TON-06-24-2016

1 Front Volume 142 No. 29

Friday, June 24, 2016

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Signs of the times

Tonica looks at village sign, drops the new stop sign idea

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Designs for a Tonica village sign have undergone a transformation, while discussion regarding a potential stop sign has halted.

The plans, and the lack thereof, were discussed at the Tonica Village Board meeting on Monday, June 20.

With a request to keep the new Tonica sign under a cost of $12,000, a different course of action had to be considered.

Bob Folty explained to the board how

the plans for the sign have changed.

Where once there was planned an elaborate wooden sign, hand carved, the new idea for Tonica’s sign would be more simplistic, closer in form and structure to many other signs one might see.

The new style utilizes the old sign

already in existence. It wraps around what is currently there and is held tightly in place. This version is not unlike other signs one might come across, less distinct in form.

Sign Page 3

Tonica’s Bill Weistart recently fired up his 1929 Ford Sedan for the first time. Weistart fabricated the frame and many other components, and though it remains in the building stages, he is being encouraged to take it to the Tonica Cruise-in.

His plans are to disassemble it, paint and finish it in green during the winter and then hit the streets next spring in a newly-restored hot rod.

Tonica News photo/ Dave Cook

Rumble in the garage Gambling with Mother Nature

A timeline for sewer plant

Predictions for a warm and dry summer

Lift station is complete; now work begins on sewer

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — With work complete on the lift station, Tonica is moving forward on issues of the sewer plant.

During the Monday, June 20, Tonica Village Board meeting, village engineer Jack Kusek brought

to the board his recommendation to accept Vissering Construction Co.’s bid to perform work on the sewer plant project. The board could further his recommendation or could recommend acceptance of a different bid.

Vol. 142 No. 29

Sewer Page 3

By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

The State Climatologist Office in Illinois and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have predicted that Illinois has an increased chance of being warmer than averTonica News photo/Eric Engel age for the month of July and during the period Mother Nature gives her many gifts to help the crops of July through September.

grow each year. Farmers must rely on her kindness for a bumper crop.

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2 Local

2 • The Tonica News • Friday, June 24, 2016

Tonica looks at a flood of water issues

Seeking Sources

By Zachary J. Pratt

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.

news@tonicanews.com

Water flowing to unoccupied buildings is a waste, and Tonica is on the case.

During the Monday, June 20, Tonica Village Board meeting, the issue came up of water going to unoccupied houses, the idea being houses with no occupants to use water do not need resources expended to have water transported to them.

“Are those homes in town which are unoccupied, do they have their water turned off?” Tonica Village President Kevin Sluder asked.

Marc Lemrise said all the unoccupied houses in question have had the water disconnected but one. That one will require a different method than the rest.

“We need to get into the house to hook up the machine to trace the line back,” public works Superintendent Mark Lemrise said.

While it could be possible to trace the line through a different method, Lemrise said the

chances of such a process working are limited, and the whole procedure would be more difficult to follow.

He noted some examples along with the associated downsides. “We might be able to hook it up to the valve,” he said, then explained that, “It’s too far away.”

Sluder agreed the alternative procedures would cause more issues.

“It’s hard to follow branches. It is hard to follow branches from the water main,” Sluder said. “The large pipe takes a lot of the signal.”

Sluder thinks he knows who owns the property, and Lemrise is looking into the situation. If Sluder is correct, Lemrise has someone to talk to about shutting off the water.

The discussion followed a brief report regarding the water bills, which involved water shutoffs.

“I did the water bills, and there were a couple shutoffs,” said Heather Sherman. “But then they all paid, so those were turned back on.”

Various other water and sewer related work

has been conducted, and Lemrise gave a brief rundown.

• A particular drain has received work, and while Lemrise was not present for this he expects everything to be satisfactory.

“I understand when I was gone on vacation, Town and Country came and dug up the drain for the concession stand, so I assume that’ll be good for the next 30 years,” he said.

• “Floor drains at the park. It was the drains that were plugged, not the toilet,” Lemrise said.

• The waste treatment plant has performed admirably, despite what could be considered an undesirable condition, in examinations.

“The waste treatment plant, as bad of shape as it’s in, we met compliance standards for the month. I suspect we will again,” Lemrise said.

It sounds as though the Environmental Protection Agency has been keeping an eye on the facility, as Lemrise voiced hopes the watchfulness might be abated.

“Hopefully we’ll get off the EPA’s radar,” he said.

For sale: One old squad car Tonica looks at getting rid of the vehicle

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

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

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

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

TONICA — For anyone who has ever wanted their own squad car, the village of Tonica has furthered discussions on selling its previous vehicle.

At the Monday, June 20, Tonica Village Board meeting, the discussion turned toward what the village will do with the old squad car, now that it has a new vehicle for the police department.

As the meeting entered a section centered on issues relating to the police department, one board member inquired as to the current happenings regarding the old squad car, which has been replaced.

“Sitting in the shed, I think,” Tonica Village President Kevin Sluder said of the old squad.

The question arose as to what the village intends to do with the vehicle. Keeping it, leaving it to sit

Climate From Page 1 Their reports show June has been 3.5 degrees above normal so far, and they have no indications of how precipitation will behave. On June 16, the State Climatologist Office reported the U.S. Drought Monitor had declared nearly 36 percent of Illinois to be abnormally dry, including parts of Putnam and Bureau counties.

Bill Gray, a farmer from Tonica, spoke to The Tonica News recently about current crop conditions in the area.

“For the most part they look pretty good; I have noticed some water damage after the most

around, seems like a decidedly less than sensible answer, the board decided.

There is currently an offer on the table, as regards to selling the vehicle, Marc Lemrise pointed out.

One person has brought forward an offer of $800.

“I think it would be a good idea to take the 800 bucks because it doesn’t run,” Lemrise said, suggesting the likelihood of a higher offer is minimal.

The person making the offer knows the vehicle is not operational and has specific reasons for the offered price.

“Only reason he wants it is he knows, the motor,” Sluder said, explaining the individual sees the motor as worth the $800.

However, the village still cannot merely sell the vehicle, as Tonica Village Attorney Bob Steele explained.

“You still have to advertise it,” Steele said.

With a guaranteed $800 for the vehicle, the

board discussed the merits of setting that as the bottom limit.

“Eight hundred and they have to come get it,” Sluder said. “You know one guy’s willing to pay $800; if anyone’s interested they’ll add to that.”

He explained starting the price higher, providing an example of $1,000, removes the guarantee of someone purchasing the vehicle. The board knows someone is willing to buy it at a particular price, and thus it is most sensible to begin bidding there.

With a plan set, the board decided to look into the best method of advertising the vehicle.

Questions of the old vehicle were addressed because of work on the new car.

“Guy came in and put the radio system and radar unit in the squad car,” Sluder said. “The guy was here Thursday, I think, the whole day, to do the work.”

recent rain in some fields in my area. But otherwise, everything looks pretty good, and the corn is knee high or taller,” Gray said.

