TON-04-04-2014

1 Front Volume 141 No. 6

Friday, April 4, 2014

The Tonica News

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TGS, LGS receive financial recognition

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

The Illinois State Board of Education, (ISBE) has released the 2014 financial profile for every school district in the state of Illinois. There are now more schools than ever before with the lowest financial ranking possible.

The numbers show that one-third of the students who attend school in the state of Illinois are in schools that have poor financial health.

This translates into Illinois schools that have cut staff and programs, enlarged class sizes or cut extra curricular activities and support services.

The ISBE has noted 532 districts are in deficit spending. Each school in Illinois receives a yearly financial profile. The ISBE uses this profile to monitor each school district’s financial condition.

The four levels include: 1. Financial Recognition - the highest ranking, this indicates a district has earned a score of

3.54 to 4.00; 2. Financial Review is when a district has a score of 3.08 to 3.53. Districts in this category receive limited review by the ISBE and are watched for potential downward trends; 3.

Early Warning school districts with a score of 2.62 to 3.07 are listed in this category. ISBE monitors these districts and offers

select assistance; and 4.

Financial Watch districts scored at 1.00 to 2.61 and are placed in this category. ISBE offers extensive support to the district, and it is reviewed to see if it qualifies for a Financial Oversight Panel.

Locally, all but one area school district has achieved the Financial Recognition designation.

Tonica Grade School and Lostant Grade School have earned a 3.65 for the last two years. Putnam County Community Unit School District has earned a perfect 4.00 for the last two years. LaSalle-Peru Township High School has slipped by .10 percent in the last two

See Recognition Page 3

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

Chris Does

Does continues tradition of service

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

Editor’s note: This is another story in a series, as the Tonica News talks with members of the boards in the Tonica/ Lostant area and gets their views on what is going on in their communities.

LOSTANT — A lastminute write-in candidate in the 2007 elections, Chris Does has been serving the Lostant Village Board for seven years, serving as streets and alley supervisor.

Does oversees a twoperson staff and has helped out several times this past winter with the assistance of fellow board member Andy Forrest.

“My guys do a really good job,” Does said.

Does’ father was a village board member before him and his grandfather served for a time as mayor, so volunteerism and community service

See Does Page 3

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

Tonica Junior High School attends IVCC Career Day Kendall Yeruski, an eighth-grader at Tonica Junior High School, makes soap during the “Make Your Own Soap” seminar at the Illinois Valley Community College Junior High School annual Career Day on March 28. Area junior high school students could attend two of the 37 seminars that demonstrated potential careers to junior high school students.

Better Fishing Association of Northern Illinois promotes nature Two children’s events are planned

By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

LASALLE — The Better Fishing Association of Northern Illinois isn’t at all about fishing.

“The smallest portion of it is fishing. We promote fishing; that is what we do, but there is so much more,” said Dave Haupt of Peru.

Initially, the group organized behind the efforts and ideal of having the state of Illinois purchase the Hennepin Canal, so it could be rehabilitated.

“They were going to de-water it at one time. The club organized the people all along the canal all the way to the Quad Cities to gather together to get the state to purchase the canal,” said Ed Her-

Vol. 141 No. 6

man of Spring Valley.

The group was successful, and the Hennepin Canal has been improved through the years for generations to enjoy through the efforts of many, including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

This goal is one of seven major goals the Better Fishing Association of Northern Illinois had when they started, which they still honor today. The group also:

• Promotes, encourages, fosters and supports the acquisition, rehabilitation and development of other like, similar and suitable properties and natural resources, as conservation areas and public fishing and recreation areas by the IDNR. • Preserves and develops natural resources, fish, game and wildlife and to assist in the conservation thereof.

See Fishing Page 2

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2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 4, 2014

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

The Tonica News P.O. Box 86, Tonica, IL 61370 (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

Submit

The Tonica News encourages readers to submit news for publication in our paper. Special events, weddings, births, awards and honors, anniversaries, promotions, etc. are welcome items for the paper. Some fees may apply.

Schools, businesses, organizations and groups are encouraged to send information on activities and events. If you have attended a function or event and have a photo and/or news, please submit them.

Email to:

news@tonicanews.com.

Photos should be sent as an attachment.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News P.O. Box 86,Tonica, IL 61370

The River of Destiny flows through Lostant

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — On the northern edge of Lostant located on Route 251 sits the River of Destiny Church, a relative newcomer in the religious community that has become popular for its charismatic approach to worship.

“We first started as a prison ministry,” said Ray Brierly. “We ran into a couple from Bloomington where he had been in prison for 15 years.

When he got out, he started a prison ministry, so we started going in with them in 1989. When they moved to Texas in the mid-’90s, we took over the prison ministry.”

Pastors Ray and Yong Brierly started River of Destiny as a non-denominational church in June of 2000. Services are on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesday and Fridays at 7 p.m. An additional Sunday service is in the evenings at 6 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month.

The church has its roots in the Brierlys’ home when they opened their home to prayer services, which soon became Bible studies. The Brierlys felt a calling to start a church after a couple they had known through their earlier worship gave them money from an apartment sale to start a church.

A year later, the Brierlys received the Casey’s building as a donation from a real estate agency and used the money to renovate the interior, then to make an addition to the building and redo the parking lot.

“The Lord has been good to us, and we knew it was the Lord from the very beginning,” Yong said. “We’ve seen many

Fishing From Page 1 • Encourages, supports and sponsors legislation,

Tonica News photos/Ken Schroeder

Above: Music is an important part of worship at the River of Destiny Church in Lostant, where musical instruments share space with the pulpit. Right: The church began life as a Casey’s General Store, and later served as a blacksmith shop. The building was donated to the Brierlys by the real estate company for the purpose of starting a church at the request of Yong Brierly. miracles here.”

The church was first known as Covenant Community Fellowship, which also is the name of the church in Canton where the Brierlys were ordained.

“Initially, we really could not come up with anything, so we decided to use that name until we could come up with a name that would represent our vision,” Yong said. “Two years ago, we changed the name to River of Destiny.”

The Brierlys have become active in the village since moving here.

Ray is a current member of the village board,

and they have done some community work.

“Last year, we had an appreciation supper for the fire and ambulance, and we plan on doing it again this year,” Ray said.

