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VOLUME 144 NO. 12 • tonicanews.com

Friday, February 23, 2018

Doing well for a spell Tonica eighth-grader Erin Gray represented Tonica Grade School well as she competed against the area’s best spellers at the 58th annual LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam Counties Regional Spelling Bee, held at Ottawa Township High School on Feb. 17. Gray successfully made it through the first four rounds of competition. See story on Page 3. (Tonica News photo/Dave Cook)

Vol. 144 No. 12

One Section - 12 Pages

© The Tonica News

LOCAL NEWS

TONICA VILLAGE BOARD Officials are taking more steps

Legacy

to implement a new TIF district in the village. A hearing is scheduled on April 16. / 2

A donation will keep Michael Castelli’s legacy alive. / 7

ELECTION Learn about Tina Bush, who is running for the LaSalle County Board. / 3

TONICA

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

Taking more steps to establish a TIF district in the village of Tonica Tonica schedules hearing on April 16 BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@tonicanews.com

Contact Editor, General Manager Jim Dunn jdunn@bcrnews.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



TONICA — On its way to implementing its new tax increment financing (TIF) district, the village of Tonica has a number of milestones it must first address. This month, these requirements meant creating an ordinance to authorize establishing a tax increment, which would finance interested parties, as well as adoption of registration rules. To that purpose, the village also had to establish a date for a public hearing to address the proposed commercial tax increment financing district. This hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 16 at the village hall. There were also other issues the

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village had to look into at Monday night’s village board meeting, such as a few areas of land prone to flooding in town. “There were 18 parcels with flooding issues,� Village Engineer Jack Kusek said, but noted that these problems have been addressed. Village President Kevin Sluder said the TIF district should be established in May and have a 23-year lifespan. TIF districts are a tool used by municipalities to promote development. Storm tile replacement project The village has been replacing a storm tile as an ongoing project for roughly four years. Board members learned that at this point, the project has reached a small brick tunnel at the old railroad tracks and has encountered a moment of the unknown. “The big thing is, what happens at (Route) 51,� Sluder said. “We don’t have a clue what’s under 51.�

What lies underneath this area is important for the project, in that using the wrong size tile there could create a bottleneck and hinder flow of storm water. At its current point, the project has seen results. “It’s gotten quicker than it used to be,� Sluder said of the water drainage. “Before, it was congested and full of roots.� He also said that this project has helped lessen water in basements. In other discussion, public works employee Marc Lemrise said he has created a list of projects he would like to accomplish. At the top of this list is usage of two 10-horse variable speed motors in Tonica’s possession, which he wants put in a well house. “I’m not saying you’ll never get another water main break,� he said. “You will, but fewer.� “We already have the equipment; we just need an expert to come in,� Lemrise said.

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The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, February 23, 2018

| LOCAL NEWS

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OTTAWA

Local students compete in 58th annual Regional Spelling Bee BY DAVE COOK news@tonicanews.com

• Friday, February 23, 2018

OTTAWA — Knowing how to properly spell is a crucial part of a successful life. And while everyone has those certain confounding words that they struggle to spell correctly, it’s rarely done on a brightly lit stage in front of a crowd and cameras. Students from throughout the region gathered at Ottawa Township High School on Feb. 17 to compete in the 58th annual LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam Counties Regional Spelling Bee. Before the competition began, Regional Superintendent of Schools Chris Dvorak gave all the students his words of advice. “You should all be proud of the work you’ve done to get here. Just being here means you’re among the best spellers in the region. Take a breath, take your time, stay calm, and remember, this is fun,” he said.

Sixth-grader McKinzie Archer, the best speller at Lostant Grade School, drew one of the more difficult words of the regional spelling bee’s first round and was eliminated after misspelling “stethoscope.” One of the few sixth-graders competing, she’ll be able to try again next year as a seventh-grader.Tonica News photo/Dave Cook)

