TON-11-27-2015

1 Front Volume 141 No. 51

Friday, November 27, 2015

Single Copy Cost 50¢

Tax freeze hits Tonica and Lostant Tonica Grade School considers options

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — The Tonica School Board considered its options regarding the proposed tax freeze and voted on the new levy.

Will Glass of First Midstate addressed the board, during its Tuesday, Nov. 17 meeting, about the potential upcoming property tax freeze.

Senate Bill 318 would subject the district to caps by state mandate. Until such time as it passes, it does not directly affect the board.

However, Glass insists the board needs to look seriously at what it can do to prepare for such an event as the bill becoming law.

There are 39 counties in Illinois currently subject to tax caps, LaSalle County not being one of them. However, Glass sees these counties as being a potential key to the act passing.

“Eighty percent of Illinois taxpayers are in these 39 counties,” Glass said. Because these counties are already subject to the caps, it would not affect them to put everyone else under the same restrictions. “It wouldn’t be any skin off the backs of the legislators in these areas to vote this into law.”

The freeze would start at a default of two levy years, but Glass remains unconvinced it

Tonica freeze Page 4

Lostant looks at possible property tax freeze

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — The Lostant School Board is looking to a potential freeze coming up — not the kind that affects the pipes, rather the variety that affects property taxes.

The board discussed the freeze at its meeting Wednesday, Nov 18.

“We are anticipating this incoming property tax freeze after Jan. 1,” Superintendent Sandra Malahy said. “If that happens, it will freeze our amount.

That’s all we will be able to pay off in a year.”

The board was not coming to any decisions at the time but decided to start discussion before they have to vote.

“We do not need to make a decision so much, but we need to start the conversation quickly,” Malahy said.

They looked to what a future will look like with the freeze in effect.

“Our expenses rise every year,” board President Mike Phillips said. “We’re looking at our expenses continuing to go up, while our revenue is locked.”

In the past, the board has been careful with how much money it receives, but

Lostant freeze Page 4

Cold outside but the games are heating up inside On the blustery afternoon of Thursday, Nov. 19, the Putnam County Community Center hosted Bingo with Luann. There were few available seats during the quick moving and popular game. The community center has various activities during the month. To view the events calendar or for more information, visit www.pcaservices.org.

Tonica News photo/Dave Cook

Talking tech in Tonica

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — The Tonica school is looking into upgrading its technology.

At the school board meeting Nov 17, district IT consultant Rob Polacek gave his thoughts on the technological situation the school faces.

A major issue he noted was the computers and operating systems the school uses. Many teachers are using XP, which is no longer supported.

Vol. 141 No. 51 One Section - 8 Pages

Polacek pointed out a lack of updated drivers for the system makes certain tasks, such as printing, a problem.

He also talked about the issue of iPads, which are breaking without a plan to replace them. Using Chromebooks instead was a proposed solution, and Polacek does not think there would be any issues switching over.

Kim Goodbred was not as certain about the Chromebooks. She explained

Tonica tech Page 2

Opening the book on literacy

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — The new literacy program at Lostant Grade School is doing well, according to a report given to the board at its meeting Wednesday, Nov 18.

Teacher Melissa Einhaus came in, along with students Ryleigh Wilson, Samantha Curry and Chelsie Craps, to talk to the board about the new program.

The program includes items such as non-fiction, fiction, oral reading, reading

Wenona VetCare

John M. Ehrhardt, DVM Primary Pet Care • Primary Pet Dentistry 138 Chestnut St., Wenona, IL • See Us On Facebook © The Tonica News

815-853-4567

comprehension, reading rate and fluency.

Einhaus explained how the program determines reading assignments.

“There’s a word list, and the kids just go through and read the words,” Einhaus said.

“I only had a few kids whiz through them.”

The assigning system works. “Wherever this put them,” Einhaus said, “it was pretty accurate.”

Einhaus finds the teacher’s manual useful. It sets up how the class will go every day

Lostant literacy Page 4

Love.

Protect.

Heal.

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 27, 2015

Seeking Sources

Funding, surveys and more ...

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

By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — The Lostant School Board had a sizable amount to talk about during its Nov. 18 meeting, from budget to evaluations and upcoming programs, such as the senior dinner, to issues of communication.

One of the major topics was budget. The Illinois school districts have had their budgets curtailed through lack of receiving funds.