“We helped in the Summer Festival.”

“We’re just trying to serve our community,” Yong said.

The Brierlys have two children, Phillip, 39, and Crystal, 32. When they were younger, they also ministered with their parents in the prison ministry.

Contact River of Destiny Church at 815-3688117 or on the web at www.riverofdestiny.com.

laws, regulations and rules commensurate with the aforementioned purposes.

• Extends cooperation to other organizations having

like or similar purposes.

• To generally extend its efforts toward the betterment of fishing, conservation and outdoor recreation in the state of Illinois.

• To encourage, promote and sponsor children’s fishing programs and get local service organizations involved.

The last idea is what gets current group members excited. The organization sponsors two major fishing events in the spring every year which enables them to give area youth the ability to try fishing, some

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for the first time. The first event is the 16th annual Kid’s Fishing Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 17 at Baker Lake in Peru. The second event is the 29th annual Lock 14 Kid’s Fishing Tournament on June 7 at the I & M Canal in LaSalle. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and fishing runs from 9 to 11 a.m.

Each member speaks with great enthusiasm when talking about the two children’s events.

The Baker Lake event is looked at as a teaching activity by the group.

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There are stations where children can learn things from casting a fishing pole to tying their own flies (bait) to eating fish. The kids get a free lunch, door prizes and participation gifts. The Lock 14 Fishing Tournament is where children can compete to catch the largest fish.

At each event, if a participant does not have equipment, it is provided for them. The goal of the group is to promote fishing and the love of outdoors to those who participate.

The group then works hard throughout the year to raise money for both of these events. They hold fish fries and also have area sponsors who help.

Each event also has many volunteers who help make it a success.

“We love what we do,” Haupt said. “Fishing and the outdoors is what we do best.”

3 Obit Records Friday, April 4, 2014 • The Tonica News • 3

WIC program celebrates 40 years

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

OTTAWA — The WIC program in Illinois is celebrating 40 years of service. It’s a successful program used by nearly 40 percent of the babies born in the state but could still be used by many more families.

WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. It is a supplemental food program that provides nutrition information and free foods to help mothers, babies and children get

the nutrients they need for proper growth and development.

WIC is available to infants and children up to age 5, pregnant women, postpartum women up to six months after giving birth, or breastfeeding women up to 12 months after giving birth. WIC income guidelines must be met, or the family must have a current AllKids or Medicaid card from the Department of Health Services. Applicants may have a job and still be eligible.

“A client can start at birth and stay on until they reach the age of 5.

Five is the cutoff age for children. Pregnant women can be on WIC for the duration of their pregnancy plus six weeks postpartum,” LaSalle County Health Department Director of Personal Health Cathy Larsen said. “They can then re-certify in WIC for a six-month postpartum period or a oneyear certification if they continue breastfeeding for the infants first year of life.”

WIC provides free healthy foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, juice, cereal, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, fruits and vegetables, baby food, and ironfortified infant formula.

WIC appointments are usually scheduled every three months after the initial visit.

For more information or to find out if you or a family member is eligible for WIC, call the LaSalle County Health Department at 815-4333366.

Three arrested in I-80 stop, search The Illinois State Police were conducting routine patrols at 10:35 a.m. March 25 on Interstate 80 eastbound, Mile Post 66, when a vehicle was observed following too closely and was stopped for that violation.

The driver of the vehicle, James E. McKinney, 20, of Davenport, Iowa, stated he did not have a driver’s license, and that his license was sus-

pended. Lostant Police Department canine performed a free air sniff of the exterior of the vehicle and gave a positive alert. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an unrecoverable amount of cannabis residue and numerous items of children’s clothing with the security tags still attached.

McKinney and two passengers, Tarica S. Wright, 25, of Daven-

port, Iowa, and Deandra M. Cooke, 18, also from Davenport, were transported to ISP District 17 Headquarters for processing. Wright was also wanted on an outstanding warrant from Will County.

The total amount of merchandise was $1,200, which was found to have been stolen from numerous retail stores in the Quad Cities area using a “Grab and Run” method.

McKinney was charged with driving while license suspended. He posted bond and was released.

Wright was confined at the LaSalle County Jail for the outstanding warrant, and Cooke was confined at the Bureau County Jail and charged with possession of stolen property over $500.

Authorities in the Quad Cities area are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Registration now open for Girl Scout summer camps SPRINGFIELD — Girl Scouts of Central Illinois (GSCI) is now accepting registrations for a variety of summer camps and activities at four regional camp sites throughout central Illinois. Girls in Grades 1-12 have the opportunity to spend their summer horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, backpacking, and camping, among other activities.

Camp is one of several pathways through which girls can develop their inherent leadership skills in Girl Scouts, as they experience independence, develop new skills, and learn to live in harmony with the environment.

Camps are open to all girls, including nonGirl Scouts. Financial assistance is available.

The deadline for regis-

tration is 2 weeks prior to each session; camp sessions start as early as June 6.

“Camp provides an opportunity for girls of all ages and skill levels with a wide range of interests with something exceptional to do this summer,” Girl Scouts of Central Illinois CEO Pam Kovacevich said. “The experiences we provide during these camps are designed to develop leadership and independence as well as create lifelong friendships and memories.”

Camp sessions are available at four regional camp sites: Camp Peairs in Hudson on Lake Bloomington; Camp Kiwanis in Mahomet, adjacent to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve and bordered by the Sangamon River; Camp Tapawingo

in Metamora; and Camp Widjiwagan on Lake Springfield. All sites are accredited by the American Camping Association. Resident and day camps are offered.

Resident camp is a camping experience in which campers live at camp, typically for a week. Girls sleep in platform tents with other girls and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities during their stay.

Campers can go horseback riding, boating, canoeing, and hiking, enjoy archery and arts and crafts, and take on our challenge course.

They may attend as individual campers or go with a buddy. The girls and their counselors plan activities and take advantage of the many resources available at camp.

Mini resident camps are a great way to try

Tonica Cemetery cleanup set for April 6 TONICA — The Tonica Cemetery cleanup will be at noon April 6. The quarterly meeting will be at 11 a.m., and the main topic of discussion will be the deteriorating condition of the roads. Anyone having any input can attend. Anyone interested in helping with the cleanup can come at noon. All seasonal items will be removed in preparation for the upcoming mowing season. For information, call 815-488-8456.

