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Thursday March 26, 2015 Vol. 3, No. 5

The Weekly Post

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School board races main intrigue of local election By JEFF LAMPE

When discussion turns to Washington, D.C., you’ll sometimes hear disgruntled constituents comment, “We need to vote them all out.” Obviously, the same sentiment does not exist in most of our local elections. Aside from occasional heated races, local politics often plays out in a quiet, nonconfrontational manner. Often the biggest problem on the local level is merely finding enough candidates to fill out the ballot. That’s certainly the case Weekly Post Staff Writer

No soccer yet for Brimfield By TERRY BIBO

BRIMFIELD – Soccer, maybe. School calendar may be later, even June 13. Then there is the annual process of rehiring or not hiring school teachers, which may be the reason for a nearly three-and-a-half-hour executive session at the March 18 regular meeting of the Brimfield Board of Education. First, parent Dawn Davidson discussed having soccer made available in Brimfield. She said many parents have indicated interest in starting a team. She would be happy to get information from the Peoria Park District and school districts which might be “friendlys.” Board members were skeptical there would be enough participation or enough teams to play within a reasonable driving distance. “If we could co-op with Elmwood, we’d definitely For The Weekly Post

Continued on Page 12

for the upcoming April 7 election, for which contested races are at a real premium. With the exception of the school board elections for Farmington and Elmwood, most races are clear-cut. If you run, you will win – even as a write-in candidate, in some cases. But a big part of what we do here at The Weekly Post is to cover local politics. This election is no different. With that in mind, we are providing a detailed look at the contested school board races.

Election 2015 • Learn more about the candidates running for the Elmwood and Farmington school boards, Pages 8-9. • School board members leaving office look back at their time tenure, Page 16.

It is encouraging to note that the crowd at last week’s Meet the Candidates Night in Elmwood was well-attended. The same was true Tuesday in Farmington. That tells us that, contested or not, local politics still matters to some people.

Elmwood, Farmington board bios By BILL KNIGHT

The following are answers to two general questions from candidates for contested school board seats in the Elmwood and Farmington school districts. ELMWOOD CUSD 322 DEAN CANTU, Professor and Chair, Department of Teacher Education, Bradley University No. 1 education issue: As a former classroom teacher I recognize that K-12 education is always subject to change, often due to revisions in state and/or national For The Weekly Post

SOME PIG

Commitment to raise livestock paying off for Caldwell clan

ELMWOOD – While many families spend their summers attending baseball or soccer tournaments, the Caldwell family is on the road showing livestock at over 40 events each season. “It’s a commitment that the entire family takes very seriously,” says Kim Caldwell, wife of Todd and mother of Maddie, Olivia and Cole. By their own choice, all three Caldwell kids are very involved in the dayto-day operation of their livestock business. Daily responsibilities include cleaning pens, walking, washing and grooming the livestock. Often, chores aren’t completed before dinner, so they head back to the barn to spend their evenings tending to their hogs and cattle. “Raising show livestock has given all three children skills that will last a lifetime,” said Kim. She cites the discipline required to

government standards, code/rules, and mandates. In my role as Chair of the Department of Teacher Education at Bradley University and as a member of two Illinois State Board of Education governing bodies – the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the Illinois Social Studies Standards Revision Committee – I have witnessed first-hand the impact, over the past few years, new K-12 standards (i.e., CCSS in English language arts and mathematics; Continued on Page 8

Williamsfield disputes: 1 down, 1 to go By BILL KNIGHT

WILLIAMSFIELD – One local dispute is settled, but another continues. The State of Illinois last week signed off on a tentative agreement with the Williamsfield Fire Protection District, which trustees signed on March 14, even as a labor dispute at the school is going to a third party for a ruling. The Illinois Department of Public Health director, Dr. Nirav D. Inside Shah, signed the Peoria County is Final Order con- considering cutcerning the ting mowing this Williamsfield summer. Page 7. Fire Protection District (WFPD). Under the order, the district pays a fine of $21,000, surrenders its ambulance license for the time being and concedes that it used tanks of room air rather than Medical Grade Oxygen for a few years. The district must also institute a Plan of Correction to use only Medical Oxygen tanks and undergo additional training. Meanwhile, The Weekly Post has learned from parties close to the situation that the Williamsfield Education Association teachers union recently For The Weekly Post

Maddie Caldwell, left, and sister Olivia (center) enjoyed a recent trip to Denver for the National Western Stock Show. Also pictured is Darren Markey, director of sales and marketing at Keystone Steel & Wire, which purchased Maddie Caldwell’s hog at the show.

prepare for competition, passion for success, and the life-long friendships developed through participating in the show circuit.

The family business focuses primarily on show cattle but as a youngster, Maddie didn’t follow in the Continued on Page 2

Continued on Page 2

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

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BILLTOWN: Arbitrator will rule Continued from Page 1

filed two grievances with the school district alleging that the contract was violated in regards to the evaluation process for three teachers. WEA president Kent Riggs has not identified the teachers and previously had no response to an inquiry on any grievance and declined to comment on another dispute. This week, however, he said, “We have filed for arbitration as the administration has not come to our terms.” The two grievances reportedly have been consolidated into one, which will be heard by an independent arbitrator at a date yet to be scheduled. The grievance is a disagreement with teacher evaluations, which according to the contract derive from a plan set up by a committee of administrators and teachers. The union says teachers can’t be evaluated unless they are notified during the first week of the school year. The district argues that an evaluation may be done if any signs of unsatisfactory practice are noticed.

“The WEA requested we stop the evaluations,” said Superintendent Tim Farquer. “The district remains firm that it is our responsibility to ensure the professional practices of our certified staff are at a level our students and parents deserve. “I want to emphasize that a vast majority of our teachers are doing tremendous work in the classroom,” he said. “They are strengthening their skills and exploring new, student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. It’s this type of professional commitment our district will continue to support. “We look forward to returning our attention and resources back to the improvement of our school and the growth of our kids,” he added. The parties must agree on a arbitrator from a list provided by the American Arbitration Association (AAA). The arbitrator will issue a final, binding decision based exclusively on the meaning or application of the contract. The current agreement between WEA and School District 210 expires Aug. 15.

CALDWELL: One of 90 selected Continued from Page 1

footsteps of the rest of her family, embracing hogs as her livestock of choice. Maddie’s show success recently led her to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, where she was selected from several hundred entries as one of 90 junior competitors to participate in the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions. Each year, hundreds of young agriculturists from across the country congregate in Denver with prize stock in tow. These youth between the ages of 9-18 spend thousands of hours over a period of months feeding, grooming and preparing their animals to compete in

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one of the largest youth exhibitions in the nation. “Maddie’s hard work has paid off, and her dad and I couldn’t be more proud of her," Kim Caldwell said. “Being selected for this elite auction not only rewards her with cash for her efforts, but it also serves as recognition for all the hard work and commitment she has invested in her hogs.” Red Brand fence, manufactured at Keystone Steel & Wire in Peoria, won the high bid for Maddie’s hog at the Junior Auction. This is the third time in as many years that Red Brand has purchased a prize-winning animal from the

Caldwell family at the Western Stock Show. Maddie’s sister Olivia showed a steer and a hog that each earned a place in the prestigious auction as well. “Maddie represents thousands of young people from around the country who are committed to the future of agriculture,” said Darren Markey, Executive Director of Sales & Marketing at Keystone Steel & Wire. Kim Caldwell said it was overwhelming to have Red Brand’s local backing at the Denver auction. “Several friends at the show commented on how neat it was to have support from central Illinois, and I have to agree.” Maddie plans to use some of the proceeds for future livestock projects, with the balance set aside for college. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2016 where she will major in Agriculture Communications.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

Page 3

THE WEEK AHEAD HOT PICKS This Week!

s Craft Show – Spring Fling Gift & Craft Show Saturday (March 28), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Millbrook Township Center, Laura. s Easter Egg Hunt – Easter Egg Hunt, face painting, and photo booth Saturday (March 28) at 5 p.m. at Brimfield Evangelical Church. Children up to 4th grade welcome. Rain or shine. Call (309) 446-9612. s Pancake Breakfast – All you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast featuring original Kickapoo sausage recipe, Sunday (March 29) 6:30 a.m. until roughly 12 p.m. At Kickapoo Fire House, 100125 W. Route 150.

This Week’s Events

s Historical Society – The Elmwood

Historical Society has its monthly meeting March 31 at the Lorado Taft Museum at 7 p.m. New members welcome. s Antler Contest – Shed Antler contest through April 15. Bring sheds to Elmwood Insurance Agency, 102 E. Main, Elmwood. Call (309) 742-2141. Top three entries scored. Free t-shirt for each entry. This year’s sheds only.

s Bake Sale – Elmwood High School Contemporary Issues class hosting an all-school bake sale today (March 26) from 1:30-2:30 p.m. to raise funds for humanitarian aid. Baked goods and soda on sale $1 each. Funds go to Samaritan’s Purse for the ongoing crisis in Darfur. s Story Time – Dynamite Dinosaurs story time today (March 26) 6 p.m. at Morrison and Mary Wiley Library, ElmPublicize Your Event wood. Children 4-8. Call us at (309) 741-9790 or email information about Call (309) 742-2431. your upcoming event to s Manna Meal – martha@wklypost.com. Manna has a sit-down

meal and entertainment today (March 26) at noon at the Elmwood United Methodist Church. Carryouys available. Call (309) 742-3303. s Fish Fry – Final St. Patrick’s Church in Elmwood fish/shrimp fry is Friday (March 27), 4:30-6:30 p.m. s Free Bread – Free bread is available Friday (March 27) at 10 a.m. at Elmwood Methodist Church. s Fish Fry – Shrimp and whole catfish served Friday (March 27) from 4:307:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Brimfield. s Steak Dinner – Steak cooked to order, along with baked potato, salad, roll, dessert and drinks for $14. Serving Saturday (March 28) from 4:30-7 p.m. at Williamsfield United Methodist Church. Call (309) 645-6146. s Scrapbook Workshop – Complete projects with fellow scrapbookers at Lillie M. Evans Library in Princeville, Saturday (March 28) at10 a.m.

