Issuu

Volume 143 No. 15

Friday, March 17, 2017

Single Copy Cost 50¢

‘My last official meeting as mayor’ Hartenbower bids village board farewell By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — With village officials transitioning to and from positions, there are expected to be a couple of vacancies on the Lostant Village Board. One major shift comes from the mayoral position with current Mayor Fred Hartenbower not seeking re-election. Trustee Jack Immel, instead, is running for the position, which is an expected source for

opening on the board. “As everyone knows, I’m not running again for mayor, so this is my last official meeting as mayor,” Hartenbower said at the meeting Monday night. “I want to thank everyone who’s served on the board with me.” “I’ve got 10 years in as mayor, and I think close to 15 as a trustee,” Hartenbower said, recounting his service to the village, mentioning another six years he served on the school

board. In other business at the meeting, Lostant has an opportunity to replace its current tractor with a newer mower, but allocated funds could hinder the purchase. Leland Decker informed the village board of a Hustler lawnmower which is set to be put up for sale, but which has been offered to the village first. Decker said the village currently uses a tractor with a snowblower and a blade, but the

deck is in bad shape. With the condition of the current tractor, it was suggested this new mower might be a good investment, especially since it has been described as being in good condition and taken care of in a good fashion. “We’re going to have to do something about a lawn mower pretty soon,” Trustee Jack Immel said. “It looks like this came along before we need it, but we know we’re going to need to do something.” Despite the timing, giving the village an open

project, the bid includes plaster and labor, but not paint. “Village supplies paint,” village treasurer Ray Brierley clarified. Brierley has looked into the issue of paint and has determined prices on epoxy paint and has worked on an estimate of how much the village might need for the project. The potential project had previously been discussed, with note the wall is crumbling. “It’s getting in bad shape,” Leland Decker said of the wall.

opportunity to buy a mower before the need arises, the board could not move on the offer at this time. It was discussed the village will consider the option, but it needs to determine how much money is allocated to such purchases. Also, the old brick wall in Lostant’s water plant will be seeing some much-needed maintenance. The village has received a bid of $800 to work on the wall with plastering and painting. While painting is included in the

Cell phone tax $$$ By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — The numbers are still unknown, but plans are already in motion for Lostant’s new cell phone tax money. Money from Lostant’s new cell phone tax is set to be allocated to different projects to benefit the town, once it starts rolling in. “We still have actually no idea what kind of money we’ll be acquiring from the village through the cell phone tax, but whatever we get from that, I’d like to allocate to certain projects,” Trustee Jack Immel said. Normally, new money might find its way into the general fund, but Immel finds this a less than satisfactory option. “I don’t want new taxes going into the general fund because once it’s in the general fund, we never see it again,” he said. The allocations would be set aside in a savings account, rather than checking, where they could be stored up until use. “I don’t think we need an entirely separate checking account,” Immel said. “I just want to have it more of a savings account, so that when we pay stuff off, we can throw it into checking.” One immediate need facing the village, for which Immel suggests the money could be set aside, is the flooding on the east side. Beyond that, there are other situations which could use funding. “Some of our equipment isn’t so great,” Immel said, noting others have expressed the same observation. After the flooding is resolved, equipment could be something the village looks at for which to save these funds. The board agreed to set aside these funds in a new savings account, to be allocated for certain projects. Vol. 143 No. 15 One Section - 8 Pages

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

The wide space and high, vaulted ceilings gives Mark Fitzgerald plenty of room to practice his aerial maneuvers in Lostant’s gymnasium. For the past eight years, remote control pilots have been using the gym during the winter months.

Cleared for take-off Lostant gymnasium provides perfect flying conditions By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — With a sky covered in storm clouds and the wind increasing in strength, it was weather that would ground conventional aircraft. However, there was a small area of Lostant where flying conditions were ideal — the gymnasium of Lostant Elementary. For the past eight years, the Lostant Flyers have gathered in the gym on Mon-

Major Savings & Discounts on EVERYTHING Storewide!

day evenings from November to March, when there’s no activities, in order to stay airborne through the winter. Each pilot makes a $3 donation to the school for their air time. Brian Burcar, owner of Leonore’s Dynamic Balsa, said in the past, the school has used the profits from the flights to purchase things such as cheerleading uniforms. Dynamic Balsa, a small business for all things remote control, also happens to be

3 DAY SALE! • MARCH 16-18

PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. 815-882-2111 • 815-875-2540

404 W. Main, McNabb • grassersplumbingheating.com

• Refrigerators • Washers & Dryers • Ranges • Microwaves • Built-In Ovens • Cooktops

• Dishwashers • Furnaces • Air Conditioners • Water Heaters • Water Softeners • Fireplaces

• Geothermal • Generators • Plumbing • Bathtubs • Toilets • Sinks & Faucets

one of the best in the state for hobbyists. “I get asked all the time how we stay in business in such a small town, but most of our customers travel from throughout the state and even from the other states in our region to visit us,” Burcar said. Members of several clubs have regularly taken advantage of the access to Lostant’s gym, including the Streator Flyers, Deer Park RC and the IVRC Flyers, but novices

