TON-01-08-2016

1 Front Volume 142 No. 5

Friday, January 8, 2016

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Stronger DUI ... and pumpkin pie New state laws go into effect for 2016

By Angel Sierrra Shaw Media Service

It’s official. On Jan. 1, pumpkin became the state’s official pie and is among 237 new laws to take effect in the new year.

From an updated definition of milk, to more stringent DUI law, here is a snapshot of what to expect, and what can be

Want to learn more about the new laws for 2016?

Go to http://shawurl.com/2btn to see the full list. enforced, in Illinois.

Agriculture, animals and hunting • Bobcat hunting (HB 352): The state wildlife code is amended to allow bobcat hunting from Nov. 1 to Feb. 15.

• Youth hunting licenses (HB 3234): Raises the age cap for youth hunting

licenses from 16 to 18.

Business/commerce • Child care employee vaccination (SB 986): Any child care facility that provides care for children 6 and younger requires employees to have proof of two doses of the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Employees also need proof of having received the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.

• Equal Pay Act changes (HB 3619): Applies to all employers. Currently, only businesses with more than four employees are affected.

• Milk amendment (SB 1228): Alters definition of milk to include that it must be labeled according to the current Grade A pasteurized milk ordinance adopted by the Food and Drug Administration.

• Smartphone theft protection (SB 66): New regulations on vendors that buy and resell smartphones. Minors are prohibited from trading.

• Towing commercial vehicles (SB 1441): Prohibits tow truck operators from towing commercial vehicles unless autho-

Tonica’s first trip to the PARCC

Welcome to the world: The first baby of 2016

Results of new student testing released

By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

Photo contributed

The first baby of 2016 to be born at Illinois Valley Community Hospital arrived at 2:37 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1, when Emily Znaniecki of Lostant gave birth to a girl. Nathaniel Overy is the father of the infant. Cassandra Rae Overy entered the world at 20 inches in length and weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces. The baby was delivered by certified nurse midwife Heather Miller. There were 468 births at IVCH in 2015.

Remembering 2015: The year in review Editor’s note: This is the third part in a series recapping what happened in the Tonica/Lostant area in 2015.

July 3 Recent rainfall has impacted field activity and even some crop growth. The excessive rainfall has caused signifVol. 142 No. 5 One Section - 8 Pages

icant cosmetic damage where crops are more yellow and not the desired deep green.

July 10 New Jersey real estate appraiser Mark Pomykacz was recently reprimanded and fined by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regula-

tion for an appraisal he prepared of the Marquis Energy ethanol production plant in Hennepin.

That appraisal, paid for by Illinois Valley Community College, was heatedly disputed by Marquis Energy CEO Mark Marquis during a lawsuit which was filed in April 2011 by IVCC

against Putnam County, Putnam County Clerk Dan Kuhn, Putnam County Treasurer Kevin Kunkel and Marquis Energy LLC. The lawsuit, which cost Putnam County more than $250,000 and IVCC in the neighborhood of

Review Page 4

TONICA — The results for the 2014-15 Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing have been released. While many superintendents are unhappy with the lower than expected scores received across the state, Tonica Grade School Principal Duane Schupp is taking it in stride.

“Overall we are comfortable with the results of the PARCC testing, considering it was the first high stakes test our students have taken via computer.

The majority of our students performed well and were above the state average,” said Schupp.

With testing showing only 32 percent of Tonica students meeting or exceeding academic expectations, it comes as no surprise many people will find the results alarming. However, the talking points for the assessment results released by the Illinois State Board of Education state the scores set a new baseline for state and national standards and therefore should not be compared to previous state assessment scores, and

“Overall we are comfortable with the results, ... considering it was the first high stakes test our students have taken via computer.”

Tonica Grade School Principal Duane Schupp lower than expected test scores do not necessarily mean schools are performing worse or students are learning less.

“The PARCC test is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards, which are focused on critical thinking and real world application. The PARCC test is not an additional test. It replaces the former state tests with one that is better aligned to the new standards teachers are using in the classroom. It may appear that performance is lower than on prior tests. It is important to keep in mind that these are new, more rigorous tests that emphasize critical thinking and problem solving in the content area.

This was also the first time many students took a com-

PARCC Page 4

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2 Local

2 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 8, 2016

Seeking Sources

Heritage Health in LaSalle to close

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.

LASALLE — Heritage Health, located at 1445 Chartres St., will close after many years of serving the health care needs of seniors in LaSalle and the surrounding communities.

“Our top priority will be working with residents and their families to relocate them to another Heritage Health facility or another home of their choice, and to ensure their care needs are being met,” said Benjamin Hart, president/CEO of Heritage Enterprises Inc. Heritage Health in Peru

(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

Contact Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com

Email to:

news@tonicanews.com.

Photos should be sent as an attachment.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356

will continue to serve the local community and offer skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Heritage Health in LaSalle, which is scheduled to close, is licensed for 101 beds.

“The unreliability of payment from the Medicaid system in Illinois combined with inefficiencies of operating two health care facilities in the same community led to the decision to cease health care operations at Heritage Health-LaSalle. Additionally, the abundance of

Skoog to host constituent service open house SPRING VALLEY — State Rep. Andy Skoog, D-LaSalle, will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 16, to meet with local residents and discuss issues of concern at his full-time constituent service office located at 221 E. St. Paul St. in Spring Valley.

“I want to invite all residents of the 76th District to stop by our constituent service office to meet my staff and me and learn about the services that we offer.

This office belongs to the people I represent, and it’s important for folks to know that they’re always welcome to stop in and voice their

opinion,” Skoog said. “As a public servant, I want to bring government directly to the people’s doorstep and remain as open and accessible as possible. Whether it’s meeting with constituents in the office or listening to their concerns at the door, I will work to stay in touch with local residents and local leaders to best represent the Illinois Valley.”

