TON-03-20-2015

Volume 141 No. 15

Friday, March 20, 2015

Single Copy Cost 50¢

IVCC lawsuit drags into its 48th month

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

HENNEPIN — The lawsuit involving Putnam County, Marquis Energy and Illinois Valley Community College continues. Despite a three and one-half hour meeting on Friday, March 6, the lawsuit remains unsettled.

IVCC filed the suit in April 2011. It stemmed

from a tax abatement dispute it had with Putnam County and the Marquis Energy ethanol plant, which is located in the Bureau-Putnam Enterprise Zone. IVCC signed on to the enterprise zone in 2006 with restrictions.

The college agreed to abate taxes on properties with improvements that resulted in an increase of square footage after July 1, 2007. Marquis Energy

started its construction in 2005. According to the suit, the county abated taxes for Marquis against the wording of the resolution. In a story from the Bureau County Republican’s edition on Sept.

12, 2011, then-Putnam County State’s Attorney James Mack said County Treasurer Dan Kuhn had a different understanding

IVCC Page 2

Marquis: ‘There’s not going to be a settlement ...’

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

HENNEPIN — Marquis Energy LLC is one of the parties involved in the Illinois Valley Community College lawsuit over the Bureau-Putnam Enterprise Zone. CEO Mark Marquis is ready for the case to come to a conclu-

sion.

“IVCC just needs to drop the lawsuit,” Marquis said.

“There’s not going to be a settlement because there’s no case.”

According to Marquis, IVCC has spent more than $680,000 in legal fees to Peru attorney Walter Zukowski.

IVCC Director of Community Relations Fran

Brolley confirmed that figure was “a reasonable amount.”

“In business, if you’re going to spend more than $100,000 in legal fees, you want a second opinion.

We hired two separate appraisal services for this suit that specialize in business appraisal. We didn’t

Marquis Page 3

Homework in school, lectures at home

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

LASALLE — LaSalle-Peru Township High School is the latest to take part in the 1:1 Initiative pilot program. The program allows students to use laptops provided by the school to access lessons at home or in class and prepare for work with the technology currently in the workplace.

World history instructor Rob Clydesdale is one of the teachers taking part in the program.

“The biggest thing is switching to using it on a daily basis. They have used both Microsoft and Google products to take over their learning,” Clydesdale said. “Rather than me

being more of a standingin-front-of-the classroom (type of teacher) and being the center of attention, I’m more of a facilitator where I can watch from group to group, and they can grab me when they need me.

Instead of ‘I have to have everybody’s attention this very second,’ they can guide their learning a bit better, and they take ownership of their education more.”

The program rotates through the school with instructors who volunteer for the program spending eight weeks with the tablets in the classroom. If the program is successful, the school will take the system schoolwide. Clydesdale

Program Page 2

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

Spring cleaning David White of Lostant takes advantage of the warm weather last week to clean the branches and sticks out of his yard that Old Man Winter left behind. Temperatures are expected to dip this weekend but could reach close to 80 degrees by the end of March.

Back to the bidding table for Tonica

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

Tonica freshmen Kendall Yeruski (left) and Nick Foltynewicz work on a project in World History as the class wraps up its eight-week trial in the 1:1 pilot program at LaSalle-Peru Township High School. The students took historical figures and researched their accomplishments on the Internet to use as the final project for the chapter.

Vol. 141 No. 15 One Section - 8 Pages

TONICA — Despite a slight hiccup, work is progressing on the water and sewer projects in Tonica.

Although the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has issued the village a grant for a new force main, the Tonica Village Board was informed it has to re-bid the project at

2 Rooms

s Plu FREE SCOTCHGARDING

For ly On

its meeting on Monday, March 16.

“Apparently, it has something to do with wage rates,” village President Kevin Sluder said.

“They want new bids, so there’s more transparency.”

The grant is being administered by the North Central Illinois Council of Governments.

Tonica Village Engineer Jack Kusek also updated the board on the progress

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with the U.S. Department of Agriculture loan for the new sewer plant. The process is still ongoing, but Sluder said it looks promising.

“Everything looks good.

I’m very optimistic, and they are too,” Sluder said.

“The interest rates are going down again, so that bodes well for us.”

The board discussed finding a replacement for board member Rich Higgins, who passed away

last week. Board members will be canvasing for a possible replacement.

The village squad car is going to be replaced shortly. The fiscal year ends on April 30, and appropriations will be made then to replace the 15 year-old patrol car.

Sluder estimated the village was looking at about $35,000 for a new vehicle.

The village will also be letting for bids for mowing this summer.

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 20, 2015

Seeking Sources

Dear Soldier deadline draws near

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

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

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Association 1865-2015

Write your letters now With less than a month left for the Dear Soldier letter collection campaign, the chance to thank military men and women for their service is drawing to a close.

Thank you letters delivered to any of the listed mailbox locations will be included in personal care packages sent out to military personnel through the Operation Gratitude

are appreciated and not forgotten, and it would love your help ... It’s as easy as writing a letter, or children can draw a picture — a small token to offer to our nation’s military men/women and veterans.

organization. Letters should not be included in envelopes, but can be as personal as the writer would like.

The Bureau County Republican wants military men, women and veterans to know they

Mailbox locations School Library Bureau County Douglas Logan Junior High Wyanet

Buda Bureau Valley South Dalzell Dalzell Grade School DePue DePue School Ladd Ladd Public Library Ladd Grade School LaMoille Allen Junior High LaMoille High School LaMoille Clarion Library Malden Malden Grade School Manlius Bureau Valley High School Mineral Mineral-Gold Public Library Ohio Ohio School Peru St. Bede Academy Princeton Jefferson School Lincoln School

Program From Page 1 said he noticed a change almost immediately.

“It’s a noticeable change in student participation and student grades,” Clydesdale said. “I expected it to happen eventually, but it was from the first day.”