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out residential camp and gain the experience of staying away from home while having new and exciting adventures, usually for three days. Activities include exploring the outdoors, going on scavenger hunts, making hands-on crafts, writing fantastic fiction, swimming, hiking, boating, and working on puzzle and riddle challenges.

Day camp is camping by the day. Girls may attend day camp as individual campers or go with buddies. The girls and staff plan and carry out activities.

Day camp is held at our camp sites as well as in our council communities with counciltrained staff.

For more information or a copy of the activity guide or to register for camp, visit www.GetYourGirlPower.org.

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Lostant Fire responds to single-vehicle crash LOSTANT — A singlevehicle accident brought the Lostant Fire Department into action on March 29.

The department received a call from the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Department directing them to the accident at 10:54 a.m. to Interstate 39, Mile Marker 39, northbound in Marshall County. Upon arrival, firefighters found a white Chevy Malibu lying on its passenger side in the ditch between I-39 and Route 251.

The driver had to be extricated from the vehicle and then transported by ambulance to hospital.

The vehicle was traveling northbound on Route 251 when for unknown reasons it left the roadway traveling through a fence into the ditch of I-39 coming to rest on its side. Lostant Fire Department and Ambulance was assisted by the Wenona Fire Department and Ambulance, and Illinois State Police District 8.

Recognition

some when times are bad like right now.

“I think we are able to stay strong here in Tonica because we have a solid board that is financially prudent and makes smart choices with the money we spend. I also think that because we do not have a huge staff, that has been a blessing for the school,” Suarez said.

“People need to understand that a school budget is primarily made up of salaries.

The school board and administration along with teachers and staff have ratified contracts that have benefited both parties to their credit while keeping the students’ learning first.”

The rating level is based on the fund balance to revenue ratio, expenditures to revenue ratio, days cash on hand, the percent of short-term borrowing available and the percent of long-term debt remaining.

From Page 1 years with a score of 3.65 in 2012 to a score of 3.55 in 2013. However Fieldcrest Community Unit School District, which had a Recognition rating in 2012 with a score of 3.55; has slipped to a rating of 2.75, earning it a spot on the Early Warning list in 2013.

Local school superintendents note it is very challenging in these financial times to keep their district budget balanced.

“I think schools now live in a state of prorated funds for general state aid, and it is financially prudent to build some reserves in case of an emergency or if the state of Illinois makes further cuts to education,” Tonica Grade School Superintendent John Suarez.

“A school should be saving when times are good, so they can spend

Does From Page 1 are nothing new to his family. Does joined the board to serve the village and sees the economy as one of the big issues facing Lostant.

“I’d like to see some development in the TIF district south of town,” Does said. “I’d also like to see some projects done in town, some streets done. But it’s

going to take more tax dollars from Route 18 to improve our streets.

“There are a lot of things I’d like to do, but it comes down to finances,” Does said. “It’s a priority thing because we do have that well problem month after month; we have to get the water tower repainted. There’s bigger problems to meet before we get a new Village Hall or some other projects.”

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4 Biz Ag 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 4, 2014

Five common causes of prevalent tax mistakes Investment advisor: Nearly half of us believe we overpay Whether you’ve filed for an extension on your taxes this year, or have waited until the last minute to complete paperwork, or want a better strategy for the future, chances are you could be doing a better job throughout the year to save on income taxes, says seasoned investment advisor Paul Taylor, a member of the National Ethics Bureau.

Forty-nine percent of Americans think they personally pay more than their fair share in taxes, according to 2013 Rasmussen reports.

“Come tax time, many of the other half could be doing more to legally and strategically save money,” says Taylor, an architect-turned-founder and owner of Capital Advisory Group & Tax Planners of Lake Norman and Capital Investment Advisors Inc. He cites mistakes that many taxpayers are liable to make now and in future years.

• Not knowing which tax deductions are available. Tax reform measures are enacted frequently by Congress, which makes it hard for U.S. taxpayers to know which deductions are currently available for maximizing savings. One of the most overlooked deductions is state and local sales taxes. Taxpayers may be able to take deductions for studentloan interest, out-ofpocket charitable contributions, moving expenses to take a first job, the child care tax credit, new points on home refinancing, health insurance premiums, home mortgage interest, tax-preparation services and contributions to a traditional IRA. • Misunderstanding deduction value for medical expenses. The Affordable Care Act has altered the guidelines for tax-deductible medical expenses. Effective Jan. 1, 2013, the new policy increased the threshold for the itemized deduction for un-reimbursed medical expenses from 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income to 10 per-

cent of adjusted gross income for regular tax purposes. The increase is waived for individuals age 65 and older for tax years 2013 through 2016.

• Confusing when taxes must be paid on IRA and employer-sponsored retirement funds. Traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxdeferred accounts, which mean they are typically funded with pre-tax or tax-deductible dollars. As a result, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn. Exceptions are the Roth IRA and the Roth 401(k) and Roth 403(b). Roth accounts are funded with after-tax dollars. That’s why qualified distributions – after age 59.5 and the five-year holding requirement has been met – are free of federal income tax.

• Overlooking taxadvantaged investments.

Tax-advantaged investments can include real estate partnerships, oil and gas partnerships and suitability, which refers to how appropriate an investment may or may not be to an investor.

Two of the most common types of real estate partnerships, for example, are low-income housing and historic rehabilitation.

The federal government grants tax credits to those who construct or rehabilitate low-income housing or who invest in the rehabilitation or preservation of historic structures.

• Uncertainty when accounting for gift taxes.

The federal gift tax applies to gifts of property or money while the donor is living. The federal estate tax, on the other hand, applies to property conveyed to others, with the exception of a spouse, after a person’s death. There are several exceptions to gift taxes, including gifts of tuition or medical expenses that you pay directly to a medical or educational institution for someone else, gifts to a spouse who is a U.S. citizen, gifts to a qualified charitable organization and gifts to a political organization.

Livestock farmers urged to keep good records WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia reminded livestock producers affected by natural disasters such as the drought in the West and the unexpected winter storm in the upper Midwest to keep thorough records.