Skoog’s constituent service office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Skoog represents the 76th District, which includes all or portions of Bureau, LaSalle, Livingston and Putnam counties.

Review

State Bank, brought in 61 people, including 19 new blood donors.

July 31 Tonica Grade School’s new interim superintendent is Larry Carlton.

While at Tonica, he hopes to organize and balance the budget.

Aug. 7 Tonica Grade School’s honor roll will no longer be figured by hand when the school starts back up for the new school year.

Instead, it will be computed by a program new to Tonica called TeacherEase. The program allows teachers and parents to track and analyze student progress.

Aug. 14 The Lostant Village

From Page 1 $700,000, was officially over on April 16, 2015, after an agreed dismissal was approved in court, allowing IVCC to voluntarily dismiss its own lawsuit.

July 17 The village of Lostant is seeking a grant to help fix its Second Street water issue. The Lostant Village Board voted in favor of authorizing North Central Illinois Council of Governments to pursue the grant.

July 24 An American Red Cross blood drive, which was July 20 at Tonica’s United Methodist Church and was sponsored by the Illini

multiple care options and the emphasis of home and community-based services have resulted in a reduced demand for skilled nursing care,” said Hart.

The facility is scheduled to officially close on April 4. Appropriate notification was sent by mail to the Illinois Department of Public Health, facility residents, families, employees, vendors and community members. Heritage Health representatives will be available at informational meetings for the residents, their

families and the employees the week of Jan. 4 at the facility to answer questions and provide assistance in this time of transition.

Heritage Health in LaSalle is owned by Heritage Enterprises. Heritage Enterprises Inc. was founded in 1962 and is involved in a variety of residential and health care services for seniors. The company opened the first nursing home in Bloomington, where Heritage is headquartered. Today, the company employs more

than 4,300 people, and owns or manages more than 40 facilities throughout Illinois. Heritage offers RESTORE therapy services, skilled nursing services, sheltered care, respite care and institutional pharmacy services (Green Tree Pharmacy). Additionally, Heritage owns and manages supportive living, licensed assisted living and independent living facilities.

For more information about Heritage Enterprises, visit www.HeritageO/Care. com.

Tonica Fire Department responds to fire, accident TONICA — At 7:57 p.m.

Dec. 31, the Tonica Fire Department was called out for a structure fire at 424 N. 20th Road. Oglesby and Lostant Fire Departments were also called per auto-aid agreements.

On arrival, the Tonica department found the occupant of the residence outside. The occupant was alerted to the fire by a smoke detector. The fire was mainly contained to a utility room and bathroom. There was heavy damage to these rooms and moderate damage to another. There was smoke Board discussed dog fines Aug. 10 at its meeting. A rash of dog bites in Lostant prompted the discussion.

Aug. 21 Two birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus in LaSalle County.

One bird was collected in Mendota and the other was obtained in Marseilles.

Mosquitos collected in Ottawa have also tested positive.

Aug. 28 Lostant School Board decided to move the school’s athletic awards ceremony from day to night. The move to night will make it easier for coaches and parents to attend.

Sept. 4 Fourteen students,

damage throughout other portions of the two-anda-half story structure.

Lostant and Oglesby departments each responded with engine companies.

Oglesby also responded with an ALS ambulance. Tonica responded with two pumpers, a pumper-tanker, a rescue truck and an ambulance. LaSalle County police provided traffic control. There were no injuries. Tonica command cleared the scene in approximately two and a half hours. The cause of the fire is still under ranging from grades sixth through eighth from Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties, recently attended the University of Illinois Extension’s Growing Futures in Agriculture careers in ag youth development program.

Sept. 11 Illinois Valley Living magazine, the Bureau County Republican, Putnam County Record and Tonica News announced the 2015 Women of Distinction award winners.

They include Linda Gustafson of Princeton, Kathy Jo Lindner of LaSalle, Betty Jean Pappas of LaSalle, Sen. Sue Rezin of Morris, Denise Etscheid Sabotta of LaSalle and

investigation.

••• At 10:50 a.m. Jan. 1, the Tonica Fire Department was called for an ATV accident in the area of East 550th Road on Bailey Falls Road. On arrival, the responders found a male who was injured when an ATV rolled over. Tonica responded with an ambulance and a rescue truck.

Oglesby ambulance was called to provide ALS service. One person was transported to IVCH. LaSalle County police and conservation police investigated the accident.

Janice Wamhoff of Princeton.

Sept. 18 Tonica hair stylist Vicki Monterastelli has retired after more than three decades of serving Tonica residents. The salon will continue on though, with Tonica’s Michelle Johnson taking over the duties.

Sept. 25 The Tonica Volunteer Fire and Ambulance personnel announced they would soon be knocking on doors in the village requesting a donation from each homeowner, renter and business. The fire and ambulance service receives no property tax money. Instead it is supported by donations and fundraisers.

3 Obit Records

Friday, January 8, 2016 • The Tonica News • 3

Obituaries Lewis Barr TONICA — Lewis V. Barr, 93, of Tonica passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at Manor Court of Peru.

He was born Jan. 12, 1922, in rural Lostant to Ray and Elsie (Dean) Barr. He married Bernice Barber on March 1, 1942, in the Lostant United Methodist Church.

Lewis was a farmer and owner of Leonore Grain and Lewis Barr Supply Company.