Flyers Page 2

COUPON

$100 OFF $999 OR LESS OR $150 OFF $1000 OR MORE

COUPON

0% INTEREST FOR OR 3 YEARS

Coupon required. Not good w/other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. Only Valid 3/16/17 thru 3/18/17

2 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 17, 2017

Seeking Sources Where in the world is The Tonica News? Are you planning a vacation or holiday trip? Don’t forget to take along a copy of the The Tonica News. Once you get to your destination, have someone snap a photo of you holding the newspaper, and then send the photo to us along with pertinent information about who is in the photo and where you are. We’ll be happy to share your photo with other Tonica News readers, your friends, family and neighbors. Email your photo and information to news@tonicanews.com. You can also drop it by our office in Tonica.

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

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

Email to:

news@tonicanews.com. Photos should be sent as an attachment. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356

Flyers From Page 1

are also welcome. “It can be an inexpensive hobby to get started; $125$150 can get you everything you need,” Burcar said as he pointed to the small red and white plane gliding smoothly through air. Along with the purchase of a plane, hobbyists will also need a controller, and while Burcar assured they were easy to fly, he also said a computer simulator is a good training method for beginners. “You plug your controller, the one you’ll be flying with, into the simulator, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be taking off and landing in no time, it’s really not that hard,” Burcar said. Burcar said the group is very appreciative to Lostant Elementary for the airspace and that indoor flying venues have become increasingly difficult to find. Those that do offer their space tend to charge amounts which are discouraging to small groups. While he said they typically have around 10 pilots during the evening flights, the poor weather kept all but three home on March 6. Along with Burcar, Lowell Beenenga of Tonica and Mark Fitzgerald of Mendota all took turns piloting their aircraft through the gym. Fitzgerald even attempted something similar to an aircraft carrier landing by touching down on the empty stage and then taking to the air again. All three have been enjoying the RC hobby for decades and each owns many planes of different sizes and styles. Fitzgerald said one of the biggest changes throughout the years has been in the electronics and controllers. “I like to fly simpler controllers, but you can do almost anything anymore with some of the more advanced ones, you can program your plane to do exactly what you want. When I started, there was a tendency for a lot of interference from other signals, and the controls weren’t precise compared to what they’re like today,” Fitzgerald said. The veteran flyers also appreciate the younger pilots who have been attracted to the hobby. “There’s a young pilot who flies here sometimes, we both speak airplanes and understand each other, but it’s like it’s a different language sometimes,” Fitzgerald said. He said he attempts to fly as though it were a real plane, landing, flying and taking off as smoothly and properly as possible. His young friend, however, uses his flight-time to push the envelope and test the capabilities of his plane. “I think he respects how I fly and what I’m trying to do, and I certainly respect his skill and enjoy seeing what he can make it do,” Fitzgerald said. The final flights of the Lostant season will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 20. For more information on the Lostant Flyers or RC airplanes call Dynamic Balsa at 815-856-2272 or visit www.dbalsa.com.

Tonica News photos/Dave Cook

Above, Brian Burcar (from left), owner of Leonore’s Dynamic Balsa, joins fellow enthusiasts Lowell Beenenga of Tonica and Mark Fitzgerald of Mendota in the Lostant School gymnasium to keep their remote control piloting skills sharp during the winter. Below, Mark Fitzgerald’s Piper Cub flew gracefully through the gym before touching down with a soft, level landing. Pilots donate $3, which the school uses for various supplies, to use the gym. Whether experienced or a novice, all remote control pilots are welcome to fly with the Lostant Flyers.

Hennepin steel mill sold

ISP announces Roadside Safety Check results

By Dave Cook

news@putnamcountyrecord.com

LASALLE — Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the results of a Roadside Safety Check (RSC) held in LaSalle County from late night Friday, Feb. 17, to early morning of Saturday, Feb. 18. The RSC was conducted at Route 6 and Route 178 by District 17 officers. During the detail, two arrests were made for DUI offenses and five citations were given for other alcohol/ drug violations. There were two citations written for occupant restraint offenses and three warnings given for registration offenses. Officers also gave one warning for a driver’s license

HENNEPIN — The long dormant steel mill in Hennepin has a new owner, Hennepin Industrial Development LLC. IPS Steel LLC, who bought the property in 2014, sold it for the sum of $5 million on March 2, according to mortgage documents obtained by The Putnam County Record. IPS is listed in the documents as the lender. They name William Marino as the manager of the Hennepin Industrial Development LLC. Its address is listed as 4117 N. Lowell Ave. in Chicago, a single-family home. The documents also list Chicago real estate attorney John R. Joyce of the law firm Roetzel and Andress. Joyce could not be reached for comment.

Smile! Spring is just around the corner.

offense. District 17 officers issued a total of 14 citations and six warnings during this detail. Alcohol and drug impairment is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, and through the U.S. Nearly 10,000 people die each year due to alcohol-impaired driving. RSCs are designed to keep roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

NOW OPEN!