“We were informed that Illinois school districts have not been funded by $3.8 billion. Now that’s phenomenal,” Superintendent Sandra Malahy said. “We’ve also been informed that we might not receive one or two of our last state aid payments.”

The school has been managing with the budget it has.

“We are doing well to stay under budget so far,” Malahy said.

However, there is more the school will need to pay off.

“We have only received one school’s tuition bill so far this year, so we’ll still have two more to pay,” she said.

Malahy also provided some news the board would find welcome. She relayed information from a recent TIF meeting she had attended.

“If they received all the tax money, we should get just over $3,000 from the village,” Malahy said.

“That’s the most we’ve received so far in the three years we’ve received money.”

Of course, it is possible requirements will not be met for the school to receive that amount of money.

In other business, the school has recently undergone a couple evaluations.

The first mentioned was its health evaluation, which it passed. “We’ve received a 98 percent,” Malahy said. “They came unannounced. Nobody knew they were coming that day, so it’s not like we could prepare.”

The school’s boiler was

Tonica tech

Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.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

Illinois Press IVERSARY 150TH ANN

2015 Member

Lostant sets Senior Dinner

Association 1865-2015

From Page 1

her experiences with the Chromebook her daughter uses. “I have serious qualms about those,” Goodbred said.

“They wouldn’t be an outright replacement for the iPads,” Polacek said. “There’s a ton of different uses we can get out of those before we have to completely phase them out.”

“We did pay for the Apple Care when we bought the iPads,” board President Jeremy Hillyer said.

“We need to look into that right away,” Marty Wiesbrock, board member, said. “If we purchased something in November 2012, and it was for three years ...” The deadline could already be looming to use the program.

One issue Polacek noted, “With iPads, if a screw came loose and you fixed it; if you fixed anything, you voided the warranty.”

He finds Chromebooks would be more palatable in this area. “With the Chromebook program, it’d be taken care of,” Polacek said.

“I think end user teachers need new desktops, since they’re having problems with old operating systems,” Polacek said. “Not to mention it’s a security risk too, but that’s kind of minor.”

318181

Daily Social Activities • Personal Assistance with Daily Needs Medication Assistance • Private & Companion Suites Access to AJ’s - FREE on Site Fitness Center

Peru • Streator • Princeton | Not-For-Profit Provider 815-224-2200 • 815-672-1900 • 815-875-6600 www.simplythefinest.net

“The eighth-graders will serve, and several little sections of the winter program will perform.

The seniors love it.”

Lostant Superintendent Sandra Malahy

Facebook; we have the website; we have newsletters,” Malahy said.

“I believe my teachers respond to phone calls and emails within 24 hours, usually before 12 hours.”

The question is what parents want to be done differently. “We’re willing to add or change stuff if we just know what it is,” Malahy said.

Overall, she considers the survey a success. “I think those are the best surveys I’ve seen so far.”

The board recognized several organizations like the Parent Teacher Organization, which was recognized for providing dinner for the teachers each night of the parent/teacher conference.

Marty Wiesbrock questioned the order of solutions, asking about the school’s wireless infrastructure. “From what I understand, there is no real consistency throughout the building,” Wiesbrock said. “I thought we needed to fix that.”

His issue is not with whether the school upgrades its technology, but how effective such an upgrade will be at this time. “The Chromebooks aren’t going to work any better there unless we fix the infrastructure first,” Wiesbrock said.

Regardless, the school’s technological issues extend beyond the wireless.

To illustrate this, Darlene Hess, a language arts teacher, discussed her own problematic experiences with technology in the school.

She began by explaining her interactions with her computer. “To start, I’m going to tell you that I turn it on with a pencil,” Hess said, describing the difficulty she faces booting the system up.

“Sometimes it takes 20 minutes to start up,” she said. This poses issues on occasion when the computer’s slow startup cycle cuts into class time.

When she tries to show her class something on their screens, she encounters further issues. She referred to Polacek’s point about teachers having issues printing.

A further grievance was lag between the

They took care of you - Be sure to take care of them...

Hawthorne Inn Assisted Living at

also evaluated.

The board also discussed the upcoming Senior Dinner, which will be held at noon on Thursday, Dec. 10. The school will hold a traditional turkey dinner for senior citizens.

“The eighth-graders will serve, and several little sections of the winter program will perform,” Malahy said. She recalled past reception. “The seniors all love it.”

Lostant senior citizens are asked to call the school for reservations as soon as possible.

