TON-01-06-2017

1 Front Volume 143 No. 5

Friday, January 6, 2017

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New laws for 2017

step-parents.

Cosmetologist required to take domestic violence course (HB 4264): Requires cosmetologists to take at least one hour of training on how to recognize signs of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Unpaid leave for domestic abuse victims (HB 4036): Amends the VESSA act to allow four additional days to the unpaid leave benefit for victims.

Be prepared with these new laws that went into effect Jan. 1

By Goldie Rapp As we ring in the new year early Sunday morning, nearly 200 new state laws will go into effect. From more stringent laws on the sale of bath salts to failing to stop at a railroad crossing to a pirogue now being the state artifact — here is a snapshot of what to expect and what can be enforced in Illinois.

arrow or a bow and arrow device.

Public hunting of game birds (HB 4604): Hunters can kill bobwhite quail, chukar partridge and gray partridge on public hunting grounds.

Youth trapping licenses (SB 2410): Allows kids 18 and under to trap without having to take the hunter training course required by Department of Natural Resources.

Youth must be accompanied by parent, grandparents or a guardian 21 years or older.

Fishin’ for catfish (HB 5788): The state fishing code was amended to add catfish to the list of species that may be caught with a pitchfork, underwater spear gun, bow and

Employee sick leave (HB 6162): Allows employees to take sick days for illness, injury or medical appointment for their child, spouse, sibling, parent, grandchild or

news@tonicanews.com

Agriculture, animals and hunting

Children and families

Teen REACH program (SB 2407): Establishes a new state grant program meant to provide funding for afterschool activities for children ages 6-17.

Grandparent visitation (HB 5656): Allows grandparents

Business/commerce

New laws Page 2

Feathered friends This white-breasted nuthatch found a cup of kindness left seemingly just for him. With cold winter weather upon us, many area residents find comfort and enjoyment in feeding the birds. Sunflower seeds, cracked corn, thistle seeds and a host of other goodies attract a wide variety of birds during winter months in the Midwest, offering bird enthusiasts an up close and personal look at these newly-found feathered friends.

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Tonica News photo/Mike Vaughn

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Year in review

New homeless program casts a wider net

Recapping the highlights of 2016 Compiled

Program will help people in nine counties

By Ashley Cady news@tonicanews.com

ROCK FALLS – A new program that will help provide permanent homes and life skills for area homeless people who struggle with issues such as mental illness or substance abuse is launching in May. With a $77,300 federal Housing and Urban Development grant, Tri-County Opportunities Council is establishing the

Vol. 143 No. 5 One Section - 8 Pages

Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

The one-year grant is enough to help 15 households, or 25 people, in the nine-county area the agency serves: Whiteside, Lee, Ogle, Carroll, Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties. ​To be eligible, a person or family must be chronically homeless, battling sub-

Homeless Page 2

Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

​TONICA — Editor’s note: This is the first story reviewing the events occurring in the Tonica-Lostant area during 2016.

Jan. 1 New legislation went into effect creating a uniform charge for all phone lines, whether landline or wireless, to help reverse declining funding for area 911 systems.

Jan. 8 On Jan. 1, Lostant’s Emily Znaniecki

COLD has it’s place…outside.

gave birth to Cassandra Rae Overy, the first baby of 2016 to be born at Illinois Valley Community Hospital.

The results of Tonica Grade School’s first Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing were released. Principal Duane Schupp said the majority of students performed well and were above the state average.

Jan. 15 The Tonica Braves opened the 2016

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2 Local

2 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 6, 2017

Seeking Sources Where in the world is The Tonica News? Are you planning a vacation or holiday trip?

Don’t forget to take along a copy of the The Tonica News.

Once you get to your destination, have someone snap a photo of you holding the newspaper, and then send the photo to us along with pertinent information about who is in the photo and where you are. We’ll be happy to share your photo with other Tonica News readers, your friends, family and neighbors. Email your photo and information to news@tonicanews.com.

You can also drop it by our office in Tonica.

(USPS 633340) Published every Friday at Tonica, IL 61370 Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County

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Sweet Sadie’s is ready to help entertain your children Plenty of fun, plus lots of enrichment opportunities, exercise and much more LASALLE — Sweet Sadie’s, an indoor playspace and children’s activity center, opened Dec. 18, at 838 First St. in LaSalle.

The 5,000-squarefoot play space features zoned play areas, including: • A pretend-play village with a dress-up boutique, supermarket, gas station, veterinary clinic, and more.

• A large play structure with slides, climbing areas, tunnels, a bridge and a fire pole.

• A specially-designed soft zone for crawlers and early walkers.

• A sensory play area.

• And more.

Play is offered on both a daily basis (pay-toplay) or via a variety of membership options,

with flexibility to suit the needs of a variety of the community’s families.