School Princeton High School St. Louis School Princeton Christian Academy Princeton Public Library Princeton Prouty Building/Chamber of Commerce Sullivan’s Foods Myrtle’s Henneberry Offices Bureau County Republican Bureau County Metro Center Bureau County Senior Center Spring Valley Spring Valley Elementary Hall High School Tiskilwa Tiskilwa Library Crossroads Walnut Bureau Valley North in Walnut Walnut Public

Bureau Valley South in Wyanet Raymond A. Sapp Memorial Library

Putnam County Granville Library Hennepin Library Hennepin Foods PC Foods Putnam County Primary Putnam County Elementary Putnam County Junior High Putman County High School Putnam County Community Center

LaSalle County LaSalle Dimmick Grade School Lostant Lostant Grade School Tonica Tonica Grade School

“It’s been pretty smooth.

Sometimes there’s a problem, but it’s pretty easy,” Tonica freshman Nick Foltynewicz said. “It makes work a lot easier and more convenient.”

“It’s been a lot easier being able to use the Internet,” Tonica freshman Kendall Yeruski said.

“Right now, there are three social science teach-

ers using it as well as special ed,” Matt Baker, director of communication and fundraising, said. “It’s going to flip in a couple of weeks and be a couple of English teachers as well as a psychology teacher.”

Clydesdale’s class has been using the laptops in what’s known as a “flipped classroom” approach. Students access the lesson

Lender forum planned March 24 PERU — A lender forum will be at the Peru City Hall, 1901 Fourth St., Peru, on Tuesday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. A light continental breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m.

This forum is a series of informational sessions designed for commercial lenders, certified public accountants, attorneys,

business consultants and economic development professionals.

The event will consist of presentations and updates on Illinois Small Business Development Center, SBA Guaranteed Loans, SBA 504 Loans, SBA Community Advantage and State of Illinois Loans.

LaSalle County deputy report TONICA – LaSalle County deputies investigated a disturbance at 1:17 a.m. March 7. The resident Mitchell Goskusky, 25, of Tonica was arrested for domestic battery, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of cannabis. Goskusky was transported to the LaSalle County Jail.

IVCC of IVCC’s resolution.

At issue is whether Marquis’ building fell under the resolution. At stake is $1.4 million in tax revenue throughout the course of 10 years, according to the prior BCR story.

The $1.4 million estimate is based off an appraisal of Marquis Energy performed by Mark Pomykacz of Federal Appraising & Consulting of Whitehouse Station, N.J. Pomykacz gave an appraisal of almost $140 million to IVCC, a figure Putnam County Supervisor of Assessments Tamara Mehalic said is inaccurate.

“No separation was made between the business and the property,” Mehalic said. “He used an income approach to arrive at his figure, but that doesn’t apply here.

There’s no tenant and no landlord here.”

“IVCC has expended more money than it can get back,” Mehalic said, referring to the money IVCC has spent fighting this lawsuit, compared to what she believes the correct assessment is.

Pomykacz said he did not visit the Marquis Energy site before submitting his appraisal and said that was common practice.

“Illinois does not require a company to allow an appraiser on the grounds,” Pomykacz said. “I’ve done several appraisals this way.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation held a hearing on Pomykacz’s appraisal and the methods he used to complete his study. According to hearing documents, the department alleges several instances of omissions and misstatements in his appraisal. A decision on Pomykacz and possibility of disciplinary action is expected this week.

online while at home and actually do their “homework” during the class period.

“Basically, there’s no more lectures in class.

Everything in class is student-oriented,” Clydesdale said. “They’ll go home and go on YouTube and watch the lecture and take whatever notes they need to. They come to school,

and they’re ready to do the work here where I’m here to help them with it.”

The program at LaSalle-Peru is being used across the curriculum and at different grade levels. Baker looks at the program as a glimpse into the future.

“I think the day is coming where there won’t be any books in the classroom,” Baker said.

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3 Obit Records Friday, March 20, 2015 • The Tonica News • 3

Richard ‘Rich’ Higgins Jr. TONICA — Richard David “Rich” Higgins Jr., 74, of Tonica passed away late Monday afternoon, March 9, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family after a brave battle with cancer.

Rich was born in Ryburn-King Hospital (torn down in 1974) in Ottawa on April 7, 1940, the oldest of four sons of the late Richard David and Leota Alice (Guyaux) Higgins Sr. He attended Ottawa and Troy Grove grade schools, Mendota High School and Illinois State University.

Rich was a proud Higgins father and shared his son’s passion for music (local bands, musicians and unforgettable characters). He enjoyed mornings with his breakfast club in Peru, his collection of tractors, guns, antique toys, old country music and bluegrass, and had a passion for dancing with his wife, fondness of spaghetti Westerns and classic movies. He cherished the endless mem-

Wayne Tarmann TOLUCA — Wayne Melvin Tarmann, 76, of Toluca died Saturday, March 14, 2015, at his winter home in Mission, Texas.

Wayne was born July 15, 1938, the son of Vernon and Sue (Swartz) Tarmann. He graduated from Toluca High School in 1956.

On Nov. 1, 1958, he was united in marriage to Rita Jeanne Cofoid, who preceded him in death Oct. 17, 2011.

Wayne farmed with his father before his Tarmann employment at Caterpillar Tractor Company. Following his retirement from Caterpillar in December 1996, he serviced small

Barbara Yanush SARDIS, Tenn. — Barbara Ann (Gumuski) Yanush, 79, of Sardis, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2015, after an extended stay at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

She was born Sept.

18, 1935, in Peru to Thomas and Anne Gumuski. She married Peter Yanush on Nov. Yanush 17, 1951.

She was employed at Cookie Kingdom, Days Inn and Pioneer Seed Corn Co. Some of her

LEO ONO NO OR ORE RE E VOLU OLU UNT NTE TEE EE ER R FIR RE DEP D PT DEPT T.

SMOKER MO OK KE KE ER

Obituaries ories of Troy Grove, both, childhood and later on his farm. He fondly reminisced about good friends, good drinks and good times at the local pubs and taverns.

Rich was a longtime member and supporter on the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department. He spent many years serving as Mendota and Tonica School board president and was a Village of Tonica Board Trustee.

Rich (the Squirrel Whisperer) communicated with the local squirrels, fed them corn and peanuts and tracked their comings and goings.

Tremendous heartfelt thanks go out to his compassionate and exceptional home health and hospice nurses, Angie and Amber, who provided much more than just comfort and care for Rich, but also provided a sense of humor, peace and reassurance during his transition from this life into the next.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many friends, neighbors and close acquaintances.

