TON-02-26-2016

1 Front Volume 142 No. 12

Friday, February 26, 2016

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Where does Lostant go from here?

School board hears options

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — The Lostant School Board sought direction on potential restructuring and is looking at its options.

At its meeting Wednesday, Feb 17, the board welcomed Al Gegenheimer and Rich Dombrowski, who it had invited to advise them on its current trajectory and possible

options.

Gegenheimer provided the main presentation with the goal of providing the board with all necessary information to make an informed decision.

“These are just facts,” he said. “We’re reviewing the facts with everybody.”

The way he sees it, the district really has three options: It can continue as a K-12 Unit district, de-annex the high school and move to K-8, or consolidate with another school.

Whether to stay the course

One of the major points of the discussion was the tax rate, since this is where the

school receives its income. Gegenheimer provided a graph which recorded the rates beginning in 2011.

“The tax rate in the district was at 4.95 and has moved up to 5.41,” he said.

The rate has remained at 5.41 for enough time that Gegenheimer is using it as a constant for the presentation. “The assumption is that we’re going to keep this 5.41 tax rate.”

According to Gegenheimer’s projections, while the tax rate might remain steady, costs will continue to go up over the years. “All your costs will increase 3 percent annually,” he said.

Nobody expected there to be good news

associated with this, but Gegenheimer clarified anyway. “That doesn’t mean everyone’s getting a raise.”

Utility bills, among other costs, he explained, have been going up around 3 percent annually. This presents a problem when the school has to go months on only this income.

Another cost the school has to pay is tuition. “The district is paying tuition for high school students and special education students in the district,” Gegenheimer said.

“And these tuition costs are quite high.

Options Page 2

Asbestos at Lostant; students are safe

All aboard!

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — Lostant Community School might have a newly-discovered asbestos problem, but the situation will soon be rectified and puts nobody at risk.

At its meeting Wednesday, Feb 17, the Lostant School Board discussed a previously unknown problem of asbestos in the basement.

The situation

“This year, when we turned the boiler on, we were experiencing water level problems in the reserve tank and the boiler,” Superintendent Sandra Malahy said.

Approximately 9 a.m. in the morning the day before the meeting, according to Malahy, “There was a huge racket in the boiler room.”

To help illustrate the situation, Malahy explained how the system works. “You have to manually transfer over from one condensate pump to the other,” she said.

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Noah Gross, 4, of Tonica was fortunate enough to be taken by his grandfathers to the North Central Illinois Model Train and Farm Toy Show in Princeton this past weekend. Held at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, the show filled three buildings with large railroad displays and vendors selling a wide variety of railroad and farm toy related items and memorabilia.

Asbestos Page 3

Lostant agrees to sell bonds

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — The Lostant School Board voted to sell working cash fund bonds at its meeting Wednesday, Feb 17, hoping to offset a looming deficit and other potential budgetary issues.

The board had previously discussed the option of selling the bonds, but it had waited for further information and to observe goings-on with the state budget.

“We were waiting to see what the budget was going to do,” Superintendent Sandra Malahy said. “We were waiting for the budget and for guidance from

Vol. 142 No. 12 One Section - 12 Pages

First Midstate, so we never voted on it.”

“One hundred thousand dollars is going to be eaten up by this,” Malahy said regarding the newly-discovered asbestos issue. “And we already discussed $200,000 as a cushion.”

Financial burdens are just beginning, too. “As soon as those high school bills start rolling in, we’re going to start flip-flopping into the red,” she said, comparing the probable future to their current situation. “Right now we’re in the black.”

This, compounded by the cost of repairs and asbestos cleanup, meant the board would look at revisiting their

thoughts regarding the amount they might want to sell.

“If you want that cushion for bills,” Malahy said, “we might want to think about $300,000.”

This amount is not unheard of. As Malahy said, “The resolution that was on the table in January was for $400,000.”

“I would be afraid to do nothing right now,” Malahy said.

Board member Quillard Skinner noted the uncertainty behind the decision.

“What’s going to happen next?” he asked.

The board approved the sale of $300,000 working cash fund bonds to be paid in three years.

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What of the budget?

The state might yet have no budget, but Lostant is hopeful regarding chances it might throw a little more money toward school.

Board President Mike Phillips provided an update regarding the state budget.

“There’s no budget,” Phillips said, “except the governor wants to spend more on K-12.”

Phillips noted Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has stated an intent to sign a bill that would provide more money for schools.

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2 Local

2 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 26, 2016

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Options From Page 1 “School districts get half of their revenue in September,” Gegenheimer said, “and then the school has to wait for the rest to come in at the end of the fiscal year in June.”

He noted this split causes issues when it comes time to pay bills. “We can’t tell the utility company, ‘bill us in June.’”

“The district’s projecting a deficit,” Gegenheimer said. “This coming year, we’re looking at $75,000.”

The deficit will also cause the fund balance to decline, and this contributes to the issue. “You need these cash reserves to carry you through these other months,” Gegenheimer said, referring to the time between September and June.

The school has already taken measures to reduce this deficit.

Superintendent Sandra Malahy detailed one way the school has lowered costs over the years.

“In five years, we’ve cut our staff 50 percent,” she said, “which is unheard of anywhere.”

Even with the effort toward cutting costs, the projected deficit looms.

The current tax rate is $3.80. “If you were to go to the voters and ask for a 20-cent increase, that would yield $52,000,” Gegenheimer said. For as much of an increase as this would be, it still would not cover the $75,000 projection.

Another option, which a number of other districts in the area have looked into or adapted, is to sell working cash fund bonds.

