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1 Front Volume 140 No. 42

Friday, December 13, 2013

The Tonica News

Single Copy Cost 50¢

The impact of pension reform By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — The ink is barely dry on the pension reform legislation signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn on Dec. 5, and those affected have already made it known they believe the legislation is unconstitutional.

The new law counts on saving $160 billion over the next 30 years, largely by sharply curbing cost-of-living increases to retirees and requiring many current workers to skip up to five annual cost of living bumps when they retire. It also would boost the retirement age for current workers by up

to five years, depending on their current age. In an effort to get the law deemed constitutional, employees would have to contribute one percentage point less to their salaries, pension systems would be allowed to sue to force the state to pay its required employer share to retirement,

and a limited number of workers could join a 401(k) style defined contribution plan. In the short form, the legislation reduces drastically the amount of money they will pay out in pensions. In most cases, that money was sent to the government in the form of wage taxes

and Teacher Retirement System payments, meaning money paid in will not be coming out. “I understand that something had to be done. But, for the state of Illinois to essentially run a Ponzi scheme with all of our pensions, and might I add a pension that we earned and paid into

100 percent of the time, and then turn around and essentially strip us of our earned pension to fix their mistake makes me sick to my stomach,” said Tonica Grade School Superintendent John Suarez. “I wonder what incentive people

See Pension reform Page 3

Discontinued schools Lostant High School By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — On Illinois Route 251 there is a small town of about 500 people who are otherwise known as residents of Lostant. The first high school noted in history started in 1893 when a freshman class was added to the current grade school. In 1899 a sophomore class was added while in 1904 a junior class was added. A senior class was added in 1914 and the first graduating class of Lostant High School happened in 1915. The school had a proud tradition of education until 1993 when it deactivated. There were 45 students in the school. This left the students of Lostant in Grades 9-12 with the opportunity to choose to go to LaSallePeru, Putnam County, Streator or Fieldcrest high schools each year. The current building housed both grade school and high school classes before the deactivation in 1993. According to class of 1989 LHS graduate Patti Freeman Bernardoni, the high school students went upstairs for classes and the younger students stayed on the main floor. Bernardoni, who now teaches at Lostant Grade School, remembers her high school days with fondness. She said, “We had Mrs. Joan Cappoini. She was our typing and business

See Schools Page 3

Vol. 140 No. 42 One Section - 8 Pages

Tonica News photo/Ken Schroeder

Diana O’Connor of Magnolia returned to donating blood after taking a year off.

Seventeen years of blood drives By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Chalk up another successful blood drive at the Tonica United Methodist Church on Dec. 9 with several people once again showing up to give the gift of life. Unfortunately, this may have been the last one. Tonican Mary Kay Keutzer has been organizing the blood drive at the church every eight weeks for the last 17 years — the last 10 with her mother Irene Huss helping — but it’s a duty she can no longer shoulder. “Things have changed lately, and with a different work schedule, I just can’t do it,” Keutzer

said. Over the 17 years she’s been involved with the blood drive, Keutzer estimates it’s taken in 3,145 units of blood, an average of 25 to 30 units per drive. With each unit able to help three people, that makes close to 9,500 lives touched by the drives at the church. “For a little town, that’s fantastic,” Keutzer said. “I’m very happy with that. I’m just sad that no one has been able to step forward and continue.” For each drive, Keutzer makes sure the church can accommodate the drive, the Red Cross workers are lined up, sandwiches are prepared, cards are sent

to repeat donors and notices are sent to media and other organizations. Donating blood is its own reward for many people; the idea of giving for those in need. For many, it becomes a habit. “I was a regular donor, and then I took a gap,” Diana O’Connor of Magnolia said. “I’d donate every eight weeks, but now I’m back. It’s the first time in a year.” “I’ve given nine or 10 gallons,” Bob Marshall of Tonica said. “That’s 12 to 13 years. I began when I was in the service.” Keutzer has enjoyed the new friendships she has gained over the years and enjoys the chance

Inside Forging ahead See Page 2

to sit down with donors and catch up on old times. “That’s been rewarding, but you look at the 9,000 people we’ve saved, that’s also very rewarding,” she said. “I’d like to thank the Tonica United Methodist Church and its members for their help. They’ve let us be here, they’re funded it with meals and staff. We couldn’t have done it without them.” If you’re interested in continuing the blood drives at the Tonica United Methodist Church, contact Keutzer at 815-481-2601 or the Bureau County branch of the American Red Cross, Branch Director Lori Compton, at 815879-2231.

2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 13, 2013

Keeping the craft alive

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.

The Tonica News P.O. Box 86, Tonica, IL 61370 (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 Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com

Submit

The Tonica News encourages readers to submit news for publication in our paper. Special events, weddings, births, awards and honors, anniversaries, promotions, etc. are welcome items for the paper. Some fees may apply. Schools, businesses, organizations and groups are encouraged to send information on activities and events. If you have attended a function or event and have a photo and/or news, please submit them.