A couple of programs have requested use of school facilities. A 4-H program has asked to use the school cafeteria for monthly meetings and has been granted facility use. Also, Illinois Valley Volley Power, a volleyball club, has asked to use the gym and has also been granted use of school facilities.

The board looked over survey results. Communication was a common thread in the responses.

“The question is, “What are we not providing?’”

Malahy said. “We have

Board President Mike Phillips suggested a recognition: “I would recognize the girls’ basketball team for their season, and the boys’ basketball team for winning their first game, and the cheerleaders for traveling to Peru to cheer them on.”

Phillips was also recognized for winning the Illinois Community College Faculty Association’s 2015 Leo Welch Instructor of the Year Award.

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Niki Rauba, co-volleyball coach, and of Danell Mertes, also co-volleyball coach. The board also accepted the employment of Kayte Bernardoni as volleyball coach.

keyboard and computer. “It could literally take 10 minutes for the screen to catch up with what I’m typing,” Hess said.

Polacek offered his diagnosis: “It sounds like your hard drive is starting to die.”

“It sounds to me that we need to get the teachers’ computers updated before we do anything with Chromebooks,” Hillyer said.

Furthermore, the school cannot wait for the next time technology starts to die before it replaces equipment. “There has to be some sort of plan,” Hillyer said.

In other business: • The board decided to accept its only bid for snow removal. The school will provide salt to reduce the price.

• A volleyball club is granted permission to use the gym, so long as Tonica students are on the roster.

• The board approved maternity leave for Hess, and resignation for Colleen Huska.

• The board discussed restoration of a photo. “I just think we should be proud of that and display it,” Principal Duane Schupp said. “Not many schools can say they have Supreme Court judges from their school.”

• There was a brief discussion regarding the Tonica Grade School Foundation. “The Foundation is very generous, and they don’t get a lot of recognition, so I’d like to publicly thank them,” said Hillyer.

3 Obit Records Friday, November 27, 2015 • The Tonica News • 3

IVSO to present ‘The Nutcracker’ LASALLE — The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, under musical director and conductor Lucia Matos, will present Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and 3 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 13, in LaSalle-Peru High School’s auditorium.

The Nutcracker scenario is based on Alexandre Dumas’ French version of “The Nutcracker” and the “Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The story invites us into a child’s world filled with anticipa-

tion. It is a story of magic and transformation that can be enjoyed on many levels which unfold as we experience life and reflect our awareness and perceptions that things are not always as they seem.

First performed on Dec. 18, 1892, in St. Petersburg, Russia, “The Nutcracker” has been a Christmastime classic performed throughout the world and is almost everyone’s first ballet.

Now the entire Illinois Valley is being invited to view this spectacular performance. Ballet dancers

from the Dance Center, LaSalle, Gray’s School of Dance, Ottawa, and Ottawa Dance Academy will join the IVSO, along with the Oglesby School Choir, in performing this time-honored ballet.

This program is sponsored by Spring Valley City Bank and Eureka Savings Bank, and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Season sponsor is Central Radio Group.

Seating is limited. Adult tickets are $15, and children age 12 and under

are $5. Reserved seats only. Send check payable to IVSO and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: IVSO Nutcracker, c/o Larry Ault, 1300 Briarcrest Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350.

Specify date, main floor or balcony, and how many adult and child tickets.

Orders received after Dec. 4 will be held at the door.

LaSalle–Peru High School is handicapped accessible. For more information about these performances and upcoming concerts, visit www.ivso.org.

U.S. soybean farmers continue to deliver what customers want

U.S. farmers sent 59 percent of soy production overseas in last year ST. LOUIS – International customers want high-quality, reliable products, and that’s what U.S. soybean farmers keep delivering – literally. In the most recent marketing year, the United States exported more than 2.3 billion bushels of U.S. soy valued at more than $27 billion.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the final export total for the 2014-15 marketing year, which ended Sept.

30, includes more than 1.8 billion bushels of whole U.S. soybeans, meal from 552 million bushels of U.S. soybeans and oil from 172 million bushels. Exports accounted for 59 percent of U.S. soy demand this past marketing year.

“As a U.S. soybean farmer, I take pride in growing a high-quality product for my customers, whether they’re

five miles away or 5,000,” says Bob Metz, United Soybean Board international opportunities target area coordinator, member of the U.S. Soybean Export Council board of directors and soybean farmer from Peever, S.D. “These numbers show not only how much our international customers rely on our soybeans, but also how much we rely on our customers.”

