell is the owner and operator of this 2-chair facility with fully furnished private rooms. Mr. Twitchell is a natural artist that is focused on the beauty of all aspects of art and beautification of the community. He strives to give customers great customer service, safety, and custom work. Certified through the National CPR Foundation and the American Red Cross in bloodborne pathogens training. He has worked or learned in several body art establishments
across the country from some of the most established artists in their respective areas. “Here at Infinite Ink our mission is quite simple: Creating a better Body Art experience for everyone. We strive for excellence, not only in the quality of our art, but in our client interactions, hospitality, gratitude and the incredible experience that makes you look forward to returning to Infinite Ink!” stated Owner, Devan Twitchell. Services include: Tattoos, Custom Tattoos, Cover-Up Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Body Modifications. Infinite Ink strives to deliver a friendly atmosphere where all are not only welcome but encouraged to express themselves freely.
Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic October 14th • 11 am to 5 pm
For more information call 618-445-2615
Did you know that you can get these services done locally and save time and money. • Immunizations • Lab Work • Foot Care for all ages Gift Certificates for foot care or any other service we offer make a great gift!
Edwards County Health Department Albion • 618-445-2615
Hrs: Monday - Thursday 7 am - 5 pm Appointments are required.
Page 8 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Cynthia Given ed by taxpayers. Office Sought: State Senator for the 55th Legistra- Cynthia developed a broad, comprehensive platform tive District to improve our district. Her “Day 1” priorities include lower Cynthia Given is the working-class candidate for taxes for working class families, a fair and balanced budthe 55th Senate District. She lives in Olney and owns a get passed with bipartisan support, economic diversity for wellness business on Main Street. Cynthia is running to towns who have lost major employers, an infrastructure be your full-time legislator, regardless of political party: bill that helps repair our roads and allow for safe school “Every man, woman, and child deserves a leader who is bus routes, and broadband internet access so families committed full-time to growing our communities and im- and businesses can stay competitive in our changing proving the lives of working-class and middle-class fami- economy. Cynthia also wants to protect small- and mediumlies.” Cynthia graduated from three schools in our district: sized family farms, increase funding for educational proCarmi-White County High School, Wabash Valley Col- grams (including agriculture and vocational dual credit lege in Mount Carmel, and Southeastern Illinois College programs), protecting senior citizen programs (food, utili(Carmi campus). Cynthia served as an intern for US. ties, identity theft, and technology), opposes pay raises Senator Richard Durbin, where she handled a range of for legislators, and supports pandemic-related relief for constituent issues at the federal level. Cynthia majored essential workers and counties without local hospitals. in history at Louisiana State University, where she served Thank you for being a voter in this election. Regardless of your political party, Cynthia Given is committed as an intern for then-U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. Cynthia grew up in a union home. Her father, Jeff, full-time to growing our communities and improving the is now a retired law enforcement officer. Her mother, lives of working-class and middle-class families: “I will alDonna, previously worked as a nurse at Meadowood ways value your concerns and strive to be accessible, and Oakview Heights before joining Cynthia at her family holding non-partisan town halls in ADA-accessible buildbusiness in Olney. In her spare time, Cynthia can be seen ings alongside elected officials from all levels of governcheering enthusiastically for her sister Holly’s children ment. Let’s work together to make Illinois a better place to at ball games in Carmi. Holly is the director of nursing live, learn, and work.” at Meadowood. Cynthia’s boyfriend, Nathan Wheatley, Cynthia Given is our working-class candidate for owns Olney Taekwondo Center and is originally from Mt. state senate. You may vote for Cynthia at the courthouse during normal business hours (masks are required). The Carmel. In her spare time, she is an active member of the last day to vote for Cynthia is on Tuesday, November 3rd. Olney and Greater Richland County Chamber of Com- To join her community action task force and see Cynthia’s merce as well as a longtime officer in the Crossville Com- legislative plans, visit CynthiaGiven.com. munity High School Alumni Association. She served as a mentor for the first year of the Richland County CEO program in Olney. Cynthia currently serves as a mentor in her industry, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses on a budget (Cynthia launched her business in the 2007 recession without loans or access to startup capital). Cynthia Given is running for state senate because she understands first hand how difficult it is to make ends meet. Too many of us are working two and three jobs just to pay bills. The values of the average taxpayer are often overshadowed by special interests in Springfield. We need representatives advocating for us, not lobbyists. As your state senator, Cynthia will tell Springfield where we want our hard-earned money to be invested. She will fight to keep more of our tax dollars right here in our local communities. Cynthia believes we are stronger together. She will sponsor bipartisan legislation to make Illinois a better place to live, learn, and work. She does not (and will not) accept contributions from corporations and is 100% fund-
Page 9 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Judge Judy Cates Office Sought: Judge of the Supreme Court of the 5th Judicial District
“Judge Judy” Cates was elected to the 5th District Appellate Court in 2012, where she has represented the people of Southern Illinois throughout the 37 counties that make up the 5th District. “Judge Judy” is presently running for the Illinois Supreme Court. The Justice is elected from the same 37 counties that comprise the 5th District. There has not been an opening on the Supreme Court for the people in the 5th District since 2004. Judge Judy Cates was raised in Belleville, Illinois, and attended public high school. Her mother was a kindergarten, music, and art teacher. Judge Judy’s Dad had a small, ladies’ clothing store on Main Street. After High School, “Judge Judy” attended Cornell University, graduating in only 3 years. Her father’s store was struggling, and she worked her way through college. “Judge Judy” received her degree in Government from Cornell University in 1973. She went on to receive her juris doctorate in 1977 from the Washington University School of Law - St. Louis. She, and her husband, worked to pay the bills for law school. After Judge Judy graduated, she then worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in St. Clair County so that her husband, Darrell, could finish his college degree at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. As an Assistant State’s Attorney for St. Clair County, Illinois, “Judge Judy” Cates handed juvenile cases, which included child abuse and neglect. She then went on to prosecute rape and murder cases. “I saw the worst of the worst of mankind,” said Cates. After leaving the State’s Attorney’s office, she entered private practice, concentrating in complex litigation cases, such as personal injury, class actions, mass actions, sexual harassment and corporate disputes. Justice Cates was engaged in the private practice of law for 30 years prior to being elected to the 5th District Appellate Court in 2012. She presently serves the people of Southern Illinois a s an Appellate Court Justice. Her courthouse is in Mt. Vernon. “Judge Judy” has a long and full career, with many accomplishments as a lawyer and as a Justice on the Appellate Court. As an attorney, she was admitted to prac-
tice law in Illinois, Missouri and Florida, and maintains her licenses in these states. She remains a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Missouri Bar Association, and Florida Bar Association, as well as her local, St. Clair County Bar Association. “Judge Judy” was also admitted to practice in many federal courts across the country and tried cases in almost every courthouse in Southern Illinois. She enjoyed a nationwide reputation of excellence, as rated by her peers. Justice Cates was the first woman to serve as President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association,i was named one of the Top 50 Women lawyers in the State of Illinois in 2012, and was recognized by her peers as a SuperLawyer with a Martindale-Hubbell rating of AV-Preeminent.ii Prior to being elected to the Appellate Court, Justice Cates was an Adjunct Professor, and taught a class on complex litigation at the Washington University School of Law – St. Louis, and a “Trial Advocacy” class at the St. Louis University School of Law. Justice Cates has also served, and continues to serve, as a Moot Court judge for the S.I.U. School of Law and Washington University School of Law – St. Louis. She was selected by the faculty at the law schools to act as a judge for the students. “Judge Judy” has written numerous articles for publication and has given instruction in seminars to other lawyers and judges. Justice Cates also served as the representative of the 5th District at the State of Illinois Judicial Conferences, teaching “Updates in Criminal Law” from 2012 to 2018. Justice Cates is a member of the Illinois Judges Association, the Illinois Bar Association (and member of the Bench & Bar Committee), and currently serves on a Supreme Court sub-committee developing a program for people to access the appellate court with the assistance of free legal aid. Justice Cates volunteers for that position. “Judge Judy” Cates is married to Darrell Cates, and they have three children Dave, and Robby. Stop by Monday - Friday 8- am to 5 Lauren, pm and Saturday 8 am She to 12 pmaand check out the new fresh cut meat case and frozen is also proud grandmother! food we have available. You’ll never know what you will find!
