Volume 141 No. 27
Friday, August 29, 2014
The Tonica News
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Fewer concealed carry applications issued By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
SPRINGFIELD — Applications for concealed carry permits are slowing down in the state of Illinois, while the system for the process is getting easier. The Illinois State Police processed more than 42,000 applications in the first six weeks of the year. Since mid-February, according to the Illinois State Police, the rate has
dropped off, only recently passing 85,000 applications since the beginning of the year. With 102 counties in the state of Illinois, LaSalle County ranks seventh overall in concealed carry permits per person issued at just under 3 percent or 3,327 permits issued out of a population of 112,944. Neighboring Putnam County sits at 44th place with less than 1 percent of permits issued, a total of 54 residents out of 5,876 in total county population.
Bureau County ranks 69th out of 102 Illinois counties in concealed carry permit percentages with 237 or 0.7 percent of residents out of 34,314. Art Smith at Buffalo Range Shooting Park of Ottawa said things may be turning around. “For the last couple of months, it’s been slower with fewer students in classes,” Smith said. “I just looked at the schedule for September, and the numbers are moving back up. I think summer was a fac-
tor with everyone so busy with vacations and such.” To obtain a concealed carry permit, an individual is required to attend 16 hours of concealed carry firearm training, according to state law requirements. Members of the military and police personnel are allowed less time in the classroom due to prior firearm training. A concealed carry license is good for five years and may be renewed. An applicant does not need to provide fingerprints with
the application, but the Illinois State Police who review the applications can take up to an additional 30 days to process the application without fingerprints. A person also must have an FOID card. Illinois residents who cannot receive a concealed carry law include convicted felons, convicted domestic abusers and those who have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving use of violence or force and have had two or more violations related
to driving under the influence or those who have been in treatment for substance abuse within five years of filing for the concealed carry permit. The state of Illinois was the last state in the nation to pass the concealed carry legislation. Individual Illinois residents who are still interested in obtaining a concealed carry permit in Illinois can visit the Illinois State Police website page: https://ccl4illinois.com/ ccw/public/home.aspx.
What’s it take to be a firefighter? By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — They’re on duty 24 hours-a-day, and a phone call can take them away from some of life’s great joys — a child’s graduation, Christmas with the family or just a peaceful night’s sleep. There’s little or no pay involved, and the hours can be brutal. Why do these people take on this responsibility? Because someone has to, and these men and women are proud to do it. They’re firefighters and rescue personnel. What kind of people risk their lives to help others? As it turns out, all sorts. Kaitlyn Prettyman is at an age where school assignments and deciding whether this top goes with that pair of jeans should be the extent of her worries. Instead, the 17-year-old Ottawa High School student serves as a cadet at the Tonica Volunteer Fire Department. “I thought it would be cool to help out, and it’s interesting what they do,” Prettyman said. “I want to help people.” A cadet can’t perform actual rescue work but will pull equipment off of emergency vehicles for firefighters and rescue personnel to use during calls. However, Prettyman is going through training that will eventually allow her to be certified.
Firefighters Page 2
Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder
Bliss at the Fest A young girl enjoys a ride during the TonicaFest activities Aug. 23. Even short periods of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits with people turning out for a parade, the annual car show and the evening dance.
Unpack the Backpack night at LGS Community, parents and students attend back to school event By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — Lostant Grade School hosted its annual Unpack the Backpack night on Aug. 21. Kindergarten through eighthgrade students and their parents were invited to attend. A supper was provided at no charge for the attendees.
Lostant Grade School Superintendent Sandra Malahy welcomed parents, students, community members, staff, teachers and board members to the event. Malahy went over general information about the upcoming school year. She explained there were currently 73 students registered at Lostant Grade School and 50 students spread across Putnam County High
Inside
Vol. 141 No. 27 One Section - 8 Pages
© The Tonica News
School, Fieldcrest High School, LaSalle-Peru High School and the Alternative School in Washburn. The 2014-15 school year teachers and support staff were introduced. New teachers this year include Marjorie Archdale who is a team teacher for third through eighth grade, teaching the subjects of science, reading, language arts, social studies and math. Kyle Enervold is the new half-time physical education and health teacher for kindergarten through eighth grades.
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Keeping Tonica safe
See Page 4
See Page 2
Lostant Grade School Board member Quillard Skinner, also of the Illinois State Police, explained the school emergency and crisis response plan for the upcoming school year. For evacuation situations, students will be moved to the Lostant United Methodist Church and then released to parents after it is determined it is safe to do so. There is a brochure on the new crisis plan which was given out at the event and is available in the school office.
LGS Page 2