By Ken Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

UTICA – Before the days of mass production, most items in the home were hand-made by craftsmen who practiced for years at their trade. Today, it seems that aspect of life is gone; but there are still people who keep the old arts alive. Meet Tom Hoyt, blacksmith for the LaSalle County Historical Society at a blacksmith shop in Utica behind Duffy’s Tavern. “A lot of people come in and they think the only thing a blacksmith made was horseshoes,” Hoyt said. “There have been blacksmiths working since the ancient Egyptians. When man came out of the Stone Age and on into the Middle Ages, the first things were made from copper. It went from copper to bronze and from bronze to iron.” The site of the shop has been home to blacksmith forges since 1888 when the first wooden building was erected. The current structure was built in 1892 by blacksmith William Kirk and was an active blacksmith shop until John Kidd closed in 1969. The LaSalle Historical Society purchased the shop in 1971 and has kept it alive since then. Hoyt, the forge’s resident blacksmith, has tended the coal since 2007. Hoyt first became interested in smithing as a young boy in west Texas in the 1950s where he saw his first smith. Years later, he attended a Civil War re-enactment in Will County with a crafter’s village and a blacksmith forge. Hoyt asked the blacksmith, a man named Dennis Anderson, about smithing. Over the years, Anderson became Hoyt’s mentor and friend, helping him get connected with other smiths and learning the trade. There are other black-

smiths throughout the United States, including members of a local organization called the Illinois Valley Blacksmiths Association, which Hoyt is a member of. He also belongs to the Upper Midwest Blacksmiths Association. Hoyt estimates there are about 270 blacksmiths in the state. “I have great fun demonstrating, I don’t charge the museum anything,”

Hoyt said. “What the Historical Society sells, it comes right back for coal, materials and electricity. To me, it’s a win-win situation. They said this is your building, you can do whatever you want with it. Just do some demonstrations for us when we need it.” To see Hoyt apply his craft, call the LaSalle County Historical Society at 815-667-4861.

Putnam County Record photos/Ken Schroeder

Above, Tom Hoyt works a piece of metal recently pulled from the forge, with a temperature of over 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Below, Blacksmith Hoyt uses stoker coal from Pennsylvania and a handcranked air pump to keep his forge hot.

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3 Obit/Rec Friday, December 13, 2013 • The Tonica News • 3

Obituary Bernice Heinz

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

One of the few items left from the high school in Lostant are the yearbooks from over the years.

Schools From Page 1 teacher. A lot of kids went into accounting because of her. We had Mr. David Simmick our biology and science teacher. We had Mark Habercorn who is now the L-P volleyball coach. So he coached volleyball and basketball. We had Linda Rice who was our math teacher.” Bobby Lawless, a graduate of the class of 1993 graduate, said in his freshman year, LHS and Wenona High School started sharing classes. Many, including him, were slightly apprehensive about the experience. “We were in half day in Lostant and half in Wenona,” he said. “At first, we all thought it was a bad idea but after a few months of getting use to the teachers and students, it was pretty cool. As I look back I wish the two schools could have kept it going because it was a good thing. Not only did I make a lot of good friends in Lostant I also did the same in Wenona.” Lostant High School provided dances and clubs, some of the most popular included the Future Farmers of America, the Future Homemakers of America and choir and small group ensembles. In sports LHS has hosted a strong selection of teams for such a small school. The school mascot was the Rams and the colors were orange and blue. Lawless is very proud of his high school sports experience. “Baseball, basketball, track I loved all of them,” he said. “I do wish we could have had football like the bigger schools did.” Lostant High School was one of the founding

HENRY — Bernice A Heinz, 89, formerly of Tonica, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, in Heartland Health Care Center in Henry, surrounded by her family. Born May 7, 1924, in Ottawa to John and Katherine (Stranka) Tuleck, she married Roy M. Heinz July 10, 1946. He preceded her in death. She worked at Union Carbide in Ottawa for 10 years and also was a homemaker. She enjoyed golfing and shot a hole in one in 1976 at South Bluff Golf Course. She enjoyed playing bridge with small groups and also duplicate bridge at Eureka Bank in LaSalle. Bernice took great pride in her garden and landscaping her beautiful yard. Bernice, a loving mother and grandmother, is survived by two daughters, Trudy Heinz of Varna and Sally (Don) Ohmart of Normal; four grandchildren, Julie Burgoni of Bend, Ore., Mike (Megan) Burgoni of West Chicago, Stacey (Jonathan) Sonne of Bend, Ore., and Jennifer (Eric) Immke of Champaign; five great-grandchildren, Joey, Isabel, Carson, Cameron and Brooklyn Lee; and one sister, Ann Day of Ottawa. She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Susan Smith; one brother, Theodore “Tudge” Tuleck; and two sisters, Stella Trujillo and Mary Tuleck. Private graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 14 in Fairview Cemetery in Tonica with the Rev. Mark Nowakowski officiating. A public memorial service will be held in the Tonica United Methodist Church at a later date. When the Lord calls our loved one home, he leaves a gift of memories. She will be greatly missed. Memorials may be directed to the Tonica United Methodist Church. The Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica is assisting the family.

