TON-02-07-2014

1 Front Volume 140 No. 50

Friday, February 7, 2014

The Tonica News

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Unemployment higher in Illinois Valley

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has released the unemployment rates for December 2013, and the news is good – if you live in Chicago or the Quad Cities.

Chicago posted an

unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, a decrease of 0.4 since December 2012 and the lowest figure for the city since December 2008. The decrease was propelled by the addition of more than 54,000 new jobs.

The rest of the state gets the bad news with unemployment rising as much as 1.9 percent in sections

of Illinois. The state average sits at approximately 8.6 percent with much of the state in double-digit unemployment. Those numbers are offset by the increase in jobs in Chicago.

The area hardest hit is the Illinois Valley with a jump in unemployment between .4 and .7 percent in each of the three

counties. LaSalle County has the distinction of having one of the state’s highest unemployment rates at 11.4 percent.

Putnam County struggles with a 10.9 percent, rating while Bureau County gets the easiest burden in the tri-county area at 10 percent.

The IDES identifies a decrease in global manu-

facturing demand as the primary culprit in the unemployment picture outside Cook County.

Illinois still has the nation’s third highest unemployment rate following Rhode Island (9.1) and Nevada (8.80). Historically, Illinois’ unemployment is higher than the national average, and that trend continues with

the U.S. average now at 6.7 percent.

It’s important to note the unemployment figures for the country only reflect persons who are actively seeking work.

The government does not track people who no longer qualify for unemployment benefits due to long-term unemployment.

Ford looks at Tonica’s future

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of stories, as the Tonica News talks with to members of the boards in the Tonica area and gets their views on what is going on in their communities.

TONICA – Dennis Ford has been on the Tonica Village Board for eight years.

Initially, Ford ran for the board, so he could become better informed about events and projects in town.

“When the sewer plant came up, I figured this was a good time to get involved,” Ford said. “It’s a good time to help make decisions.”

With designs for the new plant submitted to the state and construction estimated to begin in 2015, Ford believes the big problems facing the village are taken care of.

“There’s always things that need to be taken care of, things to work on; but right now that’s it,” Ford said. “What I’m really worried about now is getting the funding for the sewer plant.”

One thing which surprised Ford when he was elected was how much the village board is involved in peoples’ lives. Part of his duties takes him around the village talking to residents about their views on what needs to be done and where improvements can be made.

Ford said that is probably the most important part of the job.

See Future Page 2

Shaw News Service photo/Becky Kramer

Team work at Starved Rock Jason Hussong (front) and Larry Brodersen take their sled dog teams through a demonstration during Sunday’s sled dog demonstration at the Starved Rock Lodge near Utica. Indoor programs were held throughout the day in conjunction with the dog sled demonstrations.

The battle over minimum wage

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

The debate over the minimum wage in Illinois continues. President Barack Obama has put the call out to raise the federal minimum wage across the board to $10.10 an hour for contracted

workers on government contracts.

In his State of the Union address, Obama has declared this a year of action and has pledged to do all he can to help Americans who are in the lower half of the nation’s economy.

“Those at the top have never done better,” he said. “But average

Vol. 140 No. 50

wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled.”

Closer to home, Gov. Pat Quinn is continuing his drive to raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour as well. Quinn, in a speech on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in January, commented on the debate.

“We can continue (King’s) mission to eliminate poverty by raising the minimum wage to at least $10 an hour, which will give hundreds of thousands of Illinois workers more dignity while boosting the local economy,” Quinn said.

See Minimum wage Page 3

Serving the Illinois Valley for Over 90 Years

One Section - 8 Pages

Factory authorized Bryant dealer

Plumbing • Heating • Electrical © The Tonica News

815-442-3415

www.towncountryservices.com

24 Hours A DAy / 7 DAys A Week • AlWAys free EstimatEs

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 7, 2014

Officer Ika checks in

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.

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

The Tonica News P.O. Box 86, Tonica, IL 61370 (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

Submit

The Tonica News encourages readers to submit news for publication in our paper. Special events, weddings, births, awards and honors, anniversaries, promotions, etc. are welcome items for the paper. Some fees may apply.

Schools, businesses, organizations and groups are encouraged to send information on activities and events. If you have attended a function or event and have a photo and/or news, please submit them.

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

Lostant Police officer Jake Graham works with his new German shepherd, Ika.

Future From Page 1 Ford also said there’s a lot of give-and-take on the board’s agenda, and he’s had to pick his battles.

“It’s all a compromise.

Everyone’s got their own ideas,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s necessary to stand up and say what you’re thinking, and sometimes you have to know when it’s not that

important. I’ve been on a board that’s had a lot of in-fighting. It always seems like we’re able to work it out. There may be serious disagreements, but it’s never gotten to the point where it’s personal.”

We Hold Your Dream Home In The Palm Of Our Hand.

Ford has also served 14 years on the Tonica Grade School Board and the Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

While Ford has enjoyed his time on the board thus far, he has no aspirations

Enjoy Hometown banking with your neighbors and friends!

ILLINI STATE BANK

Why Not Make That Home A Reality?

Agricultural Operating & Real Estate MEMBER FDIC Loans

Email to:

230 S. LaSalle St., Tonica, IL 61370 (815) 442-8211

news@tonicanews.com.

