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VOLUME 144 NO. 50 • tonicanews.com

Friday, November 16, 2018

‘Fiber to the Home’

Troy Siemers (left) and Kevin Sluder have been hard at work installing the Tonica Telephone Co.’s “Fiber to the Home” project, which will offer residents an opportunity to have a high-speed internet access that many in the Illinois Valley don’t have. SEE STORY AND MORE PHOTOS ON PAGES 4-5. (Tonica News photo/Dave Cook)

Vol. 144 No. 50

One Section - 16 Pages

SCHOOL

Veterans Day Military veterans and Tonica students observe Veterans Day together. / 7

COURT Richard A. Henderson of Standard admits his

guilt in the January killing of a Spring Valley teen and is sentenced to 53 years in prison. / 2

TONICA The report card is in from the Illinois State Board of Education, and it shows that Tonica Grade School has earned a “commendable” rating. / 11

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 16, 2018

| LOCAL NEWS

2 Seeking

Sources Where in the world is The Tonica News? Are you planning a vacation or holiday trip? Don’t forget to take along a copy of the The Tonica News. Once you get to your destination, have someone snap a photo of you holding the newspaper, and then send the photo to us along with pertinent information about who is in the photo and where you are. We’ll be happy to share your photo with other Tonica News readers, your friends, family and neighbors. Email your photo and information to news@tonicanews.com. You can also drop it by our office in Tonica.

(USPS 633340) Published every Friday at Tonica, IL 61370 Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County

Contact Editor, General Manager Jim Dunn jdunn@bcrnews.com Associate Editor Rita Roberts rroberts@bcrnews.com

Email to:

news@tonicanews.com. Photos should be sent as an attachment. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356

PUTNAM COUNTY COURT

Henderson admits his guilt, gets 53-year prison sentence Pleads guilty to January killing of Diamond Bradley of Spring Valley BY DAVE COOK news@tonicanews.com HENNEPIN — While it was expected Public Defender Roger Bolin would file motions the afternoon of Nov. 6 in Putnam County Court for the upcoming bench trial of Richard A. Henderson for the murder of 16-year-old Diamond Bradley, the plea deal sentencing Henderson to 53 years was a surprise. “The talk of negotiations really picked up last night, but we didn’t know until today whether he’d take the deal or not,” Putnam County State’s Attorney Christina Judd-Mennie said after the hearing. Henderson, 26, of Standard pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder, a Class M felony. The state dropped the remaining charges. Mennie said the state would have sought a motion stating the crime was “brutal and heinous,” which would have had Henderson facing a sentence of 20 years to natural life in the Illinois Department of Corrections if the case had gone to trial and Henderson had been convicted. Judge Stephen A. Kouri, before discussing the terms of the deal, asked Henderson about his education. Henderson told Kouri he has a 10th-grade education and no GED, but that he understood he would have to serve 100 percent of his sentence followed by a mandatory three years of supervised release. He will get credit for the 275 days served in pre-trial custody. Diamond Bradley, 16, of Spring Valley was last seen by her family on Jan. 23. She was reported missing the next day and was found stabbed to death alongside a rural Putnam County road on Jan. 27. Henderson was taken into custody on Feb. 5 after investigators linked him to Bradley through interviews, surveillance footage, and cell phone data. Mennie previously said the prosecution was well prepared for a trial and that there was “an abundance of evidence.” Both sides expected a trial to last only three to four days. Following the acceptance of the plea agreement, Mennie said if there had been a trial, a Putnam County

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Richard A. Henderson (center) follows Public Defender Roger Bolin into the Putnam County courtroom the afternoon of Nov. 6 in Hennepin, in the custody of Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Randall (left). Henderson, 26, of Standard, entered a negotiated guilty plea in the January killing of Diamond Bradley, 16, of Spring Valley. He will serve 53 years in prison. The plea agreement avoids a bench trial that had been scheduled for Dec. 17. sheriff ’s deputy would have testified Henderson had picked up Diamond Bradley on or about Jan. 24, 2018 and taken her to the road where her body was Diamond later found. The prosecution Bradley would have also entered video evidence taken from surveillance cameras linking Henderson to Bradley and their route together; cell phone evidence from the FBI linking their cell phone locations on Jan. 24; as well as a knife, the murder weapon Henderson used to stab Bradley several times. He then hid the weapon in an ash pit at the commercial greenhouse where he worked in Granville. Though Henderson was initially charged with concealment of a homicidal death, a Class 3 felony with a sentencing range of 2 to 5 years, Bolin successfully got that charge dropped during a Sept. 6 hearing. Bolin argued the 120-day limit of the Speedy Trial Act has been exceeded, and Judd-Mennie agreed to drop the charge to focus on the murder charges. The additional three first-degree murder charges were entered on Aug. 30, and each carried concurrent $1 million bonds. Henderson had previously entered pleas of not guilty on all counts. Diamond Bradley’s mother, Doris