He was an active member of the Tonica United Methodist Church, past president of the Tonica Commercial Association, served on the Tonica High School Board for 17 years, program chair of the Tonica Fair, past president of the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois from 1978 to 1979, and was a charter member of the Oglesby Elks Club.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice of Tonica; one daughter, Shirley (Ron) Rapp of Bushnell; one granddaughter, Trisha (Todd) Pardue of Bowling Green,

Laws From Page 1

Ky.; two great-grandchildren, Dawson and Bodie Pardue; one sister, Dorothy Turchi of Peoria; and one son in-law, Elton Brakhane of Glendale, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Nancy Brakhane and Jean Battaglia; and one brother, Carl Barr.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Tonica United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Nowakowski, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Tonica.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, in the church.

Pallbearers will be Todd Pardue, Ron Turchi, Mike Barr, Jon Janz, Nathan Janz and David Murray.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Tonica United Methodist Church, Tonica Fire and Ambulance Department or to the donor’s choice.

The Mueller Funeral Home in Peru is in charge of arrangements. The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.

Patricia Richardson STREATOR — Patricia L. Richardson, 73, of 1611 Joseph St., Streator, passed away the evening of Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Heritage Health Nursing Home.

Pat was born on Feb. 27, 1942, to Howard and Genevieve (Abbott) McFadden. She was a 1960 graduate of Streator Township High School and graduated from the Sterling School of Beauty Culture in 1961. She opened her own Patricia beauty shop, The Looking Richardson Glass, in Wenona, in 1962.

She later went to work at Owens Illinois Glass Company in 1966, retiring in 2003 as a process checker. She married Raymond Kent Richardson Jr. on Feb. 29, 1964. He survives.

Pat was very active in Relay for Life activities. Having been a cancer survivor since 1997, she was a member of the LaSalle County Relay for Life Steering Committee, chairman of the Survivor Celebration at the annual event, and captain of the Park Church & Friends Relay Team for many years.

Pat was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society as a spokeswoman for the Look Good Feel Better program for 12 years in the Illinois Valley area. She helped others going through the same fight that she had gone through and won.

She counseled more than 130 women through this program.

Pat’s love of people didn’t stop there.

She was a life-long member of the Park United Presbyterian Church. She served on the Member Cares Committee and worked many hours on church rummage sales, spud dinners, bake sales and funeral dinners. She also served as a deacon of the church. Her work was always done with love, determination and true strength.

Pat was a lady of service while having fun times. She lived a full and wonderful life and was very fortunate to have known many people and to have loved and been loved by many.

Besides her husband, she is survived by a son, Raymond Kent Richardson III of Streator; a granddaughter, Haylee Rae Richardson of Sterling; one great-granddaughter, Lilyann Rae Plachno of Sterling; a brother, David A. (Donna) McFadden of Hernando, Fla.; one aunt and many cousins, nieces and nephews in the surrounding area; a sister-in-law, Elin (Larry) Arnold-Mitchell of Tonica; and one brother-in-law, L. Scott (Kathy) Richardson of Bloomington.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Park United Presbyterian Church. The family will receive guests from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Burial will be at a later date in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elmwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Park Church & Friends Relay for Life Team.

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In memory of Anna Lou Lambert

PARCC From Page 1 puter-based assessment and they may have encountered technical glitches. As a result, an individual’s performance may not be fully representative. These results are a new baseline from which we can move forward,” said Illinois State Superintendent Tony Smith in a press release.

Changes are already being considered in order to raise Tonica’s scores before next year’s testing.

With testing results show-

lence victims.

Health and human services • Long-term care facility monitoring (HB 2462): Allows residents to use audio or video surveillance in their rooms.

• Music Therapy Practice Act (SB 1595): Provides licensure to music therapists by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

• SNAP benefits expansion (SB 1847): Increases income eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, primarily for working families, from 130 to 165 percent the federal poverty level (subject to federal approval).

• Silver Search Task Force (SB 1846): Develops a program for locating missing persons older than 21 who are believed to have dementia.

State government • Pumpkin pie (HB 208): Designates pumpkin as the official state pie.

Transportation • Senior citizen/disabled specialty plate (HB 2811): Any vehicle owner or spouse approved for the reduced registration fee can also pay the reduced fee for any vehicle displaying specialty plates, beginning with the 2017 registration year.

Veterans • Security freeze on credit accounts (HB 3425): Waives the $10 fee for a security freeze on a credit account for a veteran or active duty service member.

ing 75 percent of Tonica students not meeting expectations in mathematics and 63 percent not meeting expectations in English language arts, improved scores will no doubt be welcomed.

“We will continue to evaluate our math curriculum for areas that need to be stressed and those that may take on a lesser amount of time in the classroom. We are also currently looking at a new K-8 reading series and a restructuring of the elementary schedule to aid in that core area,” said Schupp.

There have been con-

cerns and criticisms raised throughout the state involved with PARCC about the accuracy and validity of the testing.

Schupp shared the direction he’d like to see the testing move toward.

“I would like to see the state design a test that is a more appropriate assessment of the students that learn differently, so the overall school scores can be more representative of how all students are being served,” said Schupp.

For more information on the test results, visit www.illinoisreportcard. com.

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012014-00282AC

September 9, 1925 - November 29, 2015

One month has passed and Christmas is over for another year, and we still feel the sorrow of losing our loved one, Anna L. Lambert. There are not enough words nor are there perfect words to say how touched our family was by the kindness shown to us at this difficult time. Whether our paths crossed since her passing, spoke in person or by phone or perhaps a card or silent prayer was sent our way, we are so thankful for the condolences shared with each of us. We loved her so, and our hearts are warmed knowing that so many others cared for her as well.

Sincerely, Edward R. (Ted) Lambert and family

law enforcement. Requires all law enforcement agencies that patrol highways to maintain a towing list.

