1 Front Volume 141 No. 47
Friday, October 30, 2015
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Mautino is Illinois Auditor General By Goldie Rapp
news@tonicanews.com
SPRING VALLEY — State Rep. Frank Mautino of Spring Valley is Illinois’ next Auditor General and the first constitutional executive officer from Bureau County. Mautino was approved for the position on Tuesday, Oct. 20, as he won support from both the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate voted 55-0, and the House voted 102-10. Mautino will replace Illinois Auditor General William Holland, who will retire after 23 years of service at the end of the year. On Wednesday, Mautino was feeling proud and honored by the confirmation. “It was great support. A lot of good stories and
nice things were said, which was very humbling,” he said. Mautino also received a pleasant surprise visit from Holland following the confirmation on Tuesday. Holland joined Mautino in passing his final bill, which was for Streator’s hospital. “We actually spent the afternoon talking about the transition and office, but he was there for the passing on my last bill, which was very special,” Mautino said. While Mautino looks forward to his new life chapter, he admits he has bittersweet feelings about leaving his House seat. Mautino has served the 76th District since 1991, when he succeeded his father’s seat. “I’m going to miss the House of Representatives. I’ve been here since I was 12 years old,”
he said. “From my time here, I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done and been fortunate enough to help thousands of people build schools, build roads and help people in need, which is what the job is — helping towns grow a bit.” Taking a minute to look around Bureau County, Mautino mentioned the larger projects he helped bring to the area, including Bureau Valley High School. “If David Leitch and I hadn’t run the special legislation for them, there wouldn’t be a school there,” he said, speaking about the wind turbine on the school property, as well. “I can look around the district and say none of this I did myself, but I had a part in doing these
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Frank Mautino
Talking tech at Tonica By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — During its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Tonica School Board discussed its plans for updating various technologies around the school. Interim Superintendent Lawrence Carlton noted the school plans to obtain 30 desktops to replace the teachers’ laptops. A question was raised about the number of computers. With the number of teachers at the school, the amount of machines indicates they each have several in their rooms. When asked, the teachers attending the meeting said every piece of technology in their rooms was necessary, used by them or their students. One teacher noted bringing her personal computer to the school as well. The plan also necessitates moving everything off of the XP operating system, which is no longer fully supported because of its age. “The XP stuff is not supported anymore,” board president Jeremy Hillyer said. Carlton also brought up the need to replace computers that have died. The school seems to have had a poor run with its current machines. “I don’t know if Tonica’s got a bad batch of the Nobels, but I’ve used them in the past and another district uses them,” Carlton said. “I don’t know why our Nobels keep dying.” The school also needs work done on its wireless hotspots. “I’ve asked Tonica phone to look at rewiring the building,” Carlton said. Also on the subject of old
Tech Page 3 Vol. 141 No. 47 Two Sections - 12 Pages
Tonica News photo/Dave Cook
Top o’ the day, Mr. O’Sullivan Michael O’Sullivan and an inquisitive member of his herd at Hidden Paradise Alpacas in Granville seemingly have a chat on an early fall afternoon. Alpacas are renowned for their soft, warm fleece, and the gift shop at Hidden Paradise contains many items made from this luxurious fiber. Check out next week’s Tonica News for the complete story.
When is lunch? Lostant tries out different options By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
LOSTANT — During its meeting, Wednesday, Oct 21, the Lostant School Board returned to the topic of school lunches. Superintendent Sandra Malahy described
“I like it because everything can be cooked at once,” Spangler said. “I can cook it all. It’s all warm or hot, depending on what it is.” “I’m also doing a lot more fresh fruits and vegetables too,” Spangler said, adding, “I just think having them eat at the same time is great because we won’t have kids complaining about getting cold food or ...actual-
Lostant Page 3
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an experiment in which the kids all ate lunch at the same time and where those who needed extra time were able to stay and those who didn’t left for recess. There were two distinct opinions that resulted, according to Malahy. “The adults absolutely love this plan; the kids absolutely hate this plan,” she reported. Carol Spangler, head cook, explained why she approves of the prospective change.