Bradley, spoke on the stand to share the impact the killing of her daughter has had on her family. She said she had initially moved to the Illinois Valley for a better life for her children, but now that dream was gone, and that her family no longer wanted to be here because of the painful memories of Diamond. “I have two other children, 14 and 11, and they can’t sleep at night. I can’t work the way I used to, and we’re all just trying to get through this so we can get on with our lives. Diamond was my everything. My house is so quiet, she was everything to us, and now it’s all been taken away from us. I brought my children here for a better life, not something like this. I don’t want to be here anymore, but we’re going to make it through this and go on,” she said, tearfully. Mennie said it was the family’s decision to allow Henderson the negotiated deal and that they had been deeply involved through the entire legal process. “This was their decision, and they really needed the closure. I can’t imagine being in their place,” she said. Mennie credited the many local law enforcement agencies who, she said, worked seamlessly together and “really nailed the case down for us.” Bolin said Henderson gave no indication why he became interested the prior week in a potential plea deal, adding, “This was his decision.”

LOSTANT

Lostant students enjoy visits with and from their local library BY DAVE COOK news@tonicanews.com

Tonica News photos/Dave Cook

ABOVE: Lostant Grade School students of all ages have been taking advantage of their regular visits to the Lostant Library. FAR LEFT: Students search the shelves for their favorite titles and authors. LEFT: Lostant Librarian April Jording looks at incoming books as a group of Lostant Grade School students return the titles they have read since their previous visit to the library. had 106 visitors who checked out 52 books in September. With the student visits, there were 250 visitors who checked out 202 books. She’d also like to use the visits to help create an after-school program. “I’d like to have something like that for during the winter, especial-

ly since Blue Giggles closed down,” she said. Blue Giggles is the recently closed sweets shop that’s just around the corner from the library. It’s where many students used to congregate once school let out, and Jording hopes they start visiting the library instead.

Some ideas include video and board game competitions, contests, themed events, and escape room games. “We’re still working on what we’ll do, but kids here really need someplace they can go after school, and the library would be a great choice for them,” she said.

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LOSTANT — This year, Lostant Grade School students have enjoyed regular visits to the Lostant Library. And librarian April Jording has not only been enjoying their visits, but she’s reciprocated by visiting them at the school. Students visit the library on the first Wednesday of the month, and Jording visits them at the school on the third Wednesday. “It’s worked out very well because while the school has a library of its own, we obviously have more variety here. Plus, I’ve been able to sign up several kids for their library cards,” Jording said. Students visit in staggered sessions. Kindergartners visit along with the first- and second-graders; then grades 3-5, and finally grades 6-8. With each group, Jording checks in their returned books while also helping them find certain titles on the shelves, as well as taking down their requests. “I like coming here because I love reading, especially fiction and action books, and there’s a lot here to choose from,” 4th-grader Sarah Wiesbrock said. Jording said the visits have helped both the library and the school. “I think it’s made many of the students more comfortable with coming in after school,” she said. The visits have also had a significant impact on the library’s circulation. Without the visits, the library

LOCAL NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

They’re learning with the help of the library

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 16, 2018

| LOCAL NEWS

TONICA TELEPHONE CO.

Tonica’s high-speed plan for the future Fiber-optic project sets the stage for continued growth BY DAVE COOK news@tonicanews.com TONICA — The village of Tonica may be small, but residents will soon be enjoying a service that most residents of the Illinois Valley’s larger communities don’t have: high-speed fiber-optic internet service. The Tonica Telephone Co.’s threeyear strategy, known as the “Fiber to the Home” project, is well underway. Approximately 60 rural customers were given initial priority because of the fewer options available to them, but beginning in 2019, in-town residents will begin gaining access to the fiber optic data transmission service. “We started with our furthest out customers, because they need the internet access and those in town have access over the phone lines,” Village President and Tonica Telephone Co. employee Kevin Sluder said. Like many small, independent phone companies, Tonica Telephone Co. has been steadily losing landline customers, but the “Fiber to the Home” project offers the company a hold on the future. “We currently have about 300 landline customers, 200 of which are residential and about a hundred are commercial, but we’ve been losing about 20 a year for the past five years. I think that’s started to plateau, though,” Sluder said. As the company installs the cabled bundles of fiber-optic lines, each home will be connected to its own line. Sluder said the fiber-optic ser-

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Tonica Village President and Tonica Telephone Co. employee Kevin Sluder shows some of the equipment being used to provide highspeed internet service to customers. vice will require less maintenance than co-axial-provided service currently offered in-town. Download speeds will be approximately 20 Mbps, but Sluder said the system will be capable of one gigabyte per second, and that more than one home could be operated off of each small fiber, if needed. “Those working at home need a stable connection to the world, and many homes can have 20 to 30 devices connected. There’s computers, phones, tablets, gaming systems, appliances, televisions, streaming services and more. The demand is there,” Sluder said.

