1 Front Volume 142 No. 3
Friday, December 25, 2015
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Leaking water and cold temps A bad combination in Tonica By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — In the wrong conditions, a broken tile could turn a watery road in Tonica into an icy mess, the Tonica Village Board learned at its meeting Monday, Dec. 21. Marc Lemrise addressed the issue of a broken tile on a resi-
dent’s property. “Water’s bubbling out of the ground, going down his driveway, and into the street,” Lemrise said. The water had been rerouted to the ditch, but when that would not hold any more it sent it right back onto the road. A constant stream of water on the road might be bad enough, but
it could become worse with the potential of falling temperatures. “Right now, if it freezes, it’s going to bust up our road,” village president Kevin Sluder said. Trustee Bob Folty pointed out that situation could also pose a large hazard to drivers. “Not to mention ice all over the road,” he said. If temperatures fall, it could very well freeze the road over, which presents a danger to anybody who might have to use it,
and when it thaws, that process could harm the road itself. Because the broken tile is on a resident’s property, rather than on property controlled by the village, the board cannot fix it without permission. The board is seeking permission, written and signed, before going ahead with the project. In other discussion: • The new pumps at the lift station are keeping the water at bay. Lemrise estimates the new
pumps handle around 30 gallons more than the old pumps. • The treatment plant, however, still needs work done. Lemrise said he thinks the Environmental Protection Agency will not penalize the town for the issues because it knows they are trying to do something about it. • The title for the old squad car has been found at the bank, so the village can sell it. The board plans to open it up for bids next month.
Santa tells all ...
An interview with the big guy from the North Pole Editor’s note: Even though Santa Claus was busy preparing for his journey on Christmas Eve to visit girls and boys throughout the world, the Jolly Old Elf Himself, took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for your hometown newspaper. The questions in bold were the ones asked by the newspaper, and Santa’s answers follow. Is there really a Santa Claus? Of course! Depending on the place or time, I may take on different appearances, but be assured that I am as real as the sun in the sky or the rain that falls from it. More important than my mortal appearance is my spirit. The spirit of Christmas and Santa should live in us all throughout the year and around the world. Though I may not be physically present, you must believe that my spirit never, ever leaves. But yes, certainly, there is a Santa Claus. Why does Santa wear red? The quick answer is visibility. Red is a color that can be seen at great distances. That’s great if you are traveling at supersonic speeds or standing on a street corner. Red is also a color one associates with power and strength. Certainly I could not make my annual trek without amazing amounts of strength and power! Red is also associated with special “magical” powers. What good would I be without a little magic to push me along? Lastly, it’s a color associated with Santa for centuries. At this time of the year, whenever you see a man in a red suit, your thoughts turn to Santa. It’s good to be recognized!! Where do you buy your suits? You might guess that I can’t buy a suit at the local store. Actu-
Santa Page 3 Vol. 142 No. 3 Two Sections - 16 Pages
The year in review
Compiled by Shannon Serpette
Tonica News photo/Becky Kramer
Busy with his duties at the North Pole, Santa Claus paused briefly to grant an interview with your hometown newspaper.
Wenona VetCare
John M. Ehrhardt, DVM Primary Pet Care • Primary Pet Dentistry 138 Chestnut St., Wenona, IL • See Us On Facebook © The Tonica News
Looking back at 2015
815-853-4567
Love. Protect. Heal.
Editor’s note: This is the first part in a series recapping what happened in the Tonica/Lostant area in 2015. Jan. 2 Lostant Grade School passed a levy increase that required a truth-in-taxation hearing. The increase means school taxes will go up 5.172 percent, which translates into approximately $25 per year on a $100,000 home. The state’s Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act is behind schedule. The 22 centers were supposed to be announced in December, but so far the 159 applicants are still waiting to hear who has been selected. Jan. 9 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called the current flu outbreak an epidemic. Locally, flu-related deaths were reported in LaSalle and Bureau counties, with two adult deaths from influenza A in LaSalle County and one adult death in Bureau County. Jan. 16 The Lostant Village Board voted in favor of raising the minimum water rate at its Jan. 12 meeting. The fee increase will double the base rate for water, jumping from $10 to $20 a month. The fee covers the first 2,000 gallons of water used per household.
Review Page 2