Children and families • Adoption registry (HB 3967): Amends the Adoption Act to allow birth grandparents access to the registry and a confidential intermediary.

• Conversion therapy (HB 217): Prohibits mental health providers from sexual orientation change efforts with a minor. Advertising depicting homosexuality as a disease, disorder or illness is prohibited.

Crime and law enforcement • Body cameras (SB 1304): Reforms – Rules and regulations for the use of officer-worn body cameras and implements police reforms. Chokeholds are prohibited, except when deadly force is justified.

Officer-involved death requires an independent review. Expands officer training. Creates database of officers fired or reassigned because of misconduct. Regulations – Does not require police departments to use body cameras, but if they do, they must remain on when conducting law enforcement duties.

• Court interpreters for civil cases (HB 3620): Requires language interpreters for witnesses in civil cases, if necessary.

• DUI safety (SB 627): Allows DUI offenders to request a “monitoring

device driving permit” or restricted driving permit, with a breath alcohol ignition device. Any offender with two or more DUI convictions is required to install it.

• False 911 (HB 3988): Requires reimbursement of a false emergency call.

Capped at $10,000.

• Missing Persons Identification Act (HB 4097): Prohibits law enforcement from refusing to accept a missing person’s report because of the missing person’s mental state or medical condition.

• Police crisis intervention (HB 4112): Creates a standard for crisis intervention and specialized police response to mental illness. Mandates training.

• Powdered alcohol ban (SB 67): Prohibits the sale of products containing powdered alcohol.

• Powdered caffeine (SB 9): Prohibits the sale of powdered caffeine to minors.

Education • High school civics (HB 4025): Of the required two years of social studies, at least one semester must be civics.

Energy and utilities • LIHEAP funding (SB 418): Ensures that Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program providers still receive a 10 percent fee for the previous fiscal year’s work should the program run out of funds.

• Deposit waiver (SB 1645): Requires utility companies to waive the deposit for 60 days on new accounts for domestic vio-

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4 Perspective

4 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 8, 2016

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

What I wish for 2016 As always, my list of New Year’s resolutions is long. Just like every year, the same old things keep showing up on my list of items I want to change ...

I could probably write a book on all the resolutions that I’d like to accomplish, but it would have to be fiction, since few of them actually ever materialize.

Get organized, read more, lose weight, exercise Terri more, write more Simon letters, keep in closer contact with COMMENTARY faraway friends, practice patience, be more optimistic ... it’s an endless list I keep close to my heart, and every year about this time, they tend to resurface — hoping there’s a breath of a chance that I’ll let them breathe in my world and give them a chance to survive. It’s usually about the middle of January when I realize I’ve stuffed those goals into the back of my mind — hoping I’ll allow them to resurface before the year comes to an end ... or at the very least, at the start of the next new year, which gives me about 11 and a half months to get it all together again.

Funny how that happens. Our best intentions to change or mend our ways is difficult, and I’m not sure why. I wake up every morning with thoughts of many of those resolutions, but somehow I let life get in the way of all the things I need to do for myself, rather than someone else. While I guess that’s not a bad thing to think of others, I know deep down I have to take care of myself first before I can help take care of others.

And so another year begins, and I’m left thinking about what I want to change most in 2016. Like I said, there’s a plethora of things I need to work on, but instead, my heart tends to lead me into a scattered mess of oblivion, where I have trouble sorting out which resolution should take priority over the next. Obviously, the aforementioned list is too long to tackle in one year, so I’m left with the futile attempt to choose one or two things from the list to really work on and master. Hmmmm ... which one or two things do I really think I can tackle this year?

I’d be kidding myself — and you too — if I decided on one or two of those resolutions. People much smarter than me have taken polls; studied those who make, keep and/or kick resolutions to the curb; and attempt to change their ways at the beginning of a new year. Why those resolutions are so difficult to keep, I’m not sure, but perhaps instead of looking at what we need to personally change, we should concentrate on a bigger picture — a broader more inclusive picture that encompasses more than just ourselves.

With 2016 just a few days away, I’m thinking about our world as a whole — not just my comparatively tiny corner of life, but our towns and villages, our county, our country, our nation and our world. What if instead of attempting to change those things about ourselves, we had the insight ... and the foresight to think about each other — not from a political or personal point of view, but from a heartfelt perspective that speaks of kindness ... and bottom line, just being nice.

I know what you’re thinking. There she goes again. That Terri Simon is such a dreamer ... like kindness and being nice are going to make a difference in this mess of a world we call home. And you’re probably right ... but that’s not going to keep me from wishing and hoping for a place in time where we treat each other with kindness, respect.

It’s not going to keep me from remembering there are two sides to everyone’s story, and it’s clearly not going to keep me from dreaming of a place where we offer the basic element of being nice to those we meet along our way.

Shedding pounds, getting more exercise, writing more letters ... those are wonderful things, but personally, I think it’s time we set our goals a bit loftier and work on the ways we treat each other.

Be kind. Be nice. Be understanding ... Now those are resolutions I can keep.

May 2016 be a happy and healthy one for each and every one of you, my friends.

Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.

One leg at a time If you’re reading this, congratulations, you’ve made it to 2016. This column might seem dated because I actually wrote this last year, or as I like to call it, Wednesday night.

And early Thursday morning. Stupid deadlines.

I always struggle with these endof-the-year columns. It seems like a real writer would chat about the struggles and triumphs of the year gone by and looking forward with unbridled enthusiasm to the prospects for the coming year. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

I even went to the work of perusing the past 12 months worth of my writings to present a “best-of” list from 2015. After exhaustive research, I have come to the conclusion that they’re all pretty dumb.