Future Events

s St. Jude Meeting –

Anyone interested in running in the Elmwood to Peoria St. Jude run on Aug. 1 should attend an informative meeting Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. at the Elmwood Tap banquet hall. Contact Lynn Tannock at (309) 303-2411 or at lynn.tannock@gmail.com. s Easter Egg hunt – Elmwood Kiwanis has its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 4 at 11 a.m. in Elmwood’s Central Park. s Fish Sale – Spring fish sale underway for pond stocking. Order deadline April 3 with delivery April 11 at 8 a.m. at the USDA Service Center, 6715 N Smith Rd., Edwards. Specialty Fish being offered. Call (309) 671-7040, Ext. 101. s Knitting Meeting – Next meeting of the Heart of Illinois Knitting Guide is April 7, 9 a.m. at Memorial Hall at Maple Lawn Homes, Eureka. Bobbie Jennings and Paula Emons-Fuessle will give a program on chart reading and adding life lines when knitting lace. All knitters or want-to-be-knitters welcome to attend. Call to ask for a supply list, Char Rickey (309) 472-7085.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

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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 - “The University of Nebraska says that elderly people that drink beer or wine at least four times a week have the highest bone density. They need it - they're the ones falling down the most.” – Jay Leno Illinois Press Association Member

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Of southpaws, sod kings and bluebirds

Rambling through central Illinois pondering the first annual Weekly Post homemade wine tasting extravaganza. uuu A minor league baseball player who is left-handed and throws 97 mph – which is potentially a million-dollar combination – has strong ties to Farmington. Jake Brentz, 20, is a minor leaguer in the Toronto Blue Jeff Jays system who has been earning LAMPE some positive ink for his impressive velocity during spring training. While the hardthrowing southpaw is from Missouri, Brentz’s father, Steve Brentz, grew up in Farmington, which is where his grandmother Wilma Brentz still lives. His grandfather is the late Bill Brentz. ... Speaking of Farmington, mayor Kenn Stufflebeam cooks up tasty Italian beef, which makes sense given the town’s ethnic heritage. uuu On Page 11 please see the debut of a new feature called Teen Talk – the brainchild of Gabby Haskell, an Elmwood sophomore. The idea of this feature is to get more youngsters reading. So tell your teen! ... One of my primo assignments as a Peoria Journal Star writer came

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when Kickapoo sod king Dan Kelch asked for help judging homemade wine at the annual Independent Sports Club wild-game feed. Not only did we get free wine and food as judges, I also accepted bribes for my vote (Oh, don’t act shocked, there were a lot of politicians in the room, so it was a natural thing to do). I seem to recall a Ludolph or a Heinz slipping $20 in my pocket, though after testing 20 varieties, who knows for sure? ... Why mention this? The Mayor of Oak Hill has competition for the coveted Weekly Post stamp of wine-making approval. The latest contestant, in what has become a heated contest, is called Hanley Jubilee Juice and comes “40-paw approved” according to vintner Pat Hanley’s unique label, which shows a litter of Lab puppies in the bed of a truck. uuu It’s getting close to the busy time of year for “Bluebird Herb” Unkrich of Edwards, who maintains bluebird houses around Kickapoo, Wildlife Prairie Park and Jubilee College State Park. Last year was the second best on record for Herb, as he fledged 687 bluebirds. While that’s impressive, of more pressing concern for Unkrich is the “diving board” located on top of the grain elevator in Edwards. He sees it often coming down the hill from Wildlife Prairie Park and ponders its existence. While I do not have a

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good answer, I am sure some reader has an explanation. ... Kudos to the Masonic Lodge in Elmwood for throwing a pizza party to reward the scholastic bowl team after another fine season. uuu Rosy the cat has spent two days at the office. Day one, she got Milky the snake so nervous that the normally friendly serpent almost bit me. Day two she deleted an ad staffer Brandi Shelby was designing. In other words, the cat is fitting in like a champ. ... Correction corner: Got stopped on the corner the other day by a critic demanding to know how we could misspell the name of Steve Howe of Brimfield. “You need a new copy editor,” bellowed Scott Doubet. But when I offered him the job, he said he was too busy and drove off quickly, almost like he was allergic to the idea. ... Speaking of people named Steve Howe, I have a friend (now in jail) who used to impersonate that relief pitcher. ... Parting shot: Cindy Milliman called the other day to let me know she has a yard full of chickens that make little or no noise. “The only time I hear them is when I come to feed them, or when a hen lays an egg,” she said. Cindy also mentioned a new magazine poultry lovers will surely enjoy called “Chicken Whisperer.” Who says the printed word is dead? Contact Jeff Lampe at 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com

NOTICE

Grave Decorations at Elmwood, Southport, and Lehigh Cemeteries

MUST BE REMOVED by April 1 for Mowing

– Cemetery Trustees

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

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Fools: The April version and otherwise

When I was working at Circuit City in Peoria, the district manager came around one day to introduce us to our new manager. We’ll call him ... “Doofus.” That’s appropriate. Anyway, Doofus came up to each one of us and shook our hands, introducJon ing himself. “Hi, I’m Doofus and GALLAGHER I’ve been with the company three days now!” We had several candidates at our store who were already in management and who were more than capable of taking over the store, but Corporate, in the same infinite wisdom that would shutter every store in the company less than three years later, decided that this guy would be the perfect fit for the job of managing a multimillion dollar store. He’d never worked in an electronics store before. His management experience was with several convenience stores, none where he lasted more than a year. He didn’t know anything about TVs, computers, car stereos, cameras, or much of anything else we sold at Circuit City. He did listen to music, so since we sold CDs

maybe that was the deciding factor in hiring him. They started him at $60,000 a year. I know because I hacked into the store’s database to find out what they were paying someone with such qualifications. None of our other managers were making over $40,000. We always started our day with a morning meeting to discuss strategies for the day, sales goals, and other store-related topics. One morning, Doofus had a big announcement. He read directly from an email that he had received from Corporate. It said that a year ago we had started selling candy and snacks near the checkouts and that had gone so well, they were going to expand to include milk, eggs and butter. A refrigerated unit to hold these items would be shipped to the store tomorrow and we should begin clearing a space for it today. I was shocked. Not that we were going to carry those items, but rather that Doofus had been able to retrieve email. Doofus showed an attachment to the email (another shock) that showed a floor plan of where the units would be going in relationship to our checkout lanes. He told us that during the day, we were to move things around and

prepare for the delivery of the units tomorrow. I smiled through the entire meeting. At the time, I was just a lowly customer service associate, making barely minimum wage, but with a level head and a smart mouth (go figure!). When he finished, I chuckled. Then I realized he was serious. He really wanted us to move stuff around. “Have you checked today’s date?” I asked him. “Yeah,” he said, trying his hardest to appear intelligent. “It’s April 1.” “Right,” I said. “April Fools!” But Doofus would have none of that. “Corporate wouldn’t pull an April Fool’s joke on us!” he claimed as everyone at the meeting began smiling. No doubt they remembered that each year, Corporate developed a sense of humor one day a year, around this time. I tried to tell him of some of the other pranks Corporate had pulled (including one that had our company being sold to a fast food chain), but he insisted. “I want this stuff moved by the end of the day!” he demanded and stormed off to his office while we opened the store.

trants, primarily male but with a good smattering of ladies and some of us spouses (I was selling cars at the time to help cover our losses as Cathy was just a poor, underpaid teacher), and my bride chose Seton Hall to win the whole thing. When I asked her why, she responded, “I like the name and I like the fact no one else thinks they have a chance.” I was not surprised. I mentioned earlier that I know nothing about college basketball. I follow the University of Illinois and keep an eye on the rest of the Big Ten, but I could not name three U of I starters. I just enjoy watching these scholar-athletes play. I rarely even come close to

choosing a third-round winner in the tournament. I choose from loyalty (and sometimes by simply flipping a coin). So I was intrigued and later excited as I watched the 1989 tournament progress and Cathy’s Seton Hall choice continue to win. It drove all those who actually follow the game crazy. I think I was more disappointed by Seton Hall’s one-point loss to Michigan, one of my Big Ten teams, in the final game than she was. It remained a conversation piece in the faculty lounge every tournament for years thereafter. This tournament has no chance of measuring up to last week’s weather on my, “Wow, that was great!” scale. But it will be fun.

do. Our group strongly believes we need to obey the leading of the Scriptures for this kind of issue and not merely the shifting winds of the society in which we live. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” Eph. 5:31 (NIV). The Scriptures opposing the position of our denomination are too numerous to use here. And, they are so clear that approving samesex marriage is not merely a mis-

understanding of those Scriptures, but an outright rejection of them. We choose to believe what God says regarding the issue, not what other people may so or do. We have been commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves and to treat them as we would like to be treated. – Alfred Welker, Bonnie Welker, Pat Althiser, Richard Schrimp, Helen Schrimp, Florence Cox, Mary Diane Slone, R. Wayne Slone “The Wednesday Morning Prayer Group,” Elmwood First United Presbyterian Church

Continued on Page 6

Memories of tournament brackets past I extend my welcome to the 2015 NCAA Division I tournament. It is a time that makes me smile and feel inadequate, and – strangely – both those responses are welcome. I fill out my brackets so I can have an added reason to watch the teams as they progress or fall by the wayside. And I reMit ally know BERES nothing about those I choose that would spark interest in anyone. We did the same thing back in 1989, but Cathy approached it differently. There was a pool at the high school that saw many en-

Disagree with Presbyterian same-sex vote

To the Editor: By this time most people probably know the Presbyterian Church USA has voted to approve samesex “marriage” for individual churches in our denomination if that church chooses to do so. However, like the fact that many do not agree with everything that comes from our government in Washington, D. C., we do not agree with our own denomination’s stand and will in no way support it. In the case of Washington we have no choice; with our denomination we

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We Cover The News of West-Central Illinois With A Passion

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

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Farmington woman dies in head-on crash

BRIMFIELD – A Farmington woman died and a Brimfield man was injured in a head-on collision Saturday afternoon on Illinois Route 78 near Tucker Road, according to police. Barbara Dozard, 42, of Farmington died at the scene of the wreck, a little after 1 p.m., when her southbound vehicle apparently crossed the center line and struck a Chevrolet Silverado driven by Scott Walker, 24, of Brimfield. Emergency personnel including BYE responded, and Walter was transported by a LifeFlight helicopter to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, where he was reported to be in stable condition. The Peoria County Sheriff’s office is investigating the fatal wreck. Route 78 was closed briefly Saturday following the accident.

First a fire, then an arrest for possession

BRIMFIELD – After firefighters battled a blaze at the Pulsifer Road home he shares with his mother, a 42-year-old Brimfield man was arrested for possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia, police said. James Ennis was issued a Notice To Appear in the incident, which followed a fire last week that spread from a garden to an adjacent garage, destroying the building, a truck and a trailer, and damaging the nearby house.

Knox County Sheriffs deputies roust partiers

WILLIAMSFIELD – Police were called to the scene of an outdoor party about 11 p.m. March 21, where they found an unattended bonfire just south of Spoon River Bridge. Several people fled the scene, leaving a bale of hay, a couch and about 20 tires ablaze. Williamsfield firefighters also were summoned and extinguished the fire.