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tion next year at the intersection of Route 251 with North 20th Road, and another well-known chain may be opening a location nearby soon after. “Businesses want fast internet, and I’ve always thought that once the development of that area by I-39 begins, it’ll be like dominoes,” Sluder said of Tonica’s potential for growth. The village of Tonica is well situat-

ed near an interstate and also offers a convenient route to the popular and recently expanded state parks nearby. “The key to growth is offering a solid backbone of infrastructure, and a high-speed connection to the world is a great place to begin,” he said. For more information, visit the Tonica Telephone Co. website at www.tonicacom.net.

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• Friday, November 16, 2018

Continued from Page 4

provides a precision weld of the fragile ends. The project is part of the federal Broadband Initiative to improve internet access to unserved or underserved rural communities. Speaking as the village president, Sluder said the “Fiber to the Home” project will be beneficial to the future development of Tonica. A new and larger Casey’s General Store is scheduled for construc-

LOCAL NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

Tonica News photos/Dave Cook

LEFT: Troy Siemers of the Tonica Telephone Co. is shown preparing to strip the insulated cover off of a single fiber-optic strand. Because of the small diameter of the strand, splicing must be precise. This is accomplished with a fusion splicer that welds the glass ends together. ABOVE: There are 288 fiber optic strands in this cable, and each individual strand is capable of meeting a modern home’s data transmission needs.

The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 16, 2018

| RECORDS&LOCAL NEWS

LOSTANT VILLAGE BOARD

Flat annual fee for internet service established aspects regarding individual users’ connectivity and would put the onus of selling the service as a product upon Surf Air Wireless based upon quality. The main factor of the service in Immel’s mind is reliability. “We need reliability more than speed,” he said at Monday night’s Lostant Village Board meeting. While much of town might not see use for this particular service, those in more rural segments could depend on it for their connectivity.

BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@tonicanews.com LOSTANT — As Lostant enters an agreement with an internet provider to beam wireless from the water tower, the town is setting a flat fee for recipients. The fee for wireless internet from the water tower was decided at $600 for a year, which is $50 a month. Village President Jack Immel said that a set rate would remove hassle from keeping track of various

IN BRIEF Stremlau re-elected group director of bankers association SPRINGFIELD — Alan Stremlau, CEO of Illini State Bank, Tonica, was re-elected as group director of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI) at the association’s annual convention held recently in St. Louis. As a group director, he serves on the CBAI board of directors, as well as its strategic planning and membership committees. Stremlau graduated from Western Illinois University, Macomb, in 1986. He also graduated from the CBAI Community Bankers School, Bloomington, and Graduate School of Banking, Madison, Wis. Stremlau started his career with Tonica State Bank and Farmers State Bank of Lostant in 1986 as an agricultural loan officer. These two banks merged into Illini State Bank, Oglesby, in 1988, where he has served as CEO since 2012. He is a director and board secre-

tary on the Illini State Bank and ISB Bancorp boards. Stremlau has served on the Community BancService Corporation board and now serves on the CBAI board as a group director. Stremlau’s civic duties including serving as chief and president of the Tonica Fire, Ambulance and Rescue Services, serving on the Planning Commission and Zoning Board for the village of Tonica, and volunteering and serving as a member of the Games Committee for the Starved Rock Area Special Olympics. He is past president and treasurer of the Tonica Commercial Association and past campaign chair for the United Way of the Illinois Valley fund drive. Stremlau and his wife, Misty, are residents of Tonica and are parents of two sons and two daughters. CBAI is a professional trade association representing 330 Illinois commercial banks and thrifts, and their 880 Illinois bank branches.

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request amounted to $80,000 for 10 years and that the possibility of lead paint to deal with could add another $100,000. “I think that would be throwing good money after a bad water tower,” Immel said. The report is to be included with materials for a new request for grant money. • Maintenance workers Leland Decker and Lloyd Petri installed the new LED lights along Main Street in one day.

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Driver dies in crash At 8:18 a.m. on Nov. 3, deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident on Route 18, approximately three-quarters of a mile east of Route 251 in Hope Township. According to preliminary reports, Roland P. Bastien, 80, of Streator, was eastbound on Route 18 when his vehicle left the roadway to the south and struck a tree. Lostant EMS responded, and Bastien was pronounced dead at the scene. This case is under investigation by the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office and the LaSalle County Coroner’s Office.

Tonica man arrested on arson charges

Single-vehicle crash At 6:44 a.m. on Nov. 8, deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident at East 4th Road and Route 71 in Eden Township. Aaron Kinsel, 26, of Oglesby was southbound on East 4th Road when he lost control and entered the west ditch before crossing over the road and into the east ditch before coming to a stop. No injuries were reported, and no citations were issued.