Did I mention that I struggled with this column?

Many times, I think I should write about issues that are confronting today’s society. It was in this vein of thought that I recalled something my son had brought to my attention.

It was at 11:08 the previous night when I had received his text message. Considering the time of day the transmission was sent coupled with the fact that we don’t text each other that much, I was kind of concerned.

As I nervously picked up the phone off of my nightstand to see what the emergency was, I was greeted with this all important question: If dogs wore pants, what would those pants look like? I would like to say that this question didn’t cause me to lose any sleep, but alas, I cannot say that in good conscience.

Accompanied with the question was an illustration of a dog wearing pants that covered all four legs and a dog wearing pants that covered only its rear legs. I believe my son sent me this knowing that this is the

Greg Wallace COMMENTARY

type of thing that will work its way into my brain and won’t let go. He’s kind of a jerk. He gets that from his mother.

My immediate and obvious response to him that night was that dogs would wear pants that only cover their back legs. They just look better that way. But as I tossed and turned all night long, my mind wandered to the idea that dogs would probably want all their legs covered, not just their hind legs. This was the most idiotic bout of insomnia that I have had in quite some time.

In the morning, as I heated up my strawberry Pop Tarts, I did what most red-blooded Americans do — I checked my Facebook. I discovered that I apparently wasn’t the only one that had a sleepless night. There was a genuine, full-fledged Internet debate going on about dog pants.

The Washington Post, TIME, USA Today and Mother Jones all had links to the graphic that my son had sent me. It had turned into a cyber sensation. This might be why foreigners hate us.

It weighed heavily upon my soul all morning long. At lunch time, I was sitting with three of my friends, and I asked them the question. Since my buddies are smart guys just like me, I figured I’d get a knowledgeable response. The one guy said that dogs would definitely prefer pants that covered all four legs. I pointed out the obvious physics problem of how the dogs would keep their pants up in the four-legged configu-

ration. Without blinking, he looked me directly in the eye and serious as could be stated, and I quote, “Oh, suspenders would have to be involved.” I possibly hang out with the smartest people in the world.

Even with that thought in mind, I still had not been convinced that four-legged dog pants are the way to go. So that afternoon, I did some research. I observed our two shop dogs, Lambeau and Reyna. I imagined these two canines strutting around in some nice pairs of twolegged pants. Lambeau would look pretty cool in some tan Dockers, and Reyna would look nice in a sweet pair of capris. But than I noticed a biological problem in my way of thinking.

With two-legged dog pants, a certain under-the-tail orifice would be covered completely. I don’t know if you’ve ever paid enough attention, but dogs spend a majority of their day sniffing other dog’s butts. With orifice-covered, two-legged trousers, a dog’s social life would be severely curtailed. I guess suspenders it is.

So now I’ll have to re-text my son and tell him of my change of opinion. I should be able to sleep better now.

And as far as end-of-the-year columns go, I’m pretty sure that this won’t make the list for the best-of 2016. At least I hope not.

Happy New Year.

You can contact Greg Wallace at gregwallaceink7@gmail.com. You can follow him on his blog at http:// gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.

TO Letter THE Editor

Sending a message To the Editor, As an elderly farmer, I strongly urge citizens to contact their U.S. representatives regarding the issue of unnecessary easements threatening land values. These easements would cross fertile farm land and devaluate it for perpetuity. Venture capitalists have filed with the ICC asking permission to construct and manage over a thousand miles of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) electrical transmission lines from the Western Plains to the profitable East Coast market.

Much of this land is owned by elderly who sacrificed years to buy their farm. Many are widows, who depend on the land for survival. To many, the farm is the main source of income and investment. In most cases, the land has been carefully cared for by generations. Some are small farms that Clean Line Energy Partner’s (CLEP) 200-feet easement would hamper and limit use of for-

ever. This land is a major part of who we are, and its use is not taken lightly.

CLEP claims there will be no decrease in land value if they take 200-foot easements. Common sense tells one that land with 180-feet steel lattice towers and high voltage lines will not rent or sell comparative to land lacking these obstacles and hazards. Homes near the wires will be uninhabitable or suffer a marked decrease in value. The dinky compensation offered by Clean Line will never pay the perpetual damages and loss of profits.

I have seen the permanent damage buried pipelines have caused; broken tiles that affect fields miles away, destruction of irreplaceable top soil, severe compaction and decreased production. The huge transmission towers above ground would be even worse. Tower construction would do all of the before mentioned, and it would impede aerial spraying and require farm equipment to have to zig around

48-square-foot cement bases. Extra time, fuel, risk of collision and weed control measures would be needed. The contracts CLEP has offered would grant control of the 200-footwide easement for perpetuity.

Seniors, do not feel helpless against these cocky billionaires and their political associates. Clean Line thrives on despair. This is your chance to tell your representative this is an issue of state and landowner’s rights. Several states have denied CLEP the use of eminent domain.

None have found it necessary. As a result CLEP is spending money lobbying in Washington in hopes of getting federal eminent domain.

We need to send a message to our representatives that the landowner’s and state’s right to say no should not be dismissed. A silent or absent voice is one of approval. That is approval of a private wealthy group of investors using your land for their self-profits.

Mary Auchstetter Peru

5 Life

Friday, January 8, 2016 • The Tonica News • 5

Community

Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy and Child Development announces Brock Easton Bassett is 2016 Ambassador

Business breakfast seminar planned PERU — The Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development (IVAC) will hold a Business Breakfast Seminar at 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Mario’s Maples in Peru.

The focus of the seminar will be introducing IVAC’s new executive director, Joni Hunt.