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2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, October 30, 2015
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Tonica School Board discusses winterizing the building By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — The Tonica School is preparing for winter. At its meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 21, the school board discussed winterizing the industrial arts building for the season. “What a chore,” interim Superintendent Lawrence Carlton said about preparing the building. One of the major issues is locating the building’s shut-off valve. “We’ve had the village of Tonica, they’ve been down twice with their old locator, and now their new
locator, and can find it to a point,”Carlton said. However, the valve’s location remains a mystery. “Nobody knows where it comes out of the building,” board President Jeremy Hillyer said. “The town seems to think it goes under the parking lot.” The hope is that the town will still be able to locate the valve. “Hopefully they can find it if they come and check again,” Hillyer said. One shutoff was found, but it presented its own issues. “It would shut off water for four houses,” Carlton
USDA seeks applications for renewable energy and energy efficiency loans and grants CHAMPAIGN – USDA is encouraging rural small businesses to apply for loans and grants to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. USDA Rural Development is accepting Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) applications for: 1. Loans and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements, and 2. Grants for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance. Eligible agricultural producers and rural small businesses may use REAP loans and grants to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible renewable energy systems include energy from wind, solar, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean, geothermal, or
hydrogen derived from these renewable resources. Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance grants are available to state, tribal or local governments; institutions of higher education; rural electric cooperatives and public power entities. For more information, contact the USDA Rural Development State office at 217-403-6202, or see Page 60349 of the Oct. 6, 2015, Federal Register. Through the REAP program, USDA has supported nearly 11,000 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects nationwide since the start of the Obama Administration. The department has provided more than $367 million in grants and $354 million in loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business owners during this period.
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said, adding this is not an ideal situation and not much of a solution. “Right now, we don’t know how to shut that water off. “If we don’t find the shutoff and something happens, we have to shut the whole school off to take care of any issues,” Hillyer said. He noted the time is ticking down as the search continues. “As we all know, winter is around the corner.” In other business: • The community service program is going well. The students cleaned up walnuts for one of the village residents • Karen Jones, middle school science teacher, had good things to say about the program and children participating. “The kids, they’re amaz-
ing,” Jones said. “The kids worked together. “It’s not necessarily kids I would have chosen,” Jones said, noting how much they have exceeded her expectations. “I’m finding that the kids I have in my group, they talk, when in the classroom they don’t.” “It was just very, very cool,” Jones said. “It’s a neat bonding time.” Principal Duane Schupp explained the importance of the program — to provide the children a sense of community: “It’s interesting, even in a community like this, where everybody knows each other, some of those kids don’t have that sense of belongingness.” • The Halloween party was also discussed. The
Five-county Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan meets FEMA’s requirements Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties and 38 communities across the region will soon be eligible to apply for federal pre-disaster mitigation funds. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has determined the 2015 Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam and Stark Counties Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) “meets requirements” and may therefore be adopted by the counties and communities that participated in the plan’s development. Once the plan has been adopted, FEMA will issue an approval letter. The plan will be effective for five years. North Central Illinois Council of Governments (NCICG) applied for funding in November 2013 to update and combine two existing multi-county plans. The extensive planning process involved gathering public comments at several public meetings, interviewing leaders and elected officials of all 43 jurisdictions, and formulating strategies that will make each community and county more resilient to natural hazards. In order for a county or municipality to receive federal funding for pre-disaster mitigation funds, a county must have an adopted and FEMA-approved NHMP. The purpose of a NHMP is to identify the types of natural hazards that impact a jurisdiction, to assess each jurisdiction’s vulnerability to those hazards, and to formulate mitigation strategies that will lessen the severity of natural disasters by protecting human life and property. Every five years, plans must be reviewed and updated to remain active. The plan is now available online at NCICG’s website: www.ncicg.org. North Central Illinois Council of Governments is a regional planning agency that provides administrative assistance to local governments throughout the region. For more information about the NHMP please visit www.ncicg.org or contact Kendall Cramer at kcramer@nicg.org and 815-433-5830.
security of the party was a concern. In the past, parents could come and go, but this also allowed for most any adult to enter. “That’s a liability issue I didn’t want to take on,” Schupp said, noting he would feel horrible if anything were to happen to one of the children. The situation should be more secure this year. • Schupp said there is now a special education teacher in the building. • Schupp thanked the fire department. “They brought all the usual programs they do for young people,” he said. He took the opportunity of the department’s presence to test some of the school’s emergency procedures, which he says were followed well.
LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office Accident
At 5:36 p.m. Oct. 20, LaSalle County deputies investigated a two-vehicle accident on Route 251 near North 15th Road in Hope Township. A vehicle driven by a juvenile was traveling north on Route 251. The driver of that vehicle didn’t realize the vehicle in front was turning east onto North 15th Road. The juvenile struck the trailer being towed by Darrell Schlosser, 61, of Henry. The juvenile was treated by Lostant Ambulance and Fire at the scene. Schlosser reported no injuries.