Rich is survived by his wife, Kimberly London Higgins of Tonica (native of New York); his children, Richard Michael “Mike” (Heather) Higgins of Jonesville and Timothy (Cathy) Higgins of Tonica; his

grandchildren, Andrea (Steve) Higgins Craig of Ottawa, and Jess Higgins and Hannah Higgins of Jonesville; his great-grandchildren, Lilly Craig and Lucas Craig of Ottawa; several nieces and nephews; three brothers, Bob (Carolyn) Higgins of Oswego, Brian (Cathy) Higgins of Canon Beach, Ore., and Doug (Julie) of Paxton; three sisters-in-law, Sharon (Dave) Nagel of Tonica, Kitten (Gary) Morris of Hamburg, N.Y., and Jacqlyn (Michael) Pelnero of Lake View, N.Y.; his mother-in-law, Betty Jean London of Hamburg, N.Y.; and his best friends, Linda and Jim Lock.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m.

Friday, March 13, in the Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica. Burial was in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.

Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 12, in the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday.

Pallbearers will be Jim Lock, Joe Ott, Brian Lock, Steve Craig, Randy and Jess Higgins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to establish a memorial in Rich’s name.

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

engines and sharpened lawn mower blades for many people. Wayne and Rita enjoyed traveling, wintering in Texas, and spending time with friends and family.

Wayne leaves behind his five sons, Joel (Kim) Tarmann of Minonk, Clark (Dianne) Tarmann of Minonk, Timothy Tarmann of Forest Lake, Minn., Todd Tarmann of Seattle, Wash., and Eric (Sherry) Tarmann of Toluca; nine grandchildren, Kelby Tarmann (Claire Thomson), Kinsly Tarmann, Kyron Tarmann, Patrick (Rachel) Tarmann, Kristine Tarmann, Jennith (Joe) Poferl, Dane Tarmann, Maranda Tarmann and Jerica Tarmann; two great-grandsons, Jasper and Zeke Poferl; two sisters, Janet (Jim) Devore and Arlene (Jim) Rob-

inson; one brother, Larry (Carol) Tarmann; his companion and best friend, Nancy Redenius; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m.

Friday, March 20, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 336 W. Fourth St. in Minonk. His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Minonk with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Tonica.

Memorials preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.

favorite hobbies included working in her yard, gardening, reading, attending flea markets and thrift shops, playing cards and watching a variety of sports on TV, especially tennis.

She spent many years working alongside Peter on their farm in Tonica. She was a loving wife and mother. She and Peter retired to Tennessee in 2005.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Peter; her sons, Steve and Pete; her daughters, Peggy, Nancy, Lisa and Amy; one brother, Richard; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one

son, Joseph; one daughter, Mary; a grandson, Adam: two granddaughters April and Amy; and her brother, Tom. As per her request, there will be no visitation or funeral services.

Cremation rites have been accorded and burial of cremains will be at a later date. Barbara’s children will plan a celebration of her life for close friends and family.

Share online condolences with the family at www.shackelfordfuneraldirectors.com/obituaries/Barbara-Yanush/.

Condolence cards may also be sent to: Peter Yanush, 350 Dickson Road, Sardis, TN 38371.

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A business or a hobby?

So you’ve been selling all that garage sale junk on eBay and taking a tax loss!

Or is it a farmers’ market for items you grow or chinchilla fur from critters you raise?

Regardless of what your business venture is, make sure your intent is to make money, and not just a way to write off the expenses of a hobby because the IRS has been known to disallow those.

There are two ways to substantiate your business losses. One method is facts and circumstances, where the IRS looks at evidence of your intent to make money at your business. The other method is a general presumption that if your business shows a profit three out of the last five consecutive years, it is a business and not a hobby. (The exception to this is for the breeding, training, showing or racing of horses, which only has

Marquis From Page 1 spend as much as IVCC,” Marquis said. “We felt IVCC was being led astray by their legal counsel.”

Marquis questioned the hiring of Mark Pomykacz, a New Jersey appraiser who furnished IVCC with a $140 million business appraisal for Marquis Energy. Marquis disputes those figures as does Putnam County Supervisor of Assessments Tamara Mehalic. The results of a hearing by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation on the process Pomykacz used in the appraisal will be released soon and could result in a fine or the revocation of his license. No action toward Pomykacz could be taken as well.

“The general perception is there will be a reprimand, and that will invalidate the appraisal,” Marquis said.

“On Feb. 12 this year, IVCC raised its tuition by $8 an hour. IVCC has an average of 70,000 class hours a term, so that adds

Chambers to have a profit two out of seven years.)

So, go forth and turn your hobby into a business (I think Bill Gates may have done that)! Just make sure you have a plan and that plan is to make money!

Barb Chambers, CPA resides in McNabb. She can be reached at 815-882-2437 or 815-252-2427 or at Baccpa1@gmail.com. up to $580,000,” Marquis said. “They wouldn’t have had to raise the tuition rates if they hadn’t paid Walt Zukowski.”

Brolley said, “IVCC raised tuition beginning this summer to maintain quality instruction and help balance the budget in the face of flat state support and the assessed valuation of the district.”

Neither IVCC nor Zukowski would give a comment on the official status of the lawsuit until after the next college board meeting, although Brolley said, “Everyone wants a resolution to this.”

“Over the last several months, negotiations with Putnam County representatives have been productive, and we’re optimistic that a settlement agreement is within reach,” IVCC President Jerry Corcoran said.

IVCC held its regular board meeting on Thursday, March 12, but the BCR was unable to receive word of any status change in the lawsuit before press time. The suit is not listed in the press release of the board meeting minutes.

Thank You

The family of Robert Burgess would like to thank all of our family & friends for the cards, visits, food and flowers and memorials given in the recent death of our beloved husband, father, papa, son and brother. A big thank you to Pastor Mark Nowakowski for his touching words and wonderful service. Also to the Tonica United Methodist Women for the delicious meal they served as well as those who prepared it.

