Thursday December 4, 2014 Vol. 2, No. 41
The Weekly Post
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Elmwood nursing home welcomes first residents By JEFF LAMPE
ELMWOOD – Irene Gibson celebrated her 89th birthday Monday in her new home and couldn’t be happier with the change of scenery After years of fretting with yard work, cooking and housework, Gibson shed those worries two weeks ago when she moved a few blocks from her Palm St. home in Elmwood to the new Country Comfort Retirement Home. Gibson is one of the first three residents in the new 16-bed facility on ElmWeekly Post Staff Writer
wood’s northeast side, joining Earnestine Bateman of Elmwood and Norman Ford of Farmington. “I’m glad to have this here in town, because it got to where I couldn’t take care of my yard work any more,” Gibson said. “It’s great in here, the food is good and the Gibson people can’t do enough for you.” That’s the goal according to Country
Comfort owner Sherry Pettet, who stresses smaller, more personal care in her three nursing home facilities. “Everyone here seems thrilled with the service so far,” Pettet said Tuesday, in between washing dishes and cleaning in the kitchen. “Not only is the living environment smaller, but our services go above and beyond what other facilities provide. It’s such a different ballgame. “We have 24-hour (Certified Nurses Assistants) and a nurse on call who is actually in the building.” Country Comfort has two eight-bed
CHRISTMAS WALK SATURDAY IS COMING
wings, one offering assisted living, the other focused on memory care. Private and double occupancy rooms are available. Common rooms are tastefully decorated with a mix of antiques (some from New Orleans, some from Europe) and newer furnishing and there is even an on-site beauty shop. All services are provided, from housekeeping to laundry to meals to bathing assistance and daily wellness exams. Pettet said Country Comfort’s approach in its Memory Care wing is Continued on Page 8
Administrators split on school funding reform By BILL KNIGHT
The Illinois House of Representatives last month re-started debate on addressing the way schools are funding, but a chief co-sponsor of the bill doesn’t think the discussion will amount to much. “I don't think Senate Bill 16 is going anywhere in the House,” said Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria), who helped its passage in the Senate in May. “So it will be revisited, and probably gutted.” Introduced Jan. 9, 2013, by State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), SB 16 is considered the most serious school-funding reform legislation in more than 15 years. “There have been a great number of legislators throughout the years who have said they are concerned about how schools are funded, but Sen. Manar has actually put forth the effort to try to rectify a funding system that rewards the wealthy and punishes the poor,” commented Farmington Superintendent John Asplund. “He and the children of Illinois deserve our support.” The bill would require schools to show need to receive state money, so districts with more valuable properties could get less state aid, and districts with lower property values could be helped more. The Senate approved the bill 32-19, with 6 voting “present,” and Sen. Darin LaHood (RDunlap) voted against it. “The easiest solution is to fully fund For The Weekly Post
Lighted trees and a warm fire lured folks in at last year’s Brimfield Area Christmas Walk. Photo by Bill Knight.
Christmas events abound By JEFF LAMPE
Anyone looking for the Christmas spirit need search no further than this weekend, when a variety of holiday events are scheduled in the area. Major Christmas walks are planned for Saturday in Brimfield, Elmwood, Canton and Princeville. There are also various craft fairs, open houses, home tours, card exWeekly Post Staff Writer
changes and ornamentmaking events scheduled this weekend and in the weeks to come. Here’s a look at some of the planned events. s Brimfield – Brimfield’s Area Christmas Walk is Saturday (Dec. 6) from 5-7 p.m. with a variety of activities. Highlights include Santa, a large fire pit, hayrack rides, a complimentary meal at the American
Legion hall, luminaries, musical performances, a community sing at the Union Church at 7 p.m. and much more. s Elmwood – Elmwood’s Christmas Walk is Saturday (Dec. 6) from 47 p.m. Highlights include Santa and his elf, a Disney’s Frozen character costume contest at 4:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, a model train set on disContinued on Page 2
Continued on Page 10
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
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CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE
Classified Rates
• HOUSE: 2 BR, 2 Bath, 2-car garage. 184 N. Oak St, Farmington $49,500. Call 2249929. • GRANITE COUNTER TOP: Solid slab, 37 x 87, (309) 231-6040.
Classified ads cost $7 for up to 20 words and must be prepaid. Call (309) 741-9790 or visit 115 W. Main St. in Elmwood. December Special! Classifieds just $5!
SERVICES • TONIA WINDISH HOME DAYCARE: DCFS Licensed,18 years experience. Day care opening available in my Elmwood home. (309) 208-6460. • CLEANING: Welcome guests with a sparkling home! A Tidy Touch schedules for your convenience.
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HELP WANTED • DRIVER: Wanted to Hire: Petroleum Transport Driver. Local hauls, home daily. Preferably 2 years work experience with tanker hazmat endorsement. Must have
clean DMV. We offer health insurance, vision insurance, paid vacation, and simple IRA. Please call (309) 8792221. • COMPUTER INTERN: Help us update our Website and social media pages. The right candidate will also redesign Web pages. Earn valuable experience for future employment! Flexible hours and you can work from home. Training available, knowledge of WordPress and Facebook is preferable. Ideal candidate wants to gain valuable experience now to get rich later. Call (309) 231-6040.
XMAS WALKS: Holiday Homecoming
Continued from Page 1 play, luminaries, horse and carriage rides and businesses open late. • Then on Sunday (Dec. 7) a free vendor and craft show will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 802 W. Main St. in Elm-
wood. Proceeds from the show will benefit Habitat for Humanity’s “Home for a Hero” project in Elmwood. s Princeville – Princeville’s Holiday Homecoming is Saturday (Dec. 6) from 9 a.m. to 1
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p.m. Highlights include Santa and Mrs. Claus, a vendor fair at the AkronPrinceville Firehouse, kids activities at Lillie M. Evans Library, a pumpkin baking contest at Village Hall, BBQ sliders served at noon and shops offering various giveaways and discounts. s Laura – The 27th annual Holiday Craft and Gift Show is Saturday (Dec. 6) at the Millbrook Township Center in Laura from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Numerous craft and direct sales vendors will be on hand.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
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THE WEEK AHEAD HOT PICKS This Week!
s Tour of Homes – Tour homes in Elmwood decorated for the holidays on Sunday (Dec. 7), 1-5 p.m. Tickets $10 at Every Little Thing, Merrick’s Floor Covering and Jordan’s Mobil. s Christmas Party – Help trim the tree, enjoy music, games, and snacks on Saturday (Dec. 6) from 10 a.m. to noon at Salem Township Library, Yates City. s Book Signing – Reading of “Little Twig” by local author, Sandy Miller Saturday (Dec. 6) at 5 and 6 p.m. at Brimfield Library. Craft project, book sale and book signing after the readings.