OTTAWA — A Tonica man was arrested Nov. 9 on arson charges. David M. Willis, 36, is charged with arson and insurance fraud. He was arrested on warrants and taken to the LaSalle County Jail. David M. Willis set fire to Willis a Tonica woman’s house June 2 and her carriage house Aug. 4, with the aim of defrauding the insurer, according to the charges. Willis’ listed address is the same as the woman’s. Willis is further charged with trying to defraud his insurance company in December by falsely reporting his motorcycle was stolen. Tonica police handled the investigation. — Shaw Media

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In other board discussion: • The rate for water usage outside of Lostant is now set at 1 cent per gallon. It had previously been set at three-fourths of a cent. “That’s pretty cheap,” Immel said of the current price. • Lostant has received its report regarding the issues with the water tower, but a list of the exact problems was not included. “He did not list what was wrong, but what he was going to do to fix it,” said Immel, noting that the

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LOCAL NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

Tonica Grade School salutes veterans

• Friday, November 16, 2018

Tonica News photos • Dave Cook Tonica Grade School saluted local veterans with a Veterans Day assembly held in the gymnasium on Nov. 8. TGS eighth-grader Connor Fundell (upper right) won the essay contest, and he read his submission about the country’s entrance into World War I. Those in attendance

were also treated to a posting and retiring of the colors, renditions of the song of each branch of the military, a flag-waving and patriotic song from some of the school’s younger students, and an opportunity to shake the hands of the many veterans present.

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The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 16, 2018

| COMMUNITY

OTTAWA

Annual Holiday Preview Party at Reddick Mansion set for Nov. 16 OTTAWA — The Reddick Mansion Association (RMA) invites the public to its “Sparkling Evening,” its fifth annual Holiday Preview Party on Friday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will reflect the “Sparkling Evening” theme and will feature champagne and chocolate. Well-known local guitarist and vocalist Steve Sharp will be performing throughout the evening. “We are very excited to have Steve at the Mansion,” said Lorraine McCallister, president of the RMA. “His music will add another ‘sparkle’ to the evening. We hope that many will come to the Mansion to see him perform and to enjoy the Mansion in all her Christmas splendor.” The “period rooms” will be lit by candles and Christmas tree lights. “These lovely rooms take on a totally different ambience with the subtle lighting. And you get a much better sense of what Mansion would have been like when the Reddicks lived in it,” according to McCallister,

After more than 200 hours of work by volunteers, all the trees, garlands, candles, ornaments, centerpieces and lights will be in place. Steve Meyer, Larry Swanson and Chris McCarter, all members of the Reddick Mansion Association, will coordinate and oversee the decorating of the more than 20 rooms in the Mansion. While enjoying the music and beautiful decorations, visitors will be able to chat with costumed docents as they leisurely wander throughout the Mansion. People will also be able to visit and take photos with Father Christmas (as portrayed by RMA board member Roger Hooper). A donation of $10 per person is requested. The Reddick Mansion, built in 1858, is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and is open to the public for tours. The Mansion, at 100 W. Lafayette St. in Ottawa, also Photo contributed has meeting/reception rooms avail- Steve Meyer and Debbie Hintz are “playing around” one of the Christmas trees at the able for rent for special events. Reddick Mansion.

BRIEFS Youth symphony orchestra fall concert LASALLE — The Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform its fall concert at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in Matthiessen Auditorium at LaSalle-Peru High School. The fall concert features works both old and new. Mozart and Brahms provide the beloved classics, while “Tahiti Trot” and “Frozen” add a contemporary twist. A cake and punch reception will follow the concert. Alex Wang, one of the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra’s director, will be features on “Zigeunerweisen” by Pablo de Sarasate a concerto for violin and orchestra. Tickets are available through orchestra members, or at the door, at $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. In its 32nd season, the IVYSO is comprised of Illinois

Valley-area students. With annual August auditions for all orchestral instruments, the orchestra performs multiple concerts each year, with works both new and old crossing many genres. The orchestra is always accepting new players. For more information, contact Jennifer Antkowiak Etscheid, orchestra manager, at ivysorchestra@gmail.com.

IVCC will host fall ag open house OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College will host its Fall Ag Open House for all prospective students and parents on Thursday, Nov. 29, in Rooms CTC124125. Session 1 is from noon to 2 p.m. and session 2 is from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests will interact with current IVCC students and faculty, learn about the program and tour campus. Enrollment, financial aid and scholarship information

Blood drive in Tonica TONICA — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, at the United Methodist Church, located at 423 Wauponis St. in Tonica. To make an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood. org or call 800-RED-CROSS.