A big thank you to John Hurst for his kindness and help in handling the arrangements. A special thank you to Denny Franklin for taking care of Bob’s special request. Thank you to St. Margaret’s Hospital, OSF, EMTs and the Life Flight Team. A huge thank you to Kevin and Julie for being my rock to lean on. You went above and beyond. I love you both. For anyone who helped us in anyway, you were greatly appreciated.

God Bless You All

Mary Lynn Burgess, Angela Liss & family, Martha Burgess, Janice & Phil Duffell, Betty & Jim Johnson and Nancy & Ric Szala

4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 20, 2015

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

Make it a habit; help litter melt away Springlike temperatures have taken a big bite out of the Illinois Valley’s snow cover, haven’t they?

As snow melts away, unfortunately, a winter’s worth of litter is revealed.

Trash tossed out of cars is visible along the streets.

Cups and wrappers dropped by pedestrians lie along sidewalks.

Couch cushions and tires that fell out of – or were tossed from – pickups can be seen along roadsides.

Most people know that littering is wrong.

Most people may not know that littering has been against state law only since the 1970s.

The Illinois Litter Control Act became law on Jan. 1, 1974. The act described the state’s littering problem, set forth prohibitions and penalties, and called for strict enforcement.

Why was Illinois afflicted by littering in the 1970s?

Because of “rapid population growth, the ever increasing mobility of the population and improper and abusive discard habits” of the public.

What’s wrong with littering, anyway?

It’s “detrimental to the welfare of the people of this state.”

And further, “While there has been a collective failure by government, industry and the public to develop and accomplish effective litter control, there is a need to educate the public with respect to the problem of litter and to provide for strict enforcement of litter control measures.”

Hmmmmm. Looking at our roadsides, it seems as if things haven’t changed all that much.

The act went on to define litter as “any discarded, used or unconsumed substance or waste.”

That takes in a wide range of stuff, including, according to the act, garbage, trash, refuse, cigarettes, debris, rubbish, grass clippings or other lawn or garden waste, newspapers, magazines, glass, metal, plastic or paper containers or other packaging, construction material, abandoned vehicles, motor vehicle parts, furniture, and oil.

Wait, we’re not done yet. Also, animal carcasses, any nauseous or offensive matter of any kind, any object likely to injure anyone or create traffic hazards, potentially infectious medical waste, “or anything else of an unsightly or unsanitary nature.”

Basically, anything that’s been discarded, abandoned or disposed of improperly fills the bill.

As of Jan. 1, 2014, cigarette butts were added to the official list of banned litter.

The act prohibits littering on public and private property, whether it’s land or water. It mandates that trash receptacles be placed on property, public and private, that is open to the public.

A first-time littering offense is a Class B misdemeanor. Get caught littering a second time, and it’s a Class A misdemeanor. Litter three or more times, and you’ve committed a Class 4 felony.

What about enforcement?

“This Act shall be enforced by all law enforcement officers in their respective jurisdictions, whether employed by the state or by any unit of local government. Prosecutions for violation of this Act shall be conducted by the State attorneys of the several counties and by the Attorney General of this State.”

The law is clear: No littering allowed.

The law is also clear: Anti-littering provisions are to be strictly enforced.

Of course, the problem hasn’t gone away because some people don’t care enough to reform their littering ways, and police officers can’t be everywhere.

To those for whom littering is a bad habit, we encourage them to break it and adopt better habits.

Keep a trash bag in the car and put litter in it for disposal at home. Don’t discard litter while you’re out walking. And if something falls off your truck, turn around and pick it up.

As spring approaches and the last snow disappears, make it a habit to stop carelessly discarding cups, cans, wrappers, bags and so forth. Then, perhaps, we can all enjoy watching the litter problem melt away.

Tonica News

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

First Person Tim Moritz Town: LaSalle.

Occupation: I own Sparkle Cleaners in Oglesby.

Pets: None.

What is the last book you read: I read today’s Chicago Tribune, and I am also reading “Unbroken.”

What is the last song you heard: “If” by Bread.

What is the last TV show you watched: Last night I stayed up late and watched Perry Mason reruns.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be: It would have to be plain dark chocolate for dessert.

As long as I won’t get sick, I would

have to have a mix of Portillo’s food.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be: I would take my wife.

If someone handed you a million dollars what would you do with it: Share it with my family.

What is your favorite restaurant: For lunch, the root beer stand here in town.

Camping out, big family style Last week, my kids were talking about what they’d like to do this summer. I froze mid-step when I heard one of their ideas — camping.

I’ll definitely take one for the team and give them the camping experience, but every camping trip I’ve ever had has been, at best, a complete failure or, at worst, a miserable situation I couldn’t wait to put behind me.

When I was 11 years old, my family began a tradition of making a yearly trek to New York to visit my dad’s relatives. We’d often wander around, visiting other states like Vermont and Maine. I wouldn’t trade these vacations for anything, but I do wish I could have upgraded the sleeping conditions.

With 11 people in the family and my dad on a teacher’s salary, staying in a hotel wasn’t an option. Sleeping in our van wasn’t appealing to any of us. So to save money, we would stay at campgrounds along the way.

I remember how excited I was at the prospect of camping. It was a new adventure for a little girl who didn’t have much traveling experience. Watching my dad set up one tent was fun. Then I realized that

Shannon Serpette COMMENTARY

was it — one tent. Unless my parents were planning on selling one or more of their children on this trip, there were 11 people who would have to cram into this one tent.

Now to be fair, it was a six-person tent. And to my dad, that meant there was some wiggle room. My dad viewed, and still does to this day, most instructions as suggestions. If a tent is billed as being able to sleep six comfortably, that means my dad will triumphantly find a way to cram more people in there.

Despite the lack of a test run before we left our house, my dad seemed certain that with some team spirit and family cooperation, there should be no problem fitting in almost double the amount of suggested people.

Buoyed by my dad’s surety it would all work out, we crammed our way into the tent. It was there I spent

one of the longest nights of my life. I tried to will myself to sleep, despite the fact we were packed in the tent like sardines in a can. I slept on my side, trying to ignore the pain that set in from the hard ground after a few hours. Flipping over would have been impossible — there simply wasn’t room.

The body heat in that tent added to the miserably hot summer night.

I felt like I was in a sauna. It’s a good thing I was blissfully unaware at that age that people could actually die of heat stroke.