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm • Saturday 8 am to 12 pm
Page 10 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
The November Hometown Voice would like to honor some of our local veterans. If you have a story to share or know of a local veteran that would like to be interviewed please contact by October 12th
Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or hometownvoice2019@gmail.com
Sponsored by Fairfield Save-a-lot where you can get low prices everyday! Strawberry Yogurt Cake - Lori Wiseman Cheese Muffins - Yield: 12 muffins 1 super moist cake mix (any flavor) 1/3 cup oil 2 cups flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 3/4 cup water 3 egg whites 1 Tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 strawberry yogurt 1 tsp powdered mustard 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 cup milk Mix at low speed for 30 seconds then 2 minutes at 1/2 cup sh cheddar cheese 1/4 cup oil medium speed. Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan, bake at 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat muffin 350o for 28 minutes, cool. pan with nonstick cooking spray or place a baking liner Icing - Mix together 1 - 8 ounce cool whip, red food in each muffin cup. coloring to desired color and 1 strawberry yogurt. 2. Place flour sifter in mixing bowl. Measure flour and Chili pour into sifter. Add baking powder, sugar, salt, musPlay Dough - Gale Irvine Porter tard, and garlic powder to the flour in the sifter. Sift 1 cup flour 1 cup water together into the mixing bowl. 1/2 cup salt 3 Tbsp. oil 3. Combine slightly beaten egg, milk, and vegetable oil 6 tsp. cream or tartar food coloring in the small mixing bowl. 4. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir togethPut flour, salt and cream of tartar in a pot. Mix water, er until dry ingredients are just moist, but the batter is oil and food coloring separately, then add to pot. still lumpy. Stir in shredded cheese. Stir over medium heat until it thickens. Cool and 5. Fill muffin cups 1/2 full and Bake for 20 minutes. Reknead. You mad add flarovings for smell. Options: move from oven. Best when served slightly warm. Add mint to great glay dough, add cinnamon to red Variation With Bacon — Cook 6 slices bacon. Crumble play dough, add cloves to yellow play dough, add into small pieces. Add to muffin batter along with wintergreen to blue play dough. shredded cheese.
Homemade Slime - Gale Irvine Porter 8 ounce bottle Elmer’s white school glue 1 1/2 - 2 Tbps. contact saline solution, more as needed 1 Tablespoon baking soda Food coloring, optional Add glue and food coloring to bowl. Squeeze the bottle of glue into a bowl. Add your food coloring if desired, and stir until combines. Then mix in baking soda. Mix in saline solution. Add 1 1/2 Tablespoons saline solution and mix until combined. If it’s too sticky, add 1/2 Tablespoon more solution at a time. The more you add, the thicker it’ll be. The less you add, the slimier it’ll be. Knead the slime. Using your hands, knead the slime until it holds together. It will be wet and gooey at first, but just keep kneading until it all comes together. Store slime. Sore slime ina container with lid, or in a zip top bag. The slime is best to play with on a place mat.
GREAT FOOD! GREAT PRICES! EVERYDAY! 709 W. Main, Fairfield • 618-842-5040
Open: Monday - Saturday 8 am to 8 pm•Sunday 8 am to 7 pm Page 11 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Local residents assist with Hurricane Laura cleanup By Meghan Fearn In the early morning hours of August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall in Louisiana. This Category Four hurricane blew rain and winds at well over 100 miles per hour. It is responsible for taking at least 42 lives and causing over 10 billion dollars in damages between Louisiana and Texas. Marty and Melissa Rector live in DeRidder, LA, approximately 50 miles north of Lake Charles. The Rectors are long-time family friends of several Edwards County residents and they sustained damages to their home and property. West Salem resident, Josh Case, spoke with Rector shortly after the hurricane blew through. By 5:00 p.m. on the 27th, seven people, three trucks, and two trailers and skid loaders were Louisiana bound. Joining Case on the trip were two of his children, Makenna (15) and Clayton (13), his mother, Sarah Case, brothers-in-law Seth Fearn and Nicholas Wiseman, and Wiseman’s son Wade (10). The trucks were loaded with extra water, food, chainsaws, rakes, shovels, tarps, and anything else they could think of in short notice. They drove hard until about 2:00 a.m. when they decided to stop to sleep for three or four hours. The last leg of the journey was rather difficult as they had trouble with one of the trucks and had to stop and replace a fuel filter. Repairs proved to be one of the challenges in taking the trip with such short notice. “Before going on a trip like this, we usually would give the trucks and trailers a good work through. We just didn’t have time for that, so we had a few repairs to make along the way.” said Wiseman. Fuel was another thing they had to be mindful of. As they approached within 100 miles of their destination, they realized that no fueling stations were able to operate due to power outages. Thankfully, they had packed an extra fuel tank. Wiseman noted that cars were lined up for miles at one station, waiting to fuel up directly from a fuel truck. They also had to conserve fuel for the trip home. Fuel would not be available for at least one to two hours outside of DeRidder. Downed power lines were another traveling challenge. Since Rector lived in and knew the area, he was able to direct them through a path that was clear to his home. Case noted that it was important to have a contact in the area. It would not have been safe to make the trip without someone to guide them in. There were a lot of hazards. Anyone unfamiliar with the area, or without someone to guide them, could very easily run into a dangerous situation. To reach Rector’s property, they had to stop to remove the skid loaders in order to stay under the lines. They even had to drive over them in several locations. Arriving around 3:30 p.m. on the 28th, the crew quickly unloaded and went to work. Rector lives on approximately 40 acres and estimated that over 100 trees had been taken down by the winds. One of his sheds was destroyed and another severely damaged. His home had lost part of the roof and a couple of rooms had sustained water damage. He had already gotten the house under cover and secured and was ready for help removing trees. Fearn and Case had brought their skid steer loaders with grapple bucket attachments and set to work pulling and piling heavy limbs. They all took turns running chainsaws, lifting tree limbs, moving brush,