LaSalle Library hands out books for Halloween
LASALLE — On Oct. 31, the LaSalle Public Library will welcome children for Halloween. Every child who visits the library between noon and 4:30 p.m. will receive a gift book and a treat surprise. Children can also make an easy Halloween craft from 2 to 4 p.m. while supplies last. The library is located at 305 Marquette St., LaSalle. For more information, call the library at 815-2232341.
3 Obit Records Friday, October 30, 2015 • The Tonica News • 3
Tech From Page 1
technology, Carlton considered the state and age of the school’s Dell lab: “I wrote down here about 3 to 4 years, but we’re not sure.” Carlton noted the technology committee is looking into various devices that the school could use, such as Chromebooks and iPads. “From what one of the teachers told me last week, they are pretty iffy,” Principal Duane Schupp said in regard to the iPads. “We have, I don’t know how many of them, are broke that we can’t repair because they’re so expensive.” When the school got the iPads, it also got Apple Care, a program which should allow the devices to be sent in for repair. The board questioned how long this Apple Care was supposed to last and whether they could still make use of it. If it is still in effect, the board reasoned the tablets should be sent in before the program’s duration ends. The particular systems that are going to replace the current setup were not decided upon, merely brought to the board. “We’re not making recommendations tonight,” Carlton said. “We’re not asking for the Chromebooks.
We’re looking into getting the funding.” The funding requires the board to approve a loan program. “The state is notorious for dropping things in our lap at basically the last minute,” Carlton said. The program includes a 2 percent interest rate with a three-year loan. Illini State Bank is willing to loan the money at the same rate. The program is not seeing immediate support. Board vice president Brian Marcinkus, for instance, said, “I’m not in favor of taking out a loan unless we absolutely have to.” This is not necessarily a vote against the program, however. “Before I sign up for a loan, I need more information,” Marcinkus said. “We can collect last year’s $20,000, but I’m jumping through hoops to get the dollars,” Carlton said. He has to prove the school spent that amount of money in order to collect it, so he’s gathering the receipts. This year’s amount is $17,000. “Right there, we could get everything. It’s about $37,000,” he said. If the school can collect all of it, that might still take some time. “You know how the federal government moves,” Cartlon said. “Very slow.” Discussion was tabled.
Mautino From Page 1 things. That’s the hardest thing to leave,” he said. Looking ahead, Mautino is ready to take on the duties of Auditor General. He served the audit commission for 18 years — 12 of those years as its chairman, working closely with Holland and his staff. “Not only is it a great opportunity, but a challenge. I follow the footsteps of a brilliant Auditor General who served the people of Illinois for 23 years and has been a great role model,” he said. “He has run the office bipartisan and does it right. I want to emulate that model and do things as professionally as General Holland did and General Cronson before him.”
America in Bloom Awards announced Top honors for the 2015 America in Bloom national awards program were announced at the annual awards held in Holland, Mich., on Sept. 26. All participants were evaluated on six criteria: Overall impression, environmental awareness, heritage preservation, urban forestry, landscape and floral displays. Additionally they were judged on their community involvement across municipal, residential and commercial sectors. America in Bloom is the only national awards program that sends specially-trained judges to personally visit participants. In addition, each participant receives
a detailed written evaluation that can be used as a guide to future improvements. Ottawa received a perfect five bloom rating. In addition, the city received a special mention for their efforts in heritage preservation; an outstanding achievement award for community involvement; and a special award for “Most Dynamic Transformation of a Downtown Streetscape.” Evelyn Alemanni and Stephen Pategas, AIB judges, visited communities of similar populations and spent two days touring each town, meeting municipal officials, residents and volunteers.
Lostant From Page 1
ly, no, I do get kindergartners complaining about the food being too hot.” Spangler suggested a possible reason why the students do not like the plan as much as the adults: “I think the older kids just don’t like it because they have to put up with the little kids.” Malahy noted possible issues with the upcoming season, as the temperature lowers and recess comes indoors. “I think we’re going to have to go to a split again in the winter because I’m not sure the gym will be safe enough for the littler kids with the older kids,” Malahy said. “I think we’re going to have to do a blend.” The school is still looking for more ideas to try out. In other business: • Mike Philips, board president, provided an update on the quarry field trips. “We had fun,” Philips said. “It was a quarry. Quarries are fun.” One of the students even got to do a detonation. “We were standing quite a ways away,” Philips said.