Somehow I survived the night, and the ones after that. I must not have been the only one suffering because in future trips we had two tents.

That trip, along with other camping experiences I have had, make me hesitant to ever pitch a tent again.

But I will. My kids are excited to try it, and the miserable camping trips of my childhood did give my siblings and I more treasured family memories. That’s worth a few bad nights of sleep in the long run.

Tonica News Copy Editor Shannon Serpette can be reached at sserpette@ bcrnews.com.

A joint effort As of Thursday, Feb. 26, Washington D.C., ironically, broke step with the federal government and became the latest state-level entity to legalize recreational usage of marijuana. This despite pressure from the Republican party in the form of a “If you do this, we won’t like it” plea.

The District of Columbia joins Washington, Colorado and Alaska as places where pot has been decriminalized. In July, Oregon will join that number after passing its own voter-initiated reforms. Not surprisingly, all five locations made the switch due to voters’ choice.

Next up is possibly Vermont, but an interesting change is happening in the Maple Syrup State. It’s not the voters who are pushing for reform.

It’s the state legislature.

Sen. David Zuckerman is sponsoring Senate Bill 95, which would allow recreational usage as well as home cultivation. In an interview with the Huffington Post, Zuckerman said he’s pursuing legalization because it’s simply a more rational approach to a substance that is in such wide-

Ken Schroeder COMMENTARY

spread use today.

Nineteen states have legalized medical marijuana with 15 more considering the issue in this year’s legislative agendas. Mississippi considered medical marijuana, but the bill proposing its use died in committee. Twelve additional states are considering keeping the drug illegal but softening penalties for usage.

The common view the “war on drugs” has for the most part failed is possibly part of the reason pot is being decriminalized, but there’s a bigger driving force for some states.

Money.

The allure of tax revenues is becoming a powerful selling point in some states since Colorado Gov. John W. Hickenlooper told the New York Times taxes from legal mari-

juana sales would be $134 million in the coming fiscal year, much higher than had been predicted when the measure was passed in 2012.

Although the federal government still considers pot illegal, President Barack Obama has stated his administration will not actively oppose an individual state’s decision. However, Loretta Lynch, his choice for Attorney General, feels differently, insisting marijuana should stay a Schedule 1 drug, the category for the most dangerous drugs.

The U.S. spent billions of dollars in the war on drugs, but the law of commerce indicates the higher the supply, the lower the cost. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the cost of cocaine is less than half what it was 30 years ago.

Marijuana was first criminalized during the Great Depression. Since then, penalties for usage have gone up, then gone down. Pardon the pun, but maybe it’s high time those penalties went up in smoke.

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

5 Life Friday, March 20, 2015 • The Tonica News • 5

Community

Winter program and cultural fair held

By Leslie Smith

Blood drive is March 23 TONICA — Illini State Bank will sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive from 2 to 6 p.m.

Monday, March 23, at the Tonica United Methodist Church. For an appoint-

ment, call Joyce Obermiller at 815-856-3430 or Illini State Bank at 815-4428211.

Tonica United Methodist Church is located at 423 Wauponis St. in Tonica.

Ham distribution and chicken dinner planned MAGNOLIA — The Magnolia Fire Department will hold its annual ham distribution and chicken dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Magnolia Fire Station.

This all-you-can-eat dinner will include chick-

en, mostaccioli, salad, bread, dessert, iced tea, lemonade and coffee.

Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for those under 6. There will also be ham/turkey/ cash drawings, and a rifle and handgun drawing.

Ecumenical Lenten services PERU — Seven area churches in Bureau and LaSalle counties are joining together again to host Ecumenical Lenten Services.

The services will be held at a different host church each week, and each week the pastors from the churches participate in the service. Also each week, a different pastor preaches the message for the service. The services begin with a light soup supper at 6 p.m. with worship service at 7 p.m. The host church provides two types of soup (one vegetarian), and those

who attend are encouraged to bring a dish to pass and their own tableware.

Services for Wednesday, March 25 will be at Zion United Church of Christ, Sixth and Grant streets, Peru.

The theme for the 2015 Lenten Services is “Truly, I Say to You,” and each pastor will use different scriptures to explore these words spoken by Jesus Christ. For more information, call the Rev. Kay Harding, interim pastor, Zion United Church of Christ at 815-223-2671.

IVCC 2014 fall academics honors list OGLESBY — The fall 2014 academic honors list at Illinois Valley Community College has been released. Students included on the list earned a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.74 in six or more semester hours. Area student were: Cedar Point — William McDonald.

Lostant — Rebecca Arnold, Randy Bailey, Sara Benckendorf, Kelsey Casolari, Megan Fitzgerald, Salem Genseke, William Manley, Kaleena Pillsbury, Brandiwyne Smith, Michael Templeton, Jona-

than Witzman.

Oglesby — Wendy Blom, Ethan Boyer, Taylor Caldwell, Jacob Damron, Melissa Dobovsky, Erin Lopatic, Sandra Moore, Gina Naumann, Ryan Power, Erin Quick, Michael Richards, Macie Sarver, Kathy Siebert, Erik Thompson, Kristin Villalovos, Amanda Wallis, Daniel Zachary.

Tonica — Shannon Carmean, Karen Cooling, Ryan Duncan, Stephen Ebener, Ava Gillespie, Noah Gillespie, Amanda Heinz, Cory Lauer, Rory Newell, Ryan Salz, Jonathan VonBehren, Heather Zulkowsky.

Special to The Tonica News

LOSTANT — The Lostant Grade School winter program was held Monday, Feb. 23.

The theme of the program was “Holidays around the World.” Each class was assigned a country and learned about the country and how they celebrated the holiday seasons.

The children read facts and sang songs from the country they were assigned. A cultural fair was also held that evening. Booths were set up and displayed decorations from each country along with each country’s flag.

There were also snacks and drinks from each country. The children participated in creating all the decorations, snacks and drinks.

Kindergarten was assigned the United States.

They sang songs about elves and Santa during the program. Activities for the fair included: helping bake sugar cookies, making Black Friday collages and making Christmas cards.

First and second grade learned about Mexico. The children sang “Rudolph El Reno De La Nariz Roja,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Poinsettia.” They made poinsettia and piñata decorations for display at the cultural fair and empanadas for a snack.

