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1A Front Volume 142 No. 34

Friday, July 29, 2016

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Tonica PTC: Let’s work together Parent-Teacher Committee reaches out to teachers, administrators By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — As the Tonica Parent-Teacher Committee reaches out to talk about its operations, it strives to forge, once again, a connection with the school’s leadership. Sarah Patyk, president of the Tonica Grade School Parent-Teacher Committee (PTC), spoke at the school board meeting on Wednesday, July 20, about the organization. “First off, we are all volunteers, and our

No. 1 goal is to provide the students here at Tonica with programs and technology to further their education,” she said. Patyk said the organization has begun a new facet of its operations this year, which should help facilitate communication and understanding between the committee and community. “We sent home a newsletter, and also posted one on the bulletin board outside the school offices,” she said. “We feel that this newsletter is a great way to keep par-

ents informed about the PTC and upcoming events.” One grievance she noted from recent times is that, while the administration used to attend PTC meetings and be involved, it recently has not done so. There is less connection between the PTC and the school, and Patyk would like to see that change. “This year, we would really like to have both staff and administration involvement with the PTC,” she said. She ended her talk on a positive note,

pointing toward the good that could be accomplished if everyone works together. “Let’s make the 2016-2017 school year a positive one and see what great things we can accomplish when we all work together as a team.” The new interim Superintendent, Jim Whitmore, voted in earlier during the meeting, voiced his desire as well for the connection to resume between the committee and school. He said he would attend their meetings.

Finances OK at Lostant Grade School

4-H FAIR FUN

Board hears report on village’s high schools’ students By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

• Don’t attempt to block the sun entirely: About 20 minutes a day of sunlight is good for people, giving them an adequate amount of Vitamin D.

LOSTANT — Lostant school’s financial situation looks to be in good condition. At the Lostant School Board meeting Wednesday, July 20, the board discussed the district’s financial status, and while nothing is officially set in stone until the official audit is conducted in August, the situation looks hopeful overall. The only fund over on expenses was transportation, and that was because of unexpected costs brought about by two students, who needed to be bused to different schools. Despite this fund going over, the Lostant School District appears to be in good condition. “Overall, we ended under budget,” Lostant Superintendent Sandra Malahy said. The board is even more hopeful for the school’s financial status going forward, since the state passed a budget to include finances for kindergarten through eighth grade schooling.

Sunburn Page 2A

Finances Page 2A

Tonica News photo/Shannon Serpette

Salina Breckenridge of the Lostant Leaders 4-H Club waits for the judge to look over her poultry entry in the Marshall-Putnam 4-H Fair on Tuesday, July 19. The 4-H Fair, which was held at the fairgrounds in Henry, concluded Thursday, July 21.

Keep the cooking in the kitchen Some strategies to avoid sunburn this summer By Shannon Serpette news@tonicanews.com

It’s the time of the year for flip flops, shorts, tank tops and long summer days spent on a number of outdoor activities. But those bright sunny days conceal a dark side. All that exposed skin, especially if unprotected, can increase a person’s odds of Vol. 142 No. 34 Two Sections - 16 Pages

getting skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed, with 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers found each year. In 2016, an approximate 76,380 people will hear the dreaded words — that they have the most feared and deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma. While a large number of skin cancer patients are older, an increasing number are not. Melanoma is now one of the most

Skin cancer risk factors Risk factors for skin cancer include: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from sunlight and tanning beds. Pale skin. Family history of skin cancers. Multiple or unusual-looking moles. A history of severe sunburns. Older age (although melanomas are also found in younger people).

Source: American Cancer Society

common cancers for youth ages 15 to 29. But with a little planning and common sense, people can reduce their skin cancer risk while still enjoying the long, hot summer season:

For Ad Information Call Ashley at 815-875-4461 ext. 6345 or e-mail: advertising@tonicanews.com

2A Local

2A • The Tonica News • Friday, July 29, 2016

Job report: Illinois loses 2,200 jobs in June

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.

Middle-class job opportunities continue to fade CHICAGO — Illinois lost 2,200 jobs in June, according to a report released Monday, July 25, by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data show Illinois’ economy remains stagnant with the report showing a net job loss and a significant workforce dropout. The overall jobs loss for the state was driven by a large loss of 7,300 jobs in education and health services. There were modest gains in professional and business services and financial services of 3,000 and 1,700 jobs, respectively. Illinois’ manufacturing sector – an important

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

OGLESBY — Continuing the nutrient loss reduction focus of its recently announced soil research partnership, Illinois Valley Community College and the University of Illinois Extension are joining with the Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (C-BMP) to sponsor a Nutrient and Cover Crop Seminar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, in Room CTC 124 of IVCC’s Peter Miller Community Technology Center. To register for the free seminar, visit www. eventzilla.net/web/event/agriculture-retailers-training-2138852575. Lunch will be provided. The workshop will be especially valuable for agribusiness professionals such as ag retailers, plus agronomists and farmers. Topics include “Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy” presented by Lauren Lurkins, Illinois Farm Bureau; “Consumer Demands Facing the Agriculture Industry” by Kevin Coffman, Monsanto; “Herbicide Manage-

ment of Cover Crops” by Pete Fandel, Illinois C-BMP; “CCA Value and Specialties” by Luther Smith, CAE; and “Soil Health and Impact on Ag Industry” by Jim Isermann, Soil Health Partnership field manager. The expanding partnership is further evidence of the commitment of IVCC and the Extension to build a robust agriculture program at the college. Already, students interested in pursuing agriculture careers can register now to attend IVCC two years and then make a seamless transfer to an agriculture degree program at the U of I, Illinois State University, Western Illinois University and Southern Illinois University. IVCC recently hired Willard Mott to lead the effort to build its program. Mott is a graduate of the University of Illinois Colleges of ACES and has spent the last 11 years building a strong agriculture program at Bureau Valley High School.

Finances

Malahy indicated that while the students overall are conscientious, there are some who are not serious in their studies, and this latter group has fallen behind, failing to pass core courses or maintain grade levels. One student, it was noted, provides a grim outlook regarding chances for timely graduation, though the board found hope for a number of them. With six students at Fieldcrest High School, one has dropped out.