Top buyers of whole U.S. soybeans in 2014-15 include: • China: 1.084 billion bushels • Mexico: 130 million bushels • Japan: 78 million bushels Top buyers of U.S. soybean meal include: • Mexico: meal from 85 million bushels of U.S. soybeans • Philippines: meal from 66 million bushels

TRI-COUNTY AUTO SALES

• Canada: meal from 39 million bushels Top buyers of U.S. soybean oil include: • Mexico: oil from 46 million bushels of U.S. soybeans • Dominican Republic: oil from 22 million bushels • Peru: oil from 19 million bushels The 70 farmer/directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy’s customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act,

339-6165 Rt. #71 • Standard, IL

2012 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 $7,995

2011 Kia Sportage 5 Speed $5,995

2010 Hyundai Elantra Loaded $4,995

2009 Chevy Impala Loaded $4,995

2008 Nissan Versa 5 Speed $3,995

2007 Pontiac Grand Prix $3,595

Hurst Funeral Home Tonica, IL

223-0380 On Route 26 9 miles south of Hennepin Home Grown and Fresh Cut

Open Everyday 9:00 to 4:00

after Thanksgiving • Nov. 29 thru Dec. 25

CALL 815-488-8227 or 309-364-2118 “Cut Your Own” During Weekend Hours Only.

Making Fresh Wreaths Daily Shaker and Bailer

the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean. org.

George ‘Bud’ Knecht LEONORE — George “Bud” Knecht, 81, of Leonore left to go on the greatest fishing trip of his life on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by his loving family.

Bud was born Dec. 1, 1933, in Streator to George and Mary (Kolesar) Knecht. He married Marlene Zimmerman on Aug. 10, 1957. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, serving as an MP. Bud owned and operated Knecht Construction for 40 years. He worked as a projectionist at several area driveins and theaters for many years. He was a member of the Leonore Volunteer Fire Department for 53 years and also served on the Leonore Village Board for 24 years, with 16 of those years as village president. He had many hobbies, but enjoyed fishing and woodworking the most and could most likely be found working in his shop or fishing at his cabin.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; one son, Kevin (Eileen) Knecht of Tonica; two daughters, Karlene (Stacey) Dolder and Kim (Ron) Henrich, both of Somonauk; three grandchildren, Jamie and Jeremy Dolder, and Jenna Henrich; one brother, David (Barbara) Knecht; and one sister, Marianne Laatz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Karl and Ed; and one sister, Hope.

A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 27, at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in rural Tonica, south of Leonore, with Father Gary Blake officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Dolder, Tim Grusy, Lloyd Coffman, Ron Peters and Bob Rauba.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk. For more information, or to sign the online guestbook, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com.

HOLOCKER TREE FARM Open November 27 - December 14 • Open 10am - 4pm Daily

CHRISTMAS TREES

Pre-cut or Tree Baler & Shaker on Hand Cut Your Own WREATHS • ROPING • GRAVE BLANKETS 4 miles west of Rt. 89, 1 mile east of Rt. 26 on McNabb Blacktop

815-882-2702

Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for the Richland Township Road District I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the Richland Township Road District for 2015 will be held on December 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Leonore Fire Station, 107 Monroe Street, Leonore, Illinois.

Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Donna Nass, Township Supervisor, 861 N. 16th Road, Tonica, Illinois, 61370 or by telephone at 815-257-2962.

II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $18,383.00.

The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $30,250.00. This represents a 64.55 percentage 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 no change from the previous year.

IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $18,383.

The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $30,250. This represents a 64.55 percentage increase over the previous year.

The hearing is open to the public. The corporate authority of the taxing district shall explain the reasons for the proposed increase and shall permit persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present testimony within reasonable time limits as it determines.

Published in the Tonica News Nov. 27, 2015.

4 Life 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 27, 2015

Tonica freeze

Lostant freeze

Lostant literacy

From Page 1

From Page 1

From Page 1

will remain bound within that time frame. “Our thought is that’s to make it more palatable to make it into law,” Glass said.

Glass looked to the counties already under restriction.

“Once a county has enacted tax caps through referendum, none has been able to get rid of it,” Glass said. “It would seem that once you have tax caps, you have them forever.”

He did note there are still options, though few of them, even if the bill passes. “It is important to note that you can always go to referendum,” Glass said. However, he does not think this is always a good idea.

Currently, the district has no such base. “If this tax freeze goes into effect, you’ll be frozen at zero,” Glass said. “Going without funding for the next two years is a thought you need to pay attention to now.”