Town and Country Services

$20 OFF Any Service Call Coupon required. One coupon per person. Not valid with other offers. Expires5-31-2017 Town and Country Services

$100 OFF

Furnace & Air Conditioner Install Plumbing

Heating

Electrical

Princeton: (815) (8 872-2200 • Tonica: (815) 442-3415 towncountryservices.com

SM-PR495252-0331

NEW NUMBER!

815-993-9047 SM-PR2652072-0325

Coupon required. One coupon per person. Not valid with other offers. Expires 5-31-2017

avantitoolsinc@yahoo.com

210 N. COLUMBIA AVE. (RT. 351) OGLESBY, IL

Friday, March 17, 2017 â€˘ The Tonica News â€˘ 3

Tonica Volunteer Fire Department firefighters complet- an outside storage unit or March activity edSixSCBA training covering adding-on a small room to donning and doffing the the fire station. report Chief Stremlau attended units, search techniques,

Photo contributed

lllinois Valley SHRM, a local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, recently elected its Board of Directors for the 2017-2018 term. In the front row from left are Rob Lentz, Glenna Jones, Patricia Walters, and Kimberly Oâ€™Connor. In the back row from left are Heather Hammitt, Jen Wier-Buck, Sarah Krisch, and Jenna Wier. Absent was Minerva Andriotis.

Illinois Valley SHRM elects board of directors PERU â€” Illinois Valley SHRM, a local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, recently elected its board of directors for the 2017-18 term. Serving as president will be Jen WierBuck, HR business partner at PetSmart. Other board members include: Sarah Krisch, HR manager at Allegion, as past president; Rob Lentz, HR manager at Walmart Distribution Center, as certification chair; Heather Hammitt, executive vice president/head of HR and corporate communications at Centrue Bank, as membership director; Jenna Wier, project manager at NAF Axles, as social media director; Patricia Walters, commercial and residential broker at Coldwell Banker Todayâ€™s Realtor, as workforce readiness director; Kimberly Oâ€™Connor, account manager of Innovative Staff Solutions, as secretary/ president-elect; Minerva Andriotis, HR manager at Ace Hardware, as treasurer; and Glenna Jones, director of HR at

Illinois Valley Community College, as member-at-large. The group, which is comprised of approximately 40 local human resources professionals, meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Illinois Valley Community College at 11:30 a.m. for a networking lunch followed by a speaker who addresses current topics and trends in the human resources industry. Sessions are typically pre-approved to count toward professional recertification hours for certified members. Annual membership dues are $25, and monthly luncheons are $10. The chapter, which represents LaSalle, Bureau and Marshall counties, welcomes human resources professionals from all industries, experience levels and backgrounds. Interested professionals may attend a chapter meeting as a guest for the $10 fee. For more information about membership, visit the groupâ€™s website at ivshrm.shrm.org.

TRI-COUNTY AUTO SALES 2015 Dodge Challenger $19,995 2012 Ford Escape 4x4

Loaded

2013 Dodge Journey

$9,995

$6,995

For Plumbing & Heating

James R. Roe, 34, of Marseilles was charged with the Class 4 felony of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (soboxone) after being arrested by TriDENT and LaSalle County Sheriff at 5:02 a.m. March 7. The teams executed a search warrant at 671 Second Ave. in Marseilles following an investigation into illegal narcotic activity. During the entry to the residence, LaSalle County TRT located Roe and another person, who was later released. During the search, Tri-DENT agents located less than one gram of an unlawfully

acquired substance containing soboxone and drug paraphernalia associated with the use of heroin.

LaSalle County Sheriff At 4:31 a.m. on March 10, deputies investigated a disabled vehicle parked on the roadway on Meridian Road near Route 18 in Hope Township. Robert F. Bernard, 50, of LaSalle was arrested on charges of DUI and improper lane usage. He was released on a notice to appear. At 5:50 p.m. on March 13, deputies cited Amy M. Dodge, 40, of Streator with speeding 80 mph in a 55 mph zone while traveling on Route 18 in Eagle Township.

Tonica, IL

$5,995

SM-PR495257-0317

Countyâ€™s 1st Stop

Tri-DENT arrests Marseilles man

2009 Ford Flex

$4,995

a Tonica village meeting and presented the annual TVFD activity report. He requested they update the village ordinance pertaining to the maximum allowable billing the fire department can charge for service. The current rates are significantly lower than other area emergency service providers. Chief Stremlau has stressed the need for new, younger members who want to be active firefighters and EMTs. People interested can call the station at 815-442-3527 and leave a message. A department representative will contact them and provide information pertaining to what it takes to be an active member. The chief also presented a detailed proposal to pay volunteers who respond to emergency calls. Tonica is one of the few departments who still doesnâ€™t pay volunteers for responding. Tom Goskusky completed maintenance projects at the station. The upcoming TVFD fundraiser will be held June 10.