Hunt became IVAC’s new executive director in July 2015. After six months in that position, she will give a recap on what has been happening at IVAC since she began, and she will give

an insight as to what is in store at IVAC for 2016.

There will be a question and answer segment following the presentation.

This will prove to be an interesting venue, providing a firsthand look into IVAC operations.

Registration for the seminar is $15 for members and $18 for non-members. A hot breakfast buffet will be provided at 7:15 a.m. Reservations must be made by calling 815-223-0227 no later than noon on Tuesday, Jan. 12. The breakfast is open to the public.

Illinois Valley Midday Connection to meet PERU — Illinois Valley Midday Connection invites all area women to a prayer connection at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Liberty Family Restaurant, 1131 Shooting Park Road, Peru.

Breakfast will be ordered from the menu with each woman paying her own ticket. The meeting will be led by Carole Ledbetter, acting prayer coordinator.

Monthly outreach meet-

ings, which are normally held at Deer Park Country Club, will not be held in January or February, but will resume in March. Prayer connections will continue to be held monthly.

Illinois Valley Midday Connection is sponsored

by Stonecroft Ministries, Andover Park, Kan. The group has no membership or dues. All area women are welcome to attend.

Spelling bee and awards assembly planned LOSTANT — The Lostant Spelling Bee will be at 2:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15. Any parents wishing to attend may do so.

The second quarter

awards assembly will be at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22. Any parents wishing to attend may do so.

For questions, call 815368-3392.

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On June 20, 2012, the Kurtz/Bassett family was blessed with its newest family member, Brock Easton Bassett. Brock was a happy, healthy baby boy delivered via a scheduled C-section.

“Brock was a great baby with no concerns other than a diagnosis of rotavirus at 9 months old,” said Jen Kurtz, Brock’s mom. “Brock recovered quickly from this and began walking and doing his best to keep up with his brother and sister shortly after.”

As the months went on, Brock became very needy. He would point to something he wanted and try to say it in his own vocabulary. If you didn’t understand him, he would get very frustrated and would start throwing fits. Jen did her best to keep Brock happy, not even realizing or thinking something wasn’t right.

In March of 2014, Jen took her 3-year-old Lane to get screened for preschool at Lincoln School in Oglesby. The office and preschool staff knew the family well as big sister, Kendal, attended preschool there. While at the screening, Brock, who was 19 months old, started throwing a fit as Jen tried to fill out some paperwork. The preschool coordinator, Sue, suggested that Brock could be screened that day as well. Jen was surprised as she didn’t realize that at 19 months old Brock could be screened. The screening determined that Brock had a speech delay and needed early intervention services including developmental and speech therapy.

“I had no idea what these services were and how it could help my son’s tantrums. I wondered if I was a bad mom for not realizing he needed help sooner,” said Jen. Like many parents, Jen had no idea that there was an organization here in the area that could help with something like this or that her son needed help.

Ms. Kelly was Brock’s developmental therapist; she worked with

him twice a week. Ms. Maria, his speech therapist, would see him once a week. Brock also attended Ms. Kelly’s 2-year-old toddler class that she taught two days a week. Jen was very thankful for all the help Brock was getting and hoped that because of this, Brock would be caught up by the time he entered preschool.

“Jen is an amazing mom and worked with us closely. She helped reinforce all that he was learning,” said Kelly Bault, Brock’s developmental therapist. “Jen’s involvement and hard work made a huge difference in his progress.”

When Brock’s therapy sessions began in June of 2014, Brock’s progression was initially very slow going. Around September of 2014, Brock started going to Ms. Kelly’s toddler class, and he loved attending his “school.” His speech came slow, but it was increasing. He only had a few tantrums at school, but Ms. Kelly was able to stop them fast.

As his speech was increasing, his tantrums overall were lessening. In April of 2015, Brock was accepted into the public school preschool program, but Ms. Kelly was able to keep him in her toddler class after he turned 3 since he had a summer birthday. This allowed him to continue therapies until school started.

Today Brock loves school and playing with his friends. His speech has improved greatly, and he loves to show his family what he did in class and share his stories from school.

“Brock’s teacher recently told me that if they were to evaluate him for preschool now, he would not qualify because he would no longer be considered developmentally delayed,” said Jen. The Kurtz/Bassett family is so thankful to Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy and Child Development (SRRC) and everyone involved with Brock’s progress. He has excelled so much and is a happier preschooler because of it.

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“Brock is an example of what a difference early intervention can make,” said Paula Williamson, director of therapy at SRRC. “Children in early intervention have greater than expected growth, in that they acquire skills at a faster rate even after they leave the program. Nearly half of children leave EI functioning at age level, and do not need special education at kindergarten age.”

SRRC serves approximately 500 children each year, providing developmental screenings, evaluations and therapy to children ages birth to 3; pediatric speech therapy; pediatric physical therapy; developmental playgroup for children 2 years of age; child care for children with and without special needs; and preschool services. In addition, the agency operates an Autism Resource Center. Therapy services are provided throughout LaSalle and Bureau counties. The developmental play group is offered in Princeton, Peru and Ottawa. Child care and preschool services are offered in Ottawa, as is the Autism Resource Center.

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6 Life

6 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 8, 2016

28th annual IVCH Foundation Ball planned LASALLE — The Illinois Valley Community Hospital Foundation’s 28th annual benefit ball is set for Saturday, Jan. 16, at Celebrations 150 in LaSalle.

The event, which is the Foundation’s principal fundraiser, begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. and includes a grand buffet dinner (prime rib, ham and fish), dancing to In Style Entertainment and the Chuck Cunningham Band,

and the opportunity to win prizes by playing various games of chance.

Reservations are $47.50 per person and can be made by calling Jheri Emmerling, Foundation secretary, at 815-780-4642 or by registering and making payment online at www.ivch.org.

