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VOLUME 144 NO. 17 • tonicanews.com

LOCAL NEWS

NASA workshop The LaSalle Public Library will host a science workshop for educators / 7

Friday, March 30, 2018

Cakes for a cause

LOCAL NEWS The Lostant School District has a solution to the old boiler issue. The work will be completed during the summer./ 2 LOCAL NEWS Low

enrollment numbers might impact boys’ baseball this season. / 3 Vol. 144 No. 17

One Section - 16 Pages

© The Tonica News

Sue Huss, wife of Tonica Cemetery Association (TCA) member Dave Huss, works the griddle at the fourth annual TCA Pancake Breakfast at the Tonica United Methodist Church on March 25.

The funds raised at the event will help the association meet the cost of mowing and general upkeep for Tonica’s three historic cemeteries. “Even if you don’t have family buried in one of our cemeteries, it’s still everyone’s job to help care for them because they’re an important part of our community,” Huss said. (Tonica News photo/Dave Cook)

LOSTANT SCHOOL DISTRICT

School boiler issues might soon be solved (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 Editor, General Manager Jim Dunn jdunn@bcrnews.com

Kitchen stove, oven in need of replacement

BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@bcrnews.com LOSTANT — Always in flux is the state of equipment and facilities, as Lostant school officials could attest.

The school’s boiler issues could soon be alleviated, but other equipment needs attention as well.

“We finally have it fixed, or, we think we know what to do,” Superintendent Sandra Malahy told school board members last week regarding the boiler.

“It is determined that the new burner

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cannot receive the same amount of gas as the old one,” she said, explaining that the lesser gas flow is causing the problems, and it cannot sustain the burner.

While the district has Sandra seemingly had the boiler Malahy issue rectified in the past, only to find that problems still persist, Malahy suggested that those who made the determination are “99.9 percent sure” that increasing capacity for the burner to receive gas will rectify the issues, just about as certain as they can be without having finished the task.

However, increasing the gas flow will necessitate regulators for other equipment that cannot take so much

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

Just in time for the big games!

of the fuel.

Work should commence during the summer.

As the end to boiler troubles appears in sight, so does an end of a different sort.

“Well, I think our poor little 1954 kitchen stove and oven are on their way out,” Malahy said.

The equipment had a long use, but now only half the burners are working, she said.

Malahy estimated that a replacement might run a cost of around $3,000.

There was brief discussion about whether to buy used or new, but Malahy summed up the general thought when she said, “There are used ones out there, but why would you want to buy somebody else’s used stove?”

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.

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IN BRIEF

Low numbers might impact baseball

Breakfast is served on Friday

Summer repair projects reviewed

BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@bcrnews.com

Repair work discussed While some bids for upcoming projects at Tonica Grade School have been rejected, another has been accepted.

The bids revolve around healthlife safety work that is meant to be done this summer, as the district needs work performed on some of the building’s pipes.

Bids for the school’s summer

health-life safety came in over projected estimates, prompting the board to reject them and rebid the project with a reduced project scope, one focused on the piping that provides the building with heat.

To work on that piping, the school will need someone to remove insulation and asbestos. To this end, the board has approved M&O Environmental Company’s low bid of $67,800 contingent on acceptance of the aforementioned rebid.

In other business: • The board approved TruGreen for turf services.

• Schneider also said he is receiving quotes for a two-year extension on the district’s one-year transportation contract.

• Schneider also discussed Tonica’s TIF proposal, which he said has been reported to be reduced significantly. The expiration of Tonica’s TIF 1 will cause land from within that TIF to be re-evaluated for current values.

Bunco for a Cause on April 6

GRANVILLE — Bunco for a Cause will be Friday, April 6, at the United Church of Christ, 103 N. Church St. in Granville.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and games will start at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. The event will also include food, raffles, 50/50 and a lottery tree. The player with the most buncos will win $100 and the player with the most wins will win $50.

Proceeds will go to Illinois Valley Alzheimer’s, Cops for Cancer and multiple scerosis.

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• Friday, March 30, 2018

TONICA — For the Tonica School District, certain sports look to be impacted by low numbers, but there is still hope for continued team play.

With the possibility that enrollment and interest might not allow for a team in the future, “there is one sport that it looks like we might have an issue with, just based on our enrollments,” Principal-Superintendent Chuck Schneider said at last week’s school board meeting.

The sport in question is boys’ baseball.

Schneider explained the projected enrollment, which indicated that participation could dip below numbers required to have a team.

“We could be struggling in a couple years,” he said.

However, Schneider suggested the district could look into the possibility of a sports co-op with another school.

“I think it would behoove us to conChuck sider reaching out to Schneider other area schools,” he said, and the board’s consensus echoed the sentiment.

This would not be the first time Tonica has followed such a path, according to board president Brian Marcinkus.

No co-op has been set up at this point, but the district is set to look into its options.

GRANVILLE — The Granville United Church of Christ will host a Good Friday Men’s Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Friday, March 30.

Mary McQuilkin will be the speaker.

She will talk about her mission experience with the Spirit Lake Mission on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

All men in the community are invited to attend the breakfast. The cost is a donation to the Granville UCC Mission Team.

For more information, call Pastor Ron McNeill at 815-339-2305.

3 LOCAL NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

TONICA GRADE SCHOOL

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, March 30, 2018

| LOCAL NEWS&RECORDS

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POLICE REPORTS LASALLE COUNTY SHERIFF Single-vehicle crashes At 10:34 a.m. on March 19, deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident at East 14th Road and North 1450th Road in Eagle Township. A 16-year-old male juvenile was southbound on East 14th Road when he skidded off the road just south of North 1450th Road. No injuries were reported, and no citations were issued.

At 12:43 p.m. on March 23, deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident on Route 251 in Eden Township. A vehicle driven by Tiffany Park was southbound on Route 251 when she lost consciousness, left the road and overturned several times.

Tonica EMS responded to the scene and transported Park to IVCH. At 6:40 a.m. on March 24, deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident on East 15th Road in Eagle Township. A vehicle driven by a 17-year-old male from Long Point struck a deer in the road. There were no injuries or citations.

Traffic stop ​At 5:11 a.m. on March 23, deputies arrested Olivia Hester, 25, of Streator for no valid driver’s license, speeding 79 mph in a 55 mph zone, and operating a motor vehicle with no valid insurance following a traffic stop on Route 18 in Eagle Township. Hester was given a notice to appear.

FIRE REPORTS TONICA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Rollover accidents At 12:39 p.m. on March 23, the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) was called for a one-vehicle rollover accident in the area of Route 251 and North 2259th Road and responded with an ambulance and rescue truck. Emergency responders found a car off the road and in a field. There was no extrication needed. One person was transported to IVCH with non-life-threatening injuries. The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office investigated the accident, and the TVFD cleared the scene in about an hour.

At 9:25 p.m. on March 24, the TVFD was called to a rollover accident on North 20th Road, west of East 4th Road. Emergency personnel found a pickup truck had gone off the road and flipped end-over-end. No occupants were located at the scene.

The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office investigated the accident, and the TVFD returned to their station in less than an hour.

LOSTANT

Lostant-Fieldcrest accord set to expire July 1, 2020 Public given time to adjust, attorney says

BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@bcrnews.com LOSTANT — With the upcoming end of the districts’ intergovernmental agreement, the Lostant School District will cease sending students to Fieldcrest beginning July 1, 2020.

Over the past few months, the Lostant School Board has discussed the question of whether to renew this agreement, citing transportation as the main concern.

The school attorney, Jim Peters, spoke to the board briefly before the vote, maintaining that the district could decide whichever way it thought best.

“I think you’re handling it just right,” Peters said.

One of the major points he mentioned was the time frame, specifically that the district has provided time for the community to learn of the discussion and to respond.

“Getting a lot of notice to the public,” he said. “You’re not springing it on anybody.”

“When you’re giving such large advance notice, that makes it a lot easier for everybody,” he said.

IN BRIEF Retreat to the Rock is April 13 UTICA — The 29th annual Retreat to the Rock will be Friday, April 13, and Saturday, April 14, at Starved Rock Lodge in Utica.