Pension reform From Page 1

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

The original entrance to Lostant High School now displays the name of Lostant Consolidated Grade School. members of the Tri-County Conference. Over the years the school provided track, cross-country and basketball for both boys and girls. There was also baseball and softball. In the 1920s one class system in the IHSA, Lostant actually placed ninth as a team due to the efforts of Cletus Linder and Rolland Lippencott in 1928. The school has had other medalists at state level in track over the years. On the ladies’ side, coaches Mary Nicholson and Mark Haberkorn were responsible for an amazing run of

regional titles starting in 1973 and ending in 1990, with a two year exception. These teams were the powerhouses of the Tri-County Conference, it was the squad no one wanted to play because they were so good, said Bernardoni. In boys’ basketball, the Lostant Rams were no slouches. Over the years the team has won hardware from the Tri-County Tournament, the district and regional tournament levels. For the girls, basketball was big from the 1983-84 season to the 1986-87 seasons where they won the Tri-County

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Conference and regional tournaments. Over the years parents and their children have each graduated from the Lostant School system. Memories have been made and good times have been shared. Both Bernardoni and Lawless agree going to a small school allowed them unique one on one with their teachers many other students of their age would not have gotten in a larger school.

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have to enter the field of teaching? And I fully understand that times are tight for everyone, but the quality of people that we place in front of the kids all across the state of Illinois in classrooms is a concern that everybody should have. “In addition, the next bill that Mike Madigan presents will be the entire pension shift costs to the school districts. That will then place the burden on the schools and will only drive tax rates through the roof. I know the Tonica Grade School Board is very cognizant of their duties

as the guardians of the tax payer dollars and so am I. But this cost will hurt the kids, the teachers and impacts everyone and everything. The death knell for any small town, and this includes Tonica, is to lose their school. The pension issue is a crisis not an issue.” The lynchpin which may enable the Illinois courts to overturn the ruling is a provision of the state constitution that says pension benefits may not be diminished. Union officials have criticized lawmakers for approving a bill they say is clearly unconstitutional. The bill is set to take effect in July 2014.

Meeting Calendar Dec. 16 — 7 p.m., Tonica Village Board, Tonica Village Hall. Dec. 18 — 6:45 p.m., Lostant Grade School Board, Lostant Grand School.

Lifeline service available from Tonica Telephone Company Lifeline telephone service is available from Tonica Telephone Company. Lifeline is a discounted telephone service available to eligible customers. The service is offered under a government assistance program that Tonica Telephone Company participates in, which provides the reduced cost service to low income customers. Lifeline service is non-transferable, and the program is limited to one discount per household. To find out more information on the program or more about qualifications for the program just call the Tonica Telephone Company at (815) 442-9901, or stop in the business office at 208 Allen Street, Tonica, IL 61370.

ToniCa TeLephone Co. TonCom Long DisTanCe

4 Bus/Ag 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 13, 2013

IVCH welcomes new physical therapists

Short agenda for Lostant Village Board LOSTANT — Miscommunication left the Lostant Village Board with a reduced agenda on Dec. 9 and a need for a second meeting later in the week. Several items up for discussion were left off the schedule, which does not allow action to be

taken. Among the few actions which could be taken was the appointment of Jay Graham from village patrolman to K-9 handler. The village had been looking into the possibility of adding a K-9 unit and is moving forward with

the project. Discussion and voting on acquiring a dedicated K-9 vehicle will take place at the next meeting. The board is also applying for a grant which would allow the village to purchase signs for school crossings and routes using

an 80 percent, 20 percent split for the cost of the signs. At the second meeting, scheduled for Dec. 11, the board will be voting on tree trimming and salt building projects, as well as the previously-mentioned K-9 vehicle.