From Page 1A Based on that budget, Malahy said the state should be doing its part. “We should be funded at 100 percent for general state aid this year,” she said. In other business, new data set indicates that, while Lostant high school students abroad generally represent the community well in school, some students might cause

concern. The board reviewed the high school student report at its meeting Wednesday to attain further understanding on how the students are doing overall. After the end of this past school year, the Lostant School District received a report illustrating the status of its high school students. While no names were discussed, the report provided an idea of how the students are faring.

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Recession. The jobs Illinois is producing are focused in the white-collar service sector such as business services. On the other hand, Illinois’ continued industrial weakness and loss of blue-collar jobs is directly connected to Illinois’ unfriendly business climate and anti-industrial policies. Policies such as excessively high industrial property taxes and burdensome workers’ compensation regulations should be fixed so that Illinoisans can find rewarding work opportunities,” said Michael Lucci, vice president of policy at Illinois Policy Institute. Highlights from the report include: Illinois’ unemployment rate for June dropped to 6.4 percent from May’s 6.2 percent, due to a workforce drop out of 36,000 people.

Nutrient and crop cover seminar is Aug. 2 at IVCC

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benchmark for middle class job performance – showed a small gain of 100 jobs. However, the large losses in some sectors were not offset by the gains in other sectors, resulting in the net loss of 2,200 jobs on the month. The report also shows the unemployment rate fell from 6.4 to 6.2 percent in June, due to a dramatic workforce drop out with 36,000 people leaving the labor force. Of those, 17,500 had been previously unemployed. Illinois is now tied for third highest unemployment rate with Louisiana and New Mexico, and only slightly trailing Alaska at 6.7 percent and Nevada at 6.4 percent. “Overall job growth continues to be weak in Illinois’ economy, which was one of the last to recover from the Great

and three are not in good academic standing. Of the 32 at Putnam County High School, one has dropped, and six are not in good academic standing. Otherwise, the students provide good representation for Lostant, including all nine students at LaSalle-Peru High School. The board hopes those students who have fallen behind might improve their status in the following year.

Illinois’ June unemployment rate compared to surrounding states: • Illinois 6.2 percent • Kentucky 5.0 percent • Ohio 5.0 percent • Indiana 4.8 percent • Michigan 4.6 percent • Missouri 4.5 percent • Wisconsin 4.2 percent • Iowa 4.0 percent • Minnesota 3.8 percent June jobs growth for neighboring and Great Lakes states: • Illinois lost 2,200 jobs • Indiana gained 4,200 jobs • Iowa gained 5,100 jobs • Kentucky gained 1,800 jobs • Michigan gained 19,700 jobs • Minnesota gained 7,300 jobs • Missouri’s jobs count stayed the same • Ohio gained 12,400 jobs • Wisconsin gained 5,300 jobs

Sunburn From Page 1A • Those who are concerned about the chemicals contained in sunscreen should seek alternative methods for skin protection. Some protection is better than none. One of the best ways to ensure sun protection without worrying about chemicals is by wearing as much protective clothing as possible while out in the sun, such as a water shirt while swimming. • Avoid the sun during the time of day when its rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For children who don’t want to wear a watch during their school-free days, the American Cancer Society recommends teaching them this rule: If your shadow is shorter than you, it means the sun is at its strongest and it would be wise to seek shade. • Put a lid on it: Don’t forget that heads will burn too. Those who will be out in the sun should consider wearing a hat. • Don’t forget to apply lip balm with SPF to protect your lips. • To ensure proper eye protection, wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption. • According to the American Cancer Society, tanning beds increase the risk of skin cancer. • Cloudy with a chance of burning: Be cautious even on cloudy days. Many sunburns happen on cloudy days when people mistakenly believe they are safe.

3A Obit Records

Friday, July 29, 2016 • The Tonica News • 3A

Research partners

Menus and Activities Putnam County Community Center Aug. 1 — BLT on wheat bread with mayonnaise, french fries, watermelon. Aug. 2 — Sub sandwich, macaroni salad, three-bean salad, chips, applesauce, dessert. Aug. 3 — Lemon pepper chicken, baked potato, carrots, fruit cocktail. Aug. 4 — Baked spaghetti, salad with toppings, bread sticks, apricots, dessert. Aug. 5 — Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, yogurt with 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

Russ Higgins, commercial agriculture educator for the University of Illinois Extension, examines a soybean plant while collecting soil samples at IVCC as part of the initial nitrogen study.

IVCC, U of I collaborate to tackle environmental challenges OGLESBY — Already working closely to build and expand the Illinois Valley Community College agriculture program, IVCC and the University of Illinois Extension are launching another agriculture-related partnership. Utilizing approximately 149 acres of IVCC farmland, University of Illinois Extension is in the early stages of developing a soil research program. Initial focus of the research is finding effective means of reducing cropland nitrogen loss — a serious environmental concern due to the possibility of contaminating the Illinois and Mississippi River watersheds. This new partnership also has great potential for future IVCC agriculture students as it may lead to additional agronomy educational opportunities. “We are excited to be part of the effort to find solutions to one

of the major agriculture environmental challenges of our time and are proud of our growing relationship with the university’s College of ACES,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran. “The Extension continues to be an outstanding and vital partner in our increasingly successful effort to expand our agriculture program,” he added. Daryle Wragge, program coordinator for the Extension’s Bureau-LaSalle-Putnam-Marshall Unit headquartered at IVCC, said, “The partnership of our unit and IVCC in establishing an agronomic research facility is invaluable to our producers and agricultural industry.” “It will provide valuable research in crop production issues that affect our farmers’ bottom lines. The college and Extension will strive to bring University of

Illinois campus and industry specialists to our facility to assist in finding viable, economic and productive answers to today’s crop production,” Wragge added. Russ Higgins, commercial agriculture educator for the Extension, said, “Our unit is pleased to bring University of Illinois resources to the district. Extension is the outreach arm of the university, and our focus in all programs is to provide unbiased, research-based information to improve the lives of people where they live and work. “Our joint goal is to build on resources and collaborate on programming that supports the area’s ag industry — including ag producers and agri-businesses and serve IVCC’s new agriculture students.” One of the first public activities of the new research program is an Ag Field Day at IVCC Tuesday, Aug. 2.