So what is his prediction for the outcome at harvest time? Gray said, “We hope for a good harvest; everybody wants good crops and good prices, but we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature.

We’ll have to wait to see what she hands us, and I guess what the Board of Trade will give us,” Gray said.

Gray discussed the biggest challenge faced so far this year when he said, “This spring our biggest challenge was some of the cooler wet weather after corn planting and deciding when to start planting beans because for quite awhile, the conditions weren’t ideal.”

Invasive pests and weeds are also common problems faced by farmers, but Gray was optimistic about the health of the crops.

“It looks like most of the herbicide applications have been working,” Gray said, “Probably the biggest thing we’ve been watching in some fields is the water hemp that’s been causing a few issues the last few years, but most of it shows up in drowned out areas later on.

There are a lot of bean fields yet that need to be sprayed, but most cornfields are done, and they look pretty good. But if there are pockets of corn that get drowned out, the water hemp could show up there pretty bad, and we’re beyond replanting any corn right now. It’s too late.”

Nominations wanted for 40 under Forty

OGLESBY — The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Illinois Valley Community College is seeking nominations of individuals under the age of 40 who are working to make positive contributions, advance their careers and contribute their time to the community.

The annual 40 Under Forty Award recognizes leaders, business owners and community

ONE PAW’Z

volunteers who make the community a better place to live and work. An individual must be nominated by June 30 by a community member; all submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee. Self-nominations are not permitted; individuals can nominate more than one person.

Award recipients will be notified and invited

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3 Obit Records

Friday, June 24, 2016 • The Tonica News • 3

Sign From Page 1 “They’re all over on Route 80,” Folty said of this style.

Cost and labor were major factors in the decision process. “They’ll put the whole sign up, printed and everything, for $12,065,” Folty said.

Folty noted he still likes the previous ideas for the sign. However, that would have taken more work on the part of various parties, as construction and installation would have been more involved.

This new suggestion simplifies the process, merely placing the new sign over the old.

Sewer From Page 1 Noting the village ran into unexpected delays with the lift station work, Sluder wanted to be certain similar issues would not happen this time, especially as this particular project will face a strict time schedule with a clock ticking down at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Once we sign on the dotted line, isn’t that when our clock starts ticking with the EPA?” Sluder asked.

The question becomes even more pertinent with the issue of timelines, being specifically the timelines face a discrepancy. “If I remember correctly, the EPA’s timeline was shorter than the projected project timeline,” Sluder said.

Kusek expects there to be no problems from the EPA, however, as the working relationship between Tonica and the agency has been largely ami-

This new sign for Tonica is not the only sign-related business the board discussed.

Previously, the board had tabled discussion of a potential stop sign which some residents had requested, so more information could be collected and those both in favor of and opposed to the idea could present their cases.

However, no cases seem to have been presented.

“Nobody’s coming in yea or nay for it, and the conversation just suddenly died,” Tonica Village President Kevin Sluder said. “The people that have asked for it have not pursued it any more and don’t seem to want to talk to the board,

and the people opposed are the same way.”

Some board members had talked to various residents about whether they want the potential sign, but none of the residents went further, and nobody came before the board.

“When I said they had the opportunity to come explain why they wanted it, nobody has,” Sluder said.

With fervor over the idea having dissipated, the board decided not to put a stop sign in the requested location.

“There are a lot of intersections in town that don’t have anything,” Sluder said. “We could go crazy putting yield signs all over the place.

But that was the one that was talked about.”

cable.

“They’ve been very satisfied that things are moving, that we are doing the things we say we’ll do, and they’ve given us no grief,” Kusek said.

Nevertheless, he assured the board that previous work with this contractor indicated everything should proceed according to schedule.

“The other piece of the USDA puzzle is that the village needs to go with the rates also,” Kusek said of the project.

“I also got a copy because we’ve been talking about rates; the next big hurdle is closing on the loan with the USDA.” On the subject of rates, Kusek brought the board good news.

“The rates have not changed since this quarter, but they’ve gone down since we started,” he said.

What this means is that the village saves money overall from what the cost would have been initially, savings which Kusek estimates to be around $480,000 over the course of the 40-year term.

The project is not beginning just

yet, though, as the board is unable to accept the bid at the moment, instead needing to follow a different procedure.

“We’re recommending to the state that everything seems to be in order, we think this is a good bid,” Kusek said.

The discussion of this sewer plant project follows completion of work on the lift station.

“The work at the lift station has been completed,” Kusek said. “We were able to use all our grant funds.”

He gave a brief overview of what had to be filed, noting the end of the state’s fiscal year.

“I guess they have a fiscal year, even if they don’t have a budget,” Kusek noted.

“So they’re completely done with everything,?” Sluder asked when the numbers came up.

Kusek said this particular project was complete. Now the village can focus on the sewer plant.

Soil is warmer and drier than usual

CHAMPAIGN — Warmer weather has led to warmer and drier soils in Illinois, according to Jennie Atkins, Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring (WARM) program manager at the Illinois State Water Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois.

Soil temperatures rose 6-9 degrees, on average, across the state the first half of June. Temperatures at 2 inches under bare soil had a state average of 84.4 degrees on June 15, 5.8 degrees above the 2015 average. Several locations had daily maximums of 100 degrees or higher last week. Central Illinois had the highest regional average with 85.9 degrees on June 15. Southern and Northern Illinois averaged 84.7 and 80.7 degrees, respectively.

Temperatures were slightly lower at

the 4- and 8-inch depths. M o i s t u r e levels, however, remained high at 39 and 59 inches with state averages of 0.44 and 0.42 on June 15.

The Illinois State Water Survey’s WARM Program collects hourly and daily weather and soil information at 19 stations across the state. Daily and monthly summaries can be found at the WARM website http://www.isws. illinois.edu/warm/) and in the Illinois Water and Climate Summary at http:// www.isws.illinois.edu/warm/climate. asp).

The Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a division of the Prairie Research Institute, is the primary agency in Illinois concerned with water and atmospheric resources.

depths of 4 inches with an average of 82.8 degrees on June 15 or 9.2 degrees above the long-term average. Under sod, temperatures averaged 73.0 at 4 inches and 71.9 at 8 inches, 5.9 degrees and 5.0 degrees, respectively, above the state’s long-term average.

The higher soil temperatures and drier weather caused soil moisture levels to decrease. Moisture levels at 2 inches declined on average 35 percent between June 1 and June 13 to 0.23 water fraction by volume (wfv). Rains moving through Northern and Central Illinois on June 14-15 led to an increase in soil moisture in those areas. On average, soil moisture levels averaged 0.27 wfv on June 15, a 23 percent decrease from the first of the month.

Moisture levels saw similar declines at

Tonica Volunteer Fire Department At approximately 12:30 p.m.

Monday, June 13, the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) responded to a semi and car acci-

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EDCNCI hires CEO Following a two-month search, the Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois Ivan Baker (EDCNCI) has hired Ivan Baker as the chief executive officer for the new organization.

Baker has more than 30 years experience in economic development management, marketing and consulting, the last 13 years in the village of Tinley Park.