Page 12 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Local residents assist with Hurricane Laura cleanup continued and raking up piles of debris. Rector’s was one of the only homes in the area with power and water, as he owned a generator and had a well. That evening they divided up between the house and Rector’s camper to catch some much-needed rest. The next day they were up early and back to work. When asked about the difficulties of the trip, heat was one of the number one challenges. As Wade Wiseman declared, “It was DEADLY HOT!” With temperatures well into the 90’s and high humidity, most of them had sweat through their clothing by as early as 8:00 a.m. Wade also shared that although they did not see any alligators or other wildlife, “There were fire ants and swarms of love bugs everywhere!” The group had packed plenty of bread, meat, snacks, and water to share and the Rector family had plenty of supplies on hand, so food did not prove to be a problem. However, Sarah Case shared that this was not the case for many in the area. With no power or water, most people had no way to cook. The grocery stores were unable to operate for several days. Anywhere you found groceries could operate on a cash basis only. The lines of cars at the first open grocery store were as lengthy as the lines for fuel. Help was soon on the way. By Saturday, Samaritan’s Purse was set up in DeRidder providing food and drinks for the community. Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian disaster relief organization directed by Franklin Graham. One of the things that struck most of the group was the widespread damage. Used to seeing tornados do extensive damage in a smaller area, it was shocking to see that every single person for hundreds of miles had received damage in some form. Every power pole was down and the lines were twisted and tangled. Schools, churches, stores, and homes were caved in by the weight of the trees and poles that had fallen. Each per-
son had been touched in some form by the hurricane. By Sunday, the 30th, it was time to head home. They had cleaned up most of what they could at the Rector home and had helped one of the neighbors. There was still some to do, but they hoped they had given some relief to their friends. It was a whirlwind of a trip and the drive home met them with two flat tires and some tired workers. It was seven days before Rector and his family had power restored to their home. To this day some of the more remote homes are still waiting for electricity and are told it may be Thanksgiving before they see it restored. Tent City, as it is called, is housing more than 600 utility workers from 12 different states at the Mill where Rector works. While the devastation is great and overwhelming, Rector and his family are thankful that only part of their home was damaged. “There are people still living in tents because their homes were completely destroyed.” says Rector. It will take some time before everything is rebuilt, repaired, and restored. Although the crew felt like they barely made a dent in the damage, ten-year-old Wade Wiseman summed up the trip perfectly. “It felt really good to help a good friend.” That is what it is all about!
Page 13 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
October 2020 Edwards and Wabash County Senior Center Menus - Sponsored by The First National Bank 1)
2) EC - Chili, Cheese Salad
8)
9)
EC - Pork Manhattan Mashed Potatoes, Pork Gravy, Carrots, Pudding
Sandwich, Crackers Cinnamon Roll WC - Swiss Steak, w/toma- WC -Homey Chicken, Rice, to Gravy, Potatoes & Gravy, California Blend, Egg roll, Dessert Green Beans, Roll, Dessert
5)
EC - Cheeseburger on Bun, Pickle, Onion, Hash Browns, Baked Beans, Fruit WC -Chicken Strips, Potato Wedges, Corn, Fruit
6)
EC - Shrimp Okra, Broccoli Salad Pudding
WC - Chili Dog, Macaroni Salad, Pickle Spear, Fruit
12) EC - Country Fried 13)
Steak, Mashed Potatoes White Gravy, Green Beans Pudding WC - Beef & Noodles, Carrots, Peas, Roll, Dessert
EC - Ham & Beans Fried Potatoes, Tomato Salad, Corn Bread, Fruit WC - Salmon Patty, Macaroni & Cheese, Peas, Pudding
19) EC - Pork Burger on 20) Bun, Pickle, Onion, Baked Beans, Onion Rings, Fruit
EC - Sweet & Sour Pork, Rice, Broccoli Spring Rolls, Bar Cookies
WC -Country Fried Steak, Potatoes & Gravy, Corn & Dessert
WC - Spaghetti, w/meatballs, Salad, Garlic Bread, Fruit
26)
EC - Chicken Strips 27) EC - Beef Liver & Potato Wedges, White Onions, Mashed Potatoes Gravy, Corn, Gingerbread Gravy, Green Beans, Fruit WC - Ham & Beans, CabWC - Salisbury Steak, Potatoes & Gravy, Green bage, Corn Bread, Pudding Beans, Fruit
7)
EC - Beef & Noodles Mashed Potatoes, Pickles Beets, Brownies WC - Meatballs w/gravy, Noodles, Mixed Vegetables, Cookie
EC - Meatloaf Cheesy Potatoes, Lima Beans, Fruit
WC - Meatloaf, Baked Potato, Broccoli, Fruit Crisp
EC - Fish, Hash Brown Casserole, Hushpuppies Slaw, Cobbler
WC - Pizza, Salad, Bread Stick, Dessert
14) EC - BBQ Sandwich 15)
EC - Fried Chicken 16) EC - Vegetable Soup Pickle, Onion, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, White Cheese Slices, Biscuit, Potatoes, Slaw, Pudding Gravy, Mixed Veggies, Fruit Cake WC - Taco Salad, Spanish WC - Fried Chicken, PotaWC - Vegetable Soup, Rice, Refried Beans, Torti- toes & Gravy, Corn, Roll, Grilled Cheese, Crackers, lla Chips, Baked Apples Dessert Dessert
21) EC - Beef Stroganoff 22)
EC - Chef Salad: w/ Lettuce, Ham, Turkey, Onions, Tomatoes, Cheese, Eggs, Dress-
23) EC - Broccoli Cheese
Soup, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Crackers Ice Cream ing, Crackers, Lemon Tarts WC Turkey & Cheese SandWC - Fried Chicken, Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, wich, Lettuce & Tomato, Cottage Cheese, Peaches Roll, Cake 28) EC - Salmon Patties 29) EC - Chicken Pot Pie 30) EC - Witches Brew Mac & Cheese, Cooked w/ Mixed Veggies, Ghost Brains. Broom Sticks Cabbage, Cookies Lettuce Salad, Salad Pumpkin Bars Dressing, Fruit WC - Breaded Tend. Sand. WC - Stuffed Green PepWC - Catfish Nuggets, Lettuce & Tomato, Steak per, Breadstick, Crackers, Baked Beans, Fried Okra, Fries, Cookie Dessert Hushpuppies, Dessert Vegetable Blend, Pickled Beets, Fruit WC - Breaded Pork Bites, Macaroni & Cheese, Broccoli, Pudding