The keynote speaker for this year’s retreat will be Robyn Dykstra, whose talks are filled with exciting, humorous stories and practical applications

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He said that “more communication, rather than less, is almost always the correct answer.”

Summer school As the Lostant School District looks forward to its largest summer school yet, it also looks at student benchmarks.

“This is our third year of offering summer school, fully funded by the title one grant,” Superintendent Sandra Malahy said.

She said that 42 percent of the students had signed up for summer school, but she expected more yet to come.

The percentage is up from 32 percent last year and 36 percent the year before that.

“They have fun at summer school; we make it fun,” Malahy said. “And we’re going to have art this year.”

Other business • The board also discussed student benchmarks, with which they can compare scores with those of the entire state.

Eighty-six percent of Lostant’s K-8 students improved upon their reading scores, while 61 percent of those exceeded the state average score.

As far as math is concerned, 95 percent improved, 53 percent thereof exceeding state scores.

• As far as high school is concerned, the district sees seven students not on track to graduate, as opposed to an approximate 15 in the past.

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The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, March 30, 2018

| LOCAL NEWS

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OTTAWA

Shaw Media to buy The Times of Ottawa Shaw Media OTTAWA – Shaw Media has agreed to acquire the The Times of Ottawa and its assets from Small Newspaper Group, company leaders announced March 21.

The Times will be the latest addition to Sterling-based Shaw’s portfolio of publications, which includes more than 150 titles in northern Illinois and Iowa. Shaw President and CEO John Rung said it was a great fit for the company.

“When we consider an acquisition, it has to make perfect sense, both financially and strategically. The Ottawa Times checks both boxes,” Rung said. “The addition of The Times to our portfolio of local newspapers makes Shaw Media a

stronger company.”

The sale is expected to close the first week of April. Terms were not disclosed.

Shaw Media is the parent company to the Tonica News.

Small Newspapers President Len R. Small said his company sought a smaller and more manageable footprint in the Midwest. Kankakee-based Small owns two other daily newspapers and several magazines and digital services in Illinois and Minnesota.

“This marks the end of an 80-year journey with the newspaper that has been a source of pride,” Small said. “We did our best to serve our communities, and the awards we received speak for themselves.

“It has been a privilege to work

with a wonderful group of people. We wish them well with the new owners, who have a reputation for ethics and quality journalism that is well deserved.”

John In September 2005, Rung The Daily Times, based in Ottawa, merged with its sister paper, The Times-Press, based in Streator, to form The Times. The Times is published 5 days a week, Monday through Thursday and Saturday, and is online daily at MyWebTimes.com.

“When I think back on our experiences in Ottawa, I am reminded of the good people who supported the community by their efforts,”

Tom Small, executive vice president of Small Newspaper Group, said.

“From Stan White to Mike Bertok and all the fine people, too many to mention.”

Shaw Media has been privately owned by the Shaw family since its founding in Dixon by B.F. Shaw in 1851. The company’s media holdings include websites, newspapers, magazines, Pro Football Weekly, a video production unit and a digital marketing services division.

Locally, Shaw Media publishes the Tonica News, Putnam County Record, and Bureau County Republican in Princeton. Regionally, Shaw Media publishes the Daily Gazette in Sterling, the Telegraph in Dixon, Ogle County Newspapers, and the weekly Prairie Advocate.

LASALLE COUNTY

Vote totals announced from March 20 primary

BY DAVE COOK news@tonicanews.com OTTAWA — The votes in LaSalle County’s 119 precincts have been cast, and the results of the March 20 General Primary Election have been tallied.

Voter turnout was low at 23.13 percent. Only 16,156 ballots were cast by the county’s 69,838 registered voters; this means 53,682 local voters chose not to participate.

The local results of the contested races are as follows and were sourced from www.lasallecounty. org:

The Democratic ballot J.B. Pritzker, Democratic candidate for governor, carried LaSalle County with 49.46 percent of the votes. Chris Kennedy received 25.76 percent; Daniel Biss won 21.76 percent; Bob Daiber had 1.4 percent; Tio Hardiman received 0.5 percent; and Robert Marshall had 1.13 percent.

Statewide, Pritzker won the Democratic nomination with 45.2 percent of the vote.

In the Democratic race for the attorney general nomination, former Gov. Pat Quinn carried LaSalle

16th Congressional District race were Christine Benson with 62.54 percent; Angelique “Angie” Bodine with 18.08 percent; and Elizabeth Lindquist Adam Sara Bruce J.B. with 19.38 percent.

Kinzinger Dady Rauner Pritzker In the race for County with 31.5 percent of votes. the State Central Committeeman for Renato Mariotti had 4.57 percent; the 16th Congressional District, Tom Scott Drury had 11.23 percent; P. Walsh received 72.27 percent of Nancy Rotering was chosen by 11.65 the votes in LaSalle County. John M. percent; Kwame Raoul got 27.31 per- Nelson received 19.63 percent of the cent; Jesse Ruiz had 4.83 percent; votes, and Arthur Bardsley had 8.1 Sharon Fairley had 6.52 percent and percent.

Aaron Goldstein got 2.39 percent.

In the contest for the Democratic Statewide, Raoul won the Demo- nomination for 76th District state cratic nomination with 30.2 percent representative, Lance Yednock had of the votes.

62.71 percent of the votes. Jill Bernal In the Democratic race for the received 37.29 percent of the local party nomination for 16th Congres- vote. sional District, Amy “Murri” Briel Districtwide, Yednock was victocarried the county with 28.09 per- rious with 57.4 percent of the vote. cent of the vote. Sara Dady had 24.62 For county clerk, Lori L. Bongartz percent, Neill Mohammad received received 66.58 percent of the vote 27.38 percent, and Beth Vercolio-Os- to win the nomination, and Vickey mund had 19.91 percent.

Leadingham had 33.42 percent.

Districtwide, Dady won the nomFor county treasurer, Nikena M. ination with 40.63 percent of cast Baer won 58.74 percent of the local ballots. vote to win the nomination, and The county vote totals for the State Kyle K. Fogle received 41.26 percent.

Central Committeewoman for the The county board member con-

Read us online www.tonicanews.com

test for District 19 was close with Douglas Trager winning 52.39 percent and Ronald Aubry receiving 47.61 percent, a difference of only 18 votes.

The Republican ballot In the race for the Republican nomination for governor, state Rep. Jeanne Ives carried LaSalle County with 53.82 percent of the vote. Incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner trailed with 46.18 percent of the vote.

However, Rauner won the statewide contest with 51.38 percent of the vote.

In the contest for the Republican nomination for attorney general, Erika Harold had 53.59 percent of local votes, and Gary Grasso received 46.41 percent. Statewide, Harold won with 59.2 percent.

For the nomination for representative in Congress for the 16th Congressional District, incumbent Adam Kinzinger carried LaSalle County with 59 percent of the vote, beating opponent James T. “Jim” Marter’s 41 percent. Kinzinger also easily won the districtwide race with 67.97 percent.

The 2018 general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Lostant students attend STEAM conference

7

MENUS April 2-6 — Spring break.

Tonica Grade School April 2-6 — Spring break.

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Tricia Haynes, Lostant Science/Math and Enrichment teacher, along with the Enrichment class, attended the second annual STEAM conference sponsored by LaMoille School at Illinois Valley Community College on March 13. The students attended four different workshops throughout the day and experimented with hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, art, agriculture and math. Activities ranged from creating a solar powered house to learning about roller coasters and drones. Others worked with soil and some even made Play-doh play musical notes. Several local schools attended and students were treated to lunch and given a T-shirt.

COMMUNITY BRIEF Ottawa Art League call for amateur artists OTTAWA — The Ottawa Art League is looking for adult amateur artists to enter the 60th Annual Town & Country Amateur Art Show to be held May 12 at Jeremiah Joe Coffee, 807 LaSalle St. in Ottawa. Show hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The entry deadline is Sunday, April 8. For further details and a printable entry form, visit the OAL website at www. ottawaartleague.org, under Fine Art Shows, Town & Country Adult Show. Participants may enter one piece for $7 or up to four pieces for $10 total. The show is sponsored by the Ottawa Art League but the show is open to all adult amateur artists.