“It’s not a good idea to make a habit of continually relying on that kind of revenue source to solve your financial issues because it’s a bad spiral to be in. It’s bad debt.” Gegenheimer cautioned. However, he noted, it would be a possible short-term solution.

Whether to reorganize as a K-8

The second option looked at was to de-annex the high school and become a K-8 district.

Malahy explained their options regarding this.

“By law, when you de-annex your high school, you can only annex with another high school district.”

The only districts Lostant’s high school could be annexed with are LaSalle-Peru and Streator, according to Malahy. “The other two are unit districts.”

This brings the education fund rate from $3.80 down to $3.50, the maximum in case of this change. “You’d have to lose 30 cents of that tax rate,” Gegenheimer said.

“When you lose local revenue, you hope state aid will pick up to make up for it,” Gegenheimer said. This, however, would appear to be less the case than the school might hope. “I don’t think general state aid will increase to make up for the loss of that income.”

Furthermore, this option would require both districts affected to pass a referendum, as well as the state to pass legislation.

“Where the referendum would come in, you’re going to de-annex the high school, the school that would take them would have to vote to accept it,” Gegenheimer explained.

Quillard Skinner, board member, summarized the effect of this development. “So you could go through all this,” he said, “and they could still say, ‘No, we’re not doing this.’”

Potential issues could arise from sources other than the receiving district deciding against the plan.

“The other thing is, in Springfield, they don’t want more units of local government; they want less,” board President Mike Phillips said. “You have to convince the people to pay more, and then you go to Springfield and ask them to do the opposite of what they’ve been trying for years.”

Whether to consolidate

According to Gegenheimer, there are two methods Lostant could utilize if it decides to consolidate with another district.

The first option is through a referendum, which must pass in both districts.

Malahy explained why this option is unlikely. “A consolidation means where you consolidate with has to give up their name, mascot, colors, school board,” she said. It would become a new school, with every defining characteristic changed.

“That,” Malahy said, “has to go to their voters.”

With how important the school’s identity can be to a community, the chances of such a referendum passing are minimal. “Would never happen,” Skinner said.

However, if Lostant chose to consolidate, it could go another route.

“You have a second option most school districts don’t have,” Gegenheimer said. “You have this option because you have less than 750 students.”

“The board could petition the Regional Office of Education,” he explained. “They have the authority to approve that dissolution, and then the Regional Office of Education would determine where the students would go.”

“One of the benefits of getting the community to vote for it used to be that the state used to reward

it,” Gegenheimer said of consolidation.

Times have changed, and the benefits associated with such a potential dissolution of the school have dissolved.

“The state of Illinois would give you $4,000 per certified staff member,” Gegenheimer said of this past situation. There is a catch to that, and it is one the board has been discussing through its meetings. “The state doesn’t have any money.”

“The other thing the state of Illinois did is that if either of the districts had any debt — used to be — the state would forgive that debt,” Gegenheimer continued. “Well, they don’t have any money for that either.”

Of the two options, he thinks petitioning the Regional Office of Education is the more viable.

Skinner voiced his thoughts on the matter, that Lostant should avoid dissolution if at all possible.

“I believe if you end this school, you end this community,” he said. “And I think that would be a horrible thing to do to this community.”

Gegenheimer could see Skinner’s point. “I went to the website,” he said, “and I was looking at the history of the high school and the basketball team, and there were quite a few glory days.”

“Losing your identity as a school,” he said, “it’s a big decision.”

Where to go from here?

For as bleak as the future might look at times, Gegenheimer said the district actually looks to be doing OK. “I don’t want anybody to think I was projecting dire straits,” Gegenheimer said. “I wasn’t. You’re pretty sound.

“Believe it or not, you’re in better shape than some school districts,” he said. “From what I’ve seen, you guys aren’t nearly as bad as a lot of those school districts.”

Overall, the decision of what happens with the Lostant School District will rest with the taxpayers.

“We are shepherds to this community,” Malahy said. “And we are here to service the needs and wants of the taxpayers and the families.

“The real question to the taxpayers is, ‘Do you want a school in Lostant?’” she said.

Malahy wants to begin a dialogue with the taxpayers. “I think what needs to be done is I need to create a brochure or one page handout — I don’t want it to be more than one page.”

One side would provide information as regards to keeping the school, and the other would offer information relating to dissolution.

“I think this is a conversation that’s going to take a year to two years,” Malahy said.

Tonica says no to subcontracting transportation

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Tonica has looked at subcontracting for its district transportation and has decided against it.

Around 40 people attended the Tonica School Board meeting, Wednesday, Feb 17, which contained a public hearing regarding the potential subcontracting of district transportation.

The proposal to subcontract out the bus

service was ultimately voted down because it would not save on costs for the district.

This decided, the public hearing then adjourned, and the regular meeting resumed.

Previously, the board had discussed the possibility of utilizing working cash bonds in order to ensure the school maintains funding in the future. This discussion was prompted by legislation passing through the state, which could freeze property taxes.

With the effects of such a tax freeze in mind, the board is now capable of assessing

the $300,000 in bonds which had been discussed.

Also, the board learned the progress on heater renovations is advancing, as new hallway heaters are currently being installed.

In other business: • The board approved the 2016-17 calendar.

• The board approved both the resignation of the school’s computer technician and the hiring on of an additional autism aid for the pre-kindergarten program.

Send news and press releases to news@tonicanews.com

3 Local

Friday, February 26, 2016 • The Tonica News • 3

Tonica Volunteer Fire Department

Robert ‘Bob’ Gray

Asbestos

TONICA — Robert “Bob” Gray, 86, of Tonica passed away at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, in Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru.