TRIDENT arrests SPRING VALLEY/MENDOTA — An Ohio man was charged with a Class 1 felony after police found methamphetamine in his possession during a routine traffic stop. Alexander C. Nichols Gill, 25, of Carrolton, Ohio, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver — more than five but less than 15 grams — a Class 1 felony. Gill was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Jaslyn M. Hensath, 25, of Carrolton, Ohio, and Hensath’s vehicle was pulled over for a traffic lane and registra-

tion violation on Interstate 80 near Mile Marker 65 at 2:13 p.m. July 20. During the stop, a police K9 conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle and indicated to the presence of narcotic odors. TRIDENT Drug Task Force agents conducted a search of the vehicle and located eight corner baggies containing over 14 grams of methamphetamine, 10 grams of cannabis and other items of drug paraphernalia. Gill is being held at the Bureau County Jail, while Hensath was released with no charges at this time. In a separate incident

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during another traffic stop by Mendota Police in the 900 block of Fifth Street in Mendota at 5:20 p.m. July 13, TRIDENT agents arrested Feriand Johnson, 47, who previously lived in Joliet but is now listed as homeless. Johnson was arrested on a LaSalle County warrant for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance — crack cocaine — a Class 2 felony, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia and disobeying a stop sign. Johnson was transported to the LaSalle County Jail with a bond set at $500,000 to apply

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on the warrant. Also at 8 p.m. July 13, TRIDENT agents arrested Autumn S. Lucas-Trujillo, 32, of Mendota on a LaSalle County warrant for unlawful delivery of a controlled substance — crack cocaine — a Class 2 felony. Lucas-Trujillo was transported to the LaSalle County Jail with a bond set at $500,000 to apply on the warrant. The Mendota Police Department assisted with the arrests of both Johnson and Lucas-Trujillo as part of an investigation of crack cocaine sales in the Mendota area.

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LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office At 5:01 a.m. July 20, LaSalle County deputies cited Sherri Stephens, 51, of Streator for speeding 76 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone following a traffic stop on Route 18 in Richland Township.

Tonica Volunteer Fire Department The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) handled 15 emergency calls during June with year-to-date calls of 89. There were four accident calls, seven ambulance requests, one car fire, one mutual-aid to Oglesby for a citizen assist injured dog rescue call, one storm watcher activation and one false alarm. The intermittent problem with the storm-fire siren near the school has been found and repaired by the Tonica Phone Company and the village. The training included an operational disaster drill covering high temperature heat operations; the National Incident Management Structure (NIMS) involving planning and response was executed and involved approximately 450 people; basic pump operations on the department’s three pumpers; a tactical review of the plans for six target hazards within the TVFD protection area; a station, truck and equipment review; new emergency vehicle driver training; mutual aid fire streams, nozzles and hose advancement; dispatcher recertification; fire and emergency services administration; and fire investigation. Plans are progressing for the TVFD pancake and sausage breakfast which will be held in September. Anyone interested in becoming an active member of the TVFD can call the non-emergency number at 815442-3527 to schedule an informational meeting. With the continued financial support of friends, neighbors and citizens of the TVFD protection area, the department is able to continue to provide fire, ambulance and rescue emergency services without property tax. A significant monetary donation was received from Elaine Ford, and 27 other donations of $100 or more were also received.

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Aug. 1 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. Aug. 2 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. Aug. 3 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. Aug. 4 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. Aug. 5 — 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.

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4A Perspective

4A • The Tonica News • Friday, July 29, 2016

Important deadlines for fall semester at IVCC OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College has announced a series of important dates leading to the Thursday, Aug. 18, beginning of fall semester classes. “Students planning to attend this fall should get in as early as possible to ensure they get the classes and schedule they want,” said Aseret Loveland, assistant director of admissions and records. “Classes start in less than a month, but there is still time for students to get a full schedule and a start toward a new career.” Fall tuition is due no later than 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3. Anyone registering after this date must pay by the Wednesday following their registration. Wednesday registrations are due that day. In addition, students with any type of financial aid, including tuition waivers, scholarships, loans and grants must contact the cashier at 815-224-0213 to have their tuition deferred. Failure to do so will result in classes being dropped for non-payment. New Student Convocation will welcome incoming students at 9 a.m.

IVCC Adult Education program will offer classes OGLESBY — The Adult Education program at Illinois Valley Community College is offering free High School Equivalency (HSE), Adult Basic Education (ABE), i-Pathways HSE preparation online and English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes beginning the week of Aug. 22 on the main campus and at Ottawa Center, 321 W. Main St. New and returning students are required to attend a pre-registration session prior to joining a class. For times and locations and to schedule a session, HSE/ ABE students should call Cindy at 815-224-0358, and ELA students should call Sara at 815-224-0355. Para preguntas en Español, llama 815-224-0355, Sara. Visit www.ivcc.edu/adulted for an online class schedule.

Nursing admissions information session planned at IVCC

Photo contributed

IVCC enrollment services assistant Ashlee Fitzpatrick helps student Julian Barroso register for fall classes. Wednesday, Aug. 17, in the Cultural Centre. A picnic will follow in the courtyard and offer an opportunity to discover the more than 40 student groups and organizations IVCC students enjoy. IVCC transfer partners including University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham-

paign, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, Western Illinois University and University of St. Francis will also be at the picnic. While early registration is strongly encouraged, students can enroll up to the date their classes begin Aug. 18 or later. For

information, call 815-2240447 or visit www.ivcc. edu.

OGLESBY — A nursing admission information session will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, in Room CTC 124 at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. Sponsored by the counseling center and admissions and records, the session will cover admission requirements and courses students should take before applying to either the associate degree (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. Due to space limitations, students are encouraged to RSVP with Kathy Sramek by calling 815-224-0439 or by email to kathy_sramek@ivcc.edu.

Unions donate to IVCC campaign

Need a Sports Physical? Photo contributed

Illinois Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, Illinois Valley Construction Industry Labor-Management Group and the Illinois Valley Contractors Association donated $1,000 each to the Illinois Valley Community College scholarship campaign. Representatives of the organizations recently hosted IVCC President Jerry Corcoran and elected officials at a luncheon in Ottawa to commemorate the gifts and conduct business meetings. “Every time the college embarks upon a special initiative like fundraising for scholarships, donating labor to enhance special-purpose facilities, or providing equipment and personnel for career-day activities that help students see the connection between education and work, it’s a safe bet that the Building Trades Council, Contractors Association and Labor-Management group will be at the front of the line ready to assist. I am very proud of the partnership IVCC has with these fine men and women because they play a critical role in our ability to carry out the college’s mission,” Corcoran said. With the $3,000 in contributions, the campaign has now raised approximately $485,000 of its $500,000 goal.