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April 2 — Chicken meatballs with cheese, brown rice, asparagus, pineapple and banana.

April 3 — Barbecue on bun, baked beans, coleslaw, grapes, dessert.

April 4 — Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, oranges.

April 5 — Meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, corn, rolls and butter, apricots and dessert.

April 6 — Donor appreciation lunch.

Bread, butter, fruit juice and 2% milk are available with meals. For reservations, call 800-757-4579 24 hours in advance of the day’s meal. The menu is subject to change. Meals are available to senior citizens 60 plus at no cost, but donations are appreciated.

The meal program is partly funded by donations, so they have a suggested donation of $5 per meal. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.

COMMUNITY | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

Lostant Grade School

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, March 30, 2018

| COMMUNITY

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LASALLE

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Free NASA workshops in April for teachers and informal educators

IVCC will host Parent College 101 on April 3

Adult student information session set for April 18

OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s Admissions Office will host Parent College 101 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 3, in Room CTC124-125.

This free event is for parents and guardians of current high school students to provide information on the college search process, including topics such as when to start, the difference between certificates and four year degrees, and what to do when a student enrolls.

IVCC’s Assistant Director of Admissions and Records Aseret Loveland said, “Navigating the college enrollment process can be confusing. Our goal is to help make sense of it all not just for IVCC, but any college.”

For information or to RSVP, visit www.ivcc.edu/events.

OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s Admissions office will host an adult student information session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Ottawa Center, 321 W. Main St. Assistant Director of Admissions, Records and Transfer Services Aseret Loveland said, “Entering college as an adult student can be intimidating.

This free session will help demystify the enrollment process and introduce prospective adult students to campus resources. In addition, other adult students will share their success stories.”

For information, call 815-224-0439; RSVP at www.ivcc.edu/events.

LASALLE — Two upcoming NASA workshops will be hosted by the LaSalle Public Library.

Especially for teachers, librarians and other youth leaders, these handson workshops provide training that will help participants teach earth and environmental science modules in the classroom or in informal settings like libraries or at youth group events. Susan Koehler, education professional development specialist at NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, will be facilitating both workshops. The registration deadline April 13.

The first workshop, “Picking Up STEAM with Moon Rocks Lunar and Meteorite Certification - Borrow Moon Rock Samples,” will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to use lunar rock samples to engage youth in STEM lessons and activities. Engage young and old alike at programs that teach physical and earth science content using rock samples. Participants, who are certified through this workshop, may borrow the lunar and meteorite samples from NASA Johnson Space Center to use in their formal institutions that meet NASA security requirements.

The second workshop, “Environmental Science … Water and Soil,” will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 25. Ideal activities for springtime, in this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to facilitate soil and water experiments that can be adapted to any youth grade

level, and make exciting programming for youth organizations and for family events. All NASA modules meet Next Generation Science Standards, and can generally be completed with simple, inexpensive materials and/or recyclables. Teach youth programs at your or teach colleagues with information learned at this event.

Kohler is the current education professional development specialist at Glenn Research Center and serves the states of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota. She has more than 25 years of progressively responsible K-12 educational leadership experience.

She has served as assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, math/science consultant and assistant superintendent. She taught science for 13 years at the high school level. Her expertise in STEM and professional development is combined with her knowledge of new technology trends and innovative instructional strategies.

Both workshops are free. More details will be available at registration. These workshops are open to librarians, youth leaders and teachers. A minimum of 15 participants are required proceed with the program, (maximum 28). For more information, email library director Cristy Stupegia at cstupegia@lasalle. lib.il.us or call the library at 815223-2341. The LaSalle Public Library is located at 305 Marquette St. in LaSalle.

Items can be emailed to news@putnamcountyrecord.com.

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BAPTISM

Four generations were represented at the March 4 baptism of Henry Lloyd Ludwick.

Pictured during the March 4 baptism of Henry Lloyd Ludwick are Bruce Ludwick (from Pictured, from left, are Richard Freeman, Jolene (Freeman) Salz, and Henry and Cara left), Pastor Trudy Foote, Lay Minister Roger Haefner, Henry and Cara (Salz) Ludwick.

(Salz) Ludwick.

Henry Lloyd Ludwick, the son of Bruce and Cara (Salz) Ludwick of Tonica, was baptized March 4 in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Tonica by Pastor Trudy Foote, assisted by Lay Minister Roger Haefner.

Sponsors were his uncle and aunt, Ryan Salz of Tonica and Erin Salz of Columbia, Mo. Following the cer-

emony, a brunch was served in the church basement for all attendees.

Grandparents are Jon and Jolene Salz of Tonica, and Pam Ludwick of Ottawa and the late Lloyd Ludwick.

Great-grandparents are Richard and Bonnie Freeman of Lostant, and Haroldean Salz of Peru, formerly of Tonica.

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COMMUNITY BRIEF Next series of IVCH prenatal classes start April 4 PERU — The next series of childbirth classes at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru will get underway at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, in the meeting room inside hospital’s office building at 1305 Sixth St. in Peru. Additional sessions are set for Wednesdays, April 11, 18 and 25. Taught by IVCH obstetrics unit nurses, the first two classes focus on labor and delivery. The week three class is about breastfeeding and the week four class covers newborn care, including infant CPR and car seat safety.

Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 815-780-3860 or by going online at ivch.org.

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• Friday, March 30, 2018

Ludwick baptized on March 4

COMMUNITY | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

Photo contributed

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|

10 The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, March 30, 2018

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11

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Village of Tonica, LaSalle County, Illinois, an Illinois Municipal Corporation, hereby gives Notice of a Public Hearing to be held at 6:00 p.m., Central Daylight-Saving Time, on April 16, 2018, at the Tonica Village Hall, 308 Uncas Street, Tonica, Illinois, to consider its proposed Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Project Area, Plan and Projects. All interested persons, including all taxing districts of which taxable property is included in the Area and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will be given an opportunity to be heard at said Public Hearing and to file with the Village Clerk written objections to any issues embodied in this notice, and are also invited to submit written comments, prior to the date of the Hearing, to the Village at the following address: Village of Tonica, Village Clerk, 308 Uncas Street, P.O. Box 268, Tonica, Illinois 61370. A Summary of the proposed Redevelopment Plan and Projects and a Boundary Map and Legal Description of the proposed Redevelopment Project Area are presented below. The Redevelopment Plan and Projects complies with the provisions of the “Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act”. A copy of the proposed Tonica Commercial TIF District Redevelopment Plan and Projects is available at the Tonica Village Clerk’s Office, 308 Uncas Street, Tonica, Illinois for examination during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday and Wednesday, or by appointment.

For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Mr. Kevin Sluder, Village President, Village of Tonica, at (815) 442-3104.