Motorist ticketed in rear-end collision

FARMINGTON – Peoria County Sheriff’s deputies on March 28 issued citations for failure to reduce speed and operating an uninsured vehicle to Avery Efnor, 20, of Farmington after the 2004 Hyundai he was driving westbound on Farmington Road struck a 2006 Chrysler driven by Kelly Walsh, 45, of Pekin, according to reports. There were no injuries, police said.

Burglary reported at Princeville home

PRINCEVILLE – Dulce Venegas, 21, of Princeville on March 22 reported a burglary of her home in the 200 block of North Stanton Street. Taken from the residence were a television and an Xbox game system. A broken window may have been intruders’ point of entry. Police are continuing to investigate.

Police reports

• Remona Guiterrez, 37, of Princeville, on March 21 was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, operating an uninsured vehicle, and driving on a revoked license and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Keith Lester, 31, of Princeville, on March 21 was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Jared Young, 38, of Princeville, on March 21 was arrested to hold for another agency and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Emily Lanone, 24, of Peoria on March 22 was ticketed by Elmwood police for driving with no proof of insurance. • Tiffany Harrison, 34, of Edwards on March 23 was arrested for driving with a suspended license and Failure to Appear and transported to the Peoria County Jail.

Deer accidents

• March 15: Whitney Windsor of Yates City on North Texas Road near Wolford Road in Rosefield Township. • March 21: Annie Spear of Princeville on North PrincevilleJubilee Road near Chase Lane in Jubilee Township. • March 21: Michael Ragan of Mapleton on Southport Road near Heinz Lane in Kickapoo Township. • March 22: Jack Manon of Peoria on Southport Road near Koerner Road in Kickapoo Township.

GALLAGHER: Doofus got fired instead of me Continued from Page 5

Spring Fling Gift & Craft Show

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Items include: Homemade crafts, homemade candy, sugar eggs, T-shirts, garden items, yard decorations, crocheted items, jewelry, hand sewn items, Barbie doll clothes, Pampered Chef, handmade wooden items, Mary Kay, ThirtyOne, rugs, baby blankets, picture frames, kids’ books, homemade scarves. There will be a wide variety of Spring and Easter items. Breakfast and Lunch Served by the Laura Winners 4-H Club For information call Renee Britt 309-264-1681• Karen Megan 309-446-3619

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We didn’t bother to rearrange things. Doofus came by several times during the day to remind us, getting a little more stern each time, but he left early that day and we forgot about it. Until the next day, my day off. I got a call at home from Doofus. “They’re going to be delivering that refrigeration unit today and nothing’s moved!” he screamed into his end of the phone. You need to come in immediately!” I told him it was my day off, which meant I was watching my daughter (who was an infant at the time), and that I’d be in the next day at whatever time I was scheduled. He then launched into a tirade about disrespecting him and his authority and that I was going to

be written up and possibly terminated for my actions. I told him that if that’s what he wanted me to drive 60 miles round trip for, then I would definitely wait ’til my next scheduled day. Naturally, this infuriated him even more. When I got to work the following day, there was no refrigeration unit, no milk, no eggs, no butter. The store’s assistant manager met me at the front counter and asked me to join him in the office. I was prepared to be fired (at worst) or written up, but Jerry sat me down and threw his feet up on the desk. It seems that the district manager had been to the store during the day and Doofus had apologized for not having the area ready to the unit. He explained that the person he’d put in charge of the project (me) was being fired for refusing an order.

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The district manager had some other concerns. He pulled out a list including one that had our carstereo installers putting a new sound system in Doofus’ car – a sound system that he had purchased elsewhere – without paying for the installation. That headed the list, but it was a long list. He added to the list the fact that Doofus had fallen for Corporate’s annual April Fool’s joke. Doofus was sent home that day and told not to come back. The assistant manager showed me the termination papers that Doofus had drawn up, then he ripped them in half with a big smile. Up until then, I’d been wondering whether I had an operation to remove half my brain if I could be a candidate for store management.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

Page 7

REMEMBER WHEN

This is a picture of Elmwood’s First Presbyterian Church and parsonage in Elmwood in 1900. Located on the corner of West Cypress and North Lilac streets and built in 1893, the church and furnishings cost $7,071. In 1974, the parsonage was moved to 208 Cedar Street in Elmwood, where it became a private residence. A new church now stands on this site. Photo courtesy of Bruce Howard.

House For Sale By Owner 2355 W. Illinois Route 8, Elmwood

Peoria County mulls mowing cutbacks By BILL KNIGHT

Some Township road commissioners have weighed in on Peoria County Board committees discussing the possibility of saving money by reducing the times and miles mowed on county roads each season, according to Amy McLaren County Engineer at the County Highway Department. “It’s not yet an ‘action item’ that’ll be voted on, but it’s being discussed,” she said. “We want to hear about any concerns the public might have.” The County had hired eight temporary workers to mow both ditches of more than 320 miles of roads two or three times each summer, she said. But last summer mowing was cut back about 10 percent in a pilot program. “We want to get the temperature of the area,” she said. If it’s done, “we would still mow blind intersections and some areas, like Kickapoo Creek Road. And we don’t want property owners to feel like they have to mow – some have told me they won’t mind the pollination – but there’ll be some that’ll complain about wildlife and habitat.” For The Weekly Post

Seal-coating bids let, disputed road at issue

ROSEFIELD – Bids have been let for seal-coating Rosefield Township’s road, according to Road Commission Matt Windish, who on March 11 said the summer work will be funded by Motor

Fuel Tax revenues. Meanwhile, Rosefield and three property owners on Greengold Road on the border between Rosefield and Logan Townships are scheduled to present information to Amy McLaren of the Peoria County Highway Department at a 9:30 a.m. hearing Friday (March 27) in Room 402 of the Peoria County Courthouse. The issue is a complaint and question about the maintenance and jurisdiction of the road. In other Rosefield business, several pieces of equipment were purchased, including a used truck for $11,000, a Bush Hog rotary cutter, a used snow plow and a salt spreader. The Township has about two Tons of salt remaining from the winter, Windish said.

Kickapoo budget OK’d

KICKAPOO – Kickapoo Township after a 10-minute budget hearing on March 16 unanimously approved next year’s Township budget of $432,975 and road budget of $1,436,250. “Townships are the least demanding of your [tax] dollars,” Township Supervisor Karl Koy said. Township Assessor Jack Duke reported plans for a “Tour the Township” outing for members of the Planning Commission to new subdivisions and developments, and Road Commissioner Dan Kelch reported that seal-coating will start in about two weeks, and

that the Kickapoo News public group has been effective in updating residents on road conditions and other events. The Facebook page has 358 followers.

Seven Farmington roads set for re-sealing

FARMINGTON – The Township has accepted a bid of $49,263.20 from Illinois Road Contractors to re-seal Autumn, Diamond Point, Lightfoot, Marshall, Monari, Park and Ryer roads. Road Commissioner Paul Balagna on March 9 told Trustees that most of the cost will be paid for from Motor Fuel Tax revenues.

Billtown cemetery clean up set for April 1

TRURO – The Township on March 10 set April 1 as the date for the Williamsfield Cemetery clean up, when plants or other materials that owners or family want to save must be removed. Also, Road Commissioner Norman Johnson discussed putting gravel on roads and potholes, according to Township Clerk Sande Wilkie, who on Feb. 24 was elected to replace Jeff Stiers.

Salem Township, Library agree to share revenues

SALEM – The Township last month agreed to the Salem Township Library Board’s request for its share of the Personal Property Replacement Tax for 2014 and

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, February 19, 2015

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ELECTION 2015

SCHOOL BOARD: Education, finances, facilities top issues Continued from Page 1

NGSS in science; and the proposed new social studies standards based on the C3 framework) and the new state assessment system (i.e., PARCC) are having on the classroom teachers, school administrators, and teacher educators. I recognize that these changes to the Illinois K-12 education landscape present both challenges and opportunities. In that regard, I am extremely pleased with the manner in which our teachers and administrators have aligned their curricula to the new K-12 standards, engaged in professional development, integrated best practices into the teaching and learning process, and use data generated from state and national assessments to guide their practice and provide our students with the best educational experience possible. No. 1 non-education issue: As a member of the Elmwood C.U.S.D 322 School Board over the past four years, I have witnessed the impact of reductions in state funding for K-12 education on school districts across the state of Illinois. To be certain, the current fiscal situation confronting nearly all school districts across the state is the most important non-education issue boards of education are confronted with today. As school board members, I believe one of our most important duties is to be good stewards of the public money in all decisions we make. As a result, I endorse the basic tenets of the statewide Vision 20/20 process, which includes the following assertion: “All students in Illinois are entitled to a quality education. It is our duty to ensure our students have access to all necessary resources by improving equity in the funding model, appropriating adequate dollars for education, and allowing local school districts the autonomy needed to increase efficiency.” To this end, the efforts of the school board should be to ensure we are good stewards of the funds we are currently allocated, while also advocating for equitable and adequate state funding. TOM CONKLIN, self-employed independent contractor with State Farm No. 1 education issue: Technology and Curriculum – Both are constantly changing. We need to make sure that we give our teachers the best options to continue to deliver the highest level

of education for our students No. 1 non-education issue: School finance. We know our expenditures and can control them to a certain point, however, the unreliable revenue from the state of Illinois is disappointing to say the least, and the local taxpayers can only be burdened to a certain point for their share of the revenue. KATHERINE (Chrissy) JACOBSON Licensed Certified Public Accountant, Aluminum Castings Company LLC No. 1 education issue: I believe an important education issue facing Elmwood is ensuring we have the appropriate quality staffing. It is the responsibility of the District to offer a wide variety of high quality courses and extra-curricular programs and activities. We need to have academic and vocational programs to meet the needs of all of the students. We have had several teachers who have retired and we need to ensure we are hiring and retaining the most qualified teachers for the open positions. It is important that the teachers are being utilized in their expertise and not attempting to teach subjects they are not qualified to teach. No. 1 non-education issue: Funding is the most important issue facing our school district. With the State of Illinois in the current financial crisis and the newly elected Governor, the amount of funding Elmwood will receive is uncertain. The Elmwood School District needs to review and evaluate the current expenditures to ensure our limited financial resources are being utilized in the best manner. We need to improve the facilities and the junior high expansion plan is a great first step. CLAUDE KEEFER retired from Caterpillar No. 1 education issue: The financial constraints on the district are going to present a significant challenge to find ways to legitimately reduce costs with no/minimal program loss while maintaining and/or building employee morale. Since this has serious consequences, it will be imperative to be open and transparent and do our best to make the data driven difficult choices. We must find creative ways to do more with less, find new resources or increase taxes. Above all, the quality of the education is directly related to the quality and commitment of the

teachers along with the staff that supports them. Technology is great, necessary and powerful but it is only a tool to complement a good education. No. 1 non-education issue: Elmwood 322 needs to be able to update and add to our facilities in order to provide an improved learning environment. Our challenge is to decide what the most critical physical needs are, create the detailed long range plan with time lines, determine the cost /funding and execute the plan. The best way to determine the best solution is to talk about it with the community. “Necessity is the mother of invention.” TERRI OSMULSKI, employed at Kindred Hospital in Peoria No. 1 education issue: I feel one of the most important education issues facing our district is being able to offer a more diversified curriculum in order to prepare our students to become ready for life after high school, whether that is continuing their education or entering into work force. No. 1 non-education issue: Financing. VAL RAMIREZ, project manager for PJ Hoerr, Inc. No. 1 education issue: While funding is an obvious issue that every public school district has today, I feel that one of Elmwood's biggest issues is our facilities. My family moved to Elmwood 15 years ago, and one of the biggest reasons for our move was the school district. The education and staff that Elmwood offers is some of the best in the area. Unfortunately, our facilities are not. While our teachers continue to produce exceptional students, I think the facilities have far outgrown their useful life. All of our neighboring districts have updated and modernized their facilities. I think to continue to attract and retain the most talented educators, we need to offer them not only a fantastic community, but a fantastic facility as well. I believe this approach also applies to attracting young families. Our community is growing and changing every day. I feel that our school should be growing and changing as well. No. 1 non-education issue: Bob Dylan said it best when he said, “The times, they are a changin’.” Twenty