Photos should be sent as an attachment.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News P.O. Box 86,Tonica, IL 61370

LOSTANT – Lostant has a new police officer.

The new officer has spent most of his life preparing for his duties and has been assigned to partner with patrolman Jake Graham.

Obviously, his rabies shots are up to date, so the 2 year old is ready for duty.

Meet Ika, the new German shepherd police dog for the Lostant Police Department.

Ika lives with Graham, a second generation police dog handler.

“My dad, Craig Graham, was a canine handler for State Police District 17,” Graham said. “I always grew up with them and liked to work with them.

He had two black labs and a German Shepherd.”

Ika shares living quarters with Graham’s other dog, a cocker spaniel named Roscoe. Unfortunately, Ika is an aggressive dog, and Graham has kept the two separated most of the time until they become accustomed to having another canine in the house. Because Ika is focused, he is limited in his interaction with other people and is trained to respond mainly to Graham.

Oddly enough, there is a

Mon.-Thur.

Fri. Sat.

Lobby 8am-3pm 8am-3pm 8am-12pm

Drive-Up 7:30am-3pm 7:30am-5pm 7:30am-12pm

301 S. Columbia Ave., Oglesby, IL 61348 (815) 883-8400

Come see one of our knowledgeable Loan Officers today and turn your dream home into a reality with a real estate loan from Illini State Bank.

Mon.-Fri. Sat.

Lobby 8am-3pm 8am-12pm

Drive-Up 7:30am-5pm 7:30am-12pm

206 S. Main St., Lostant, IL 61334 (815) 368-3333 Mon.-Wed, Fri Thur.

Sat.

Lobby 8am-3pm Closed 8am-12pm

www.illinistatebank.com

language barrier that Graham has had to overcome.

“He was raised in the Czech Republic, so I have to talk to him in German for him to understand me,” Graham said.

Graham was contacted

by Lostant Chief Darin Crask when he was preparing to retire Ory, the previous police dog. Graham agreed to be the handler if the department could afford the new canine.

Shortly after, the Lostant Village Board gave its OK. Graham and Ika are still going through some training in Leland at a training facility for police dogs. The program takes six weeks to complete, and during the training, they will learn about legal case law and how Ika can be used in police duties whether for drug-sniffing or as an attack dog. Graham said part of the training they have done was getting Ika to trust Graham enough to take his commands.

Life isn’t all business for Ika. Graham does take his partner for walks and some play time in his yard. Ika stays indoors due to the extreme cold but will move out into his kennel this spring. In the meantime, Ika is enjoying the warmth and companionship of his partner and his home.

to run for village president.

“I watched Roger (Thompson, former village president), and I’ve watched Kevin (Sluder, current president), and they do a good job,” Ford said.

“The big thing of the future is to keep the town solvent,” Ford said.

“There’s a lot of things that, as the community has evolved, people think they need this or they need that. You’ve got to keep your head in that, or sooner or later, you’re in serious financial trouble.”

need a project done?

Get those old tools repaired & ready!

815-780-8677

421 5th Street • Peru, IL avantitoolsinc@yahoo.com

Locker room 123 E. St. Paul Street

Spring Valley, IL • Sporting Goods • Team Equipment • Custom Screen Printing & Embroidery

1-815/663-1108

3 Obit Records Friday, February 7, 2014 • The Tonica News • 3

Rezin to hold town hall meeting HENNEPIN — State Sen. Sue Rezin of the 38th District will host a town hall meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 at the Hennepin Village Hall, 627 E. High St.

Minimum wage From Page 1 Illinois currently has the fourth highest minimum wage in the country, tied with Connecticut and Washington, D.C., at $8.25 an hour. But even with the proposed increase in the minimum wage, many Americans are not able to make ends meet by working jobs that earn this pay.

Arguments range back and forth on if the bump in the minimum wage would help the economy by putting money into the average consumer’s pocket or hurt the small business person who has to pay this wage.

“Pay wise, the minimum wage wouldn’t affect anyone here, but the increased wages other businesses would have to pay are going to get passed along somewhere. We will all experience higher costs,” Eric Dauber of the Dauber Company said. “I believe creating a more business friendly environment would be a better long-term plan. If the business environment was more attractive, you would keep more jobs here in the state, country. I believe in helping people, but you can’t legislate prosperity and dignity.”

According to the Center on Policy and Budget Priorities, the poverty line in federal Fiscal Year 2014 for a family of three is listed at $1,628 a month or about $19,536 a year. The poverty level is higher for bigger families and lower for smaller ones.

Meeting calendar Feb. 17 7 p.m., Tonica Village, Tonica Village Hall Feb. 19 6:45 p.m., Lostant School Board, Lostant Grade School 7 p.m., Tonica School Board, Tonica Grade School

The federal minimum wage was last updated five years ago. According to the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, it was aimed at a buying power of just $7.80 in inflation-adjusted 2013 dollars. The minimum wage laws set at the federal level were designed to give the minimum wage earner more spending power compared from 1956 to 1990.

This was when the minimum wage ranged from $1 to $3.80. In 1968 at its zenith, the then federal minimum wage of $1.60 would be equivalent to earning $10.57 in today’s economy.