Police reports

$6,995

2011 Chevy Cruze

communications and the obstacle course. The annual servicing of the SCBA tank refilling unit and its air quality testing has been completed by SCBAS Company and Bill Gray, with no problems found. EMS training covering mass casualty triage incidents (MCI) and the use of MCI tags was attended by six EMTs. Chief Stremlau has acknowledged the many donations which have been received this past month and said theyâ€™re what helps keep Tonica a non-property taxing fire and medical emergency service provider. Significant monetary donations were received from Tom and Cheryl Thompson, Hickory Grove Corp. and Dauber Co. Sixty-five donations of $100 or more were received. The annual Tier-2 reports were received from Northern Partners COOP and River Stone Quarry. A discussion was held pertaining to obtaining

Hurst Funeral Home

339-6165

Rt. #71 â€˘ Standard, IL

2015 Ford Fiesta

TONICA â€” The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department handled 14 emergency calls during February. There was one auto aid to Oglesby for a structure fire, one field fire, one mutual aid rescue call to Oglesby, nine ambulance calls, one storm spotter activation and one good intent call. Through Feb. 28 there have been 25 emergency calls this year. Thirty-one members have completed either the initial eight hours of hazardous materials awareness training or the four hour hazardous materials refresher training. These were in accordance with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training, and the Illinois Fire Service Institute standards Six members participated in a squad training covering a station, truck and equipment review. Department training covering blood borne pathogens was attended by 27 members plus one applicant.

SM-PR494638-1230

223-0380

Demand the Best

Stay Comfortable at Home!

Tell Your Physician You Want Only at Liberty Village

Replace that old unit with an energy efďŹ cient Carrier furnace!

PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.

404 W. Main St., McNabb, IL www.grassersplumbingheating.com

LS-331453

815-882-2111 815-875-2540

SM-PR2652039-0318

FREE ESTIMATES!

State-of-the-Art Therapy Equipment Medicare, Medicare Replacement, Private Insurance Suites with Private Bath/Shower

Not-For-ProďŹ t -Providers

4 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 17, 2017

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

Pain free

I recently was listening to a broadcast about a little girl who had the inability to feel pain. My first impression was that it would be wonderful to be free from the burden of being hurt, but as the story continued, Lori Boekeloo it described the COMMENTARY fact this little girl would touch hot things and burn herself. She would break bones without realizing it. She chewed on the inside of her cheeks until she had huge sores. She suffered all the physical trauma but was unaware she was doing it. Her parents had to be on a vigil 24/7/365 because she simply did not know what things were dangerous and could lead to fatal mistakes. She was bandaged and scarred. On the flip side of this ailment, without a sense of touch, she also couldn’t feel the softness of rabbit fur or the pleasure of her mother’s kiss. She didn’t feel the deep pile of carpet beneath her feet or the warm saltiness of the ocean on the beach. She couldn’t feel a whisper of wind on her cheek as the warm sun beat down on her face. She missed out on the good feelings too. In looking back over my life, I realized that many times I had gotten to the point where I wouldn’t allow myself to feel the pain anymore. I put up walls. Blocked myself out emotionally from those who would hurt me, physically, mentally and emotionally. I was still getting hurt and engaging in hurtful behaviors, I just didn’t realize the consequences — even though I still suffered them on some level. In doing so, I also missed out on love. I skipped over affection in search of safety. I toughened my skin, my heart and my mind until nothing could penetrate; but being bulletproof also meant loneliness. Being impenetrable was impossible, but I thought I was protected. Once God entered my life, and offered me His full body armor, I realized I didn’t need my own anymore. He provided me with all of the protection I needed. Slowly, I began to feel again. It’s not to say I don’t still experience pain, but when I do, God is right there with a Band-Aid, the Bactine and a magic kiss that makes all the pain go away. The beauty of this situation is that now I am flooded generously with laughter and smiles and warm, fuzzy feelings, so even the worst of boo-boos don’t seem to hurt as much. Lori Boekeloo of Hennepin is a mother of three. She can be reached at lorianne67@hotmail.com, or friend her on Facebook for more humor and inspiration on a daily basis.

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

NCAA madness abounds in March I always get excited trying to show off my college basketball knowledge by trying to predict which of the 68 men’s teams entering the NCAA tournament will eventually win the title each year. It is fun trying to predict upsets because every year, lower-seeded teams beat higher-seeded teams. Upsets like the 15th seed beating the second seed, 14th seed beating the third seed, 13th seed beating the fourth seed, 12th seed beating the fifth seed or 11th seed beating the sixth seed always happen every tournament. I can remember watching a game on TV and trying to see the scores from other games across the country to see how well my predictions were holding up. Those days were before the Internet when a person could see scores much quicker on their computers or nowadays smart phones. Today, the four networks broadcasting first and second round games March 16-19 are CBS, TNT, TruTV or TBS. TBS and CBS are broadcasting

Lyle Ganther COMMENTARY

Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight March 23-26. CBS gets to broadcast Final Four games on April 1 and the national championship game on April 3. There are numerous office pools across the country where people wager some money trying to show they are the smartest in their place of employment. Different methods are chosen from studying which teams are playing their best entering the tournament, versus more unconventional methods of choosing which team’s uniform colors or design the picker likes over another. Some just choose the higher ranking no matter what, although that method doesn’t take into account the many upsets that make the tournament a highlight of many basketball fans’ month.