Third grade researched Germany. They learned about German traditions, made an Advent wreath and made marzipan for a snack. Their songs for the program were: “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” “O Tannenbaum” and “Silent Night.”

Fourth grade learned about Sweden and sang the songs: “Sankta Lucia,” “Jingle Bells” and “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.” For the cultural fair, they drew pictures of Donald Duck, which is a tradition to watch on Christmas Eve in Sweden, and baked pepparkakor for a snack.

Fifth grade worked on England. They compiled a list of England’s Christmas facts, made

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Kindergarten students

Fourth-grade students

Junior High Chorus

Ethan Phillips hand-sewn stockings and helped make mincemeat pie for their snack. They sang the songs: “The Holly and the Ivy,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing” and “The Boar’s Head Carol” during the program.

The junior high chorus did research on multiple holidays: Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and the Winter Solstice. They sang the songs: “I Have a Little Dreidel,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and “Winter Solstice Song.” They wrote reports on dreidels, Stonehenge, the Winter

Solstice, menorahs and Kwanzaa. They also made menorahs, dreidels and a clay model of Stonehenge.

The snack they offered at their booth was fried okra.

There were also many other performances during the program.

Ethan Phillips played “Concertina” on his violin. Piper Kammer and Salina Breckenridge did a dance routine to “Merry Little Christmas.” Alan Brunner played piano while Samantha Curry sang “What Child is This?”

The junior high choir and

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kindergarten sang and did a routine to “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” To wrap up the program, the cheerleaders did a routine to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

The performances and fair were great and you could see the children worked very hard leading up to the program.

This year the program was organized by Shawna Breckenridge. She did a great job creating and organizing the entire event. Her efforts were greatly appreciated by all.

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6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 20, 2015

Menus and Activities Lostant Grade School Breakfast March 23 — Pancakes and syrup, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk.

March 24 — Scrambled eggs and toast, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk.

March 25 — Muffin with egg, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk.

March 26 — Danish, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk.

March 27 — Cereal bar, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk.

Lunch March 23 — Mandarin orange chicken, rice, mixed vegetables, pineapple, milk.

March 24 — Pepperoni pizza, green beans, fruit cocktail, milk.

March 25 — Cheeseburger on bun, macaroni and cheese, peas, peaches, milk.

March 26 — Han wraps, celery with peanut butter, mixed berries, milk.

March 27 — Tuna salad wraps, pasta salad, side kicks, milk.

Tonica Grade School Breakfast March 23 — Pancake and sausage on a stick, cereal or yogurt, granola, toast, fruit, juice, milk.

March 24 — Pancakes, cereal, grail, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk.

March 25 — Scrambled eggs, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk.

March 26 — French toast sticks, cereal, granola, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk.

March 27 — Bagel, cereal, yogurt, granola or toast, fruit, juice, milk, cream cheese.

Lunch March 23 — Meatloaf, noodles, gravy, green beans, fruit, milk.

March 24 — Chicken wrap, Romaine lettuce, carrots, fruit, cheese cup, milk.

March 25 — Hot dog, bun, baked beans, corn, fruit, milk.

March 26 — Spaghetti, Romaine lettuce, bread stick, fruit, milk.

March 27 — Personal pan pizza (cheese or pepperoni), Romaine lettuce, fruit, cookie , milk.

Activities March 23 — 4 p.m., Scholastic Bowl at Grand Ridge.

March 25 — 8:20 to 11:45 a.m., LPHS Footloose; 4 p.m., Scholastic Bowl at Wallace.

March 27 — 2 p.m., early dismissal; begin spring break.

Putnam County Community Center March 23 – Ravioli with meat sauce, lettuce salad with toppings, apple juice, milk.

March 24 – Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, oranges, rolls and butter, dessert.

March 25 – Pot roast, whole potatoes and carrots, apples, rolls.

March 26 – Taco casserole, lettuce salad and toppings, chips and salsa, grape juice, dessert.

March 27 – BBQ on bun, cheddar broccoli soup with crackers, carrot sticks, pineapple.

Call 815-339-2711 at least 24 hours in advance to make lunch reservations. Menu is subject to change.

Meals are available for people over 60 at no cost. A $5 donation per meal is suggested. Meals are served at 11:30 a.m.

Bridges Senior Center March 23 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards.

March 24 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10 a.m., Soldiers’ Angels; 10:15 a.m., Eating Smart, Being Active.

March 25 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10:15 a.m., beginner computer class; 6 p.m., New to Medicare.

March 26 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards.

March 27 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 1 p.m., open Wii Bowling.

Spring has sprung and so has spring baseball

By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

GRANVILLE — The snow has melted and spring is coming into bloom bringing familiar noises to Putnam County residents. At the Ken Jenkins baseball diamond, Putnam County High School (PCHS) students are hard at work practicing for the 2015 boys baseball season.

With 30 plus students out for the Panthers’ varsity and junior varsity team, coach Chris Newsome is busy getting his team ready for the spring campaign. Assisting Newsome will be Kyle Anderson and Jared Sale, who will also helm the junior varsity Panthers.

“My team knows how practice works. We will stretch and throw to warm up and start,” Newsome said.

“They are self sufficient as far as that goes. We have specific stretches that we do.”

Schedules are always tight until the weather warms up in the spring as multiple sports teams share facilities. The varsity Panthers currently work out with Newsome in the morning and then work with the junior varsity team after school.

One team works out on the gym

just like spring, every year it comes around and I get excited about playing ball again. Stasell and Magana are two up and comers that have been playing with us for a while.

They will do great on the team.”

R. J. Copeland is also revved up for the season.

“I am looking forward to getting out there in the good weather, man.

It matters how we do in practice. If we work hard, we will do well ... it starts in practice,” Copeland said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in post season,” Austin Biagini said. “We are talking regional, sectional and hopefully state appearances. With this team, ever since sophomore year when we were on the state team, our big thing was getting back to Peoria.

Last year we lost to the eventual state champions, Illinois Lutheran 2-1, and it was a tough one. I think we are all ready to get back in and put in the work as to what we need to do to get back to Peoria.”