“It’s unfortunate the conservative districts like yourself that haven’t had to borrow are going to be penalized and not have a base, while those who have borrowed will keep their base,” Glass said.

He sees the freeze as an eventual occurrence, which is why he feels the board needs to act quickly to ensure it has further funding in the years to come.

“There are the votes to pass the act, and it’s already passed the Senate,” Glass said. “We’re seeing this as a reality that’s going to happen.”

The board discussed the tentative 2015 levy, payable in 2016, which takes this potential event into account.

“It’s my opinion that if the board wants to get out of the red ink, we want this budget, this levy, and we have to look at reductions,” Interim Superintendent Lawrence Carlton said.

“It has to be a combination.”

Board member Marty Wiesbrock questioned why the board began by focusing on the tax rate rather than starting by looking at where to cut.

“If we manage to cut enough, do we need to increase taxes this much?” Wiesbrock asked.

“Because this has to be done right now,” board President Jeremy Hillyer said. “It has to be done tonight, for next month.”

The board can look at what to cut at any time, but the current legislation presses them to look at taxes now.

However, the board still contemplated what it might need to cut. “What’s costing us the most with the least benefit?”

Hillyer asked, adding after the levy vote, cuts would be considered.

The board set the Truth in Taxation hearing for Dec 15 at 6:45 p.m.

preparations for the freeze might cause it to look into the viability of its current tactics.

“We’ve always been more responsible with what we take in, and we don’t take in more than we need,” Phillips said. “The state’s kind of forcing our hand.”

The issue Phillips sees is not just with the tax cap, but with potential additional losses to come.

“At the same time they’re talking about locking the amount of money we’re taking in, they’re talking about giving us another big expense,” Phillips said. “It makes good press for them: ‘Hey, we froze your property taxes.’”

To prepare, the board looked at potential changes to the levy.

“If this goes up,” Malahy reminded them, “we don’t have to ask for that amount every year.”

The levy as it stands was not intended for this possible future, nor was it even meant for current circumstances.

“We’re supposed to be getting money from the state, and they’re not kicking in their fair share,” Phillips said. “That’s probably why the levy was set that way, is the state was giving us what they’re supposed to.”

During this discussion, the topic of consolidation came up. Lostant does not want to play along with how the state would do things.

“The state’s thing is they want districts to consolidate,” Phillips said.

Malahy does not see overall consolidation as a good idea.

“That consolidation conversation goes round and round, and a big part is transportation,” Malahy said.

“You cannot put kids on buses for hours.”

Midstate will be at the next meeting to talk to the board about its options regarding preparation for the potential freeze. Taking the time to look over the options should be beneficial.

“This is so critical,” Malahy said. “I don’t think we should rush into it.”

and makes sure nothing is forgotten.

She went on to describe the reading materials.

“The non-fiction’s pretty good nonfiction,” Einhaus said, adding it’s not the same non-fiction she had when she was in school. She had good words about the fiction as well. “My groups have read three novels so far,” Einhaus said. “They’re pretty good.”

The students had an opportunity to give their thoughts on the program as well.

When asked to describe it, Craps said, “We’re getting to ask questions about the book, and we’re reading a book every day.”

Curry chimed in with her thoughts. “I think it’s more educational than anything we’ve ever done,” she said.

She also agreed that the questioning aspect is agreeable. “I also like how the questions are asked.”

“It helps you interact with the teacher and students around you,” Wilson said. “It’s fun.”

Superintendent Sandra Malahy took the opportunity to explain reading materials for high level students.

“When you have children who are reading fluently and comprehending at a high school and college level, you cannot find text that doesn’t contain mature content,” Malahy said.

She clarified. “I don’t mean inappropriate content.”

“We haven’t had a problem so far,” Malahy said. “ We have never had a parent in that group question the material.”

She iterated her point on the distinction between mature and inappropriate content: “It’s just there might be mature content on a page or two, but it’s not inappropriate content.

Malahy gave her thoughts on the program as a whole. “This is going to raise that bar for the kids,” Malahy said. “In about two years, we should see everyone on a high reading level.”

In related discussion, Malahy talked about the status of writing and what the school plans to do about it for its students. “Nationally, as a country, we have low writing skills,” Malahy said. “When things get pushed out of the curriculum, writing tends to be one of those that no longer gets taught as a standalone.”

The Lostant school is not going to keep that up. It was decided to bring writing back as a standalone subject.