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partment operations a necessity. A Fire Prevention Safety program was conducted at the Tonica Grade School with Leonore firefighters and their fire rescue truck. The program covered fire safety, and the firefighter EMTs demonstrated the items used during medical emergencies. Students were given a tour of the Tonica ambulance, Tonica fire truck and the Leonore rescue truck. Smokey Bear was also in attendance to interact with the students. Assistant Chief Bill Gray and Firefighter Roland Nass assisted with a fire extinguisher safety program conducted by Getz Fire Equipment Co. Chief Al Stremlau attended a safety meeting at the Tonica Grade School. Stremlau also reported an ISO audit was conducted Nov. 1. This review was conducted by an outside agency and covers the operations and documentation of the fire department, the village water department and the county emergency dispatching center. The rating can have an effect on the insurance premiums of property owners. The annual request for donations from property owners and renters within the village limits was mailed in October. This request is similar to the one made in the spring for residents outside the village, but within the rural protection area. These donations help the fire department provide fire, ambulance and rescue services without property taxes. Erin Picton was accepted as a new probationary EMS member. The construction of the new building addition at the fire station is underway. The department’s new rescue truck is scheduled to arrive in April. The department has been discussing the marking of fire hydrants in accordance with standards and will be working with village officials on this project.

Lunch Nov. 19 — Bone-in chicken drumBreakfast stick, mashed potatoes, green beans, Nov. 19 — Waffle and syrup, granola, fruit, pudding, milk. yogurt, fruit, cheese stick, juice, milk. Nov. 20 — Corn dog, lettuce and Nov. 20 — Scrambled eggs with salad dressing, fruit, Rice Krispies toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, cheese stick, treat, milk. juice, milk. Nov. 21 — Cheesy garlic French Nov. 21 — No school. bread, marinara sauce, carrots, fruit, Nov. 22 — No school. cookie, milk. Nov. 23 — No school. Nov. 22 — No school. Lunch Nov. 23 — No school. Nov. 19 — Mini corn dogs, sweet potato puffs, chips, fruit, milk. Nov. 20 — Nacho bar (chips, taco meat, Putnam County Community cheese, lettuce, tomatoes), rice, fruit, milk. Center Nov. 21 — No school. Nov. 19 — Pork loin, fried potatoes, Nov. 22 — No school. carrots, plums, dinner roll. Nov. 23 — No school. Nov. 20 — Turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, green Tonica Grade School bean casserole, cranberries, roll. Nov. 21 — Chicken a la king, rice, Breakfast zucchini, pineapple. Nov. 19 — Oatmeal with dried fruit, Nov. 22 — PCCC closed. chocolate chips or brown sugar or cereal, Nov. 23 — PCCC closed. toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Bread, butter, fruit juice and 2% milk Nov. 20 — Pancake and sausage on are available with meals. For reservaa stick or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, tions, call 800-757-4579 24 hours in fruit, juice, milk. Nov. 21 — Glazed doughnut or cereal, advance of the day’s meal. The meal program is partly funded by donations, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. so they have a suggested donation of Nov. 22 — No school. $5 per meal. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 23 — No school.

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The Tonica Volunteer Fire Department responded to seven emergency calls during October, with the yearto-date number of calls rising to 148. The calls consisted of one fire that was an automatic aid to Oglesby for a fire at IVCC; one accident; two ambulance requests; one good intent; one law enforcement assist; and one mutual aid assist to Oglesby at Matthiessen Park. During October, member training included the following: A National Incident Management System (NIMS) pre-plan activity covering town evacuation and accountability; command and control; leadership; communications and organizational skills used for the review and operation of apparatus and equipment; trauma; verifying the operational readiness of personnel and equipment; and hose, nozzle and pump operations on the pumper-tender and the two pumpers. Members also participated in mutual-aid extrication training with the Oglesby Fire Department. Training simulated a major interstate accident involving five vehicles and eight victims. The responders were presented with a simulated multi-vehicle accident with extrication required to gain access to and care for many of the vehicle’s occupants. Some vehicles were placed in unusual or precarious positions that rescuers might find them in at accident scenes. They learned how to safely operate the different tools, their limitations and capabilities, and how the different equipment can be used to complement each other. Some of the equipment used were stabilizing struts and jacks, high-pressure rescue air bags, hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams, saws-alls, various small hand tools and scene lighting. With the amount of high-speed vehicle traffic on interstate highways, incidents like this are a reality and inter-de-

Lostant Grade School

COMMUNITY | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

Tonica firefighters respond to calls, focus on more training

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The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 16, 2018

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TONICA GRADE SCHOOL

Illinois Report Card results show Tonica at 78 percent of the financial capacity needed to meet expectations BY DAVE COOK news@tonicanews.com

TGS students and academics Academically, 35 percent of TGS students met or exceeded the standards for English Language Arts during the Partnership for Assessment of

Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) testing, which is lower than the state average of 37 percent. This is an improvement from Tonica Grade’s 25 percent in 2016. In addition, 29 percent of TGS students met or exceeded PARCC standards for mathematics. The statewide average was 32 percent. This is an increase from 2016 when the TGS results were 25 percent. Moving on, 26.1 percent of TGS eighth-graders passed Algebra I compared to the state average of 30.6 percent. In 2017, 40 percent of TGS eighth-graders had passed Algebra I. The average class size at TGS is 18 students, a decrease from 2014’s average of 24 students. Statewide, the current average is 20. TGS students receive physical education five days a week compared to the state average of three days a week. The data shows the school has an enrollment of 168, 36.3 percent of which are in families receiving public aid, living in substitute care, or eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches. This is an eight percent increase from 2014. Statewide, the 2017 average is 49 percent, a three percent decrease from 2014. Sixteen percent of TGS students have individualized education programs, a four percent increase from 2014.