The first Panthers’ game will be at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, at Wethersfield. The first home game will be at Massino Field in Hennepin on Monday, March 23, vs.

Plano.

Fundraiser will benefit IVCH Foundation OGLESBY — More than a dozen area doctors will have their culinary skills on display at the “Cookin’ with the Doctors” fundraiser for the Illinois Valley Community Hospital Foundation from 6 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, March 26, at the Deer Park Country Club.

The first-of-its-kind event for IVCH will give guests the opportunity to sample the cooking creations of members of the hospital’s medical staff. Money raised from ticket sales, sponsorships, and a silent auction

will be used by the IVCH Foundation to help purchase medical equipment and provide services the hospital otherwise might not be able to offer.

“We have some talented cooks on the medical staff. Guests will get to eat some great food and talk with the doctors in an informal setting.” said Renee Kim, IVCH Foundation board of directors’ member and chair of the committee planning “Cookin’ with the Doctors.”

So far, the list of medical professionals participating in the event

includes Dr. Eugene Becker, Dr. Paul Bonucci, Dr. Neelam Goel, Dr. Mark Henry, Dr. Ioannis Karkatzounis, Dr. Paul Kim, Dr. Steve Lukancic, Dr. Peter Meier, Dr. Ed Monroe, Dr. Merle Piacenti, Dr. Elizabeth Ritz, Dr. Michael Rooney, Dr. Chris Schwartz and Dr. James Vaiana.

Tickets are $35 if purchased in advance either online at www.ivch. org or at the IVCH West Street information desk between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Tickets will be $40 at the door.

Program aimed at developing area workforce OGLESBY — Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, together with experts from Washington, D.C., Chicago, Springfield and cities throughout the Starved Rock Country Area, will address local employers in Oglesby this month to talk about developing the regional workforce and bridging the talent gap throughout the state.

Sanguinetti is the keynote speaker at an event aimed at helping local employers find, develop and retain top talent by fostering a “system” of workforce training. Organizers are encouraging all area employers, including small businesses, government entities and municipal agencies to attend.

“Developing Local Talent” will take place at Illinois Valley Community College’s Peter Miller Technology Center from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 23.

Session topics will cover

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floor while the other works out in the batting cages, then they switch.

Newsome is happy with his core of senior players that are returning to the team.

“The foundation is our good group of core seniors. Everybody will feed off of that. I think we have a good little chunk of junior leadership. Alec Veverka will hopefully come up big for us this year. Juniors Matt Magana on the mound and Neil Stasell at the plate should provide a good pop in the line up bat wise. Sophomores include Connor Bean, who I am really looking forward to seeing him play,” Newsome said. “With our freshmen, we haven’t yet seen a lot of them as some of them played fall golf or cross country.”

The Panthers look pretty solid with the junior and senior players as well as Bean, according to Newsome. While he admits he isn’t against bringing up others as needed, he feels pretty confident in his current group of players.

Senior players are excited about the upcoming season.

“We are just ready to get outside and start playing baseball once again,” Nick DiazDeLeon said. “It’s

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7 Life/Classifieds Friday, March 20, 2015 • The Tonica News • 7

Library Corner LaSalle Public Library

Stage 212 announces ‘Always a Bridesmaid’ cast

At 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays, March 24 and 31, the LaSalle Public Library will offer preschoolers, ages 3 to 5 years, and their caregivers Storytime Express, an interactive mix of stories complemented with a variety of engaging activities. If you plan to attend, call on Monday of the program week at 815-223-2341; this helps staff ensure ample craft kits will be available for all participants.

The LaSalle Public Library is inviting families to join in stories with the library’s “Reading Loving Therapy Dogs!”

Nancy and Elli will make an appearance at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. For information, call 815-223-2341.

At 6 p.m. March 24, the LaSalle Public Library will host the life, times and rough and tumble story of America’s premier balladeer, Woody Guthrie. Brought to life by singer Barry Cloyd, this one-man original presentation will feature Guthrie’s stories and songs that chronicle America’s human history of struggle, work and spirit that saw American through the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression and the McCarthy era. With the passion of Guthrie himself, Cloyd is a consummate and accomplished folk musician. In this remarkable performance, Cloyd captures the essential Guthrie in songs like “This Land is Your Land” that have become such a significant part of America’s national heritage. This is a free program, open to the public. Funding for this program was made possible through the Alwin C. Carus Trust.

Lostant Public Library

Library Time is every Tuesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. during the school year for those birth through school age. Conducted by teacher Sue Massey, children will enjoy stories, songs, puppet play, art and have a snack.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

LASALLE — Stage 212 continues its 2015 season with a hilarious walk down the aisle – several, actually – in “Always a Bridesmaid,”

by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten. Four friends have sworn to keep the promise they made on the night of their senior prom: to be in each others’ weddings … no matter what. More than 30 years later, these Southern friends-for-life are still making “the long walk” for each other, determined to honor that vow.

Featured in the cast are Mary Black as Libby Ruth, Cyndy Bruch as Charlie, Kathy Hepner as Deedra, Natalie Smigel as Monette, Christin Mitchell as Kari, and Maryhelen

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

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24-26 at Stage 212, 700 First St., LaSalle. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available to the general public for $15 each beginning March 30. Box office hours are 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting the Stage 212 website at www. stage212.org or reserved over the phone with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. For more information, call 815-224-3025.

“Always a Bridesmaid” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc., New York.

RVP announces cast of spring show HENRY — “Bingo! The Winning Musical” tells the fun filled story of a group of ladies who have gathered together weekly for over a decade to play the game. The show shines a light on the people who flock to bingo halls across America to play and win the game.

Everyone including the audience will play Bingo for fun and prizes.

The cast of “Bingo! The Winning Musical” is Melanie Maskel as Vern, Amalia Heiser as Honey, Elizabeth

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

Bidasio as Sedalia.

Production staff includes director Zoe Clover, producer Larry Kelsey, assistant director/set construction crew Joe Peshel, stage manager Carol Hartenbower, set designer Dan Hartenbower, set designer/set construction coordinator Mike Kreush, set construction crew Christopher Martyn and Todd Harzheim, prop coordinators Joan Eiberger and Glen Gerard, costume coordinator Phil Grant, assistant costumers Zoe Clover and cast, lighting designer/operator Matt Boehm, sound operator Kyle Foley, and stagehand Jill Marti.

