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Tuesday, October 4, 2016
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And the questions are ... Voters to decide referendum questions in Spring Valley, Cherry, Neponset and Dalzell By Goldie Rapp grapp@bcrnews.com
In the upcoming Nov 8. election, there will be four referendum questions asked to Bureau County voters. Only voters living in the districts or territories impacted by the issue will have the chance to voice their opinion and mark their ballots on the topics. Below are the listed propositions:
Should Spring Valley increase its retailers tax?
Voters in the city of Spring Valley will once again decide whether or not the city should increase the retailers occupation tax at a rate of .5 percent for public infrastructure improvements. This will not be the first time residents have voted
on this issue. The city put this question on the ballot in both elections last year, however, the proposition failed. Spring Valley Mayor Walt Marini said the tax money will be set aside strictly for road repairs. The monies the city currently receives from Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) are not enough to cover the costs of repairs. Marini said the amount of money that comes from MFT is about the same today as it was 20 years ago, and with inflation, it’s been difficult to keep up with costs and the demand of repairs each year. With a history of seeing this proposition fail, Marini said he’s cautiously optimistic this time around. He said during the last election, the proposition was placed on the ballot around the same time as when residents were seeing their taxes increases due to the new Hall High School building. He said it probably was not the best time for the city to also request
a tax hike. Marini believes voters are now more educated about the need for funds to repair roads. While it’s never good news for shoppers to hear
Questions Page 4
BCR photo/Dave Cook
An emotional Anthony Witczak speaks to a crowd of more than 150 people at the Tonica Fire Department during a dedication ceremony to rename a section of Illinois Route 251 in honor of himself and his six brother.
The honor of brothers
Route 251 renamed in honor of the Witczak brothers By D ave Cook dcook@bcrnews.com
BCR photo/Becky Kramer
Let the ‘haunting’ begin The Phantom of the Opera is a featured guest at the annual Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road event, sponsored and held at the Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton. The annual haunted fairgrounds activity includes haunted barns, a concession stand, a bonfire and souvenirs to encompass an full evening of Halloween fun and excitement. See www. nightmareonfairgroundsroad.com for additional information.
Farewell, President Lincoln
2016 Shadows of the Blue and Gray will be last appearance for popular re-enactor By D ave Cook dcook@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — A highlight of every Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War re-enactment has been the sight of President and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. Easily recognized and remembered, the performances of Max and Donna Daniels have always added a special touch to the weekend’s events. But this year will mark the end of their appearances in Princeton as the leg-
endary couple. “It will be sad to see them go,” event coordinator Michael Robinson said. Robinson, himself, has been a re-enactor for more than 20 years. While this will be the final year for the Lincolns, he’s announced there will be a first-time appearance from another Civil War icon — General U.S. Ulysses S. Grant.
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Year 170 No. 119 One Section - 20 Pages
(815) 915-8748 © Bureau County Republican
TONICA — More than 150 people filled the Tonica Fire Department to witness Anthony Witczak, the last of seven brothers, speak of the honor of having a section of Illinois Route 251 renamed in their honor. Visibly moved, his eyes filled with tears and voice heavy with emotion, he talked of how his widowed mother must have felt as she watched her seven sons go off to war — one by one. “She must have prayed a lot for us to all come home safely,” Witczak said, adding his thanks to all veterans for their service to our country. The section of Route 251 from Mendota to Tonica will now be known as the Witczak Brothers Memorial Highway in honor of the brothers, five who served in World War II and two who served in Korea. All seven brothers returned home safely. Joseph, the first brother to enlist, was wounded in the Pacific while with the Army and was awarded a Silver Star. Adopted sons John Witczak and Casmir Maurer also served in the Army in the Pacific. Casmir was wounded and was awarded a Silver Star.
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Economical lab services and diagnostic testing, including digital x-rays, are also offered on-site. These services are available to anyone, regardless of your doctor’s practice or hospital affiliation.
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