Vegas casinos reportedly earn millions of dollars each spring from hundreds of college basketball fans making an annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the NCAA Tournament. Some fans are content to win their local office pools, but the real gamblers head to Sin City to throw down action on individual games as well. The NCAA tournament reportedly ranks second to only the Super Bowl in terms of betting and seems to be gaining ground in recent years. Bracket pools alone see Americans risk billions of dollars annually. Bracket pools consist of a group of friends, co-workers, family or strangers each submitting a bracket with an entry fee of as little as $1 or higher. These pools have a point system where the entrant gains points for successfully picking who will advance, with the later rounds being worth more than the early ones. Let the March Madness begin. Tonica New Staff Writer Lyle Ganther can be reached at lganther@bcrnews.com.

We need a new major political party Talking politics over coffee with a former student this past week, the two of us came up with the same thought: We need a new major political party. Dauntingly difficult, but not impossible. The Democratic Party is adrift, at best. Its base of African-Americans, government unions and a thin sliver of intellectual liberals doesn’t add up to enough to win national elections. On the other side, there hasn’t been a place in the GOP for old Eisenhower Republicans like me, who believe in public works, public education and public universities, for many years. The free-trading, budget-balancing Establishment GOPers have been thrown over by small government Tea Partiers, and all is now confounded by the big spending, big debt populism of President Trump. Who knows where lies the heart of the party, or if it has a heart? National political parties have, of course, prospered while bridging gaping fissures. From the 1920-60s, both segregationist and liberal wings of the Democratic Party co-existed, if uncomfortably. Our winner-take-all election system (which I would keep) makes it almost impossible for a minor party to become a major factor. Why throw one’s vote away to the Greens, say, when there is no chance of winning any piece of the action, as there is in proportional representation schemes? As readers know, in our history there has been one major party collapse, and its replacement by a new party. The Whigs dissolved by 1854 over internal dissension, especially over the rising anti-slavery movement. The nascent Republican Party, largely sprung from

Jim Nowlan COMMENTARY

Illinois and Wisconsin, replaced it in remarkably short order. With our political parties in disarray, might now be the time for a partisan upheaval? The present major party squabbles have largely been fought along small government versus big government lines, a surface issue that completely misses our bigger problems. And big government is here to stay, like it or not. Social Security, health care (where costs will only increase) and the military (where Republicans want to spend more to cope in a volatile world) make up most of the national budget. Based on observations from my perch in lily-white, rural central Illinois, the much bigger and fundamental problem is that the underbelly of our society is becoming jiggly soft. Too many white males are giving up on work, taking refuge in disability insurance. Single mothers as well as families with his-hers-and-theirs children are often so stressed trying to make it that, maybe out of ignorance or guilt, they fail to set high expectations for their children and then hold them to it. As a result, school achievement in the U.S. is mediocre at best, while China and India have many more honors students among their huge population than we have just-plain students. We are sleep-walking through our own decline. We need a new party that would

challenge us all, as John F. Kennedy did, by asking what we can do for our country, rather than the obverse. Some of my friends think it’s too late for a civic and moral revival along the lines of the religious Great Awakening of the early 1800s. Let’s believe otherwise. I muse about a new party that would challenge all of us, from poor to rich, to focus on the obligations of citizenship. After all, we have unparalleled freedoms and opportunities here, and each citizen has responsibilities to keep them in force. I dream of an “Accountable Party” (terrible name but great acronym—AP) that would ask us all to pitch in. For example, the poor on government benefits would be required to “volunteer” in their communities. At the other end of the economic spectrum, the nouveau niche would be challenged to embrace the sense of noblesse oblige shown by patricians among us in earlier decades. Instead of building luxury bunkers to protect against Apocalypse, the tech billionaires should be stimulated to work with the young, always up for inspiration, to create a new political party. The new party would exhort us to be better, more fit citizens, rather than simply to fight over who gets what, as we do today. Gad, this is quixotic. But necessary. What do you think? Jim Nowlan of Toulon served two terms in the Illinois House and worked under three governors. He co-wrote “Fixing Illinois: Politics and Policy in the Prairie State.” Contact Nowlan at jnowlan3@ gmail.com.

First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States, 1789

Friday, March 17, 2017 • The Tonica News • 5

Community

Photo contributed

Tonica students take part in science fair

Tonica Grade School held its seventh- and eighth-grade science fair on Feb. 24. Advancing to the regional finals are (front row, from left) Savanna Rietgraf, Sarah Kruswicki, Augie Wiesbrock and Isabella Lambert; and (back row) Cassidy Anderson, Levi Hallock, Lostant Grade School kindergartner Laci Lemke, fifth-grader Lola Johnson-Rockey and Jacob Marcinkus, Gabriel Limberg and Easton Koudelka. Absent from the photo was sixth-grader Dylan Busch were named Students of the Month for February for their out- Brooke Schiffbauer. standing effort, respect and responsibilities during the month. They will be treated to a special lunch from Dave’s Lost Ant.