Streator Unlimited receives award Streator Unlimited Inc. was recently honored with a Business Leadership Award by the Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP) in Springfield. Streator Unlimited Inc. provides vocational training and residential services in six locations within the Streator area for adults with disabilities as well as 24-hour/ day support for the 28 adults with developmental disabilities living in group home settings. Over the years, Business Employment Skills Team Inc. (BEST Inc.) and Streator Unlimited have developed a working relationship, both as a referral source for services, and especially as a work site for Youth Work Experience. Over the past two years, Streator Unlimited has provided work opportunities for more than 10 in-school and out-of-school youth, main-

ly in providing direct services to developmentally disabled adults. The Work Experience relationship between Streator Unlimited and BEST Inc. has been mutually beneficial. Youth clients have received work experience, working with Streator Unlimited staff, and with the developmentally-disabled clients. Given the budget challenges faced by all social service agencies, the additional help provided by the work experience clients has been a benefit for Streator Unlimited. In addition to being a source of additional assistance, the Work Experience program has also served as tryout employment for several clients, as, upon concluding their training plans, they have been hired either full-time or part-time.

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5A LIfe

Friday, July 29, 2016 • The Tonica News • 5A

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

Right on the money Here’s my two cents’ worth: I couldn’t be happier that dollar bills are being revamped to include more women and minorities. Sure, we’ve had a token woman here or there on coins, like Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea, which Shannon was nice, but also Serpette kind of insulting. It was as if it was hard COMMENTARY to find a woman who had contributed to the greater good — so hard that only a small number ever fit the bill, so to speak. I understand the majority of people on U.S. currency were presidents and that we’ve never had a woman president, so it stands to reason that we haven’t had many women depicted on currency. That would be a valid argument, except there have been a number of men featured on currency who haven’t been presidents, such as Salmon Chase, Daniel Webster, John Marshall, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and several more. Benjamin Franklin, in my opinion, certainly belongs on currency since he was a founding father of this country. But Salmon Chase? I had to look him up to figure out who he was. In case some of you are wondering too, he was U.S. Secretary of Treasury from 1861 to 1864. But now, after considerable lobbying, women and minorities have finally clawed their way up, with plans announced to feature Harriet Tubman on $20 bills. Having that $20 bill in my hands is going to feel like a million bucks, and here’s why: • Harriet Tubman has always been a personal hero of mine and was one of the few women in my textbooks when I studied history as a child. I remember wondering even then why I never got to read about women in history. The ones I did hear about were usually in my text book for a lame reason. For instance, Betsy Ross was listed because she sewed. That didn’t seem very exciting compared to the male explorers, pirates and war heroes I read about. • Tubman will be on the front of the bill, not the back where other women and minority figures will be placed on other bills. Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul and Lucretia Mott, have been named as women who will appear on the back of $10 bills. Plans have been announced for the back of the $5 bill to feature opera singer Marian Anderson, Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. Putting Martin Luther King Jr. on the back, not the front, of a bill? If ever there was a man who should be placed on the front of a bill, it is Martin Luther King Jr. He, in addition to Abraham Lincoln, did more to promote equality than any other man I can recall. I would bet my bottom dollar that many Americans feel the same way. • This country is supposed to be a place where anyone can succeed. Watching men of privilege accomplish great things is fine, but what I find truly inspiring is watching people succeed when they’ve come from nothing and have everything stacked against them. I root for the underdog, and I love the idea that someone who isn’t made of money can actually end up on money. • I want my children to see more women and minorities on their currency, and I want them to see it soon. It wasn’t until I was in college and could choose which history courses I took that I began to realize the world was full of remarkable women at every time period in documented history. For a young girl in a pre-Internet era, who lived in a world where there wasn’t around-the-clock news coverage, that was a big discovery. I signed up for all the courses I could that studied fascinating women or minorities. I learned about people like Emmett Till, who was never mentioned in my grade school or high school text books. It is just as important for America’s children to learn about their nation’s failures — prejudice, sexism, religious persecution — as it is for them to learn about the country’s successes. For better or worse, we’ve all had a hand in shaping this nation, whether by action or inaction. Putting different races and genders on our currency will help shine a powerful light on our past triumphs and mistakes, and hopefully instill a sense that we’re all in this together. Tonica News Copy Editor Shannon Serpette can be reached at sserpette@bcrnews.com.

Duck Day Afternoon Greg Wallace COMMENTARY It is well-known and indisputable fact that ducks are the fourth most terrifying member of the fowl family, following in order, chickens, turkeys and geese. After reading the column that you are poised on the precipice of, they might move up the pecking order. It started out as a regular, normal Friday. The guy I work with had asked me if I would like to each lunch with him over at his parents’ house. Not to be rude or pass up a free meal, I tagged along. The lunch crowd consisted of myself, my buddy, his son, mother and father. Toward the end of the meal, people started talking about the ducks that were paddling around out on the pond in front of their house. I was well aware of this flock. My buddy had gotten them when they were mere ducklings. He kept them over by the shop out of which we work. He had to feed and water them, and I can still recall their little fuzzy yellow bodies strutting around under the heat-producing light bulbs. Once the young birds got to a certain age, they were transported over to the pond. The plan was to let them live their lives on the water until it was time to round them up and take them to a guy who was going to make them delicious. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten duck, but my buddy’s family says they’re really good. The flock started out with 23 young ducks when they came over to the pond. Evidently, coyotes think that ducks are delicious also because in a short amount of time, the group of birds had been thinned down to 17. My friend’s family got the idea that they needed to take the 17 remaining birds back to the protection of a fenced-in pasture. They just weren’t sure on the best way to move the ducks. I suggested that my friend’s mom dress up in a duck suit, quack a few times and maybe the birds would follow her. She looked at me, and I could tell I’d better plan on getting my own