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Other competitors in the 16,000-20,000 population category were Fairhope, Ala.; Fairview Park, Ohio; and Madisonville, Ky. Judges said, “’Pick us!’ is an appropriate and clever slogan for a community that has lots to choose from and has branded itself with a botanical/ garden theme. The Ottawa Visitors Center’s staff reinforces the theme when they hand out their business cards embedded with wildflower seeds. Ottawa excels in floral displays, gardens, murals and public art. Numerous historic structures are undergoing restoration and reuse at a rapid pace. These efforts
“They took us back down to pick the rocks up.” Overall, the trip was a success. “The kids had a great time, and I think they learned something,” Philips said. • In the financial report, some projected costs are increasing. “We just found out that anyone we hire from this point on has to have a bachelor’s degree to work in the kitchen,” Malahy said. Alternatively, prospective employees can have five years of experience. “We’re still under budget for the quarter,” Malahy said. “So that’s a good thing.” • The students are doing well with their studies. “Overall in math and literacy, we are just blowing things out of the water,” Malahy said. “We are doing phenomenal.” She is optimistic about the future as well. “It takes three to five years to implement and see change,” Malahy said. “I think we’re going to see some consistent high scores.” • The time has come to evaluate partnerships with other schools, but Lostant’s agreements are staying the same. “No one’s willing to change
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will pay off as you preserve the character of your downtown.” America in Bloom Executive Director Laura Kunkle said, “America in Bloom is helping towns and cities of all sizes achieve their potential. Every year our participants raise the bar, and the accomplishments and progress shown by this year’s group is again remarkable. These are, without a doubt, some of the best places to live in America.” Registrations for the 2016 national awards program can be submitted until Feb. 28, 2016. For more information, visit www.AmericaInBloom. org.
language,” Malahy said. “Maybe with a new superintendent next year.” • $18,321.18 is going to be paid in state aid. “It just keeps getting smaller, and smaller and smaller,” Malahy said. • There has been a request for the RC Flyers to use the gym from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on certain nights. “The only problem is we no longer have an evening custodian,” Malahy said. “But I think I can be here every night they need and let them in.” • Malahy recognized Lostant United Methodist Women’s Evening Circle for its donation of $100 for needy students. She also recognized Greg Loerger for maintaining the lawn mower and mowing the school grounds. “He also did a nice maintenance update on the lawn mower,” Malahy said. “It has been retired to the shed and the plow brought out.” • The updated and new policies received a second reading. • In regards to extra coursework for students who need more to do, the Lostant School has a relationship with a virtual high school, which could be useful for the program.
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4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, October 30, 2015
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
Letting go ... with college life College planning for dummies. I’d like to investigate such a book if it exists because I think I qualify for the level below dummy, as in I’m not sure the book could even remedy my ineptness. I only wish I was joking … I won’t bore you with the details, but within the past year, while finishing out my associate’s of science, I’ve gone from pursuing dentistry, to chiropractic, back to dentistry, to my fallback, physical therapy, and finally to my actual major, which you’ll discover shortly. Several years ago my grandma had a knee replacement, Danae and after I tagged Ross along to a few of her therapy sessions I COMMENTARY became intrigued with the art of restoring people to health. I wasn’t completely in love with it, but I knew medical fields make a good career, and I do believe PT is a critical part of recovery, so I stuck with it. Besides, I had all of the prerequisites already, so why not? I was so frustrated with deciding on a major that I had barely considered which college to attend, so literally only months before the next semester started I began college searching. I applied to at least four schools, changed my mind weekly, and finally because I just needed to decide I landed on Olivet Nazarene University — the most highly recommended to me. The decision started to solidify, and in early June, my mom and I left last minute for a two-day new student orientation event. It was OK, not exactly the living situation I was expecting, but what’s college if you don’t experience a little claustrophobic dorm life? I got my classes, paid my fees, decided on my