Sweet Sadie’s also boasts two large private rooms, available for birthday parties and other event rentals.

When not in use for private events, these rooms will host a full roster of children’s enrichment classes, ranging from Mommy and Me Yoga to Coding for Kids, robotics workshops, woodworking and more.

Classes will begin in January 2017.

Owner Dani Brzozowski is a LaSalle-Peru Township High alumna, current member of the board of the LaSalle Business Association, and parent of two small

New laws From Page 1 and great-grandparents visitation rights of children who are in DCFS care.

Lead contamination notice (SB 2300): Property owners must give notice of lead hazard to a lessee or perspective buyer before selling the property or renewing a lease.

Crime and law enforcement

Bath salts prohibition (SB 210): Increases the penalty for selling bath salts in stores to a Class 3 felony with a maximum of $150 fine.

Cash bail payments (SB 2252): Allows bail payments to be now be in the form of cash.

Citizens Privacy Protection Act ( SB 2343): Requires a warrant before law enforcement uses cell site simulator. Also requires police to delete any data picked up from phones used by those who are not targets of an investigation.

Increased training for epinephrine (HB 4462): Allows police to conduct training programs for officers on how to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis, including administration of an epinephrine auto-injector.

Retired police dogs (SB 3129): A retired K9 will now be offered first to the K9 officer who had custody during its service.

Juvenile offense reduction (SB 2777): Minors who commit a Class 4 felony of criminal trespass to a residence, criminal damage to property, criminal damage to

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substance abuse, have a mental illness or HIV/AIDS, or be a veteran.

The program aims to get its participants into permanent homes, for which they will pay 30 percent of their net income.

The program will also provide them with counseling and support until they are able to succeed on their own.

Services such as child care, mental health care, help with moving costs, help finding training for a job, counseling, legal services, life skills training, outpatient health care, substance abuse treatment, food, transportation, and utility deposits will be provided, with the goal of helping participants learn to hold down a job, create and stick to a budget, pay off debt, save for a car, and make healthy meals.

“I am very excited about this program, because I feel it will really help get people off of the streets and give them the supportive services they need to get back on track,” said Neddie Watts, Tri-County’s community services director.

The new program will replace the agency’s Transitional Housing Program.

That program was also designed to find its participants permanent homes and life skills, but it is available only to families with children.

In Lee and Whiteside counties, Tri-County has seven transitional units that now will be used for permanent homes.

Those in the transitional program, which will be phased out by June, will be given help finding new shelter and paying moving costs.

As with its transitional program, Tri-County will seek HUD grants each year to keep the Permanent Housing Program going.

Education

Breakfast after the bell (SB 2393): Requires schools to operate a breakfast after the bell program.

Homeless GED tests (SB 2840): Those who are 25 and under and identify as homeless are exempt from having to pay fees associated with taking a high school equivalency exam.

Health and human services

Disability wallet card (HB 4257): Requires Secretary of State to issue a person with a card that specifies the cardholder’s medical diagnosis with a developmental or mental disability.

Contraception coverage (HB 5576): Insurance companies will be forced to cover all contraceptive drugs and devices.

State government

Pirogue the state artifact (HB 538): Designates the pirogue (a long, narrow canoe) as the official state artifact.

Unclaimed property (SB 2783): Reduces the dormancy period for unclaimed property held by the government from seven to five years.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week (HB 5018): The second full week of April will now be officially recognized.

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children.

She and her husband returned to the Illinois Valley from Chicago in winter 2015 and began exploring how best their family might make an impact on the community. Given the sparse options nearby for kid-centered entertainment and Brzozowski’s background in education and non-profit development, establishing a gathering place for the young families of the Illinois Valley was a natural fit.

The former site of a Dollar General store and, more recently, Xercise Science, the location takes advantage of LaSalle’s downtown and anchors a developing commerce corridor east of Joliet Street.

Homeless

Transportation Vehicle video recording (SB 629): A camera that records on a continuously digital loop may now be placed into contract carrier vehicles. A notice must be posted that a passenger’s conversation may be recorded.

The data recorded will be property of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle.

Failure to stop at a railroad crossing (SB 2806): The fine will now be doubled for those charged with this violation. The first violation will now be $500, and a subsequent violation will be $1,000.

Vehicle registration expiration (HB 5651): Vehicle owners will now be able to choose their birthday as the vehicle registration expiration date.

Traffic stop education ( HB 6131): Starting next school year, driver education courses will have to include instruction on law enforcement procedures during traffic stops.

Bicycle Rules of the Road (HB 5912): A bicyclist now has the same right-of-way rights as a driver of a vehicle.

Veterans

Students at military funerals (HB 4432): Allows students in Grades 6 through 12 to be excused from school to play Taps at a military funeral.