for children at Farmington Area Public Library on Dec. 9 from 11-11:45 a.m. s Grief Support – Holiday Grief Sups Story Time – Story Time at Lillie M. port Group will meet today (Dec. 4) at Evans Library Dec. 9 from 10-10:30 a.m. Elmwood United Methodist Church at for children 3-5 years old. 6:30 p.m. Call (309) 742-7221. s Christmas Crafts – Children Pre-K s Christmas Crafts – Fourth to eighth through third grade make ornaments Dec. graders invited today (Dec. 4) from 310 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Brimfield Library. 4:30 p.m. at Brimfield Library to make s Play Group – Play Group at Morrison holiday crafts. Call (309) 446-9575 or eand Mary Wiley Library, Elmwood on mail: khahn@brimfieldDec. 10 from 9-10 a.m. library.org to guarantee for children 0-5 and their art supplies. Publicize Your Event caregivers s Free Bread – Bread Call us at (309) 741-9790 available every Friday at or email information about 10 a.m. at Elmwood s Blood Drive – Blood your upcoming event to Drive at Apostolic Methodist Church. martha@wklypost.com. Christian Church 710 E. s Yoga Class – Free Main, Princeville Dec. 11, 12:30-6 p.m. Yoga class Friday (Dec. 5) from 9:1010:10 a.m. at Lillie M. Evans Library. s Family Bingo – Family Bingo Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at Morrison and Mary Wiley Open to public. Library, Elmwood. Call (309) 742-2431 s Blood Drive – Blood Drive at St. Mary’s in Kickapoo on Saturday (Dec. 6) to register. 5-7 p.m. s Holiday Fair – Visit the Holiday Fair and Stories with Santa on Dec. 13 from s Book Babies – Book Babies will 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Operating Engineers meet Dec. 9 from 10:30-11 a.m. at BrimUnion Hall 6408 W. Plank Rd. Crafts, field Library for children 0-3 years old artisans, and vendors will be on hand for and caregivers. shopping. s Happy Hands – Preschool Story hour
This Week’s Events
Future Events
110 E. Main St, Elmwood
NEW LIST! 620 N. FAIRGROUND WAY, ELMWOOD: Exquisite newer 5BR, 4BA ranch home with handscraped wood floors, granite countertops, decorative trey ceilings, great room w/stone fireplace & pillars, awesome master suite, finished base. & privacy fenced yard. MUST SEE! NEW PRICE! $285,000 603 W. MAIN, ELMWOOD: Wonderful remodel, 3BR, 2.5BA home, NEW: huge kitchen/all baths/flooring/gutters/plumbing & more! Master suite, family & living rooms, 2 1/2 car garage, spacious yard. $144,000 11807 W. KEVIN CT., BRIMFIELD: Fabulous 5 BR, 2 BA ranch on 1 ACRE plus POND, minutes to Shoppes at Grande Prairie! Exquisite kitch. w/ granite/island/all appliances, master suite, theater room, bar, recreation area! $339,900 205 N. MORGAN, ELMWOOD: Cute 2 BR ranch, partial basement, eat-in kitchen, newer roof/siding/windows, big back yard, close to school. $64,900 405 N. MAGNOLIA, ELMWOOD: 3 BR, 2 BA home with main level laundry, eat in kitchen, spacious fenced back yard & 1-car garage. Great space just needs updating. $72,000 505 N. PINE ST., WILLIAMSFIELD: Great 3 BR, 3 BA ranch on nearly 1 ac. w/mature trees, partially finished walkout basement, vaulted great. room, sliders from kitchen to deck, master suite, main level laundry, close to schools, park! NEW PRICE! $184,900 23814 W. NIGHTINGALE, LAURA: Nicely updated 2 possibly 3 BR, 1.5 story home on 1/2 acre lot. Awesome kitchen, finished enclosed porch, newer: roof, furnace/AC, updated wiring PLUS oversized 2car garage. Move right in! $74,900 PENDING 207 N. Kellogg, Yates City 308 W. Main, Yates City 221 A St., Maquon
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Join us Sunday, December 7 For Ladies Day Out • 1-4pm Lenny & Eva Jewelry Demonstration Also available ... Bead Dazzled Jewelry by Debbie Threw
Refreshments Enter to win items including a Lenny & Eva Sentiment
Elmwood Insurance Agency, Inc. Scot Jehle & Janice Nash P.O. Box 827 Elmwood, IL 61529 309-742-2141 scot@elmwoodinsurance.com jnash@elmwoodinsurance.com
WE BUY SCRAP METAL!
CURRENT PRICES: (NOTE: All Prices Subject to Change Without Notice) • Aluminum cans ...... $0.60 • Shredder material .... $130 per nt • Unprepared Iron ..... $160 per nt, $170 per nt (over 1000 pounds) • Prepared Iron ......... $200 per nt, $205 per nt (over 1000 pounds)
Located on Illinois Route 78, 1.5 miles south of Canton • Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am - 4 p.m. • (309) 668-3217 • hitchcockscrapyard.com We Cover The News of West-Central Illinois With A Passion
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
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The Weekly Post
The Weekly Post is published every Thursday (except the last weeks of December and June) by Lampe Publications LLC, 115 W. Main St., Elmwood, IL 61529. All phone numbers listed are in area code (309).
Postmaster - Send address changes to The Weekly Post, P.O. Box 745, Elmwood, IL 61529 Phone - 741-9790 Fax - 741-9365 Email - news@wklypost.com Office Hours - Mon-Wed 9-3, Thurs 9-12, Fri 9-3 News - Jeff Lampe 231-6040, jeff@wklypost.com Classifieds - Shelly Brodine 741-9790 Advertising - 741-9790 Subscriptions - Subscriptions $50 for 50 issues. Deadlines - News due Tuesdays by noon. Retail ads and classifieds due Mondays by noon. Quotable - “I present a python in an ugly Christmas sweater. Your argument for not being in the Christmas spirit is invalid. ” – Lordmoonstuff, via Tumblr An Illinois Press Association Member
Dawson Chiropractic
• Neck and back pain • Extremity complaints • X-rays not necessarily required • Blue Cross, Humana, Medicare Provider
309-742-8921
116 N. Magnolia St. • Elmwood, IL
Of snakes in Santa hats and icy libations
Rambling through central Illinois pondering what dope decided shopping on Thanksgiving Day was a good idea. uuu If Black Friday got you into the Christmas spirit, get your head examined. Along the same lines, if Christmas Walk Saturday doesn’t make you at least start humming carols, then change your last name to Scrooge. I actually like Christmas Walk Saturday more as a business owner than as a sane Jeff person – even LAMPE though that requires giving free stuff away to people. It’s so gratifying that I’m skipping deer hunting to hand out a big prize the staff better buy soon (sweet) and plenty of beverages (cold). So stop by our office at 115 W. Main St. While our train set is not as impressive as the Elmwood Express of Fred Paige and Tom Meyers, what other stop on the Christmas Walk has a pet snake in a Santa hat? ... More to the point, visit somewhere and see somebody this weekend. There are plenty of chances to buy gifts, see friends and get into the spirit of the season – all while helping keep business local. uuu Speaking of small businesses, Sandy Cantu at Elmwood Emporium is now an Independent Watkins Consultant. “Since
Watkins has been in business since 1868 I thought it would be a good addition to my antique store,” Cantu wrote. ... That brought back memories of a fishing show in Collinsville I attend to promote our magazine Heartland Outdoors (which is a great Christmas gift for old men and anybody else who likes going out the front door with a gun or rod in hand). One year I was stationed across from a silvertongued fellow who sold Watkins. After three days of listening to yarns about ointments and salves, I was ready to sell the kids in order to buy up his inventory. Fortunately the boys were home with Mom and I wound up only buying Petro-Carbo first aid salve, which promptly disappeared in the black hole of my truck console. Hmm, maybe Sandy will trade PetroCarbo for a cool libation Saturday. uuu Remember that sign we featured a few weeks ago that read “Watch for Childern.” Well it is in Yates City, was made by Kentucky-based Econo Signs and is being replaced. “I knew what it said when I put it up and didn’t even bother to check the spelling,” said Chuck Eiker, public works director in Yates City. But after seeing the sign in our paper, Eiker called Econo Signs and has a replacement on the way. ... After delivering another load of outlaw chickens to The Moonshiner, anger (or was it a fresh batch of shine?) overwhelmed me as I pondered the
D.E. Boland Mechanical, Inc. “We Really Get Into Our Work”
Backhoe • Dozer • Semi Trenching • Track Hoe Underground Boring Water & Sewer Lines Plumbing • Heating Air Conditioning
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FARM CARE
FARM MANAGEMENT • REAL ESTATE SALES • 75.0 +/- acres of farmland & woodland - Approx. half tillable and half wooded, Peoria County near Farmington. $7,500 per acre • 222 E. MAIN, ELMWOOD - 2 BR home ! with all appliances, very INGand D clean and move-in condition, garage full basement, must see N E P $64,900 NOW JUST $62,400 to appreciate.