roommate, and was all set to go. But even greater than the so-so dorm situation was my disappointment with the choir. My mom has always awed me with the experiences and trips she had being a part of her college choir at Judson University, and over time, it became a dream of mine to do the same thing. I didn’t really like Judson when we attended a friend’s senior exhibit a while back, but the lure of the choir stuck in my mind. Olivet’s choir is fantastic, I’m sure, but they don’t travel across the United States and the oceans like Judson, and while that’s not what I’m going to school for, I still want to squeeze absolutely everything that I can out of my “college experience.” That’s what I’m paying all the money for, right? So a month before classes started I applied to Judson. I visited the campus and signed up for classes, and a week later my mom and I drove there to move me in. I bawled. My mom was leaving me, I suddenly felt so unsure of my major, and I didn’t see the point of going to school if I wasn’t passionate about what I was studying. “All the time in the world” was suddenly gone, and I was up against a brick wall. There wasn’t any more time to mess around. I prayed, cried a lot and scoured my brain for an answer. What did I love to do? The only thing that continually prodded my mind was writing, something I had considered before, but also had been discouraged about by others who feared I would end up starving on the streets as some measly journalist. I was miserable, though. I didn’t even want to be at school, a place I usually thrive, and it was eating me alive. I shared my insecurity with one of my friends, and together we saw God work as the next workshop we attended was about exploring majors and discovering what you are truly meant to do. Saturday, two days before school started, I went to the registration office and officially left Exercise and Sports Science to become an English writing major. I was jittery with fright, but the excitement that gripped me assured me that God hadn’t steered me wrong. I was giving up two years of laboring through difficult science classes, but it suddenly didn’t matter. Too many applications, tears and indecisions later, I can now say that I love my classes and my school, and I don’t regret a single thing. I didn’t take the conventional route, per usual, but I know that God was forcing me to rely on His plan and that every indecision and stressful event was for my good. I completely understand how terrifying it is not knowing what you want to do with your life, but in my experience, needing to have a plan brings way more stress than relief, and I am convinced of the truth from Woody Allen: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” He is in control. He will provide. That is all we need to know. Danae Ross of Wyanet is a junior at Judson University. She can be reached at diamondspride30@yahoo.com.
Fuzzy little bear Personally, I am soooooo gosh darn relieved now that the Chicago Cubs are out of the playoffs. I never really realized how much I get done during a normal October. Throughout the past couple of weeks, being a Chicago sports fan, I have vegetated in front of my television for three-hour chunks of time on at least nine different playoff occasions. That’s 27 hours, which works out to 189 hours or approximately one week in dog hours. One week in human time equals seven weeks in dog time. So, as you can plainly see, I’ve spent about a month and a half in front of my television watching baseball over the past two weeks. (With the math skills I possess, it’s hard to believe that I was an art major in college.) I know that many of my fellow Cub fans are sad that our team was so rudely ousted by those evil New York Mets. I’ll admit that I, too, was upset at first, but after some deep soul searching, I’ve decided to turn my frown upside down and look at the sunny side of this situation. Here is a partial list of things that I’ll look forward to enjoying now with all this playoff baseball nonsense behind me: • I’ll be able to give my undivided attention to the Chicago Bears on their march toward the Super Bowl. • Maybe I’ll be able to complete regular tasks without humming “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” under my breath. • I should be able to catch up with whatever’s going on with the Kardashians. • I can now make simple decisions without asking myself “What would Joe Maddon do in this situation?” • I can finally learn that second language like the people on that Rosetta Stone commercial. • For a while, I’ll stop debating with myself what would be the best name for a Basset Hound puppy, “Schwarber” or “Rizzo.” I’ll also have time to start a couple of new hobbies I’ve been meaning to pick up over the past few months. Namely, competitive yodeling and interpretive dance. I won’t feel the need to wear any of my Cubs T-shirts on a daily basis which it seems like I’ve been doing since the All-Star break. The holes are getting big enough to be embarrassing, even by my standards.