This includes livestock and feed losses, and any additional expenses that are a result of losses to purchased forage or feed.

“The 2014 Farm Bill provides a strong farm safety net to help ranch-

ers during these difficult times,” said Garcia.

“We’ll provide producers with information on new program requirements, updates and sign ups as the information becomes available. In the meantime, I urge producers to keep thorough records. We know these disasters have caused serious economic hardships for our livestock producers.

We’ll do all we can to assist in their recovery.”

In addition to western drought and the earlywinter snowstorms,

there are a variety of disasters from floods to storms to unexpected freezes. Each event causes economic consequences for farmers and ranchers throughout the United States. FSA recommends owners and producers record all pertinent information of natural disaster consequences, including documentation of the number and kind of livestock that have died, supplemented if possible by photographs or video records of ownership and losses; dates of death supported by

Illinois prospective planting • Corn growers intend to plant 11.9 million acres in 2014, down 1 percent from 2013.

• Soybean planted area is expected to total

9.50 million acres, up 1 percent from the previous year.

• Sorghum planted area is expected to total 30,000 acres, up 30 percent from 2013.

• Winter wheat area seeded last fall is estimated at 740,000 acres, down 15 percent from the previous year.

• Area planted to oats is expected to total

ers, hogs, corn, and cattle and lower prices for market eggs, grapefruit and sunflowers. In addition to prices, the overall index is also affected by the seasonal change based on a three-year average mix of commodities producers sell.

Increased monthly movement of cattle, milk and calves offset the decreased marketing of cotton, soybeans and hay.

35,000 acres, down 12 percent from 2013.

• Producers intend to harvest 630,000 acres of all hay in 2014, down 5 percent from last year.

White: Avoid distracted driving April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding people to travel safely and avoid driving while distracted as April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“As the weather warms and travel increases, I encourage everyone to put away their cell phones while they are behind the wheel and focus completely on

the task at hand: driving safely,” said White.

“Studies show that distracted driving contributes significantly to otherwise preventable fatal crashes.”

A recent study commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which was conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found the use of handheld cell phones increase the risk of a crash by three times. According to U.S. Department of Trans-

portation, in 2012 more than 3,300 people were killed in crashes involving distracted driving.

Texting while driving is perhaps the most dangerous form of distracted driving. According to NHTSA, driving while texting is six times more dangerous than driving while drunk, and texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers not texting.

Illinois has been a national leader in efforts to combat distracted driving. White chaired

the state’s Distracted Driving Task Force, which led to the state’s ban on texting while driving in 2010. More than 5,000 people have been convicted of texting while driving since the law took effect Jan. 1, 2010.

On Jan. 1, the new state law banning handheld cell phones while driving took effect. In the law’s first three months, more than 2,800 drivers having been convicted for texting, talking or dialing on a handheld cell phone.

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Illinois farm prices The United States preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers in March, at 111 percent, based on 2011=100, increased five points (4.7 percent) from February.

The Crop Index is up two points (2.2 percent) and the Livestock Index increased six points (5.0 percent).

Producers received higher prices for broil-

birth recordings or purchase receipts; costs of transporting livestock to safer grounds or to move animals to new pastures; feed purchases if supplies or grazing pastures are destroyed; and crop records, including seed and fertilizer purchases, planting and production records.

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5 Perspective Friday, April 4, 2014 • The Tonica News • 5

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

Marking time It was a day I had been waiting for ... and to be quite honest, I didn’t think it would ever come. I don’t mind telling you I’m sharing this long-awaited discovery in hopes it offers others the same sense of peace it gave me.

Most of you know I heard the word “cancer” uttered from my doctor’s mouth. The actual words I remember were “cancer, serious and malignant.” I remember walking out of that doctor’s office more of a woman than I had walked in.

Those three words carved a hole in my soul, never to be forgotten. Never.

Terri It’s difficult to believe I first heard Simon those words seven years ago, and like other cancer survivors, those words have continued to haunt me on a daily basis. They come and go, but they never leave. In fact, they resurface several times a day — usually without warning, and I’m left to decipher and attempt to deal with them.

Once you hear the word cancer — and I’ve said this before, your world changes forever.

Nothing is the same again, and life is different.

If a cancer survivor/patient tells you otherwise, I need to learn their secret because the words, the worry, the unknown will forever etch themselves in your mind, your heart, your soul, your dreams and your waking moments.

That’s right. You remember the day you first heard the word. The exact date, the exact time.

You remember the number of chemotherapy treatments you had, and you remember how many radiation treatments you underwent.

You never forget the exact day of your surgery.

You don’t forget all the days you went back for check-ups, hopeful everything was OK. You rehash, remember and recall. It’s just part of it.

Much to my dismay, I’ve resigned myself to those facts. I will always carry around the emotions, the worries, the trepidation and everything else that goes along with that diagnosis.

Whether the cancer is gone or not, one still lives with the word and everything that accompanies it. It’s just that simple. It’s just that convoluted.

And so it was the other night ... The clock was nearing midnight, and as I laid awake in my bed ... the darkness swirling around me ... my mind was busy preparing for the next day and what needed to be accomplished. I spend a lot of time with my thoughts on those late nights — not that I accomplish a lot, but I attempt to sort out a variety of situations, issues, ideas, etc. In my crazy world, it’s a peaceful time I cherish more than most will ever know.

And then it hit me. Wow! My eyes popped open like a child startled by a loud noise in the middle of the night, however, this “noise” was something I hadn’t planned on hearing — or should I say not hearing. You see, it was the late evening hours of March 5 — the day I first heard the word “cancer” associated with my own body seven years ago. As the clock neared midnight, I realized that fateful day in my own personal history had nearly passed me by without even the slightest remembrance.

As a matter of fact, as I contemplated my late-night discovery, I realized I hadn’t thought about the cancer for quite a few days. What?

How did that happen? How did I forget such a horrifying and awful experience? What changed? Why did I miss that all important anniversary date? Why hadn’t the thought of cancer crossed my mind for a while?

I guess my point to all of this is that old saying that, “Time heals all wounds,” might just literally be right. There was a point in my life when the word “cancer” plagued my world, and now, I’m happy to report that while I still think about it a lot, time has allowed me to forget now and then. That’s a pleasant discovery, and if you’ve walked in my shoes, I know you understand.