Call Gene Vaughan Managing Broker
742-2273
www.FarmCareIllinois.com
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price of store-bought eggs vs. yardraised eggs. Tell me again? What is the menace of backyard chickens? ... Speaking of the Elmwood city council, we need somebody to step up and run for my soon-to-be-vacant alderman position in Ward 2 (north of Main St. and west of Magnolia). Stop by city hall, soon. ... Jerry Traver has a good idea to boost interest in local politics. He said The Mayor of Oak Hill should purchase the Oak Hill Inn to serve as city hall. “I’d come to every meeting,” Traver said. uuu Still grumpy? Cruise past Gene Wilson’s Christmas Tree Lane east of Elmwood, where the huge display of lights runs from dusk to 9:30 p.m. New this year is a lighted snowman and another patriotic scene. ... Kudos to Ted and Ron Gilles, Mike Aldrich and everybody who helped put on the annual youth pheasant hunt near Princeville last week. Many kids and parents spoke highly of the event. ... Nerd Woe I: Last week I accidentally used the computer to “find-replace” all long dashes with hyphens – and we are still trying to restore order to the paper! ... One thing about spending Thanksgiving in Buffalo, N.Y., it’s an easy place to get your prayers answered – so long as you pray for snow. ... Parting shot: Every now and then you have to go over the line to remember the location of “the line.” Contact Jeff Lampe at 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com
STEWART’S FAMILY RESTAURANT Tues. 6-2 Wed.,Thurs. & Fri. 6-2 & 4-8 Sat. & Sun. 6-2 Closed Monday
•Breakfast All Day •We Can Accommodate 309-362-2408 Large Groups 18925 West Farmington Rd. •Home Style Cooking Trivoli, IL
NOTICE CITY OF ELMWOOD CONSOLIDATED ELECTION Petitions for the Consolidated Election to be held on April 7, 2015 for the Elmwood City Council will be accepted December 15, 2014 through December 22, 2014 at the City Clerk’s Office. Our office hours are from 9:00 a.m. until noon and 1:00-5:00 p.m.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
Billtown awarded grant to upgrade water By BILL KNIGHT
WILLIAMSFIELD – Williamsfield is one of the few community applicants to be approved for a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and that will enable the village to address a water system in need of attention, according to Village Board president Michael Gray. The $229,000 grant from the state’s Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) will be supplemented by a village share of $76,000, according to Suzanne Nash of the Western Illinois Regional Council, which will administer the grant. “There were about 160 applications, but just 35, plus WilliamsFor The Weekly Post
field’s, were OK’d,” she told the Board at its meeting Monday (Dec. 1). The funding will target upgrades recommended by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Gray said. In other funding issues, year-todate finances look good, Gray said. Revenues are outpacing expenditures in almost all funds, except for operations and maintenance, which has spent about $41,000 on revenues of about $40,000. “We’re on track budget-wise,” Gray said. Along similar lines, the Board unanimously approved a 2014 tax levy of $13,900 for the corporate fund, $3,900 for police, $800 for audit and $2,927 for insurance.
In other action, • a caucus set the following candidates to run for office in the April 2015 elections: Jolene Tucker, Trudy Self and Connie Wight for four-year terms, Jim Folger for an unexpired term, and Gray for Village Board president. Both Tucker and Wight are incumbents; • the board approved purchasing a locking box to secure the police department’s shotgun and automatic rifle; • Tucker is still working on ordinance revisions; and • plans to let bids for the expiring garbage-collection contract should go out soon for consideration at the February meeting.
Page 5 10106 W. Wood St., Kickapoo - $199,900 3 BR, 2 BA, completely remodeled, full basement, on .47 acres New Listing! 12317 W. Farmington Rd., Hanna City - $99,900 3 BR, 1 BA, Full Basement 11217 N. Oakwood Dr., Peoria - $158,000 Nice 2 BR, 2 BA condo Price Reduced! 407 N. Walnut St., Elmwood - $67,000 3 BR, 1 BA, Fenced yard 4900 N. Knoxville, Peoria - $74,900 2 BR, 2 BA Condo, Updated kitchen 30 Acres, Knox Road 300N - $250,000 3821 N. Townhouse Rd., Hanna City $379,000 3 BR, 4BA, brick ranch on 11.289-acres with lake Call Debbie Windish 309-303-1853 111. W. Main, Yates City - $135,000 Halls Tavern, Great investment opportunity! 1,600 SF Bar, full kitchen, rented apartment PENDING: 10106 W. Wood St. Kickapoo
Thinking of Buying or Selling? Please Call!