He was born May 11, 1929, in Priscilla to Robert and Anna (Post) Gray. He married Dolores Davey on July 23, 1950, in Tonica.

Bob was a truck driver and school bus driver for Tonica and LP until his retirement in 2008. He was an avid bowler most of his life. He loved playing cards, spending time with his grandchildren and watching his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by three daughters, Linda (Jeff) Struna of LaSalle, Vickie (Terry) Trumpinski of Tonica and Mary Ann (Aaron) Walkover of Lakeland, Fla.; five grandchildren, Brian Trumpinski, Scott Trumpinski, Kim Sandor, Todd Trumpinski and Nick Mann; three great-grandchildren, Kaylan Trumpinski, and Ella and Grady Sandor; one daughter-in-law, Emily Gray of California; one sister, Esther Smith of Lostant; and one brother, Jim Gray of Dalzell.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly, in 2012; one son, Rick, in 2001; and one sister, Emma Witek.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, in the Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica with the Rev. Mark Nowakowski, pastor of Tonica United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery in Tonica.

Visitation was from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, in the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the family or the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com.

From Page 1 “One of those was making the racket.”

A quick examination revealed the water level issues had hit a new low. “There was absolutely no water in the boiler, and none in the reserve tank,” Malahy said. “So now we know it’s not just a leak in the pipes.”

Further investigation was in order, and this led to the showers in the locker rooms. These have been closed off. “They have locks; they have padlocks,” Malahy said. “Nobody can get into them.”

But these measures were circumvented for the sake of this search. Behind a paneling in the boys’ locker room, there is a passage which provides access to pipes. Once this paneling was removed, humidity rushed out.

Certain asbestos-based insulations, such as used for pipe insulation, can deteriorate when exposed to environments high in humidity, so this was cause for concern.

“What did we have to do?” Malahy asked. “We had to call the asbestos company.”

Malahy passed around photos which the company, Ideal, had provided of the damage within the tunnel. She described one. “In the middle is just a bunch of asbestos that’s fallen down and is lying on the floor,” she said.

She described another: “Asbestos on the floor, crumbling pipes on the floor.”

To complicate the situation, this is the location of the leak, and that means the fix will have to wait. “The plumber cannot go down there to fix the pipe until the asbestos is all cleaned up and bagged up,” Malahy said.

“But the kids are safe,” Malahy said, noting the primary concern.

The solution

The cost

The cost for Ideal’s part in this story, according to Malahy, is $15,250.

“They do not do the work,” she said as clarification that the price of cleanup and repairs will exceed this number. “That’s a very specialized job that has to be contracted.”

The price for contracting the work out, Malahy said, will be around $30,000.

After that, the pipe needs to be fixed. Malahy described the issue with the boiler as being this pipe dripping out, keeping everything from reaching the condensate pump.

“It cannot even get there,” Malahy said. “All that steam is getting lost.”

The plumber has provided two different prices based on varying situations.

If Lostant’s custodian can help the plumber with welding, which Malahy says is a strength of his, the cost will be $1,000 Otherwise, the price goes up by another $1,000.

There is a chance the custodian will offer assistance to reduce the cost. “He’s not concerned about the work,” Malahy said. “He’s concerned about getting in and out of the hole.”

With the custodian’s help, the cost of repairs will be around $46,250, but will be closer to $47,250 if he cannot assist.

“These are soft numbers but close estimates,” Malahy said.

Add in other repairs the board has previously discussed, and the cost goes up further.

“We’re looking at about an $80,000 fix here for the whole shebang,” Malahy said, “and that’s the news.”

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At 1:02 p.m. on Feb. 9, deputies stopped Maxwell J. Brousse, 22, of Streator on East Eighth Road in Vermillion Township. Brousse was cited for speeding, 74 mph in a 55 mph zone, and driving with electronic devices.

At 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, deputies responded to 14

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In the course of their investigation, April L. Sharp, 34, of Summit was arrested and charged with driving while suspended and aggravated assault. Sharp was taken to the LaSalle County Jail pending a bond hearing.

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29 cited for seat belt violations. There were nine people arrested for driving under the influence and five apprehensions for other alcohol-related offenses.

Troopers issued a total of 388 traffic citations and 740 written warnings for overweight violations. Troopers and wight inspectors also issued 11 citations for overweight loads.

District 17 troopers handled 66 traffic crashes within the three-county area of LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam. There were no fatal crashes handled by troopers.

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LASALLE — Illinois State Police District 17 announced during the month of January, troopers handled 1,750 calls for service and assistance.

Of these calls, 318 were to help motorists whose vehicles were disabled on area highways.

Criminal activities during the month included one person apprehended for being wanted on outstanding warrants and 24 people arrested for other criminal offenses.

Traffic enforcement activities resulted in 219 drivers arrested for speeding and

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truck and trailer on its side in the median. The driver, who did not suffer any significant injuries, refused treatment. The state police investigated the incident.

At 11:06 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department was called out for a semi-truck accident one mile south of the I-39 Tonica exit. On arrival, emergency responders found a jackknifed semi upright in the median.

The truck suffered some damage, but no extrication was needed. One patient was evaluated by ambulance personnel and then refused treatment. Tonica responded with a pumper, rescue truck and ambulance.

The state police investigated the incident. Tonica command cleared the scene in about an hour.

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will go down tremendously,” Malahy said.

“This is something that I feel is an immediate need that needs to be attended to,” Malahy said of cleanup and repairs.