Prairieland Home Care honored SPRING VALLEY — Prairieland Home Care, 409 E. Second St., Spring Valley was recently named to the Top 500 of the 2013 HomeCare Elite recognition of the top-performing home health agencies in the United States. Prairieland has been serving the Illinois Valley since 1985. Now in its eighth year, the HomeCare Elite identifies the Top 25 percent of agencies and highlights the Top 100 and Top 500 agencies overall. Winners

are ranked by an analysis of publicly available performance measures in quality outcomes, best practice (process measure) implementation, patient experience, quality improvement and consistency, and financial performance. In order to be considered, an agency must be Medicare-certified and have data for at least one outcome in Home Health Compare. Out of 9,969 agencies considered, 2,496 are elite. The award is spon-

sored by OCS HomeCare by National Research Corporation, and DecisionHealth, publisher of the independent newsletter, Home Health Line. “The 2013 HomeCare Elite winners demonstrate a commitment to providing patient-centered care and serving as leaders in the home health community. Their success is a tribute that managing healthcare data and utilizing it for improvement initiatives lead to high qual-

ity care, and we recognize them for their outstanding achievements,” said Mary Oakes, senior vice president of post-acute at National Research Corporation. Connie Banks, Prairieland Home Care clinical director, said, “This award confirms the quality of the work of our staff that results from their sincere commitment to the mission and values of Prairieland Home Care. This recognition is their achievement.”

Agricultural scholarships available BLOOMINGTON — Agriculture students and Illinois Farm Bureau members and their children may apply for college scholarships offered by the Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) Foundations. Seventy-four scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 per year, will be awarded, a total of $177,800 for the 201415 school year. Students may apply for a variety of scholarships, including three IAA Foundation Top Scholarships, who will each receive $7,500 awards. Another $7,500 award goes to the Illinois Farm Bureau Legacy of Lead-

ership scholarship winner. New this year is a $1,000 scholarship for a student of Western Illinois University. Students studying crop science and pursuing a master’s degree related to research are eligible for the Illinois Soybean Association Crop Science Scholarships. Ten $4,000 scholarships will be awarded to junior level majors. Recipients are then eligible for an additional $4,000 in this renewable program, providing a total of $8,000 for his or her junior and senior year of college. Twenty-five, $1,200 scholarships are available to students from

specific Southern Illinois counties as part of the Dorothy and Wilhelmine Ratermann Memorial Scholarships. Twelve Prairie Farms Dairy scholarships, each worth $2,000, are available to patrons and employees of the company. New this year, an additional two, $1,000 scholarships are available to producers affiliated with the St. Louis District Dairy Council. An additional 10 scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $1,500, are available to students who meet certain criteria, including areas of study, place of residence, previous 4-H experience and college or university attended.

All applicants must be high school seniors accepted for enrollment or students already enrolled at an accredited college, university or community college. Scholarships are awarded for exceptional academic ability, leadership and financial need. Previous winners of an IAA Foundation scholarship are eligible to apply again. For a full listing, visit www.iaafoundation.org. Completed applications must be postmarked on or before Feb. 1. For more information, contact the local county Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation at 309-557-2230 or e-mail smoore@ilfb.org.

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The Illinois Valley Community Hospital Center for Physical Rehabilitation and Aquatics (CPRA) recently welcomed three new physical therapists to its staff, all of whom have doctorates in physical therapy with each holding a different area of focus. Alison Brandenburg received her undergraduate degree in athletic training from the University of Northern Iowa in May 2010. After completing her graduate work, Brandenburg received her doctorate of physical therapy from St. Ambrose College in Iowa. Her areas of focus are vestibular/balance rehabilitation, sports medicine and general orthopedics. Sara Burd attended Bradley University, where she received her bachelor of science in physical ther-

apy and her doctorate of physical therapy in 2013. Burd is an aquatic and land-based therapist who has experience treating orthopedic, geriatric and cardiovascular patients. Jason Vance graduated from Northern Illinois University. He received his doctorate of physical therapy from Governor’s State University in May 2013. Vance is an orthopedic physical therapist, treating patients with a variety of musculoskeletal diagnoses. Located next to the Illinois Valley YMCA in Peru, the CPRA is home for all of the outpatient physical rehabilitation services offered by IVCH. These include outpatient physical therapy, industrial rehabilitation, sports medicine, massage therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Conservationists wanted for program CHAMPAIGN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for new enrollments for the federal Fiscal Year 2014. Producers interested in participating in the program can submit applications to NRCS by Jan. 17. The CSP is a Farm Bill conservation program which helps established conservation stewards take their level of natural resource management to the next level. This improves by agricultural production and provides valuable conservation benefits, such as cleaner water, healthier coils and better wildlife habitat. CSP is now in its fifth year, and so far, NRCS has partnered with producers to enroll more than 59 million acres across the nation. The program emphasizes

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conservation performance — producers earn higher payments for higher performance. In CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water quality, water quantity, air quality, plant resources, animal resources, and energy. To be eligible for this year’s enrollment, producers must have applications submitted to NRCS by the closing date. A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types. For more information about CSP, visit the NRCS website at www.il.nrcs.usda. gov or contact the local NRCS field office.