(309) 678-9010
GUEST VOICES
A happy trip back to Christmas of old
I grew up in the Galesburg area during the turbulent 60s, a time marred by the political assassinations of the Kennedy brothers and Martin Luther King, racial riots, student protests and marches, and the Vietnam War. Even with the violence of the era, some of my most vivid memories are those associated with Jon Downtown GALLAGHER Galesburg and the Christmas season. We didn’t have a Black Friday back then. There were no six-hour sales with shoppers whipped into a feeding frenzy by doorbuster specials. There were no malls or superstores opening at an ungodly hour the day after Thanksgiving – or spoiling Thanksgiving Day by opening that evening. There was no WalMart putting up their Christmas displays before Halloween. It was a simple time filled with the magic of the season, perfectly presented in a four-block area known as Downtown Galesburg. As you bounced across the
Burlington Northern tracks at the east end of Main Street, you were transported into a wonderland of sights and sounds. Decorations hung from the street lights high overhead while merchants’ windows spilled a yellowish glow onto the sidewalks outside the shops. It seems that music was piped in from somewhere, coming from speakers that were invisible to my pre-teen eyes. Although I can’t remember specifics, I know that whenever I hear the song “Silver Bells,” I get a flashback of Downtown Galesburg from my youth. It seems that the hanging decorations were either giant candy canes alternating with lighted plastic faces of old St. Nick. Sears was the first store to get my attention as we entered Downtown. The store, located across from the Post Office, would make a special section on the far west side that housed their toy department. They only carried toys at Christmas time so a little kid like me would know the season was getting close whenever they’d start preparing the area a few weeks in advance. Across the street, Gamble’s department store enticed shoppers into their midst with window dis-
plays. My family did most of their shopping at Grants, Kresge’s, and Sears with an occasional trip down to OT Johnsons. Some merchants sent out a giant catalog right before Christmas and I would spend my spare time dog-earing pages with my toys of choice, circling the really good ones with a magic marker. My parents would then head for Sears or some other local merchant that was willing to extend credit to them (credit cards really didn’t exist then, at least not for my family) and pick up some of the selected items. Frank’s Jewelers was one of the stores that would let my mom and dad pay “on time.” Warren Utsinger was the manager of the store, located just east of Grants. He was a huge man with a deep voice and always had a cigarette burning, either dangling from the corner or his mouth or smoldering away behind the counter. One year, he sold us a very expensive AM-FM radio that had shortwave on it as well. It would be able to pick up the new FM stations like WGIL-FM which had just Continued on Page 7
Urish’s
Open House 517 S. Apple St. Farmington December 3, 4, & 5 10am – 5pm •Quilts •Floral •Trees •Santas •Braided Rugs • Snow Men • Drawings
(309) 696-0682
MANNHARDT’S FURNITURE (Lowell & Pat)
139 North Public Square Knoxville, IL 61448
• Finished • Unfinished • Stripping • Repairing • Refinishing • Custom Building • Millwork M-F 9-5 • Sat 9-12 I-74, Exit 51
(309) 289-6469 mannhardts@grics.net
Choose and Cut Your Own Fresh Christmas Tree Chris tmas Wreaths • Cemetery Decorat ions Lot s of N ew Ornaments • West ern Items Warm Glow Cand les - Hearth & Electric
Grady’s Christmas Tree Farm & Gift Shop Mike Cecil Financial Advisor Farmington, IL 61531 Office 309-245-2947 Cell 309-357-1001 mike.cecil@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com
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OR N A M E N T S GA L O R E ! P e r s o n a l i z e d O r n am e n t s • H u n t i n g & F i s h i n g • D u c k s S a n t as • F a r m A n i m a l s • A n g e l s • H o r s e s • 4- H B i r d s • N u tc r a c k e r s • A l l S po r t s
N o w op e n d a i ly 8 -4 : 3 0 4816 S. Stone School Road • Trivoli, IL
309-362-2204 Cash or Check only
Page 6
PALACE THEATER
Elmwood, IL • 309-742-4211 In Digital Cinema!
Starting Friday!
DUMB and DUMBER TO
Tickets $5
Fri & Sat - 7:15 p.m. Sun - 2:30 & 7:15 p.m. Mon-Thurs - 7:15 p.m.
Matinee $4
Next: 12-12 - Exodus: Gods & Kings 12-25 - Night at the Museum, 1-9 - Penguins of Madagascar
PG-13
Humane Society of Fulton County
M e e t D e v e n . She is a 1-2 yr old brown tabby. Deven is pretty quiet and laid back. A home with older children may suite her best as noise and commotion are things she’s not used to. She is up to date on her vaccines and has been spayed. Come meet Deven or another of our g reat animals dur ing our adoption hours: Sat, Sun, Mon, Wed, Fr i 1-4 pm and Tuesday evenings 5-8 pm.
22988 Il Highway 9 Canton, IL 61520
3 09-6 47 -507 7
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
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PUBLIC RECORD
NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Multi-car wreck on congested Alta Lane
RADNOR – A 16-year-old Dunlap boy was ticketed about 7:30 a.m. Nov. 17, when the 2004 Lexus he was driving struck a 2001 Daewoo driven by Charles Bell of Urbana, who had slowed behind a third car stopping on Alta Lane, police said. All three vehicles had been westbound. The juvenile was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for having too many passengers in a vehicle driven by a motorist using a graduated license. Three passengers in the Lexus were not injured.
been revoked. Fraser was ticketed for speeding, driving while his license was revoked, and driving an uninsured vehicle, police said. His 2013 Chevrolet Sonic was towed from the scene, and the case is under review for possibly seizing the car.
No injuries in rollover on reports Princeville-Jubilee Road Police • Kristina M. Eveland, 25, of PRINCEVILLE – Alex Schierer, 23, of Princeville, escaped injury about 8 a.m. Nov. 25 when the 2004 Buick LeSabre he was driving southbound on Princeville-Jubilee Road drifted into the northbound lane and then left the road and overturned in a field, according to police. Schierer told police he lost control when lighting a cigarette. The car was towed from the scene.
Motorist stopped for speeding, issued tickets Dahinda driver escapes ELMWOOD – Brandon Fraser, injury in rollover wreck
28, of Elmwood about 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 25 was pulled over in the 19000 block of Illinois Route 8 for driving 71 miles per hour in a 55-mph speed-limit area, according to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office. A subsequent computer check showed that his license had
on Knox Road 1400 E near Illinois Route 167 when she lost control of her 2004 Toyota Matrix on slick road surfaces, left the road, hit the ditch on the west side of the roadway and rolled over. The car landed back on its wheels, said police, who reported that Fox was not injured.
DAHINDA – A 41-year-old Dahinda woman escaped injury about 7 a.m. on Nov. 26 when she rolled her car after hitting a patch of ice, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Melinda Fox was northbound
Farmington on Nov. 16 was ticketed for leaving the scene of an accident with vehicle damage, failure to give information after striking an unattended vehicle or property, failure to report an accident, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. • Jesse Rosas, 27 of Princeville, on Nov. 27 was arrested for fleeing police and transported to the Peoria County Jail.
Deer accidents
• Nov. 23 – Stephen Rummans of Rock Island on Interstate 74 near mile marker 65 in Elba Township. • Nov. 24 – Brent Montag of Brimfield on U.S. Route 24 near Powell Road in Hollis Township.