See REPORT, Page 12

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• Friday, November 16, 2018

TONICA — The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has recently released the 2018 Illinois Report Card (IRC) results for Tonica Grade School (TGS). TGS earned a summaritive designation of “Commendable” from the ISBE. Commendable schools have no underperforming student groups, a graduation rate higher than 67 percent, and performance that isn’t in the top 10 percent. “Tonica’s summaritive designation of ‘Commendable’ is something we can all be proud about. What’s unique under the new IRC format is the use of several measurements in addition to the state assessments. This designation of ‘Commendable’ means TGS has no under-performing student sub-groups,” TGS Superintendent Charles Schneider said. Financially, Tonica Grade was deemed a Tier 2

school with 78 percent of the minimum financial capacity needed to provide a high-quality education. The state’s new evidence-based funding for mula enacted last year changed how school districts receive the bulk of their state funding. Charles Sixty-seven percent of the dis- Schneider trict’s $2.2 million funding is locally Principalsourced, 27.3 percent comes from superintendent, the state, and 5.7 percent is federal. Tonica Grade These percentages are fairly close School to the statewide averages, but local responsibility has been increasing steadily over the past several years. Each district is placed in a “tier” that indicates access to additional funding apart from the basic minimum state allocation. This amount guarantees no districts lose funding under the new formula. Tier 1 and Tier 2 districts receive 99 percent of additional funds appropriated for this purpose from the state. This new formula provided Tonica with additional support to literacy and math programs.

LOCAL NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

District receives a ‘commendable’ report card

• REPORT

ELECTION 2018 | LASALLE COUNTY

Continued from Page 11

Spelich defeats Baer for treasurer

TGS educators and administration TGS has 15 full-time educators, and 61.5 percent of them have bachelor’s degrees and 38.5 percent have earned master’s degrees or higher. The average ratio of pupils to teachers in Tonica is 12:1, lower than the state’s average of 19:1. TGS retains 70.4 percent of its educators year-to-year, which is lower than the state’s average retention of 85.2 percent. According to the ISBE, the average TGS teacher salary is roughly $38,000 a year, significantly lower than the state’s average educator salary of approximately $65,000 a year, and a difference of $27,000. From 2017 the average statewide teacher’s salary increased by about $1,200 while the TGS average salary for teachers dropped more than $2,500. According to the IRC data, TGS teachers now, on average, make less than they did in 2009. The report states 87.2 percent of TGS teachers had fewer than 10 absences, an increase of 17 percent from 2016’s data. The state’s current average is only 70.2 percent, a 7 percent decrease from 2016. The report also states 100 percent of TGS educators were evaluated as excellent or proficient, an increase of 7 percent from 2017, as compared to the current statewide average of 97 percent. The IRC data shows the average TGS administrator salary is $102,000 a year, a more than $38,000 increase from 2017. The average statewide administrator salary for 2018 is roughly $107,000. According to the ISBE, the annual salary for administrators varies depending on the size of the district, location, years of experience, level of education, and the financial resources of the district. For information about the Illinois Report Card results, visit www.illinoisreportcard.com.

SHAW MEDIA

Incumbent Republican LaSalle County Treasurer James Spelich defeated Democratic challenger Nikena “Nikki” Baer in balloting on Nov. 6. Voters chose Spelich by an unofficial margin of 22,757 to 16,875, or 57.4 percent to 42.6 percent. Spelich, 50, of Peru, has been treasurer since 2014. Baer, 48, is of LaSalle.

Other contested races Here are unofficial vote totals in other contested races voted upon by people in the Tonica and Lostant areas: LASALLE COUNTY BOARD, DISTRICT 14 Joseph J. Panzica Jr. (D) — 865 (47.8%) Tina Busch (R) — 944 (52.2%) GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR J.B. Pritzker and Juliana Stratton (Democrat) — 17,318 (43.8%) Bruce Rauner and Evelyn Sanguinetti (Republican) — 18,996 (48.0%) Grayson Kash Jackson and Sanjeev Mohip (Libertarian) — 1,140 (2.9%) William “Sam” McCann and Aaron Merreighn (Conservative) — 2,016 (5.1%) ATTORNEY GENERAL Kwame Raoul (D) — 17,532 (44.0%) Erika Harold (R) — 21,005 (52.8%) Bubba Harsy (L) — 1,269 (3.2%) SECRETARY OF STATE Jesse White (D) — 24,249 (60.3%)