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 14 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Shawn Storckman My job responsibilities in the Mayor’s Office saw me repOffice Sought: Wabash resenting the City on a number of committees and counCounty Commissioner cils, taking the lead on the establishment of a Sister City relationship with the Municipality of Tizimín, in the Yucatan, Mexico, so that the local Rotary Club could send much needed medical supplies to the area without an unmanageable degree of red tape slowing things down, and serving as the City’s point person for its 200-day Bicentennial Celebration. To go into detail about everything that job entailed would be impossible in a forum such as this, but perhaps the most lasting thing I took from that experience was just how personally gratifying public service was to me. I knew Greetings. My name is Shawn Storckman, and I am run- then that I would probably run for elected office at some ning for Wabash County Commissioner. I’d like to intro- point in my lifetime. duce myself, starting with a bit of background about who I Since my time working in the public sector in Evansam, where I come from and why I am asking for your vote ville, I have looked for opportunities to become involved this November 3rd. I live in Mount Carmel with my wife, in my own community whenever possible. In 2018, MayStephanie, who is a petroleum geologist and Vice Presi- or Hudson enlisted me to serve as Chairman of Mount dent of Podolsky Oil Company in Fairfield. I grew up right Carmel’s Bicentennial Planning Committee, which was here in Wabash County, graduated from Mount Carmel a unique opportunity for me, having been so deeply inHigh School, after which I attended Wabash Valley Col- volved in the organization of Evansville’s Bicentennial Celebration some years before. I currently serve on the lege (WVC), earning an Associates Degree. Although my degree from WVC was designed for a Wabash County Chamber of Commerce Board, as well graduate to move on to a 4-year college or university, this as serving as a Board Member for the Under The Beams was not the path I chose at that time in my life. I wanted to music series in New Harmony, IN. see what was out there beyond the horizon, so my Smoke I am also employed by the Mount Carmel CEO program’s Board of Directors as one of its Co-Facilitators, Rings band mates and I moved to the East Coast, where we painted houses by day and played music in the along with my colleague Jamilyn Marks from Edwards New York City clubs by night. Even then, I think all of us County. I am now in my fifth year of working with the CEO felt like we were getting a very good education, albeit dif- program, which draws students from Mount Carmel, Edferent than the traditional college experience, as we did wards County and Grayville High Schools. Facilitating our best to navigate our new surroundings and make the the CEO program is interesting and inspiring for many reasons, not the least of which is being able to observe most of what we had come there to do. Following our return to the area a few years later, I the transformation of a group of high school students into enrolled as a student at the University of Southern Indiana confident young adults each year, but it also has put me (USI) in Evansville, ultimately graduating with Bachelor’s in touch and helped me form relationships with business Degrees in Political Science, International Studies and owners, professionals and elected officials in Wabash County, and throughout our area. German Language. Just before enrolling at USI, I had become a licensed Here in Wabash County, I believe we need to always real estate broker, following in my mother’s footsteps, who be planning for the future, so that we are better prepared had started her own company, Storckman Realty, in the when faced with challenging times, and are poised to early 1980’s. Until recently, when I took over as Manag- seize upon promising opportunities when they present ing Broker of the firm, I worked in the real estatebusiness themselves. Over the past thirty years, Wabash County while focusing on other career paths. Having earned a de- has experienced a population decline in every single degree in political science, I had always had an inclination to cade, which narrows our tax base, puts increased strain work in politics or government, and I ultimately applied for on our county budgets and limits our ability to actively a position with the City of Evansville in Mayor Jonathan pursue infrastructure improvements and development Weinzapfel’s office. Through that position, I would have projects. To be fair, many rural counties, both in Illinois the opportunity to observe and experience how govern- and elsewhere, have seen a similar trend over that same ing really works, day-to-day; to be there, where the rubber period of time. Nevertheless, I believe that, by taking a meets the road. Continued on page 16
Page 15 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Storckman continued from page 15 proactive approach, we can mitigate or even reverse that trend here in our little corner of Southeastern Illinois. Seven years ago or so, when members of our Area Economic Alliance (AEA) and other engaged community members invested their time and money to start the CEO program in our community, they did so with the hope of that investment one day paying dividends back in the form of educated young people remaining here or returning home to start their own businesses, fill positions at area companies and raise their families in Wabash County. Now, as simple as that might sound, it is just one example of the kind of forward thinking and planning for the future that can solve some of the fundamental problems that have been facing our community for a generation or more. In speaking with a friend of mine recently, I was struck by something he said which was, at the same time, basic, yet profound. He said, “what’s good for the City is good for the County.” He was absolutely correct. With that as a guiding sentiment, I believe that we can and should look for opportunities whenever possible to work together in cooperation with the City of Mount Carmel to incentivize business development and expansion, entice companies to relocate here, and create new opportunities for people to move to our community to live and work. I believe we need to put the notion of having a “bedroom community” to rest once and for all. We all want to move the needle forward, to progress, and in order to do so, we must continue to create opportunities which bring people to Wabash County, rather than maintaining a status quo which encourages them to spend their time and money elsewhere. I will conclude by touching on what being a County Commissioner means to me. The first responsibility of the County Board, as most people know, is to make sure the bills get paid, to ensure that our Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney, Heath Department and Emergency Management Agency have the resources they need to keep our community safe and vibrant. But Commissioners’ duties and responsibilities extend beyond that as well, to representing the County and the interests of our residents on a variety of committees and boards throughout the community, and promoting sustainable economic growth in Wabash County. At the end of the day, serving on the County Board offers me an opportunity to become further engaged in our community, to be part of the decision making process, to help put us all on a path toward a brighter future. That is the reason I decided to run for Wabash County Commissioner, and its the reason I am asking for your vote on November 3rd. Thank you for your time and consideration, and thank you for your support.