February Students of the Month announced

Meet the Candidates forum March 22

OGLESBY — Candidates for election to the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees will participate in a forum at noon Wednesday, March 22, in CTC124 of the Peter Miller Community Technology Center.

The four candidates seeking three open seats in the April 4 election are incumbent David Mallery of Hennepin, Jay McCracken of Hennepin, Angela Stevenson of Ottawa and Francis “Frank” Zeller of Peru.

The public is welcome to attend the event sponsored by IVCC’s Student Government Association, IV Leader, College Democrats and Women’s History Month. For information, contact Mike Phillips at 815-224-0394.

Items for the community sections can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com.

Photo contributed

Braves of the Month recognized Tonica Grade School first-grader McKenzie Sherman (from left), fifth-grader Jasmine Baltazar and sixth-grader Lila Senica were named Braves of the Month during the school’s monthly assembly on March 1.

Pie and bake sale planned LOSTANT — The Lostant-Richland United Methodist Women will sponsor a

pie and bake sale from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 25, at the Illini State Bank in Los-

tant. Pies are being emphasized. Other baked goods will be available also.

LEONORE VOLUNTEER Friday, April 7th FIRE DEPT. Doors open: 6PM

SM-PR2652086-0407

SMOKER

Euchre Tournament: 7PM • $5 Entry

Non-tax supported district Keep your vehicle new

With the Keeper®,if the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of a new vehicle, same make and model, we will replace your vehicle with a new one. Talk to your COUNTRY Financial representative about protecting what’s important to you. Matthew Hostetter Granville 815-339-6136 matt.hostetter@ countryfinancial.com SM-PR495280-0331

Issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL

012014-00282AC

6 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 17, 2017

Menus Lostant Grade School

Polar Plunge raises more than $43,000 for Special Olympics MENDOTA — On Saturday, Feb. 25, a Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics was held at Lake Mendota and the Mendota Convention Center. One hundred sixty-three plungers went into Lake Mendota with a temperature of about 37 degrees (it was about 26 degrees outside minus wind chill). Some dressed in bikinis, despite the cold; others dressed up as Super Heroes, penguins, lobsters, crabs, sharks and frozen chickens. To participate in the Plunge, plungers had to raise at least $100 per person. Many – such as LaSalle-Peru High School – raised more. LPHS won the “Gold” for the top funds generated of about $12,000. Winning Silver, MTM Frozen Chickens, raised more than $2,000; Bronze went to The Frozen Ladies who raised almost $2,000. All tallied, this event – the second largest fundraiser for Area 16/Starved Rock – raised $43,566.42. The monies generated from this event and the annual auction (Area 16’s largest fundraising event) goes to support the Special Olympic athletes

Breakfast March 20 — Cheese omelet, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. March 21 — Waffle and syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. March 22 — French toast and syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. March 23 — Danish, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. March 24 — Bagel, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Lunch March 20 — Cheese ravioli in meat sauce, green beans, peaches, bread, milk. March 21 — Barbecue pulled pork on bun, french fries, mandarin oranges, milk. March 22 — Chicken quesadilla, carrots, apricots, milk. March 23 — Grilled ham and cheese, vegetable soup, clementines, milk. March 24 — Sloppy nachos, mixed vegetables, applesauce, milk.

Tonica Grade School Photo contributed

Participants in the Polar Plunge at Lake Mendota brave the bitterly cold water temperature to earn money for the Special Olympics. through lodging, equipment, lunches, facility use, T-shirts, awards and much more. Area 16 encompasses Henry, Stark, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, LaSalle and Grundy counties. Congratulations goes to Area 16 and Allison Nichols, area director, for all the hard work and coordination of such a large event.

Congratulations to those who raised funds, supported and volunteered at the Polar Plunge. Huge thanks goes to Mendota Plunge Sponsors: Law Enforcement Torch Run, Geico, city of Mendota, Mendota Fire Department, Mendota Police Department, Lou’s LaGrotto, Coca-Cola, Travel Con-

nections, 99.3 WAJK and 96.5 WOLF and Pirate’s Cay Indoor Water Park. To learn more about Special Olympics Illinois Area 16/Starved Rock, visit https://www.soill.org/?s— area+16. To learn more about the Polar Plunge or to donate to a plunge, visit https://www.soill.org/ polar-plunge/.

‘Civically Speaking’

Putnam County Community Center

Terry Lynch entertains adult audiences with America’s own history LASALLE — The LaSalle Public Library will host Terry Lynch in an entertaining and memorable look at “civics” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 21. You may have to consult your “way back machine” to recall that term. Simply put, civics is an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and the role of

every citizen to be informed, and to make thoughtful decisions. Staying informed today forces us to consider if civics can be civil. In this upbeat and amusing program, Lynch provides a thoughtful and informative presentation about our role as citizens. Original and engaging, this program takes the high

road as we traverse the landscape of free speech, passionate views, and conflicting ideas. This program is free and open to public. The LaSalle Public Library is located at 305 Marquette in LaSalle and is ADA compliant. For more information, call the library at 815223-2341.