AREA CHURCHES BRIMFIELD
SIT-n-KNIT yarn shop wed, thurs, fri, 10-4 sat 10-noon additional hours by appt
309.289.2379 309.368.8841 236 e. main st. • Knoxville, Illinois Owner - Maureen Carlson sitnknit.net
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod “Liturgical & Reverential” Pastor Michael Liese 204 W. Clay St., Brimfield (309) 446-3233 Sun. Divine Service: 10 am Sun. School: 8:45 am Bible Class: 8:45 am Brimfield United Methodist Church Pastor Leonard Thomas 135 S. Galena St., Brimfield (309) 446-9310 Sun. Worship: 9 am Sun. School: 9 am Thurs. Bible Study: 7 pm Union Church at Brimfield United Church of Christ Pastor Stephen Barch 105 W. Clay Street Brimfield, IL 61517
(309) 446-3811 Sunday Worship: 9 am Tuesday Bible Fun Night: 6 pm
EDWARDS Christ Alive! Community Church Pastor Lance Zaerr 9320 W US Hwy 150, Edwards (309) 231-8272 www.christalivecc.com Sun. School: 9:15 am Worship: 10:30 am
ELMWOOD Crossroads Assembly of God Pastor Tim Cavallo 615 E. Ash St., Elmwood (309) 830-4259 www.crossroadselmwood.org Wed. Worship: 7 pm Sun. Worship: 10:30 am Elmwood Baptist Church Pastor Dennis Fitzgerald 701 W. Dearborn St. Elmwood (309) 742-7631, 742-7911 Sun. School: 9:30 am
Sun Worship: 10:30 am, 6 pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7 pm First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood Reverend Marla B. Bauler 201 W. Evergreen, Elmwood (309) 742-2631 firstpresbyterianofelmwood.org Sun. Worship: 10:30 am Sun. School: 9:30 am St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Father Paul Stiene 802 W. Main St., Elmwood (309) 742-4921 Sat. Confession: 3:45 p.m. Sat. Mass: 4:30 p.m. Sun. Mass: 10 am Tues. Rosary: 8:15 am United Methodist Church of Elmwood Pastor Bradley F. Watkins II 821 W. Main St., Elmwood (309) 742-7221 www.elmwoodumc.org Sun. Worship: 9 am, 10:30 am Youth Sun. School: 9 am Adult Sun. School: 8 am
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FARMINGTON First Presbyterian Church of Farmington 83 N. Cone Street, Farmington (309) 245-2914 www.firstpresfarmington.com Sunday School: 9:30 am Fellowship: 10:30 am Worship: 11:00 am New Hope Fellowship Assembly of God Pastor Tom Wright 1102 N. Illinois Route 78 Farmington, IL (309) 245-2957 Sun. Worship: 10 am Wed. Worship: 7 pm
YATES CITY Faith United Presbyterian Church 107 W. Bishop St. Yates City, IL 61572 (309) 358-1170 Worship: 9 am Sun. School: 10:15 am Thurs. Choir: 7 pm
Wednesday thru Saturday 11:00 – 4:00 144 East Fort Street • Farmington, IL 61531
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GALLAGHER: Xmas was magical Continued from Page 5
begun broadcasting without static. When the time finally came to head for Downtown, there was only one real stop I wanted to make and that was the street in front of Grants. That’s where there was a little shack, barely bigger than a large bathroom, constructed especially for the season, and a home for Santa Claus himself. Santa sat in an oversized chair, listening to the wishes of all the little kiddies, handing out candy canes and/or coloring books after hearing the extensive lists. I don’t remember any other kids in there when I would go in; I’m not sure if that’s because my parents chose a slow time or if because the line was made to wait outside the shack. Intimate time with the fat old guy did more to scare the beejeebers out of me than it did to elicit any kind of coherent list prepared from the aforementioned catalogs. Although I don’t remember there being a photo concession set up to generate some dough to pay the guy in the suit, I do have an old black and white photo of me sticking my finger in my eye while standing beside Santa, taken when I was less than 10 years old. I think the finger was poking back the tears of fear that were no doubt trying to weasel their way out and down my cheeks. This was truly Santa, the real one, not some phony guy with a fake beard and a pillow stuffed under his coat. He was the ONLY Santa allowed in Galesburg so that kids wouldn’t get confused. Even when Arlan’s, a department store at the corner of Henderson and Fremont, an-
nounced that Santa would be in their store, we all knew he was the fake one. This phony sat on a steel folding chair and didn’t bother to give out anything to kids. I think he lasted a whole year before Arlan’s conceded that the real Santa was located Downtown. After the trip to see Santa, we’d head for the Fannie Mae candy shop where I’d get some Peppermint Ice and some Hostess Mints. Before heading back to Knoxville, we’d pick up pizza from the Pizza House. After dinner, there was but one stop to make and that was a trip to a farm located between Galesburg and Wataga. Each year Vincent Holmes added a new decoration to his massive display of Christmas lights that stretched a good quarter mile. The right side of the farm house was dedicated to Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the Nativity; the left side was reserved for the modern Christmas story with Santa’s workshop (two mechanical elves hammered away at toys) while an organist rocked from side to side at a pipe organ. Thinking back, Christmas was a lot more fun back in the 60s. I’m sure the competition for the almighty dollar was just as still as it is today, but as a child, I had no inkling of that. We didn’t have much in the way of electronic gadgetry but we did have a wonderment and excitement that no computer or superstore could ever hope to recreate. It’s a time that I’m sorry my children and grandchildren will never really get to experience. It was a simple time. And it was simply magic.
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Page 7
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
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BRIEFS
Oak Run first responders receive IDPH grant
DAHINDA – The Oak Run First Responders earlier this year received a $3,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The group purchased a fire/rescue boat two years ago but applied for this competitive grant to help purchase additional equipment: an automated external defibrillator (AED), a waterproof case to store it, a stokes basket (used for patient rescue) with a flotation collar and a medical supplies bag with an oxygen tank.
Winter Holiday Concert Saturday at Princeville
PRINCEVILLE – While a Santa
Breakfast originally scheduled for Saturday morning at the Akron-Princeville Firehouse has been cancelled, according to Chris Delbridge, Director of Choral Activities, the Winter Holiday Concert is schedOak Run First Responders (left to right) Mary uled for 1-3 p.m. Bush, Jane Frazier and Jan Congreve display Saturday (Dec. 6) in items purchased by an IDPH grant. the Princeville High high jazz band,” Delbridge said. School Gymnasium. If the 7th grade girls basketball “The groups involved are the team reaches the state tournament, PHS band, chorus and chamber the 7th/8th grade part of the concert singers, as well as the 7th and 8th will be Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. with grade band and chorus, and junior the 5th and 6th graders.
COUNTRY COMFORT: Adult daycare also available Continued from Page 1
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somewhat unique. That wing has a secured courtyard and makes the kitchen the “heart of the home” in hopes of eliminating the feeling of a large nursing facility.
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reminisce.” Pettet said redirection is another important part of the Memory Care Unit and noted that often “a kind soft touch, a hug or smile” can be very important during episodes of high anxiety for residents. She said calming oil scents can also help create a calming environment during the time of day when “sundowning syndrome” sometimes sets in. Pettet also runs assisted living and Alzheimer’s special care units in
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Henry and Princeton. Work on the Elmwood facility started in August of 2013 and Pettet originally hoped to be open in March this year. Delays cut into what was once a waiting list for beds. “A lot of people could not wait and some people still do not know we’re open,” Pettet said. “But as people find out about us here they will trickle in until we’re full.” Country Comfort also offers adult daycare services. Call (309) 742-2274.
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Page 9
Brimfield water regains former taste By TERRY KNIGHT
BRIMFIELD – Depending upon your point of view, the village water glass is half full or half empty. Either way, the stuff in the glass tastes a lot better today than it did a couple of weeks ago. “Probably everybody who lives in Brimfield and drinks water realizes something happened,” Village Board President Dan Fishel said at Monday’s board meeting. According to Superintendent of Public Works Kevin Challacombe, something began to happen in September, although it wasn’t noticeable until mid-November. A wire to the motor on the well pump got a hole in it, arced against a stainless steel pipe and blew a breaker. Repairs may cost $15,000 For The Weekly Post
although Challacombe said it is not clear if the pump can be fixed. The city has two wells, but the older one is rarely used. When it was tapped while the regular one was being repaired, the older well had high levels of hydrogen sulfide. “It was never a health issue. It was never a quality issue. It was just a taste issue,” said Fishel. “But it’s back.” Parts for the system had been used for 16 years but were only expected to last for five years. Replacement is expected to cost $30,000, not the $100,000 first feared. The board also: • Temporarily approved Becky Hamby’s new business, Hamby Massage, at 127 N. Galena, pending a new ordinance. Currently, massage falls under
“adult use,” which requires a license and $500 fee, and restricts locating near schools, churches and parks. Board members felt that was outdated. They directed attorney Rick Johnson to draft a new ordinance which would require a license, but no fee, and allow those businesses in a C-1 zoning district. Temporary approval passed 4-0, with votes from Fishel, Brian Porter, Allison Porter and Kevin Gilles. Mike Meinders and Amy Powers were
absent; Joe Arbogast abstained since he owns the building for the new business. • Approved $250 for the Christmas Basket fund, as it did last year. • Approved water bill relief for Eagle Family Medicine, paying onethird of the $1,458.60 tab incurred when a water leak caused use to jump from an average of 1,200 gallons to 507,000 gallons a month.