meals for the near future. After several seconds and possibly a few minutes of careful deliberation, they decided to have a good old-fashioned duck roundup. My pal asked me if I wanted to help. Since I’m always looking for goofy material to fill this column with, I smiled and said, “I’m in.” So there were the five of us exiting the house to go do battle with the fearsome group of 17 white-feathered ducks. We brought the tools of modern warfare with us. On our side we had a Ford truck, golf cart, one small rowboat, a large portable dog kennel and a good-sized fishing net. The entire flock was located floating under the sweeping branches of a willow tree on the northeast side of the pond. The plan was for my buddy to attack the flock from the water in the small rowboat and push them onto the shore where the rest of us would surround the ducks and capture them in a pincer-like movement. My friend’s son was the one with the big net, so he was doing most of the catching. He has youth on his side. I must admit while there was a large group of the quacking birds, capturing one or two didn’t seem too hard. As they were detained, it became my job to jail them in the portable dog kennel. I tried to explain to the angry birds that we were doing this for their own good, but they wouldn’t listen. As the imprisoned population grew, they quacked at me with disdain in their voices. They could sense the fear in my eyes. The ducks kept doing the same thing. The boat would chase them on shore; they would circle around the willow; and we would pluck one or two out of the crowd. We had

fairly good luck until we got to the last duck. Every time we encircled him, he somehow would break through our lines and make it back to the water. He was crafty. I originally joined this mission strictly as an observer. As time went on, I found myself becoming more deeply entrenched in the conflict. By the end, I wanted that duck just as bad as the rest. War can play games with one’s psyche. During one of our last attempts to capture the beast, I somehow found myself down by the water’s edge as the last line of defense. As I stood on the beach, the bird came rushing at me. You don’t know what pure terror feels like until you see whitewinged, quacking furry flapping its’ way directly at you. I swallowed my fear, planted my feet and prepared to catch the duck being chased by the kid with the net. The duck head-faked us to the right and made a quick juke to the left. We both lunged. I’d like to say that I caught that duck that day. I’d like to say that I didn’t slip and fall on the feces-slickened shore that day. I’d like to say that my good friend didn’t almost fall out of his stupid little rowboat from laughing at me. There are so many things I’d like to say. All of this happened about a month ago. If you drive by that pond today, you’ll still see a single white duck swimming proudly underneath a willow tree. Every time I see him, I swear that he points at me and laughs. Oh well. Coyotes gotta eat too. You can contact Wallace at gregwallaceink7@gmail.com. You can follow him on his blog at http:// gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.

TO Letter THE Editor

The costs of free trade To the Editor, The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal is supposed to be a free trade deal between the U.S., Canada and l0 other countries, including China. I taught economics, the term free trade sounds good, but China has surreptitiously undercut other nations’ labor costs. Supposedly with free trade, each country will specialize in the commodity in which it has a comparative advantage and export its surplus of that product for imports from abroad. Thereby, each country is made better off by trade and specialization. I ask, “What does China specialize in” other than lower labor costs? David Hume and others came up with “the quantity theory of money.” When one’s country imports too much and begins to lose gold, this loss of gold reduces its price and cost level, thereby decreasing imports of foreign goods that have become relatively more costly and thus increasing exports of its home- produced goods that have become relatively cheap.

The foreign country which had been having a favorable balance of trade because it was sending more goods abroad than it was importing, now has its price and cost of goods raised. Because of this, its exports go down, and its citizens begin to buy more goods from the other countries. However we are no longer on the gold standard, so CHINA is really stealing money from other countries, because the Juan is priced way below the price of other foreign currencies. There are no adjustments in their wage rates and prices that took place when they were under the gold standard. We need to see China raise its wage rates. That is why Trump is correct stating In our country, we have a minimum basic wage of $8.25 an hour, plus other benefits. Also people who work in the trades earn over $40 plus benefits. The wage rate in China is basically about $1.50 an hour. We can’t compete with China when it comes to labor costs, and this is the problem. We have been running deficits in the

balance of international payments to China for years. Initially, our productivity would offset China’s lower wages but not anymore. Milton Friedman believed in free trade, as an economist, he should have figured out what China was doing to increase their wealth and surplus revenue, and informed the United States what they are doing was to dominate world trade. Either we make China change its wage structure or we will forever lose our currency to China, like we have been doing for years. America and other countries are bankrupting their industrial base because of this. Industries are moving to China because of low labor costs, and now manufacturing jobs are scarce. Countries should boycott China until they make these changes. Where were all the “wizards” who voted for TPP in Congress that should have figured this out before hand? Go Trump. Carlo Olivero Dalzell

6A • The Tonica News • Friday, July 29, 2016

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- 400 Merchandise

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999 • Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing on said Levy, Budget and Appropriation Ordinance will be held at 6:00 p.m. Central Daylight Savings

999 • Legal Notices

Time, on the 23rd day of August, 2016 at the office and home of the Secretary/Treasurer, in said Fire Protection District, and that final action on said Ordinance will be taken by the Board of Trustees of said District at a meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. Central Daylight Savings Time, at the home and office of said Secretary/ Treasurer, Craig C. Smith, 451 N. 35th Road, LaSalle, Illinois 61301 in said Fire Protection District. BY ORDER of the Board of Trustees of

said District Dated this 29th day of July, 2016. DIMMICK-PERU RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PETER F. FERRACUTI, P.C. ATTORNEY AT LAW 110 East Main Street Ottawa, Illinois 61350 (815) 434-3535 Published in the Tonica News July 29, 2016.

starting August 8, 2016 for construction. N. 14th Road at the intersection with Meridian Rd will be closed periodically. Construction is expected to be completed by Mid-October. For more information contact: Patrick G. Sloan, County Engineer PE, Putnam County Highway Department. PH: 309-246-6401 Email: psloan@ marshallcountyillinois. com Published in the Tonica News July 29 and Aug. 5, 2016.

PUBLIC NOTICE Meridian Road (County Road 1600E) between Little Sandy Creek Road and N. 14th Road will be closed

FREE Classified Advertising

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7A Granville Cruise 1

Friday, July 29, 2016 • The Tonica News • 7A

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8A Granville Cruise 2

8A • The Tonica News • Friday, July 29, 2016

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4TH FRIDAY, AUGUST 5TH

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August 5!