See SPELLING, Page 5

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The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, February 23, 2018

| LOCAL NEWS

4

OGLESBY

ELECTION

IVCC nursing students excel in exams

Candidate questionnaire

Trustees raise tuition by $3 per credit hour OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College nursing students recently earned excellent pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), college trustees learned last week. IVCC Associate Degree Nursing graduates earned a 95 percent pass rate, compared to the Illinois average of 86 percent and the national average of 87 percent, IVCC President Jerry Corcoran reported. LPN graduates received a 100 percent pass rate compared to the Illinois average of 86 percent and national average of 84 percent. Nursing program coordinator Julie Hogue said, “I cannot tell you how proud I am of the women I work with in the nursing department, and how honored I am Jerry to work with all the Corcoran, men and women at IVCC. Together, we all IVCC president do make a difference.” IVCC graduates about 65 RNs and 30 LPNs each year. Following May graduation, graduates typically sit for the licensure exam in June. IVCC received the results from the state in late January. In other business at its Feb. 8 meeting, the board of trustees approved a $3 per hour tuition increase beginning this summer. The college’s combined credit hour and universal fee will remain below the state average. The new $133 per hour rate — an increase of 2.3 percent — remains significantly lower than the current $140.88 state average. “Even with the increase, we continue to be well below the state average for community colleges, less than half the cost of Northern Illinois University and approximately one-fourth the cost of Illinois State and the University of Illinois — even before you start adding in all fees,” Corcoran said. The increase, expected to gener-

ate approximately $174,000, is recommended in anticipation of state funding remaining at 85 percent of 2015 levels — the year before the state budget impasse. In addition, fee increases for 42 courses and fees for two new courses were approved.

The board also approved:

• A three-year contract extension with auditor Wipfli LLP of Sterling. Fees are $37,300 for 2018, $38,150 for 2019 and $39,050 for 2020. “Wipfli has been very thorough, responsive, and provided great service,” Cheryl Roelfsema, vice president for Business Services and Finance, said. • Purchase of 280 tons of rock salt from Morton Salt through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services at $48.40 per ton, delivered, for a total of $13,552. • Designation of the 2019 fiscal year for July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, and approved its budget calendar. • Purchase of 38 tables for conference rooms C316, C325 and C326 from Mity-Lite for $7,256; 90 chairs for C316 from Henricksen for $13,041; and chairs and tables for Building B common areas from KI of Green Bay for $14,307. • The retirement of Michael Sankovich, an accounting instructor since 1984, effective July 31. “Mike has been an outstanding instructor for over 34 years,” Corcoran said. Sankovich closed his retirement letter to Ron Groleau, dean of Natural Sciences, saying, “My sincerest thanks to you and the college for providing me the opportunity to experience this incredibly rewarding career.” • The retirement of Graphic Design Technology instructor Francie Skoflanc, also effective July 31. Corcoran said Skoflanc has been an outstanding instructor since 2000. In her retirement letter, Skoflanc said, “Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to work with a group of excellent instructors, supportive deans and administration and have seen many of my students go on to obtain jobs and become productive citizens.” • Inactivated the college’s certificate in entrepreneurship due to unsustainable enrollments.

IN BRIEF Wind ensemble will perform OGLESBY — The Illinois Valley Community College’s Wind Ensemble will offer a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. The ensemble includes IVCC students and community members.

The board also learned:

• Dawn Watson has been appointed the administrative assistant for the Academic Affairs office. She had been administrative assistant in the business office. • Eugene Schultz was appointed to IVCC’s maintenance department, and part-time English instructor Janice Skeen announced her intent to resign. • 161 fall graduates earned a total of 202 degrees and certificates compared to 220 graduates earning a total of 283 degrees and certificates in fall 2016. • IVCC is one of the taxing bodies involved in discussions over a proposed downtown Marseilles TIF district. “For 16 years, our practice has been to work with others and strike a balance between doing everything we can to support economic growth, yet reminding everyone of our dependence upon the college’s tax base as a vital stream of operating revenue,” Corcoran said. • The annual academic challenge Feb. 2 in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre attracted 238 students from 11 high schools: Ottawa, L-P, Streator, Seneca, Mendota, Hall, St. Bede, Midland, Putnam County, Marquette and LaMoille. • The Jan. 23 Agriculture Night at the IVCC basketball games vs. Kishwaukee provided “great exposure for our new ag program,” Corcoran said. The new ag club raised $150 from concessions. • At the close of Thursday’s meeting, board chair Jane Goetz and trustee Dr. Amy Boyles presented Fran Brolley, director of Development, a $1,000 check for the IVCC Foundation. The check was the result of Goetz and Boyles being on the winning team at the Illinois Valley Federation of Labor’s 2018 Trivia Night.