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years ago, we relied on print and media to know the world around us. We now live in a world of instant information. Anything we need is attainable through cell phones, tablets, and now even wearables. While this information is good for knowledge, some of it is opinionated, unfounded, and sometimes downright slanderous. Combine that with the issues that social media is presenting, and it becomes evident that children and teens of today are much more vulnerable to negative outside influences and negative peer pressure than previous generations, all of which can be detrimental to their overall mental and physical health. FARMINGTON KAY FARALLI, taught in Farmington CCUSD 265 for 30 years No. 1 education issue: The alignment of the curriculum and assessments in our schools with the Common Core standards. It is crucial to develop the skills students need to be successfully ready for college and future careers. Curriculum alignment is an ongoing project that the staff has begun to work on but requires thoughtful, time-consuming consideration in order to do the job well. No. 1 non-education issue: The most important non-education issue facing our school district is to continue to develop positive relationships within our communities. These relationships can serve as a gateway which encourages greater involvement of parents and other community/stakeholders within our school district. TODD GUIDI, network administrator at Alliance Benefit Group of Illinois No. 1 education issue: The amount of testing that is being done. The PARCC test takes twice as long and uses a huge amount of technical resources to administer. No. 1 non-education issue: Our General State Aid has been prorated to 89 percent this year. The state already owes District 265 over $1 million of GSA. DAKOTA HORN employed at State Farm No. 1 education issue: A 21st century curriculum shift. Textbooks are a thing of the past, and embracing technology and its learning power should be a strong push by school districts (ie Continued on Page 9

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, February 19, 2015

Page 9

BLANKETS OF LOVE

The Farmington 4-H Lucky Clovers made fleece blankets to donate to the Project Linus. Project Linus, a non-profit organization, provides homemade blankets to children in need. The blankets provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers." This project provides a rewarding and fun service opportunity for the Farmington Lucky Clovers.

SCHOOL BOARD: State funding a concern Continued from Page 8

online classroom, 1:1 initiatives, etc.) No. 2 non-education issue: Community investment in the district [and] developing a plan to allow all district members to help actively contribute to the growth of the district from curriculum development to extracurricular events. PATRICK (Kelly) THREW quality engineer at Caterpillar No. 1 education issue:

The recruitment and retention of superior teachers to prepare our students for their next step, whether it be further education within a Community college, University or a trades program. No. 1 non-education issue: The ongoing concern of balancing budgets with the unknown status of the state’s financial position and their ability to meet obligations to the district.

RON ZESSIN clinical services supervisor at Illinois River Correctional Center No. 1 education issue: Vocational education in

high school, and good curriculum for pre-high school education. No. 1 non-education issue: Child safety, bullying and being fiscally responsible.

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Elmwood board discusses volleyball By BILL KNIGHT

ELMWOOD – For now, there are too many bumps to set up – or spike – an independent Elmwood volleyball program, so the Board of Education on Monday unanimously voted to table the idea until more information can be compiled. For The Weekly Post

Elmwood and Brimfield successfully co-op for the high school girls sport, but some parents and board members worry that its increasing popularity could mean a lack of athletes’ playing time or a reluctance to even take part. With current Junior High numbers, “we could have 40 girls on a JV team,” said Board member Rick LeHew. “And this wouldn’t be a startup. We have nets, poles and balls, and the Booster

Club has committed to support our own team. I don’t want this to cost the District one dollar. I think it can be done.” Penny Silzer of the private Elmwood Volleyball Club pledged that the organization will help with fund raising and donations, and parent Brandon Burwell reminded the Board that IHSA rules on co-ops specify that such arrangements ensure student athletes the opportunity to participate. “The co-op with Brim-

field is a wonderful thing,” he said, “but I think there’s a way to make this happen.” Currently Elmwood Junior High has 27 girls playing volleyball, according to Athletic Director Chuck Vermillion, who added that it’s difficult to predict the level of participation in future years. “It’s up to us to grow this program,” LeHew said. Parent and Board candidate Chrissy Jacobson agreed, saying, “The District would have to make a 100 percent commitment to support” an Elmwood volleyball team, including a qualified coach. Some concerns for the current co-op ranged from transportation to Brimfield, a time crunch for day practices and unsupervised down time for girls in Brimfield, but others were less enthusiastic. Teacher and coach Emily Roberts addressed a lack of facilities. “Gym space is very limited,” she said. Board member Dean Continued on Page 11

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THEâ€ˆWEEKLYâ€ˆPOST â€˘ Thursday, March 26, 2015

BOARD: Junior high bonds OKâ€™d Continued from Page 10

Cantu said, â€œWe need to make a data-driven decision.â€? Board Secretary Bill Frietsch agreed, adding, â€œWe need to get the numbers together before we make a decision,â€? and making a motion to table any action until Vermillion can survey interest. The Board unanimously approved delaying action until the next Board meeting, April 29. This is a renewal year for the two-year commitment to continue the volleyball co-op, Vermillion said.

In other news, â€˘ Following a brief public hearing in which there were no public comments about issuing $1.5 million in Funding Bonds, the Board unanimously OKâ€™d contracts with Performance Services, Inc. to coordinate mechanical, electrical, plumbing, windows and roofing work for the Junior High renovation project, and with Demonica Kemper Architects for its design. Superintendent Chad Wagner clarified that bids will be posted this week for any interested contractors so the bid can be opened

April 23, with groundbreaking set to start May 4 and completion Aug. 10, pending a decision by the Cityâ€™s Zoning Board of Appeals; â€˘ High School principal Stan Matheny reported that about $1,000 was raised March 21 in the Second Annual Dakota Dodge Ball Fundraiser to benefit the Dakota Ramp scholarship fund; and â€˘ The Board unanimously approved setting $5,000 as the minimum bid for a District-owned house at 308 N. Morgan, from where a buyer would move the structure.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

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have enough kids,” Davidson said. Superintendent Joe Blessman suggested soccer season may conflict with other sports, which could siphon off the available pool of athletic talent. “With Title IX, would we have have to have boys and girls?” asked board chairman David Harmon. Blessman said the answer is likely “yes” at the high school level. Board member Maribeth Dura questioned whether or not nearby school districts would want to co-op. She said she’d like to see a canvass of the interest level before starting a new sport. “To me, it comes down to the numbers and travel-

ing,” said board member Mark Hoerr. “If you find teams and numbers, I’m all for it.” Meanwhile, negotiations for the 2015-2016 school calendar have progressed, but questions remain. Without air conditioning in the grade school, the board had asked if the calendar could be modified to avoid hot weather as much as possible. Blessman said the updated version “pushed everything a week,” with early dismissal through Labor Day and classes continuing into June. With such tinkering, exams can be given before Christmas, offering students a grace period to make up poor test results before the semester ends.

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“The shocking part is the last page,” Blessman said. “With five snow days, that puts students here until June 8. I guess if this calendar is adopted, we’ll hope we don’t have snow days.” Since the revised calendar was completed that afternoon, it had not been checked by computer. The final day was either June 8 or June 13, but board members said they didn’t think the latter date was accurate. A vote was delayed until the calendar is verified. The board went into executive session to discuss personnel, including tenure for junior high reading teacher Amy McKinty, kindergarten teacher Ashley Northrup, high school art teacher Suzanne Stewart and 5th/6th grade writing teacher Troy Tilly. When board members returned, after 11 p.m., they voted 7-0 to approve certified employment for everyone except grade school math teacher Pam Brasher and PE-health teacher Brandon Porter. On separate votes, the board voted 0-7 for Brasher and 4-3 for Porter, which means Brasher was not rehired and Porter was. TERRY BIBO can be reached at terry.bibo.freelance@gmail.com.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

BRIEFS Dakota Ramp dodgeball event raises $1,000

ELMWOOD – A dodgeball tournament and craft show organized in memory of Dakota Ramp raised nearly $1,000 last Saturday at Elmwood High School. Nineteen dodgeball teams competed in three divisions: fifth and sixth grade, seventh and eighth grade and high school. Winning teams were: (5th-6th) In the Dodge House – Craig Ramirez, Luke Hoffmann, Charlie Shissler, Adam Centers and Griff Wagner; (7th-8th) Swaglords – Charlie McKinty, Henry Lampe, Ricky Hightower, Cameron Jacobson, Daniel Tomlinson and Zach Marincic; (high school) Alpha Beta – Derek McCoy, Ethan Jehle, Riley McFall, Vincent Lenzi, Sam Marincic and Tyler Svymbersky. A group of 25 craft vendors also set up in the high school hallway and cafeteria during the show. All money raised goes toward the Dakota Ramp Scholarship Fund, which allocates two scholarships each year: one to a band member and one to a member of the Elmwood High School chorus.

Elmwood St. Jude run meeting held April 2

ELMWOOD – Anyone interested in running in the Elmwood to Peoria St. Jude run on Aug. 1 should attend an informative meeting Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m. at the Elmwood Tap banquet hall. Due to changes in the signup procedure, any previous runners and new runners wanting to participate are asked to attend the meeting. If you can’t attend, but want to run, or have questions, contact Lynn Tannock at (309) 303-2411 or at lynn.tannock@gmail.com.