The Fair Labor Standards Act guarantees when federal and state minimum wage varies, all eligible, nonexempt employees are entitled to the higher of the two rates. According to the U.S. Department of Labor as of Jan. 1, there are currently 20 states and three United States territories that have a minimum wage law that is equal to the current federal wage law. There are 21 states that carry a minimum wage law that is higher than the current federal law. The remaining nine states have a minimum wage that is lower than the national average or have no minimum wage laws at all.

Hurst Funeral Home

Car accident has local ties LOSTANT — An accident on Jan. 23 in which a downstate woman was killed has local ties to the area. Joan M. Morse, 54, of Magnolia was the lone survivor of the accident. Morse is currently a patient at St. Francis Medical Center of Peoria. Her condition was unavailable at press time.

The two-vehicle accident on Jan. 23 killed a Decatur woman, Mary J. Tucker, 64. The accident occurred at 9:20 a.m. during a winter cold spell on Route 18, a mile west of Interstate 39. Morse was extricated from her vehicle after an hour’s work and was Lifeflighted to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

According to police statements, Tucker was westbound on Route 18 when she crossed the middle line and entered the oncoming lane, striking Morse’s Dodge Caravan. Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene by the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office.

The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department, the

Lostant Fire Department, the Illinois District 17 State Police, the LaSalle County Sheriff, Putnam County EMA and the LaSalle County Coroner all responded to the scene. The investigation is ongoing, being conducted by the LaSalle County Coroner’s office and the Illinois State Police.

Growing concern over new cell phone scam CHICAGO — Better Business Bureau is warning cell phone users about a new scam that can result in unauthorized charges appearing on their monthly wireless statement.

It’s called the “One Ring” scam because the scammers program computers to send thousands of calls to random cell phone numbers, ring once and then disconnect. The scammers then hope you are curious enough about the call that you return the call right away.

“As of yet, we have not had any complaints filed but given how rapidly this scam is spreading and growing across the country, our

“To be as safe as possible the best thing to do if your phone rings and it’s an international number you don’t recognize, don’t answer, and don’t call back.”

Steve J. Bernas opinion is it won’t be long.” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.

When the cell phone owner returns the call, they are charged $19.95 for the international call fee. After that, there is

Keep your vehicle new With the Keeper®, if the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of a new vehicle, same make and model, we will replace your vehicle with a new one. Talk to your COUNTRY Financial representative about protecting what’s important to you.

Issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL 012014-00282AC

Matthew Hostetter Granville 815-339-6136 matt.hostetter@ countryfinancial.com

a $9 per minute charge.

“Often they will first hear music then maybe advertising, but it’s easy to see how quickly these charges can add up,” noted Bernas.

Consumers who have been duped by these calls report they are coming from the Carib-

bean Islands including Grenada, Antigua, Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands.

If a person thinks they may have fallen for this scam, they should immediately alert their cell phone carrier and keep an eye on their cell phone bill. The earlier they document the fraud, the better their chances of having some or all of the charges removed.

Bernas added, “To be as safe as possible the best thing to do if your phone rings and it’s an international number you don’t recognize, don’t answer, and don’t call back.”

For more information on scams, go to www. bbb.org.

Have a gamer in your house?

Try Tonica Telephone’s high speed internet, and you won’t have this problem.

FasTer speeDs BeTTer service Call Jackie and ask for details and availability – 815-442-9901

Tonica Telephone co.

Toncom long DisTance

Tonica, IL

223-0380

815-339-6278 • Open 7 Days a Week

Everyone Come Celebrate

Bruce Steele Turning 90!!

Sunday, February 9 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Half Price Hump Day is coming!

www.paganolearys.net 304 S. McCoy St. • Granville, IL

Tonica United Methodist Church Parish Hall

Enjoy Sandwiches & Cake

4 Biz Ag 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 7, 2014

A new name, menu at Starved Rock Lodge

Obituary Robert Jensen LASALLE — Robert Astrup “Bob” Jensen, 81, of LaSalle passed away Monday, Feb. 3, 2013.

He was born March 23, 1932, in Chicago to Christian Astrup and Evangeline (Nine) Jensen. He attended LaSalle-Peru High School and Wesleyan UniRobert versity in Middletown, Conn. He served Jensen in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was the proud owner and operator of C.A. Jensen Jewelry Store in LaSalle since 1958. He married Betty Dart Whitaker on Jan. 6, 1977, in Tonica. She passed away April 20, 2007.

He was a member of the LaSalle Rotary Club and served as past president, charter member and supporter of the Illinois Valley Symphony Board, Wisconsin Jewelry Association and the Deer Park Country Club. Bob was a board member of Oakwood Cemetery and L-P High School Board of Education, serving as board president. Bob enjoyed motocross racing and ham radio.

He is survived by his children, Vicky Morrison of Springfield, Wendy (William) Schultz of Richmond, Va., and Larry Whitaker of Mundelein; four grandchildren, Valerie Schultz McFarland, David Schultz, Maxwell Whitaker and Hannah Whitaker; two sisters, Astrid (Earl) Berkson of Champaign and Karen (Hugh) Moore of Indianapolis; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Betty.

Services were held Feb. 6 at the Mueller-Pagani Funeral Home, LaSalle. Graveside services were held Feb. 7 at Oakwood Cemetery, LaSalle, with full military rites conducted by the LaSalle-Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group.