Proposed Redevelopment Plan and Project Area: The Village of Tonica proposes to establish a Redevelopment Project Area and adopt a Redevelopment Plan and Projects pursuant to the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act [65 ILCS 5/11-74.4 et. seq.] (the “Act”) for the proposed “Tonica Commercial Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District” in order to stimulate commercial, light industrial and residential development within the Village. The intent of the Redevelopment Plan is to promote and protect the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the public, address blighted conditions in the proposed Area and institute conservation measures so as to remove and alleviate adverse conditions, encourage private investment, develop business and real estate projects to increase employment and restore and enhance the tax base of the taxing districts by undertaking public and private redevelopment projects within a designated Area. The Redevelopment Project Area (the “Area”) for the proposed Tonica Commercial TIF District includes areas shown on the Boundary Map and the boundary is legally described in the Legal Description of the TIF Area. These properties have been neglected and have not benefitted from coordinated planning efforts by either public or private sectors. All properties within the proposed Area would substantially benefit by a series of proposed public and private redevelopment projects. Pursuant to the Act, the Area is not less in the aggregate than 1½ acres and the proposed Area includes only those contiguous parcels of real property and improvements thereon which would be substantially benefitted by a redevelopment project. The overall Area consists of 107 improved and vacant parcels, 86% of which qualify as a combination of “Blighted” and “Conservation” Areas, as defined in the TIF Act. Improved properties included in the Area display characteristics of age, dilapidation, obsolescence, deterioration, municipal code violations, inadequate utilities, overcrowding, EPA issues and a lack of public infrastructure and community planning. Vacant parcels throughout the Area display characteristics of obsolete platting, diversity of ownership, deterioration of adjacent properties, EPA issues, chronic flooding or contributing to flooding within the same watershed and blighted before becoming vacant. Evidence of a lag in Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) growth is apparent throughout the Area as a whole and has been documented pursuant to data made available by LaSalle County. The Redevelopment Project Area on the whole has not been subject to growth and development through investment by private enterprise and would not reasonably be anticipated to be developed without the use of tax increment financing. By attracting new private investment, improving public infrastructure and encouraging new private investment throughout the designated Redevelopment Project Area, the Village expects to create new jobs and employment opportunities, increase population, increase the real estate tax base, generate additional retail sales tax revenues, stimulate the local economy and improve the overall quality of life for its residents. Long Term Goals and Objectives: The Village intends to use the Tonica Commercial TIF District to redevelop property that is currently underutilized for commercial space, commercial/retail businesses, tourism-related activities, light industrial and residential development to increase population, improve employment opportunities, expand and diversify the local real estate tax base, manage growth and increase the overall quality of life for its residents. The Redevelopment Plan will allow the Village to alleviate and/or remove blighting conditions such as the lack of adequate public infrastructure, increase Tonica’s overall competitiveness in the region and institute public policies that are more conducive to business development. All of the property within the proposed Area will substantially benefit by a series of public and private redevelopment projects made possible with tax increment financing. The Redevelopment Project Area is not otherwise reasonably expected to be substantially improved or be further developed without the use of tax increment financing. The Tonica Commercial TIF District Redevelopment Plan is expected to include, but is not limited to, the following general long-term goals and objectives: (1) Eliminate or reduce those conditions which qualify the Redevelopment Project Area as a “Combination of Blighted and Conservation Areas”; (2) Facilitate the construction, improvement and maintenance of public infrastructure, environmental remediation and other capital projects which the Village finds is in furtherance of the Redevelopment Plan or necessary to encourage new residential and commercial development; (3) Construct, improve, upgrade and maintain storm water drainage and sanitary sewer lines and related infrastructure throughout the Redevelopment Project Area; (4) Construct, improve, upgrade and maintain antiquated and/or inadequate water lines and mains, as well as water storage facilities and related distribution systems; (5) Construct, improve, upgrade and maintain streets, amenities relating to information technology, street lighting, landscaping, curbs, alleys, parks, public green space, recreational amenities, sidewalks, bike paths and other pedestrian walkways throughout the Redevelopment Project Area; (6) Encourage residential rehabilitation/renovation projects within the Redevelopment Project Area using financial incentives offered by tax increment financing; (7) Encourage private investment for commercial rehabilitation/renovation projects to be undertaken on existing structures within the Redevelopment Project Area through the use of financial incentives offered by tax increment financing; (8) Enhance the tax base for the Village and other taxing districts through coordinated, comprehensive planning efforts by either the public or private sectors which focus on efforts to improve infrastructure, property reuse, and the upgrade of existing buildings; (9) Foster entrepreneurship and attract new commercial development which complies with Village zoning and land use ordinances, increases assessed valuations and enhances the real estate tax base for the Village, thereby also creating high-quality employment opportunities within the Tonica community; (10) Encourage new residential development which will thereby help to adequately increase the Village’s population, maintain a high-quality housing stock, expand the overall tax base of the community, maintain/regenerate local school enrollments, and raise local economic thresholds to levels necessary to support new commercial retail development; (11) Encourage the development of additional, new residential choices for retired persons and elderly residents over the next 20 years; (12) Attract tourism and new retail/commercial businesses while also vigorously reinvesting in existing properties within the Redevelopment Project Area to encourage business retention and increase retail business activity that will generate new local retail sales tax revenue for the Village, other taxing bodies and the State of Illinois; and (13) Undertake redevelopment projects which will further improve the overall quality of life, health and well-being of the Tonica community. Description of Tax Increment Financing: A TIF District establishes a geographic boundary (a redevelopment project area) in which new private investment is encouraged. A municipality may also issue obligations to finance improvements that will enable the redevelopment of deteriorated, blighted, or other key conservation areas within its corporate limits. By making public improvements, the municipality may invite new private investment so that the expected increase in property tax revenues can be captured, temporarily, to amortize the public improvements. A municipality may also choose to use TIF funds on a pay-as-you-go basis whereby revenue is spent as it is collected. In either case, it is expected that new investment in a designated redevelopment area will stimulate a resurgence of population, employment, and assessed valuation throughout the entire community. It should be noted that TIF DOES NOT raise property taxes and it IS NOT a new tax or a new taxing district. Only an increased assessment or an overall increase in tax rates can raise taxes. TIF is merely used to reallocate increased property tax revenues created by increased assessed valuation that is realized after a TIF District is established. A TIF District may last for up to 23 years. With Tax Increment Financing, a property tax base is preserved during the life of the TIF District that will continue to pay for the basic public services the Continued on next page

• Friday, March 30, 2018

TONICA COMMERCIAL TIF DISTRICT SUMMARY OF PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN & PROJECTS

| The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

VILLAGE OF TONICA COMMERCIAL TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, March 30, 2018

|

12

proposed redevelopment area already receives. New incremental property tax revenue in the Village of Tonica may be used to help pay for the infrastructure necessary for stimulating additional private-sector investment.