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Resident praises ElbaSalem fire district By BILL KNIGHT
YATES CITY – A local resident sent an open letter of support to the ElbaSalem Fire Protection District Board of Trustees, who read the correspondence at the department’s 20-minute meeting on Monday (Dec. 1). Susan Elliott offered praise and positive comments, and condemned others criticizing the ESFPD, attributing it to “personality problems.” The wife of a volunteer fireman, Elliott said some members of the department “bully, slander or exaggerate the truth.” Divisions in the force were cited in a federal lawsuit against ESFPD and its Board of Trustees For The Weekly Post
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for allegedly violating a firefighter’s rights. For that lawsuit, the District will be represented by outside legal counsel arranged by its insurer, according to Secretary-Treasurer Greg Wessel, who added that, “Their advice is to do nothing at this point.” The Board and its regular attorney, Wayne Statham, then went into executive session. In other business, • Chief John McKinty reported the department in the last two months responded to 16 medical calls, two fires and one mutual-aid request; • two applications for new volunteers are pending.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
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SCHOOL FUNDING: Changes to bill expected Continued from Page 1
schools instead of prorating them 88 or 89 percent,” LaHood told The Weekly Post, an opinion echoed by Elmwood Superintendent Chad Wagner “I feel legislators need to make funding General State Aid a priority,” Wagner said. In Princeville, Superintendent Shannon Duling said a solution shouldn’t be either-or. “Although the bill does much to help make our current system more ‘fair’ in funding various school
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districts, it does not address the ‘lack’ of funding all school districts are currently experiencing,” Duling said. “Princeville has lost over half a million dollars over the past three years and will likely lose over $200,000 this year. I believe that both the equity and the adequacy issues must be addressed for any bill to get full support of all [school] districts.” Democrats mostly support the measure and some hope to vote on it before mid-January, when a new General Assembly is sworn in, but that’s unlikely, according to State Rep. Mike Unes (R-Canton). “I have spoken with Education Policy Committee Chair Linda Chapa LaVia about SB 16, and she has assured me that SB 16 will not be called
as-is in the veto session or lame-duck session,” Unes told The Weekly Post. “It is fully expected the bill language will change significantly before a final vote. I will be reserving judgment until I see the final language.” Republicans mostly oppose the proposal, which LaHood summarized. “There are a host of problems,” he said. “It picks ‘winners and losers.’ Some would gain – Kewanee would get $3 million more – but some would lose money. Dunlap, here in the 37th District, would lose $2 million. Also, there are pieces in [the bill] about Chicago block grants and Chicago teachers pensions that don’t belong. “It is a starting point,” he said. “This isn’t what’ll be the final bill.” In Brimfield, Superin-
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tendent Joe Blessman acknowledges the problem but thinks timing is bad. “I understand the need,” he said. “Illinois has the second largest gap [in the country] between the richest and the poorest districts. That being said, I do not believe now is the time to penalize any district. We have not been fully funded for the past four years. If and when the Illinois economy recovers might be a good time to revisit this issue.” Manar sees an opportunity that the legislature shouldn’t miss. “There is a cost to not getting this right in the state budget, and it’s severe,” Manar said. “Until we get this right and we drive resources to (needy) districts, then we’re never going to get at the root of major cost-drivers in the state budget.”
Williamsfield food drive continuing
WILLIAMSFIELD – The High School Student Council is again sponsoring a canned food drive, which features rewards for students and possibly free admission to Billtown basketball games. Grades Pre-K through 6th kicked off the drive before school on Monday (Dec. 1), said Starla Yelm “Pre-K to 6th will be in a contest to see who brings in more cans,” she said. Grades 7-12 started later that day and are rewarded with extra credit. At the next two games, people can either pay the usual admission or donate a nonperishable food item. The National Honor Society and student council plan to deliver food Saturday, Dec. 20.
OBITUARIES Valerie Bridson
BRIMFIELD – Valerie L. Bridson, 65, of Bloomington, died Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, at Heartland Health Care, Normal. Her memorial service was held Nov. 26 at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Private inurnment will be at a later date. The family suggests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or to Illinois State University Children of Civil Service Scholarship Fund. Valerie was born Oct. 21, 1949, in Minneapolis, Minn., the daughter of Edward and Lois McDonald Bodine. She married Randy G. Bridson on March 4, 1972, in Hopkins, Minn. He survives. Also surviving are one sister, Deveny (Jim) Ahlvers, Brooklyn Park, Minn.; mother-in-law, Guyneth Bridson, Brimfield; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ted Bodine. Valerie attended Mankato State University, Mankato, Minn. Valerie worked at Illinois State University, Normal, at the Lauby Teacher Education Center, where she assisted in placing special education majors into student teacher assignments from 2001 to 2013. She received the Distinguished Service Award from ISU in 2011. She had worked at State Farm Insurance Cos. and Kohl’s Department Store. Valerie participated in the annual Bloomington High School craft sale for many years. Condolences may be sent to 10956 Medalion Dr., Bloomington, IL 61705.
Jack Burgess
YATES CITY – Jack Burgess, 70, of Yates City passed away on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014 at 8:20 am at his residence. He was born on Aug. 23, 1944 in Peoria to Donald and Vernice (Burcham) Burgess. They preceded Burgess him in death. He married Dianne Bird on June 6, 1964 in Yates City and this year they celebrated their 50th year an-
This Week’s Obituaries
• Helen Blackburn, 94, Brimfield • Valerie Bridson, 65, Brimfield • Jack Burgess, 70, Yates City • Opal Phillipps, 85, Yates City • Charles Rolinski, 76, Princeville • Alma Stone, 85, Brimfield • John Tusek, 80, Farmington
niversary. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters Tammie (late Dan) McCoy of Maquon, Shelley (Rodney) Siegel of Yates City, brother, Kenneth (Gay) Burgess of Gilson, grandsons Austyn Siegel, Kolton Siegel and sister-in-law Darlene Duggins of Orlando, Fla. He went to his first three years of grade school in Brimfield and later moved to Yates City where he graduated high school. In 1962 he started driving a truck for his father at Don Burgess & Sons Trucking. From 1975 to the present he has owned and operated Burgess Bros. with his brother Kenneth. Jack made many friends through his grandsons’ athletic events, camping, Western square dancing and being a small business owner serving his community. He also enjoyed auctions and searching out tools and treasures. He spent the majority of his life driving and working on semis. He enjoyed every aspect of the trucking industry. Christmas was his favorite time of the year. He enjoyed the cooking, baking, decorating and shopping and had his hand in doing it all. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, from 5-7 p.m., at the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood with a funeral service on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be held at the Yates City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Douglas Church, Elba Township, Salem Township, Yates City Fire Department or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. To view Jack’s video tribute or to
leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com BRIMFIELD – Helen “Marie” Blackburn, 94, of Washington, mother of a Brimfield woman, died Nov. 28 at The Villas of Holly Brook in Washington. She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Buchanan of Brimfield and Jean (Mel) Hildebran of Washington; one sister, Mary McCarty of Washington; grandchildren, Jack (Joy) Dries of East Peoria, Beth (John) Meister of Farmington, Tammy (Mike) Smith of Oak Hill, Tom Ansteatt of Peoria, Melody (Tim) Narr of Hartford, Wis., Dianna (Scott) Fowler of Washington and Dawn (Joe) Dalfonso of Washington; 18 greatgrandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. A memorial mass will be Thursday (Dec. 4) at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. There will be a visitation an hour prior to the service at the church. Cremation has been accorded. Leave online condolences at www.deitersfuneralhome.com.