Tina Busch is running for reelection as the Tonica area county board representative Name: Tina Busch Position for which you are running: LaSalle County board member Town of residence: Tonica Where you work now: On the family farm Age: 53 Education: LaSalle-Peru High School Experience: I worked for the county as the county board secretary for 18 years and as the Tonica Grade School District’s bookkeeper for four years. What are your Top 3 goals, if you are elected: 1) Keep property taxes under control. ​2) Balance the budget 3) Keep LaSalle County growing In what ways will you be fiscally responsible to taxpayers: I will be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers by continually working on the Finance Committee, which draws up the county budget. What changes will you make if you are elected: We need to keep working to bring opportunities into LaSalle County for our younger generations. Why should voters cast their ballots for you: I hope the voters cast their votes for me because I will continue to work very hard for them and what is best for LaSalle County. What kind of promises will you make and keep to the citizens of LaSalle County: I promise to always do what is best for LaSalle County and its taxpayers.

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• SPELLING

5

Continued from Page 3

LOCAL NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com Tonica News photos/Dave Cook

The final three competitors at this past weekend’s regional spelling bee were Riker Fesperman (from left), Leo Volker and Shea Rathburn. These three students made it through six final rounds before Volker erred in the 13th overall round with the word “gazpacho.” Fesperman was eliminated after the word “streusel,” and Rathburn won after properly spelling both “paprika” and “mahatma.” “We had a wonderful contest, and this was the longest championship round we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Dvorak said. Rathburn received a first place plaque; $200 cash provided by the William Ieuter Trust; a $50 gift certificate to Prairie Fox Books; and the Stretch Miller Memorial Spelling Bee Traveling Plaque, which will be displayed at Rathburn’s school for one year. Fesperman received a second place plaque; $100 cash from the

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Ieuter Trust; and a $50 Prairie Fox Books gift certificate. The announcer was Rick Koshko, and the judges were Diane Chapman, Lloyd Chapman, Mary Margaret Nelson and Ronnie Uebel. The bee was partially sponsored by the Ottawa Kiwanis Club to which the Chapmans belong. “Events like this are why I’m a part of Kiwanis,” Lloyd Chapman said. Rathburn will next compete in the Grand Finals Spelling Bee in Peoria, which will be held at WEEK-TV Studios at 1 p.m. on March 23.

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Representing the Tonica-Lostant area were Tonica Grade School eighth-grader Erin Gray and Lostant Grade School sixth-grader McKinzie Archer. “She’s a great student, and this is the second year she’s represented Tonica Grade School in the spelling bee as the winner of our local bee,” Tonica Principal Chuck Schneider said of Gray. Gray made it to the fifth of 16 rounds of increasingly difficult words. She correctly spelled “quiver,” “necessary,” “magnolia” and “isobar” before making an error with the spelling of “tomatillo.” Archer was given one of the first round’s more difficult words and unfortunately she stumbled in the spelling of “stethoscope.” “McKinzie is a wonderful speller, and it didn’t surprise me when she won our spelling bee because she’s the leader of her reading group. We’re very proud and supportive of her,” Lostant Superintendent Sandra Malahy said. Six students were eliminated in the first round, 10 misspelled their words in the second, two fell in the third, eight left in the fourth, and another four were dropped in the fifth round. The final three students were Waltham Elementary’s Riker Fesperman, Sheperd Middle School’s Leo Volker, and Parkside Middle School’s Shea Rathburn. These three showed they were the most competitive spellers as they all successfully made it through six more rounds. Volker misspelled “gazpacho” in the 13th round, but at one point in the bee, he used his sense of humor to defuse some of the competition’s tension. When given the word “imperative,” Volker asked, “Like, it’s imperative I spell this word correctly?” His quip resulted in laughs both on-stage and off.