Time ... from both perspectives ... well, I guess that’s what it’s all about, my friends.

Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.

Letters to the Editor should not be more than 500 words in length. Only one person can sign a Letter to the Editor.

The author of the letter must include his/her name, hometown and telephone number. The author’s name and hometown will be published, however, the telephone number is only used to verify the authenticity of the author’s signature and will not be published. Unsigned letters are never read or published. No letter will be published until The Tonica News contacts the author of the letter to verify the signature. The Tonica News reserves the right to edit or refuse any Letter to the Editor.

On the street

April is National Food Month.

What are some of your favorite foods?

“I really like fruits and vegetables. I could eat them all day.

My favorite is apples.

I love the Honeycrisp apples. I’m Italian, so I also like breads and pasta.”

Jordan Arkels, Tonica

“Chicken wings. Smittys in Leonore is the best.

I like swordfish on the grill. I get it at the Hy-Vee tent sale and cook it on the grill at home with mango sauce with it.”

Clint Carrera, Marseilles

“Probably Portillo’s Italian Beef sandwich. It’s my favorite. But I do like Lou Malnati’s pizza. Those are my favorites.”

Rose Stabrakas, Oglesby

“My favorites are pizza and chicken. I love it. It’s easy to fix, and it’s good for me, and I generally enjoy it.”

Carrie Colmane, Tonica

“My favorite is yogurt. I like the taste. I try to eat healthy. The only thing I generally put in my yogurt is chi seeds. I guess I really like pizza.”

Kim Kummerow, Tonica

Considerations by Nedda The imperfect ones Walking down to the Gulf shore was the first thing for me to do in the morning. I spent as much time as I could on the beach, and watching others enjoy the sea was also part of the fun.

We would stroll along, and some of us were nonchalant about our search of shells, driftwood and other treasures. Others would take a few steps, bend over, look closely and pick, choose, sort through and toss aside those not just right.

Gathering our prizes was an art, we believe, and each of us has a different technique. Some of us were very discriminating. I also looked for the little shells — perhaps because I am very short; and the little ones seemed to be overlooked, and many times they were the most perfect.

Now that I think further, it makes sense that when we find a perfect specimen of anything we exclaim, “Oh look at this one!” We do this with people and put them on platforms and pedestals for all to see, and we marvel at their perfect faces, bodies and feats of strength and athletic ability until — they do something that disappoints, and then they are tossed aside like damaged shells we sort through at the beach.

How discriminating we are in

Nedda Simon COMMENTARY evaluating shells as well as people. We have no use for the broken one in a culture that prizes perfection. Our bodies must be slim and molded to a certain standard. We spend billions on cosmetics and clothes to bring ourselves to the mythical standard we know is valued.

To succeed — to make a mark — to be somebody — to win the trophy is part of the perfection image as well. We value the extraordinary effort. We want people to portray a life that is balanced with no problems. We overlook the average. Average seems ordinary and downright boring.

The man or woman going to a job, raising a family, paying their taxes and attending a house of worship are not worthy of attention or scrutiny. Like a worn or less than perfect shell, they don’t draw attention. They will be the “filler” in our display jar.

Yet these shells and average people are who we are.

What we try to ignore or pretend we don’t see is that we are all damaged, broken gifts from the sea. We need to see ourselves as part of the community of the “Less than per-

fect.” About the imperfect ones of us, the flawed ones? We are uncomfortable and like our own deaths, we try to ignore or pretend or don’t see them or toss them aside.

We must understand that to accept being less than perfect is the only way to have peace. If we cannot see the value in the broken shell, the beauty beyond the damage and scars, then we cannot truly see ourselves, nor value ourselves or others.

A broken shell has great value.

It tells the story of its completeness before it ran into rough seas and rolled and scraped its way to the shore. It ran into life and suffered pain. It is no less imperfect than we are — injured and perhaps broken to such an extent that we will never be the same. But we have the same value as before.

There is so much relief in knowing we are not perfect or ever will be! We feel a calm descend, and our life truly begins when we can forgive ourselves for not meeting the cultural standard set by others. We can say, “This is who I am,” and start to enjoy life. We can gain compassion and understanding for others. We see them with flaws and see nothing but value and beauty.

Let us see the whole little shell and value the wholeness of us all.

Nedda Simon can be reached at neddasimon@ymail.com.

6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 4, 2014

Community LaSalle Library will host program April 8 LASALLE — The LaSalle Public Library will present a program titled “Songs of the American Labor Movement” at 6 p.m. on April 8.

Guest presenter Adam Miller returns to sing folk songs about the people who built America and their

struggle to improve the conditions of their labor.

Autoharpist Miller is a renowned American folksinger and storyteller.

A folklorist, historian, musicologist and songcollector, he has amassed a repertoire of more than 5,000 songs.

Travel program set for April 11 at IVCIL LASALLE — Seasoned travelers Linda and Roger Gustafson will be at Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living, 18 Gunia Drive, LaSalle at 2 p.m. on April 11 to discuss how to plan accommodations for travel needs for handicapped tourists,

including accessible air travel, accessible van rentals, taxis, hotel rooms and cruises. They will also discuss accessible travel as it is addressed in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Call IVCIL at 815-2243126 (V or TTY) by April 8 to reserve a seat.

IVSO will present concert on May 10 OGLESBY — The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra (IVSO) and Lucia Matos, music director and conductor, invite the public to their May concert. The concert will be held at 4 p.m. on May 10 in the Illinois Valley Community College Cultural Centre.

Solo violinist Kam-Lung Cheng will be performing Saint-Saens Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor,

Opus 61 plus Prince Igor: Polovetsian March

by Borodin and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Opus 47.

The concert is sponsored

by Illinois Cement Company and season sponsor Central Radio Group.

Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for student K-college with ID; and season subscribers. Tickets are available at the door or online at www.ivso.org.

Genealogy Guild will meet on April 19 OTTAWA — The LaSalle County Genealogy Guild will meet at 1 p.m. April 19 at the Guild Library, 115 W. Glover St. The speaker will be Rachael Mellen.

Mellen was born and educated in England and received her bachelor’s degree in history and education from the University of London in 1974. She earned her Masters of Arts in humanities from the California State University Dominguez Hills in 2008.