Visitation was held Feb. 6 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the L-P Education Foundation or the LaSalle Rotary Club.

View his obituary at www.muellerfh.com.

UTICA — Elements is the new name for the main dining room at Starved Rock Lodge.

In addition to the new name, a new menu has been unveiled. A new, hand-crafted sign hangs over the entrance to welcome guests to the historic venue built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

As Starved Rock Lodge celebrates its 75th anniversary, naming the dining room gives it its own identity.

“We were committed to staying true to the heritage of this unique place, inspired by nature and architecture,” said Terry Cross, Lodge CEO/ president. “The name Elements is the embodiment of the environment

Photo contributed

David Jones, the food and beverage director of Starved Rock Lodge, shares with his staff the new menu at Elements, the new name for the lodge’s main dining room. here, as it relates to the essence of great food and drink.”

Elements features a staff of experienced leaders in the restaurant industry. David Jones

has taken the lead as food and beverage director at the lodge. Jones, a native to Milwaukee, Wis., joined the team in late 2013 after working in the hospitality industry

for more than 25 years.

Jones is teamed with Executive Chef “Bear” (Barry) Brooks.

Together, Jones and Brooks have developed a new menu (featured on the lodge’s website at www.starvedrocklodge. com/dining.

“Our menu selections have been developed with a contemporary spin on classy and traditional comfort food with a little bite of sass, and a nod to Native American cuisine.

There are some menu staples that will remain, such as our signature pot roast and Gorgonzola nachos,” said Jones Elements serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Reservations are necessary.

Call 815-220-7321.

IVCC offers CPT Fast Track OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s Continuing Education Center will offer a new online program for manufacturing and industrial careers titled, “CPT Fast Track.”

An accelerated version of the Certified Production Technician certificate, CPT Fast Track is recommended for individuals with at least five

years manufacturing experience or dislocated workers, with a manufacturing background, who have limited time for study.

Classes began Feb. 3 and are open for enrollment until April 25.

Classes include manufacturing and safety, quality and measurement, manufacturing processes and maintenance awareness.

Each class is approximately 15-18 hours and is strictly online. Students are also required to take a final exam which will be administered at the IVCC Assessment Center. Cost per class is $145 with additional registration and testing fees.

Thirteen district manufacturers have endorsed the CPT certificate as

a desirable credential in their hiring. Starting wage for an entry-level technician ranges from $11 to $18.78 per hour.

Average local wage is $13.70, and most companies offer increases after 90 days as well as health care and benefits.

For information, call Jennifer Sowers at (815) 224-0280 or email Jennifer_Sowers@ivcc.edu.

u o r Y V r a o l e F n t tine s u J Valentine Gifts • Candies • Balloons • Floral Arrangements •

DeVine Floral Designs, Gifts & Tanning

• Personal Service • Elegant Style • Memorable Designs Full service florist for any occasion State-of-the-art tanning beds at our Granville location 110 N. Columbia Avenue Oglesby, IL • 815-883-3373

616 Grant Street Granville, IL • 815-339-2400

Demand the Best

505 Edward Street Henry, IL • 309-364-2400

Tell your physician you want

ONLY AT LIBERTY VILLAGE

Five-Star Quality Rated

• State-of-the-Art Therapy Equipment • Medicare Certified • Suites with Private Bath/Shower Peru 815-224-2200 • Princeton 815-875-6600 Not-for-Profit Provider

LV 1013E

by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

www.simplythefinest.net

Great deals on gifts for your Valentine such as dining, shopping, recreation, health & beauty, sports and much more will all be featured in this holiday store.

Open n O w!

bcrnews com

5 Perspective Friday, February 7, 2014 • The Tonica News • 5

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

Can’t I decide for myself?

I’m not a big fan of government (I know that comes as a shock). When they do their job, it’s (usually) great, but I wonder sometimes if we, as a nation, are getting dumber because of the government.

We’re letting politicians think for us.

If you look at a lot of the legislation that’s been passed lately, you’ll notice a trend of the government telling us what’s good for us instead of letting us choose.

Illinois resiCOMMENTARY dents under 18 cannot use tanning beds. Dropping a cigarette butt can net you a $1,500 fine. Several local municipalities are making it illegal to smoke in a park. The list goes on and on.

Somewhere along the line, our ability to raise our children in a way we deem fit was taken away from us. Johnny acts up in public? You better not spank him or the DCFS will be on your doorstep tomorrow. Susie wants a tan for her junior prom? Unless she does it the oldfashioned way of laying out in the sun, it’s not happening. The kids are playing in the park, it’s a beautiful, sunny breezy day? Tough, lighting up that cigarette could nail you a fine.

It wouldn’t be so bad if there were some kind of consistency in judgment, but that’s rarely been the case.

Each year, there are approximately 88,000 deaths from alcohol poisoning. That’s not accidents or foolish bravery; that’s just drinking too much for the human body to handle.

In the meantime, here’s a list of people who have died from marijuana poisoning in the last one hundred years worldwide: Would you like to see that list again? That’s right, nobody in the history of the world has ever died from smoking pot. A study in Oregon found that in order for a 160-pound person to die from marijuana poisoning, he would have to consume 48 pounds of it in a day. You’d die from the Doritos poisoning long before then.