SAMS animal shelter has fund raiser April 10

PEORIA – The Stray Animal Midway Shelter (SAMS) has its fifth annual Beer & Wine Tasting fund raiser April 10, 4:30-8 p.m. at Barracks on Pioneer Parkway. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and are good for a souvenir glass, appetizers and beer and wine samples. SAMS celebrated its one-year anniversary as a shelter on March 14. In the first year, SAMS had more than 185 pets adopted and

hopes to top 300 adoptions this year.

Fishing for St. Jude event May 3 in Brimfield

BRIMFIELD – The second Fishing for St. Jude event will be held on Sunday, May 3 at the Brimfield Community Park. The event includes a fishing derby for ages 1-15, Zoo Lady face painting, The Unique Twist, inflatable slide, Brimfield fire trucks, games, raffles, silent auction and concessions. The event is just one of many hosted by Team Super Jetty, which holds various fund raisers to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Jerett Fauser. At age 3, Fauser was diagnosed with a cancer of the white blood cells. Following several years of treatments, Fauser is now 8 and cancer free. To receive a Fishing for St Jude shirt, you must register by April 7, though registrations will be taken up until derby day. To register for the event, to make donations or to ask questions, contact Brenda Weiwel at (630) 9476351 or bbuckman7@yahoo.com.

Page 13

YARD ROLLING Call Wes Coykendall 309-712-3265

STEWART’S FAMILY RESTAURANT Tuesday-Sunday 6-2 Closed Monday

•Breakfast All Day •We Can Accommodate 309-362-2408 Large Groups 18925 West Farmington Rd. •Home Style Cooking Trivoli, IL

CLASSIFIED AND LEGAL ADS NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education (the “Board”) of Elmwood Community Unit School District No. 322 (the “District”) will sell a vacant single family residence and a detached garage (collectively the “Improvements”) located on property described as follows: Lots Numbered One (1), Two (2) and Three (3), in Block Lettered “A”, in TRACY & PHELPS ADDITION to the Town, now City of Elm wood; situated in the County of Peoria, in the State of Illinois. PIN: 11-07-255-009 Commonly Known As: 308 North Morgan Street, Elmwood, Illinois 61529 (hereinafter the “Property”). Only the Improvements will be sold. The District will retain ownership of the Property other than the Improvements. The Improvements shall be sold under the terms and conditions set forth in a form “Offer to Purchase” available at the office of the Superintendent of the District located at 301 W. Butternut Street, Elmwood, IL 61529 (the “District Office”). The Board will receive offers to purchase the Improvements until 11:00 a.m. on the 23rd day of April, 2015, at the District Office. Information concerning the Improvements is available at the District Office. 1. The minimum acceptable offer for purchase of the Improvements is $5,000.00. 2. The person or persons submitting an Offer to Purchase which is accepted by the Board (the “Buyer”) shall at the Buyer’s sole cost and expense remove the Improvements from the Property no later than June 1, 2015. 3. The Buyer shall at the Buyer’s sole cost and expense disconnect any and all utilities serving the Improvements including, without limitation, electrical lines, natural gas lines, water lines and sanitary sewer mains in accordance with any and all regulations applicable to such disconnections. 4. The Improvements will be sold in “as is” condition. 5. A minimum down payment of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) in the form of a cashier’s check made payable to the Board of Education of Elmwood Community Unit School District No. 322 must accompany each Offer to Purchase. 6. The balance of the purchase price shall be paid by cashier’s check payable to the Board of Education of Elmwood Community Unit School District No. 322 at closing, or by such other form of payment as may be acceptable to the Board. 7. The Board reserves the right to reject any and all offers submitted and to waive any and all informalities or irregularities in any offer submitted. 8. Persons interested in submitting an Offer to Purchase the Improvements may arrange for an inspection of the Property and the Improvements at reasonable times prior to the deadline for submission of an Offer to Purchase by contacting Superintendent Chad Wagner at the District Office, Phone (309) 782-8464. Envelopes containing an Offer to Purchase with a certified check in the amount of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) shall be clearly marked, “Offer to Purchase School Property at 308 North Morgan Street.” Offers must be received in the District Office on or before 11:00 a.m. on the 23rd day of April, 2015. Board of Education of Elmwood Community Unit School District No. 322 BILL FRIETSCH, Secretary

NOTICE TO GRADUATES OF ELMWOOD HIGH SCHOOL of Availability of Scholarship Grants and Financial Aid to pursue College and Advanced Education and Training under the MARIE AND MARGARET EKSTRAND EDUCATIONAL TRUST PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given to the graduates of ELMWOOD HIGH SCHOOL (Community Unit School District No. 322, Peoria County, Illinois) who are pursuing or who will be pursuing education beyond high school of the availability of scholarship grants and financial aid under the Marie and Margaret Ekstrand Educational Trust The Trustees of the Trust will be granting scholarships and financial aid from the trust to students based upon the following criteria: (a) Any student who receives a Scholarship must be a graduate of the ELMWOOD COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 322 High School (b) Students to receive such assistance shall be selected from applicants on the basis of scholastic ability and achievement, citizenship, participation in school and community activities, financial need and general reputation and aptitude (c) Scholarships shall be given to students only to finance their education beyond high school in a properly accredited institution of higher education, i.e. college, including junior college, university, trade school, etc., either publicly or privately financed and operated Applications for scholarships and financial aid may be obtained from the Office of the Superintendent of Elmwood Schools, 301 W. Butternut St. Elmwood, IL 61529, telephone (309) 742-8464 or on the school website www.elmwood322.com. All current graduates interested in obtaining scholarships and financial aid must file completed applications with the Office of the Superintendent of Schools on or before May 1, 2015 and post graduates must file completed applications with the Office of the Superintendent of Schools on or before June 15, 2015, to be considered eligible for grants and aid for the 2015-16 school term. THE TRUSTEES OF THE MARIE AND MARGARET EKSTRAND EDUCATIONAL TRUST

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE OF COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT #322 TO THE CITY OF ELMWOOD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The City of Elmwood Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 13, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the City of Elmwood City Hall, 201 W. Main Street, Elmwood, Illinois, on the application of Community Units School District #322 for a variance in connection with the construction of a Junior High School addition on property commonly known as 301 W. Butternut Street, Elmwood, Illinois (P.I.N. 11-07-276-001), legally described as Town of Elmwood NE 1/4 SEC 7-9N-5E outlots 1-2 & N 60’ outlot 3, together with adjacent rights of way. The applicant is the owner of the property. The applicant has requested a variance from the setback requirement from a local street for a non-residential use in an R-2 district. By Order of the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois.

We Cover The News of West-Central Illinois With A Passion

GARAGE SALE Friday March 27 & Saturday March 28 215 N. Daniel St., Elmwood 8 am – 5 pm Huge Garage Sale plus two showcases. Call (309) 3382510, ask for Butch.

HELP WANTED Ag-Land FS, Princeville location is seeking part time/seasonal drivers for the spring season. Must have CDL “B” license. Interested applicants should contact Jason at (309) 385-4328 or (309) 208-2466.

FOR RENT APARTMENT: 1 BR, all utilities included,103 W. Clinton, Brimfield. $450/month, no pets. Call (309) 264-8421.

Classified Rates Classified ads $5 for up to 20 words and must be prepaid. Call (309) 7419790 or visit 115 W. Main St. in Elmwood. GARAGE SALE SPECIAL Two weeks for $10! you gently used, from nonsmoking homes only please, children’s clothes, toys, supplies, and equipment, man your booth, and keep you own profits OR FFP will gladly accept any donations of gently used children’s items, we’ll do all the work and the money will benefit Faithful Friends Preschool & UC. Please call (309) 446-9432 with any questions.

SALE

FOR SALE

Kid’s Clothing, Toy, Equipment Sale - April 20 Faithful Friends Preschool at the Union Church of Brimfield is having a Kid’s Clothing, Toy and Equipment Sale - Saturday, April 11th – 8 am to 1 pm. Rent a booth for only $20, bring all of

• HAY BALES: Alfalfa, orchardgrass mix, square bales, third cutting. $5 per bale, 60 available. (309) 573-8937. • LIGHTNING RODS: Two antique copper lightning rods with glass balls; one w/weather vane. $50 each. (309) 231-3350.

Place your CLASSIFIED for just $5 Call Shelly at (309) 741-9790 NOTICE OF LETTING FOR DUMP TRUCK WITH SNOW PLOW and SPREADER PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP ROAD DISTRICT, in Peoria County, Illinois, is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of a 2016 Ford F550 4x4 Dump Truck with Snow Plow and Spreader with bidder to take in trade an as-is, no warranty 2008 Ford F-350 4x4 Dump Truck with 9' Western Snow Plow with 43,000 ± miles. Anyone interested in submitting a sealed bid for said Dump Truck shall submit their bid on or before 3:00 p.m., Thursday, the 9th day of April, 2015, to David Wagner, Township Highway Commissioner, 3603 North Wiley Road, Elmwood, Illinois 61529. Prospective Bidders may secure additional information and more detailed specifications on the new Dump Truck and Accessories and an appointment to examine the Dump Truck to be traded, by contacting the Highway Commissioner at the above address or by phone (309) 231-3774. The sealed bids will be opened at a Public Bid Opening and the contents will be announced at 4:00 p.m., on April 9, 2015, at the ELMWOOD TOWN HALL located at 111 West Main Street, Elmwood, in Elmwood Township, Illinois. The ELMWOOD TOWNSHIP ROAD DISTRICT RESERVES the right to reject any or all bids. DAVID WAGNER, Elmwood Township Highway Commissioner

Page 14

THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, February 19, 2015

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Donna Brewer, Local Representative (309) 742-4661

Special CD Rate 28 month – 1.05% APY* IRA and Non-IRA money

Carpet • Vinyl • Hardwood Laminate • Ceramic

MERRICK FLOORCOVERING, INC. 116 E. Main St., Elmwood, IL 61529

(309) 742-8608 JOE MERRICK

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

YATES CITY – Dorothy L. Sargent, 92, of Yates City, died at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at Farmington Country Manor. She was born in Yates City on June 23, 1922, to Leonard and Ruth (Hausman) Hills. She married Kenneth S. Sargent in Palmyra, Mo. on December 15, 1941. He preceded her in death on October 13, 1972. Surviving is Sargent her grandson Ty (Jenni) Davis of Williamsfield, great-grandson Liam Davis of Williamsfield, brother Raymond Hills of Colorado Springs, CO, sisters Helen Larson of Yates City, Emma Jane Duley of Maquon, and Mildred Ruth Duley of Williamsfield. She was preceded in death by her son Sidney Sargent, daughter Donna Davis, and an infant son. Being a great baker and cook, she worked as the cook at Yates City School for many years. She was a member of the Douglas United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, gardening, flowers, knitting and crocheting. Being a breast cancer survivor, she was an avid supporter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Funeral services were March 21 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. Burial will be at Yates City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Condolences may be left at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Betty Beall

PRINCEVILLE – Betty J. Beall, 90, of Chillicothe, formerly of Princeville, died on March 19 at Heritage Health Care in Chillicothe. Graveside services were held on March 23 at Princeville Cemetery. Condolences may be left at wwww.haskellhott.com.