“Now that we have a standalone curriculum this year,” Malahy said, “I anticipate our writing skills will be a little higher.”

Send your press releases to your hometown newspaper at news@tonicanews.com.

Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for the Deer Park Township Road District I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the Deer Park Township Road District for 2015 will be held on December 9, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Deer Park Town Hall, 2346 East 1025th Road, Ottawa, Illinois.

Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Lisa Grubar, Township Supervisor, 886 N. 2401 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348 or by telephone at 815-257-0987.

FREE!!!! We Must Be Crazy!!!

4 Automobile Mats Cleaned FREE, or 100 sq of Carpet Cleaned FREE, or Choose a Bottle of our Professional Spot Cleaner FREE ($10 value)

Expect different!

II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $65,903.00.

The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $89,817.00. This represents a 36.29 percentage 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 no change from the previous year.

IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $65,903.

The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $89,817. This represents a 36.29 percentage increase over the previous year.

The hearing is open to the public. The corporate authority of the taxing district shall explain the reasons for the proposed increase and shall permit persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present testimony within reasonable time limits as it determines.

Published in the Tonica News Nov. 27, 2015.

McNabb | 815-882-2150 | 309-740-4470 Ken Troyan Owner/Operator To learn more: oxygreenillinois.com

5 LIfe/Classifieds Friday, November 27, 2015 • The Tonica News • 5

Annual senior dinner LOSTANT — Lostant School will host the annual senior dinner at noon Thursday, Dec. 10, in the school cafeteria. A traditional turkey dinner

will be served. The meal is free to all Lostant senior citizens. To make reservations, call the school office at 815-368-3392 as soon as possible.

Senior center Christmas lunch OTTAWA — Bridges Senior Center, AARP Local Chapter, Voluntary Action Center and OTHS Jazz Choir are partnering this year to celebrate Christmas.

The celebration will be at noon Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Knights of Columbus Hall at 401 W. Main St.

Ottawa.

Lunch will be provided

by Voluntary Action Center for a $3.50 donation.

RSVP by Nov. 27 at 815431-8034. The maximum attendance is 80.

At 1 p.m., the Ottawa Township High School Jazz Choir will present Christmas selections.

IV Midday Connection luncheon and program OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Midday Connection, a non-denominational Christian Women’s Group, invites all women from the Illinois Valley area to its monthly luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Deer Park Country Club, 100 Deer Park Lane, Oglesby.

There are no membership fees or special requirements to attend. Deer Park is all handicapped accessible and everyone who would like to meet new people and enjoy a good program is welcome. The cost for the lunch and pro-

NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR LOSTANT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Lostant Fire Protection District for Tax Year 2015 will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Firehouse, 101 East First Street, Lostant, Illinois.

Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Elizabeth A. Beck, Attorney for Lostant Fire Protection District, 310 Fifth Street, Lacon, Illinois 61540, (309) 2466035.

II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for Tax Year 2014 were $149,643.02.

The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for Tax Year 2015 are $224,000.00. This represents a 49.68% increase over the previous year.

III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for Tax Year 2014 were $00.00.

The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2015 are $0.00.

This represents a 0% increase over the previous year.

IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for Tax Year 2014 were $149,643.02.

The estimated total property taxes to be levied for Tax Year 2015 are $224,000.00. This represents a 49.68% increase over the previous year.

Published in the Tonica News Nov. 27, 2015.

gram is $17 inclusive, paid at the door.

The theme for the December luncheon is “It’s Christmas — Let’s celebrate!” and the speaker will be Dorothy Smith from Moline.

Smith is the Stonecroft administrator for Central/ Western Illinois. She loves the traditions of Christmas and the title of her talk is “Let’s Celebrate Memories of Your Special Gift.”

Her husband, Erv Smith, will provide Christmas music.

I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Richland Township for 2015 will be held on December 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at the Leonore Fire Station, 107 Monroe Street, Leonore, Illinois.

Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Donna Nass, Township Supervisor, 861 N. 16th Road, Tonica, Illinois, 61370 or by telephone at 815-257-2962.

II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $39,623.00.

The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $60,320.00. This represents a 52.23 percentage 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 no change from the previous year.

IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2014 were $39,623.

The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2015 are $60,320. This represents a 52.23 percentage increase over the previous year.

The hearing is open to the public. The corporate authority of the taxing district shall explain the reasons for the proposed increase and shall permit persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present testimony within reasonable time limits as it determines.