However, the situation is better than it might initially sound. “Now here’s the good news,” Malahy said. “Because of the location, they can do this during the school year.”

“I thought you were going to come back and say, ‘Well, we’re in trouble now,’” board member Quillard Skinner said.

Malahy continued. “They will enclose the entire hallway and lock down that west outside door,” she said. “They’re actually going to put a chain on it so nobody can get in with a key. It’ll be all closed off.”

The situation became even better. “The better news is,” Malahy said, “because they know we have no heat, they’re going to petition ISBY for an emergency work order and get this done between Friday and Monday.”

Board President Mike Phillips interjected his thoughts on the inevitable questioning. “If anybody asks, we discovered an alien in the basement.”

Malahy provided a recap of the situation’s highlights. “It’s all self-contained in one spot,” she said. “The kids can still come to school; there’s no danger, and it’ll be done before the kids come back next week.”

Malahy stated her intentions to send a letter home with the children the next day to let the parents know what is going on and that the students are in no danger.

Furthermore, she noted the school should have heat come Tuesday or Wednesday.

“They said this place is going to be operating 100 percent better than it ever has, and our heating bills

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At 2:14 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department was called out for a semitruck accident at Mile Marker 51 on Interstate 39, south of the Route 71 overpass. Tonica responded with a rescue truck, along with Oglesby Fire-Rescue and Oglesby Ambulance. On arrival, emergency responders found a semi-truck and trailer on its side and the diesel fuel tank leaking.

The injured driver was transported to IVCH. The state police investigated the incident.

At 2:44 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department was called out for a mutual aid ambulance with Lostant Fire and Ambulance to a semi-truck accident at Mile Marker 44 on I-39.

On arrival, emergency responders found a semi-

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4 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 26, 2016

JTS Pools employees receive certification

Annual Midwest Ag Museum Banquet is March 18 PEORIA — U.S. 18th District Congressman Darin LaHood will speak at the annual Midwest Agriculture Museum Banquet on Friday, March 18, at the Wildlife Prairie Park, Hespell Hall.

A social hour, including hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, at 5:30 p.m. will be followed directly by LaHood’s comments at 6 p.m., including time for questions and answers. His remarks will include a discussion of recent agriculture legislation on Capitol Hill and other ag-related issues specific to Central Illinois.

Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by a short business meeting including an updated Power Point presentation and a discussion of recent developments about the museum’s site location.

The cost of the event is $25 per person. Tables of eight at $200 per table are available on request. Advanced ticket reservations can be obtained no later than March 10 by sending checks to: Midwest Ag Museum, c/o Larry Meaker, Treasurer, 5771 Township Road 400E, Toulon, IL 61483.

Deadline to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is March 3 The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Illinois of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for economic injury caused by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes on April 9, 2015. The deadline to apply for a working capital disaster loan is March 3.

“Businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the disaster and want to apply for low-interest loans from the SBA are urged to do so before the March 3 deadline,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA Field Operations Center East.

Low-interest disaster loans are available in the counties of Boone, DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Winnebago in Illinois.

Working capital disaster loans up to $2 million are available at 4 percent for small businesses, and 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. The loans are

intended to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. To be considered for this assistance, eligible entities need to apply by the deadline.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Applications and program information are available by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-6592955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 3, 2016.

USDA Rural Development seeks applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine CHAMPAIGN – Connectivity is the currency of the future – and of today.

Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grants can help rural communities overcome the effects of remoteness and low population – for example, by linking teachers and medical service providers in one area to students and patients in another.

USDA is accepting applications for its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant program from now until March 14.

“My Dad suffered a debilitating stroke in 1994 – but in the rural community where I grew up, there were no stroke specialists and no telemedicine,” said Colleen Callahan, USDA Rural Development director for Illinois. “This Rural Development funding not only helps provide improved medical care, but also reduces the time and travel burdens of the patient.”

DLT grants from Rural Development are currently helping to provide world-

class telehealth for nearly 250,000 residents in 16 counties in the Illinois Delta Region – and Callahan would like to see those numbers expanded across the state.

Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications and are accepted through a competitive process. Awards can range from $50,000 to $500,000 with a minimum 15 percent match from the applicant.

Complete applications for Illinois projects must be received by March 14 to compete for funding in this fiscal year. Additional information can be found at www.grants.gov or on Page 1,388 of the Jan. 12 Federal Register.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Chris Collins, general field representative, at 573-445-0765 or chris. collins@wdc.usda.gov. Illinois offices and program information can also be accessed through www.rd.usda.gov/il.

PERU — JTS Pools, located in Peru and Ottawa, has announced two of its employees recently attended the Poolcorp Retail Summit in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 5-7.

The employees were awarded certificates for continuing education in the swimming pool field. Jim Matthews and Darryl Lopez attended education seminars certified by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) and received four continuing education certificates.

The APSP is the nationally recognized professional organization for the swimming pool industry. APSP members are required to adhere to a code of ethics and education. JTS Pools is the only swimming pool retail company in the area that is a member of the APSP. “JTS Pools is committed to the education of its employees so we are better able to serve our customers. We also support the APSP’s efforts to set high standards within the industry,” Matthews said.

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This time, the rotation had reached the audit for the food program, which avoided major issues. “From what the state auditor told me — was here for two days — it went really well,” Malahy said.

In addition to the results regarding the food program, the auditor commented on the school’s organization of its paperwork.

“He had stated, ‘I’d never been to a school where they had everything so organized in a binder,’” Malahy said.

According to Malahy, the auditor did take the binder with him when he left.