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YATES CITY – Opal F. Philipps, 85, of Hebron, Ohio, a Yates City native, died Nov. 26 at her home. Born on March 16, 1931, to Orrin and Isal (Upp) Turner in rural Knox County, she grew up in the area and graduated from Yates City High School in 1948. She is survived by her children, Robert (Patti), Virginia Beach, VA, Carol (Gene) Zielinski, Brooks, OR, John (Debbie), Temecula, CA, and Glenn, Fallbrook, CA; seven grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by Phil, her husband of 63 years. Her funeral service was Dec. 2 at the McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home in Granville, Ohio. Leave online condolences at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.
Obituary Policy: We print basic obituaries for free. Longer obituaries cost $1 per column inch and $5 per picture. Forms are available at The Weekly Post, 115 W. Main St.; Elmwood, IL. Or call 309-741-9790.
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OBITUARIES
Charles Rolinski
PRINCEVILLE – Charles F. Rolinski, 76, of Groveland, relative of several Princeville residents, died Nov. 29 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Surviving are family
members, Howard Meredith of Chenoa, Sue Ann Meredith of Round Lake, Jason (Kim) Meredith of Round Lake Beach, Julie Meredith of Chenoa, Tanna (Ralph) Krey, Michaele (Tom) Webber and Michael
(Kerry) Leighton, all of Princeville, Marc (Heather) Leighton of Peoria, Tanya Drummond of Princeville and Jama (Dennis) Whetstone of Bartonville. Services were Dec. 3 at Meadow Valley Center at
FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 15
Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. Inurnment is at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Leave condolences at www.deitersfuneralhome.com.
Alma Stone
BRIMFIELD – Alma Irene “June” Stone, 85, of Le Roy died on Nov. 24 at her son’s home in Brimfield. Surviving are children Donald “Gary” (Kathleen) Stone of Brimfield and Steven Stone of Conroe, Texas; one brother, Charles Williamson, one sister, Mary Kai, five grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no services. Leave online condolences at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
John Tusek
FARMINGTON – John Tusek, 80, Farmington, died on Nov. 27 at Farmington Country Manor. Surviving is his wife, Ruthanne, of Farmington; three children, Elizabeth (Leonard) Young, Karen (Frank) McCollough, and Johnny Tusek all of Farmington; two grandsons, Jackson and Jared McCollough; one brother, Frank (Audrey) Tusek of Williamsfield; three sisters, Ann (late Raymond) Weller of Farmington, Mary (late Donald) Nickerson of Arizona, and Julia (late Harold) Reinsma of Dunlap; and sister-law-law, Judy Tusek of Yates City. Services were Dec. 1 at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home. Burial, with Military Honors, was in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Farmington. Leave online condolences at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
CLAIM NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF ILLINOIS PEORIA COUNTY In Re ESTATE OF ) PAUL W. HAYES, ) No. 14-P-476 Deceased. ) NOTICE is given to creditors of the death of PAUL W. HAYES on or about October 13, 2014. Letters of Office were issued by the above entitled Court to THOMAS P. HAYES, of 305 North Kellogg Street, P. O. Box 325, Yates City, Illinois 61572, as Executor, whose attorneys of record are WHITNEY & POTTS, LTD., 118 West Main Street, P. O. Box 368, Elmwood, Illinois, 61529-0368. Claims against the Estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Peoria County Courthouse, Peoria, Illinois, or with the representative or both on or before the 29th day of May, 2015, or if mailing or delivery of a Notice from the representative is required by Sec. 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that Notice. Every claim filed must be in writing and state sufficient information to notify the representative of the nature of the claim or other relief sought. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed and shall file with the Court, proof of any required mailing or delivery of copies. DATED this 6th day of November, 2014. THOMAS P. HAYES, Executor of the Estate of PAUL W. HAYES, Deceased. WHITNEY & POTTS, LTD. Attorneys for the Executor 118 West Main Street P. O. Box 368 Elmwood, Illinois 61529-0368 Telephone: (309) 742-3611
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1. MEDICINE: What condition does a deficiency of iron cause? 2. FOOD AND DRINK: What is bergamot? 3. GEOGRAPHY: Lake Tahoe lies between which two U.S. states? 4. MOVIES: Which animated movie contains the line: “Squirrel!”? 5. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the traditional birthstone for September? 6. PUBLISHING: What magazine was headed by Helen Gurley Brown for 32 years? 7. ASTRONOMY: How many moons does the planet Mars have? 8. MYTHOLOGY: What is the Greek god of the sun called? 9. LANGUAGE: What is the only word in the English language that ends in the letters “mt”? 10. LITERATURE: What was the name of Dick and Jane’s dog in the famous early readers?
FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 15
Answers 1. Anemia 2. A type of citrus fruit 3. California and Nevada 4. “Up” 5. Sapphire 6. Cosmopolitan 7. Two, Phobos and Deimos 8. Helios 9. Dreamt 10. Spot 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
MOVIES
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Hearing set for Dollar General move By MICHELLE SHERMAN
FARMINGTON – The relocation of Farmington’s Dollar General store will be the subject of a special meeting of the zoning commission next week. Several residents attended the city council meeting on Monday (Dec. 1) wishing to hear about and discuss the planned changes, but City Attorney William Connor told them “the council can’t consider any testimony or statistics that doesn’t come through that zoning commission hearing.” The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Farmington municipal building. Public testimony will be heard during that meeting. For The Weekly Post
Mayor Kenn Stufflebeam said the city was notified about two weeks ago of Dollar General’s plans to build a free-standing location on East Fort Street, just up the street from its current location. The new building would take the place of three houses and would feature roughly 9,000 square feet of retail space. In other business the council: • Approved Blackhurst Subdivision as part of the city. • Decreased the water debt services fee from $20 to $15 monthly as part of the debt repayment plan. • Approved holiday bonuses of $100 for full-time city employees and $50 for part-time city employees.
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Eric Higgs bombed for 34 points in Farmington’s season-opening win over South Fulton. In losing two of their last three games since that opener, coach Jeff Otto said the Farmers have been looking for someone to share the load. As teams have turned their defensive attention to sophomore Higgs, Farmington (2-2) has struggled, falling to Lewistown and West Prairie in its last two games of the Fulton County Tournament. “We need somebody to step up in the post and be a scoring threat,” Otto said. “We’ve got some good shooters. They are just young and need to get some confidence.” Otto said an ankle injury to Reid Berry has been a factor inside and sharpshooter Trey Swearingen is still recovering from shoulder surgery last sum-
mer. “I’ve been pleased with our defense,” Otto said. “ Now we just have to figure out how to score.”
Junior high girls battle for state berth
The Brimfield (15-9) and Princeville (19-2) seventh-grade girls basketball teams battled Wednesday in the Peoria Christian IESA 7-2A sectional final for a berth in the state tournament. The winner advances to play in the 7-2A state tournament Saturday (Dec. 6) at Assumption Central A&M Middle School in an 11:30 a.m. game versus the winner between Neoga (12-8) and Altamont (159). Princeville defeated Mossville 38-17 in its regional final. Brimfield has won 7-2A titles in 2013 and 2010 and was fourth in 2008 while Princeville was
fourth in 2012. In 7-1A, a coop team of St. Mark’s and Kickapoo St. Mary’s won its regional and faced Pekin Rankin (13-8) Wednesday for a state berth. Eighth grade girls regional action started this week, with Brimfield and Elmwood both winning Tuesday at Brimfield.