Under his direction there, the village was recognized as the first and only internationally accredited economic development organization in Illinois. His management efforts also generated the distinction as national winner for economic development excellence from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Award for Municipal Economic Development from the National League of Cities.

“The EDCNCI has the potential to really change the future of the region,” stated President Jim Riley.

“With Baker’s leadership, our potential will be realized, and our children and grandchildren will have the best hope for a great lifestyle as North Central Illinois citizens.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with the new EDCNCI organization and all of the regional partners,” said Baker. “Together, we can effectively build on your great success, promote a community/economic development program that serves residents, plus achieve important benchmarks in new tax revenue, capital investment, job creation and business development.”

Baker, who is originally from rural western Kansas, is married to wife, Mary, has two children and four grandchildren.

The EDCNCI is a tri-county organization of public and private investors from LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties. It grew from the universal ideal that through collaboration the area could showcase the region’s natural, business and workforce assets in order to retain and grow business and investment to our area.

“Baker brings a diversified wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization,” Riley said. “He has established professional contacts on both sides of the development process and is skilled in identifying programs and resources needed to finalize opportunities for growth.”

Baker is a certified economic developer (CEcD), an AICP Certified Planner, and an International Economic Development Council member since 1988. During his tenure as economic development coordinator and community development manager, he has successfully been responsible for over 9 million square feet and $2.5 billion in new commercial and industrial capital investments.

He coordinated nationally-recognized economic and business development with corporate executives and public-sector allies, organizing comprehensive multitask responsibilities for business expansion, retention, and relocation ... including financing, training, real-estate site selection, staffing, tax incentives, infrastructure improvements and public relations. The result has been hundreds of diverse corporate development projects for large and small businesses, including multi-million dollar investments by Fortune 500 companies and international firms.

Don Finley, mayor of Oglesby and vice president of the EDCNCI, expressed his pleasure on Baker’s recruitment.

“Baker’s the top in his field, and I see many good things coming out of our organization with him at the helm.”

Next steps for the EDCNCI will involve meeting and working with area partners; creating a strategic plan; developing a brand and marketing presence; finalizing office space and hiring supporting staff. Members of the Board of Directors will also be continuing to invite further involvement and investment from the area.

“It is satisfying to have the goals of the original steering group for this regional presence beginning to solidify and move forward,” Finley said.

4 Perspective

4 • The Tonica News • Friday, June 24, 2016

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

‘And a child shall lead us ...’

I’ve always believed children have a lot to offer this world. Their innocence, their truthfulness, the way they look at the world ... to me, it’s nothing short of inspiring, not to mention endearing. For those reasons among many others, the Bureau County Republican extends opportunities to young peoTerri ple to contribute Simon to this newspaper.

For years, I’ve COMMENTARY offered children and teens the chance to write columns, take photos and participate in the news process. I know if I want young people to read this newspaper and become life-long readers, I have to offer them something that appeals to their age and interests. I also know I’ll never be too old to be able to learn things from our younger generation.

Too often, some people group all young people into a category that does not represent the many fine young ladies and men who are doing outstanding things in their lives — many things that contribute to others’ lives and society as a whole.

Just as society is quick to point fingers at those who are unique from themselves, young people often get a bad rap. That’s just not fair.

What brought all this to mind? A while ago, we published a column by 11-year-old Autumn Joiner of Malden, who will be entering the seventh grade.

She’s written a handful of columns for this newspaper, and I always enjoy what she has to say. Not only is she brimming with the vitality of youth, but she’s insightful in a way children often are. I usually finish reading one of her columns with a smile on my face. That’s a nice feeling for me, and ultimately, I hope her columns have the same effect on you, our readers.

Let me first say I’ve read a lot of columns in my career — many by local writers and just as many by nationally syndicated columnists. I’ve read great columns which makes me yearn to be a better writer myself, and I’ve read not-so-great ones that leave me wondering ... about a lot of things.

That said, this column by Autumn I referred to earlier ... well, it was one of the best pieces of journalism I’ve ever read. OK, I did have to copy edit it a bit, and I added a few commas and took out a few apostrophes that weren’t needed. But the journalistic style (which was actually really good for an 11-year-old girl) isn’t what I’m talking about; instead, I’m referring to the content of her column, which she titled, “Being different.”

In case you missed Autumn’s column, her words told of how she is different from her peers. She spoke of how she has been bullied because of her differences. She explained how she doesn’t like to be friends with those who bully people because of their differences, and most importantly, she reminded us to embrace our differences because that’s what makes us special. Following are a few excerpts from her column: “Being different is OK because everyone is different in their own special way ... it’s just how I was made, and I’m never going to change. I think it’s OK to be different, and the people out there who are bullying the ‘different kids’ ... well, there is something different about you too. We are all unique people in our own way. Embrace your differences and love yourself for who and what you are ... Remember to think how you would feel and what people could make fun of you about before you make fun of someone else. No one is perfect ... We know that being different is what makes things interesting; it’s what makes us who we are.

It’s what makes us beautiful in our own way ...

If you think you’re bad because you’re different, think again. You’re perfect just the way you are.”

Wow. Those words, written by an 11-year-old child, are some of the best I’ve heard in a long time. Prolific, from the heart ... they should be a lesson for us all. Just think what this world would be like if we all thought like Autumn does ...

Thanks, Autumn, for your strong words. I am so impressed.

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

Essentially ... I’m oily Greg Wallace COMMENTARY My wife is a hippie. I always kind of suspicioned it. She doesn’t like to wear socks or shoes. That’s a dead giveaway to the hippie culture.

Her hippiness was confirmed last week. We were on our way back from a two-hour trip to see our son, and sitting in the hot, sunny passenger seat of our car, I developed a headache. I get migraine headaches every now and then, and this particular headache had all the makings of a real doozy. I had taken aspirin a couple of times that afternoon and nothing was working.

The hippie told me she had something that she wanted me to try. As I looked at her with trepidation, she asked my daughter to dig around in her purse and retrieve some magical ointment that would be the cure to whatever ails me. I wasn’t convinced. I’ve seen Cheech and Chong movies.

Hippies are famous for potions and elixirs and other kinds of “natural” home remedies. She told me what the name of this stuff was. It was something like Essentially Oily or Smelly Juice or something like that. I’m not exactly doing a commercial for the stuff, so I don’t really care.

She told me the substance had a delightful peppermint smell, and that if I rubbed it on my temples, something about the scent combined with the saturation of the oil, I would soon begin to relax and my migraine would just melt away. I was desperate, so I listened to the long-haired flower child.

I proceeded to dump some of the liquid into my hand and splash it up by what I thought were my temples. She then told me that only a drop on your finger was sufficient and that I really shouldn’t get it too close to my eyeballs. I looked over at the hippie with my blinking, watering eye sockets that were apparently on fire. The burning sensation kind of took my mind off of the headache.