Dorothy Coulter

WEST PEORIA – Dorothy Mae Coulter, 93, of Morton, mother of

This Week’s Obituaries • Betty Beall, 90, Princeville • Dorothy Coulter, 93, Brimfield • Nellahvene Cross, 95, Elmwood • Dale Darling, 65, Princeville • Marion Eddy, 91, Princeville • Shirley Hankins, 90, Princeville • Harold Horwedel, 85, Brimfield • Thomas O’Brien Jr., 87, Edwards • Margaret Reissen, 87, Farmington • Dorothy Sargent, 92, Yates City • John Shaw, 80, Yates City • Mary Ann Stenger, 83, Kickapoo • Judith Youngman, 71, Farmington • Harold Zessin, 92, Trivoli

a Brimfield man, died on March 15 at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton. Survivors include son Royal J. (Kathy) Coulter of Brimfield; 10 grandchildren; and 18 greatgrandchildren. Funeral services were March 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Interment will take place in Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Condolences may be left at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.

Nellahvene Cross

ELMWOOD – Nellahvene A. Cross, 95, of East Peoria, mother of an Elmwood woman, died on March 16 at Farmington Country Manor in Farmington. Survivors include Linda (Robert) Cafferty of Elmwood; six grandchildren, Robin (Steve) Weimer of Garden Grove, Calif., John Cross Jr. of Corona, Calif., Jeff Lopez of California, Michele Irwin of Fullerton, Calif., Kelly (Robert) Ahl of Peoria and Patrick Cafferty of Elmwood; and seven great-grandchildren. Nellahvene was proud of the fact that no one believed she was as old as she was. A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, at Elmwood Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Condolences may be left at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Dale Darling

PRINCEVILLE – Dale T. Dar-

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ling, 65, of Princeville died on March 18 in Okeechobee, Fla. Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Haskell-Hott Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Marion Eddy

PRINCEVILLE – Marion “Pinky” Eddy, 91, of Peoria, formerly of Princeville, died on March 15 at Heartland Manor Care in Peoria. Marion previously owned and operated a beauty salon in Princeville. She then worked at the Princeville Grade School as a cook, retiring in the early 1980s. Cremation rites were accorded. A celebration of life memorial service will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the Elks Club. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kickapoo. Condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com.

Shirley Hankins

MORTON – Shirley Jean Hankins, 90, of Morton, mother of a Princeville man, died on March 18 at Morton Villa Care Center. Survivors include two sons, James Hankins of Princeville and Alan (Kathy) Hankins of Pekin; four grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Cremation was accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Condolences may be left at www.preston-hanley.com.

Harold Horwedel

BRIMFIELD – Harold Horwedel, 85, of Vermont, Ill., father of a Brimfield woman, died on March 18 at Wesley Village in Macomb. Survivors include his wife, Mary (Green) Horwedel, daughter Lori (and Bruce) McCreight of Brimfield, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Services were March 23 at the Vermont Christian Church. Interment will be in the Vermont Cemetery, with full military rites. Condolences may be left at legacy.com. More Obituaries, Page 15

www.wklypost.com

THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, February 19, 2015

OBITUARIES

Thomas O’Brien Jr.

EDWARDS – Thomas H. O’Brien Jr., 87, of Peoria, father of an Edwards man, died on March 13 at Liberty Village Manor Court in Peoria. Survivors include son Martin (and Cathy) O’Brien of Edwards and six grandchildren. A funeral Mass was March 20 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, followed by military rites. Cremation rites will be accorded and private burial of ashes will be at St. Patrick Cemetery in Camp Grove at a later date. Condolences may be left at Legacy.com.

Margaret Reissen

FARMINGTON – Margaret E. Reissen, 87, of Farmington died on March 17 at her residence. Survivors include nine children, Margaret Harmon of Sedalia, MO, Clara Johnson of Washington, Catherine (David) Sizek of Norris, Carolyn Herrick of Peoria, John (Connie) Reissen Jr. of Canton, Rose (Bob L.) Smith of Creve Coeur, Norma (Dave) Williams of Fort Myers, Fla., Paul Reissen of London Mills, and Robert Reissen of Canton; 20 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren. Cremation has been accorded. Burial of ashes will be at a later date. Condolences may be left at

www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

John Shaw

YATES CITY – John M. Shaw, 80, of Knoxville, brother of a Yates City woman, died on March 21 at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville. Survivors include sister Judy Tusek of Yates City. Funeral services were March 24 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, with burial at Henderson Cemetery in rural Cuba. Condolences may be left at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ann Stenger

KICKAPOO – Mary Ann Stenger, 83, of Kickapoo died on March 16 at her home. Survivors include her husband Raymond Stenger, one brother Bob Rahn of Kickapoo, daughters Cathy (Tony) Sherlock of Kickapoo and Pat (Dave) Jones of Elmwood, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren – with two on the way. Funeral services were March 19 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kickapoo, with burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kickapoo. Condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com

Judith Youngman

FARMINGTON – Judith Edna Youngman, 71, of Bartonville, mother of a Farmington woman, died on March 18 at her home.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Youngman; daughter Michele (Brian) Graves of Farmington; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; six sisters; and one brother. Her memorial service was March 24 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur., with burial at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Condolences may be left at www.preston-hanley.com

Harold Zessin

FARMINGTON – Harold R. Zessin, 92, of Peoria, who farmed in the Trivoli area for more than 70 years, died on March 16 at Sunset Manor Nursing Home in Canton. Surviving are his daughter, Marjorie Musgrave of Peoria; two grandchildren, Suzanne (Doug) Mendyke and Michael (Laura) Rakers; three great-granddaughters, and one stepgreat-grandson. Services were March 21 at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, with burial in Penn Ridge Cemetery in Trivoli. Condolences may be left at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Page 15

Help Me Give Back to the Children on April 7th

Vote for

Kay Faralli

Farmington CCUSD #265 School Board • Lifetime resident of school district • Graduate of FCHS and Bradley University • Veteran teacher of 30 years • Master’s degree in School Administration

As a retired teacher, it is my wish to give back to the children of District #265.

Obituary Policy: We print basic obituaries for free. Longer obituaries cost $1 per column inch and $5 per picture. Call 309-741-9790.

AREA CHURCHES BRIMFIELD

EDWARDS

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

Bethany Baptist Church 7422 N. Heinz Ln., Edwards (309) 692-1755 www.bethanycentral.org Sat. Evening Worship: 6 pm Sun. Worship 8:15 & 11 am Wednesday Awana: 6:15 pm 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

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 (309) 446-3811 Sunday Worship: 9 am Tuesday Bible Fun Night: 6 pm

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

FARMINGTON First Presbyterian Church of Farmington Reverend Dr. Linda Philabaun 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 (309) 245-2957 Sun. Worship: 10 am Wed. Worship: 7 pm

YATES CITY Faith United Presbyterian Church Reverend Marla B. Bauler 107 W. Bishop St., Yates City (309) 358-1170 Worship: 9 am Sun. School: 10:15 am Thurs. Choir: 7 pm

Peoria, Fulton, Knox Counties Health Dept. Food Inspections – Feb. 1-28, 2015 Establishment Brimfield C.U.S.D. #309 Brimfield High School Union Church Of Brimfield County Market Deli County Market Food Store Faith United Presbyterian Church Jubilee Cafe Dollar General St. Mary’s School Los Jimadores Princeville Heritage Center Princeville Migrant Head Start Casey’s Farmington Pizza Company Casey’s Toot's Treats Kickapoo Creek Winery

Address 200 Clinton, Brimfield 323 E Clinton, Brimfield 105 W. Clay St., Brimfield 1090 E. Fort St., Farmington 1090 E. Fort St., Farmington 107 W. Bishop St., Yates City 7203 N. Kick.-Edw. Rd., Edwards 1020 E. Fort St., Farmington 9910 W. Knox St., Edwards 132 N. Walnut St., Princeville 325 N. Ostrom St., Princeville 909 Town Ave., Princeville 105 E. Spring St., Princeville 1200 E. Fort, Farmington 811 W. Main St., Elmwood 608 W. Main St., Elmwood 6605 N. Smith Rd., Edwards

Date Feb. 10 Feb. 10 Feb. 10 Feb. 12 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 17 Feb. 19 Feb. 20 Feb. 23 Feb. 23 Feb. 23 Feb. 23 Feb. 23 Feb. 27 Feb. 27 Feb. 28

Score 100 98 100 99 88 98 87 94 100 86 100 100 97 88 91 98 86

Establishment School School Restaurant Deli Retail Kitchen Restaurant Retail School Restaurant Restaurant Daycare Retail Restaurant Retail Restaurant Restaurant

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Davis Landscape Service 309-741-1080 • Edging • Rock/Mulch Delivery • Patios & Walks (brick/concrete)

• Plantings • Grading • Seeding • Sodding

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JIM’S SHURFINE DELI MENU

Call in your order 309-446-3401 Hot Sandwiches Pork Chop Sandwich $3.49 Tenderloin Sandwich $2.49 BBQ Pork Sandwich $2.49 Pizza Burger $2.49 BLT $2.99 Grilled Cheese $1.29 Grilled Turkey & Cheese $2.29 Grilled Ham & Cheese $2.29 Hot Food Chili on Tue & Thur. $2.99/bowl Chili dogs Tue & Thurs. $1.99 12” Gino’s Pizza cooked to order $6.00 or $7.00 specialty pizza. Agatucci’s 12” pizzas for $8.99 Mushrooms (10pc.) $2.99 Chicken Strips (4 strips) $2.99 (Hotn’spicy, peppered, or original) Gizzards $1.59 Buffalo Hot Wings $2.99 Fries or Onions Rings $1.50 Corn dogs (6 corn dogs) $3.09 Alaskan Walleye (Wed & Fri) Call in order $0.79/pc or $3.99 dinner (roll & side of cole slaw or potato salad)

Jim’s Shurfine 131 W. Knoxville Brimfield Store Hours: M-Sat 7am-9pm & Sunday 9am-6pm

Cold Sandwiches Fresh Made to Order Chicken Salad Sandwich Egg Salad Sandwich Ham Salad Sandwich (Weighed to your taste) .10 etra for each: lettuce, tomato, onion, & pickle Chicken by the piece Breast: $1.99 Thigh: $1.39 Leg: $1.09 Wing: $1.09 Bucket of Chicken 4 pc $5.39 8 pc. $8.79 12 pc. $13.19 16 pc. $17.59 20 pc. $21.99 24 pc. $26.39 32 pc. $35.19 Chicken Dinners (Includes roll & choice of potato salad or cole slaw) 2 piece chicken dinner (1 dark, 1 white) $4.19 4 piece chicken dinner (2 dark, 2 white) $7.39 We also offer a variety of deli salads & desserts served by the pound. Fresh Coffee Daily