Greg Wallace COMMENTARY • I should probably put more time and effort into these columns but there’s no need to get crazy. • I (and most of the people who encounter me on a daily basis) will be thankful that I can finally retire the baseball cap that has been stuck on my head the past couple baseball seasons. I have enclosed a photograph of said hat. Depending on the newspaper’s standards on good taste, they may or may not run the picture. The hat is just plain gross. Or so I’ve been told. Many times. Many, many times. My wife gave me the hat several years ago as a Christmas present. For the longest time, I did not wear it because, as you will kindly notice, it has a fuzzy little smiling bear on it. As a semi-grown man, it seemed a little too cutesy for me and my manly demeanor. But for some reason unknown to even me, it ended up on my head as I left the house one day a summer ago. Coincidentally, that ended up being the same day as a hard-earned, somewhat lucky victory from my beloved Cubs. I wore the hat, and the Cubs won. I’m not very superstitious, but that equation seems fairly straightforward, and you already know how
good I am with math. Hence, the hat became a fixture. I have always been a baseball cap wearer. In the early 1980s, I wore a Yankees hat until there were barely any hat molecules left to it. I once had a Cleveland Indians hat that was held together by duct tape. This present Cubs hat is headed in the same direction. This particular piece of headwear is now officially the dirtiest article of clothing that I wear on a regular basis. For some reason, the little bear seems to attract dirt and grime. Sweat stains have pretty much left the hat devoid of color. If you look closely, you can see vapor fumes coming off of it due to the odor it emits. It repels water. It’s not supposed, to but somehow, it just does. Yeah, it’s dirty. I call it an aura. Now that the season is over, it’s probably time to retire this hat. I don’t know if I’ll burn it or have a burial at sea. I imagine I’ll just wait until spring training and plop it back on my head. I probably shouldn’t flirt too heavily with Lady Luck. After all, I am a married man. • Lastly, and probably the greatest amount of joy I will receive from the Cubs being defeated is that it should free up a lot more time for me to hate those stupid, stinky New York Mets. Go Bears. You can contact Wallace at gregwallaceink7@gmail.com. You can follow him on his blog at http:// gregwallaceink.blogspot.com.
Budget stalemate impacts motorists Sticker check saves a ticket Vehicle registration renewal reminders won’t be mailed anymore because of state budget woes, so it’s up to motorists to keep track of when their stickers expire. Doing so helps save the state money and saves you from a ticket. Famed pioneer aviator Charles Lindbergh (1902-1974) was said to have treated his cars like his airplanes. Before leaving on a trip, he walked around the vehicle, inspected the tires, checked under the hood, and made sure all was well. Illinois motorists won’t have to be quite so meticulous, in the wake of an announcement by the Secretary of State Jesse White’s office that
it can’t afford to mail registration renewal notices anymore because of the budget impasse. But in the near future, drivers should at least walk around to the back of their vehicles, stoop down and read the colored sticker to find out the month and year the registration expires. Then make a note of it, so you remember to go to the Secretary of State facility nearest you to buy a new sticker before the old one expires. That will not only prevent you from getting pulled over by the police for an expired registration, but it will help White’s office conserve $450,000
a month in postage so it at least can keep mailing out new license plates as the budget stalemate continues. White recently announced other financial constraints on his office; vendors such as electricity, computer, software, and armored truck companies may cease services if they don’t get paid soon. It’s one more reminder of the dire financial straits our state is in. When will legislators and the governor reach a budget agreement? No one knows. But if motorists follow Lucky Lindy’s example, at least they can save themselves a ticket. Tonica News
First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States, 1789
5 Life Friday, October 30, 2015 • The Tonica News • 5
Community Stamp and Chat event All crafters in the Illinois Valley are invited to a get-together to scrap and be crafty. The group will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, and will create a card to thank a vet. This event is free. To RSVP, call 630-209-0605.
Driver safety class will be Nov. 3 and 4 OGLESBY — An AARP Driver Safety Program will be presented Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the IVCC Truck Driver Training Center, Building H on east campus, with parking in Lot 7. The classroom driver refresher course is designed especially for drivers age 50 and over. The program aims to help community members retain their driving competency. Participants will learn driving strategies, understand the effects of aging on driving, reduce the
chance of having an accident and know when to retire from driving. At the completion of this course, students will receive a certificate that can be presented to their automobile insurance holder that may entitle them to a discount. There is a $15 fee for AARP members (with AARP membership card) and a $20 fee for non-members, payable at the class. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early for the first day of class. To register, call 815-2240427.
IVCH prepared childbirth classes PERU — The next series of Illinois Valley Community Hospital prepared childbirth classes for women in the last trimester of pregnancy and their partners will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov, 4, and 11, in the IVCH Room at the Peru Mall. Erica Rohwer, RN, an IVCH obstetrics unit nurse and certified childbirth educator, leads the class. All participants are asked to dress comfortably and to bring two pillows and one blanket or exercise mat to each session. IVCH prepared childbirth classes are offered every other month. To register, call IVCH Event Registration at 815-780-3337 or register online by clicking on the calendar option at www.ivch.org. The next series of IVCH prepared childbirth classes at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton begins Feb. 3. Call IVCH for details.
I.