Adam M. Niemerg Office Sought: Republican candidate for State Representative 109th District
Adam Niemerg was born and raised in Teutopolis. His parents Phil & Stephanie started their own small business in the garage of their home. Growing up, Adam experienced first-hand the struggles that many small business owners face in balancing family life with the hard work to turn their dreams into a reality. The value of hard work and the discipline it takes to run a business are life lessons Adam has carried with him his entire life. Faith, family, and the farm culture of rural Illinois define Adam. The 109th District is the heart of Illinois farming community. Adam’s grandfather operated a small family farm. He understands the hardships our rural communities endure. Adam also works with farmers throughout the district daily. He is employed by COUNTRY Financial as a Senior Claims Adjuster. For over 11 years, Adam has traveled extensively throughout the district working with those who live and work in our communities. Adam is a graduate of Teutopolis High School and he holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. He and his wife, Trina, and two small children, Benjamin and Genevieve reside in rural Dieterich, around the corner from the old family farm. They members of the St. Isidore Catholic Parish and attend St. Aloysius Church. As your voice in Springfield Adam will: Support the Rights of the Unborn; Defend our 2nd Amendment Rights; Oppose Tax Increases; Push for Meaningful Pension Reform; Fight for Real Spending Reform; Stand Up to Culture of Corruption in Springfield. Adam Niemerg is a fiscal conservative, and best represents the values of our district. Endorsements to date: State Representative Darren Bailey (R-Xenia); Illinois Fraternal Order of Police; Illinois Family Action; National Rifle Association, National Federation of Independent Business; Effingham County Board Member Dave; Campbell & Effingham County States Attorney Bryan; Kibler: Founders of the Sanctuary Counties for Second; Amendment/ Gun Sanctuary Counties.
Page 16 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Beginner safety lessons taught by Edwards County AITC and Edwards County FFA During National Farm Safety and Health Week, the Edwards County Ag in the Classroom (AITC) program and members of the Edwards County High School Ag Business Class who are also Edwards County FFA members paired together to teach beginner safety lessons to Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third graders at Albion and West Salem Grade School. The theme of this year’s presentations was “Everyone Counts.” Students rotated through three stations- water safety, tractor safety, and animal safety learning about safety practices and measures to help make sure everyone stays safe. An activity book was put together with worksheets for the students to take home, and take the safety messages to their family and friends. “Safety is important in our rural communities,” stated Jane Jones, Edwards County AITC Coordinator. “By working together, we can educate our kids and help keep them safe.”
Samantha McDaniel Educational Services Representative Contact me to host an online event, fundraiser & more! sjrmcdaniel@gmail.com https://j7584.myubam.com/
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 17 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
October 10th Over 200 families were helped at the September food distribution sponsored by the Wabash Chamber of Commerce, Wabash General Hospital and First National Bank of Allendale
Chowder will be available at 11 am on the Albion Square. Pre-filled one gallon containers will be available through drive thru only at $15 a gallon. At left: In no particular order, are members of the WVC Warriors Base Team : Austin Holtgrave, Chevvy Wood, Clayton Halbig, Colin King, Colton Bridwell, Drew Gill, Grant Behnke, Holden Kauble, Hunter Michl, James Cole Hess, Josey Ault, Nathaniel Kiefer, Zane Kelly and Zebulon Frasure.
The Ultimate Wood Heat.
Outdoor Wood Furnace
• More Comfort - Thermostatically controlled wood heat. • Peace of Mind - Keep the fire outside and eliminate the dangers associated with indoor wood heating. • Save Money - Wood is a renewable, inexpensive and often free energy source.
Neikirk Alternative Heating Dealership Name 8527Address, N 1250 Blvd. , Mt.State Carmel, IL City, 618-262-5030 Phone / Website www.neikirkalternativeheating.com
CentralBoiler.com
Page 18 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
20-0601
COUNTRY Financial and Wabash CFB provide drive-thru lunch COUNTRY Financial- Bill Stinson & Jody Smith and Wabash County Farm Bureau sponsored a Drive-Thru Member Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 from 11 am – 1:30 pm. Three hundred pork burgers were cooked and distributed. Members circled thru the parking lot to pick up a meal which included a pork burger, chips, cookies, and a drink. There were even some meals delivered straight to the farmers in the field. It was a great day, and everyone enjoyed a delicious Dewig’s pork burger!
Connie Hocking, Wabash CFB Board member helped wrap sandwiches, and Jody Smith and Bill Stinson, COUNTRY Financial Reps, were the grill masters. Everyone helped hand-out meals and deliver to the field during the membership appreciation drive-thru lunch.
COUNTRY Financial Rep., Bill Stinson, waited on a few of our friends from the local radio stationWSJD, Sharon Harris, Chandler Madden and Kevin Madden. They swung by to pick up some meals during the membership appreciation drive-thru.
Most photos in the Hometown Voice are submitted. If you have a photo or story you would like to share please email: hometownvoice2019@gmail.com
Look for the digital edition of the Hometown Voice on Facebook.
ESMON PEST CONTROL FREE S! ESTIMATE
means business...
Call us at 800-963-5800 or 618-898-1200 for all your Pest Control needs!
! bug business General Spray Termite Treatment Bed Bugs Spiders and Much More!
We treat Residential & Commercial Properties! PROUDLY SERVING YOU FOR 25 YEARS ■ FULLY INSURED & BONDED
Carol Jo Beadles, Wabash CFB Manager, gives Ryan and Harrison Lovellette a couple of meals during the membership appreciation lunch.
Termite Treatment Pre-treat for Termites Bed Bugs Spiders Mice Ants Fleas Roaches Brown Recluse Spiders Carpenter Ants Powder Post Beetles Crickets General Spray
Page 19 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
The Alamo part 1 - 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.
Pacing. Footsteps echoing in an empty room. The soft tap, tap, tap, of shoe-encased feet. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth across the large rectangular room. Darkness, lit only by a bare lightbulb fastened to a decrepit rafter hanging over the pacing man’s head. Its dim light cast eerie shadows across the room. Flickering shapes crossed the cement floor covered in patches of watery mold and a thin layer of dirt and mud. The light reflected dully off the walls, bare, saving only a tiny window high above the man’s head, narrow metal bars encased in cement. It was night outside and only the faintest sliver of pale light from the full moon shone through the narrow slits of the window, far out of reach. Silence, the sound of crickets chirping outside, only interrupted by the soft tapping of constant, pacing footsteps. Sometimes the man’s gaze drifted toward the window, sometimes toward the small table and chairs sitting in the corner of the nearly empty room, his dark eyes narrowing to slits. Another pace about the room, soft footsteps echoing, echoing. Pulling a chair away from the table with a soft screech of wood on cement he hurriedly sat. Resting his elbows on the table he placed his head in his boneyfingered-hands. Sighing, he ran his fingers through his hair sending flakes of dirt and what looked like ash tumbling to the floor. After a second he stood again, straightening a dark jacket over his lean frame as he began pacing. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Suddenly he paused, straightened for a second, twirled toward the window and cocked his head as if he were listening for something. Was that footsteps whispering through the damp grasses outside? The rustling sound of someone weaving their way through the grove of untamed trees and branches? But no. No such relief. He rubbed cold, sweaty hands on brown cotton pants, turning to pace again. “Where could she be?” he asked aloud, seeming to address the chairs or the table as there was no one else to talk to.