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, February 23, 2018

| PERSPECTIVE

6 THE EDITORIAL PAGE

Jim Dunn

Rita Roberts

Editor, General Manager

Associate Editor

The Tonica News

COMMENTARY

When you’ve got to choose, what to look for Leaders needed who’ll rise above divisive rhetoric

H

ave you already made up your mind about how you’re going to vote — at least by party — in this year’s important elections? I hope not. Because to serve our nation well at this troubled time in its political history, you should be looking for certain qualities in the politicians you favor. Ideology, party affiliation, positions on key issues — these are important considerations, but this year demands more from us as voters. To explain why, I need to spend a little time talking about the current political environment. It is the most agitated I’ve seen in decades. The electorate is badly divided; the parties are split internally and vis-à-vis one another; the national mood is sour; our democratic institutions are unproductive; and our political leaders cannot seem to cooperate with one another, much less engage substantively on the crucial issues we face as a nation. Not surprisingly, politicians face a restive, discon-

COMMENTS ON CONGRESS Lee H. Hamilton tented electorate. This year’s dynamics don’t bode well for improvement. Republicans have staked their claim to votes on tax cuts, abandoning more traditional concerns such as the deficit and the national debt. Even though they control the government, they’re having trouble getting many things done. Democrats, meanwhile, are moving leftward, and hoping for a November backlash against President Trump. In general, momentum in both parties seems to be moving toward the extremes, fueling a political debate that rejects the middle ground. This is discouraging. At the national level, the parties seem more interested in their opponents’ unconditional surrender than in carrying on a debate that enlightens voters and attempts to sway opinion. One wonders whether we can ever find the will to negotiate and compromise on difficult issues. Yet we have no choice if we’re to move forward as a large

and diverse nation. Which is why I believe we face a huge responsibility as citizens this year. We may each be certain in our own biases and policy and party preferences, but it is time to step back and ask how we revive the system at a time when people are so discouraged by politics, our institutions, and our politicians. And the answer, I believe, is that we have to look for politicians who want to build consensus, act constructively, and instill a sense — both in their colleagues and among ordinary voters — that we’re all in this together. We need leaders who can rise above the polarization and divisiveness that current politicians have done so much to exacerbate, and instead begin focusing on cooperation, collective purpose, and the common good. Our institutions are badly in need of repair. Making them work better, which is urgent, will not happen with scorched-earth politicking. It can only come from political leaders who embrace bipartisanship and the traditional values of democracy: pluralism, free speech, and tolerance for opposing points of view. We want to find politicians who respect and look for the facts, not simply the facts as they wish them

to be. We need to examine candidates’ rhetoric with great care, and understand that it’s easy to state a problem and then lapse into meaningless generalities when it comes to solutions. By contrast, it’s hard — but vitally important in this climate — to speak with clarity and thoughtfulness not just about what needs to be done, but about how to help make it happen. We should be looking for politicians who can move us beyond our current paralysis. Who are open to different opinions and ideas, will work hard to bring together people of different points of view, and who seek opportunities to discuss public issues forthrightly rather than dodge them. Who prefer to answer hard questions, rather than just give a big speech and then leave the room. Here’s the bottom line: citizens today carry an extra burden — not merely to pick a politician we might favor for some reason, but to make choices that move us away from ideology and our own biases, and toward getting this country running again.

Note to readers: Lee H. Hamilton is a professor, adviser and scholar at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

SPRINGFIELD SCOOP

The real Pritzker looks down his nose at Emil Jones S PRINGFIELD – Could it be that billionaire J.B. Pritzker, scion of the Hyatt hotel fortune, looks down his nose at Emil Jones, a man who rose from being a Chicago sewer inspector to president of the Illinois Senate? It sure looks that way. The Chicago Tribune recently released an FBI recording of a wiretapped conversation between thenGov. Rod Blagojevich and Pritzker. Pritzker is not only the current front-runner for the Democratic nomination but also a first-class snob. Shortly after Barack Obama was elected president, Blagojevich was talking to Pritzker about who to appoint to fill the U.S. Senate seat Obama was vacating. Two of the names that came up were Secretary of State Jesse White and Jones.

COMMENTARY Scott Reeder

Here is an excerpt of the conversation: “Pritkzer: I’m sure you, I’m sure you thought of this one, but: Jesse White. Even though I know you guys aren’t like, you know, bosom buddies or anything. It covers you on the African American thing. “Blagojevich: Correct. “Pritzker: He’s totally, he’s totally, you know … he’s Senate material in a way that Emil Jones isn’t, if I may say. “Blagojevich: Okay. “Pritzker: I mean, you know,