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5 Perspective Friday, December 13, 2013 • The Tonica News • 5

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

Field of Dreams Age doesn’t need to define you, it’s not how old you are but how you are old. ••• In Illinois, concealed carry permits will become available through the Illinois State Police by Jan. 5. ••• “Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” Joyce Meyer. ••• The Putnam County Library District hosted a unique program featuring our local Vietnam veterans. Director Bobbie Morgan said when they received a book by Jeffery Wolin which features the personal recollections of 50 Vietnam veterans stories with other COMMENTARY art books from the Underserved Communities Library Program, she had remembered the library board President Bob Steele had already talked to her about Vietnam War veterans. She showed the book to Bob, and he presented it to the board. They agreed to have a program around Veterans Day. The program focused on the book, “Inconvenient Stories: Vietnam War Veterans Stories.” Steele hosted the meeting and said, “My Tonica High School 1968 senior class had 15 boys, and 13 of them went to Vietnam. Myself and one other guy did not go. Two were killed there — Cody Caukins and Mike Puetz.” There were six Vietnam veterans in attendance and told their personal recollections: Chet Lewis, Lowell Benenga, Cliff Anderson, Dave Thompson, Tom Gualandi and Douglas Ossola. I would have not missed this evening at the library for anything. What wonderful, great citizens these Vietnam veterans are! I have the utmost respect for these men who left their families and hometowns when they were 18 years old. ••• The Putnam County High School also honored veterans for Veterans Day. I counted 21 veterans who attended the program. They all sat on chairs on the gym floor in front of all the students and teachers in the stands. Rick Keating of Varna was the guest speaker. The veterans were questioned about their service afterwards by the senior history classes and teacher Corey Meyer in the auditorium. ••• What year did the Washington Monument open to the public? Answer at the end of the article. ••• The Putnam County Education Foundation put on a play at the high school called “Falling into Winter,” which was in memory of Kathy Walter. Bill Entwistle wrote and directed the musical. Some of the great singers from Putnam County were Entwistle, Jack Grasser, Jim Hartman, Cindy Bruch, Megan Goetz, Loralee Wilson and Debbie Redshaw — just to name a few. They were all good singers and actors. Hailey Cimei, Cheresse Shagene, Kara Staley, Adam Currie, Nicholas Currie and Josh Jessen told audience one liners of seasonal jokes. John Redshaw and John Holmbeck always make me laugh. Holmbeck is a true performer. He wore something that most men I know, including myself, would never wear anywhere let alone on stage. Even our Putnam County Superintendent Jay McCracken sang Christmas songs on stage with the cast. It was a fast moving, fun and sad musical. Entwistle announced this was his last play. Bill has devoted so much time and energy over the years to the PCEF. Thanks Bill, we all will miss you. I am sorry I did not get all the names listed. ••• The doctor was poking around on my friend Andy Romagnoli’s back and asked, “Just where does it hurt the most?” He said “To tell you the truth doc, it hurts most in church.” ••• “There are a lot of blood, sweat and guts between dreams and success,” Paul (Bear) Bryant. ••• The Washington Monument opened to the public in 1888; there was 36,491 marble bricks used to build it. ••• May kindness return you in the same beautiful way that it was given. Darrell Alleman of Granville can be reached in care of this newspaper at Putnam County Record, P.O. Box 48, Granville, IL 61326.

Darrell Alleman

Letters to the Editor should not be more than 500 words in length. Only one person can sign a Letter to the Editor. The author of the letter must include his/her name, hometown and telephone number. The author’s name and hometown will be published, however, the telephone number is only used to verify the authenticity of the author’s signature and will not be published. Unsigned letters are never read or published. No letter will be published until The Tonica News contacts the author of the letter to verify the signature. The Tonica News reserves the right to edit or refuse any Letter to the Editor.

On the street

What is your favorite Christmas movies and why?

“I love ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.’ The Jim Carey one is my favorite.” Christy Ward, Magnolia

“I like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ I just enjoy the story it is a classic.” Chris Lesniak, LaSalle

“’Miracle on 34th Street’ has always been my favorite. It is just a classic. I also like ‘White Christmas.’ When ‘White Christmas’ is on, I know Christmas is here.” Valerie Scolaria, Tonica

“I don’t have a favorite Christmas movie at the moment, but I want to go see that Disney movie, ‘Frozen.’ That looks like a good movie. With Disney putting it out, it’s always good.” Helen Zens, Tonica

“I like ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.’ It brings back good kid memories.” William Ward, Magnolia

Considerations by Nedda We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. All the kids came home, and Saturday they put up my outdoor decorations. Talk about a Christmas present! We can all make the holidays really great for all those around us if we think outside our strict rules of how it should be. Most families have traditions and schedules for who comes and when. Some of you know exactly what each person will bring and how much. Some of us will be lucky enough to be invited to other gatherings believing we have done enough of those big meals. If you are the host, keep in mind the generational needs of the added in-laws, partners, ex-in-laws, fiancees and other combinations and their families’ traditions. Be considerate and

