1 Front Volume 140 No. 32
Friday, October 4, 2013
The Tonica News
Single Copy Cost 50¢
TVFD to hold townwide collection By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — They are there for you through accidents, fires and mishaps. The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department stands ready to help the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Now, it’s time to be there for them. Oct. 7 is the TVFD’s annual townwide collection, and the firefighters will be going door-todoor collecting donations for the department. The collection is one of the station’s main sources of income. Tonica’s fire department receives no tax money. It operates only through the donations they receive and other fundraising efforts. “This is our main fundraiser each year,” said collection chairman Al Stremlau. “We’re proud we’re not tax funded; we’re able to do our job through the generosity of the people of Tonica.” Emergency services are a critical part of any community. Equipment and manpower have to
Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder
Tonica Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) Ambulance Administrator Sue Huss (left) and First Lt. Al Stremlau are preparing for the TVFD townwide collection on Oct. 7. The fire department is not tax funded, relying entirely on donations and grants. Department members will be going door-to-door in Tonica asking for donations so they may continue to serve the community. be available at any time in case of an emergency. Unfortunately, it costs money to provide those services. Last
Preventing breast cancer October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com
In 2013 more than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Talking about breast cancer is important, especially if the disease runs in the family. Cancer screenings are critical to catch the disease in its early stages so treatment can begin at once. Professionals have noted breast cancer often increases with a woman’s age. At 70 a woman’s risk of having the disease is twice that of a 40-year-old woman. Equally important are
rates of survival. Due in part to public awareness campaigns, more women are beating breast cancer by taking charge of their own health. According to the American Cancer Society, about 67 percent of women aged 40 and older in the United States had a mammogram in the past two years, compared to only 29 percent in 1987. Today, the five-year survival rate of women who are diagnosed early is more than 90 percent, and the primary reason is early detection. No one knows how to prevent breast cancer, however, according to the American Cancer
See Prevention Page 2
year, the fire department spent slightly more than $120,000 in expenses. They responded to 157 calls — almost 25 per-
cent more calls than in 2011 — with the majority of the calls being emergency medical service calls.
The Tonica Fire District covers 65 square miles, and the department also assists many other fire districts dur-
ing emergencies, such as the Westclox fire last year and the Vermilion River rescue operation this spring. Currently, the department consists of five vehicles and 37 rescue personnel. Many of the current members are third and fourth generation firefighters. The TVFD has a reputation for being frugal with the money they receive. Almost all of the regular maintenance on the vehicles and equipment is done by department members, and the company searches diligently for the best possible items at the lowest possible cost. The latest tanker they purchased was slightly used and cost a fraction of what a new unit would. Interior and exterior surfaces on all of the vehicles shine like new. Collections will start at 6 p.m. Oct. 7. Any donation is acceptable. You can also ask any firefighter how to become a volunteer, as more manpower is always needed to protect the community.
Quinn launches Get Covered Illinois CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn launched Get Covered Illinois, the state’s comprehensive education and enrollment online platform for uninsured residents to sign up for health coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). “Today we are launching a new state of health care for more than one million of our uninsured relatives, loved ones, friends and neighbors,” Quinn said. “Get Covered Illinois – the state’s new health insurance marketplace – will make health care more affordable than ever for those who need it. While there may be bumps along the way, this is a turning point in our nation and the state as we strive to provide decent health care to all.” GetCoveredIllinois. gov is the official website marketplace where individuals, families and
“Get Covered Illinois – the state’s new health insurance marketplace – will make health care more affordable than ever for those who need it.” Gov. Pat Quinn small business owners can get connected to their new health insurance options with coverage starting Jan. 1. The state is working with community groups in every corner of the state to provide direct enrollment assistance. Eight major companies participating in Get Covered Illinois are: Aetna Life Insurance Co., Coventry Health and Life Insurance Co., Coventry Health Care of Illinois, Inc., Health Alliance Medical Plans, Inc., Health Care Service Cor-
Vol. 140 No. 32
poration, a Mutual Legal Reserve Co. (Blue Cross), Humana Health Plan, Inc., Humana Insurance Co. and Land of Lincoln Mutual Health Insurance Co. “Illinois is excited and proud to be launching the most ambitious wellness initiative in our state’s history,” Deputy Gov. Cristal Thomas said. “This will require a massive education and sign-up effort, and we are committed to working with our partners across the state to ensure that all of those who are eli-
gible know about their options and are able to select a health plan that meets their needs.” All Marketplace plans cover important health benefits, including doctor visits, hospital stays, maternity care, emergency room visits, mental health services, chronic disease management, prescriptions and more. No one will be denied coverage because they are sick or have a preexisting condition like asthma, diabetes or cancer. Preventive care will be covered at no cost to the patient. Individuals and families with income of up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level – $45,000 for individuals and $95,000 for a family of four – will receive subsidies on a sliding scale if they obtain coverage through the marketplace.
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