“She shouldn’t be taking this long,” he added quietly, to himself as if now mistrusting even the furniture in his nervous state of suppressed paranoia. He spun and began pacing the entire length of the floor again. “She must have been retained,” he muttered, calming himself with another swipe across his cotton pants. “But no,” he reproved himself nervously running his slender fingers through his scruffy black hair. “She shouldn’t be taking this long,” he ran a hand along the smooth cement wall, eyes closed in concentration as he muttered softly to himself. “Where is she?” he asked, his voice rising steadily with his strangely excitable nerves. “Looking for me?” questioned a soft female voice from outside the window. The man exhaled, relief showing clearly on his pale countenance as a tentative smile spread across his face. “Where were you?” he asked looking up towards the window to see a shadowy figure crouched outside. “Well, aren’t you polite?” she asked cheerfully. “I’m glad to see you too. It’s so obviously wonderful you’re still alive. I was so worried about you.” He grimaced. “Or at least good evening?” she asked with false timidity. “Where were you?” he repeated firmly, ignoring the sarcastic question. The girl sighed, “Covering my tracks.” There was a low creaking noise and a trap door opened in the ceiling above, sending shafts of pale moonlight through the opening. “Can’t be a good agent without precautions.” “Shhhh,” he interrupted harshly, putting a trembling hand to his lips. “If you’d please not use that word.” “Alright, alright.” She peered down at him through the trap door with a slightly sympathetic smile. “Although I don’t know who could be listening,” she stressed her words with a bright smile still plastered across her comely face. She stepped onto a small staircase hidden among the shadows in the left-hand corner of the room, closing the trap-door with a snap and sending the room back into its former semi-darkened state. “I can’t understand why they paired me with the newby yank,” the pacing man muttered, watching her descent with obvious distaste. The cement steps were continued on page 21
Helping you protect what matters most Tia Morgan, FSCP® 827 Chestnut St Mount Carmel, IL 62863-1456 (618)262-2005
www.countryfinancial.com/tia.morgan tia.morgan@countryfinancial.com 0415-508HC-21938-10/2/2019
Page 20 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
The Alamo part 1 - by Daisy Roser continued was behind a restaurant I think. I believe she was one of
continued from page 20 shrouded in dark shadows, completely hidden from the their agents. I knocked her out and tied her up in an alley. glow of the lightbulb. Her black, high-heeled pumps By then I was late for the meeting and I had to run the melded with the darkness around her, making her feet rest of the way. When I got there it was strangely quiet nearly invisible. Her shoes clicked on the steps loudly, and all the representatives were in the meeting room. I and the fabric of her red tweed coat and knee-length skirt made quite a scene trying to get in, disguised as a cleanrustled, somehow making more noise than the crickets ing maid. I put the bomb behind the leader’s chair and got outside. Her whole attitude somehow seemed full of exu- out safely enough, I didn’t think anyone noticed me but berance, light and joyful and happy. She flashed another just in case I took a round-about-way here. And the bomb dimple-cheeked grin at the man’s glare. “Well aren’t you should be going off any minute.” going to ask how it went?” she smiled, fluffing her curly “You thought you were followed?” he questioned auburn hair and rearranging her red-plaid hat to a cocky staunchly. “You are starting to get annoying,” she commented, “I’m not sure.” She paused, remembering, angle on her head. “I’m assuming you did it because you seem partic- “Some men with masks and automatic handguns hidden ularly happy right now.” Normally she didn’t even pre- beneath their bulging coats, and I think a black car. I tend to care about her looks and yet she was practically saw them on fifth, second and first streets, but I’m quite preening with joy. “Well hold your horses cowboy,” she sure I lost them and I don’t think they were following me-” said, straightening her shoulders and tossing her head “What’s that?” he questioned, his voice suddenly low and at him as she stepped onto the dirty cement floor with urgent. a muffled click of her heels, “You don’t know for sure, til’ There was a soft tramping sound of footsteps outside the window, people crashing through bushes and hedgyou’ve asked.” He rolled his dark eyes at her, “Did you get the job es. The whispering of grasses in the wind. He turned to done?” “Yes!” she squealed sarcastically, trouncing over his accomplice with a grimace. “Weren’t followed?” he to him on unsteady heels before giving him an enthusi- asked sarcastically, not even softening at the panicked astic hug and grin. “Thank you so much for asking.” He expression on her face. “I didn’t think...” she whispered, turned his eyes upward, as if praying for assistance, as voice tight with worry, totally devoid of the cockyness of he swiftly detangled himself from his young associate’s her prior statements. “No, you didn’t,” he returned fiercely. arms, growling when she patted his cheek like a grand- Creeping underneath the window on silent feet he listened. “There’s at least three,” he muttered, “Probably mother comforting a cranky child. “So when will they be going off?” he asked with a stiff four or five I can’t tell.” “They won’t see it will they?” she and sarcastic smile. “Soon,” she answered calmly, letting asked softly. He glanced toward her. Her face was pale, a quiet mask settle over her features. “Just got to give it expression panicked, slender hand reaching for a pistol time, a little patience never hurt anything.” Her voice had underneath her tweed coat. Her dark eyebrows were relaxed into a distinctly northern accent. “You’re not the raised in desperate questions. one who’s been waiting for over an hour,” his terse reply With a sigh, the man shook his head. “If they followed you this far without your notice, they probably saw you was enhanced by his own clipped English accent. “Well ‘Houty Touty’,” she exclaimed, “If you’ll excuse use the trap door.” This statement was proven by a disme it wasn’t my fault I ran into some unsavoury char- tinct pounding over their heads. “You have a pistol right?” acters, with the bomb, in an alley, before the palace,” she