Nedda Simon COMMENTARY ask what is good for all, and be gracious about the answer. We old folks have manners. If you are the host and hostess, make up craft materials, so guests can make silly or serious hats to wear and be sure and take a picture. You can even award prizes. We have had people mutiny, and they were threatened with no meal or gifts. It works wonders. Any craft activity will do as they eat appetizers and wait for the finished meal or other guests to arrive. Be sure and rest whenever you can and try to keep your

routines. It is so nice to have fewer obligations and be able to enjoy the music, colors and joy of being together with friends or family for coffee and cookies after a concert or church. Gratitude comes into play here of course. We start to lose our friends, so time is precious, and the holidays give us a chance to greet one another. Keep in mind your Jewish friends and be sure to greet folks of other faiths and religions as well. It is Christmas. It is the time of generosity and thoughtfulness that we all hope we can continue practicing all year around. Now, I have to excuse myself. I have to make my hat. Be kind and Happy Holidays. Nedda Simon of rural Princeton can be reached at neddasimon@ ymail.com.

First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States, 1789

6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 13, 2013

Community Menus Tonica Grade School Breakfast Dec. 16 — Sausage/egg tortilla, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, white or chocolate milk. Dec. 17 — Pancakes, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 18 — Scrambled eggs, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 19 — Waffle, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 20 — Muffin, cereal, yogurt or toast, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch Dec. 16 — Chicken wrap, shredded lettuce, carrots, pears, cheese cup, sour cream, salad, salad dressing, milk. Dec. 17 — Spaghetti, sauce, meatballs, Romaine lettuce, fruit side kick, bread stick, salad dressing, milk. Dec. 18 — Hot dog, bun, corn, baked beans, peaches, milk. Dec. 19 — Breaded pork patty, bun, green beans, mandarin oranges, orange gelatin, Cool Whip, pickles, milk. Dec. 20 — Chicken nuggets, broccoli, carrots, melon, cookies, milk.

Lostant Grade School Breakfast Dec. 16 — Biscuit and gravy, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. Dec. 17 — Donuts, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. Dec. 18 — Omelet, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. Dec. 19 — Sausage biscuit, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. Dec. 20 — Breakfast pizza, cereal, milk, juice, yogurt. Lunch Dec. 16 — Barbeque rib, rice, corn, peaches, milk. Dec. 17 — Sloppy joes, fires, green beans, pears, milk. Dec. 18 — Taco in a bag, corn, salsa, pineapple, milk. Dec. 19 — Pasta, salad, carrots, mixed fruit, milk. Dec. 20 — Pasta, salad, apple sauce, green beans, milk.

Putnam County Community Center Dec. 16 — Smoked sausage with ketchup and mustard, tri-taters, green beans, diced pears, bun. Dec. 17 — Baked chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, buttered green beans, roll dessert. Dec. 18 — Roast beef with gravy, mashed potatoes, winter squash, cinnamon apple slices, Christmas cookie, wheat roll. Dec. 19 — Christmas dinner, ham, scalloped potatoes, glazed carrots, roll, dessert. Dec. 20 — Mostaccioli with meat, Romaine salad with dressing, sliced peaches, wheat bread. Putnam County Community Center serves lunch every day, Monday through Friday. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance by calling 815-339-2711. Suggested donations for Monday, Wednesday, Friday is $3. Suggested donations for Tuesday, Thursday is $5.

PCCC Activity calendar Dec. 17 — 11:30 a.m., Birthday dinner 12:30 p.m., Card party Dec. 18 — Bake Cookies Day Dec. 19 — 12:30 p.m., Christmas Party, $5 unisex gift exchange. Dec. 20 — Go caroling day

Grubar baptism TONICA — Luke Owen Grubar, son of Eric and Whitney Grubar of Tonica, was baptized Dec. 1 at the Tonica United Methodist Church by the Rev. Mark Nowakowski. Sponsors were Chris Payne and Allison Struna. ••• Visit us online at www.tonicanews.com ••• Items for the Community section can be emailed to news@tonicanews.com.

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

Tonica United Methodist Women host cookie sale Gabby Payne shopped for cookies during the Tonica United Methodist Women’s cookie walk on Dec. 7 with grandmother Rachel Kreiser. Funds raised go to church projects each year.

Library Corner LaSalle — Dec. 17 — Storytime Express is an interactive mix of stories complemented with a variety of engaging activities like crafts, flannel boards, rhymes, songs and puppets. It is formatted to introduce children to the library and early literacy skills. The shorter, 30-minute length and fast pace make it perfect for active children with shorter attention spans, and the express is a great way for busy parents to share special times with their children. A bit of the program time will be set aside to help families find just the right

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books to check-out. Fun and educational, Storytime Express is a free program, open to the public. Storytime Express will be offered from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays. For more information, call 815-2232341. Lostant — Dec. 17 — Families First, a state funded early childhood grant, is a program for families with children ages birth to 3. It is sponsored by the Oglesby Early Childhood Programs. Children will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays, do an easy art project and

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have a snack. The program also includes field trips and parent education meetings. Families First meets every Tuesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Library Time begins at 10 a.m. every Tuesday when school is in session For children birth

through school age and a caregiver. Enjoy story time with Miss Sue as well as a craft, music and dance, a snack and various fun activities like puppet play, games, rhythm band and more. For more information, call the library at 815-3683530.