“Always a Bridesmaid” will be presented April 17-19 and April

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Wild as Patsy, Deanne Crook as Alison, Christine Gaspardo as Bernice, Elaine Bolen as Minnie, Gary Talsky as Sam/Frank and Wally Gordon as Bingo Hall Janitor and assistant.

Performance dates are Saturday, April 25 and May 2, dinner served at 6:30 p.m. followed by the show, Sunday, April 26, and May 3, dinner served at 12:30 p.m. followed by the show and Friday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. with the show only.

Tickets are $28.50 for Saturday

and Sunday performances are $28.50 and include the show and a meal prepared by St. John XXIII offering a salad bar, a variety of meat choices and entrees, dessert and three drink choices.

Friday night tickets are $15 for the show only (no meal will be served), desserts and snacks will be available to purchase. Tickets go on sale to the public March 25.

Call Judy 309-364-3403 to reserve tickets.

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Notice is hereby given to the legal voters, residents of the Township of Vermillion, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, that the Annual Township

Meeting of said District will take place on April 14, 2015 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

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

law, come before the meeting.

Dated this 9th day of February 2015 Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor Tina Busch, Clerk Published in Tonica News March 20, 2015

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8 • The Tonica News • Friday, March 20, 2015 999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given that on March 10, 2015 a certificate was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of LaSalle county, Illinois, setting forth the names and post office addresses of all the persons owning, conducting and transacting the business known as Up In Lites Advertising located at 3 Westclox Ave., Peru, IL

61354.

Dated: 2015.

March

10,

James Grant Applicant Published in the Tonica News Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2015.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON ROAD DISTRICT BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a Tentative Budget and Appropriation

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

Ordinance for the Road Purposes of the Vermillion District, in the County of LaSalle, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2015 and ending March 31, 2016, will be on file and conveniently available for public inspection at the home of Tina Busch, Clerk of said District, from and after 6:00 p.m. March 10, 2015.

Notice is further given hereby that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 7:00 p.m. on the 14th day of April 2015, at the Vermillion Township Hall, in this Vermillion District and that final hearing and action of this Ordinance will be taken at a meeting to be held at the Township Hall at 7:00 p.m., the

12th day of May 2015.

Dated this 9th day of March 2015 Lloyd Vogel, Supervisor Tina Busch, Clerk Published in Tonica News March 20, 2015.

Richland in the County of LaSalle and State of Illinois, that the Annual Town Meeting of said Town will take place on TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 being the second Tuesday of said month at the hour of 8 p.m. at Leonore Fire Station 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, and decide on such measures as may, in pursu an ce of law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide the following: Call meeting to order. Approve minutes of April 8, 2014 meeting. Reports: Annual Township, Annual General Assistance,

Annual Road & Bridge. unfinished Business & New Business.

Ajournment of meeting.

Dated: March 10, 2015. /s/Karen Breckenridge Town Clerk Published in the Tonica News Mar. 20, 2015.

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AUTO BODY

route71autobody@frontier.com

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Certified Public Accountant Enrolled Agent

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

124 S. Peru St. • Downtown Tonica

206 S. Main St., Lostant (815) 368-3333

Repair and Fabrication Steel, Stainless, Cast, Iron, Aluminum, etc.

Mig, tig, Stick welding Complete Fab shop and Mobile Repair Small Jobs – Heavy Equipment Fast and Affordable

301 S. Columbia Ave., Oglesby (815) 883-8400 www.illinistatebank.com

815-830-3100

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

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Accepting New Clients!!

-Income Tax Preparation & Planning

225 N. Walter Ave. McNabb, IL p: (815)882-2437 c: (815)252-2427 baccpa1@gmail.com

Sieg Tire & u e R

air Shop

Selling & Repairing ll makes of tiress 112 S. St. Paul St. Mark, IL 61340

McCONVILLE INSURANCE

Johnny Sieg

Owner/Operator

Open 7 days/week 8-5pm Interstate Battery Sales Cars, Trucks, Trailer, Motorcycles, ATVs, & Lawn Mowers also Bicycles

815-878-7367

Frank McConville - Agent 200 South Peru Street • Tonica, IL 61342 (815) 442-3116

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

BOB’S DRYW YWALL, PAINT, ETC Tire Brands Toyo General Continental GT BKT Carlisle Kumho

PASSINI PLUMBING & HEATING TKO Tire and Service Auto Repair and Tire Service

Auto, LT, Implement and Specialty Tires

14049 IL HWY 18, Magnolia, IL

815-869-4249

David Passini

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

815-339-4108 815-481-2639

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

Titles • Stickers • FOID • Notary • License Stickers (Auto, Truck, Motorcycle, Trailers) • Heavy Trucks, Farm, Mileage vehicles • Boat, Jet Ski, Snowmobile Registrations • Now offering Mileage Bonds •

JOU N Y

LICE SE & TITLE

204 6th h St., Standard, d d IL Phone: h 815-339-1041 By appointment only: Tuesday • Thursday • Saturday & Evenings

Since 1919

Plumbing • Heating • Electrical

TONICA HARDWARE 24 Hrs. Service • 815-442-3415

Mike’s TV Service

A Division Hartwig Trucking Excavating, Inc. A Division of of EdEd Hartwig Trucking && Excavating, Inc. ThThe perfect way to discard old roofing materials.

815-925-7124

713 High St., Hennepin mikestvsvc@mchsi.com Samsung & Sanyo Authorized Service Center

We fix ALL Plasmas, LCDs, LED TVs & Most DLP / Projection TVs

We make service calls within 25miles

Out of Warranty Repairs

If your TV needs a little TLC, give us a call!

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Bob Cmolik

• Drywall • Paint • Texturing • Bathrooms • Plaster Repair • Remodeling • Tiling 19 Aztec Circle, Putnam, IL 815-342-1385 bcmolik@yahoo.com

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JACK’S GAS & SERVICE

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

Tonica Telephone Co. Toncom Long Distance Now offering new Higher Speeds up to 9 Megabytes 815-442-9901 • www.tonicacom.net

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(815) 875-4461, exT. 6345