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Jason Helland (R) — 14,937 (37.1%) Steve Dutner (L) — 1,030 (2.6%) COMPTROLLER Susana A. Mendoza (D) — 20,347 (51.1%) Darlene Senger (R) — 18,153 (45.6%) Claire Ball (L) — 1,304 (3.3%) TREASURER Michael W. Frerichs (D) — 17,938 (45.6%) Jim Dodge (R) — 19,759 (50.3%) Michael Leheney (L) — 1,618 (4.1%) CONGRESS, 16TH DISTRICT Sara Dady (D) — 17,165 (43.1%) Adam Kinzinger (R) — 22,664 (56.9%) STATE SENATE, 38TH DISTRICT Heidi Henry (D) — 15,083 (42.3%) Sue Rezin (R) — 20,599 (57.7%) STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 76TH DISTRICT Lance Yednock (D) — 16,752 (54.5%) Jerry Lee Long (R) — 13,962 (45.5%) 13TH CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, RETENTION VOTE Cynthia M. Raccuglia: Yes, 26,963 (73.1%); No, 9,915 (26.9%) Troy Holland: Yes, 30,236 (84.2%); No, 5,667 (15.8%) ADVISORY REFERENDUM LaSalle County voters cast ballots on an advisory referendum that states, “Shall LaSalle County oppose the passage of any bill where the Illinois General Assembly desires to restrict the individual right of U.S. citizens as protected by the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution?” Yes — 25,160 (67.0%) No — 12,386 (33.0%)

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| LOCAL NEWS

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General Terms and Policies 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. CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept

Need to place an ad? Call us 625-3600 284-2222

********** THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of the Tonica News Does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is. Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number. Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by”900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis. The Tonica News Classifieds makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader. If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact: Better Business Bureau 330 North Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 312 832-0500

450 • Under $1000 17.5”x25.5”x15.5” Wood Cabinet w/Sliding Doors, could be used for TV or end table or put boots in it & kids sit on it. $3.00. 2 Dark Chairs (Seats Need Recovering) $6.00 OBO. Call 815-915-5243, Not in the morning. 3-Samson Stage 33 Wireless Hand Mic System $100 each; 2 - Yorkville PR315 Speakers (15" 3way) $600; DBX 1531x graphic EQ (single 31 or dual 15 band) $200. Call 815-663-7823. Expandable Buffet Table Seats 8-10 Great for Holidays. $50 Call 815-872-6911

450 • Under $1000 ************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Put your ad in for FREE 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. E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number)

Fish Pond 2 by 4 Feet, $20; Brinkman Smoker Cast Iron Grill. Good Condition $35. 815-878-4270 Ladies Jackets: Like New Black Leather (XL or 1X) $5; Brown Washable Suede (1X) $5; Black Corduroy Blazer (XL) $2; Blue Jean Jackets (XL) $3' Longer Black Quilted (1X) $5; All Worn Lightly. 815-875-3257

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767 • Mobile Home Sales **************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275

• Friday, November 16, 2018

Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com

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999 • Legal Notices

A3 999 • Legal Notices

November 2, 9, 16, 2018

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ESTATE OF ) PHYLLIS MONTERASTELLI )NO. 17-P-48 DECEASED. ) CLAIMS NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Phyllis Monterastelli, of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, on November 14, 2016, leaving a will dated the 20th day of April, 2001, which petitioners believe to be the last will of testator. The Attorney for the Estate is Travis J. Dunn of the Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, 110 East Main Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350. Notice is further given to Unknown Heirs, and persons whose names and addresses are unknown in said proceeding that Deborah Patarozzi was appointed executor according to the will dated the 20th day of April, 2001. Claims may be filed November 2, 2018 through November 16, 2018. Any claim not filed by November 16, 2018 is barred. Claims may be filed in the Office of Greg Vaccaro, Circuit Clerk, 119 West Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, or claims may be filed with the executor. If filed with the Clerk, the claimant must, within ten days of filing, mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the executor, Deborah Patarozzi and file with the Clerk proof of such mailing or delivery. Deborah Patarozzi., Executor Travis J. Dunn, Attorney at Law

999 • Legal Notices

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LOIS J. HALBMAIER, Deceased. No. 18-P-229 NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION - CLAIMS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of LOIS J. HALBMAIER, late, of Mendota. Letters of Office were issued on October 9, 2018, to SHEILA HALBMAIER, whose attorney is Aplington, Kaufman, McClintock, Steele & Barry, Ltd., 160 Marquette St., P.O. Box 517, LaSalle, IL 61301. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Office of the Clerk, Circuit Court, in the LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, or with the representative, or both, on or before May 2, 2019, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed. Dated this 22rd day of October, 2018. GREG VACCARO CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS 119 W. Madison Street Ottawa, IL 61350 November 2, 9, 16, 2018