Heroes Way Designation Program (HB 4334): Allows the family of a veteran who was killed in action while on active duty to apply for a designation that would allow placement of an honorary sign on roadways.

3 Obit/Record

Friday, January 6, 2017 • The Tonica News • 3

Mendota student designs EDC-NCI’s logo Janko Scholarship announced for entrepreneurs

Professional marketing programs emphasizing “Profit-making Business Opportunities” will distinguish the Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois (NCI).

In order to compete nationally for new business investment, NCI is developing a new North Central Region Economic Development website and will be utilizing a new marketing logo.

As part of the marketing design effort, the NCI Board worked with Francie Skoflanc’s Graphics Design Solutions Class at the Illinois Valley Community College.

IVCC students working with the EDC-NCI were Alissa Morrison, Cody Frey, Peggy Schneider, Kaitlyn Anthony, Jared Petersen and Rachel Niedjelski.

A design by Frey was selected for use in the variety of national marketing efforts that will be conducted. The new logo provides a design that demonstrates a “bright future” while pointing out the importance of industry, agriculture and the waterways in North Central Illinois.

Frey, a Mendota native, is the son of Lori and Chad Frey. He is majoring in graphic design technology with plans to graduate in 2017.

“I enjoyed designing the new logo for the EDC, “ said

Cody, “They provided the opportunity to create a logo that describes my home, North Central Illinois. IVCC has been great to provide an opportunity for an improved future. They have excellent business, marketing and graphic design classes. I have retained a great amount of knowledge from each IVCC class that makes me look at every day a little differently.”

Graphic design students at IVCC leave the program with a portfolio that shows a wide variety of complex design projects that are used by area clients.

“I’m very proud that local business leaders are now calling and coming to our graphic design program to look for employees,” said program director Francie Skoflanc.

“We are impressed with the talent at IVCC and thrilled with Cody Frey’s logo design, which conveys our positive outlook for the future,” said Jim Riley, chairman of the EDC-NCI. “The logo is truly high quality, especially in comparison with many other economic development organization logos throughout the country,” said Ivan Baker, chief executive officer of EDC-NCI. “We are looking forward to incorporating the logo in our marketing materials.”

2016 From Page 1

volleyball season on Jan. 7 with a homecourt loss to Princeton Logan.

Jan. 22 Hennepin Mayor Kevin Coleman spoke to the Lostant Village Board about the importance of regional development within Bureau, Putnam and LaSalle counties.

Lostant voted to purchase a new police car.

Jan. 29 Tonica sought information on the easements for its USDA funded sewer project.

The Tonica School Board considered budget reductions which could affect the kindergarten program.

Feb. 5 Questions were raised about Frank Mautino’s campaign finance reports a little more than a month after he was named Illinois Auditor General.

Feb. 12 Tonica and Lostant students headed

to the LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam County Spelling Bee. Lostant Village Board discussed whether to remove or trim 17 trees throughout the village.

Feb. 19 Tonica prepared for an increase in sewer rates mandated by the USDA. The USDA said the increase is necessary so the new system is self-sustaining.

Feb. 26 The Tonica School Board voted against subcontracting transportation services.

Lostant Community School discovered asbestos during boiler problems.

Superintendent Sandra Malahy estimated about $80,000 will be needed for clean-up, repairs and other related work the board had previously discussed.

The Lostant School Board heard options on potential restructuring and consolidation.

March 4 LaSalle and Bureau counties experienced an alarming increase in motor vehicle fatalities in 2016, rising more

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Jim Riley (from left), chairman of the EDC-NCI, thanks Cody Frey, designer, and Francie Skoflanc, IVCC instructor, for the newly-approved logo to be utilized in regional economic development marketing

223-0380

The Starved Rock Country Community Foundation (SRCCF) is pleased to announce the creation of the Carol and Dick Janko Scholarship for promising entrepreneurs. The scholarship, initially established with a $50,000 gift, will be awarded to high school and/or college graduates from LaSalle, Bureau, Livingston and Putnam counties wishing to further their education to become local entrepreneurs. This scholarship truly represents Dick and Carol Janko’s lifelong commitment to youth, education and economic development, and will offer significant financial opportunities to the recipients.

As a gesture of love, honor and respect, Dick and Carol Janko’s children will match every donation made to the scholarship, dollar for dollar. They do so as a tribute to their parents and the community.

The SRCCF opened its doors in October 2015, and is the newest community foundation in the state of Illinois. Governed by a 13-member board of directors from throughout LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties, the foundation has opened 18 funds, including three scholarships, and are exceeding its first year’s revenue projections by nearly 63 percent.

The foundation’s program of work is primarily twofold; to provide a central vehicle for generous donors to use to make local charitable grants of their choosing, and to create scholarships for donors who want to provide financial assistance to students in the community.