As I scraped off the excess oil that was now streaming down the sides of my cheeks along with my salty tears of pain, the hippie told me not to worry because the delicate, soft, soothing scent of peppermint would soon waft past my nostrils, and my

tensions would disappear. I looked toward her shadowy visage with blurry, double-vision and said, “I hope so because it smells like one of Santa’s elves exploded in here.”

The peppermint odor seemed a little overpowering to me. But I decided to listen to Cheech, and I sat back in the passenger seat, closed my swollen-shut eyes, and let that scent take me away.

As the narcotics took affect, I began to have flashbacks of a simpler, more joyous time. The smell took me back to my youth, more specifically, to my second-grade year in elementary school. I dreamed that I was in the school gym. It was the day after my birthday and my P.E. class was playing Red Rover. As I was running and playing with all my old friends, a strange feeling came over me.

It was then that I realized why this peppermint smell was taking me back to that particular day. You see, I got sick all over that gym floor that second-grade morning, right out there in front of all my friends. I can still picture the school janitor, Mr. Hobbs, walking into the gymnasium and sprinkling this magical powder over the mess that I had created.

It came in a plastic, screw-top jar.

It’s absorbent contents smelled just like — you guessed it — peppermint. The same peppermint smell that I had smeared all over my face some 40 years later in the front seat of our car. Mr. Hobbs didn’t seem like a hippie at the time.

On that memorable day, I can still picture the P.E. teacher, Mrs. Meyer, walking me back to my classroom

where I sat with my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Linden. We sat there and she was helping me clean myself up, and I was beginning to feel quite a bit better. We talked about my birthday party, which had taken place just the day before. I was feeling pretty good.

I can remember Mr. Hobbs even came down to the room to check on how I was doing. In retrospect, that was a pretty nice thing to do. I guess that hippies are usually cordial.

He asked me if I felt better. I nodded my head and told him thank you for cleaning up my mess. He told me not to worry about it, and then he made some off-hand comment about how I must have eaten a lot of cake at my birthday party. He said he could tell it was chocolate cake. Well, apparently that brought back some memories too because at that thought, I got sick again. I wonder if Mr. Hobbs kept those shoes or just threw them away? Oh well, like I said earlier, hippies like to be barefoot.

As I sat there in that car that day with my head leaning against the window, my eyes all red, smelling like a candy cane, I couldn’t help but smile. I was thinking back to all those teachers and janitors and my friends running around in that grade school gym. Those were good times. Even with all of the minty-smelling vomit. I felt a little better.

So in a way, I guess the hippie remedy did work. I just hope I’m not hooked on the stuff. I don’t think my eyes could take it.

You can contact Wallace at gregwallaceink7@gmail.com. You can follow him on his blog at http:// gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.

Inappropriately reverent I did daycare for about 20 years.

Yes, people paid me good cash money to help form the minds of their most precious assets in life. They trusted me to lead them on a path of good choices and be a good example.

One day I got a phone call from one of my daycare dads. During the course of our conversation, he mentioned that his son (Joshua) had been singing the song “Joshua Fought the Battle of Cherry Coke.” I had to admit that was my fault.

Sometimes I change the words a bit in my attempt to be the “fun mom.” My daughter declared long ago that in order to be the “fun mom,” I really needed to try harder, and that she considered me the “embarrassing mom” more often than not! Some may perceive my lyrical morphing as sacrilegious. I also like to sing, “God of Grace and God of Lori” (It makes me feel like He’s my God alone!).

Lori Boekeloo COMMENTARY OK, maybe it’s not right. Maybe I should be more serious about my faith. I tend to be a little silly.

I’ve been caught dancing in the kitchen, radio full blast once or twice by a daycare parent who then seriously questioned my sanity or whether or not the dosage of any medication I might be on had been messed with. I’ve been known to make faces at a date over a candlelight dinner, complete with beaded gown and tuxedos. They were sometimes less than appreciative, and this may be one of the key reasons I stay single. I think they should be grateful I hadn’t shoved anything up my nose, and that the cross eyes were for their viewing only.

I’m weird, but I can be subtle.

Despite my lack of reverence for such things, I DO take my faith seriously. I do believe in God with all of my heart. I do know I am saved by grace, and not by works.

I do believe that God sacrificed His most precious gift as an offering for us ... the most undeserving lot of characters to exist. I DON’T take that lightly. I revel in my relationship with Jesus Christ, and I guess that joy just bubbles out of me in inappropriate ways at times.

I know my faith is a journey.

When I look at my footprints in the sand at the end of my time, I hope they seem a little crooked here and there to indicate I was hopping and skipping and dancing with Jesus. My Savior can lead, and I will be dancing in free-form style.

Lori Boekeloo of Hennepin is a mother of three. She can be reached at lorianne67@hotmail. com, or friend her on Facebook for more humor and inspiration on a daily basis.

5 Life

Friday, June 24, 2016 • The Tonica News • 5

Community

Photo contributed

Chris Kolodziej’s equipment awaits corn planting near the IVCC barn. Kolodziej farms 149 acres as IVCC’s tenant farmer.

IVCC expands ag offerings Photo contributed

Where in the World is the Tonica News?

Mark Walczynski of rural Tonica holds a copy of The Tonica News at Armenia’s border with Turkey. Behind him is the Khor Virap (translation: deep pit) Monastery where Armenia tradition holds that Gregory the Illuminator, Armenia’s patron saint, was held prisoner by King Tiridates III before the monarch converted to Christianity and by doing so made Armenia the first nation to establish Christianity as its official religion. Behind the monastery, and obscured by clouds, is the base of Mount Ararat, the legendary resting place of Noah’s fabled ark.

Cast is announced for Stage 212’s ‘Funny Girl’ LASALLE — Stage 212 heats up summer 2016 with “Funny Girl,” the iconic romantic musical comedy by Jule Styne, Bob Merrill and Isobel Lennart. A semi-biographical look at the life and career of actress and comedienne Fanny Brice, including her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein, “Funny Girl” helped establish Barbra Streisand as a major star.

Featured in the cast are Serena Armstrong as Fanny Brice, Matt Pursell as Nick Arnstein, Melanie Maskel as Rosie Brice, Greg Tullis as Florenz Ziegfeld, Marco Gutierrez as Eddie Ryan, Deb Torri as Mrs. Strakosh, Matt Nowakowski as Tom Keeney, Alison Fauth as Emma, Jennifer Croissant as Mrs. O’Malley, Carol McConville as Mrs. Meeker, Kaitlin Ernst as Mimsey, Mary Haywood as Jody, Chase Ludford as Polly, Cheyanne Kreush as Cathy, Jenna Glassman as Bubbles, Karly Swords as Vera and Katie Williams as Mrs. Nadler.

Featured as Follies Girls are Nikki Rybarczyk, Karolina Kaniewski, Amanda Hines, Xavier Braboy and Bella Brooker. Featured in the ensemble are Michelle Williams, Jennifer Rexius, Caryn Brown, T.R. Miller, Timmy Campbell, Andrew Paden, Christopher Williams, Andrew Kim, Ryan Gee and Joshua Fullerton.