‘Tales of Terror!’ on Oct. 30 at IVCC OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s theatre department will present “Tales of Terror!” at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in the Cultural Centre. Under direction of Don Grant Zellmer, “Tales of Terror!” is an evening of urban legends and classic horror stories brought to life by the cast of storytellers made up of students, faculty, staff and community members. “We’ve incorporated all the best elements of storytelling, and created a terrifying and spooky atmosphere with mood lighting, fog, blacklights and sound effects,” Zellmer said. “All this brings the storyteller’s tales to life even more, and also makes this a theatrical event – perfect for the witching season.” In addition to the individual ghost
ghosts in a novelty number, but a new segment has been added this season, “Canivale Macabre,” a vintage freak show that segues into the terrifying showcase of the oddities and finishes with a crazed clown segment. The cast includes Karen Lesman and Megan Norlin of LaSalle, Ashley Hurst and Matt Boehm of Peru, Jake Jakielski, Reilly Jaeger and Hillari Behrens of Marseilles, Chelsea Berg of Lostant, Clarissa Gerrard of Dalzell, Kerry Ryan of Princeton, Savanna Sondgeroth of Mendota, and Jay Church and Zach Scarbrough of Bureau. Admission is $5 or free for IVCC students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ivcc.edu/theatre or at the door.
Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform OGLESBY — The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the LaSalle-Peru Matthiessen Memorial Auditorium. This concert will continue the orchestra’s cultural theme for the season by featuring distinguished trumpet player Mark Ponzo, professor of music at Northern Illinois University. Ponzo is principal trumpet of the Fox Valley Orchestra and Antiqua Baroque Consort, and a member of the Rochester Philharmonic orchestra, the Mexico City Philharmonic and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. He played solo coronet player with the New Sousa Band and Illinois Brass Band and has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for Groveland-Hope-Osage-Richland Multi-Township Taxing District.
A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Groveland-Hope-Osage-Richland Multi-Township Assessing District for 2016 will be held on November 4, 2015 at 6 p.m. at the Osage Township Office, 899 E State Route 17, Wenona, IL 61377. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Janis Megow – Supervisor – 127 Chestnut Street, Rutland, IL 61358 – Phone (815) 863-5045. II. The corporate and special purpose property tax extended or abated for 2014 were $23,080. The corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $38,082. This represents a 65% increase over the previous year. III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2014 were ($0). The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2015 are ($0). This represents a 0% increase/decrease over the previous year. IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $23,080. The estimated total property taxes extended or abated for 2015 are $38,082. This represents a 65% increase over the previous year. Published in the Tonica News Oct. 30, 2015.
and horror stories, the cast performs unsettling group segments, such as two-sentence horror stories. “And yes,” added Zellmer, “for one performance piece, we’re using an actual coffin.” Local professional storyteller Tricia Kelly has been working with IVCC students on their storytelling craft and will bring her brand of eerie storytelling to the stage with the cast. “We are honored to work with Tricia and are grateful to have the opportunity for our students to learn this art form,” said theatre director Dr. David Kuester. The IVCC Show Choir will perform throughout the show under the direction and choreography of Zellmer. They dance as zombies in “Thriller” and glow-in-the-dark
In addition to his performance activities, Ponzo publishes through Balquhidder/Carl Fisher, Charles Colin Music Publications and the Buccine Press. His publications include 26 method books, 16 solo transcriptions and two unaccompanied works for trumpet. He is a busy recitalist, doing an average of 40 full recitals each year, performing at most of the nation’s finest music schools. He presents recitals on the cornet, baroque trumpet and modern-valved instruments. Ponzo will perform Concerto in C Minor by Benedetto Marcello, originally
written for oboe. The concert title, Dia De Los Muertos, means a Mexican holiday, with origins dating back to well before 1492. It is a day of remembrance to invite departed loved ones to be amongst us again. Día de los Muertos on Nov. 1 coincides with All Saints Day on Nov. 2 in Western liturgical churches. Exciting selections by Spanish composers will be included in the program. La Boda de Luis Alsonso composed by Geronimo Gimenez y Bellido will be a light and lively contribution to this concert for a Mexican celebration. The next composition,
Pavane pur une infant defunte brought fame to the composer, Maurice Ravel. It is a sweet, sad piece, often followed by a lively galliard in triple time. Also featured will be Estrellita (Star of Love), the rhapsody Espana, and Danzόn No. 2 for Orchestra by Arturo Márquez. Tickets are available at the door or online at ivso. org. They are $15 for adults and $5 for students K-college with ID. This program is sponsored by Central Radio Group and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. The auditorium is handicapped accessible.