Those two meet in a 5 p.m. final today (Dec. 4) at Brimfield Grade School. Princeville plays today at 6 p.m. in the Peoria St. Vincent de Paul Regional. Farmington won its first 8-3A game, 31-23, over Peoria Quest in the Farmington Regional but lost to Dunlap Valley Middle School on Tuesday, 26-18.
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ELMWOOD: 42% on 3s Continued from Page 16
as second-leading scorer. Overall, six players average better than 5.8 ppg. Suddenly opposing coaches have to think. “I expected this from their progression last year and this summer” when Jehle and Groeper were both hurt during one stretch, Elmwood coach Josh Fugitt said. “It’s going to create a lot of stress on other teams to decide what to do, because they can’t just load up on Jehle and Groeper.” Not with Jack McKinty (9.8 ppg) shooting 55 percent on treys, McCabe
Coulter (9 ppg) emerging as a ballhandler and Kelly Hoffmann filling whatever role is needed. Inside play has also been decent, as 6-foot-5 Tyler Meyers shows flashes and Jake Roberts plays bigger than his height. In the second half Tuesday Roberts owned West Prairie inside, finishing with 10 points to complement Jehle’s 15. Mix it all up and you’ve got a hard-toguard team shooting better than 50 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point land. Unfortunately for the Trojans, they will likely be in a deep regional with Brimfield, Peoria Christian and Peoria Quest. But that’s a few months off. At least the road to that regional should include more high points than one season ago.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
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BRIMFIELD: Dura nearing 1,000 points Continued from Page 16
the open shots,” Carlson said. Of equal significance, Carlson said, was improvement by several other starters. After starting slowly, Jace Swietek came on with 16 points against Rock Island Alleman in last Saturday’s 6533 title game win and 9 against Princeville in the second half of Friday’s 56-38 win. Cuevas led in scoring in all but one game despite suffering from shin splints and double teams. And center Brad Novak
erupted for nine points, 13 rebounds and four blocks vs. Princeville, which struggled in the tournament, but did take Alleman to triple overtime in a 54-45 loss and placed Nick Kraft on the all-tournament team. Girls As expected, junior guard Kennedy Dura (19 ppg) has led the Lady Indians in scoring and is nearing the 1,000-point mark in her career. She was at 943 points Monday after tallying 19 in a 62-36 win over Peoria Heights and 13 in a 43-32
SELF: 600+ shirts sold Continued from Page 16
show them how many of us love and care about them.” Hale and sister Gina Strom organized the event in under two weeks using a private Facebook page. Self was surprised by the turnout and by a flash mob in his honor. “I had no idea that was coming,” Self said. “I was shocked, and then I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is for me.’” The event has raised more than $20,000 to help offset Self’s medical
expenses, much from sales of more than 600 tshirts – including one worn by Billtown coach Bob Anderson. After the celebration it was back to business, with Henry winning, 5648, despite 18 points from Zac Smith. On Monday Garrett Wight score 14 and Ethen Hunt led the way with 16 points in a 66-53 loss to United. Last Friday, Billtown (3-2) defeated West Central, 48-45, as Smith poured in 19 points and Wight added 12.
title game win over Kewanee on Saturday. Brimfield coach Jim Blane said he would not be surprised to see Dura eclipse Paige Spietz’s school scoring record before all is said and done. But Blane was also excited to see other players step into roles he hoped they would fill. Junior Shayla McCormick had 17 rebounds in a 41-32 win over LeRoy and consistently dominated the boards. “I can’t say enough
about Shayla,” Blane said. “We have a lot of kids who like to shoot from the perimeter and everybody likes to get out on the break. That leaves somebody to crash the boards. Shayla has stepped up.” That earned McCormick all-tournament mention along with senior Ryleigh Keith, who has provided scoring balance. “My sophomores also played well and that’s promising,” Blane said.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, December 4, 2014
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Brimfield boys, girls defend Turkey Tourney titles By JEFF LAMPE
BRIMFIELD – Title wins at the Brimfield Turkey Tournament have become as traditional for the Brimfield basketball programs as a turkey meal at Thanksgiving. For the third year in a row, both the boys and girls teams won first place in the six-team tournament, which concluded last Saturday. Brimfield also placed five players in the all-tournament teams (pictured on this page). Here’s a look at how they won. Boys Pre-game chest bumps have been outlawed for the Indians (4-0), Weekly Post Staff Writer
Smith
Dura
thanks to an ankle injury suffered by point guard Koby White prior to Brimfield’s second game against Tremont. Hurt in warmups, transfer White did not play again in the tournament but will return soon. That backup Ryan Smith made the all-tournament team (along with teammate Carson Cuevas) says
Keith
McCormick
plenty about Brimfield’s response. Smith was actually high scorer in a win over Tremont (16 points) and overall provided energy, rebounding and efficient shooting when open, coach Scott Carlson said. “Against Tremont his man left to go guard Cuevas and (Smith) hit Continued on Page 15
Brimfield’s Carson Cuevas has never lost a game in the Turkey Tournament. Photo by Collin Fairfield.
Balanced scoring aiding Elmwood
BILLTOWN FANS HONOR SELF
ELMWOOD – In a basketball season that was often painful to watch, there was a high point for last year’s Elmwood boys team. In the first half of a regional game against Stark County, the Trojans rolled to a 35-6 lead, firing on all cylinders and looking like the team that had once been a junior high terror. Was that first half a sign of things to come? So far, the answer is yes – at least after a 4-1 finish at the Wethersfield tournament and Tuesday’s 49-43 win over previously unbeaten West Prairie (4-1). While Elmwood (5-1) was sloppy in the first half, the Trojans rallied for a comeback even though leading scorer Isaiah Jeff Groeper battled foul trouble LAMPE and had just five points. The difference so far for Elmwood is scoring balance, more aggressive offensive play and better passing. No longer is the scoring load solely on the shoulders of Groeper and senior Matthew Jehle. While those two still lead the Trojans in scoring (averaging 12.8 ppg and 11 ppg, respectively) and should, Elmwood has won even when they don’t – something that would have been inconceivable last year. Consider the Trojans beat Wethersfield 5743 last week though Jehle did not score. And Elmwood has had five different players rank
Williamsfield basketball fans turned out in force last Saturday wearing “Team Self” t-shirts to honor Henry coach Steve Self (below, right), a Billtown native who is battling brain cancer. Photos by Stephanie DeWitt.
Selfless gesture in Billtown By JEFF LAMPE
WILLIAMSFIELD – In what is surely a first, an opposing basketball coach was greeted in Williamsfield by raucous applause, hugs from Billtown fans and administrators and even a crowd decked out in t-shirts to honor their “foe.” Last Saturday was anything but basketball as usual at the Williamsfield Invitational Tournament. There were Weekly Post Staff Writer
games, but the larger issue was recognizing former Bomber Steve Self. Now coach at Henry, Self has been battling brain cancer since July. Before Saturday’s game between Billtown and Henry, fans took time to wish the 1989 Williamsfield grad well. “The whole idea was just to show support to Steve and Rita,” Self’s sister-inlaw Becky Hale said. “We just wanted to Continued on Page 15
Continued on Page 14
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