Production staff includes director Joey Beavers, producers Ellen Marincic and

Abby Bertrand, assistant director Theo Mankowski, music director Megan Cullinan, choreographer Deana Brown, stage manager Perla Escatel, artistic director/ costumer Tyler Reviglio, set construction foreman Mike Kreush, set construction crew Phil Valle, Todd Harzheim, Mark Majewski, Chris Martyn and Glen Gerrard, prop coordinators Joan Eiberger and Glen Gerrard, lighting designer Dom Passini, light operator Yvette Lucas, spotlight operators Megan Hendry and Thomas Bickel, sound operator Matt Pellican and stagehand Kelli Montgomery.

“Funny Girl” will be presented July 15-31 at Stage 212, 700 First St., LaSalle.

Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each, and will be available online at www.stage212.org to the general public beginning Monday, July 4. Because of the Monday holiday, box office sales will begin Tuesday, July 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. Regular box office hours will resume Saturday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to noon and continue on Mondays and Saturdays for the remainder of the production. Tickets may also be reserved over the phone with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Call 815-224-3025 for details.

“Funny Girl” is presented through special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.

Registration underway for IVCH Tennis Classic PERU — Registration is underway for the 2016 IVCH Tennis Classic, which will be played July 1-3 on the courts at the LaSalle-Peru High School athletic complex on Airport Road in LaSalle.

Sponsored by Illinois Valley Community Hospital, the tournament has divisions for all age groups and both sexes, including men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, and boys’ and girls’ singles for players age 13 and under and age 17 and under.

Awards will be presented to first- and second-place finishers in both the championship and consolation brackets of each division. All entrants will receive tournament T-shirts, and there will be an award for the best-dressed mixed doubles team.

The entry fee is $15 per person per event, plus one can of new balls for each event. Registration can only be done online at www.facebook.com/ivchtennisclassic.

••• Items for the Community section can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com.

OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College has completed the first phase of its effort to significantly expand its agriculture program.

Beginning this fall, IVCC students wishing to pursue a career in agriculture may enroll in a two-year program leading to seamless transfer to the agriculture programs at the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Western Illinois University and Southern Illinois University.

“The program combines the necessary general education and agriculture courses needed to transfer to earn a bachelor’s in agriculture from any of these universities,” said IVCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Deborah Anderson. “This option will also save each student tens of thousands of dollars.”

Courses include Intro to Field Crop Science and Intro to Ag Mechanics in Fall 2016, Intro to Ag Economics, Spring 2017, Intro to Soil Science, Fall 2017, and Microcomputer Applications in Ag, Spring 2018.

IVCC has also strengthened its connection to the district’s ag community by partnering with the University of Illinois Extension for Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam County, now headquartered at the college.

“The support of the University of Illinois Extension has been vitally important to our ag program expansion efforts,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran.

For information, contact Mark Grzybowski by calling 815-224-0393 or by email to mark_grzybowski@ivcc.edu or visit www.ivcc.edu/foundation.aspx.

6 Life

6 • The Tonica News • Friday, June 24, 2016

Photo contributed

IVCC Director of Admissions Quintin Overocker, center, with university students Reese Rinaldi of Streator (from left), Emily Maze of Peru, Emma Perona of Spring Valley and Michael Vollmer of Oglesby. About 40 university students are enrolled at IVCC this summer.

University students become IVCC summer students Photo contributed

Bill Jankowski (center), executive director of OmniArts, recently presented checks at the Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle to local arts organization representatives (from left) DeWayne Conkrite, Christ Community Church, Ottawa; Natalie Smigel, Stage 212, LaSalle; Julia Yaklich, St. Bede Academy, Peru; and Delle Peterson, Illinois Valley Youth Symphony.

OmniArts to award $16,300 to local art programs Twenty-four local school and community art programs will receive a near-record amount of grant money from OmniArts this year. Donations to the non-profit art organization have been strong in the last year, allowing the group to award $16,300 in grants this year.

Recipients include local schools, libraries, music festivals, theater groups, symphonies and non-profit art councils. Over the last five years, OmniArts has awarded nearly $60,000 to local artists and art organizations.

“We are grateful for all OmniArts does for music, drama, art and new projects in the Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam counties,” said Mary Sue Goldsmith of Princeton’s Prairie Arts Center, a 2016 grant recipient.

“We saw a great variety of creative and impactful community and school requests, all of which we wanted to fund,” said Bill Jankowski, OmniArts executive director. “We all benefit when we work together. Our community has been very giving this year. Without financial donations, we would not be able to provide the grants we are awarding.”

OmniArts mission is to “elevate a vibrant arts community” by bringing local artists and art organizations together with the resources they need.

“Our mission can only be fulfilled through community involvement,” said Jankowski. Donations can be made via the OmniArts website, OmniArts.org.

OmniArts is a registered 501(c)3 organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.

Recipients of the 2016 OmniArts Grants are: Stage 212, LaSalle; Community Players of Streator, Streator; Princeton Theatre Group Festival 56, Princeton; Ottawa Opportunity School, Ottawa; LaMoille Community Unit 303, LaMoille; St. Michael the Archangel School, Streator; Marquette Academy, Ottawa; Prairie Arts Center, Princeton; Ottawa Concert Association, Ottawa; Maud Powell Arts Celebration, Peru; Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, LaSalle; Illinois Valley Youth Symphony, LaSalle; Shepherd Middle School Band, Ottawa; Learning Stage Theatre Group, Princeton; Marquette Academy Fine Arts Festival, Ottawa; Shepherd Middle School Drama, Ottawa; St. Bede Academy, Peru; Ottawa Art League, Ottawa; Princeton Historical Society, Princeton; Oglesby Public Library, Oglesby; Maude Powell Festival, LaMoille; NCI ARTworks, LaSalle; Christ Community Church, Ottawa; and Rotary Park Music Festival, LaSalle.

Heider family reunion LOSTANT — The Heider family celebrated its 36th family reunion at the Lostant Fire Station on June 11. Sixty-nine family members attended with many traveling from throughout Illinois as well

as from Kansas City, St. Louis and Florida.

The reunion was hosted by the Donna Smaling family. The 2017 Heider family reunion will be hosted by the Alan Heider family from Streator.

Stay Cool This Summer in the comfort of your home!

OGLESBY — University students home for the summer are taking advantage of Illinois Valley Community College’s affordable tuition to pick up core transfer courses and help them stay on course for a bachelor’s degree in four years.

“Summer classes at IVCC are a great way for university students to take care of some general education requirements while they’re home for break,” said Quintin Overocker, IVCC Director of Admissions, Records and Transfer Services.

“We offer plenty of courses — psychology, math, English, history, to name a few — that’ll transfer back to their home institution, and at a third of the tuition. Knocking out a couple courses over the summer will help keep them on track to graduate in four years,” he added.

Overocker said approximately 40 university students are enrolled this summer on the main campus and at Ottawa Center.

IVCC’s eight-week “Summer B” session began on June 15.