Simply stated, the mission is to match people who care with causes that matter, forever. Unrestricted gifts to the Leadership Fund for Now, are also welcome, and will support the financial infrastructure of the organization and to provide funds that can be used for unrestricted grants back to the community.

The foundation office is located at 718 Columbus St., Ottawa. If you are interested in donating or learning more about the SRCCF, contact Pamela Becket at 815252-2906 or pamela@srccf.org.

than 250 percent compared to the same time in 2015.

March 11 Governor Rauner proposed eliminating funding for ag education.

The Tonica Education Fund purchased FASTT Math, a new online program designed to give each student personalized help with math skills.

March 18 The Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois (EDCNCI) seated its board members and held its first meeting.

Lostant passed an ordinance to begin taxing cell phones.

March 25 The Tonica School Board voted to eliminate the summer school program; summer media staff; the internal technology coordinator; the music program; and the pre-school program.

Superintendent Lawrence Carlton said the cuts will save the school roughly $60,000 and that he’d been hoping for more.

The Tonica Village Board debated

proposals for new sidewalks and repairs to existing sidewalks.

April 1 The Putnam County Community Center struggled with funding issues caused by the lack of a state budget.

April 8 LaSalle County decided to not take part in a program allowing cameras in the courtroom.

April 15 The Lostant Village Board discussed what can be done about a dilapidated building on the corner of Second and Eighth streets in Lostant.

April 22 The University of Illinois Extension office struggled with funding problems caused by Illinois’ budget impasse.

April 29 The Tonica Grade School bowling team went to the state tournament and placed ninth out of 42 teams.

The Tonica School Board faced the possibility of losing students in response to programs they eliminated because of budget issues.

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4 Perspective

4 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 6, 2017

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

Jeep to Jeep This happened awhile ago, but I wanted time to reflect. I’ve previously written about driving classic cars, but I’ve since moved forward — forward in leather-wrapped, delightfully heated, quiet and economical comfort.

Dave Cook My 53 year-old COMMENTARY car was, I’m sorry to say, beginning to show her age.

Requiring more care and funding than available, I began to leave it in the driveway after being stranded a few times. For the first time it had become unreliable, a difficult realization because it had always been unfailingly and surprisingly dependable and economical.

I had another classic, but it was far too beastly to be a practical daily driver. At the pump it wasn’t a fuel sipper, it was a binge drinker. The decision was made to sell them both and purchase a new vehicle. In the meantime, I began driving my wife’s beloved old Jeep.

I could go on and on about what a Jeep can be like, but let’s just say it’s spartan. When I say “Jeep” I mean a Wrangler, not the brand Jeep. Those are normal vehicles and not comparable. I guess it’s why traditional Jeep drivers wave at each other; we understand each others pain and discomfort. They’re a modern version of a horseless carriage; the ride is very buggy-like.

You’re bounced while freezing in the winter, sweating in the summer and there’s no shortage of noise and vibration. A friend once compared it to riding in his grandpa’s old tractor. It’s also best not to think of miles per gallon. Yet, there’s somehow a charm to it all.

Kids are fond of them, especially when they’re big and dirty like an oversized Tonka toy. I’ve always found it funny when people say, usually during the frequent refueling, “Nice Jeep.” or “I love your Jeep.”

I always want to reply “Really? Are we looking at the same vehicle?”

I’m fine with it in small doses, but after far too many months and miles in it, I felt the strain. Though the process of selling my classics was lengthy and unpleasant, it allowed me plenty of time to decide which vehicle would be my first ever new ride.

I considered several and eventually narrowed down the most important features. Comfort was a big one — heated seats and steering wheel became items I’m happy I refused to budge on.

Four-wheel drive was a necessity as I occasionally go where I wouldn’t trust a regular vehicle. Economy and reliability were also important. Another Jeep eventually won me over. It didn’t come as much of a surprise though, for all its quirks and flaws our old Wrangler has been impressively durable.

It’s the smallest Jeep offering, the Renegade, I chose. The family resemblance with the classic Jeep style is easily seen, and it’s efficiency has made a significant financial impact. It’s the comfort which I love the most though. I’m dry in the rain; warm when it’s cold; and I’ll be cool next summer. It also doesn’t jar my body as I travel over the endless bumps in our roads. What’s not to love about that?

Reading countless reviews while coming from a rugged, comfortless and sparsely equipped vehicle helped me see how spoiled and nit-picky reviewers can be. It’s as if each car is compared to an impossibly high standard or unrelated vehicle.

One complaint was engine vibration was felt through the steering wheel while idling. I started mine to examine this and was only met with the slightest feel in the wheel. Are new vehicles expected to not move in any way or make the slightest sounds? It’s as if reviewers compare every comfort aspect to a Rolls Royce and every performance component to an exotic sports car.