TONICA COMMERCIAL TIF DISTRICT PRPOSED LEGAL DESCRIPTION

OF LAN THENC PARCE ALONG NORTH SOUTH WAY LI INTERS THE NO LINE O OF LAN THERE

THAT PART OF SECTIONS 23, 24, 25 AND 26, TOWNSHIP 32 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF TONICA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 26; THENCE NORTH TO THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF N 20TH ROAD; THENCE EAST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF N 20TH ROAD, 869 FEET; THENCE SOUTH TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 1 IN DARRELL’S SUBDIVISION IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 1 TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 1; THENCE EAST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 1 AND LOT 2 OF DARRELL’S SUBDIVISION TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 2; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 2 TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 2; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE NORTHERLY EXTENSION OF SAID EAST LINE TO THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF INTERSTATE 39; THENCE NORTHEAST ALONG SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO A POINT APPROXIMATELY 170 FEET NORTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE TONIC EAST TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHERLY EXTENSION OF THE EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF INTERSTATE 39; THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID EXTENSION PROPO LINE AND THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID INTERSTATE 39 TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 32 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST; THENCE EAST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 23 TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE WEST HALF OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF THE WEST HALF OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER TO A POINT APPROXIMATELY 1963 FEET NORTH OF THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF N. 20TH ROAD; SAID POINT BEING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF A PARCEL OF LAND OWNED BY RON DOSE, SAID PARCEL HAVING A PERMANENT TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OF 25-23-432-000; THENCE EAST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL TO THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF ILLINOIS ROUTE 251; THENCE CONTINUING EASTERLY CROSSING ILLINOIS ROUTE 251 TO A POINT ON THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID ILLINOIS ROUTE 251, SAID POINT BEING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF A PARCEL OF LAND OWNED BY VISHNOSKY/VARGOCHIK, SAID PARCEL HAVING A PERMANENT TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OF 25-24-305-000; THENCE EASTERLY ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF A PARCEL OF LAND OWNED BY VISHNOSKY/VARGOCHIK, SAID PARCEL HAVING A PERMANENT TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OF 25-24-301-000; THENCE EAST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL TO THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF E. 550TH ROAD; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF N. 20TH ROAD; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY CROSSING SAID N. 20TH ROAD TO THE NORTHEASTERLY CORNER OF A PARCEL OF LAND OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF TONICA, SAID PARCEL BEING THE VILLAGE OF TONICA WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID PARCEL LINE; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE SAID PARCEL LINE; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID PARCEL LINE TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF SECTION 25, TOWNSHIP 32 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST; THENCE WESTERLY ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 25, TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 25; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF THE SAID NORTHWEST QUARTER TO THE POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE EASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE NORTH LINE OF BATOLONI SUBDIVISION; THENCE WEST ALONG THE EXTENSION LINE OF THE NORTH LINE OF BATOLONI SUBDIVISION AND SAID NORTH LINE OF SAID SUBDIVISION TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 4 IN SAID SUBDIVISION; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 4 TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 4; THENCE WEST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF A PARCEL OF LAND OWNED BY TONICA CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT #79 TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID PARCEL, SAID POINT BEING ON THE EAST LINE OF LOT 1, BLOCK 16 OF WEST’S SUBDIVISION; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE SAID EAST LINE AND THE NORTHERLY EXTENSION OF SAID EAST LINE TO A POINT ON THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF COUNTY HIGHWAY 14 (N. 20TH ROAD); THENCE WEST ALONG SAID SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE, APPROXIMATELY 320 FEET; THENCE SOUTH TO A POINT ON THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF MUGEKEWIS STREET; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO A POINT THAT IS 284 FEET EAST OF THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SHAWANDASEE STREET; THENCE NORTH 307 FEET PARALLEL WITH SAID EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE; THENCE WEST 284 FEET TO A POINT ON SAID EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE, 307 FEET TO THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF MUGEKEWIS STREET AND THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SHAWANDASEE STREET; THENCE WEST ALONG THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF MUGEKEWIS STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE NORTHERLY EXTENSION OF THE WEST LINE OF WEST’S SUBDIVISION; THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG SAID EXTENSION LINE AND THE WEST LINE OF SAID WEST’S SUBDIVISION TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 9 IN SAID SUBDIVISION; THENCE EAST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 9 TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 9; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 9 TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 9; THENCE WEST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 9 TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 9; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID WEST’S SUBDIVISION TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 7 IN SAID WEST’S SUBDIVISION; THENCE EAST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 7; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID WEST’S SUBDIVISION TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTH 16 FEET OF LOT 2 IN SAID WEST’S SUBDIVISION; THENCE WEST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTH 16 FEET OF SAID LOT 2 TO A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 2; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SUBDIVISION TO A POINT ON THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WAUPONIS STREET; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 1 IN SAID WEST’S SUBDIVISION; THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG THE NORTHERLY EXTENSION OF AND THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF LASALLE STREET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF UNCAS STREET; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF UNCAS STREET TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF THE ALLEY LYING EAST OF LASALLE STREET, SAID POINT BEING THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 2, BLOCK 1, IN THE TOWN OF TONICA; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID ALLEY TO THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF PONTIAC STREET; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF PONTIAC STREET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 4, BLOCK 21 OF WEST’S 3RD ADDITION; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 4 AND THE EAST LINE OF THE WEST 87.5 FEET OF LOT 2, BLOCK 23 OF WEST’S 4TH ADDITION; THENCE WEST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 2 TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 2; THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG THE WEST LINE OF BLOCK 23 IN SAID WEST’S 4TH ADDITION TO A POINT IN THE CENTERLINE OF BAILEY CREEK; THENCE WESTERLY ALONG CENTERLINE OF BAILEY CREEK TO A POINT THE WEST LINE OF LOT 2, BLOCK 24 IN WEST’S 4TH ADDITION; THENCE SOUTH ALONG WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 2 TO A POINT THAT IS 105 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 2; THENCE WEST ALONG A LINE THAT IS PARALLEL WITH AND 105 FEET NORTH OF THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF CHERRY STREET TO A POINT ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF 1ST STREET; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF PEORIA AND OTTAWA ROAD; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF A PARCEL OF LAND OWNED BY JAMES AND JEFFREY STEELE, SAID PARCEL HAVING THE PERMANENT TAX ID NUMBER OF 25-25-300-002; THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG WEST LINE OF SAID PARCEL TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID PARCEL; THENCE EAST ALONG NORTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF WEST’S ADDITION TO TONICA; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID WEST’S ADDITION TO A POINT THAT IS 24’ SOUTH OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF OUTLOT 8 IN SAID WEST’S SUBDIVISION, SAID CORNER ALSO BEING THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 2, BLOCK 3 IN H K & H’S SUBDIVISION; THENCE WEST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 2 AND THE WESTERLY EXTENSION OF SAID LOT 2 TO THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF IL RTE 251 (1ST STREET); THENCE NORTH ALONG THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID ILLINOIS RTE 251 TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF POPLAR STREET; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO SOUTHEAST CORNER OF H K & H’S ADDITION; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID AND H K & H’S ADDITION AND H K & H’S 2ND ADDITION TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF PLUMB STREET; THENCE WEST ON THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID PLUMB STREET TO THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF 1ST STREET; THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF N. 20TH ROAD; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF A PARCEL

TONICA COMMERCIAL TIF DISTRICT PROPOSED BOUNDARY MAP

13 | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

OF LAND OWNED BY BRUCE STEELE, HAVING THE PERMANENT TAX ID NUMBER 25-26-201-000; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID PARCEL LINE TO A POINT; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID PARCEL LINE TO A POINT, SAID POINT BEING ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF 2ND STREET; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID PARCEL LINE, SAID LINE ALSO BEING THE WEST LINE OF 2ND STREET TO A POINT; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID PARCEL LINE 120 FEET; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID PARCEL LINE 213 FEET TO A POINT, SAID POINT BEING ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 32 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST; THENCE WEST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHEAST QUARTER TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 26; THENCE SOUTH ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID WEST HALF TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF PEORIA & OTTAWA ROAD; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF PEORIA & OTTAWA ROAD TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF INTERSTATE 39; THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF INTERSTATE 39 TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF SECTION 26; THENCE WEST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH HALF OF SAID SECTION 26 TO THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 26 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, EXCEPTING THEREFROM A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OWNED BY MITCHELL URBAN HAVING A PERMANENT TAX ID NUMBER OF 25-26-119-000 AND ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM A PARCEL OF LAND OWNED BY CARON AND GARY BROOKER HAVING A PERMANENT TAX ID NUMBER 25-26-116-000.

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• Friday, March 30, 2018

             

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A1

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, March 30, 2018

| CLASSIFIED

14

–––––––––––––––– 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

Home for sale?

Call today!

815-625-3600

108 • Lost & Found Found young male intact tan chihuahua mix with black muzzle and white chest, with black collar near main park in Granville. Please call Crossroads Veterinary Hospital with any information at 815-8822000.Crossroads Veterinary Hospital Putnam County Animal Control107 West Main Street McNabb, IL 61335 815.882.2000 or 815.882.2002-fax

See It Right Here!

The Tonica News Classifieds 815-625-3600

232 • Business Opportunities ********** THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of the Tonica News Does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is.

Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number.

Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by”900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis.

The Tonica News Classifieds makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader.

If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact: Better Business Bureau 330 North Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 312 832-0500

450 • Under $1000 ************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines.

Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week.

No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales.

E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number)

ADVERTISE GARAGE SALES OR YARD SALES! The Tonica News can promote your garage sale or yard sale to let everyone know about the treasures you have for sale.

Just call 815-6253600 and we’ll help you “Clean Up!”

ZOOM IN ON A BUYER

Advertise your goods and services in the Classifieds and reach hundreds of potential buyers daily. Call today to place your ad and make a sale quickly.

Call Us Today! 815-625-3600

HIRE CLOSER. HIRE HAPPIER. Why look far and wide for the best local talent? Just visit IllinoisCareers.com. Offering thousands of career. candidate profiles, Illinois’ most comprehensive online job boards attract the most qualified local job seekers in a wide variety of industries and skill sets. Look to IllinoisCareers.com for employees who live close to the place your business calls home.

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Bureau County Republican is a of partner of IllinoisCareers.com.

A2

15

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CLASSIFIED | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

FOLEY MOTORS

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Marketplace

Business Directory C & A FARM DRAINAGE Colton & Aaron Poignant

767 • Mobile Home Sales **************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777.

The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LaSALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF TINA M. McCOY DECEASED NO. 2018-P-54 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of Tina M. McCoy. Letters of the office were issued on February 27, 2018, to Todd McCoy, 759 Colorado St., Marseilles, IL 61341, as Administrator of the Estate, whose attorney is Nicholas Balestri of Bernabei & Fiocchi, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, Illinois 61301.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk of the court, LaSalle County Courthouse, 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, IL, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed of delivered to the representative and to the attorney.