Published in the Tonica News Nov. 27, 2015.

General Terms and Policies

- 200 Employment

- 400 Merchandise

450 • Under $1000

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.

232 • Business Opportunities

450 • Under $1000

************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?

CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com Need To Get The Word Out? We Can Help You Get It Out Right Here!

Give Us A Call 815-875-4461

sent to scolari12@comcast. net. Any special prayer requests are also accepted with reservations.

This event is sponsored

by Stonecroft Ministries of Overland Park, Mo. The group will have an Illinois Valley Prayer Connection at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Arlene Bradner’s home in Liberty Village, 1041 31st St., Peru. All women are invited to come for prayer and fellowship. For more information, call 815-223-0867.

Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for Richland Township

––––––––––– Classifieds ––––––––––

********** 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

The special feature this month will be presented

by Chef Tim Freed from HyVee. His demonstration will be holiday appetizers.

It is essential that most reservations and or cancellations are made by Tuesday, Dec. 1. Free child care is available if a reservation is made by the deadline.

After Dec. 1, call Vickie at 815-223-4687 or Anita at 815-223-2852 anyway to let them know you want to come and they will advise.

Email reservations can be

Antique Perfection gas heater, $50 or best offer.

Call 815-546-2677 Craftsman 10” radial arm saw, many extras. $400; Delta air cleaner, 850 CFM, $100.

Call 815-872-6911

ADVERTISE YOUR VEHICLE SALE HERE! In the Classified. Just call 815-875-4461.

GE convection microwave oven, 30”, white, 4 years old. Asking $225 firm.

Call 815-866-8211 or 815-879-8200 Maytag dryer, 4 cycle, heavy duty, $100; Whirlpool washer, super plus capacity, $100. Call after 3pm, 815-875-2162

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND right here in the Tonica News Classified! You could find furniture, appliances, pets, musical instruments, tools, anything. You might even find a kitchen sink!

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) No Phone Calls!

460 • Garage Sales * CHRISTMAS CRAFTS, TOY and VENDOR SHOW* Saturday December 5th, 9am-2pm.

Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton. $1 Admission For Information Call 815-303-2905

- 700 Real Estate For Sale 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

DRIVERS CDL-A:

Dedicated! No-Touch!

Home EVERY Weekend OPENINGS! Excellent Pay! Full Comprehensive Benefits!

Family Owned & Operated Williams NationaLease:

1-855-975-8619

See It Right Here!

The Tonica News Classifieds 815-875-4461

E-mail items for sale to:

classified@bcrnews.com

6 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 27, 2015 999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

999 • Legal Notices

NOTICE OF ASSEMBLY Pursuant to (Section 9-15 of the Property Tax Code) Illinois Revised Statutes, the 2016 township assessors meeting shall be held for the purpose of instructing said assessors in a manner as shall establish uniformity in the action of assessors and their deputy assessors.

Such public meeting shall be at 2:30 P.M. on Wednesday, December

16, 2015 at the LaSalle County Board Basement Room 707 Etna Road Ottawa, IL. Published in the Tonica News Nov. 27, 2015.

In the matter of the Petition for the Adoption of RYKER JAMES THOMPSON, a male minor child.

TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN AND JEREMY PRIES; Take notice that a Petition was filed in the Circuit Court of LaSalle County, Illinois, for the adoption of a child named RYKER JAMES THOMPSON. Now, therefore, unless all whom it may

concern file your answer to the Petition in the action or otherwise file your appearance therein, in the said Circuit Court of LaSalle County, in the City of Ottawa, Illinois, on or before the 30th day of December, 2015, a default may be entered against you at any time after that day and a judgment entered in accordance with the prayer of said petition.

Dated November 17, 2015, Ottawa, Illinois,

Andrew Skoog, Clerk.

Bernabei, Balestri & Fiocchi John Balestri 149 Gooding Street LaSalle, IL 61301 (815) 223-6600 Published in the Tonica News Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 11, 2015.

JO ANN SAUER ) DECEASED ) No. 15-P-249 CLAIM NOTICE Notice is given of the death of JO ANN SAUER. Letters of office were issued on NOVEMBER 17, 2015 to Tammi Jo Carus and Paul Carus, 12 Gunia Ave., Peru, IL 61354 as Co-Executors, whose attorney is John Balestri, 149 Gooding Street, LaSalle, IL 61301.

Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk of court, LaSalle County Courthouse, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters 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

10 days after it has been filed.