There was one issue Malahy mentioned, though, and that was the milk cooler.

The cooler had been moved in the past because it would blow fuses in its previous location. “A couple years ago, we rewired the cafeteria and kitchen,” said Malahy regarding the fuse situation.

This wire work probably helps in this situation because the auditor asked for the cooler to be moved back to its original location.

From Page 1 “We’ve gone almost a whole year without a budget,” he said. “Higher education doesn’t have a budget.”

But what affects the school is a bit different from some other cases. “Right now there is a budget for K-12,” Phillips said.

He explained briefly how the state’s budget, or lack thereof, functions. “The way the legislature works is they pass laws that require things to happen, but requiring those things is separate,” Phillips said. “That’s the budget.”

“That’s where we are,” Phillips said.

“The promise for us — K-12 — is that, if they give him the bill, he’ll sign it.”

In other news: Lostant Community School went through a recent food program audit, and it went well.

“We have a four year audit on everything,” Malahy said. “We’re constantly rotating.”

A ‘Night of Conservation’ planned in Henry HENRY — A “Night of Conservation” is planned for Thursday, March 3, at the University of Illinois Marshall-Putnam Extension Office is Henry.

The public is invited to join Pheasants Forever, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Marshall-Putnam Farm Bureau, Natural Resources Conservation Service and University of Illinois Extension to learn about conservation topics to improve habitat for landowners and for wildlife.

Daryle Wragge, Extension agriculture program coordinator, encourages all to participate in this special evening. “We have great speakers lined up who can help you think about and plan for improvements that will enhance wildlife in our area now and for the future. We hope you will join us for this free evening of education and discussion.”

Highlighted topics for the evening include:

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Importance of Maintaining and Enhancing Wildlife in Our Communities, Peggy Doty, Extension educator; Environmental and Energy Stewardship; Conservation Reserve Program Options/Soil and Water Conservation Practices to Enhance Wildlife Habitat, Erika Turner, district conservationist; and Bird and Habitat Enhancement Programs Available, Doug Gass, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill biologist.

The program will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Marshall-Putnam Extension Office, 509 Front St., Henry. Registration is requested by March 1 by calling the Extension office at 309-364-2356 or register online at: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=13573.

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5 Life

Friday, February 26, 2016 • The Tonica News • 5

Community

Photo contributed

Lostant students receive award Ethan Phillips and Jacob Wiesbrock, both eighth-grade Lostant School students, received the John Ourth Award at a recognition breakfast held at Streator High School on Thursday, Feb. 18th. Lostant Superintendent Sandra Malahy announced at the award ceremony that both students were chosen for the award based on their high academic record, extracurricular activities and leadership qualities since kindergarten.

Blood drive planned for March 7 in Tonica

TONICA — An American Red Cross blood drive will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 7, at the United Methodist Church, 423 Wauponis St., Tonica.

To make an appointment, call 800-RED CROSS, visit redcrossblood.org or download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification, are required at checkin. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

‘New to Medicare’ program on March 9 OTTAWA — The Bridges Senior Center will host a “New to Medicare” program at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 9.

This program is designed for those who will be “ New to Medicare” or anyone else who would like to learn more about Medicare. It will help participants understand what Medicare is and what it covers. The different parts of Medicare will be discussed, as well as how Medicare works with other insurance, what you need to do before and after you start Medicare and much more.

The program is free.

To reserve a spot, call the Bridges Senior Center at 815-431-8034 by Monday, March 7.

St. Patrick’s lunch at Bridges Senior Center OTTAWA — A corned beef and cabbage lunch will be served at noon Thursday, March 17, at the Bridges Senior Center, 221 E. Etna Road, Ottawa.

Lunch, provided by Voluntary Action Center for a $3.50 donation, will be followed by a presentation from the Sandwich Rehabilitation and Health Care Center on safety in the home, and just for fun, an inside “Snowball Fight.”

RSVP by Monday, March 14, by calling 815-4318034.

‘Shop for SIDS Awareness’

• DUI/Criminal Defense • Estate Planning/ Administration • Family Law

Sleep Sack donation to IVCH The Aden Lamps Foundation followed up its donation of 500 sleep sacks to Illinois Valley Community Hospital in 2015 with a gift of 500 more of the potentially life-saving garments in 2016. The sacks aid in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and are given to the mothers of all newborns at IVCH. The 500 sacks given to IVCH have a collective value of more than $10,000. Foundation representative Ashley Lamps (second from left) is the mother of Aden Lamps, a SIDS victim in 2013. Also pictured are IVCH OB nurse Stacy Green (from left), OB unit nurse manager Angela O’Bryant and OB nurse Andrea Ahlstrom.

LASALLE — “Shop for SIDS Awareness,” in support of the Aden Lamps Foundation, will be Sunday, April 17, at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course, LaSalle. The event, which will include retail vendors and raffles, as well as handmade crafts, will be from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.AdenLampsFoundation.org or call Tiffany Lamps at 815993-8433.

Covered Bridge Quilters Guild will meet March 3 PRINCETON — The Covered Bridge Quilters Guild will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday March 3, at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main St. in Princeton.

Members are asked to enter through the front door just off of Main Street.

Brian Ellis will present the James Audubon Program.

All members are asked to bring a guest. Guests are welcome for a canned good for the food pantry.

There will be no workshop this month.

For membership information, call Nancy Otto at 815-224-2563.