–––––––– 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

PROMOTE YOUR JOB OPENINGS HERE! Call 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-piece dresser set, one with mirror, $100; Lane cedar chest, $150, firm; dog pen/cage, $25. Call 815-224-2931 Beige, leather recliner chair. Perfect condition! $200. Call 815-872-1521 Dietzgen drafting set, #1057KC, drafting board, triangles & curves, templates, & many extras, $35. 815-991-8066 GE 6,300 BTU air conditioner $40; Beatles rock band Xbox 360 game, $30; entertainment center, $25. 815-699-2614 HB cabinets $500; 2-6 panel oak doors $50; 20'x20' black carpet $50. Call 815-866-3153 Medium size pet carrier, $12; Resse ball hitch, $10; basketball hoop with net $10. 815-878-5851 or 815-539-7296. Red scooter, $200, (needs battery); lift chair, $350; washer/dryer (gas) $350. Call 309-364-2442 Rubber truck bed mat for Silverado, 8 foot bed. $50. Call 815-875-3538

WANTING TO SELL YOUR CAR? Call 815-875-4461

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

Breakfast March 20 — Bagel and cream cheese or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 21 — Pancake and sausage on a stick and syrup or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 22 — Cheese omelet or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 23 — Sausage, egg and cheese tortilla or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. March 24 — Cinnamon rolls or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch March 20 — TGS lunchable — ham or turkey, cheese, crackers, fruit, carrots, graham cookie, milk. March 21 — Corn dog, green beans, fruit side kick, milk. March 22 — Chicken nuggets, corn, fruit, gelatin, Cool Whip, milk. March 23 — Tacos (taco meat, shredded cheese, tortilla shell, refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, salsa), fresh fruit, milk. March 24 — Personal pan pizza, Romaine lettuce, salad dressings, fruit, milk.

March 20 — Ravioli with broth, grilled cheese, stewed tomatoes, apricot halves, salad with tomato, cucumbers and carrots. March 21 — Grilled burgers, baked beans, potato salad, banana, dessert. March 22 — Sub sandwich with lettuce and tomato, chicken noodle soup, celery sticks, fruit cocktail. March 23 — Chicken salad on bun, peas, macaroni salad, fruit cocktail, dessert. March 24 — Beef stroganoff with rotini noodles, steamed spinach, fresh cabbage, orange, fruit juice.

999 • Legal Notices

IN THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY Estate of ) PHILIP S. ) CAUCHARD, ) Deceased. ) NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS No. 2017-P-33 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of PHILIP S. CAUCHARD. Letters of office as Independent Executor

were issued on February 15, 2017 to THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OTTAWA, ILLINOIS, 701 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350 and whose attorney is M.G. GULO & ASSOCIATES, LTD., 123 S. Monroe Street, Streator, Illinois 61364. The estate will be administered without Court supervision, unless under Section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, Par. 5/284) any interested person

terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, on or before September 8, 2017, or if mailing or delivery of notice from the representative is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice.

Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of any claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the estate representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed with the Clerk. Dated this 3rd day of March, 2017. Greg Vaccaro, Clerk of the Circuit Court 13th Judicial Circuit, LaSalle County, Illinois Published in the Tonica News Mar. 3, 10 and 17, 2017.

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

Friday, March 17, 2017 • The Tonica News • 7 999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

STATE OF ILLINOIS CIRCUIT COURT LASALLE COUNTY PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE (ADULT) Request of: JOY C. HOPGOOD 2017-MR-72 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: JOY C. HOPGOOD to the new name of: JOY C. BREWER. The court date will

be held: on April 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at 119 W. Madison St., room 300, Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois. /s/Joy C. Brewer Joy C. Hopgood Published in the Tonica News Mar. 3, 10 and 17, 2017.

ROBERT J. RIBOLZI,) DECEASED. ) 2017-P-40 NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS AND HEIRS AND LEGATEES WHOSE NAMES OR ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN AND CLAIM NOTICE Estate of ROBERT J. RIBOLZI, Deceased. Notice is given of the death of ROBERT J. RIBOLZI, of Oglesby, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on

February 28, 2017, to DARCY RIBOLZI, 339 N. School Avenue, Oglesby, IL 61348, whose attorney is GERALD M. HUNTER, 129 W. Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348. Notice is given to any heirs or legatees whose names or addresses are not stated in the Petition for Letters of Office, that an order entered by the Court on February 28, 2017, admitting the decedent’s will to probate.

Within 42 days after the date of the order of admission you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the will by testimony of the witnesses to the will in open court or other evidence, as provided in 755 ILCS 5/6-21. You also have the right under 755 ILCS 5/8-1 to contest the validity of the will by filing a petition with the Court within 6 months after admission of the will to probate.