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7 Life/Class Friday, December 13, 2013 • The Tonica News • 7

Putnam County Panthers have a perfect 3-0 this week By Dixie Schroeder

By Dixie Schroeder

news@tonicanews.com

GRANVILLE — In the third, final and most challenging game of the week for the Panthers, the squad took on the Class 2A Illinois Valley Chilllicothe Grey Ghosts and came out on top in an exciting close game by the score of 55-50. In the first quarter with the lead see-sawing back and forth, the Grey Ghosts came out on top 12-11. In the second quarter the Ghosts picked up steam and took a 26-20 lead into the locker room. The Panthers recharged their batteries and came out like a new team in the second half, outscoring the Ghosts 35-24 for the win. Leading scorer for the Panthers was Harold Fay with 29 points. Fay also led the team with 10 rebounds and had four steals and three assists. Evan Kreiser tossed in 11 points, with four rebounds and Alec Veverka and Austin Biagini each had six points. The Grey Ghosts had Reily Owens shooting 15 points for their team and Matt Keffeler and Mason Schaub with 11 each. In game two of the week, the DePue Little Giants came calling and the Panthers dominated the game winning 59-34. The Panthers were in the drivers’ seat from the start, leading at the end of the first half 26-14. The squad added 14 in the third and 19 in the fourth to keep themselves on top and finish off the game 59-35. Leading scorer for the Panthers was Kreiser with

news@tonicanews.com

Tonica News photo/Dixie Schroeder

Evan Kreiser (33) tears down a rebound against some IVC defenders on Dec. 7. 23 points. Veverka chipped in eight points while Fay and Michael Weide each had seven points. The team had 15 assists with Fay and Weide each having three. Veverka and Kreiser each had a blocked shot. Rebounds were led by Biagini with ten. For DePue, Isaac Reyes scored nine points and Salvador Raya had eight points. The Putnam County Panthers kicked off their week with a bang by the first of three games on Dec. 3. The Fieldcrest Timberwolves came to town and left R.M. Germano gym after a solid game with a loss as Putnam County beat them 53-47. The Timberwolves led at the end of the first quarter 19-7, but a hot shooting Putnam County team added 20 points in the second quarter to head to the locker room with a score of 28-27 in the Timberwolves favor. In the second

half of the game, Putnam County continued their hot shooting with an additional 26 points in the third and fourth quarters so the game ended with the final score of 53-47. The one-two-three punch of Fay, Veverka and Kreiser earned 18, 15 and 12 points respectively. Assisting the Panthers was their shooting from the free throw line, where they made 70 percent of their shots. Fay and Biagini each had five assists and Veverka led the team with five rebounds, while Weide and Kreiser had four rebounds each. Kreiser led the team with three steals while Weide and Nick DiazDeLeon each had two. For Fieldcrest the leading scorers with Matthew Modro with 19 and Jackson Puetz with 12 points. The Panthers will be in action again in an away game on Dec. 13 against Roanoke-Benson.

Putnam County/Hall wrestling earns medals at Irish Invitational By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

SENECA — The Putnam County/Hall co-op wrestling squad placed three individuals in the medal round of the 16 team Irish Invitational tournament on Dec. 7. Besides the Panthers, Amboy, Beardstown, Clifton Central, Dee-Mack, Hope Academy, Illini Christian, Kewanee, Manteno, Ottawa Marquette, Mendota, Rockford Lutheran, Seneca, St. Bede, Streator and Westmont schools all participated in the meet. At the 182 weight bracket, Putnam County/Hall’s Nathan Tonozzi placed third overall in his weight class. Tonozzi defeated Sal Medina (Clifton Central) by a fall at :42 seconds in his first match. The next match brought number six state ranked Tommy Lovett (Seneca) who defeated Tonozzi by a pinfall at 1:47 in the match. However Tonozzi then

PC/Hall varsity wrestling wins first home meet

defeated Kyler Seeman (Manteno) by decision 10-7 and he won by injury default to Mason Goodrich (Beardstown). This took him to the third place match where he defeated Sam Bennett (Streator) by a pinfall at :54 seconds. Head coach Jerry Kreiwald was happy to see Tonozzi do so well. “What a good day for Tonozzi,” he said. “Nice to see big success from only a second year wrestler. He’s constantly improving daily and will be a real contender throughout the season.” The next success for the Panther’s was Mario Flores, who placed fifth at the 126 weight class. In his first meet, Flores took on Jacob Kaericher (Central) who defeated him by pinfall 5:32 in the match. However that did not slow him down. Flores defeated Brendon Jameson (Kewanee) by a score of 17-6. Jake Savage (Beardstown) defeated Flores 5-0 and Flores then pined