GARAGE SALE ADS ... Two Weeks for $10! Call Shelly at (309) 741-9790

Page 16

THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

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Outgoing members reflect on experience By BILL KNIGHT

Among the few contested races in April’s election are school boards in Elmwood and Farmington. In Princeville, the next board will appoint a member because there are more vacancies than candidates. Outgoing board members were asked two questions to help understand what boards can and cannot do. David Bridson (Princeville), Veronica Haskell (Elmwood) and Anne Stufflebeam (Farmington) replied. • “What do you wish someone would have told you before you got on the school board?” they were asked. “The hardest part of the job is not being able to explain some of the decisions you make,” Bridson said. “If people knew all the facts that the school board reviews in executive session, they would understand the decisions that are made (at least understand more of the background). It is hard to not be able to defend your decisions because you cannot divulge details.” Stufflebeam saw aspects that were gratifying and challenging. “Public service is a real eye-opener,” she said. “I enjoyed serving for eight years. One learns a lot!” However, she added that new board members should “be prepared to be approached at church, the store, at a ballgame, etc. You ran for the office – now take responsibility.” Stufflebeam also had a request for parents and residents, too: “Please try not to disturb your local board member at their work. That is their livelihood, how they support themselves and their families. Ask for an appointment for another time.” In Elmwood, Haskell said, “I wish someone would have told me how rewarding the experience was going to be, despite the long hours of time and work that went into being on our board. I learned an immense For The Weekly Post

Field Tile with GPS Mapping & Surveying Ponds & Lakes Tile Trencher & Tile Plow Available Ag Terraces, Waterways, Drainage Site prep, Land Clearing, Demolition, Concrete Removal, Hauling

Newell’s Auction & Farm Realty (309) 358-1218

Debbie Newell, Broker/Sales Ron Newell, Broker/Auctioneer

NEW LISTING! 2227 Henderson Trail, Wataga is a 2 BR, 1 Bath Ranch home in the country on 1 acre just minutes north of Galesburg. 2+ Car detached heated garage, partial basement, and extra shed. MUST SEE! List Price ... $82,500 FOR SALE! 511 Happy Hollow Dr., Dahinda is a 2 BR, 2 Bath Ranch with full walkout basement located in small private lake community. Newer kitchen and baths. Appliances included. Priced at ... $74,000 PENDING! 2226 Knox Hwy. 11, Williamsfield SOLD! 305 N. Oak, Williamsfield Color Photos at www.williamsfield.org

Humane Society of Fulton County

Say hello to Teddy!!! He is around 10-11 months old and is a gorgeous DLH tabby. This boy is lovable, loves to be held and purrs all the time. He has an irritable stomach so is on a special diet. The veterinarian caring for him says this may be something he grows out of but he may need a special diet for the rest of his life. He gets along with cats who are friendly and would do well in a home with kids as long as they are gentle with him. Teddy is currently in a foster home so if you are interested in meeting him please call so we can set up a time with his foster family. Co m e m ee t T ed dy or an o t h e r o f o u r g r e a t an i ma l s du r in g ou r ad o pt i o n ho u r s : S a t , S u n , M on , W e d, F r i 1 - 4 p m a n d T ue s d ay e v e n in g s 5 - 8 pm .

22988 Il Highway 9 Canton, IL 61520

3 09-6 47 -507 7

amount of career-building skills by working with such a diverse group of professionals, including our wonderful administration.” • Outgoing board members were posed the question, “What do you think the community assumes – or doesn’t realize – about what school boards can do (or can't do)?” “I think most community members assume the board is more involved with the day-to-day operations than we actually are,” Bridson said. “Our job is to hire administra-

tion and set direction for the school district. Our job is not to deal with coaching issues, teacher issues, and the other issues that are handled on a daily basis. “Of course, we get into those when they get escalated, but that can’t be our focus.” Haskell agreed, adding, “Overall the community needs to realize that board members do not know everything that goes on in a school. We are elected to serve three major purposes: enforce policies and procedures,

employ the superintendent, and approve and pay bills. Stufflebeam stressed that everyday people have a role. “The votes I cast have never been my sole opinion,” she said. “I listened to my constituents’ opinions and took those ideas with me when casting a vote. I encourage everyone in our district to reach out to the school board members and/or attend the meetings. “As a taxpayer, it is your right to have your voice heard.”

February 2015 Peoria Co. Real Estate Transactions Date 02/09 02/09 02/09 02/10 02/12 02/17 02/20 02/24 02/26

Address Amount Grantor/grantee 7612 W. Challacombe Road/Edwards $182,000 Schaub/Nelson 6202 W. Clairmont Court/Edwards $335,000 Rudolf/Cartus Financial Corp 6202 W. Clairmont Court/Edwards $335,000 Cartus Financial Corp/Simon 23814 W. Nightingale Road/Laura $70,000 Brown/Ryder 2 parcels in NW Qtr 23-11-5/Millbrook $430,000 Annamalai/Wieland Partnership 4 parcels in Sec 32-11-6/Princeville $130,000 Ferguson/Harmon 9211 W. Grimm Lane/Edwards $60,000 Fuller/Fuller Pt of SE Qtr 13-11-6/Princeville $85,000 Endress/Grutter 12829 W. Chippe Drive/Princeville $235,000 Heitzman (Co-Tr)/Cunningham NOTE: Listings reflects minimum of $40,000 for sale of residence, but not for land. SEE ANSWERS PAGE 18

Don’t forget to change both names

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

Page 17

1. LITERATURE: How many publish-

ers rejected James Joyce’s “The Dubliners” before it finally made it to print? 2. GEOGRAPHY: The Falkland Islands are located off which continent? 3. MYTHOLOGY: What does the Greek goddess Aphrodite represent? 4. PRESIDENTS: When was Lyndon Johnson elected president? 5. MEDICAL TERMS: What is the common name for “epistaxis”? 6. RELIGION: In the Christian calendar, what is Low Sunday? 7. THEATER: What was the name of the female protagonist in the play “West Side Story”? 8. LANGUAGE: What would “turbid” water look like? 9. U.S. STATES: What state’s nickname is the Pine Tree State? 10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What do the first three numbers of a Social Security number signify currently?

Answers

FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 18

1. 22 2. South America 3. Love and beauty 4. 1964 5. Nosebleed 6. The Sunday after Easter 7. Maria 8. Muddy or cloudy 9. Maine 10. The state or district where the applicant resides (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

MOVIES 1. Cinderella (PG) 2. Run All Night (R) 3. Kingsman: The Secret Service (R) 4. Focus (R) 5. Chappie (R) 6. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG) 7. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (PG) 8. McFarland, USA (PG) 9. Fifty Shades of Grey (R) 10. The DUFF (PG-13) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

Carnival makes sweet memories in Billtown By JOANIE STIERS

WILLIAMSFIELD – Nearly 250 kids and the adults who accompanied them enjoyed a “sweet” time at the Candy Land Carnival earlier this month in Williamsfield. More than 20 total inflatables, activity stations and games with prizes generated a night of entertainment for the event, which is a service activity and fundraiser for the Williamsfield Parent and Teacher Organization (P.A.T.). This year’s carnival featured its largest-ever cake walk, with about 50 cakes donated by local residents and bakeries. The carnival’s newest attractions included the fortune teller booth, a lasso game, temporary tattoo booth, photo booth, pig For The Weekly Post

races, a football challenge and a wacky funhouse inflatable. Local artists provided elaborate face painting, and local hair stylists transformed student hair into colorful, braided and spiky styles. Throughout the evening, local talent entertained the crowd with a lively and illuminated hula hoop performance on stage.

Students compete in the pedestal joust activity at the Candy Land Carnival earlier this month at Williamsfield Schools. Photo by John Seder.

In all, more than 70 businesses and community residents generously contributed funds or services to make this event possible. Combined with a raffle, the carnival generates thousands of dollars to help P.A.T. pay for equipment and services for the school, from student field trips to new books to classroom technology.

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Williamsfield Cemetery Clean-up Deadline

Spring is here, and time for clean-up comes with it! April 1st is the deadline to remove any items you wish to save, and dig up any flowers that are planted. After April 1st items will be thrown away and plants will be mowed. Please help us and remove all your items before this date. Thank You, Truro Township Board, Sande Wilkie, Clerk

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, March 26, 2015

ALL SPORTS ROUNDUP

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Outdoor track season scheduled to start Weather permitting, the outdoor track season will open next week. Princeville teams open Monday at 4 p.m. against Bushnell-Prairie City. Elmwood and Farmington will both be in action in Farmington on Tuesday (March 31) with a 4:15 p.m. meet also involving Knoxville and Monmouth Roseville. Higgs shoots – Farmington sophomore Eric Higgs admitted he was nervous this time around, much more so than when he won the Class 2A 3-point shooting contest. Competing Saturday in the King of the Hill 3-point shooting finale, Higgs missed his first two shots. While he went on to make 11 of his last 13, that was not enough to

move Higgs past winner Jack Westerkamp, a junior from Lombard Montini who made 14. “Once I got out there I was pretty nervous,” Higgs said. “After the second one I calmed down.” Both other competitors in the event pitting winners from all classes also made 11. That included Class 1A winner Jonathan Barth, a junior from FlanaganCornell. Ironically, Barth’s father and Higgs’ father, Joe, were college roommates at Illinois State University. “It’s a small world,” the elder Higgs said. Farmington’s Eric Higgs made 11 Email information to jeff@wklyof 15 3-pointers last Saturday in the King of the Hill 3-point event. post.com.