Most other complaints, regardless of make or model, were also typically petty in my opinion. I think new vehicles are all generally good purchases. What’s important is to know which ones best meet your requirements then choose the one most appealing.

I left the unpleasant process of locating a good deal and the handling of the salesmen to an auto-broker. I may write about that part of the process next because it was probably my best decision in all of this. He saved me a lot of time, money and stress, allowing me to simply enjoy driving home in modern comfort for the first time.

Tonica News Staff Writer Dave Cook can be reached at dcook@bcrnews.com.

Environmental awareness Around our house, when someone falls down or bumps into something, we laugh. I am not the mom who rushes to her child’s side filled with concern and worry.

I usually get a good chuckle out of the situation, once I make a brief assessment whether or not there is blood or bones sticking out.

If I know it will not require a trip to the hospital, I guffaw and tease and make the person feel like a schmo (is that a word?).

I know its not right, but what good is an accident if you can’t laugh about it? They aren’t called accidents for nothing. Otherwise they’d be called “on purposes.” In all fairness, I laugh at myself harder than anyone if I happen to have a “Hello Face. Meet Pavement” moment.

The comment I make most often is simply “environmental awareness!” This means that we need to pay attention to what is going on around us and how it might affect us. If it is icy, you need to walk more cautiously. In college, my dorm room window faced the entrance to the cafeteria, and groups of us would gather during the icy Michigan winters to watch the silly, vain girls try to negotiate the steps in sassy (but slick) high heels. I think we may have had some wagering system at times to see who would land least gracefully on their cute little behinds.

If there is a low doorway, you need to duck. I’ve often told the tall lanky visitors in my house that it’s a good thing if they wear a cap with a bill on it, so it keeps their forehead from becoming damaged. You could run into

Lori Boekeloo COMMENTARY

doorways and low hanging objects in our home with 7 foot ceilings.

Smacking your head on the counter as you reach over to pick something off the floor simply means you didn’t accurately do the math.

A pinky toe on the corner of the coffee table could be the result of a temporary distraction, but ooohhh, the consequences are painful.

Our Christian walk demands a fair amount of environmental awareness also. When I finally stepped into the light a few years ago, I could no longer justify my trips to the local tavern to see my best friend of 26 years who bartended there. I loved her and wished to visit with her but realized much of the downfall of my youth was linked to the bar, and that I needed to remove myself from situations that were tempting to my old lifestyle. I needed to see the conditions were ripe for a fall. If an occasion arises now where it is necessary for me to be in a bar (and those occasions become less and less with each passing year), I know I must walk cautiously, prepare myself mentally beforehand or duck in order to keep from injuring myself spiritually.

I find I am most successful in my dieting when I make conscious decisions to stay out of

eating establishments. I’m less tempted to eat if I choose to meet my friends at the park, not over lunch. If I remove food from my immediate surroundings, it’s so much easier to keep it out of my mouth, and therefore off of my hips! I am fortunate to belong to a Mennonite church where the potlucks are laden with good dietary choices (though there are some tempting sweets at the end of the line!).

If we choose to surround ourselves with Godly people and make conscious decisions to spend our time in the presence of the Lord, it is much easier to stay on track with our walk. When we carefully choose our environment, we are less likely to stray. We must take preventative measures to insure our choices are good ones. So many people claim they can worship the Lord wherever they are, and they are not wrong; but it makes it easier to become immersed in our faith if we go to church on a regular basis and involve ourselves with like-minded individuals.

So, the next time you see a big snowstorm coming, put on your snow boots, hang onto the handrail and take baby steps. Don’t go running willy-nilly across the ice in high heels. Your butt will thank you, but if you fall, I will laugh — as long as there is no blood or bones sticking out!

Lori Boekeloo of Hennepin is a mother of three. She can be reached at lorianne67@hotmail.com, or friend her on Facebook for more humor and inspiration on a daily basis.

Coloring outside the lines ...

Everyone makes mistakes once in awhile. Some mistakes are small, and some are big. But every so often a person makes such a big mistake it might be called an epic failure. These are a few of my own epic failures.

It was a nice Thursday afternoon, and my mom was away having lunch with my grandma. My siblings and I were home treating ourselves to some delicious frozen pizza. I was sitting down to enjoy my pizza and gave my little brother a slice. He was being obnoxious, and he threw it on the floor, which would be no big deal but the dogs spotted it and all decided they wanted that slice of pizza.

Elfie and Luna started a fight.

They were fighting over a piece of floor pizza? So you know, Luna is a giant Newfoundland, and Elf is a small mutt. It was pretty scary, and I thought I needed to break up the fight ... so I grabbed the huge metal lid to our trash can and tried to get in the middle.