Emma Perona, the daughter of Jim and Amy Perona of Spring Valley, is taking psychology this summer to help her determine if she will pursue a double-major in communication and psychology at the University of

Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A 2015 graduate of St. Bede Academy, Perona is attending IVCC at night to allow her to work days at Marien Mae Events in LaSalle.

Michael Vollmer, the son of Rich and Mary Ann Vollmer of Oglesby, is taking geology and music at IVCC this summer to help him graduate in three years from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a degree in mining engineering.

Emily Maze, like Vollmer a 2015 graduate of LaSalle-Peru Township High School, is enrolled in anthropology and English II to help her complete her general education requirements. The daughter of Henry and Laurel Maze of Peru is majoring in music at Western Illinois University and plans to graduate in four years.

Reese Rinaldi, the son of Jim and Christie Rinaldi of Streator, will be in class nine hours a week in Trisha Blood’s five credit hour pre-calculus course. He is getting ahead in his pursuit of an engineering degree from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

“I am hearing from a number of students it is getting harder and harder to graduate in four years – especially in engineering,” said Rinaldi. “Summer courses at IVCC will allow me to accomplish that.”

Consignments Wanted For 11th Annual Putnam County FFA Alumni Consignment Sale Farm machinery and related items, lawn mowers, trucks, cars, ATV’s, garage items, antiques, and miscellaneous.

Sponsored by the Putnam County FFA Alumni Proceeding benefits to go towards Putnam County FFA Chapter

Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 9:00 AM At Putnam County High School, Granville, IL Consignments are now being accepted for listing and advertising by calling alumni members listed below or, e-mailing: pc_ffa_alumni@hotmail.com, or faxing 815-339-2217. Items must be listed by July 15 for final sale bill to be properly advertised. Further items will be welcome for consignment up until 2 hours prior to the sale. All items must be salable and will be accepted by the discretion of an alumni committee person.

• Firearms or hazardous materials will not be accepted.

• 1 Piece or a Full Line of farm equipment will be accepted.

• Any donated items will also be welcome and greatly appreciated.

• All cars, trucks and trailers must have a clear title present.

Accepting consignments from August 3 - 3 PM to 8 PM and on August 4 & 5 from 8 AM to 8 PM, If times are inconvenient, an appointment can be scheduled by calling: Gary (815) 257-2565 John (815) 488-2873 Last year’s sale drew 300 Mike (815) 866-6105 buyers and 120 Mr. Heiser (815) 509-5404

Get your air conditioner checked & cleaned or replace that old unit with a new high efficiency Carrier unit.

consigners.

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SM-PR2650983-0701

AUCTION RATE PER CONSIGNED ITEM

$0 to $249 – 20% $250 to $999 – 15% $1000 to $2999 – 10% $3000 and over – 8%

Minimum charge - $5 Maximum charge - $500 Tires will be charged a disposal fee by size.

Fee will be refunded if sold or reclaimed.

2% of Last Bid

BUY BACK Minimum - $5 – Maximum - $200

SM-PR2651016-0624

Auctioneers Bradley’s and Immke Auction Service (815) 672-7977

7 Life/Classifieds

Friday, June 24, 2016 • The Tonica News • 7

Menus and Activities Putnam County Community Center June 27 — BLT wrap, chips, steamed broccoli, grapes.

June 28 — Chicken salad on bun, macaroni salad, fruit cocktail, buttered beans, carrot sticks, dessert.

June 29 — Pulled pork sandwiches, scalloped potatoes, steamed zucchini, pineapple bits.

June 30 — Creamed chicken on a biscuit, tossed salad with toppings, fruit juice, dessert.

July 1 — Hamburger with cheese on bun, french fries, three-bean salad, strawberries.

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.

Bridges Senior Center Photo contributed

Pictured with Janine Sobin and Tara Murillo and representing the IVCH Auxiliary at the check presentation were, from left, Mary Beth Brantner, Joann Orlandini and Jan Vogelgesang along with Mary Kay Sadnick (far right).

IVCH Auxiliary awards scholarships PERU — Two Illinois Valley Community Hospital nurses who are studying for their Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing are the recipients of $1,000 scholarships from the IVCH Auxiliary.

Tara Murillo of LaSalle, a transitional care nurse, received the Ruth Daniels Memorial Nursing Scholarship while Janine Sobin of Spring Valley, a clinical documentation specialist, was awarded the IVCH Auxiliary Scholarship. Both nurses are enrolled in BSN classes at Purdue University Calumet. Both

earned their associate degrees in nursing at Illinois Valley Community College.

Eligibility for both scholarships requires applicants to be either an IVCH employee or the daughter or son of an IVCH employee. To be eligible for the Ruth Daniels award, applicants must have completed the first year of a college nursing program. Applicants for the Auxiliary Scholarship must be second-year college students enrolled in any medically-related field of study.

IVCC announces spring graduates OGLESBY — A total of 467 students graduated this spring at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. Area students include: Cedar Point — Teresa Lehr.

IVCC releases spring presidential honors list

Lostant — Wesley Allison, Megan Fitzgerald, Evan Kreiser, Cody O’Brien and Brandiwyne Smith.

Tonica — Taylor Caldwell, Carrie Coons, Benjamin Hallock, Cory Lauer and Mark Zimmer.

OGLESBY — For the spring 2016 semester, more than 170 students were named to the presidential honors list at Illinois Valley Community College. Students who have earned a grade point

average of 3.75 to 4.0 in 12 or more semester hours, listed by hometown, are: Lostant — Kayte Bernardoni and Cody O’Brien.

Tonica — Cory Lauer and Samantha Milton.

June 27 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards.

June 28 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. June 29 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 6 p.m., New to Medicare program.

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

July 1 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 1 p.m., open Wii bowling.

The Bridges Senior Center is a congregate meal site.

Meals, provided by Voluntary Action Center, are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for a suggested donation of $3.50. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. For more information, call 815431-8034.

IVCC releases spring academic honors list OGLESBY — For the spring 2016 semester, 699 students were named to the academic honors list at Illinois Valley Community College. Students who have earned a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.74 in six or more semester hours, listed by hometown are: Cedar Point — Nicholle

––––––––––––––– Classifieds ––––––––––––– General Terms and Policies The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion.

CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com

See It Right Here!

The Tonica News Classifieds 815-875-4461

- 200 Employment 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

PROMOTE JOB OPENINGS Call us to find out how we can help. 815-875-4461

- 400 Merchandise 441 • Wanted to Buy Wanted to Buy: old comic books.

Call 815-481-4922

450 • Under $1000 2 boxes boy's size 10-12 & North Face winter coat, $40; 3 boxes teen girl 2-6 & Tony Bowls prom dress all for $50. 815-866-1066 Craftmaster Plum settee loveseat. Purchased from Goods Furniture in March. $631. New Condition. Call 815-878-1516 Golf club: Ping G-25 driver, $150. As new. Call 815-872-1906, leave message Heavy duty black truckbed toolbox. 80" upper width. 60" inner truck width. 20" length. 14" deep. 815-719-2375 Kirby vacuum with attachments & shampooer.

Bought new in 2014, paid $1,000. Asking $350.