Elaine Buckman, a member of the IVCH Foundation board of directors, chairs the committee that plans the ball.

A record-setter CHAMPAIGN — December was the warmest and second wettest for that month on record in Illinois, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois.

The statewide average temperature for December was 40.6 degrees, an incredible 10.7 degrees above average and the warmest December on record. This December beat the old record by 1.7 degrees that was set in 1923 with 38.9 degrees.

The statewide average precipitation was 6.70 inches, 4.01 inches above average, and the second wettest on record. The wettest December on record

Photo contributed

was in 1982 with 7.17 inches. Like this year, that was also during a major El Niño event.

The record-setting December finishes off the sixth wettest year on record with 48.49 inches, 8.53 inches above average.

The warmer December was offset by a very cold February. As a result, the annual average temperature for Illinois was 52.8 degrees, 0.4 degrees above average.

The Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a division of the Prairie Research Institute, is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources.

Lostant Student Council holds food drive The Lostant Student Council held a two-week food drive and collected 396 cans of food and $146.91. The food and money was donated to the Tonica United Methodist Church for its Little Angels program that is run out of the church.

The Student Council is managed by teacher Marjorie Archdale (right). Also pictured is Pastor Mark Nowakowski (left).

Mr. and Mrs. Foote (center) collected the food and money to take back to the church.

Programs announced at LaSalle Public Library LASALLE — The American Red Cross serving the Greater Chicago and the Southwest and the Northwest suburbs will present a safety program for kids and their families on Thursdays, Jan. 14, beginning at 6 p.m. in the meeting room of the LaSalle Public Library.

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cial needs because of a disability, contact the library by calling 815-223-2341 to discuss arrangements.

The library also invites families to join in stories with the library’s “Reading Loving Therapy Dogs!”

Julie and her reading dog, Ruby, will be at the library at 6 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 21 and 28.

Since 184 8

1100 Water St., Peru, IL

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create their own emergency kit by packing essential items in a pillowcase.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free program.

The LaSalle Public Library is located at 305 Marquette St, LaSalle, and is Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.

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7 Life/Classifieds

Friday, January 8, 2016 • The Tonica News • 7

‘The Apple Tree’ coming to Stage 212 LASALLE — Stage 212 opens its 2016 season with “The Apple Tree” by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Jerome Coopersmith. From the songwriting team behind “Fiddler on the Roof” comes three musical comedy vignettes that explore the relationship between men and women. “The Diary Of Adam And Eve” is a quirky, touching spin on the tale of the world’s first couple, “The Lady Or The Tiger?” is a rock and roll fable that explores the fickleness of love, and “Passionella” relates the story of a chimney sweep who dreams of being a glamorous movie star.

Featured in the cast are Katie Williams as Eve, Marco Guttierez as Adam, Megan Cullinan as Princess Barbara, Adam Oldaker as Captain Sanjar, Karen Leifheit as Ella/Passionella, Bill Gillespie as Flip

(Prince Charming), Phil Valle as the Voice of God/ King Arik/Fairy Godfather and Joe Baima as Snake/ The Balladeer/The Narrator.

Featured in the ensemble are Kyle Foley, Drew Lechner, Ken Schroeder, Karen Peterson, Cheyanne Kreush, Jennifer Croissant and Alyssa Plochocki.

Production staff includes director/lighting designer/costumer/set designer Dixie Schroeder, producers Tracy Daugherty and Ken Schroeder, assistant directors Rob Mellen and Denise Weik, stage manager Carol Hartenbower, lighting designer Matt Boehm, lights operator Yvette Lucas, sound operator Matty Pursell, costumer Jill Marti, prop coordinator Mary Toraason, set designer/set construction foreman Mike Kreush and set construction crew Chris Martyn, Todd Hartzhei-

mer, Cheyanne Kreush, Tracy Daugherty, Marco Guttierrez, Drew Lechner and Phil Valle.

“The Apple Tree” will be presented Jan. 22-31 at Stage 212, 700 First St., LaSalle. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available to the general public for $20 each beginning Jan. 11. Box office hours are 4-6 p.m.

Monday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting the Stage 212 web site at www.stage212.org or reserved over the phone with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Call 815-2243025 for details.

“The Apple Tree” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

IVCH Briefs St. in Peru.

Grief recovery group Live Life is an IVCH support group for

PERU — The Illinois Valley Community Hospital Grief Recovery Group will next meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, and Wednesday, Jan. 27, in Conference Room “C” on the fourth floor of IVCH. The group allows people who have recently suffered the loss of someone close to them to share their feelings and experiences with others who have also lost loved ones through death.

The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. For more information, call Deacon Ray Fischer, IVCH pastoral care coordinator, at 815-780-3426.

Live Life group PERU — The Live Life pre- and post-transplant support group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, in the conference room of the Illinois Valley Community Hospital office building at 1305 Sixth

Illinois Valley residents who have had transplant surgery or who are on waiting lists for transplants. The group meets on the second Monday of each month.

Compassionate Friends PERU — The next meeting of the River Valley chapter of Compassionate Friends, a support group that assists families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age, is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the meeting room of Illinois Valley Community Hospital’s Sixth Street office building in Peru.

The Compassionate Friends is a selfhelp support organization that offers friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings.

For more information about the local group, call Rita Studzinski at 815-2237663.

Menus and Activities beans, fruit, gelatin with Cool Whip, milk.

Lostant Grade School Jan. 15 — Pizza bosco stick, carrots,

Breakfast Jan. 11 — Danish, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Jan. 12 — French toast and syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Jan. 13 — Breakfast toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Jan. 14 — Honeybun, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Jan. 15 — Uncrustable, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Lunch Jan. 11 — Pork chop, buttered noodles, carrots, fruit cocktail, milk.