As I write this, there is a federal study being launched to determine how much of a certain additive should be allowed in soft drinks. That substance is caramel coloring. At a time when the nation is reeling under trillions of dollars of debt, our elected officials are more worried about the effects of caramel coloring than they are about balancing the budget, feeding the poor or stopping real crime.

So Congress, do me a favor. Stop telling us who we can marry, what we can drink or whether Susie can get a tan for the Sadie Hawkins dance. Just establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility and provide for the common defense.

Ken Schroeder can be reached at news@tonicanews.com.

On the street “I wish my family would all be together and share a meal.”

Carol Kierczynski, Spring Valley

“I would just wish to be with Brad, my boyfriend.”

Megan Einhaus, Spring Valley

“I just wish I could be with my friends and family.”

Brandon Bass, Dixon

“I have too many. I want my wife to be able to walk. I wish I could see out of both eyes.”

Loren Faulk, Minonk

Ken Schroeder

Letters Policy Letters to the Editor should not be more than 500 words in length. Only one person can sign a Letter to the Editor. The author of the letter must include his/her name, hometown and telephone number. The author’s name and hometown will be published, however, the telephone number is only used to verify the authenticity of the author’s signature and will not be published. Unsigned letters are never read or published. No letter will be published until The Tonica News contacts the author of the letter to verify the signature.

The Tonica News reserves the right to edit or refuse any Letter to the Editor.

What would be your wish or wishes for Valentine’s Day?

“I don’t know. My Valentine’s wish is that I wish my wife’s leg would feel better. She has a leg that has been bothering her.”

Bill Kierczynski, Spring Valley

The drip This morning was delightful. Actually it started out that way, but then my wife spoke. Allow me to explain.

The first words that you want to hear out of your spouse in the morning are usually something like, “My, don’t you look handsome today! Are you losing weight?” or “The French toast is ready, and we have a new bottle of syrup.” The words that you don’t want to hear her say are, “I’m not sure, but I think that the toilet is leaking.” No, those are words that nobody ever wants to hear.

As I nervously walked to the bathroom door, I asked her why she thought it was leaking. She replied that she thought that she had heard a drip and that there was a puddle on the floor. Being the eternal optimist, I thought to myself that a mere puddle on the floor by the toilet doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a leak.

You see, I wake up pretty early, and sometimes my “morning aim” isn’t always so good. Ask any guy. It happens. Sometimes it doesn’t even need to be morning.

But as I peered in behind the white porcelain fixture, I could see she was right. At that very moment, there was a drip forming at the junction of — please pardon the technical terminology — the valvy-type thingamabob and the whatchamacallit pipe that leads up to the tank doohickey. The day rapidly went downhill from that point on.

Being the manly type, I knew that it was time for me to step up and take control. To allay any fears that she might have about my abilities to remedy this situation, I confidently and

Greg Wallace FROM THE SKETCHBOOK promptly did what I believe any certified plumber would have done — I found an empty Cool Whip container to set under the leaky pipe to catch the water.

As I proudly stood there with my hands placed triumphantly on my hips admiring my handiwork, my wife audibly sighed with that “you know you didn’t really fix it” attitude that she tends to get whenever I work on something. I told her not to worry; this was just the first part of my repair job, I just like to enjoy small victories. I think I could actually hear her roll her eyes. As she left for work, I told her not to worry. I was sure all that needed to be done was for me to replace that whatchamacallit pipe, and the problem would be solved.

You’re going to find this hard to imagine, but my wife doesn’t always believe that I possess all of the masculine-type, mechanical skills that I should. In other words, I’m not her dad. He is not afraid to build or repair anything and everything in his house whether it be plumbing-related, electrical, furnace, etc. ... I cringe a little whenever I plug something into an outlet knowing full well that I’m about to be electrocuted.

But on this occasion, I really didn’t think this little pipe was going to be too tough to change. However, I always like to have a little positive reinforcement that I’m doing the right thing. So I took a photo of the leak, texted it to my brother-in-law just to

get his advice on what he would do in this situation. He texted back that I should get a bigger bucket. I knew that I was on my own on this one.

After I turned the valvy-type thingamabob off and as I got my wrenches out and started tugging on the water line, my mind started thinking “What if these fittings are reverse-threaded?” All I could picture was cracking the pipe coming out of the wall or somehow busting the porcelain. My wife would come home from work and find me curled up in the fetal position, drenched in a mixture of sweat and toilet water, mindlessly murmuring, “I should have got a bigger bucket … I should have got a bigger bucket ...”

With this on my mind, I did what I usually do whenever a repair job like this comes up. I got my iPad out and called up YouTube. Honestly, you can type just about anything into that website, and there will be some goofball that has made a video on how to do it. This is how I fixed my washing machine; this is how I replaced the heating element on our clothes dryer; and now I can add to the list, that’s how I fixed the leaky thingy on the toilet.

With that anonymous guy on YouTube sitting on the toilet seat giving me that boost of confidence that I needed, I am proud to report after the pipe replacement and several test flushes, everything seems to be right with the world once again. My bathroom floor is dry as a bone.