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6 LIfe/Classifieds 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, October 30, 2015
Menus and Activities Lostant Grade School
History preservation in Lostant LOSTANT — What is old is new again at the Lostant Library, but only if someone can identify these photos. Christine Hubbard, librarian, has been trying to get three different aspects of a history preservation project going for the village of Lostant. The first phase is to identify the old photos that have been found in the library. All the photos, like those shown here, have no identifying marks. If readers have an guess as to who these people may be, contact the library at 815-368-3530. People are also encouraged to visit the library as there are many more pictures. The second phase involves volunteers combing through old issues of the Tonica News looking for articles about Lostant residents. Through the generosity of the LaSalle County Genealogical Society in Ottawa, the library has access to more than 100 years of the paper. These articles will be copied for a scrapbook which will have an index. In the future, people will be able to look up a name and find a corresponding issue number to read articles about their relatives. Volunteers are needed for this project. If anyone is interested, 1952 issues are in the library waiting to be read. The papers cannot be removed from the library. The last part of this preservation project involves collecting photos of Lostant and the villagers. A history of Lostant was printed in 2011, but many of the photos and documents included are personally owned and spread around town. Right now, this project’s main focus is making copies of photos so they will be centrally located. A committee is needed to get this part of the project going and decide what direction or additional information should be gathered. A tech savvy person could also help with the digital archiving of both the newspaper articles and the
Breakfast Nov. 2 — Breakfast toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Nov. 3 — Uncrustable, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Nov. 4 — French toast, sausage and syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Nov. 5 — Egg, cheese and sausage muffin, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Nov. 6 — Toaster pastry, string cheese, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Lunch Nov. 2 — Bosco stick, sauce, corn, applesauce, milk. Nov. 3 — Tenderloin on bun, fresh fries, watermelon, milk. Nov. 4 — Hot dog on bun, baked beans, fruit cocktail, milk. Nov. 5 — Chicken nuggets, tater tots, cinnamon apples, milk. Nov. 6 — Popcorn chicken bowl, melon, milk.
Tonica Grade School Breakfast Nov. 2 — Toaster pastry or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Nov. 3 — Mini pancake or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Nov. 4 — Breakfast pizza or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Nov. 5 — Glazed doughnut or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Nov. 6 — No school. Lunch Nov. 2 — Corn dog, baked beans, fruit side kick, milk. Nov. 3 — TGS lunchable (ham or turkey), cheese, crackers, lettuce, fresh fruit, cookie, milk. Nov. 4 — No lunch, early dismissal. Nov. 5 — Cheesy garlic flat bread, carrots, fruit, milk. Nov. 6 — No school.
Bridges Senior Center Nov. 2 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. Nov. 3 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10 a.m., Soldier’s Angels; noon, Advisory Board meeting. Nov. 4 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10:15 a.m., intermediate computer class. Nov. 5 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. Nov. 6 — 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 815-431-8034. photos. Hubbard stresses that these are not quick undertakings but there is no deadline for comple-
tion. She just believes the villagers need to come together to preserve Lostant history before the stories are forgotten. She
also reminds all readers to mark their photos with an acid free pen. Don’t just mark the book or envelope the photos may be in.
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The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion.
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800 watt generator, new $150; Tell City solid maple drop leaf table (44”x69”) $90. Call 815-875-1596 Bose speakers $50; 4 piece wicker set $200; 2 drawer filing cabinet $10. Call 815-869-3054 Dark oak 42” table, 2-12” leaves, 4 side chairs, 1 arm chair, 50” hutch. $595 or best offer. Phone 815-894-3231 Table/bookcase $35; solid wood child's rocking horse, $25; solid oak lion claw table, $245. Call 815-830-8153
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Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week. No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales.
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••• Items for The Tonica News can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com. For questions, call 815-875-4461.
999 • Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE The Lostant Fire Protection District Board of Trustees will hold its annual hearing on its 2015-2016 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on Monday, November 23rd, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lostant Fire House, 101 East First Street, Lostant, Illinois. Copies of the proposed Budget and Appropriation Ordinance are available for inspection at the Lostant Firehouse, the Illini State Bank of Lostant, and the Lostant Post Office. Published in the Tonica News Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 2015.
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Friday, October 30, 2015 • The Tonica News • 7
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