999 • Legal Notices

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999 • Legal Notices

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LaSALLE COUNTY OTTAWA, ILLINOIS In Re: The Estate of Bernard J. Strozewski NO. 2018-P-220 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Bernard J. Strozewski, late of LaSalle, Illinois . Letters of office were issued on October 10, 2018 to Leonard J. Strozewski, whose attorney is Gary Gearhart, GEARHART LAW OFFICE, 951 Fifth Street, LaSalle, Illinois 61301. Claims against the Estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, Downtown Courthouse, 119 W. Madison St., Ottawa, Illinois, or with the representative, or both, within 6) months from the date of issuance of letters. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. GREG VACCARO Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary L. Gearhart GEARHART LAW OFFICE Attorney for Plaintiff 951 Fifth Street LaSalle, IL 61301 Phone: (815) 223-8009 Fax: (815) 223-8003 November 2,9,16,2018

999 • Legal Notices

IN THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF ILLINOISIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY Estate of DONALD G. POUK, Deceased. No. 2018-P-232 NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of DONALD G. POUK. Letters of office as Independent Executor were issued on October 18, 2018 to NORMA WARGO, 810 Bazore Street, Streator, Illinois 61364 and whose attorney is M.G. GULO & ASSOCIATES, LTD., 123 S. Monroe Street, Streator, Illinois 61364. The estate will be administered without Court supervision, unless under Section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, Par. 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, on or before May 24, 2019, or if mailing or delivery of notice from the representative is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of any claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the estate representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed with the Clerk. Dated this 16th day of November, 2018. Jim Olson, Clerk of the Circuit Court 13th Judicial Circuit, LaSalle County, Illinois November 16, 23,30, 2018

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November 2, 9, 16, 2018 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ESTATE OF ) PETER F. FERRACUTI )NO. 18- P-73 DECEASED. ) CLAIMS NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Peter Ferracuti, of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, on October 24, 2017, leaving a will dated the 14th day of July, 1999, which petitioners believe to be the last will of testator. The Attorney for the Estate is Travis J. Dunn of the Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, 110 East Main Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350. Notice is further given to Unknown Heirs, and persons whose names and addresses are unknown in said proceeding that Janice Ferracuti was appointed executor according to the will dated the 14th day of July, 1999. Claims may be filed November 2, 2018 through November 16, 2018. Any claim not filed by November 16, 2018 is barred. Claims may be filed in the Office of Greg Vaccaro, Circuit Clerk, 119 West Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, or claims may be filed with the executor. If filed with the Clerk, the claimant must, within ten days of filing, mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the executor, Linda Baker, and file with the Clerk proof of such mailing or delivery. Janice Ferracuti, Executor Travis J. Dunn, Attorney at Law

999 • Legal Notices

CLASSIFIEDS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF LASALLE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ESTATE OF ) Elizabeth Baker, )NO. 15 - P - 169 DECEASED. ) CLAIMS NOTICE Notice is hereby given of the death of Elizabeth Baker, of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, on November 15, 2014, leaving a will dated the 26th day of March, 1994, which petitioners believe to be the last will of testator. The Attorney for the Estate is Travis J. Dunn of the Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, 110 East Main Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350. Notice is further given to Unknown Heirs, and persons whose names and addresses are unknown in said proceeding that Linda Baker was appointed executor according to the will dated the 26th day of March, 1994. Claims may be filed November 2, 2018 through November 16, 2018. Any claim not filed by November 16, 2018 is barred. Claims may be filed in the Office of Greg Vaccaro, Circuit Clerk, 119 West Madison Street, Ottawa, IL 61350, or claims may be filed with the executor. If filed with the Clerk, the claimant must, within ten days of filing, mail or deliver a copy of the claim to the executor, Linda Baker, and file with the Clerk proof of such mailing or delivery. Linda Baker, Executor Travis J. Dunn, Attorney at Law

999 • Legal Notices

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OGLESBY • tonicanews.com VOLUME 144 NO. 48

t Village Board is

ss making progre Friday, November 2, 2018

for its water tower LOSTANT The Lostan ation to help pay on its grant applic t. / 4 replacement projec

Happy Halloween! College Night

46th IVCC will host its annual College Night on Oct. 23 at the college gym. / 7

members eer Fire Department TONICA Tonica Voluntand did training last month. / 5 calls responded to 17

Spiderman, aka Jase Jording, and April Jording were just two of the many costumed partiers at the Lostant Halloween Fest on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 28. Hosted by the Lostant Ladies League at the Lostant Fire Department, the celebration featured plenty of games, sweet treats and family friendly fun. FOR ANOTHER PHOTO, PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 3. (Tonica News photo/ Dave Cook)

Vol. 144 No. 48

One Section - 12 Pages

ELECTION 2018

Decision day

LaSalle County voters have plenty of choices on the ballot as Nov. 6 approaches. / 2

more than 2,600 acres of it land in LaSalle County, and parks. / 3 Rock and Matthiessen state

REGION The state has purchased will be added to the Starved

gained valuable hands-on

TONICA Tonica firefighters have training exercise with the joint experience by conducting a 4 Oglesby Fire Department. /

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