She has more than 30 years of experience in English genealogical research and has written two books on the subject, “The Practical Guide for the Genealogist in England (1986) and “The Handy Book to English Genealogy” (1987 and 1990.) Both were published by Heritage Books of Maryland. She is currently writing a new book on English family history research, updated for the 21st Century.

An experienced lecturer, Mellen has given presentations on English genealogy and related topics to many genealogical societ-

ies and libraries, including the Chicago Branch of the National Archives.

She will speak about the Irish side of her ancestry, show photos of her recent research trip to Ireland and offer hints on how to proceed with researching Irish ancestry.

Panthers 1-1-1 after weekend play

By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanew.coms

SENECA — The Putnam County Panthers varsity squad took a page out of the famous Ernie Banks’ playbook and ‘played two’ on March 29 against the Seneca Irish.

The Panthers split the twin bill on March 29.

The Panthers won game one by a final score of 9-1. Evan Kreiser earned the win for the Panthers, going 5 and 2/3 innings in the contest.

Kreiser struck out five and had 22 first pitch strikes against batters he faced. He gave up only four hits and one walk in his time on the mound.

Michael Glenn came in relief and gave up only one hit and one walk along with one earned run. The Panthers played

shaky defense in this contest with three errors.

The Panthers however had big sticks on offense, earning 13 hits for the team overall with four walks to the total. Neal Stasell had a double in the extra base hit category, while Nick DiazDeLeon, Michael Glenn and Matt Galetti had a stolen base. Kreiser, DiazDeLeon and Stasell had two RBI each.

However in the second game of the day, the Panthers outhit the Irish, but didn’t make the hits translate into runs as they lost 6-4. Dan Pavlovich took the loss as he gave up five hits in five innings as well as three runs, one unearned.

DiazDeLeon pitched an inning in relief giving up three runs and three walks.

taCoS on tueSday

and Kreiser all hit singles while Pavlovich hit a double. Kreiser’s single was the fuel which allowed both Copeland who had walked, and Biagini who had advanced him to second on a single, to score in the sixth inning rally the Panthers put on which tied the game. The Panthers fanned nine times during the game, further hampering their offense.

Defensively, the Panthers had two errors.

Pontiac had one.

Pontiac did not score until the fourth and fifth innings where they laid in one tally each. The team hit a total of seven hits off Fay and Biagini in the contest.

The Panthers will play the Dwight Trojans on April 4. All home games start at 4:30 p.m.

RVP will present ‘A Grand Night for Singing!’

HENRY — River Valley Players will present its production of “A Grand Night for Singing!” on April 26 and 27, and May 2, 3 and 4 at St. Mary’s Center in Henry.

“A Grand Night for Singing” is a revue showcasing of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein featuring songs from every Broadway musical written by the awardwinning pair, including “Carousel,” “Oklahoma!,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “Cinderella” and “The Sound of Music.”

This show takes a lively and creative approach to the beloved songs while putting smiles on faces

and keeping event-goers guessing what will happen next.

Co-directed by Ron Friedrich and Jane Knapp, and choreographed by Deana Brown, “A Grand Night for Singing” will feature the talents of Charlotte Balensiefen, Deanne Crook, Robert Eckert, Bill Entwistle, Morgan Friedrich, Ron Friedrich, Christine Gaspardo, Derrik Gaspardo, Bob Herath, Jane Knapp, Donald Knuckey, John Lionberger and Dixie Wheeler.

Tickets for the meal and show on Saturdays and Sundays will be $28.50, which includes a lavish

salad bar, buffet dinner, three beverage choices, coffee, dessert and the show. Note: When ordering tickets for the Saturday and Sunday shows, tickets will need to be confirmed by April 25 for performances on April 26 and April 27, and by April 29 for performances on May 3 and 4.

No tickets will be available to purchase at the door for the meal performances. Tickets for the performance on May 2 will be $15 and are for the show only.

Refreshments will be available for purchase. For tickets, call Judy at 309-364-3403.

Jesse White announces writers competition Entry form deadline June 30 SPRINGFIELD — Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced entry forms are available for the 10th annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award.

“We created the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition to promote creative writing and provide a new outlet for talented writers,” White said. “Great poems have the ability to enrich and enhance

our lives, and I am looking forward to discovering talented new poets with this year’s competition.”

The competition is named in honor of the late Pulitzer Prizewinning Illinois Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks, and is cosponsored by the Illinois Center for the Book and Kevin Stein, who succeeded Brooks as Illinois Poet Laureate.

The competition is open to Illinois residents age 18 and over.

Entries must be postmarked

by June 30. Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($500) second

815-339-6278 • Open 7 Days a Week

aLL you Can eat

Offensively the Panthers pounded out eight hits, earning four runs and three walks. Stasell and Michael Weide each had an RBI. The Putnam County Panthers played 10 innings on March 28 and notched a 2-2 tie in Pontiac.

Senior Harold Fay went five innings for the Panthers, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits. Fay also threw four strikeouts and gave up two walks. Austin Biagini came in to relieve Fay in the sixth and threw five innings of shutout ball. Biagini gave up three hits and two walks while striking out four in the game.

Offensively the Panthers only managed four hits in 33 at bats. R.J. Copeland, Austin Biagini

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($300) and third place ($100) and winning poems will be submitted for possible publication in the Ninth Letter, RHINO, and Quiddity magazines and Poetic License Press publications. Winners will read their poems and receive their prizes at a ceremony later this year at the Illinois State Library in Springfield.

Forms and other information may be found at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. For more information, contact Bonnie Matheis at 217-558-2065 or bmatheis@ ilsos.net.

7 Life Friday, April 4, 2014 • The Tonica News • 7

Library Corner Lostant — April 8, 15, 22 and 29: Families First, a state-funded early childhood grant, is a program for families with children ages birth to 3. It is sponsored by the Oglesby Early Childhood Programs. Children will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays, do an easy art project and have a snack. The program also includes field trips and parent education meetings. Families First meets from 10 to 10:45 a.m. every Tuesday.