Call 815-646-4460 Klipsch quartet speakers $200; Yamaha receiver RX-V660 $100; Nordic trak treadmill $200. Or best offers. 815-878-1251 lbanez Gio guitar, new in case $300; men's 18” Trek ZX6500 red $300; Bosch built- in dishwasher $300. 815-878-7327

450 • Under $1000

460 • Garage Sales

460 • Garage Sales

Scanner, 1000 channel programable, new in box.

Only missing a/c power cord. $60. 815-876-6083

*PRINCETON 2280 Timber Ridge Drive.

Thursday, June 23, 11am-6pm; Friday, June 24, 8am-4pm; Saturday, June 25, 8am-10pm.

MULTI-FAMILY SALE. Wicker furniture, M416 Military trailer, steam toys, original artwork, rolling work bench, dremel, fireplace mantel, books, Christmas items, kitchen appliances, needle work & doll house supplies, office supplies, linens, 2 antique cameras, kids clothes, jogging stroller

PRINCETON 546 West Boyd Avenue. Friday, June 24, 8am-4pm; Saturday, June 25, 8am-12pm.

Matching couch and loveseat, chair with ottoman, end tables, flowered area rug(5'x7'), high chair, little girl's clothes, misc. items

************ 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) No Phone Calls!

460 • Garage Sales GRANVILLE 12763 IL Hwy 71 (South side by railroad tracks- between BP & Caseys). Friday, June 24, 8am-6pm; Saturday, June 25, 8am-3pm; Sunday, June 26; 9am-1pm MULTI-FAMILY SALE. Baby items, HO & N train items. General household, furniture, collectibles and more

PROMOTE YOUR GARAGE SALES Call 815-875-4461

MCNABB Country Garage Sale. 12598 North 600th Avenue. Friday, Saturday, June 24, 25th; 8am-3pm.

Teen clothes/prom & other dresses, kerosene heaters, portable a/c, twin bunk beds, swivel chair/ ottoman, books and more!!

OHIO 103 Washington.

Friday, Saturday, June 24 & 25; 8am-3pm.

Household, misc. crafts PRINCETON 19126 Wyanet Walnut Road (4 miles north of Wyanet on Wyanet/Walnut Road).

Saturday, June 25, 7:30am-Noon.

Antiques, wicker bassinet, Longaberger, CD's, music, jewelry, misc. and the little red wagon with “Free Stuff”

- 700 Real Estate For Sale 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

Jones.

Lostant — Rebecca Arnold, Sara Benckendorf, Elizabeth Kammer, Evan Kreiser and Doneida Larsen.

Tonica — Taylor Caldwell, Benjamin Hallock, Kathleen Heinz, Jocelyn Rimes, Lauren Strehl and Mark Zimmer.

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS IN RE: THE ) ESTATE OF ) CHARLENE M. ) SMITH, ) Deceased. ) No. 16-P-96 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION CLAIMS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of Charlene M. Smith, late, of Peru.

Letters of Office were issued on May 13, 2016, to Jill Green, whose attorney is Aplington, Kaufman, McClintock, Steele & Barry, Ltd., 160 Marquette St., P.O. Box 517, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk, Circuit Court, in the LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, or with the representative, or both, on or before December 12, 2016, 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 ten (10) days after it has

been filed.

Dated this 28th day of May, 2016.

JAMES OLSON CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS 119 W. Madison Street Room 201 Ottawa, IL 61350 Published in the Tonica News June 10, 17 and 24, 2016.

NOTICE OF PREVAILING WAGE ORDINANCE Lostant CUSD 425 passed an ordinance on June 22, 2016 establishing prevailing wage rates for workers on new construction or improvement (not maintenance) projects, to be the same as those in LaSalle County as determined by the Illinois Department of Labor.

Anyone wishing to inspect the Ordinance may do so at the office of Lostant CUSD 425, 315 West 3rd Street, Lostant, IL 61334 by calling 815-368-3392 for an appointment. Mike Phillips, School Board President, Lostant CUSD 425.

Published in the Tonica News June 24, 2016.

8 • The Tonica News • Friday, June 24, 2016 999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS IN RE: ) THE ESTATE OF ) GENE M. ) BUCHANAN, ) Deceased. ) No. 16-P-107 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION CLAIMS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of Gene M. Buchanan, late, of Mendota. Letters of Office were issued on

May 24, 2016, to Robert B. Buchanan, whose attorney is Aplington, Kaufman, McClintock, Steele & Barry, Ltd., 160 Marquette St., P.O. Box 517, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk, Circuit Court, in the LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, or with the representative, or both, on or before December 12, 2016, 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 ten (10) days after it has been filed.

Dated this 28th day of May, 2016.

JAMES OLSON CLERK OF THE

CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS 119 W. Madison Street Room 201 Ottawa, IL 61350 Published in the Tonica News June 10, 17 and 24, 2016.

ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN AND CLAIM NOTICE Estate of PHILLIP BRIERLY, Deceased.

Notice is given of the death of PHILLIP BRIERLY, of Peru, lllinois . Letters of office were issued on June 14, 2016, to HARLAN OLSON, 508 N. Washington Street, Dwight, IL 60420 and to CHARLES SCHIFFBAUER, of 968 N. 1850th Road, Tonica, IL 61370, whose attorney is GERALD M. HUNTER, 129 W. Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348.

Notice is given to any heirs or legatees whose names or addresses are not stated in the Petition for Letters of Office, that an order entered by the Court on June 14, 2016, admitting the decedent’s will to probate. Within 42 days after the date of the order of admission you may file a petition with the Court to require proof of the will by testimony of the witnesses to the will in open court or other evidence, as provided in 755 ILCS 5/6-21. You also have the right under 755 ILCS 5/8-1 to contest the

validity of the will by filing a petition with the Court within 6 months after admission of the will to probate .

Claims against the estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, Downtown Courthouse , Ottawa, IL 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters, or if a claim notice is mailed or delivered personally to a creditor of the decedent, on or before the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed within the time allowed is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed.

Jim Olson Clerk of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Ottawa, Illinois Published in the Tonica News June 24, July 1 and 8, 2016.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) PHILLIP BRIERLY, ) DECEASED. ) NO.2016-P-I13 NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS AND HEIRS AND LEGATEES WHOSE NAMES OR

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9 Save the Date 1

Friday, June 24, 2016 • The Tonica News • 9 A Publication of

A stress-free wedding day?

Beauty from Ashes makes it happen

By Terri Simon Shaw Media Service

PRINCETON/BRADFORD — To most, it might look like a pile of rubbish — thrown-away items that have no appeal.

But if you’ve ever met Jacqui Grant of Bradford, you’ve come to know a lady who looks at others’ trash as treasures. And ironically enough, that type of thinking is the same way Grant looks at life and everyone she encounters.

Self-described as a wedding coordinator, Grant’s mission is to offer brides, grooms and their families an opportunity to leave the stress of creating a perfect and memorable wedding behind; instead, Grant takes the soon-to-be-married couple’s vision to heart and ultimately helps them create a personalized day that will be cherished and remembered.