Dated this 1st day of March, 2018.

Name: Nicholas Balestri Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi Attorney for : Todd McCoy Address: 149 Gooding Street City: LaSalle, IL. 61301 Phone: (815) 223-6600 March 16, 23, 30, 2018

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The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, March 30, 2018

| CLASSIFIED

16

A3

ESTATE OF DALE STRAUGHN DECEASED NO. 2018-P-51 CLAIM NOTICE

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING EDEN TOWNSHIP LASALLE COUNTY Tuesday April 10th , 2018 7:00 pm Township Building 128 LaSalle St. Tonica, IL 61370 March 30, 2018

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LaSALLE COUNTY OTTAWA, ILLINOIS NO. 2018-P-45 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Betty A. Betts, late of LaSalle, Illinois . Letters of office were issued on February 27, 2018 to Bedina M. Huffman and Bretta J. DeVore, whose attorney is Gary Gearhart, GEARHART LAW OFFICE, 951 Fifth Street, LaSalle, Illinois 61301.

Claims against the Estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Downtown Courthouse, 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, Illinois, or with the representative, or both, within 6) months from the date of issuance of letters. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

GREG VACCARO Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary L. Gearhart GEARHART LAW OFFICE Attorney for Plaintiff 651 Fifth Street LaSalle, IL 61301 Phone: (815) 223-8009 Fax: (815) 223-8003 March 16, 23, 30, 2018

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

Notice is given of the death of DALE STRAUGHN. Letters of the office were issued NOTICE OF HEARING on February 22, 2018, to KATHLEEN MILNER, 306 N. 21st Rd., Tonica, IL 61370, as Executor, Public notice is hereby given that a public whose attorney is John Balestri, of Bernabei & hearing will be held before the Planning ComFiocchi, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, Illinois mission/Zoning Board of the Village of Tonica 61301. on the 16th day of April, 2018, in the Village Hall in said Village of Tonica at the hour of 6:30 p.m.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the of- For hearing to consider the following petition fice of the clerk of the court, LaSalle County Applicant: Jennifer L. Warrner, Richard L Courthouse, 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, IL, Illi- Keneiipp III nois 61350, or with the representative, or both, Address: 110 N. Shawandasee St., Tonica, IL within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters and any claim not filed within that peri- Legal description: Lots 3 and 4 in Block 7 in od is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the West's Addition to the Village of Tonica, LaSalle clerk must be mailed of delivered to the repre- County Illinois sentative and to the attorney.

Dated this 27th day of February, 2018.

Request: Petitioner requests a variance from the Zoning Ordinance No. 307 as follows: Section V, R1 B-2.iii: Petitioners request a variance Name: Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi from the side yard setback to be reduced to Attorney for : Estate zero feet from the required seven feet to allow Address: 149 Gooding Street an extension in line with the existing garage City: LaSalle, IL. 61301 upon the site.

Phone: (815) 223-6600 March 16, 23, 30, 2018 A map of the proposed variance may be inspected at the office of the village clerk, Village Hall, Tonica, IL PUBLIC AND

LEGAL NOTICES The Bureau County Republican Classified MarketPlace brings you the public and legal information you have a right to know. Check out each publication for information about your community and stay informed!

Property owners please note: All persons interested should attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard.

Dated this 30th day of March, 2018 Planning Commission/Zoning Board of the Village of Tonica, IL March 30, 2018

Ag Matters March 2018

• Ag economist sees a positive outlook for corn — Page 7 • Ag’s future on the menu at Chamber breakfast — Page 2 • Farmers urged to renew conservation contracts — Page 11

A publication of

Spring 2018

| AG MATTERS

2

SALUTE TO AGRICULTURE APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

Ag’s future on menu at Chamber breakfast Syngenta leader is keynote speaker

BY JIM DUNN Shaw Media PRINCETON – The future of agriculture was an overriding theme at the Princeton Chamber of Commerce’s fourth annual Salute to Agriculture Appreciation Breakfast.

High school students representing Bureau County’s three FFA chapters at Princeton, Bureau Valley and LaMoille spoke about their ag activities to about 300 people who attended the early morning gathering at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens on March 16.

Two FFA students, Clay Sundberg of LaMoille High School and James Bickett of Princeton High School, were presented ag scholarships to assist them in their future studies.

And the keynote speaker, Jeff Rowe, a Princeton High School alum who is president of Global Seeds and North America Syngenta, a leading Swiss-based agriculture technolo-

Shaw Media/Jim Dunn

James Bickett (center), a senior at Princeton High School who plans to attend Iowa State University, was presented an agricultural scholarship by the Princeton Chamber of Commerce at the group’s fourth annual Salute to Agriculture Appreciation Breakfast at Hornbaker Gardens in rural Princeton. On hand for the presentation were Derek Fetzer (left) of the Chamber’s Ag Committee and Kim Frey (right), executive director of the Chamber. gy company, described his career and what the future might hold for American and global agriculture.

Five macro trends will impact agriculture, Rowe said: • More output;

• Convergence of technologies; • Advanced farming practices; • Structural shifts; and • Sociopolitical and regulatory changes.

Plus, changing demographics and

how agriculture is conducted in other parts of the world are important for U.S. farmers to be aware of.

“We need to do a better job of understanding the rest of the Jeff world,” Rowe said.

Rowe The digital disruption that has impacted retail, taxi and hotel businesses worldwide – Alibaba, Uber and Airbnb have risen to be the largest companies in their fields – has not impacted agriculture yet, Rowe said. He referred to the “ag lag,” or delay in how revolutionary trends that start elsewhere take longer to impact agriculture.

But just as biotechnology changed agriculture, Rowe said, digital disruption will impact it, too.

During his presentation, Rowe flashed several quotes on the overhead screen.

George Washington, first U.S. president: “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man.”

See FUTURE, Page 3

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AG MATTERS| Spring 2018

Your Locally Owned Petroleum Retailer Shaw Media/Jim Dunn

Clay Sundberg (center), a senior at LaMoille High School who plans to attend Lake Land College in Mattoon, was also presented an agricultural scholarship by the Princeton Chamber of Commerce at the group’s fourth annual Salute to Agriculture Appreciation Breakfast. On hand were Derek Fetzer (left) of the Chamber’s Ag Committee and Kim Frey (right), executive director of the Chamber.

• FUTURE Continued from Page 2 And Wayne Gretzky, the famed hockey player: “Skate to where the puck is going.”

Rowe said he studied ag at Iowa State University and started working as a grain merchandiser before he decided to enhance his education by studying to become a lawyer.

This additional knowledge prepared him to work in the evolving field of biotechnology for ag companies such as Pioneer (where he worked 23 years and rose to be European regional director based in Switzerland) and Syngenta (for the past 18 months).

Rowe said he lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Amy, and their four children, and he works in the United States, Latin America and China.

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Spring 2018

| AG MATTERS

4

PUTNAM COUNTY

They’re getting ready today for farming’s future FFA schools students through technology and communication

BY DAVE COOK Shaw Media GRANVILLE — Future Farmers of America, better known as the National FFA, was founded in 1928.

In the decades since, many changes have taken place to keep its members at the leading edge of agriculture.

Many adaptations revolve around the great strides made through technology and science, and it’s apparent when looking at the curriculum .

“The FFA and agriculture education have been at Putnam County High School for more than 40 years, and it’s changed a lot just in the classes offered, including agriculture communications and biotechnology,” said John Heiser, Putnam County ag science teacher.

“The curriculum continues to evolve as agriculture becomes more

Shaw Media/Dave Cook

Putnam County High School FFA students are as likely to learn in a classroom as they are in the field, and the rapid growth of technology crosses over both environments. and more technology and advocacy focused,” Heiser said.

Additionally, each year students can participate in the FFA’s Career Development Events and Supervised Agriculture Experiences.

Heiser said these educational events let students work with industry insiders and apply what’s been

learned in the classroom to realworld scenarios, saying it gives them responsibility and also helps build their resumes.

“Students also get to explore different career opportunities by doing CDEs and SAEs,” he said.