I ended up with four big puncture wounds on my arm from darn Luna. We called my mom to come home, but it was all over in a minute. I think I have learned not to get into the middle of a dog fight. Good thing a few minutes after it happened I was supposed to go to my awesomely cool friend Nate’s house. His mom helped me clean the wound, and I felt much better.

This next one will make you crack up. It was a nice Wednesday afternoon at piano. I had just gotten done with my lesson. I

Simeon Bystry COMMENTARY walked outside and saw a wheelbarrow full of veggies from Mrs. Brown’s garden. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a small green pepper. It looked like it might be spicy, and I love spicy things, so I picked it up and went back into the house and asked Mrs. Brown if I could have it.

She was in the lesson with my sister at this point, so she was distracted but told me sure also saying don’t eat it raw because it was a very spicy Thai pepper. Well, I knew I loved spicy things, and I figured she didn’t know how tough I was. So I went back outside with my mom and shoved the entire pepper in my mouth. It didn’t take long to realize I had made a mistake.

My tongue started burning, and my eyes started watering. I was freaking out, and my mom was trying not to laugh. She realized we might need help, so she went in and asked Mrs. Brown for aid. She grabbed a piece of bread for me to eat to try and help stop the heat, but I would say my mouth was burning for a long time. We hadn’t been taking lessons for very long at that point, and Mrs. Brown was worried my mom might be upset ... but my mom just figured it was just another epic fail by Simeon.

My siblings love to play with Play-Doh, and I know my mom makes it homemade. I wanted to help out one day, so I asked if I could make some for them. She was busy at the computer, and I was badgering her, so she finally said sure. I found the recipe and kept asking her this or that question, but she never came into the kitchen to see what was happening.

I added the water, salt, flour, oil and decided on the color blue for the food coloring. I had never made it before, so I figured it was all going well. I was stirring it and finally called my mom in to see if it was about done. When she came into the kitchen, she was surprised to see I had chosen to make it in her cast iron skillet rather than the usual pot. At this point the skillet looked like it was attacked by blue Play-Doh. The dough was stuck all over the sides and bottom. My mom managed not to strangle me and got most of the play dough out of the pan. After a good soak and scrubbing, the skillet was good as new.

Through all those failures came something for me to learn. I learned not to get into the middle of a dog fight, listen when someone tells me something is really spicy, and to wait until my mom is ready to help me rather than starting on my own without knowing how.

Simeon Bystry is a 12-year-old home-schooled student from rural Princeton. He can be reached at rachelbystry@yahoo.com.

First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Constitution of the United States, 1789

5 Life

Friday, January 6, 2017 • The Tonica News • 5

Community

Where in the World is The Tonica News?

Mark and Sarah Walczynski of rural Tonica hold a copy of The Tonica News at the Serapeum, a temple dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian deity Serapis, at Alexandria, Egypt.

Behind them stands “Pompey’s Pillar,” reportedly the largest single stone monolith ever erected outside of the Roman capitals of Rome and Constantinople.

Photo contributed

IVCH welcomes first baby of 2017 The first baby to be born at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in 2017 arrived at 1:40 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, when Michele Hanson of Earlville gave birth to a girl. Brynn Cadence Hanson entered the world weighing 6 pounds, 4 ounces. She was 19 1/2-inches in length. The child is the first for Hanson and her husband, Brent.

Photo contributed

Docent training planned Quilters guild will have all-day workshop on Jan. 11

LASALLE — The LaSalle County Historical Society will hold docent training for anyone interested in learning about its exhibits at the museum. Two trainings will be held, one from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday,

Jan. 7, and another from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Reservations are not required but are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations can be made by calling Amanda at 815-343-5780.

HENRY — The Marshall-Putnam Quilters Guild will have an all-day community service workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Henry United Presbyterian Church.

The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Karen Bailey will teach members a Four Patch Color Play Quilt that will be made for the

Epilepsy support group to meet

PERU — Illinois Valley Community Hospital is starting a cancer support group.

Open to anyone in the Illinois Valley who has any type of cancer, the group will meet for the first time at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, in the special procedures

Penguin Plunge OTTAWA — The Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois will have a Penguin Plunge at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Heritage Harbor at the Ottawa Marina in Ottawa.

The Make A Wish Foundation’s goals for 2017 are to raise more than $100,000. To help dreams come true, pre-register at penguinplunge.webconnex.com/2017.

Open 7 days/week 8-5pm

23 Hour Roadside Assistance Selling & Repairing all makes of tires Interstate Battery Sales 112 S. St. Paul St. Basic Oil Change- Starting @ $37.50 Mounting, Balancing, (up to 5 quarts) Mark, IL 61340 Rotating, Patches, Plugs

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sewing workshop. Members are asked to bring any project they want to work on. There will also be a kit exchange. If you have a kit that you know you’re just never going to make, bring it in and perhaps someone else will have one that interests you. Any left at the end of day will be donated.

