Volume 143 No. 38
Friday, August 25, 2017
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Out with the old and in with the new By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — As it came time for Tonica to move from the old water treatment plant to the new, the old plant gave one final effort to stay in operation. “We had the old plant about three quarters pumped out,” Marc Lemrise said at the Tonica Village Board meeting on Monday, Aug. 21. But when the workers returned to the old facility, there was a surprise waiting for them. “It was full again,” he said. The problem was a valve, which was in the wrong position and continued to direct water into the old facility. “It was misoriented about 90 degrees,” Lemrise said. He said the new plant was full by the time the old was
emptied, but everything turned out in the end, and the new facility is in operation. “Anyone driving by can see that the old plant no longer exists,” he said, describing the grassless patch of dirt that marks where the structure once stood. The new facility is in operation, and the final touches are nearing completion. “They’re basically substantially complete,” village engineer Jack Kusek said regarding work on the plant. He has the certificate ready, but has held off on issuing it for the time being. “I want to make sure the town has insurance on it before I issue the substantial completion,” he said. Kusek estimated the plant to be 95 percent complete. Also at the meeting, the board learned two of Tonica’s three bridges were due for inspection this year.
“The one on Pontiac Street is really in pretty good shape,” Kusek said, adding it is getting to the point where it will need new paint. The bridge on Peoria and Ottawa Road has some brush invading its railing. In other news, after an exhaustive search, Tonica has found a new auditor. With the deadline for the audit approaching, Tonica has been searching for a new auditor, but has had difficulties finding one. But now, Walker Accounting Group in Peru has accepted the task of taking on the village audit. Village President Kevin Sluder said many auditors did not want to take the job because of the upcoming deadline, and others lacked certain certifications. “We need to get it done,” Sluder said. “We need an auditor, and we couldn’t find one for the longest time.”
Tonica Grade School signs bus contract By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — Tonica Grade School has locked in a new busing arrangement. The district has entered into a one-year contract with Illinois Central Bus Co., which should alleviate the difficulties that have recently surrounded managing buses. As an added benefit, the district will be able to cut some of the costs by using the same routes as other schools, though Principal/Superintendent Chuck Schneider noted the students from different schools will not utilize the same bus at the same time. “Now we’re able to share – not kids on the same bus – but share some route time,” Schneider said at the Tonica School Board meeting on Aug. 16. In following requirements to account for every child who could possibly ride the bus, the school found one bus has been noted as slightly over the limit, but Schneider indicated no issues should arise from this. “The routes will be shifted around, is the master plan, if it becomes an issue,” he said, continuing to note the variables indicate no issue will ever appear. “It’s highly unlikely we would have every child always ride because we never have,” he said.
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Bird tests positive for West Nile By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
Tonica News photo/Dave Cook
Alleman’s Antique Show The Shaw family of Granville enjoyed visiting Darrell Alleman’s farm this past weekend for another day of summer family fun. Last month, Alleman held the popular Field of Dreams event, and after moving dozens of pieces of restored antique farm equipment from his barn and onto the different positions around the ball diamond, he provided families, friends and visitors with an impressive antique display, as well as a delicious and complimentary barbeque lunch. Vol. 143 No. 38 One Section - 8 Pages
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OTTAWA — According to a press release from the LaSalle County Health Department, testing has confirmed the West Nile virus was present in a bird collected in Mendota on Aug. 21. Previously, mosquitoes in LaSalle tested positive for the virus in July. Health department officials recommend following the method of the three “Rs” in order to limit the spread of the virus — reduce, repel and report. To reduce the number of and the exposure to mosquitoes, ensure window and door screens fit well, are in good condition and remain closed. Keep water in bird baths
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