Well, at least it was dry as a bone. I really need to work on my aim.

You can contact Wallace at gwallace@bcrnews.com. You can follow him on his blog at http://gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.

6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 7, 2014

Community School Menus chips, apple slice Tonica Grade School corn and caramel, salad dress-

Breakfast Feb. 10 — Pancake and sausage on a stick, cereal or yogurt, toast, fruit, juice, milk.

Feb. 11 — Pancakes, cereal or yogurt, toast, fruit, juice, milk.

Feb. 12 — Scrambled eggs, cereal or yogurt, toast, fruit, juice, milk.

Feb. 13 — French toast sticks, cereal or yogurt, toast, fruit, juice, milk.

Feb. 14 — Bagel, cream cheese, cereal or yogurt, toast, fruit, juice, milk.

Lunch Feb. 10 — Cheese bosco stick, marinara sauce, romaine lettuce, peaches, graham crackers, salad dressing, milk.

Feb. 11 — Hamburger, cheese slice, bun, french fries, applesauce, ketchup, mustard, pickles, milk.

Feb. 12 — Hot ham, cheese, bun or Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, carrots, green beans, pears, ketchup, mustard, ranch, mayonnaise, milk.

Feb. 13 — Taco-in-abag, taco meat, shredded cheese, refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and onions, salsa, sour cream, nacho

ings, milk.

Feb. 14 — Valentine chicken nuggets, carrots and cauliflower, pears, cookie, milk.

Schiffbauer named to UW-M dean’s list MADISON, Wis. – Seth Schiffbauer of Tonica has been named to the 2013 fall semester dean’s list for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. To be eligible for the dean’s list, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits

Lostant Grade School Breakfast Feb. 10 — Biscuits and gravy, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt.

Feb. 11 — French toast, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt.

Feb. 12 — Eggs and sausage, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt.

Feb. 13 — Pigs in a blanket, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt.

Feb. 14 — Breakfast pizza, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt.

Lunch Feb. 10 — Ham and cheese wrap, cheesy potatoes, green beans, pineapple.

Feb. 11 — Hamburgers on flat bun, fries, corn, peaches.

Feb. 12 — Beef and noodles, carrots, pears, bread and butter.

Feb. 13 — Bosco stick with sauce, lettuce salad, veggies and dip, strawberries.

Feb. 14 — No Lunch.

Early release.

School Calendars Lostant Grade School Feb. 11 — 6 p.m., volleyball; Feb. 12 — 7 p.m., PTO; Feb. 13 — 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Market Day; 6 p.m., volleyball; Feb. 14 — 11:45 a.m., early dismissal.

Tonica Grade School Feb. 10 — 5 p.m., volleyball at Grand Ridge; Feb. 11 — 5 p.m., volleyball at Woodland; band at LPHS.

Young Performers Concert on March 1 OTTAWA — The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra (IVSO) Annual Young Performers Concert will be at 4 p.m. March 1 in the Ottawa High School Auditorium.

This concert will feature solo performances

by Joannah Cisneros, flute, and Simon Tiffin,

piano. Cisneros and Tiffin were the winners of the 2014 Young Performers Competition.

Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for students in kindergarten through college with ID and season subscribers.

Tickets are also available online at www.ivso. org.

Putnam County Community Center menus Feb. 10 — Garlic pork chop, red potato wedges, three bean salad, raisins, wheat bread Feb. 11 — French quartered chicken, cheddar mashed potatoes, Prince Charles blend veggies, Ambrosia salad, bread pudding with sauce, dinner roll.

Feb. 12 — Vegetable lasagna, French green beans, apricot halves, fruit juice, French bread.

Feb. 13 — Chicken Kiev, rice pilaf, glazed carrots, romaine salad with dressing, blushing pears, chocolate mousse.

Feb. 14 — Crab cake, cheesy hash browns, green peas, fruited gelatin, tarter sauce, hamburger bun.

To make a lunch reservation, call the Putnam County Community Center at 815-339-2711 or 800-757-4579 by noon the day before. Menus are subject to change. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.

Suggested donation is $3.

Tonica Baseball and Softball Association

Saturday 2/15/14 10 am - 12 pm

Date: Feb. 9, 2014 Time: Noon - 4:30 PM Place: Sauk Valley Community College What: Visit with 30 vendors that specialize in planning YOUR perfect wedding.

Saturday 2/22/14 10 am - 12 pm Wednesday 2/26/14 6 pm - 8 pm All registration dates are at the Tonica Village Hall $45.00 per player

Admission: $5

MARTY CHIROPRACTIC

lynn Lyons-Lewis and Makayla Ritko.

Honored for very good grades were Alan Bruner, Ayden Lawless, Delroy Jones, Grace Desponett, Hunter Witzman and Jaden Busch.

In addition, 50 students received excellent behavior awards and 25 students received perfect attendance awards.

Wednesday 2/12/14 6 pm - 8 pm

Dr. Rhonda Marty-Anderson

815.368.3421

LOSTANT — Lostant Grade School had an awards ceremony on Jan. 17 to honor several students for achievements during the fall semester.

Honored for excellent grades were Alyssa Fleuch, Ben Tran, Chase Kreiser, Ethan Phillips, Jacob Ritko, Jacob Wiesbrock, Logan Kreiser, Madison-

RegiSTRATion DATeS

Our family caring for your family since 1922

Dr. Eric Anderson

in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the honor.