LegaL Service • Bankruptcy

Photo contributed

Donald Knuckey Jr., Attorney at Law 404 Edward St., Henry IL 309-825-9485

Photo contributed

Plaque given Oglesby Police Department Shop With A Cop representatives Michael Margis and James Mandujano, along with Oglesby Police Commissioner Tom Porter, presented Illini State Bank with a plaque to thank them for their continued support to the program. This year Illini State Bank was able to donate $1,001.82, thanks to their Polos for Presents program. Representing the bank is vice president Dan Gregorich.

Send news and press releases to news@ tonicanews. com

NOTICE HOPE TOWNSHIP 13 ton weight limits are in effect on all Township roads until further notice.

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6 Life/Classifieds

6 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 26, 2016

Menus and Activities Tonica Grade School Breakfast Feb. 29 — Toaster pastry or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

March 1 — Mini pancake and syrup or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

March 2 — Dr. Seuss green eggs and ham (scrambled eggs, ham slice and English muffin) or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

March 3 — Muffin or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

March 4 — Glazed doughnut or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.

Lunch Feb. 29 — Chili crispitos, refried beans, shredded lettuce, fruit, milk.

March 1 — Grilled or breaded chicken patty on bun, french fries, fruit, milk.

March 2 — No lunch, early dismissal.

March 3 — Philly steak on sub bun, Mozzarella cheese cup, onions rings, fruit and veggie bar, milk.

March 4 — Grilled cheese, tomato soup, crackers, green beans, carrots, banana, milk.

Activities March 1 — 4 p.m., Scholastic Bowl at home with Flanagan.

March 2 — 11:45 a.m., dismissal.

March 3 — 4 p.m., Scholastic Bowl at Milton Pope.

March 5 — Volleyball regionals at Flanagan, TBA.

Lostant Grade School Breakfast Feb. 29 — Cinnamon bun, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

March 1 — French toast and syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

March 2 — Sausage, egg and cheese on toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

March 3 — Blueberry bagel and cream cheese, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

March 4 — Ham and cheese omelet, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice.

Lunch Feb. 29 — Sloppy joe on bun, chips, carrots, pears, milk.

March 1 — Pork chop, buttered noodles, bread, peas, sidekick, milk.

March 2 — Nachos and cheese, peas and carrots, pears, milk.

March 3 — Tortellini in meat sauce, broccoli, bread, peaches, milk.

March 4 — Cheese pizza, green beans, applesauce, milk.

Bridges Senior Center Feb. 29 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards.

March 1 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. March 2 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., beginner computer class.

March 3 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards.

March 4 — 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 815-431-8034.

Putnam County Community Center Feb. 29 — Ravioli in broth, grilled cheese, peas/carrots, apple, cookie.

March 1 — Barbecue on bun, coleslaw and baked beans, chips and dip, dessert, yogurt with strawberries.

March 2 — Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, oranges.

March 3 — Beef and noodles, tossed salad with toppings, roll, peas, sliced pears, dessert.

March 4 — Egg salad sandwich with lettuce, fried potatoes, mixed vegetables, apple crisp.

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.

‘Meals for a Healthy Heart’ programs in Henry HENRY — Locally, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death, higher than the state average.

Nationwide, more than 81 million Americans, 37 percent of the population, have heart disease.

Susan Glassman, University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator, will present “Meals for a Healthy Heart,” a series of two educational sessions for people trying to prevent or manage heart disease. Participants will learn how to choose low-fat foods, reduce sodium, make healthier choices when eating out, read food labels and prepare for doctor’s visits, and enjoy watching food demonstrations of easy to prepare recipes that will be tasted in class.

The classes will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 10, and Tuesday, March 15, at the Henry Presbyterian Church, 511 Wirt St. in Henry. Advance registration is required by calling the Extension office at 815-2240889 or by registering online at https://web. extension.illinois.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=13921. Registration and payment are due by Monday, March 7. There is a $20 fee, per person, to cover materials and supplies for both sessions.

For more information, call Susan Glassman at 815-224-0889 or visit web.extension.illinois. edu/blmp.

River Valley Players will present ‘Something’s Afoot’ in April HENRY — River Valley Players will present “Something’s Afoot” on April 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at St. John’s Community Center in Henry.

This murder mystery musical is a “zany sendup to the classic whodunits.” Ten strangers stranded in an isolated English mansion during a raging storm find themselves in peril when one by one, each is picked off by cleverly fiendish devices. As the survivors attempt to gather clues to identify the perpetrator, they find themselves in precarious and somewhat hilarious situations making them realize that something is indeed “afoot.”

Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, March 16. Tickets may be purchased online at www. rvphenry.org; by calling the new box office number at 309-238-7878 (leave a message with your ticket needs and your call will be returned in the evening); or in person at The Meeting Place on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Mailing list patrons may reserve tickets one week earlier (March 9) by calling the box office.

Saturday and Sunday tickets are $30, offering a dinner theatre package catered by The Meeting Place. The meal will offer the same menu enjoyed at River Valley Players’ previous dinner theatre shows. Featuring a lavish salad bar, main course entrees of baked ham, chicken breast with sage butter sauce, green beans with bacon and onions, potatoes au gratin, honey buttered carrots and dessert (apple turnover with caramel glaze and sea salt), coffee and ice tea, in addition to three beverage options.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. on April 16 and 23, with the meal served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the show. Doors will open at noon on April 17 and 24, with the meal served at 12:30 p.m., followed by the show. Tickets for March 22 are $17 for the show only. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the performance at 7:30 p.m. A variety of home-baked desserts will be available for purchase prior to the performance and during intermission.