1 Health Matters

Summer 2016 • 1B

Health Matters

A Publication of

Providing the right mindset Mental health counselor pursues greater legislative attention to local resources By Eric Engel

meant maybe you got in, maybe you didn’t — and these individuals were usually scraping funds together just to get there the first time. “It’s really frustrating, and a lot of detox centers want you clean before you step through the door, which is just unrealistic,” Holcman said, adding the entryways were a tight squeeze at North Central also. “If someone said they were hooked on heroin only, yet didn’t admit to any mental issues, they couldn’t come through the door.” If someone has a terrible flu or a broken leg, they are admitted to a hospital, but that is not necessarily true with mental health or addiction. A healthy, wealthy and wise individual usually doesn’t start using drugs, so Holcman knows many addictions result from self-medication … a cry for help that lands on deaf ears. “If you look at the populations that suffer, it’s generally the populations that can’t advocate for themselves — people with disabilities, mental health issues, and addictions — that is the funding that gets cut first because legislators know no one is going to go riot in Springfield over this,” she said, pondering whether we lose track on purpose of those who need help the most yet speak up the least. Holcman has seen some remarkable changes in her profession; not necessarily in the therapeutic field, but in the individuals she assisted. A junkie would come in all blown out, stay for a week and get clean,

Shaw Media Service

PRINCETON — Ashley Holcman knows isolation only aims to feed a bad habit, and the more support you have — people coming together to say I love you and I am going to be there for you — the better your life will be. Holcman is a licensed professional counselor at Gateway Services in Princeton, and she previously worked as a behavioral health therapist at North Central Behavioral Health Systems; and as a mental health counselor at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, both in Ottawa. Her experience in the short-term, in-patient crisis center provided her with a sad reality when it comes to global concern for emotionally- and psychologically-afflicted individuals. “The people who came in had to be either homicidal, suicidal or unable to care for themselves,” she said, noting a lot of times the people who came in had drug problems and were just desperate for help. “They would say they’re suicidal, and that’s how you got the ball rolling the back door way because there’s not anything around for those people.” Holcman said North Central in Ottawa offers two different levels of substance abuse treatment through their outpatient program, but other than that, there’s nothing, and the Princeton branch had to close due to lack of funding. They would send many people to Peoria for help, but waiting in line

“It all starts from the top down, and it’s not just the legislation that needs to change, but the people as well. If you know you are not alone in your problem; that others have that same problem and care to solve it, that’s huge and instills hope and people won’t feel so alone.” Ashley Holcman and Holcman would send them back into the world happy and motivated … but without help, how long did that last? “You’d see somebody come in who was disheveled and super confused; did not take care of themselves; no will to live; hopeless and helpless; and their transformation was incredible,” she said, stopping short of every story becoming a fairy tale. “It was amazing, but the sad thing is it was a revolving door of the same people because they didn’t have anywhere else to go.” Nobody sober wants to reach into the fog of addiction unless they have great empathy, yet those who care to help their fellow man are the ones emotionally affected by this callous reality the most. Holcman said professionals are encouraged to work no more than 10 years in the treatment centers because the burden of healing great pain is a monumental weight. “I remember when I worked at the hospital, for the first week I left in tears every day because I

was so naive. I was just out of college and got a job in a psych unit; I was going to help these people with depression or anxiety … and you walk in and just see people’s lives in chaos,” Holcman recalled, who said she knew issues existed but didn’t realize the extent of it. “I saw things growing up, but not to the intensity of someone locking himself in the bathroom and shoving paper towels in the vents because the bugs were getting in. You don’t think that really exists.” Holcman said more than 25 percent of the population have at least a mild form of mental instability, and yet it is still ignored to a great extent. Solving mental health issues in a jail cell costs taxpayers, and every year there is more of a need. The problem with opening a resource center when so few are around is it tends to overflow with patients right off the bat. Addiction leaves the brain wired only for the most current need, and Holcman sees troubling behavior in our youth due to the overstimulation of

Ashley Holcman modern culture that causes anxiety from the onset. “It all starts from the top down, and it’s not just the legislation that needs to change, but the people as well. If you know you are not alone in your problem; that others have that same problem and care to solve it, that’s huge and instills hope and people won’t feel so alone.” Holcman said it took her a long time to learn how to keep the stress of her work outside of her marriage and friendships, but she has faith in what she is doing and where she is doing it. She spoke of

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area entities who are spinning the wheels on substance abuse counseling in Bureau County, and said she counsels her clients to be mindful of today as they cultivate their own joy. “If you keep educating and advocating, things will improve,” she said, emphasizing a person changes the world when they improve their little corner of it. “The more you talk about something and put it out on the table, the more people can’t ignore it and start to accept it. Things shouldn’t be embarrassing, if so many people deal with it every day.”

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2 Health Matters

2B â€˘ Summer 2016

Health Matters

3 Health Matters

Summer 2016 • 3B

Health Matters

Protect against mosquito-borne Worried about Alzheimer’s? illnesses this summer As the medical community and the public learn more about the mosquito-borne Zika virus, experts at the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) remind Illinois residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites this summer. Although mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus has not been reported in Illinois or the continental U.S. to date, mosquitoes can transmit other diseases, including West Nile Virus. The virus has already been identified in 18 Illinois counties so far this year, underscoring the importance of taking steps to avoid exposure to mosquitoes carrying the disease. “In the summer months when we tend to spend more time outdoors, an itchy mosquito bite can, in rare cases, be not only a nuisance, but also a danger to our health,” says Michael Wahl, MD, medical director, IPC. “The best way to avoid an infection is to reduce the risk of being bitten by virus-carrying mosquitoes.” To stay safe and have fun this summer, follow the three R’s: Reduce, Repel and Report. REDUCE exposure to mosquitoes. • Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, typically at dusk and dawn; • Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and repair or replace screens that are damaged with tears or other openings; • When outdoors, wear long pants and long sleeve shirts to limit the amount of skin that is exposed to mosquitoes; and • Eliminate mosquito-breeding areas around the home by removing standing water from gutters, wading pools and potted plants. REPEL mosquitoes with insect repellent. • Wear clothing treated with an insecticide called permethrin, a common ingredient in household insect killers; • Use insect repellent that includes DEET,

picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535; • Concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET have been shown to be safe for use on children older than two months; • Products with higher concentrations of DEET repellent do not provide more effective coverage, but instead provide a longer period of repellent action; • For all repellents, read the label instructions on how often to apply; Apply only to skin or exposed clothing, not underneath clothing; • Do not use repellent on open wounds, cuts or irritated skin; • Do not apply to eyes or mouth; • When using a spray, do not spray onto the face, but instead, spray onto hands and then rub onto the face; and • After going indoors, wash off skin with soap and water. REPORT areas where mosquitoes breed. • In communities that have mosquito control programs, report areas of stagnant water, like roadside ditches and flooded backyards, to the local municipal government. The IPC handles calls on mosquito bites, misuse of repellents and much more. For more information on mosquitoes and other topics, visit the IPC’s Resource Library. IPC experts are available to provide information and treatment advice 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, including holidays. If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance, please call the IPC at 800-2221222. For more information, visit the IPC’s website: http://illinoispoisoncenter.org. The Illinois Poison Center is a nonprofit health service that provides the people of Illinois with comprehensive and trusted information and treatment advice on potentially harmful substances via a free, confidential 24-hour helpline staffed by specially trained physicians, nurses and pharmacists.