he’s just, I don’t know how to say it exactly. But Emil’s a little more crass. “Blagojevich: Right.” So, what does this hoity-toity Pritzker mean by “crass”? Webster’s dictionary says crass means: “lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence.” I’ve interviewed Jones many times over the years. I’ve always found him to be quite intelligent. And I’ve seen him nearly in tears talking about a family member who struggled after returning from Vietnam. He is also a sensitive person. So, could it be that Pritzker thinks Jones lacks refinement? It would appear so. Webster’s defines refinement as: “cultured elegance in behavior or manner.” If “cultured elegance” was

required of Illinois politicians, Abraham Lincoln would never have been president. While I often don’t agree with Jones on many issues, I’ve always admired the political pluck he exhibited in his rise in politics. It may surprise Pritzker, but some folks aren’t born at the top. Some, like Jones, have had to fight their way there. Of course, Pritzker will tell you, he had no idea that anyone but Blagojevich would hear his words. But one definition of character is “what you say or do when you think no one else is paying attention.” Forgive the crassness, J.B., but you, sir, lack character.

Note to readers: Scott Reeder is a veteran statehouse journalist. He works as a freelance reporter in the Springfield area.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION

Amount of clay in soil a determining factor U of I Extension URBANA — Deer infected with chronic wasting disease are doomed to a slow and certain death, eventually wasting away as they lose the ability to eat and drink. There is no cure and no vaccine, and the number of infected deer continues to rise every year.

ic wasting disease in deer,” Nohra Mateus-Pinilla, veterinary epidemiologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey and study co-author, said. In the study, the team looked at the relationship between soil characteristics and presence of deer with the disease in five northern Illinois counties where infected deer are prevalent. They focused on seven physical and chemical properties of soil that could affect the ability for a prion to stick around in the environment. “The goal was to identify which soil characteristics have a greater effect on the persistent presence of chronic wasting disease in the five counties,” Sheena Dorak, lead author of the study and research associate with the Illinois Natural History Survey, said. The first step was to break the five-county area into one-mile square sections that either had a strong history of the disease or not. The researchers laid this grid over a detailed soils map and created a statistical model to predict the likelihood that the disease would

stick around based on the soils. According to the analysis, the amount of clay in a given soil was a major determining factor to predict where the disease was more likely to persist. And the data clearly indicated a break point that could be useful in future management schemes: Soils with more than 18 percent clay were associated with a steep drop in cases of the disease. “Clay can tend to immobilize molecules, and we think at these higher concentrations, clay is holding onto the prions so they’re not bioavailable,” Dorak said. Soil pH was also influential, with “With these results, we can now look at the entire state and say, for example, there are a lot of infected deer in one area and not too far away, there are soils that have the right mix of conditions to hold prions persistently should an infected deer contaminate the area,” Green said. “We would recommend a management scheme to keep the infected deer out of such high-risk areas.”

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• Friday, February 23, 2018

But University of Illinois scientists recently published a new study that could help explain the movement of the disease across the landscape. “Our biggest goal is to support the management of this non-curable disease in an animal that is an economically important resource for the state of Illinois,” Michelle Green, research assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at U of I and co-author of the study, said. Chronic wasting disease is caused by a prion, a sort of mutant protein

with an unusual folding pattern that tricks the body’s own proteins into mutating, too. After enough proteins get in on the act, holes begin to form in the brain, causing physiological and behavioral changes. The disease is part of a group known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which includes mad cow and a few other rare diseases. A key element to managing the disease is reducing exposure to the prion. The disease is primarily passed from deer to deer through direct physical contact, but it can also be passed from mother to fetus or picked up indirectly when a deer comes in contact with the disease agent in the environment. The new study focuses on the indirect pathway. “When infected deer urinate, defecate, or salivate, they can shed prions. When a susceptible deer comes along and licks, ingests, or inhales infected soil, it could pick up a prion. But soil is complex. It’s not clear what soil characteristics are associated with the persistence of chron-

NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

Study: Soil may predict chronic wasting disease

7

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, February 23, 2018

| LIFE&ARTS

8

SENICA

OTTAWA

Annual Black and White Ball planned for Feb. 24 SENICA — The Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy and Child Development (SRRC), in partnership with ONYX, will host the ninth annual Black and White Ball on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Senica’s Oak Ridge. The goal is to raise $50,000 and 100 percent of proceeds will remain local and help children by giving them the opportunity to live, learn and play to their maximum potential. Around 200 guests are expected to attend this popular annual event, which will include dinner, dancing, a complimentary martini bar, music by Wes Hauskins Trio and Tony Bianchi of 94.5FM WRWO, photos, a live auction, desserts, raffle and an introduction of the 2018 ambassador, Rainee Jonassen, and her family. “It has been amazing to see this event transform over the years and become SRRC’s largest fundraiser. This year’s theme is ‘Walk the Red Carpet’,” said Tracy Beattie, presi-

dent & CEO of Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy & Child Development. “The event will feature a Hollywood-style entrance with red carpet and paparazzi, entertainment and some surprise celebrity look-alikes. Every year gets better, but this year is going to be unforgettable. We want our supporters to feel like celebrities, because to us they are truly stars.” The event will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets are $100 each and table packages and sponsorships are available. For more information, call Jennifer Kirkman at 815-434-0857 or email her at jenniferk@starvedrockcenter.org. SRRC is anon-profit agency that serves over 500 children per year. Services include speech, developmental and physical therapy to children throughout the Starved Rock area; a child care center for children with and without special needs located in Ottawa; and toddler classes in Ottawa, Peru and Princeton.

Photo contributed

Castelli’s legacy continues OTTAWA — Michael Christopher Castelli, at 32 years old, was a son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and unknown to many as a humble, quiet, caring person. Michael has donated part of his inheritance to the children of Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy & Child Development (formerly Easter Seals LBC). Mike’s dad, Robert Castelli, saw early on and believes that, Mike’s true ultimate calling in life was to be, “here to help others,“ the reason he named him Christopher, for a middle name, for St. Christopher, Saint of Protection of others. Mike lived to help others, especially those less fortunate. “Mike was known, to have out of the blue, lifted a friend confined to a wheelchair, taking him for a nice long car ride,” Castelli said. Although Mike did not have children of his own, he and his beloved golden retrievers, Lucky and Rocky, will help retrieve the lives of the children, at Starved Rock Center and elsewhere, through annual donations. A photo of Michael and Lucky

will be posted at each location to help watch over the children. Mike will have his family to watch over at Starved Rock Center, Servants Heart and Salvation Army, Ottawa YMCA, Marquette High School, IVCC, Pet Project, City Recreation Basketball Program, Pantrol Corporation and a children’s hospital as well. “He was looking forward to having children, but we told him that some have to wait longer in life to be a parent, father and daddy. Mike never got that far, as his life was unjustly taken,” Castelli said. “We are so very grateful to Michael’s family for choosing to remember him by helping local charities. We are honored to accept this donation and pay tribute to Michael’s memory,” Tracy Beattie, president and CEO of Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy & Child Development, said. “Donations like these make it possible for local organizations to continue serving the community. Michael lived to help others, and I can’t think of a better way to remember him.”

LIFT event set for March 11

Megan and Matt Skelly at the 2017 Black and White Ball.

LASALLE — Christian women of all ages are invited to attend a Ladies In Fellowship Together (LIFT) event at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at the Grace United Methodist Church. The theme for the afternoon is “Tips, Tricks and Travel Tidbits.” World traveler Pam Grivetti will be the guest presenter. All women in the Illinois Valley area are encouraged to come take a relaxing break, enjoy refreshments and share in Christian fellowship. The church is located at 1345 Chartres St. in LaSalle. RSVPs are encouraged, but are not required to attend. Contact Lois at 815-663-1724 or email vcroasdale@comcast.net.

TV raffle winner announced

NEWS BRIEFS Edible Car Contest set for Feb. 28

OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College will host its second Agriculture Spring Open House for all prospective students and parents from 7:45 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 2. Students are asked to preregister online by Monday, Feb. 26, at ivcc.edu/ agriculture or by contacting Mott at 815-224-0413 or willard_mott@ivcc. edu.

OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s 13th annual Edible Car Contest will begin at noon Wednesday, Feb. 28, in the cafeteria. The contest, which celebrates National Engineering Week, was originally sponsored by the National Science Foundation. For information, contact Data at 815-224-0221, Dorene_data@ivcc.edu or visit www. ivcc.edu/ediblecar.