“They have the opportunity to travel throughout the state, country

and to other countries, too. It also prepares them for college and the workforce.”

Communication is another big way in which technology has changed the FFA. “Keeping everyone updated with pictures and posts is how we stay in contact, and I see technology becoming a bigger part in our chapter because students are becoming more acquainted with different programs and are wanting to keep up to date with what’s ‘in,’” Heiser said.

Nolan Whitner, a junior at Putnam County High, commented: “FFA helped me become a better leader, an overall well-rounded person and helped me realize some of the aspects behind the business of farming. It’s also helped me develop good time management and communication skills.”

After working in the FFA biotechnology class, sophomore Cassie Johnson was asked about what role she thought GMOs will play in farming’s future.

See FFA, Page 5

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• FFA Continued from Page 4

AG MATTERS| Spring 2018

“I think GMOs will create more nutritious and faster-growing products to help support our growing population,” Johnson said. “Farmers will be able to grow more crops on one piece of land than they would with non-GM seeds. This will help them make money, so they don’t have to pay more for land.”

She added scientists have been able to create crops with additional nutrition, such as golden rice. However, she said, there isn’t enough research to support any real drawbacks and that the research done so far is inconclusive and biased.

“Therefore, the only drawbacks are that consumers are very misinformed about what GMOs are and how they’re developed,” Johnson said.

Putnam County FFA students have also designed solar water heaters in their ag engineering class.

“It’s a good idea to incorporate renewable energy because it’s great to find different ways to produce energy without wasting fossil fuels,” sophomore Carter Trone said. “We’ll soon run out of fossil fuels, so the more we incorporate it now, the better.”

Students were also asked about the increasing popularity and need

“I think GMOs will create more nutritious and faster-growing products to help support our growing population.

Farmers will be able to grow more crops on one piece of land than they would with nonGM seeds. This will help them make money, so they don’t have to pay more for land.”

Cassie Johnson sophomore, Putnam County High School for conservation programs, soil and water practices, and natural habitat restoration. The answer received provided a clue as to how the FFA may next adapt to the future.

“Most people my age don’t know what they are. I think they need to be talked about more in school and to the younger generation,” senior Kindra Shawback said.

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based out of Princeton Illinois

Schoff

Peterson Bros.

Farm Service, Inc. Walnut, Illinois

Serving your modern day transportation needs, with old fashioned service!

Spring 2018

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James Peterson SEED REPRESENTATIVE 13344 US Hwy 6 Geneseo, IL 61243 PHONE:

400 South West St Wyanet, IL 61379 CELL:

800-369-7833 815-878-1269 www.wyffels.com

jamespete64@gmail.com SM-PR1516394

PERFORMANCE MATTERS TO YOUR MACHINE Case IH maintenance products keep performing when others quit. Not only do our lubricants, coolants and filters exceed the industry standards that others only meet, they are the only products specifically engineered to meet the demanding application requirements of Case IH equipment. Maintain equipment health, minimize day-to-day impact and boost overall performance—with Case IH maintenance products.

1350 Western Ave Henry, IL 61537 (309) 364-2336

407 S East St Annawan, IL 61234 (309) 935-6768

Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

200 North Street Prophetstown, IL 61277 (815) 537-2304

928 South Division Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2393

CROP PRODUCTION FORECAST

Potential lower acreage, higher consumption seen as favorable signs U of I Extension URBANA — A strengthening trend in corn consumption, smaller corn acreage, and the developing production issues in South America signify a positive outlook for corn in 2018.

The expectations for corn in the 2018 crop year put forth in this analysis show lower production leading to decreased ending stocks in 201819.

According to University of Illinois agricultural economist Todd Hubbs, “The big ending stocks projected for this marketing-year continue to hang over corn prices and an upward price movement in corn during 2018 appears likely under a reduced production scenario.”

Corn consumption currently is showing signs of building strength in exports, ethanol production, and other domestic uses. As 2018 pro-

gresses, an expectation of continued growth in corn consumption is the baseline for this analysis.

“Expectations for the 2018-19 marketing-year for consumption exceed projected production, which leads to a lower level of ending stocks by the end of the marketing year. Corn exports will be influenced by trade policy, world corn production, and economic growth,” Hubbs said.

While changes in trade policy may impact corn exports over the next year, the following analysis assumes a minimal impact due to trade disruptions.

“Corn export projections by the USDA for the current marketing-year sit at 2.05 billion bushels.

Current production issues in South America and the competitiveness of U.S. corn export prices increase the probability of exceeding the current USDA marketing-year projection,” Hubbs said.

Current corn production projections for Brazil (3.7 billion bushels) and Argentina (1.53 billion bushels) appear likely for downward revisions in the upcoming USDA reports

Shaw Media/Jim Dunn

It won’t be too long before planting season, with area farmers checking their fields soon after for how well corn plants have emerged. A U of I agricultural economist believes a strengthening trend in corn consumption, smaller corn acreage, and the developing production issues in South America signify a positive outlook for corn in 2018. due to adverse weather. The potential for 400 million fewer bushels is increasingly probable in the two major South American countries.

With a revision in South American production, world production projections come in approximately 4.5 percent lower in 2018. Building

on the strength expected in export markets for the remainder of this marketing-year, 2018-19 corn export projections in this analysis sits at 2.025 billion bushels.

Corn used for ethanol production during this marketing-year continues to show tremendous consumption potential.

“Through February 28, an estimate of corn use for ethanol sits slightly above 2.8 billion bushels. An expectation of small increases in gasoline consumption in 2018 and 2019 combined with growth in the ethanol trade balance provide support to the continued increase in corn used for ethanol,” Hubbs said.

Corn used for ethanol expectations increase to 5.57 billion bushels in the 2018-19 marketing-year.

The potential for lower cor n acreage in 2018 combined with an increased consumption scenario presents a positive outlook for corn prices in 2018. While the corn price will continue to struggle with ending stocks, an upward price movement in corn during 2018 appears likely.

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AG MATTERS| Spring 2018

Ag economist sees positive outlook for corn

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Spring 2018

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We have served our communities for over 50 years

Grain LLC

WHAT WE OFFER:

Princeton Office (815) 872-0067

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Deb Schultz

PORK PRODUCERS OUTLOOK

narrowed since last August as new capacity came online and continues to increase production. More competition among packers for hogs is helping strengthen bids for hogs and increasing the farmers’ share.”

Finally, exports remain strong with 22 percent of U.S. production being exported in 2017. USDA is expecting exports to be 4 percent higher again this year.

“The market has caught on to a strong demand, with live prices so far this year averaging about $1.80 per hundredweight higher than the same period last year. In addition, the lean hog futures market has been strong as well,” Hurt said.

Using those futures prices and historic basis, expected live hog prices for 2018 would average about $53.50 compared to $50.48 last year.

“The prospect of hog prices this year being $3 per live hundredweight higher is a reflection that the futures market recognizes the strong demand outlook for this year. Time will tell if the current optimism can turn into reality,” he said.

U of I Extension URBANA — The pork market has been favored by strong demand, and that remains supportive for hog prices this year. Prospects remain positive for higher producer prices again in 2018, even in the face of a 3 percent to 4 percent increase in supply.

However, according to Purdue University agricultural economist Chris Hurt, a new threat to profit margins is being driven by dry weather in Argentina, therefore pushing up feed costs.

On the demand front, all signals continue to be positive. So far in 2018, pork supplies have been up by 2.5 percent, yet hog prices have also been higher by nearly 4 percent. There are several signs of positive demand growth.

“First, January retail pork prices were 18 cents per retail pound higher this year compared to January of 2017. This indicates that consumers are willing to pay more for pork even though there is more pork available,” Hurt said.

“Second, packer margins have

1880

138 YEARS

2018

& Five Generations In Business

“Those expected prices are about $51 per live hundredweight for the first quarter, around $57 for the second and third quarters, and then near $48 for the final quarter.”

Hurt continued: “Higher hog prices are a joyful sound to hog producers, but there are two catches. The first uncertainty is whether hog prices can actually be as strong as current markets expect, and the second uncertainty is feed cost.”

The pork industry, like all animal agriculture, has believed that feed supplies are abundant and that corn and soybean meal will remain cheap.