New cancer support group starting at IVCH

PERU — An epilepsy support group will meet at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Peru YMCA, 300 Walnut St. in Peru. For more information, call Erika at 815-414-8655.

Sieg Tire & Tube Repair Shop

community service distribution in May. Members are asked to bring their membership booklets for supplies needed. There will be no meeting this month.

Lunch will be stone soup. Members are asked to bring 1 cup of ingredient to add to the chicken soup base.

February will also be an all-day

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conference room just off the West Street lobby at IVCH. The group, which will meet on the second Monday of each month, is being organized and led by Dan Brooks, a retired teacher and cancer survivor who is interested in helping other cancer survivors, and the Rev. Diana Kurtz, a local

minister and a member of the IVCH Pastoral Care Department.

“We’re forming the group to give cancer patients a place to share their experiences and to see that they are not alone. We are here to support and help each other with encouragement and love,” said Brooks.

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Kurtz added that information about cancer and the resources available locally to help cancer patients would also be available at the monthly meetings.

For more information, call the IVCH Community Outreach Department at 815-780-4618.

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6 Life/Class

6 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 6, 2017

Menus Lostant Grade School

Photo contributed

Fr. Ronald Margherio (front row, from left) is pictured with Jaci Cain, Kelsey Wilson, Megan Bolelli and Riley Dirks; and (back row) Cody Corneglio, Adam Lenkaitis, Evan Knoblauch, Dave Margherio, Sue Weber and Brett Knoblauch.

Tonica Grade School

St. Bede mystery trip teaches trust PERU — Recently, St. Bede Chaplain Father Ronald Margherio, O.S.B., SBA alumni Dave Margherio ’73 and chaperone Sue Weber accompanied eight students on a mystery trip.

For nine years Fr. Ronald has been the “pastor” at St. Bede Academy and for the past seven years has successfully planned a mystery trip based on themes that come directly from the Rule of St. Benedict. Each day, in each class, the students pray: May the Rule of St. Benedict be our guide, May the Spirit of St. Bede stay with us forever. The trip is planned for five days and the students have no idea where they are going or what they will be doing as they head out to destinations unknown. Until the students agree to go on the mystery trip, they don’t even know who the other students are that will be traveling with them. The Rule of St. Benedict provides the foundation for the SBA all-school Masses and

prayer services, retreats and mission trips, along with many other activities planned by Fr. Ronald.

This year the primary destinations for the mystery trip were New Orleans and Memphis. Each student received a prayer partner for the duration of the trip and remains unknown until they prepare to return. Throughout the trip they pray for one another and observe how their prayer partner experiences the essence of the mystery trip.

One of Margherio’s main objectives for the trip was for the experience to allow students to trust in others, trust in themselves and above all, trust in God. “Everyone prays together, pitches in to ensure no one feels left out and it helps them build a foundation of trust with each other,” stated Margherio. Every morning, one student led the group in a trust prayer, composed from the famous Trappist monk, Thomas Merton.

In New Orleans, Rich Pattarozzi ’61 took the group to lunch and coordinated a tour of the World War II museum. Tony Margherio ’03, director of marketing and promotions at Tulane University, led the group on a private tour of the university and arranged for several meals at various New Orleans’ restaurants. The group attended Mass at the prestigious Loyola University and in Memphis, visited the historic Civil Rights Museum and Graceland.

On the final day of the trip, students were given the name of their prayer partner and were asked to write a letter to their parents, to share their thoughts about the trip, and what they felt that their prayer partner had experienced by participating in the mystery trip. Margherio stated that, “Spiritually, this trip will serve as one of the most memorable ways to learn about trust.”

Find your place in agriculture OGLESBY — Are you a young woman interested in a career in agriculture? Consider attending the “Women Changing the Face of Agriculture” Conference on the University of Illinois campus March 10. The keynote speaker is Elzandi Oosthuizen, vice president of global strategy at Monsanto.

Oosthuzien’s 12-year career with Monsanto began in South Africa

and includes global and regional roles in the seed and traits, crop protection and vegetable operations. The conference offers career advice and direction for young women in high school and college who are thinking about a career in agriculture. At the conference, women learn more about careers in the industry, network with women from across the country and inter-

Breakfast Jan. 9 — Breakfast burrito, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Jan. 10 — Scrambled eggs and toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Jan. 11 — Biscuits and gravy, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Jan. 12 — Egg and cheese on toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Jan. 13 — Cereal and yogurt, fruit and juice.