SOFTBALL: Princes seek regional repeat Continued from Page 20

for our success last year,” Juerjens said. Senior Kendra Gorham and junior Morgan Ledbetter (.389) provide more than capable relief for Florey on the mound. Adding to the offense will be the likes of Kennedy Dura (led team with 34 runs scored last year), Allison Pillman and Ryleigh Keith. Additional senior help comes from solid players Hannah Huber, Abby Frietsch and Hannah Baysingar. Also expected to contribute are freshmen Grace LaFollette and Alyssa Roll. Princeville Coach Chad Gardner’s Lady Princes had a big season in 2014 with a 278 overall record, along with a regional championship. Second-team all-state pitcher and current senior Jordan Kraft and middle infield, third-team allstater Brooke Gardner will lead a very impres-

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Dura

Morgan Florey was 16-2 for Brimfield-Elmwood last year on the mound.

sive pack into the spring. Kraft, headed to Lincolnland College, pitched to the tune of 20 wins, a 1.61 ERA and 199 punch outs. She also hit at a .423 clip. A junior, Gardner batted a monster .513 with 48 RBIs. More than capable pitching backup comes from junior Paige Lane, who collected seven wins. “We feel that we have power, speed, and pitching going into this season,” Gardner said. A big part of the speed game should come from

Gorham

sophomore Jessica Devries who was 17 for 17 in swiping bases. Another sophomore, Natalie Cokel, returns a solid .354 batting average to the ranks. Add the .459 batting and 24 RBIs of senior Chelsea Gardner and defense from the likes of Maddie Hite, Madison Roe and Jordan Kellar, and the Lady Princes have a very balanced attack going into the current season. Farmington Expectations will not be quite as lofty for Farmington. “Our team this season will be very young and inexperienced,” says coach Jeni Fauser. Only one senior returns for the Lady Farmers this season. “Kaylee Renfroe will provide us leadership and speed,” Fauser said. Freshman Carly Behrens will start at shortstop and Emily Buster will start in the outfield. Pitching will come from sophomore Alli Sprague and junior Ilsa Strough. Junior Bre

Kraft

Springer will round out the battery as catcher, while freshman Nicole Hahn will fill in at a number of positions as a utility player. Juniors Jessica Buster and Taylor Whitehurst are first-year varsity starters expected to add some power to the lineup. ROWVA-Williamsfield One year after winning a regional in a co-op with Galva, Williamsfield will join forces with Oneida ROWVA.

Marissa Largent, Elmwood

Elmwood High School senior Marissa Largent has been a Spirit Squad football cheerleader and pom performer in all four of her years. Her mom, Michelle Largent, danced on the Lady Trojans pom team in her years. That was a significant influence on Marissa as she became a junior high basketball cheerleader at EJHS. Her cheering and pom performing career seems to have been an awesome family enterprise. Along with the influence of her mom, Marissa has been supported by her dad, Mike Largent, and even her older brother, Michael. That’s pretty cool. Many times, siblings don’t speak out so positively about each other! While cheering for the football team, Marissa most looks forward to the halftime dance routine. On the pom squad, the state competition is her favorite part. The college team which she most supports is not a football nor basketball team. She’s most enthused by the University of Minnesota dance team, of which coach Emily Roberts shows videos to Marissa and her EHS Pom teammates. “Remember the Titans,” a classic movie about a high school football team in the 1970s, is her favorite performance on the big screen. Marissa has an impressive EHS resume, being in FFA, Key Club, National Honor Society, Elmwood Excellence and Art Club. Speaking of FFA, she’s a farm girl who enjoys helping to raise chickens, cows, and riding four-wheelers on that farm where she lives with her family. Next fall, Marissa will be attending Illinois Central College towards working to a nursing career. “Keep the fun in everything you do ,” Marissa advises hopeful younger cheerleaders and dancers. Marissa’s biggest thrill in her cheer and dance career is working together with her teammates, the same as she does with her close-knit family.

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Page 19

BASEBALL: Princes will be experienced Continued from Page 20

two RBIs and a double and Kyle Totton had two hits with a triple and RBI. So far this year, Cuevas is off to an 8-for-13 start at the plate and is working to find his control on the mound after the extended season of basketball. Brimfield followed the opener with a split in Jacksonville last Friday: besting Red Bud, 7-2, but falling to Chicago Christian, 10-0. Totton had two more hits against Red Bud. Brimfield (3-2) had another split Saturday with a 6-5 victory over Eureka, followed by a 16-4 defeat at the hands of Dunlap. Demmin struck out six in four innings against Eureka. Farmington The Farmers look to be young this season, especially on the mound. While senior Nate Monroe leads the pitching corps, he is followed by two younger hurlers in Caleb Gilstrap and Dylan Hayden. “We hope our hitting can pick up our young pitching as we progress,” said coach Josh Putrich. In 2014 the Farmers finished with an overall 12-14 mark. They look to have competition at a number of positions, which can help a team remain focused. David Herr and Jake Johnson will get looks at first. Trey Swearingen, along with Hayden, will spend time at shortstop and Taylor Crowe and Blake Mattson will work at third. Caleb Fruendt will be the backstop and will get some rest from Mattson. Second base looks to be handled by Jacob Ruchotzke. In the outfield five players should see time from a group of Reid Berry, Gilstrap, Cade Lansford, Jake Settles and Jordan McCance. “We are playing very strong non-conference competition, so there will be some growing pains, but it will eventually make us better, “ Putrich said. That very strong competition started in week one with losses to always good Chillicothe IVC, Limestone and in a doubleheader with East Peoria. Even against the strong foes, staff ace Monroe had two impressive outings. Princeville The Princes feature a seniorladen team coming off a 16-12

Janssen

Simmons

campaign that ended in a regional championship game loss to Williamsfield-Galva. Coach Chris Delbridge said many of the seniors have experienced a lot of varsity playing time since they were freshman. “Our defense is stingy. We’re strong up the middle. We believe our batting order is solid from the number one spot through number nine, and we could have as many as eight pitchers to contribute,” said coach Delbridge. That pitching will be anchored by Bradley University signee Mitchell Janssen, an all-stater in 2014, who will also play third and outfield. Janssen was 7-5 with 123 strikeouts last year. Pitcher Cole Hartley, a Robert Morris signee, is part of the deep pitching corps. Also returning are leading hitter and RBI man Zach Simmons (signed with University of Wisconsin-Stout), who handles the catching duties and led the team with five home runs and 36 RBIs after batting .419. Shortstop Brett Down (Rockford University) also returns after hitting .390 last year – the second-highest batting average on the team. The infield should be rounded out by first baseman Evan Bultimeier (.297), second sacker Brandon Crose (.320), and Austin Brodine (.350), who will take care of the hot corner. Base-stealing threat Luke Cokel (.293) will lead the outfield in center, which also features more seniors, including Tanner Bedwell, Tim Hefler and Thomas Smith. Cokel, T.J. Kielion, Crose and Down all crossed the plate 20 or more times last season. The Princes got off to a good start in week one, with victories over Jacksonville Routt, Red Bud and traditional power St. JosephOgden. Janssen was 4-for-6 against Red Bud and St. Joe with one home run, a triple and three RBI. Janssen (1-0) also got the win pitching against St. Joe with eight

Senior Carson Cuevas is expected to be one of the leaders for Brimfield-Elmwood’s baseball team this spring. Photo by Jeff Lampe.

strikeouts and no walks. Tim Hefler was the winner against Red Bud with three whiffs and no walks. ROWVA-Williamsfield This is the first year of a new co-op that will be coached by longtime ROWVA coach John Clark. ROWVA had a 13-16 mark in 2014, while Williamsfield was 1512 in its co-op with Galva last spring. That included a second straight regional championship, this time over rival Princeville. “Billtown players should help our offense, while players from both schools will mesh for improved defense,” Clark said. It looks as if the top pitcher should come from Williamsfield as well, in junior Garrett Wight, who looks to play shortstop when he’s not on the mound. Clark said pitching help will also come from Zach Smith, Wyatt Brodie and Easton Beard. Catchers Ricky McCreary and Owen String will work with the aforementioned pitchers. Joining Wight and Smith in the infield will be Turner Roberts, playing some first and third, Ethen Hunt also at first, and Tim Lynn at second. Amongst outfielders are Tyler Jones and Jack Craig. The team inaugurated the co-op last week with an 8-5 victory over Knoxville in which Easton Beard got the pitching win in relief, and Zach Smith collected three hits. Games will be played at Oneida and Williamsfield.

Thank You!

We would like to thank everyone that was involved in the Dakota Ramp Dodgeball tournament and craft show. Whether you helped organize, helped at the event, and/or participated we greatly appreciate it. We are so touched by the way the Dodgeball tournament & craft show keeps the memory of Dakota alive. We will donate all the profits to the scholarship fund in his name. We feel very blessed to live in a community that is so giving. Many thanks! Don & Karen Ramp We Cover The News of West-Central Illinois With A Passion

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Area baseball teams return solid lineups

B-E softball may be state contender

By PHIL JOHNSON

Area baseball teams are blessed with several top returnees this spring in what promises to be a good season for most local teams. At least three teams – Brimfield-Elmwood Princeville and ROWVA – are expected to be strong contenders for regional titles. Here are previews of our baseball teams. Brimfield-Elmwood The Indians’ co-op team will be heavy with seniors this season in hoping to defend a regional championship from 2014 and hoping to go farther. The 2014 ICAC champions head into the new season coming off of a 25-8 overall record. “We are deep in pitching, have solid defense, and our hitting should improve,” said second year coach Brandon Porter. Three of the four top starting hurlers are already committed to pitch at the next level for the 2016 season. They are Carson Cuevas (Illinois Central College), Brad Demmin (Carl Sandburg), and Tucker Blum (also Sandburg). Jun-

After reaching the Elite Eight one year ago, the Brimfield-Elmwood softball team has even loftier goals this season. Last season the Lady Indians finished at 29-4, won both the ICAC and Prairieland conferences and came within one victory of the state tournament. With only two starters (Bekka Robers and Kerrigan Dura) gone from that squad, optimism is understandable. “We will have high expectations for this season. We want to advance farther than last year’s Elite Eight,” said second-year coach Kurt Juerjens. Top pitcher senior Morgan Florey returns after leading the team in hitting last season with a .475 average and dominating on the mound. Florey was 16-2 with a 1.48 ERA and 233 strikeouts – more than two per inning. She also led Brimfield with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs. “Morgan was one of the big reasons For The Weekly Post

For The Weekly Post

Senior southpaw Brad Demmin is part of a deep roster of starting pitchers for this year’s Brimfield-Elmwood baseball team. Photo by Collin Fairfield.

ior Austin Sims will also be key in the starting rotation. Along with Cuevas, who will also play shortstop, and Demmin, playing at first base, offense will come from senior brothers Brian Gilles, working behind the plate, and Brett Gilles, manning the hot corner. Junior Jake Roberts will be a fixture in the hitting lineup either at third or as the designated hitter. Hard-working seniors Michael Houlihan and Zach Roling should be penciled in to play right and left field, respectively, while junior Jace Swietek, at second, and

very versatile senior Ryan Smith will be counted on for good defense and to turn over the batting order from the bottom. “We may begin the season slowly with Cuevas, Smith, (Brett) Gilles, and Swietek coming out late due to basketball, but we expect to catch up,” said coach Porter. With good enough weather and a very busy first week schedule, Brimfield got off to a decent start. The Indians beat Roanoke Benson last week in 10 innings, 7-5. Cuevas had two hits, Continued on Page 19

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Continued on Page 18