9 LIFE&ARTS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

IVCC plans Ag Open House

MENUS Lostant Grade School

Tonica Grade School Breakfast Feb. 26 — Toaster pastry or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Feb. 27 — Pancake and sausage on a stick or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Feb. 28 — Scrambled eggs and hash brown or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 1 — Yogurt parfait or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 2 — Glazed doughnut or

Putnam County Community Center Feb. 26 — Lasagna with meat sauce, salad with toppings, garlic bread, yogurt with fruit. Feb. 27 — Vegetable soup, sub sandwich, three bean salad, dessert, oranges. Feb. 28 — Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, carrots, fruit cocktail, kiwi. March 1 — Baked spaghetti, tossed salad with toppings, pineapple juice, garlic bread. March 2 — Egg salad on wheat bread and lettuce, cooked carrots, fried potatoes, strawberries. 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. 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 at 11:30 a.m.

Photo contributed

The Lostant Athletics announced Nicole Piano was the winner of the Philips 55-inch Class 4K Ultra HD TV that was donated by the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Spring Valley. The drawing was done before the championship game of the boys Prairie Conference Tournament held at Lostant Elementary School. All proceeds went toward the purchase of the new scoreboard.

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• Friday, February 23, 2018

Breakfast Feb. 26 — Muffin, yogurt, granola, fruit, cereal, juice, milk. Feb. 27 — Scrambled eggs, yogurt, granola, fruit, cereal, juice, milk. Feb. 28 — Create your sandwich (croissant, sausage, egg, cheese), yogurt, granola, fruit, cereal, juice, milk. March 1 — French toast sticks and syrup, yogurt, granola, fruit, cereal, juice, milk. March 2 — Toaster pastry, yogurt, granola, fruit, cereal, juice, milk. Lunch Feb. 26 — Hamburger and bun, cheese, sweet potatoes, fruit, cookie, milk. Feb. 27 — Cheese quesadillas, black beans, cookie, fruit, milk. Feb. 28 — Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, fruit, Rice Krispies treat, milk. March 1 — Mini corn dogs, green beans, chips, sidekick, milk. March 2 — Bosco stick, marinara sauce, carrots, fruit, milk.

cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch Feb. 26 — Sloppy joe meat, bun, lettuce, fruit, milk. Feb. 27 — Turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit, dinner roll, milk. Feb. 28 — Pizza crunchers, lettuce, fresh fruit, milk. March 1 — Hot dog, bun, baked beans, applesauce, juice box, pretzels, milk. March 2 — TGS fish filet sandwich (fish, cheese slice and bun) or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, carrots, onion rings, fruit, cookie, milk.

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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

PROMOTE JOB OPENINGS

The Classifieds can help you promote your job openings and get your business full staffed. Call 815-625-3600

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

450 • Under $1000 An Elkay sink with faucet and sprayer, $25, Holmes ceramic space heater, $17 & child's ice skates $20 815-224-2931

450 • Under $1000 ************ 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)

DO YOU HAVE A PLACE TO RENT? The Tonica News Classifieds can help you find the right person to move in.

767 • Mobile Home Sales **************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275

774 • Lots for Sale

999 • Legal Notices

2 Lots, 200 and 201,1/2 acre, nice wooded lots, at the corner of Carefree Lane and Fair Oaks Drive in Lake Thunderbird in Bureau County. $8000 for both. 630-865-7726

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS

You Never Know What You Might Find Right Here! 815-625-3600

Business Directory Marketplace

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IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARJORIE MURPHY, Deceased. N0 2017 P 241 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Marjorie Murply ,late of LaSalle, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on December 14, 2017, to Elton Murphy, whose attorney is Gary Gearhart, GEARHART LAW OFFICE, 951 Fifth Street, LaSalle, Illinois 610301. Claims against the Estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Downtown Courthouse, 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, Illinois, ow with the representative, or both, within (6) six months from the date of issuance of letters. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. GREG VACCARO Clerk of the Circuit Courthouse Gary L. Gearhart GEARHART LAW OFFICE Attorney for Plaintiff 951 Fifth Street LaSalle, IL 61301 Phone: (815) 223-8009 FAX: (815)223-8003 February 16, 23 & March 2, 2018 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES The Classifieds brings you the public and legal information you have a right to know. Check out each publication for information about your community and stay informed!

We’re Taking

FREE

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

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The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, February 23, 2018

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882-2191 Monday-Saturday 882-2250 Evenings & Sundays SM-PR1501887

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• Friday, February 23, 2018

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| The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

Business Directory Marketplace

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, February 23, 2018

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