Lunch Jan. 9 — Macaroni and cheese, green beans, pears, applesauce, milk.

Jan. 10 — Bosco stick, marinara sauce, carrots, mandarin oranges, milk.

Jan. 11 — Spaghetti, peas, peaches, bread, milk.

Jan. 12 — Hot dog on bun, french fries, applesauce, milk.

Jan. 13 — No lunch, early out.

act with others interested in similar careers.

Group registration is available for collegiate groups, FFA chapters and 4-H clubs. To learn more about the conference, visit womenchangingthefaceofagriculture.com.

To learn more about University of Illinois Extension 4-H programs, contact the IVCC Campus Office by calling 815-224-0889.

Breakfast Jan. 9 — Oatmeal with dried fruit, chocolate chips and brown sugar or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Jan. 10 — Pancake and sausage on a stick with syrup or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Jan. 11 — Cheese omelet or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Jan. 12 — Sausage, egg and cheese tortilla or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Jan. 13 — Cinnamon rolls or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Lunch Jan. 9 — Hot ham and cheese slice, bun, baked beans, fruit, chips, milk.

Jan. 10 — Breaded pork patty, bun, green beans, fruit, pudding, milk.

Jan. 11 — Make your own sandwich: English muffin, sausage patty or ham, cheese slice and egg patty, yogurt, tri-tators, applesauce, milk.

Jan. 12 — Deli turkey, cheese slice, croissant, fruit/ veggie bar, chips, milk.

Jan. 13 — Cheese bosco sticks, marinara cup, Romaine lettuce, banana, graham cookie, milk.

Putnam County Community Center Jan. 9 — Baked pork chop, au gratin potatoes, corn, diced pears.

Jan. 10 — Chicken and noodles, green beans, fruit cocktail, rolls and butter, dessert.

Jan. 11 — Baked ham, baked potatoes, cauliflower, bananas.

Jan. 12 — Quesadilla casserole, salad with toppings, tortilla chips, fruit cocktail, dessert.

Jan. 13 — Tuna casserole, mixed vegetables, applesauce, fruit juice.

Bread, butter, fruit juice and 2% milk are available with meals. For reservations, call 800-757-4579 24 hours in advance of the day’s meal.

––––––––––––––––––––– Classifieds –––––––––––––––––––– General Terms and Policies

- 200 Employment

The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion.

228 • Help Wanted

CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com Need To Get The Word Out? We Can Help You Get It Out Right Here!

Give Us A Call 815-875-4461

APERION CARE - TOLUCA NOW HIRING NURSES and CNA'S New Competitive Wages 101 East Via Ghiglieri, Toluca IL. Now hiring Full & Parttime RN's, LPN's, and CNA's. Week day and weekend programs available. Highly competitive wages with guaranteed raises biannually for most positions!! Benefits include free meals & uniforms. Come join a professional and caring team!!! CNA starting at $12.50; LPN $21.00; RN $25.00. Strive for Perfection, ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE!! If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Mekenzie Martin at: 815-452-2367

HARD TO FIND THAT RIGHT PERSON FOR THAT JOB OPENING? The Tonica News Classified can reach just the right person you are looking for to fill that job opening. Call 815-875-4461

232 • Business Opportunities ********** THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of the Tonica News Does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is.

Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number.

Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by”900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis.

The Tonica News Classifieds makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader.

If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact: Better Business Bureau 330 North Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 312 832-0500

- 400 Merchandise

450 • Under $1000

450 • Under $1000

************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?

26” Sanyo flat screen tv, like new $75.

Phone 815-659-3262 Antiques: oak curio mirror back & curved glass $500; sideboard $200; 2 tables $50 each.

Call 815-878-1516 Burgundy wing back chair, great condition, $50; gray & beige vintage high bar stool, never used, $75. 815-488-8637 Classical music & children record sets $3 each; 3 old floor lamps $25; brass fireplace andirons $75.

815-869-3054 Colorful new upholstery fabric for $100; 4-drawer dresser on wheels, dovetailed drawers for $50.

Call 815-224-2931

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND right here in the Tonica News Classified! You could find furniture, appliances, pets, musical instruments, tools, anything. You might even find a kitchen sink!

Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines.

Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week.

No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales.

E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number) No Phone Calls!

- 700 Real Estate For Sale 767 • Mobile Home Sales DO YOU HAVE A LOT TO SELL? The Bureau County Republican Classified can help you sell it!

767 • Mobile Home Sales **************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777.

The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275

See It Right Here!

The Tonica News Classifieds 815-875-4461

7 Class

Friday, January 6, 2017 • The Tonica News • 7

E-mail items for sale to: classified@bcrnews.com

Business Directory Marketplace Auto Body Specialists Truck Toppers & Accessories

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8 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 6, 2017

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