questioned, expression now slightly queasy. “We can she paused waiting for him to ask. He sighed with an- hold them off can’t we?” He rolled his eyes. “Of course other exaggerated upward eye-roll. “What happened?” continued on page 22 he muttered, motioning to the table. “Polite as always,” she said with patronizing affection, taking the seat he motioned to and relaxing into it with a slightly tired sigh. “Well, I was on my way to the palace, walking down a street pretty as you please, looking perfectly normal and not at all like an undercover agent. I had just straightened my jacket for the third time, trying to make sure the bomb was hidden when this lady Jr Markman, Owner brushed past me. She seemed somehow suspicious, 1365 Illinois Route 130 dark clothes, dark hair, dark eyes, she looked somewhat Albion, IL 62806 like you with her black leather coat and-” 618-446-2703 “Just cut to the quick,” he interrupted. “Okay, she atFax: 618-446-3269 tacked me in an alley on that street before the palace, it
Page 21 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
The Alamo part 1 - continued continued from page 21 I have a pistol,” he growled. Then with a tiny slump he shook his head about the latter question. “All that matters now is that the bomb goes off,” straightening he resumed an immobile countenance. Lifting a handgun from underneath his jacket he rubbed it affectionately between his pale, boney fingers, caressing the trigger with an undoubtedly familiar touch. Another thump on the trap door above, the girl jumped at the sudden sound, but the man stood underneath the window, expression fixed and hard, eyes set, hardly noticing the sound. “Shoot the lock,” growled a nasal voice from outside. “You mean we’re gonna get caught?” she asked, her once confident voice now trembling with undisguised fear. “It’s a good thing you haven’t much information Lily or else you’d be a liability,” he grumbled. “Now buck up, you’re not the one they want.” The strange confidence in his voice was almost eerie as his clipped voice echoed through the empty basement room. The fact that they were about to be captured unnerved the girl further and something like a whimper escaped her lips. “It’ll be alright,” he mumbled awkwardly. His voice, now a softer, kinder tone, still seemed strange
as he pulled a handful of bullets from his trouser pockets and casually began loading his gun with that unnerving assurance of one who has accepted their end. There was the loud plink of a bullet striking metal. The trapdoor lock was sprung. Strong hands gripped the edges of the door and lifted it. Shafts of moonlight nearly blinding them with their brilliance, the outlines of five burly-looking men outside, silhouetted by the moon behind them. Dark handguns grasped by large, clammy hands aimed into the room. “Come out with your hands up,” growled the small one in a high nasally voice like a human mouse. His squeaky voice somehow sounded commanding, clearly stating that the short man with a necktie was the leader. The pacing man frowned at them silently for a moment. Then a loud, resounding boom echoed in the distance, shaking the cement walls around them and making the ground tremble beneath their feet. “Thank you, Lord,” the pacing man muttered passionately. “What was that?” growled a deep voice from outside, one of the burly gun holders. “The bomb,” Lily sighed thankfully. “Mission accomplished,” she added, straightening her small figure into a defiant stance. “It’s been a pleasure to serve the cause,” the man smirked calmly, pulling his loaded pistol from behind his back, “Now, our Alamo.”
Wabash Valley College announces spring semester academic honors list Mt. Carmel, IL – Wabash Valley College is pleased to announce its Honors List for Spring Semester 2020. To be eligible for the Chancellor’s Honors List, a student must have a GPA of 3.90-4.0 based on a 4.0 scale and must have been enrolled for at least twelve (12) semester hours for the Spring Semester. Students on the Chancellor’s Honors List include: ALBION: Ashten Brock, Tanner Creed, Alaina Greatline, Olivia Hallam, Denara Hortin, Jessica Melloy, Kyle Mewes; ALLENDALE: Ella Banks, Amy Headrick; BROWNS: Josef Gill; GRAYVILLE: Hunter Collard, Marshall Schroeder; MOUNT CARMEL: Andrea Andujar Mangual, Lindsey Bangert, Breanna Beck, Kaitlyn Bennett, Tyler Briggs, Lucas Bunting, Tan Chau, Carly Cochran, Bret Doan, Karli Ellis, Jacey Evans, Anna Fowler, Cameron French, Lexi Garloch, Luke Gould, Adam Grob, Megan Haase, Shivani Hajari, Sophie Heck, Gracey Himelick, Rebecca Kieffer, Kirk Liebert, Freylin Minyety, Breanna More, Morgan Moxey, Nhu Nguyen, Michael Payne, Austin Peterson, Jacob Plastiak, Boston Polston, Alondra Sanchez, Maci Simmons, Katherine Smith, Kelsey Stanton, Zechariah Sutton, Vicki Valencia, Mersadies Wagner, Brooke Wilhite; WEST SALEM: Jason Childers, Tyger Clodfelter, Jozie Rice; Cheyenne Summerfield. To be eligible for the President’s Honors List, the student must earn a GPA of 3.75-3.89 on a 4.0 scale and must be enrolled for at least twelve (12) semester hours for the Spring Semester. Students on the President’s
Honors List include: ALBION: Logan Balding, Mackenzie Dascotte, Hunter Hortin; ELLERY: Autumn Schnicker; GRAYVILLE: Jaymi Hosman, Lucas Knight, Jerod Quitugua; MOUNT CARMEL: Mary Berberich, Kendall Beyerle, Rachael Buchanan, Sydni Cosby, Mollie Dardeen, Madison Duncan, Beiker Fuentes, Ellison Goodson, Darian Neu, Valerie Ramos Allende, Troy Stoltz, Rachel Thomas, Tristan Thomas, Kendall Thompson, Katelyn Wagner, Jejuan Weatherspoon, Daniel Zimmerman. The Dean’s Honors list includes those students with a GPA of 3.50 to 3.74 based on a 4.0 scale who have been enrolled in at least twelve (12) semester hours for the Spring Semester. Students named to the Dean’s List include: ALBION: Remington Greatline, Adam Grimes; GRAYVILLE: Cade Rivers, Tyler Walsh, Kaelynn Worley; MOUNT CARMEL: Lyndsi Adamson, Abigail Anderson, Connor Anderson, Darian Barnard, Cuyler Barnum, Thomas Benson, Justin Boyd, Karisa Broster, Bailey Coish, Ronda Cullison, Yoliann De Jesus Tejedor, Rafael Diaz-Badillo, Jacob Durham, Logan Durham, Kellene Engelhart, Connor Fenlong, Lily Garbett, Jonathon Gillim, Trevon Hamilton, Robert Harvey, Allyson Kendall, Makenna Langenhorst, Chloe Lobmaster, Garrett Maloney, Jack Marlin, Sara Mauk, Austin McCoy, Ashley More, Harmonie Nehren, Jonathan Nieves, Savier Pinales, Grant Pytel, Casey Schweitzer, Rikki Slayton, Colton Sloan, Alexis Snow, Brayden Stipp, Abby Vaughan, Morgan York.