IVADA meets PERU — The Illinois Valley Activity Director’s Association met Feb. 8 at Liberty Restaurant in Peru. President Jackie Latsch, LaSalle County Nursing Home, opened the business meeting while Brandi Glover, Liberty Village, Peru, read the minutes from previous meeting. Treasurer Jolene Kulpa, Aperion Care, Spring Valley, gave a report and discussed bi-laws and Don Summers, Liberty Village, Peru, gave the education report.

Chris Thompson, Greenfield, Princeton, brought in activity resources to share with the

group. Don Summers addressed members about the laws on electronic monitoring in nursing homes.

Members networked about Mardi Gras, Valentines, coupon clipping, favorite fashions and devotionals.

It was announced that Illinois Activity Professionals Association will host a six-hour seminar on April 13 at the LaSalle County Nursing Home which is open to all activity directors in the area.

The next meeting will be at noon Monday, March 14, at Liberty Restaurant in Peru.

–––––––––––––––––––– 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

- 700 Real Estate For Sale

232 • Business Opportunities

450 • Under $1000

767 • Mobile Home Sales

********** 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

2 antique beds, 1 hand carved, 1 civil war era. $500/both or best offer.

Call 309-894-4013 or 815-303-2877 71 piece travel emergency kit $15; queen comforter $10; clothes closet $10. Call 815-915-7638 Nordic track exercise bike, like new, programmable $200; (2) white, 36” storm doors, $25 each. 815-875-1266 ************ 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)

**************** 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

No Phone Calls!

Vintage cast brass cannonball andirons, $75; wood bookshelves, $10 each; classical records, $3 each. Call 815-869-3054

DO YOU HAVE A PLACE TO SELL? The Bureau County Republican Classified can help you find the right person to move in.

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 PETITION ) UYEN TRAN PUETZ, ) on behalf of THIEN ) GIA TRAN, a minor ) For change of name ) 16-MR-39 LEGAL NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on the 29th day of March A.D. 2016 I will request the Court to approve my petition in the Chancery division of said court for the change of my name from THIEN GIA TRAN to that of BEN THIEN GIA TRAN pursuant to the statute in such case made and provided.

Dated February 2, 2016 at LaSalle, Illinois. /s/Nicholas Balestri Petitioner by her Attorney Nicholas Balestri Published in the Tonica News Feb. 12, 19 and 26, 2016.

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Notice is hereby given to the legal voters, residents of the Town of Vermillion, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said District will take place on Tuesday March 8, 2016, 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 of the said town 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 19th day of February, 2016.

Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor Tina Busch, Clerk Published in the Tonica News Feb. 26, 2016.

www.tonicanews.com

E-mail items for sale to:

classified@bcrnews.com

Friday, February 26, 2016 • The Tonica News • 7

FREE

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

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8 Save the Date

8 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 26, 2016 A Publication of

Take the cake Traditional or original

By Terri Simon tsimon@bcrnews.com

While traditions come and go with many wedding scenarios, the idea of serving cake to wedding guests has stood the test of time. Whether it’s the typical cake with several tiers, sheet cakes or even decorated cupcakes, chances are guests will be ending the wedding meal with a piece of cake.

According to two area bakers, the actual dessert table hasn’t changed much throughout the years, where cake is the featured dessert for the wedding guests of most newlyweds.

Owner/baker Joy O’Hare of Tiers of Joy at 230 Marquette St. in LaSalle and Stephanie Kayser, bakery manager and cake decorator at Sullivan’s Foods on Princeton’s North Main Street, collectively decorate hundreds, Shaw Media photo/Dave Cook if not thousands, of wedding cakes every year. They’ve seen a variety of brides and grooms choose just as many Joy O’Hare, owner and baker at Tiers of Joy in LaSalle, said the sky is the limit when it comes to wedding cakes. A

Take the Cake Page XX

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9 Save the Date

Friday, February 26, 2016 • The Tonica News • 9

Take the Cake From Page XX wedding desserts to serve to their guests. Each decorator put down their decorating bags for a few minutes to share their most popular wedding goodies, as well as few unique ones that have come across their bakery tables.

O’Hare said the popular flavor at her LaSalle bakery is a vanilla cake with a strawberry mousse filling, followed by a chocolate cake with a chocolate mousse filling. Other more unique flavors follow those two standards like Kahlua cake with a tiramisu filling.

Kayser said a vanilla cake tops the list in her bakery as being the most popular, however, chocolate, red velvet and marble cakes are available. Fillings are varied and include strawberry, lemon, Bavarian, chocolate fudge, and raspberry, which she said is the most popular filling flavor in the Princeton bakery.

While both cake decorators do their share of the traditional tiered wedding cakes, they both said many couples are opting to have a small, tiered cake to cut for the wedding photos, and then the guests are served pieces of sheet cake, decorated to match the small more formal wedding cake. Both Kayser and O’Hare said this makes the cake experience considerably more affordable for brides and grooms.

“These are really budget-friendly, and there’s still plenty of options,” O’Hare said.

“On each (sheet cake) piece, we will put their initials or a rosebud,” said Kayser. “It’s a lot less expensive. So they have their pretty little cake for the cutting, and they are being a little more conservative money-wise.”

O’Hare said cupcakes used to be very popular for her bakery, however, that trend isn’t what it used to be. She said some couples are opting for pie weddings, where they serve pies to guests rather than cake.

Kayser said cupcakes are still popular for Sullivan’s customers. She said it seems as if weddings aren’t nearly as formal as they used to be, and cupcakes serve that less formal venue well.

“But I actually do both — rustic and simple and dressy and elegant,” Kayser said regarding the wedding desserts she creates for each couple.