“Whatever they want to do is great with me. There are lots of spins on what you can do. It’s so much fun. I love to create.”

Beauty from Ashes Owner Jacqui Grant Grant’s workshop is filled with a variety of re-purposed items that can be customized to every bride’s perfect day. Whether a traditional or non-traditional wedding is chosen, Grant has a plethora of experience with all types of special events. Perhaps the bride and groom want a shabby/ chic event, a day filled with wood and Shaw Media photo/Terri Simon lace, a champagne elegance ceremony Re-purposing items to fit into a bride and groom’s wedding/reception decor is a specialty

Beauty from Ashes Page 10

We Love Weddings... and It Shows!

• Engagement Rings • Wedding Rings • Wedding Gifts • And More!

e c u Br

of 70 Years Service

JEWELERS

of Jacqui Grant, who owns Beauty from Ashes Creative Design.

Make Your Reception One To Remember With The

METRO CENTER ❧ Seating for 200 ❧ Convenient Parking ❧ Table and Chairs in Your Choice of Arrangement at No Charge ❧ Bar Setup & Bartender ❧ Kitchen Facilities

PRINCETON PARK DISTRICT Bureau County Metro Center

www.brucejewelers.com

631 S. Main, Princeton, IL • 815-875-2289 Monday-Thursday 9am - 5pm • Friday 9am - 7pm • Saturday 9am - 5pm

2 da package y starting at $475 Call Kerri at 815-872-0840

837 Park Avenue West • Princeton, IL www.princetonparkdistrict.org SM-PR8127916-0618

10 Save the Date 2

10 • The Tonica News • Friday, June 24, 2016

Beauty from Ashes From Page 9

and reception, or a down-home feel to the day; either way, Grant’s mission is to focus on the bride and groom and their specific wishes.

“Whatever they want to do is great with me,” Grant said from her Princeton workshop. “There are lots of spins on what you can do. It’s so much fun. I love to create. I love to mess.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It shouldn’t be stressful; it should be a joy,” Grant said. “I want them to find joy in the journey.

“Brides are looking for someone to help them pull it all together. I kind of have a heart for people. I’ve always been honored by giving,” Grant said.

Grant said she often thinks the true essence of a wedding has been lost. Instead of two people celebrating their love before God, family and friends, the focus has shifted to creating a wedding day ultimately filled with stress and worries about pulling it all off. Grant hopes to alleviate that stress.

Grant’s husband of 30 years echoes his wife’s sentiments.

“Jacqui helps bring peace to the bride,” Jimmy Grant said. “She allows the bride to focus on the marriage and forget about all the decor and other things ... She helps bring back the focus of what it was supposed to be.”

Along with her design partner, Sarah Over, Grant offers brides a free consultation to meet with them and their families, spend time with them and learn about family histories, wishes, dreams and more. Once a bride decides to use the services of Beauty from Ashes Creative Design, Grant can supply a host of services/items to meet the personal needs of the wedding party.

• Brides can rent items from Grant, which can include delivery and pick up. These items can be used with special pieces the families want to include in the wedding.

• Grant will visit the couple’s wedding venue and help visualize the space, while also doing trial runs with possible setups using her inventory or items the couple provides. One of her services is to actually design the room in advance, so the couple can see exactly what the venue will look like with the pieces they’ve chosen to use.

• Have an idea for a perfect piece to incorporate into your wedding or reception? Grant will go on a treasure hunt to find that perfect item.

• In order to make one’s wedding a customized experience, Grant urges families to bring in items to incorporate into the wedding/reception. By using personal items, Grant said, “The beauty of (doing this) allows for family members

Beauty from Ashes Creative Design can be found in a studio/workshop in Princeton, where a variety of displays “How sweet it is to be loved by you” incorporates and are set up to help soon-to-be newlyweds envision their old hutch with enamel-ware basins filled with candies for reception guests to nibble on throughout the evening. special day.

Want to know what your head table will look like for your wedding reception?

Beauty from Ashes owner Jacqui Grant will actually set your table, so there are no surprises.

Shaw Media photos/Terri Simon

Beauty from Ashes Page 11

Let Us Help Make Your Dreams Come True!

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• Wedding Cakes and Cupcakes • Catering Service • Nice Selection of Wines We can work with your budget!

Call Us Today!

6:00AM - 10:00PM

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Perfect for hosting wedding receptions, corporate meetings, community events and more!

Botanical Gardens Arboretum Garden Center

Princeton, Illinois • 815-659-3282

www.hornbakergardens.com/thebarn

11 Save the Date 3

Friday, June 24, 2016 • The Tonica News • 11

Beauty from Ashes From Page 10

Shaw Media photo/Terri Simon

Turning old items — whether they are favorite pieces belonging to the wedding party or ones she has secured throughout the years — into unique designs is a specialty of Beauty from Ashes, like this guestbook table that includes an old suitcase, a lantern, picture frame and more.

to get involved, and more importantly, changes your decor from simple decorations to pieces of your life, your history, your love.

The decor takes on the spirit of your love story.”

• Beauty from Ashes will also be a bride’s “designer for the day.”

Grant offers a variety of no-stress packages, all personalized, at varying prices, depending on services. She stressed she is not in business to compete with florists or caterers or any other services used in a wedding setting, rather there to compliment what they do and help keep the bride and groom from having to stress out over the details of the special day.

“Every wedding is different,” Grant said.

“We strive to work within your budget and will work with you on creating unique pack-

ages utilizing our services and rentals. Once we have met and discussed your ideas, we will work up a quote that fits your budget.”

“This is our goal ... to make (your wedding) about the love you share, rather than about a production to impress people. All that really matters is that you’re marrying the one you love,” Grant said. “This may sound contrary to my business, but the decorations do not matter in the long run. It’s not what people are coming for — they love you and want to stand next to you as you take this vow of marriage “Once this becomes the main focus, I have seen the stress leave the bride and groom when getting ready for their day. It becomes fun ... Let’s make this stress free for all involved and a journey filled with joy, peace and lots of laughter,” Grant said.

To schedule a consultation, contact Grant at 309-238-2011 or email her at beautyfromashesweddings@gmail.com. You can also visit her Facebook page.

• Personal Service • Elegant Style • Award-Winning Designs

DeVine Floral Designs, Gifts & Tanning • Gifts • Candies • Balloons • Jewelry • Floral Arrangements

Shaw Media photo/Terri Simon Photo contributed

Jimmy and Jacqui Grant, owners of Beauty from Ashes Creative Design

Create Your 2016 Wedding Registry!

HOFFMAN’S

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Beauty from Ashes owner Jacqui Grant uses chalkboards to help personalize each wedding.

12 Save the Date 4

12 • The Tonica News • Friday, June 24, 2016

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As an Your Vision Expecting Mother, Your Style You Deserve Board Certified Care for Your Entire Pregnancy Your Day Our goal is to turn the bride's dream into a colorful reality. Our designs, from timeless bouquets to contemporary floral arrangements, are created with you in mind.

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