Why? For the four crop years from 2014 to 2017, farm-level corn prices received have averaged $3.49 per bushel, and in the past three calendar years from 2015 to 2017, high-pro soybean meal at Decatur has averaged $328 per ton.

Since the beginning of this year, hog price prospects have increased, but so have anticipated feed costs.

For hog producers, the increase in soybean meal prices has had a bigger impact on feed costs than increases

in corn prices.

So far this year, hog price prospects are higher, but so are anticipated costs. The net effect is to reduce profit prospects modestly. Profits above all costs in 2017 were estimated at about $5 per head.

Hurt concluded that pork demand should remain positive through the year with strong U.S. and world economic growth. Longer-term, however, higher wage rates, higher inflation, and higher interest rates may begin to constrain economic growth.

“Global demand for feed ingredients continues to grow, but favorable weather has resulted in near record global yields for the last four years. A shift to less favorable global weather has obvious consequences for animal industries,” Hurt said.

“As a reminder, the pork industry should strive to keep breeding herd expansion to around one percent per year. Keeping breeding herd growth to about one percent per year will increase production by about 2.5 percent per year, which seems to be a sustainable growth rate,” Hurt said.

NEW LEADER

MULTAPPLIER

Homes, Farms & Business Pump Sales & Service Estimates Available SM-PR1516367

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Ohio, IL. 815-376-2811

ick ediger

Auction Service

401 W. Main St. • Wyanet, IL 61379 • BUS: (815)699-7999 • CELL: 9815) 866-4486

Check for upcoming auctions at www.rickrediger.com

New box design allows you to apply 2 fertilizers in one pass.

Blend on the go with independent control of conveyors.

Broadcast fertilizer from 60’ to 84’. The MultApplier dual hopper insert is removable allowing for single product application.

McHenry Machine Company, Inc. 815-875-1953

1309 IL Highway 26, Princeton, IL 61356

AG MATTERS| Spring 2018

Hog prices increase, but so do feed costs

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THE ONE NAME IN CROP PROTECTION INPUTS

• Grain & Grain Storage • Refined Fules • Propane • Feed • Fertilizer • Seed • Crop Protection

Crop Production Services

Spring 2018

We are dedicated to helping our customers achieve maximum success.

When you meet and work with a member of the Crop Production Services team, we are confident you will see our strengths first-hand and “Profit from our experience.”

BOX 560 • MENDOTA, IL 61342 1-815-539-6772

Manlius

815-445-6951 Walnut

815-379-9295

FARMERS - A Vertical Tillage Tool is designed to work the soil surface at your choice of depth, recutting, mixing and leveling soil & residue.

SM-PR1513583

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LAMOILLE, MENDOTA, MALDEN, OTTAWA, TONICA, TRIUMPH, UTICA, VAN ORIN, MARKET STREET TERMINAL

Growing Stronger With Each Generation

The V.T. Tool does not create a horizontal compaction layer as a field cultivator and disk will do.

A field cultivator has to run too deep to bury unwanted trash.

The V.T. Tool works great ahead of the corn & bean planters, creating an excellent seed bed while not tilling below the seed depth.

Call Munro at 815-303-1960 for a demonstration.

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OPERATING LINES...EQUIPMENT LOANS...REAL ESTATE FINANCING

Call one of our experienced Ag Bankers today.

Fulton 815.589.3232 Brad Ottens

Geneseo 309.944.5601 Randy Clary

Princeton 815.875.3333 Jason VanLanduit Neal Knauf Tevis Mott

Rochelle 815.562.5571 Lori Hillison Brandon Svela

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Equal Hosing Lender

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Goal is to help build operatons while using conservation

Conservation Stewardship Program benefits • Improved water quality; • Improved cattle gains per acre; • Increased crop yields; • Decreased inputs; • Improved wildlife habitat and populations; and • Better resilience to weather extremes.

U.S. Department of Agriculture CHAMPAIGN — Agricultural producers wanting to enhance current conservation efforts are encouraged to renew their Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contract by the upcoming deadlines.

Through CSP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps private landowners build their business while implementing conservation practices that help ensure the sustainability of their entire operation.

Participants with existing CSP contracts expiring on Dec. 31, 2018, can access the benefits of the recent program changes through an option to renew their contracts for an additional five years, if they

DEADLINE APPROACHES NRCS will mail contract renewal notification letters to all participants whose contracts expire in 2018. The letters will contain instructions on how to apply for renewal.

Applications to renew expiring contracts are due by April 13, 2018. agree to adopt additional activities to achieve higher levels of conservation on their lands.

In Illinois, approximately 550 CSP contracts are reaching the end of their initial five-year contract peri-

od and may be renewed for an additional five years.

NRCS will mail contract renewal notification letters to all participants whose contracts expire in 2018.

The letters will contain instructions on how to apply for renewal.

Applications to renew expiring contracts are due by April 13, 2018.

Through CSP, agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for actively managing, maintaining and expanding conservation activities such as cover crops, nutrient management, buffer strips, and pollinator and beneficial insect habitat – all while maintaining active agriculture production on their land.

CSP also encourages the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and new management techniques such as precision agriculture applications, on-site carbon storage and planting for high carbon sequestration rate, and new soil amendments to improve water quality.

Some CSP benefits include: • Improved water quality;

• Improved cattle gains per acre; • Increased crop yields; • Decreased inputs; • Improved wildlife habitat and populations; and • Better resilience to weather extremes.

NRCS recently made several updates to the program to help producers better evaluate their conservation options and the benefits to their operations and natural resources.

New methods and software for evaluating applications help producers see up front why they are or are not meeting stewardship thresholds, and allow them to pick practices and enhancements that work for their conservation objectives.

These tools also enable producers to see potential payment scenarios for conservation early in the application process.

Producers interested in the Conservation Stewardship Program are recommended to contact their local USDA service center or visit www. nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.

“Protecting Your Investment In Farmland” SM

• Land Clearing • Pond Excavating • Boring

29408 3450 East Street LaMoille, IL SM-PR1513858

Call Us At:

815-910-5479

Douglas D. Ray, AFM

Accredited Farm Manager/ManagingReal Estate Broker

815-872-FARM (3276) SM-PR1514547

• Farm Drainage • Waterways • Structures

P.O. Box 39 • 226 Prairie Ln. W. • Princeton, IL 61356 www.rayfarm1.com • Email: rayfarm1@comcast.net

We Offer All Types of Buildings For Agricultural and Equine

Rick Andersen 815.626.7378

• NEW HOMES • GARAGES • ROOM ADDITIONS • ROOFING • SIDING • POLE BUILDINGS • REMODELING Post Office Box 114 Walnut, IL. 61376 Email: haroldrollo@yahoo.com Website: www.rolloconstruction.com

FREE ESTIMATES Home: 815-379-9317 Ans. Machine: 815-379-2350 Cell Phone: 815-303-9321

www.andersenbuildings.com SM-PR1516408

email: andersenstatewidebuildings@comcast.net

AG MATTERS| Spring 2018

Farmers urged to renew conservation contracts

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Spring 2018

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Farm Management Consulting Real Estate Brokerage Farmland Auctions Our Products & Services

• Fertilizers - Dry, Liquid, Starter & Micronutrients • Crop Protection Products - Name Brand & Generics • Application - Ground & Aerial • Soil Testing • Competitive Pricing & Top Notch Customer Service • 360 Yield Center Dealer

C E N T E R™

Our Perspective

As farmers and landowners ourselves, we seek out opportunities for farming operations.

We want to see your farm succeed, and your commitment to it sustained.

Call me on how I can assist with your agricultural needs

Timothy A. Harris, AFM

Our Promise

We think about your bottom line first.

All sales and recommendations are based on what makes your farming operation profitable.

We are farmers too.

Get a shared perspective.

Grow your crop and your value per acre with agricultural products and farming services in one stop.

Gripp Custom Farming Corp & Gripp Farm Nutrients, LLC

Family Owned & Operated SHEFFIELD, ILLINOIS

Managing Broker, IL Lic. Auctioneer #441.001976, Princeton, IL

815-875-7418 timothy.a.harris@pgim.com

www.capitalag.com LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKERS

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SM-PR1516411