Schiffbauer is a student in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

LGS students honored

Seno Formal Wear Fashion Show: 3 PM Tickets Available Now at: Sauk Valley Media • Sterling, IL Telegraph • Dixon, IL

Style Show sponsored by Seno Formal Wear and Satin ‘N Lace

Sponsored By:

Corner of Rt. 18 & 251, Lostant, IL • Exit 41 on I-39

BReakfaSt

LunCH

dinneR

Lumberjack Slam

Double Cheeseburger

Slow Cooked Pot Roast

We gOt YOu COveRed 24/7 Breakfast • lunch • dinner • late night 343 Civic Road, LaSalle (815) 223-6036

Open 24 HOuRS

($120.00 cap per family) ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ONLY www.eteamz.com/bicountybaseballandsoftball/ Online Registration powered by www.Active.com

$5.00 Off

any check of $20 or more One coupon per check, per visit. Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid at LaSalle Denny’s location. Selection and prices may vary. Only original coupon accepted. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Expires 2/28/14. ©2012 D HO, LLC MP TON

20% Off

Your entire Check!

One coupon per check, per visit. Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid at LaSalle Denny’s location. Selection and prices may vary. Only original coupon accepted. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Expires 2/28/14. ©2012 D HO, LLC MP TON

Late-nigHt

Sampler

Kids Eat FrEE

With Adult Entrée & Beverage Purchase One coupon, per check, per visit. Limit two free kid’s entrées from the Kid’s menu per one adult entrée and beverage purchase. Children must be 10 years old or younger and accompanied by an adult. Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Beverages not included. Valid at participating Denny’s restaurants.

Selection and prices may vary. Expires 2/28/14. ©2012 D HO, LLC MP TON

$3.00 Off

any check of $15 or more One coupon per check, per visit. Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Coupon has no cash value. No change returned. Taxes and gratuity not included. Alcoholic beverages not included. Valid at LaSalle Denny’s location. Selection and prices may vary. Only original coupon accepted. Photocopied and Internet printed or purchased coupons are not valid. No substitutions. Expires 2/28/14. ©2012 D HO, LLC MP TON

7 Life/Classifieds Friday, February 7, 2014 • The Tonica News • 7

Dolphins win in triangular meet

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

PERU — The Illinois Valley YMCA Dolphins hosted a triangular meet with the Ottawa YMCA Dolphins and the Streator Stingrays on Feb. 1.

Once again, the IV Dolphins came out on top in first place with a combined score of

752 points. Ottawa took second with 386 points while the Stingrays hobbled into third place with 42 points.

Americus Berg, 9, of Wenona placed 10th in the 50 yard backstroke with a time of 1:00.82.

She also contributed to her team’s third-place finish in the 200 yard freestyle medley with a team time of 3:26.95.

Xavier Berg, 8, of Wenona captured two eighth-place finishes; one in the 25 yard freestyle with a time of 32.03 and in the 25 yard backstroke with a time of 35.94.

The next meet for the Illinois Valley Dolphins will be at home versus Freeport, Ottawa and Kewanee YMCA swimming teams on Feb. 8.

Library Corner LaSalle — Feb. 18 and 25 — Storytime Express is an interactive mix of stories complemented with a variety of engaging activities like crafts, flannel boards, rhymes, songs and puppets.

It is formatted to introduce children to the library and early literacy skills.

The shorter, 30-minute length and fast pace make it perfect for active children with shorter attention spans, and the express is a great way for busy parents to share special times with their children. Time will be set aside to help families find just the right books to check-out.

Fun and educational, Storytime Express is a free program, open to the public. Storytime Express will be offered from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Tuesdays. For more information, call

– 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 ************ 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!

- 200 Employment 228 • Help Wanted WANTED Village of Tonica is seeking a part-time, yearround METER READER for the water meter billing department.

Applicants should be flexible and have knowledge of Tonica.

To apply send an email to: village01@tonicacom.net to request an application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

PROMOTE JOB OPENINGs Call us to find out how we can help. 815-875-4461

- 400 Merchandise 433 • Furniture Used Office Furniture for Sale. 6 Desks; 8 Reception Chairs; 3 Desk Chairs; Table, Bookcase; and more. Good condition and great prices. Saturday, February 8, 9am-noon at: 306 South McCoy, Granville. 815-339-6630

815-223-2341.

Family Reading Night will be hosted by the LaSalle Public Library at 6 p.m.

Feb. 20. The theme will be codes and ciphers for family fun.

Tail-Waggers, an opportunity to read with therapy dogs, will be hosted at 6 p.m. Feb. 27. Bring your favorite adult and book to read with the therapy dog.

Lostant — Feb. 18 and 25 — Families First, a state funded early childhood grant, is a program for families with children ages birth to 3. It is sponsored by the Oglesby Early Childhood Programs. Children will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays, do an easy art project and have a snack. The program also includes field trips and parent education meetings. Families First meets from 10 to 10:45 a.m. every Tuesday

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

Tri-County champs Wes Allison (30), Sam Garland (23), Michael Weide (11) and Austin Biagini (5) wait with smiles during the awarding of the second-place plaque after the TriCounty Conference Tournament championship game. The Panthers won first place Feb. 1.