O’Hare said she really likes to decorate wedding cakes using gum paste flowers — “something kind of elegant and simple with pops of color.”

Shaw Media photo/Dave Cook Kayser said the ever-popular groom’s cake to accompa- Sullivan’s Foods’ Stephanie Kayser, bakery manager and cake decorator, works on a cake in the Princeton bakery.

Take the Cake Page XX

Kayser said many of her customers are opting for a smaller round cake for the couple to cut at their wedding, and then they serve cupcakes to the guests. She said that makes the wedding dessert more affordable for the couple.

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10 Save the Date

10 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 26, 2016

Take the Cake From Page XX

ny the traditional wedding cake isn’t seen very often anymore.

Regardless of what each couple chooses or wants, though, O’Hare and Kayser say they enjoy working with each couple and they like it when the brides and grooms come in with some kind of idea about how they envision their wedding cake to look.

For some couples, tradition gets thrown completely out the window, and both cake creators enjoyed telling of some of their most unusual cakes they’ve decorated for the happy couples.

O’Hare said she did a topsy turvey Harley Davidson cake that she remembers well, and another wedding cake she recalls was a kayaking cake with a stream and trees, adding some couples want their special interests depicted in icing and fondant.

“It’s like a little story sometimes on the

bride and groom. It’s out of the ordinary.

I definitely like the more unique cakes,” O’Hare said.

“I welcome those ideas. I like getting ideas of the style of their weddings. We can definitely design anything for them, but if they have an idea it makes it easier.”

Kayser said a couple of unique wedding cakes also come to mind for her. One was a camouflage cake with hunter orange lilies.

The other cake was for a couple who had been married in Hawaii and were having a large reception in the area when they returned. The woman who was going to bake their cakes broke her ankle, so Kayser had a 24-hour notice to create a threetiered cake, plus five sheet cakes.

“We were able to pull it off. (The bride) was pretty thrilled. She was one of the Shaw Media photo/Dave Cook few who said do what you want — just a Joy O’Hare of Tiers of Joy arranges some displays of wedding cakes upcoming brides tropical-type feel. We did a palm tree and and grooms can choose from to celebrate their special day. hibiscus (flowers). It was fun,” Kayser said.

O’Hare can be reached at 815-228-0631.

Kayser can be reached at 815-875-8998.

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✴Formal or Casual ✴Special Requests Welcomed ✴Wide Range of Menu

Items For Any Budget

For Your Special Day Planning Contact Mary or Mindy Kramer

815-872-2715

421 S. Main St., Princeton, IL

www.kramers-kitchen.com

110 N. Columbia Avenue Oglesby • 815-883-3373

616 Grant Street Granville • 815-339-2400

11 Save the Date

Friday, February 26, 2016 • The Tonica News • 11

Newly-engaged couples urged to have ‘the money talk’ before saying ‘I do’ Tens of thousands of Americans got down on one knee over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to propose to their significant other. According to a recent Facebook study of engaged people on the social media site, even more men and women will agree to wed on Valentine’s Day. While most people spend months if not years planning and purchasing for their big day, far fewer engaged couples spend time talking about their finances with their fiancee. A recent Country Financial Security Index survey found that only 54 percent of those who are engaged are in the know about their partner’s debt.

Two-thirds of Americans who are just dating or single say they were unwilling to date or marry someone who has significant debt.

That’s why Country Financial is encouraging couples to do some talking before saying, “I do.” Doing so could mean the difference between marital bliss, broken hearts and money disputes later on.

“Debt has become a major financial hurdle for many Americans to overcome. The single biggest mistake couples make is they do not sit down together and do any financial planning before

getting married,” said Joe Buhrmann, Country financial manager of Financial Security Field Support. “Once couples start getting serious, they should learn as much as they can about their combined financial situation.

If they need more help, they should reach out to a financial advisor who can get them on the right track. It’s important, not just for their love life, but also for their financial security.”

Developing a plan early on can help prevent future marital problems and conflicts. Having the talks and reaching agreements before walking down the aisle could even save engaged couples money in the long run.

They will have a better idea of where they stand moneywise and what types of insurance coverage they will need and can afford. Taking on these early insights could also get them started on savings for retirement and building their joint financial security before they even tie the knot.

At minimum, couples should develop a basic plan that addresses: • Spending: How much money will you make combined? Will you rent or buy and how much can you afford to spend monthly on

housing? What about food, clothing and utilities? After that, determine how much discretionary spending you each can do.

• Insurance: Consider what coverage you will need and how much you might pay in insurance premiums.

Debt: Ask yourselves how much combined debt you will have. You’re marrying the love of your life, which also includes their outstanding debt and credit score.

• Saving: How much money will you save and how frequently will you save it? What items will you save for? (i.e. a down payment toward a major purchase, vacation, your first child, etc.)

Retirement: Determine how much money would you need to accumulate to live comfortably in your golden years. Will you need to work? What might you get in Social Security benefits?

“Out of all of these topics, insurance is by far the most overlooked part of pre-marriage planning. Younger couples tend to believe they are invincible and have the rest of their lives to save and prepare for retirement,” Buhrmann said. “Couples need to sit with their financial representative and look at their entire financial house, not just their retirement and investments. The

foundation of any solid plan is insurance because it protects the assets you accumulate – your home, vehicles, savings – and your income through disability and life insurance.”

Couples can have differing views on monthly spending and saving, but asking and answering these questions early on and forming a budget can help them keep their spending under control and their financial future on track.

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12 • The Tonica News • Friday, February 26, 2016

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