Page 22 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
By Debbie Fearn The honor of the oldest active 4H club in Edwards County belongs to the Blue Ribbon 4H Club. Starting as a livestock club and a boys club at that, it has grown into a boys and girls club and the projects are very diversified….. from livestock to visual arts, from cooking to rocketry and so much more! 4H everywhere has it all! The leaders this year for the Blue Ribbon Club are long time leaders Neil and Debbie Fearn. Over the years 4H has changed and grown, but the core beliefs of 4H have stood the test of time!.....To Make the Best Better! As a club we meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month and currently we will be meeting at the Country Financial Hall at the Edwards County Fairgrounds, either inside or out depending on the weather at 6:00 PM. A r e you interested in 4H and want to join a club that pledges their head to clearer thinking, their heart to greater loyalty, their hands to larger service and their health to better living, for their club, their community, their country and their world?…..then the Blue Ribbon 4H club is your club! Come join us! Lets have some fun and learn something too! Contact Neil and Debbie Fearn at 618/446-3246 to get you started!
Teachers, clubs, churches... share upcoming events and pictures at hometownvoice 2019@gmail.com
Above Hayley Perry in purple and her sister, Hannah, hold Hayley’s show Polish rabbits- Dory and Squirt. By Hayley Perry My name is Hayley Perry. I am starting my third year as a member of the Ellery Panthers 4-H Club in Edwards County. I have taken projects in cooking, rabbits, sewing, floriculture, and cake decorating. My favorite 4-H project is rabbits. I enjoy taking rabbits because I love working with them to get them ready for the show. I enjoy attending the workshops and learning new skills through 4-H. By being in 4-H, I have been able to do community service projects like making cards for the nursing home. I have also been able to learn about citizenship through projects with my club. Each year, I am required to do a talk, demonstration, and special. These requirements are helping me learn about public speaking. For each 4-H project, I also must do goal sheets. Setting goals is helping me learn about all the steps to complete a project. This year I am looking forward to showing my rabbits at the Edwards County Fair, learning more cooking skills, and improving my cake decorating skills.
Still Open... Still Doing Hair
illiana home inspections (618) 262-6968
Susan
bill miller, inspector 207 e oak illianas59@yahoo.com allendale, il 62410 Page 23 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Judy
Morgan is on temporary leave. Call 445-2056 for an appointment
Susan’s Beauty Shop 367 North 5th Street Albion • 445-2056
Yellow Jackets honor 8th graders On Tuesday, September 15th, Yellow Jackets Baseball hosted West Salem in non-conference action. It was also 8th grade night for Chase Gher and Reed Stinson. The Yellow Jackets were asleep at the wheel for the first three innings, as they trailed West Salem 8-2. But a huge fourth inning, 11 runs in all, put the Yellow Jackets on top 13-8. The Yellow Jackets then tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win the game 17-11. Offensively for the Yellow Jackets: Brendan Bowser had four singles, scored twice, and had five rbi’s; Kasen Dulgar had three singles, a double, scored two runs, and had three rbi; Elliott Acree had a double, a walk, scored one run, and an rbi; Chase Gher had two singles and scored two runs; Brady Porter scored a run; Reed Stinson had two singles, a walk, scored three runs, and an rbi; Michael Smith had a single, walk, hitby-pitch, scored three runs, and had an rbi; Rhett Andrews had a walk and scored two runs; Tristan Bray had a walk and scored a run; and Jax Gher Pictured (from left to right): 8th grader Chase Gher, Coach Justin had a walk. Kasen Dulgar started on the mound Dulgar, and 8th grader Reed Stinson. and was relieved by Elliott Acree who ended up getting the pitching win.
Americanism Essay participants Eight Allendale eighth graders were recently recognized for participating in the 2020 Americanism Essay contest. The purpose of this contest is to aid local schools in the teaching of Americanism and good citizenship. Pictured at left: (l-r) Kenadie Homan and Blake McDonald. Pictured below: (l-r) Hallie Courter, Mark Vaupel, Kolin Kelsey, and Alex McGinnis. Not pictured are Avery Swift and Roland Foster.
Page 24 • Hometown Voice • October 2020
Northside Missionary Baptist Church wants to Share God’s Love with Grayville
Life insurance is for those you leave behind
• A FREE Community Meal will be served at the new pavillion downtown Grayville from 5 - 7 p.m. on October 21st.
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Let’s get together to make sure you have a plan for today, and for tomorrow.
• FREE Food Bundles will be given away in the church basement begining at 8 a.m. on October 10th.
Steven Thomson Financial Representative West Salem, IL 62476
(618)456-2309 Auto, home and business insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®. Life insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.
0415-556HC-03989-9/21/2020
Northside Missionary Baptist Church
805 North State Road, Grayville Sundays: 9:30 am Sunday School • 10:30 Morning Worship • 6 p.m. Evening Worship/Youth/CIA • Wednesdays: 7 pm Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Pastor Dennis Seidel • Youth Leader Amanda Johnson
Take CNB With You!
New Website and App! Latest Technologies! Free!
• SPIN Money
(Transfer Money in Real-time)
• Mobile Wallets (Tap and Pay)
• eBill Pay
• Ability to Turn Debit Card Off and On If Lost or Stolen www.cnbalbion.com
Find Us on Facebook! Member FDIC
Adventure Awaits!
Oakview Nursing & Rehabilitation 1320 W. 9th St., Mt. Carmel 618-263-4337
Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation is a Medicare/Medicaid certified facility in Mt. Carmel, IL. The facility is warm, inviting, and homelike. Families and visitors will notice how the residents spend time playing bingo, participating in activities and attending social events held in our large dining hall. Oakview has several private rooms and is as comfortable as it is friendly. • Rebound Rehab to Home • On Site Physician • Nursing Care • Pharmacy Services • Social Services • Dementia Memory Care Unit
• Nutritional Care • Rehab & Therapy • Hospice & Respite Care
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.
FAIRFIELD SLEEP CLINIC
INSOMNIA | NARCOLEPSY SLEEP APNEA | RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME It can be normal to have trouble falling or staying asleep, but chronic sleeplessness can be a serious health issue. If you’re experiencing sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, restless let syndrome or you simple need a CPAP follow up appointment, our Sleep Clinic specialists can help diagnose and treat your condition so that you can get the rest you need. Let our sleep specialists, Dr. S.B. Jani and Alicia Kinsolving, PA-C, help you find the way back to better sleep. Call 618-842-4288 to schedule your appointment.
Wabash General Hospital Sleep Lab
209 NW 11th Street, Fairfield, IL | 618-842-4288 | www.wabashgeneral.com
WE’RE HERE AND
READY TO HELP
We will do our best to make your experience with us as convenient as possible!
Find
YOUR CAR
Value
YOUR TRADE
Choose FINANCING
Delivery
TO YOUR HOME
PatriotOnline.com
“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