Dated this 17th day of November, 2015.

JOHN BALESTRI ATTORNEY FOR ESTATE 149 GOODING STREET LASALLE, IL 61301 (815)223-6600 Published in the Tonica News Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 11, 2015.

ADOPTION NOTICE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY STATE OF ) ILLINOIS ) )SS COUNTY OF ) LASALLE ) ADOPTION NO. 15-AD-32

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LA SALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF )

Visit us at www.bcrnews.com

Business Directory Marketplace

REPLACE OLD WINDOWS & DOORS NOW TO SAVE $$$ ON YOUR WINTER ENERGY BILLS

PEACH CONSTRUCTION CO. Full Service Home Improvement Ron Des Laurier • Putnam, IL 61560

since 1981

Office: 815-437-9026 • Cell: 630-569-0734 SPECIALIST IN PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL & CARPENTRY Kitchens - Baths - Windows - Siding - Roofs - Basements

COMPLETE CAR AND TRUCK CARE 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE Rt. 89, McNabb, IL • Jack Bima, Owner

JACK’S GAS & SERVICE

Owner

202 W Harper Ave PO Box 326

ROUTE

Granville, IL 61326

71

PH:

815-339-9181 FAX: 815-399-9182

AUTO BODY

route71autobody@frontier.com

County’s 1 st Stop

815-882-2111 815-875-2540

For Plumbing & Heating!

FREE Estimates

882-2191 Monday-Saturday 882-2250 Evenings & Sundayss

Mon-Fri 8AM - 5PMM

JODY TALIANI

PLUMBING & HEATING, INC. www.grassersplumbingheating.com 404 W. Main, McNabb (State ID No. 58-100249)

Tonica Telephone Co. Toncom Long Distance

Now offering new Higher Speeds up to 9 Megabytes 815-442-9901 • www.tonicacom.net

Sieg Tire & u e R

air Shop

Selling & Repairing all makes of tires 112 S. St. Paul St. Mark, IL 61340

Open 7 days/week 8-5pm Interstate Battery Sales

Johnny Sieg

Cars, Trucks, Trailer, Motorcycles, ATVs, & Lawn Mowers also Bicycles

Owner/Operator

815-878-7367 e e l

s

pY u

Rollin!

Mounting, Balancing, Rotating, Patches, Plugs and all tire repairs plus Small Implement Farm Tires

Auto Body Specialists Truck Toppers & Accessories

124 S. Peru St. • Downtown Tonica

Repair and Fabrication Steel, Stainless, Cast, Iron, Aluminum, etc.

Mig, tig, Stick welding Complete Fab shop and Mobile Repair Small Jobs – Heavy Equipment Fast and Affordable

815-830-3100

Since 1919

“You bend ‘em, we mend ‘em”

Plumbing • Heating • Electrical

Mike Supan Jr. ∙ Linda Supan ∙ Michele Straughn

325 North 25th Rd, Route 251 South of Peru

815-224-1506

24 Hrs. Service • 815-442-3415

EMERGENCY: 815-252-0032

red CArpet ServiCe

Now with Mobile Banking Tire Brands Toyo General Continental GT BKT Carlisle Kumho

TKO Tire and Service Auto Repair and Tire Service

Auto, LT, Implement and Specialty Tires

14049 IL HWY 18, Magnolia, IL

815-869-4249

Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles Towing Available

FOLEY MOTORS

Full Service Store

Inc.

Sales & Service

Rt. 29, Henry, IL 309-364-4711 www.foleymotorsinc.com

For the World’s Best People

Our Customers

The One and Only Bank You’ll Ever Need!

Tonica 815-442-8211

TONICA HARDWARE

Lostant 815-368-3333

www.illinistatebank.com

Oglesby 815-883-8400 MEMBER

Al Cioni Ford inC.

504 S. McCoy Granville, IL

815-339-2511

No baloney with Al Cioni!

B&M CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION 9341 Taylor Rd., Magnolia, IL 61336

Mark 815-488-7210 ALL TYPES OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Driveways • Sidewalks • Pole Barns • Curbs • Parking Lots

FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES

PASSINI PLUMBING & HEATING David Passini

Licensed-Bonded-Insured 116 South 2nd St. Standard, IL 61363

815-339-4108 815-481-2639

To add your lisTing To This page conTacT ashley aT (815) 875-4461, exT. 6345

7 Friday, November 27, 2015 • The Tonica News • 7

8 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 27, 2015