1 Front Volume 140 No. 25
Friday, August 16, 2013
The Tonica News
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Dauber Company: One year later Joe Smith and Roger Conrad back to work By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicnews.com
TONICA — On Aug. 13, 2012, there was an accident at the Dauber Co. outside of Tonica. Two of Dauber Co. employees, Joe Smith of Magnolia
and Roger Conrad Jr. of Streator, were critically injured in the incident. Both men were initially treated at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru and then taken by ambulance to St. Antho-
ny’s Medical Center in Rockford for treatment of severe burns. Donation accounts were set up in area banks for both men, and fundraisers were held for the families. Now one year later, both men are back at work after a long year of hospital stays, rehab and physical therapy.
Both Smith and Conrad cannot say enough about how thankful they are to all who helped them along the way in their recovery, especially their wives, family and the Dauber Co. Smith, who worked in the maintenance department, and Conrad, who worked running the line truck in the main plant,
were both initially in the part of the building the day of the accident. Smith commented that he saw a foreman frantically moving around. “I just went over there to help. Roger and I both,” said Smith. “He, (the foreman) asked us to do this and this and then hold this door shut until he goes around the
back to find out what’s going on.” “The foreman tried to yell at us to get back,” said Conrad. “But it was too loud; we didn’t hear him.” Both men estimate the foreman wasn’t gone more than 15 to 20 seconds when there was
See Dauber Page 3
The call of the wild When coyotes come knocking ... By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — It is that time of year again, when visitors from the wild come to area residents’ homes. Lately, residents have spotted coyotes. The coyotes are becoming more adventurous and going into residents’ yards with a little more frequency, LaSalle County Animal Control officer Gary Wind said. “There has been quite a few around, but we have had no more calls than normal,” Wind said. “To investigate, I get a call and if it is something I can handle, I do. Otherwise I call the conservation folks, and we work together or they handle it. They are getting pretty bold this year. In an area where there are humans, they get pretty accustomed to human beings, and like I said they get pretty bold.” Wildlife biologist Bob Bluett from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources agrees with what animal control is finding. Bluett said the last crop of pups has been weaned and is starting to roam more than their adult counterparts. These are the coyotes that are usually seen in residents’ yards and in the country. “These animals are more noticeable as they are still quite naive,” he said. “I think that’s probably what folks see. The behavior of those animals is what accounts for more sightings more than any other dramatic change. “We get lots of calls about
See Coyotes Page 2
Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder
Village Inn is history A representative from Valley Petroleum runs the bulldozer as he starts the process of tearing down the Village Inn on the northwest side of Tonica. The process will take about two days and is the first step of refurbishing the property for future use.
Pumps fail in Lostant lifthouse By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT – Like many other local communities, Lostant is having its share of problems with the water/sewer system. Mitch McCaw from Lostant public works told the board two pumps at one of the lift stations failed at the same time. A temporary replacement has been acquired from Mississippi Valley Pump, but rebuilding of the original pumps is estimated to be more than $6,000.
McCaw said part of the problem is the current pumps are single phase. “Yeoman was the company that makes that pump. Yeoman has since been bought out by Grundfos. Grundfos no longer makes a single-phase pump,” McCaw said. “We can get these rebuilt, but after that, I think we need to look into three-phase pumps.” McCaw also talked to the board about a resident whose mother was having some flooding issues in her yard. The culvert in her front yard is appar-
Inside
Vol. 140 No. 24 One Section - 8 Pages
History lesson See Page 2 © The Tonica News
ently blocked, while the rear of her property abuts the Ruff Brothers Road. Ruff Brothers’ Road is higher than her yard, and the water rolls off of that into her yard. Village President Fred Hartenbower told the board the village could not get involved with the backyard issue since that is a problem between two private parties. However, McCaw and board street/alleys chairman Chris Dose will look at the front culvert. In other action, the board: • Learned the owner of The
Ag Museum, Pulsifer House open house See Page 3
Zoo tavern has surrendered his liquor license to the village police chief. The Zoo was cited during the Lostant celebration for serving alcohol to minors, and the owner surrendered his license the following day. • Approved a bid for the Seal Coat MFT Project from $29,750 from Pavement Maintenance Service of Henry. • Issued a reminder that dog tags will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 7. • Discussed streets around town that need tree trimming done.