Claims against the estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, D o w n t o w n Courthouse, Ottawa, IL 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters, or if a claim notice is mailed or delivered personally to a creditor of the decedent, on or before the date stated in that

notice. Any claim not filed within the time allowed is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. Greg Vaccaro Clerk of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Ottawa, Illinois Published in the Tonica News Mar. 10, 17 and 24, 2017.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF )

Buy It! Sell It! See It Right Here!

The Tonica News Classifieds 815-875-4461

Business Directory Marketplace

Plumbing • Heating • Electrical

Always FREE Estimates

24 Hrs. Service • 815-442-3415 Owner

202 W Harper Ave PO Box 326

ROUTE

PH:

Granville, IL 61326 815-339-9181 815-399-9182

• TUNE UPS

• FAIR & FLEXIBLE RATES

• BRAKES

• NEW & USED TIRES

• COOLANT FLUSH

route71autobody@frontier.com

PEACH CONSTRUCTION CO. Full Service Remodeling Specialists in Concrete, Plumbing, Electric & Carpentry No Job too Small “For A Peach of A Deal”

Call Now at 815-437-9026 • 630-569-0734 Doing business as Peach Construction Co. Since 1981 Fully Insured

m o e o t

Voted

t !

AUTO BODY

See Castles Built at facebook.com/Peach1981

Now Offering Higher Speeds!

M-F 8:30-6 SAT 8-4

REPAIR

• FULL MECHANICAL REPAIR

Mon-Fri 8AM - 5PM M

JODY TALIANI

FAX:

AUTO

14049 IL HWY 18 MAGNOLIA, IL

Tonica Telephone Co. Toncom Long Distance

815-442-9901 • www.tonicacom.net

Sieg Tire & u e R

Selling & Repairing all makes of tires

Open 7 days/week 8-5pm

112 S. St. Paul St. Mark, IL 61340

Interstate Battery Sales

Johnny Sieg

Cars, Trucks, Trailer, Motorcycles, ATVs, & Lawn Mowers also Bicycles

Owner/Operator

815-878-7367 Home www.proremodeling.org Improvement 815-224-3371 Specialist!

COMPLETE CAR AND TRUCK CARE 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE Rt. 89, McNabb, IL • Jack Bima, Owner

e e l

Mounting, Balancing, Rotating, Patches, Plugs and all tire repairs plus Small Implement Farm Tires

pY u

Rollin!

Now accepting all major credit cards!

NEED TO REMODEL YOUR OLD TUB? We install and service walk-in tubs and regular tubs.

JACK’S GAS & SERVICE

Experienced installers Financing available

882-2191 Monday-Saturday 882-2250 Evenings & Sundayss

PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.

Our Customers

Al Cioni Ford inC.

504 S. McCoy Granville, IL 815-339-2511

No baloney with Al Cioni!

Bulk Landscape Supply NOW AVAILABLE!

We offer a large variety of materials for all your landscape needs. Pick-up or delivery are available.

Trevor Zellmer • 815-915-3825 IL Hwy 89 • 1 mile north of McNabb, IL Mon.-Fri. 2-6pm • Sat. 8am-3pm • Sun. 8am-2pm

For prices and materials list visit us at: doubleztrucking.wixsite.com/doublez/landscape-supply

One day installation

815-875-2540 | 815-882-2111

404 W. Main St., McNabb, IL | www.grassersplumbingheating.com

red CArpet ServiCe For the World’s Best People

air Shop

Auto Body Specialists Truck Toppers & Accessories

PASSINI PLUMBING & HEATING David Passini

Licensed-Bonded-Insured 116 South 2nd St. Standard, IL 61363

815-339-4108 815-481-2639

Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles Towing Available

FOLEY MOTORS

Full Service Store

Inc.

Sales & Service

Rt. 29, Henry, IL 309-364-4711 www.foleymotorsinc.com

“You bend ‘em, we mend ‘em” Mike Supan Jr. ∙ Linda Supan ∙ Michele Straughn

325 North 25th Rd, Route 251 South of Peru

815-224-1506

EMERGENCY: 815-252-0032

GLYNN’S DEMOLITION DEMOLITION & EXCAVATING Raejean Glynn, Owner Terry Glynn, Owner

815-878-8948

Free Estimates Fully Insured 9286 East Power Plant Rd. Hennepin, IL 61327 Fax 815-925-7475 gngdemolition@yahoo.com

To add your lisTing To This page conTacT ashley aT (815) 875-4461, exT. 6345

SM-PR265160 08-1025

Since 1919

18 & 89

815-869-3152

8 â€˘ The Tonica News â€˘ Friday, March 17, 2017

Stay Local. Save Local. Looking for fun in the Illinois Valley and save some money too? Save up to 50% on vouchers from local restaurants, stores & services with...

Illinois Valley

B GDEALS Go to bcrnews.com or putnamcountyrecord.com or tonicanews.com and save!