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ROAD DISTRICT BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Road Purposes of the Vermillion District, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2014 and ending March 31, 2015, will be on file and conveniently available for pubic inspection at the home of Tina Busch, Clerk of said District, from and after 6:00 p.m. February 11, 2014.

Notice is further given hereby that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 7:00 p.m. on the 11th day of March, 2014, at the Vermillion Township Hall, in this Vermillion District and that final hearing and action of this Ordinance will be taken at a meeting to be held at the Township Hall at 7:00 p.m., the 8th day of April, 2014.

Dated this 21st day of January, 2014.

Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor Tina Busch, Clerk Published in the Tonica News Feb. 7, 2014.

Illinois 61350 until 7:00 p.m. on March 12, 2014.

Bid envelopes should be marked, “Mowing Bid.” Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the Township Board meeting on March 12, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. The contract may be awarded at the Township Board meeting to be held on March 12, 2014.

The proposed work includes the furnishing of all labor, material and equipment for mowing at the following locations: Vermilionville Cemetery, the new Township Hall and the former Township Hall.

The selected bidder shall submit a monthly bill by the last day of each month to the Township Clerk. All bids must be accompanied by proof of liability insurance coverage.

The Township reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in the bidding.

Published in the Tonica News Feb. 7, 2014.

of said township and after a Moderator having been elected, will proceed to hear and consider reports of officers, set monthly meeting dates and times, and decide on such measures as may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting.

Dated this 21st day of January 2014.

Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor Tina Busch, Clerk Published in the Tonica News Feb. 7, 2014.

January 2014.

Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor Tina Busch, Clerk Published in the Tonica News Feb. 7, 2014.

STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LaSALLE COUNTY ESTATE OF ) EDWARD V. WHITNEY, ) DECEASED. ) NO. 14 – P – 5 CLAIMS NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Edward V. Whitney, of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, on December 26, 2013 at Ottawa, Illinois.

The decedent died leaving a Will dated April 7, 2009, filed with the Court, and admitted to probate in the Estate proceeding in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Illinois, Probate Division on date of January 16, 2014.

Letters of Office as Independent Executor were issued to Charles E. Whitney, 1809 Walnut St., Ottawa, Illinois, on January 16, 2014, whose attorneys are the Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, 110 E. Main St., Ottawa, IL 61350.

Notice of the above is further given to Unknown Heirs, and persons whose names and addresses are unknown in said proceeding, with their names not stated in the Petition to Issue Letters Testamentary.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative or both within six months from the date of first publication of this Notice. If claim notice is personally mailed or delivered to a creditor of the estate, then the claim must be filed within three months from the date of mailing or delivery, whichever is later. Any claims not filed within these periods are barred.

Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the Representative and Attorney within ten days of filing.

Published in the Tonica News Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and 14, 2014.

REQUEST FOR MOWING BIDS Deer Park Township (the “Township”) is seeking bids for mowing services. Sealed bids for the work described herein will be received by the Township at 2346 E. 1025th Road, Ottawa,

We’re Taking Free Classified Advertising

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Notice is hereby given to the legal voters, residents of the Township of Vermillion, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, that the Annual Township Meeting of said District will take place on April 8, 2014 being the second Tuesday of said month at the hour of 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall for the transaction of the miscellaneous business

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Town of Vermillion, County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2014 and ending March 31, 2015, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the home of Tina Busch, Clerk of said District, from and after 6:00 p.m., February 11, 2014.

Notice is further given hereby that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 7:00 p.m. on the 11th day of March 2014 at the Vermillion Township Hall, in the Vermillion District and the final hearing and action on this Ordinance will be taken at a meeting to be held at the Township Hall at 7:00 p.m., the 8th day of April 2014.

Dated this 21st day of

E-mail items • Up to 5 lines of copy for sale to: classified@ • 3 items maximum in ad • 1 ad per week, per household bcrnews.com • Private party sales only for all items valued under $1,000! • Excludes services, firearms & animal sales

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON MULTI-TOWNSHIP BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Farm Ridge-Vermillion-Deer Park Multi-Township Assessment District, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2014 and ending March 31, 2015, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at 823 N 19th Road, Tonica, IL from and after 6:00 p.m., February 11, 2014.

Notice is further given hereby that a pubic hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held on March 11, 2014 at the Vermillion Township Building, Lowell, IL. Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor Tina Busch, Clerk Published in the Tonica News Feb. 7, 2014.

l a c i t 1Tac

1 9 n a t Spar

8337 E. 1250th Rd. Granville, IL 61326

1-800-731-4254

www.spartan911tactical.com spartan911tactical@gmail.com

Illinois Carry and Conceal Class

Spartan911Tactical classes are the best training classes in the area!

Why? Because we offer a course manual that no one else does! Our classes are completed in a warm room. We have our own INDOOR heated gun range. Our classes are by appointment only! All inclusive means just that, all you bring are proper ID and your FOID card.

We include: Workbook, pistol, ammo, range time, hearing and eye protection, lunch, all the material needed to complete the course.

So call today! Class sizes are limited so reserve your time.

All our classes are taught by NRA pistol instructors.

8 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 7, 2014