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most frightening, yet least understood ailments we face as human beings. The loss of memory – forgetting family, friends and the most important events of our lives – is painful, tragic and heartbreaking for anyone who is close to the person suffering from the disease. But Alzheimer’s doesn’t just arrive one day, full blown. It begins its insidious work long before the patient has a hint of what’s happening. “Research suggests Alzheimer’s disease starts in your brain decades before you experience any symptoms,” says Daniel Amen, MD, a clinical neuroscientist and brain imaging expert who also is the founder of Amen Clinics, which treat patients at six locations around the country. He says the good news is you can find out what’s happening in your brain and, while there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, there are things you can do to better care for your brain. Amen, author of the New York Times bestseller “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” uses SPECT scans to examine his patients’ brains. SPECT stands for single-photon emission computed tomography. Amen says the brain-imaging device can show the abnormal patterns of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia in their early stages and also can help distinguish multiple forms of dementia. “That’s critical information,” Amen said, “because the varying types of dementia often have similar looking symptoms – at least in the early stages – but each type has its own ‘signature’ blood flow pattern in the brain that’s revealed with SPECT imaging. “Identifying the type of dementia a person has is important because the treatment that works best for one type may not be effective for another type.”

But Amen also says there are steps that anyone can take to keep their brains healthy long before Alzheimer’s becomes a concern. Those include: • Maintaining a proper diet. People who focus on healthy eating often are worried about their waistline, but the brain also benefits from or is harmed by what’s on the menu. Too many Americans sustain themselves on a diet filled with sugar and processed foods, which are associated with dementia and depression, Amen says. For a healthier mind, he says, there are “super foods” that nourish the brain such as various fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts. • Avoiding too much alcohol and tobacco. Heavy alcohol and tobacco use lowers blood flow to the brain and reduces the ability to think over time. • Exercising the brain. Activities such as dancing, tennis or table tennis (which Amen calls the world’s best brain sport) boost your coordination. Mindful exercises like yoga and Tai Chi reduce anxiety, depression and increase focus. “In spite of the natural process of aging, you actually have a choice in how fast your brain ages,” Amen says. “What you choose to do – in other words, your behavior and habits – can speed up or slow down the rate at which your brain declines with age.” About Daniel Amen, MD: Daniel Amen is a clinical neuroscientist and brain imaging expert who heads Amen Clinics, which are located in Orange County, Calif., Atlanta, San Francisco, New York City, Washington, D.C., and the Seattle area. He has written numerous books, including “The Amen Solution: The Secret to Being Thinner, Smarter, Happier” and “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life.” Amen also has appeared as a guest on such TV shows as “The View” and was a consultant for the movie “Concussion.”

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4 Health Matters

4B • Summer 2016

Health Matters

Be wary of commercial heart screening tests Tests can produce false positive, negative results For-profit companies often send offers for “potentially lifesaving” health screening tests through the mail. But the cardiovascular tests these companies perform come without objective advice from a physician and may be worthless, according to a recent 2016 Harvard Heart Letter. Tests to look for early signs of heart disease, stroke and other diseases have a lot of intuitive appeal. But such screening tests are never 100 percent accurate, so they can lead to false positives — that is, their results may suggest that a disease might be present, but follow-up tests show it isn’t. That additional testing may add cost and stress, and in some cases, cause harm. On the flip side are worrisome false negatives — when the tests fail to detect a disease that actually is present. Commercial screening companies advertise their services through the mail and on websites. The actual testing is often performed in churches or community centers, although some companies have their own

fleet of mobile screening vans. But experts say that anyone considering such testing should proceed with caution. The lack of discussion and guidance from a physician is the main thing that concerns doctors about these stand-alone tests. “Screening is all about the context,” said Dr. J. Michael Gaziano, a chronic disease expert at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. A test that might be advisable for one person because of risk factors and health status won’t be advisable for another with a different profile, he added. The interpretation of the results and the kind of follow-up needed will vary, too. In addition, most cardiovascular screening tests don’t even make sense for most healthy people, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an advisory group of experts that draws up guidelines for physicians about such testing. The one exception is screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the ves-

sel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The bulge may enlarge slowly over time and burst with little warning, leading to dangerous — often fatal — bleeding in the body. Older male smokers face the highest risk, which is why men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should undergo a one-time ultrasound test to check for this condition. (Smoking at least 100 cigarettes over the course of a lifetime qualifies a person as an “ever” smoker.) But the USPSTF discourages screening for carotid artery stenosis, which occurs when fatty deposits build up and narrow the arteries that run up either side of the neck and supply blood to the brain. Not only is this condition very rare, occurring in only about 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the population, the ultrasound screening tests produce a high number of false positive results. That triggers a cascade of follow-up invasive tests and other procedures that can cause serious harm, including a heart attack or stroke. Source: Harvard Health Letter.

What to expect after calling 911 for chest pain

Every 43 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack. Getting to the hospital quickly is just one reason why people should call 911 if they have chest pain or other heart attack symptoms, according to the June Harvard Heart Letter. “If you’re having a heart attack, there are two reasons why you want to be in an ambulance,” says Dr. Joshua Kosowsky, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School. One is that in the unlikely event of cardiac arrest, the ambulance has the equipment and trained personnel to restart a person’s heart. Cardiac arrest, which results from a malfunction of the nerves that stops the heart’s pumping ability, is fatal without prompt treatment. However, most heart attacks do not cause cardiac arrest, Kosowsky stresses. “It’s rare, but it’s certainly not a risk you want to take while you’re driv-

ing or riding in a car,” he said. The other reason to travel via ambulance is that in many places in the United States, if a person calls 911 complaining of chest pain, the dispatcher will send paramedics who are trained to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). This simple, painless test records the heart’s electrical activity through 12 small electrodes placed on the chest, arms and legs. A six-second recording can then be transmitted to the receiving emergency department, which can help speed up the treatment once the person arrives at the hospital. At the hospital, a doctor interprets the ECG, which will reveal whether the person is having a major heart attack, in which an artery feeding the heart is blocked and choking off the blood supply to part of the heart’s muscle. This usually creates a distinct signature on the ECG and warrants quick treat-

ment to open the blocked artery. A person with a suspected heart attack will also get a blood test to measure troponin, a protein that rises in response to heart muscle damage. Other possible tests include a chest x-ray to look for alternative causes of chest discomfort, such as pneumonia or heart failure.