John Kerosotes (St. Bede) at 3:31 in their match for the fifth place title. At the 220 weight division, Putnam County/ Hall’s Marco Gutierrez took fifth place. In his first meet, Gutierrez was defeated by Bubba Miller (Central) by a pinfall at 4:48 in their match. Gutierrez then defeated Matt Macey (Westmont) by pinfall at :58 seconds into their match. However in the next match he lost to Justin Conder (Dee-Mack) by decision 5-1. He then came back to defeat Tyler Watts (Illini Christian) by pinfall at 1:46 in the match to earn the fifth place finish. Kreiwald said, “It was nice to have three victories from the three finalists we had. It is amazing to me how first and second year wrestlers are holding their own competing against wrestlers with years more of experience. Shows their hard work is really paying off.”

GRANVILLE — The Putnam County/Hall co-op wrestling squad took on double trouble in their first home meet of the season in the form of Sterling Newman Central Catholic and Amboy High Schools on Dec. 5. While the home team was stalked by veteran wrestlers not making weight, PC/Hall still pulled out a double win, beating Newman Central Catholic 66-6 and Amboy in a much closer contest 36-6. Head coach Jerry Kreiwald noted that Newman was light on wrestlers due to the team still participating in fall football. “The numbers were low due to the school

just winning the tournament in state football,” he said. “So there would have been a lot better competition. We didn’t match up well against Amboy. We sat our team captain and four of our more experienced kids. It really looked like match wise that they really outwrestled us.” What saved PC/Hall in the Amboy meet was that the team received four forfeits at the 120, 182, 195 and 220 weight classes. Both teams forfeited at the 106 and 133 weight classes. Of the nine remaining weight classes, only PC/Hall’s Ben Garland won, pinning his Amboy opponent Broc Sorrells in the third period of his match at

the 160 weight class. Garland was a little haggard after having bronchitis for the last two weeks and appreciated the win. “It was good, I have not felt well for a while,” he said. “I practiced all week however so it was all good tonight.” In the Sterling Newman meet, PC/Hall sent four wrestlers up against their opponents along with an exhibition match. Winning by pinfalls were R.J. Copland at 145 pounds, Cole Elliot at 170 pounds and Treavor Case in the heavyweight class. The team received forfeits in the 120, 126, 132, 152, 160, 182 and 195 weight classes. Both teams forfeited at the 106 and 113 weight class.

Illinois Valley Dolphins swim past Clinton Iowa Otters in dual meet By Dixie Schroeder news@tonicanews.com

PERU — The Illinois Valley YMCA Dolphins swam past the Clinton Otters in a dual meet by a final score of 587 to 173 points on Dec. 7. In the boys division, the Dolphins took their meet 314 to 56 while on the girls side the score was slightly tighter with the Dolphins on top 273 to 117. Locally, Wenona’s Cody Smith swam in four events in the meet. Smith, 12, participated in the boys 200 yard free style and set a time of 2:39.03 for first place. In the 50 yard butterfly event, he earned a second place with a time of 35.98. He then pulled in a third place finish with a time

of 43.70 in the 50 yard breaststroke event. Smith also swam lead off in the 200 yard free style event. Americus Berg, 9, held down four events in the meet. Berg swam in the 50 yard free style event with a time of 1:11.88. In the 100 yard free style event she swam a 2:38.37. She completed her individual events in the 50 yard backstroke event with a time of 1:05.03. Berg also swam the lead off lap of the 200 yard free style relay. Brother Xavier Berg, 8, swam in two events on Dec. 7. Xavier Berg swam a 43.47 in the 25 yard free style event and then swam a 39.30 in the 25 yard back stroke event. Lostant’s Kiersnowski

sisters, Keira, 7, and Sadie, 6, also held down five events on Dec. 7. Keira swam a 19:28 in the 25 yard free style event for first place and five points for points for her team. She earned her next five points with a first place finish in the 25 yard back stroke event with a time of 24:64. Keira also swam the 25 yard butterfly stroke with a time of 27.70. Sadie swam a 43.08 in the 25 yard free style event taking third place and earning a point for her team. She also took a second, third place when she participated in the 25 yard back stroke with a time of 45.32. The team will next compete at the Barbwire Invitational Dec. 14 to 15 in DeKalb.

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NOTICE The Tonica Grade School Board of Education will be holding a tax levy hearing on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at 6:45 p.m. in the Media Center at Tonica Grade

School. The Board will host the hearing even though the 2013 Tax Levy is under the 5% increase when a levy hearing is required. Published in the Tonica News Dec. 13, 2013.

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8 Ad 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, December 13, 2013