Jan. 12 — Chicken nuggets, tater tots, clementine, milk.

Jan. 13 — Spaghetti, salad with French and ranch dressing, peaches, milk.

Jan. 14 — Tacos with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese, clementine, milk.

Jan. 15 — Grilled cheese, tomato soup, pears, milk.

Tonica Grade School Breakfast Jan. 11 — Cream cheese filled bagel or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Jan. 12 — Mini pancakes or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Jan. 13 — Scrambled eggs or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Jan. 14 — Pancake and sausage on stick or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Jan. 15 — Cinnamon rolls or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Lunch Jan. 11 — Rotini, meat sauce, shredded lettuce and salad dressings, fruit, bread sticks, milk.

Jan. 12 — Philly steak, sub bun, Mozzarella cheese cup, french fries, fruit, milk.

Jan. 13 — Hot dog on bun, baked beans, fruit, baked chips, milk.

Jan. 14 — Chicken nuggets, green

ranch dressing, banana, cookie, milk.

Bridges Senior Center Jan. 11 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards.

Jan. 12 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. Jan. 13 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 11 a.m.-noon, blood pressure check; noon, potluck; 12:45 p.m. games.

Jan. 14 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards.

Jan. 15 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 1 p.m., open Wii bowling.

The Bridges Senior Center is a congregate meal site. Meals, provided by Voluntary Action Center, are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for a suggested donation of $3.50. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. For more information, call 815431-8034.

Putnam County Community Center Jan. 11 — Chili with crackers, hot dog with bun, pea salad, pineapple slices.

Jan. 12 — Chicken and noodles, green beans, zucchini, fruit cocktail, rolls and butter, dessert.

Jan. 13 — Italian beef on bun, fried potatoes, cooked carrots, apple.

Jan. 14 — Soup and sandwich day.

Jan. 15 — Fish sticks, baked potato with sour cream, salad with toppings, banana, yogurt.

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. The menu is subject to change. Meals are available to senior citizens 60 plus at no cost, but donations are appreciated. The meal program is partly funded by donations, so they have a suggested donation of $5 per meal. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.

Peru library will host ‘Diet Dilemmas, Fads & Facts’ The University of Illinois Extension will host “Diet Dilemmas, Fads & Facts,” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at the Peru Public Library, 1409 11th St., Peru. Participants will learn the

facts about diet fads and popular special diets like “Low-Carb” and “Gluten-Free.”

To register, call University of Illinois Extension at 815-224-0889 by Tuesday, Jan. 12.

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

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.

CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com

See It Right Here!

The Tonica News Classifieds 815-875-4461

- 200 Employment

- 400 Merchandise

232 • Business Opportunities

450 • Under $1000

********** 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

Barn boards. Rustic red color, $.40 per foot.

Call 815-872-1480 Countertop display cases: 1 classic vertical, light oak and glass, $120; 1 antique horizontal, walnut and glass, $95. 815-222-7946 Crosley 19 cubic foot Refrigerator, freezer on top, bisque color, adjustable shelves & door bins. $200. Call 815-878-0500 Refrigerator practically new, $600; gas stove, good condition, $300; small microwave, $30 or best offer. 309-883-3111

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND right here in the Tonica News Classified!

451 • Free FREE: Forest green recliner, “Best” brand, has broken under-carriage, possibly repairable. Call 815-303-6695 ************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? 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!

Visit us at tonicanews.com for the stories that people are talking about!

E-mail items for sale to:

classified@bcrnews.com

8 • The Tonica News • Friday, January 8, 2016 999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF LASALLE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ) NEMORIO A. RODRIQUEZ ) Deceased ) No. 15-P-262 NOTICE TO HEIRS AND LEGATEES WHOSE NAMES OR ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN AND CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of NEMORIO A. RODRIQUEZ of Peru, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on December 9, 2015 to Tammy Robinson, 22 West Hwy. 6, Peru, IL 61354, whose attorney is Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, IL 61301.

Notice is given to any heirs or legatees whose names or addresses are not stated in the petition

for letters of office, that an order was entered by the Court on December 9, 2015 admitting the decedent’s will to probate. Within 42 days after the date of the order of admission you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the will be testimony of the witnesses to the will in open court or other evidence, as provided in Section 6-21 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/6-21). You also have the right under Section 8-1 of the Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/8-1) to contest the validity of the will by fining a petition with the court within 6 months after admission of the will to probate.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, on or before June 13, 2016, or, if a claim notice is mailed or delivered personally to a creditor of the decedent, on or before the date stated in that notice. Any claim

not filed within the time allowed is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten days after it has been filed.

Published in the Tonica News Dec. 25, 2015 and Jan. 1 and 8, 2015

day of January, 2016, at 6:00 o’clock p.m. The hearing will be held in the Lostant School Board Room, 315 West Third Street, Lostant, Illinois. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on the proposal to sell bonds of the District in the amount of $400,000 for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the District.

By order of the President of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District Number 425, LaSalle and Marshall Counties, Illinois.

DATED the 18th day of December, 2015.

Dianna Ioerger Secretary, Board of Education, Community Unit School District Number 425, LaSalle and Marshall Counties, Illinois Published in the Tonica News Jan. 8, 2016.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE INTENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 425, LASALLE AND MARSHALL COUNTIES, ILLINOIS TO SELL $400,000 WORKING CASH FUND BONDS PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Community Unit School District Number 425, LaSalle and Marshall Counties, Illinois (the “District”), will hold a public hearing on the 20th

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