LaSalle — April 8: Storytime Express is an interactive mix of stories complemented with a variety of engaging activities like crafts, flannel boards, rhymes, songs and puppets. It is formatted to introduce children to the library and early literacy skills. The shorter, 30-minute length and fast pace make it perfect for active children with shorter attention spans, and the express is a great way for busy parents to share special times with their children. Time will be set aside to help families find just the right books to check-out.

Fun and educational, Storytime

Express is a free program, open to the public. Storytime Express will be offered from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information, call 815-223-2341.

Tail-Waggers is an opportunity to read with therapy dogs and will be hosted at 6 p.m. on April 24 as well as at 4 p.m. on April 8. Bring an adult and book to read with Tillie, the therapy dog. Kids choose a favorite short book or story and read aloud to Tillie for about five minutes. Kids not yet reading independently are welcome to read to the dog and the group with the help of their adult caregiver. Both the audience and Tillie love the pictures, so even nonreaders can hold up the book to show the illustrations to everyone.

To help children feel confident in their reading, they should plan to read from a favorite familiar story. Choose a book from the library or from home. For more information, call the library at 815223-2341.

Join the LaSalle Library at 6 p.m. April 8 for Songs of the

American Labor Movement. The folk songs are about the people who built America and their struggle to improve the conditions of their labor.

One of the premier autoharpists in the world, Adam Miller is a renowned American folksinger and natural-born storyteller. An accomplished folklorist, historian, musicologist and song-collector, he has amassed a remarkable repertoire of more than 5,000 songs. Miller accompanies his rich, resonant baritone voice with lively finger-picking acoustic guitar and stunningly beautiful autoharp melodies. A masterful entertainer who never fails to get his audience singing along, he has distinguished himself as one of the great interpreters of American folktales and folksongs, and as a performer who appeals to audiences of all ages.

This program is made possible through funding from the Alwin C. Carus Trust. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at 815-223-2341.

PAC announces cast for ‘Steel Magnolias’ PRINCETON — The Prairie Arts Council has announced the cast of its spring play, “Steel Magnolias.”

The show, written by Robert Harling, is centered around six women: Truvy, the gossip with a heart of gold and owner of Truvy’s Beauty Spot; Annelle, a shy, new beautician; Clairee, a true southern Grande Dame with a wicked sense of humor; Shelby, a young woman determined to live life to the fullest despite numerous health problems; M’Lynn, Shelby’s sometimes overly protective

mother; and Ouiser, a caustic older woman whose sarcasm cannot completely conceal her genuine kindness.

Harling’s play follows the lives of these southern ladies as they congregate in Truvy’s beauty shop and share in each other’s joys and sorrows. Full of acerbic humor, hilarious one-liners, deep emotion and beautiful poignancy, this show promises to bring audiences to both laughter and tears.

The cast includes Julie Grady of Princeton as Truvy, Kate Buckley

of Princeton as Annelle, Karen Rogers of Peru as Clairee, Rachel Gorenz of Princeton as Shelby, Kathy Missel of Streator as M’Lynn and Jill Marti of Princeton as Ouiser, with Shelley Gorenz of Princeton serving as the director.

“Steel Magnolias” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 26 and at 3 p.m. April 27 at the Prairie Arts Center, located at 24 Park Ave. East in Princeton. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling Mary Sue Goldsmith at 815-872-3503.

Ebertfest in Champaign April 23-27 CHAMPAIGN — Roger Ebert will not be at his namesake festival this year, but he will kick it off just the same.

“Life Itself,” a documentary about the late film critic’s life, will open this year’s Roger Ebert’s Film Festival, running April 23-27 in Champaign-Urbana.

Also headlining the 16th annual “Ebertfest” will be director/writers Spike Lee and Oliver Stone, “Life Itself” director Steve James (also known for “Hoop Dreams”), comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, actress Brie Larson and New Orleans piano bluesman Henry Butler, all coming as festival guests.

Lee and Stone will be coming with their respective films “Do the Right Thing” and “Born on the Fourth of July,” which tackled issues involving race and the Vietnam War 25 years ago. Both films were on Ebert’s top 10 list for 1989, and both men were nominated for screenwriting Oscars that year. “Fourth of July” also brought Stone his second Oscar for directing, and the film was nominated for best picture.

Oswalt starred in “Big Fan,” screened at the 2012 Ebertfest, and is coming this year with “Young

Adult,” in which he played a key supporting role. Larson, perhaps best known for her role on the TV series “United States of Tara,” will be coming with “Short Term 12,” in which she stars as a counselor of at-risk teens.

Butler will be a guest on the final day of the festival, following a documentary about the brilliant but overlooked New Orleans singer-pianist James Booker. Butler will play several Booker tunes for the audience.

Director/writer Ramin

Bahrani, an Ebert favorite, will be coming with his third film to show at the festival. Also returning, for their 13th year, will be the three-man Alloy Orchestra, of Cambridge, Mass., accompanying this year’s silent film, “He Who Gets Slapped,” from 1924.

“Capote,” starring Philip Seymour Hoffman in his Oscar-winning role, is also among this year’s films. Hoffman died Feb. 2.

Three international films at the festival will

tell the stories of an enterprising Saudi girl pushing boundaries in her quest for a bike; of a museum guard and visitor exploring Vienna, life and art; and of an elderly Hong Kong servant, who now needs care from the man she has cared for all his life.

All the festival films will be screened at the 1,500seat Virginia Theatre, a 1920s-era movie palace, now much closer to its early grandeur thanks to extensive renovations prior to last year’s festival.

Menus Putnam County Community Center April 7 — Barbecue chicken quarters, baked potato with sour cream, Malibu blend vegetables, fruit cocktail, wheat bread.

April 8 — Chicken salad on bun, cole slaw, chips and dip, dessert.

April 9 — Vegetable lasagna, carrots, romaine salad with dressing, chunky applesauce, Italian bread.

April 10 — Roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered corn, bread and butter, dessert.

April 11 — Cheese omelet, hash browns, pineapple and mandarin oranges, apple juice, English muffin with jelly.

Lostant Grade School Breakfast April 7 — Biscuit and gravy, various cold cereals, milk, juice, yogurt.

April 8 — Donuts, various cold cereals, milk, juice, yogurt.

April 9 — Sausage biscuit, various cold cereals, milk, juice, yogurt.

April 10 — Pigs in a blanket, various cold cereals, milk, juice, yogurt.