Heart attack symptoms

• Tightness, pressure, squeezing, stabbing or dull pain, most often in the center of the chest. • Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms. • Irregular or rapid heartbeat. • Cold sweat or clammy skin. • Lightheadedness, weakness, or dizziness. • Shortness of breath. • Nausea, indigestion, and sometimes vomiting. Source: Harvard Health Letter.

Expanded Walk-In Hours for Minor Injuries & Illnesses

Jennifer Gutshall, PA-C • Tamara Workman, PA-C • Pamela Hansen, PA-C

St. Margaret’s Center for Family Health provides Princeton and surrounding communities with walk-in care for minor injuries and illnesses, as well as, on-site, economical lab services and diagnostic testing, including digital x-ray and OB sonograms. The clinic sees all walk-in patients, regardless of your primary care provider or their hospital affiliation.

(815) 915-8748 M-F 8am - 9pm | Sat. 9am - 2pm 1916 N. Main Street | Princeton

aboutsmh.org

5 Health Matters

Summer 2016 â€˘ 5B

Health Matters

Updates available to the USDA FoodKeeper

Updates coming in September to include recalls and educational videos WASHINGTON, D.C. â€“ The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its popular FoodKeeper application has been updated to include food storage information in both Spanish and Portuguese. Now Spanish and Portuguese speakers can use the app to better understand storage recommendations for 400-plus items covered by the tool, including various types of baby food, dairy products and eggs, meat, poultry, produce, seafood, and more. In the update posted to the iTunes stores, users will find a new setting menu offering language options and the ability to display temperatures, weights and measures in Imperial or Metric units. In addition, improvements were also made to how the app syncs with the calendar of smartphones and tablets to reminder users to use food before it may spoil. â€œThe FoodKeeper app is a very handy and easy tool to use, and it reflects USDAâ€™s commitment to provide consumers with information and knowledge so they can make informed decisions,â€? said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. â€œThis app empowers people to help meet our

nationâ€™s food waste reduction goals, and it also links to our virtual food safety resources that answer common questions about how to safely handle, prepare and store foods.â€? By helping users better understand food storage, the application empowers the public to choose storage methods that extend the shelf life of the food and beverages in their home. Better food storage should reduce food waste and reduce the frequency of users preparing and eating products that may be spoiled. The FoodKeeper app was developed by USDAâ€™s Food Safety and Inspection Service in partnership with Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute. Since it was launched in April 2015, it has been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Additional updates are planned for September, which will include information on product recalls and educational videos. â€œThese updates to the FoodKeeper are just one more example of FSISâ€™ commitment to serving diverse communities,â€? said Deputy Under Secretary of Food Safety Al Almanza. â€œWe want to make sure the valuable information the application offers is avail-

â€œThe FoodKeeper app is a very handy and easy tool to use, and it reflects USDAâ€™s commitment to provide consumers with information and knowledge so they can make informed decisions. This app empowers people to help meet our nationâ€™s food waste reduction goals, and it also links to our virtual food safety resources that answer common questions about how to safely handle, prepare and store foods.â€? Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack able to as many Americans as possible, which is why we are now offering it in additional languages.â€? With the FoodKeeper application, each user can: â€˘ Find specific storage time lines for the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, depending on the nature of the product; â€˘ Get cooking tips for cooking methods of meat, poultry and seafood products; â€˘ Note in their deviceâ€™s calendar when products were purchased and receive notifications when they are nearing the end of their recommended storage date;

â€˘ Submit a question to USDA using the â€œAsk Karenâ€? feature of the application. â€œAsk Karenâ€? is USDAâ€™s 24/7 virtual representative. The system provides information about preventing foodborne illness, safe food handling and storage, and safe preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products. Submit items not included in the database for consideration in future updates. For those that do not have access to a smartphone, the FoodKeeper can also be accessed at FoodSafety.gov/FoodKeeper. illnesses.

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6 Health Matters

6B • Summer 2016

Health Matters

Women of Distinction identifies women who have made a difference in the Illinois Valley and who are representative role models as leaders in their fields and community. Honorees will be profiled in the Illinois Valley Living Magazine’s September issue and recognized at an awards luncheon in the fall. Date and location to be announced. Please fill out this form completely (use additional paper if necessary) and return by August 1, 2016. Additional forms can be downloaded by visiting www.illinoisvalleyliving.com.

Today’s date:__________________________________________

Education:

A. Nominee’s Personal Information

______________________________________________

Name ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________

Organization/company/corp. _______________________________________

______________________________________________

Title_____________________________________________________________

Family:

Phone ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________

City of residence__________________________________________________

______________________________________________

E-mail __________________________________________________________ Hometown (childhood) ____________________________________________

Please include bio/résumé/vita

Date of birth _____________________________________________________ B. Achievements In the space below, please describe the nominee’s greatest personal, professional or job-related achievement. Honors or awards can be included as well as examples of a challenging problem solved, a major project completed or a product produced. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ C. Nominator *Name _____________________________________________________ Title _______________________________________________________ Organization _______________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________________ *Email: _____________________________________________________ *Must include to be informed if your nominee has been selected

Presenting Sponsor

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATION: August 1, 2016 Mail: Women of Distinction % Bureau County Republican P.O. Box 340 Princeton, Illinois 61356 Attn: Terri Simon or Email: tsimon@bcrnews.com Subject line: Women of Distinction

Keynote Sponsor

Major Sponsors

Liberty Village

Peru 815-224-2200

Streator 815-672-1900

Princeton 815-875-6600

www.simplytheﬁnest.net

St. Margaret’s Hospital

7 Health Matters

Summer 2016 â€˘ 7B

Health Matters

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8 Health Matters

8B â€˘ Summer 2016

Health Matters