April 11 — Breakfast pizza, various cold cereals, milk, juice, yogurt.

Lunch April 7 — Mini corn dogs, fries, veggies and dip, pears, milk.

April 8 — Sub sandwich, chips, pineapple, baked beans, milk.

April 9 — Sloppy Joes, carrots, peaches, chips, milk.

April 10 — Pasta, lettuce salad, peas, pears, bread butter, milk.

April 11 — No lunch, early dismissal.

Tonica Grade School Breakfast April 7 — Sausage, egg and cheese biscuit, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice and milk.

April 8 — Pancakes, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice and milk.

April 9 — Scrambled eggs, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice and milk.

April 10 — Waffle, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice and milk.

April 11 — Bagel and cream cheese, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice and milk.

Lunch April 7 — Teriyaki chicken nuggets or southwest salad, rice, roasted broccoli and cauliflower, pineapple and mandarin oranges, milk.

April 8 — Hamburger and cheese slice, french fries, applesauce, milk.

April 9 — Hot ham and cheese on bun or peanut butter and jelly, carrots, green beans, pears and milk.

April 10 — Taco in bag, nacho corn chips, apple slice and caramel, milk.

April 11 — Cheese Bosco stick, marinara sauce, Romaine lettuce, peaches, graham crackers, milk.

••• Items for the Community section can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com. Visit us online at www. tonicanews.com and on Facebook.

SMELL GAS? LEAVE FAST. CALL US! If you smell an odor like rotten eggs in your home, leave immediately. Call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000 from a different location to report the odor. If you smell gas outside, call Ameren Illinois to report.

Stay safe when you’re working outdoors, too.

Always, call JULIE at 811 before you dig.

Visit AmerenIllinois.com for more safety tips.

8 History/Classifieds 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, April 4, 2014

Photo contributed

Butterflies and birds at Lostant School LOSTANT — In March, Dianne McCurdy from the University of Illinois Extension – LaSalle County and the LaSalle County Soil and Water Conservation District visited Lostant School.

She did two presentations at the school. Kindergarten and first-grade students attended a presentation on butterflies and second- and thirdgraders attended a presentation about birds.

The butterfly presentation taught the children all about the butterflies and their life cycle.

McCurdy had exhibits to show the butterflies in the different stages of their life cycle. Once her presentation was complete, the children were given a project to do about butterflies. Each child got the chance to color their butterfly and cut it out. Then McCurdy attached antennae (pipe cleaner) and a tongue (party blow out) to the butterfly. The children were then able to take their butterfly to the flowers around the room and demonstrate how the butterflies eat nectar from the flowers.

The bird presentation

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

Vice President for Business Services and Finance Cheryl Roelfsema and math instructor Wes Black were instrumental in IVCC receiving Tree Campus USA recognition this year.

IVCC receives tree recognition OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College has earned Tree Campus USA recognition for the fourth straight year.

Tree Campus is a national program honoring colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students in the spirit of conservation.

IVCC met the five core standards for effective campus forest man-

agement: a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and a student servicelearning project.

Leading IVCC’s program are Vice President for Business Services and Finance Cheryl Roelfsema, biology instructor Lauri Carey and math-

ematics instructor Wes Black who helped choose planting sites for 11 trees on the disc golf course including red oaks, a hackberry, American Linden, red bud and wild cherry.

Roelfsema said a larger number of trees were planted this year because of construction projects on main campus and east campus.

Briefs Photos contributed

Dianne McCurdy from University of Illinois Extension – LaSalle County and the LaSalle County Soil and Water Conservation District visited Lostant School.

She did two presentations at the school. taught students all about the birds from our area.

They read a book, saw exhibits of feathers and tried to identify different bird calls. They learned the importance of the different types of feathers and which birds left the area for the winter.

McCurdy brought plush exhibits of area birds including the robin, blue jay, crow, cardinal, wood thrush, purple martin, pileated woodpecker, yellow bellied sap sucker and the house wren.

When the presentation

was over the children were given the materials to make a bird feeder from Cheerios.

After the presentations, the children were given material to take home. The children attending the bird presentation were also given a handout of local area birds to help them identify birds from their yards. All the children in both presentations really enjoyed McCurdy’s visit.

For more photos of the presentations, visit www. lostantcomets.org.

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) BERNICE ) ROSPLOCH ) Deceased ) No. 14-P-56 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of BERNICE ROSPLOCH. Letters of Office were issued on March 19, 2014, to JAMES F. PYSZKA, 505 Garfield Ave., LaSalle, IL 61301 as Executor whose attorney is John, Balestri, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, Illinois 61301.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court, LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, 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 or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been

filed.

Dated this 19th day of March, 2014.

Attorney John Balestri Attorney for Estate 149 Gooding Street LaSalle, IL 61301 815-223-6600 Published in the Tonica News Mar.28, Apr. 4 and 11, 2014.

Cody O’Brien inducted LASALLE — Cody O’Brien, the son of Darren and Sheri O’Brien of Lostant, was among 50 senior students from the Class of 2014 inducted into L-P Honor Society on March 27.

Each member received a ribbon and pin symbolizing their excellence in scholarship, service, leadership and character. It is the highest honor given to a senior at L-P. O’Brien was also named as an Illinois State Scholar.

IVCC raises GED test funds OGLESBY — The Illinois Valley Community College’s 2013-14 support staff service project will help several students pay increased GED testing fees.

The $1,344 raised will pay the equivalent of 11 students taking the complete test. In 2014, the GED transitioned from paper to computer-base and the cost went from $50 to $120.

Support staff fundraising included a cookout, bake sale, gently-used sale and lasagna dinner. Since 2005, IVCC support staff have raised money for various community and college causes including the Illinois Valley Food Pantry, a student emergency living needs fund and local animal shelters.

IVSO fundraiser UTICA — The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will sponsor a “Trivia with Friends” fundraising event May 2 at Celebrations 150 in Utica. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and trivia will begin at 7 p.m. Food will be available for purchase and there will be a cash bar.

Also included in the evening is a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, “Stock the Bar” raffle and prizes. The cost is $10 per person with 6-10 people per table.

For ticket reservations or information, contact Jayne Henry at 815-2521419 or email jaynehenry@netscape. net.

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