The Weekly Post 4/2/15

Thursday April 2, 2015 Vol. 3, No. 6

The Weekly Post

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Area school financing takes another hard hit By BILL KNIGHT

The Illinois General Assembly last week passed a stopgap measure to address a $1.6 billion budget shortfall through June, and its 2.25 percent, across-the-board cuts include more reductions to education – on the heels of new findings that show previous funding woes have hit schools hard. School finances are so shaky that the area school district with the best Financial Profile ranking – WilliamsFor The Weekly Post

Residents voice road complaints

field, with a perfect 4.00 – is deficit spending just like the other four districts in The Weekly Post area. (See box at right). Reacting to the stop-gap measure, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) expressed apprehension. “While we understand the dire circumstances facing the state, we have grave concerns about these cuts and their impact to school districts, especially this late in the fiscal year,” says ISBE’s Mary Fer-

gus. “These districts have very little leeway to absorb these cut and make the necessary fiscal adjustments this late in the fiscal year given the spending pressures they’re already under.” The state’s school districts already show the burden of operating with fewer government funds, according to the ISBE, which recently showed that 64.2 percent of Illinois districts are projected to deficit-spend this school year. Fewer districts score at the

Local school financing School District

Brimfield Elmwood Farmington Princeville Williamsfield

Financial Profile

2015 budget deficit

Revenue % from state funding

3.70 - Recognition 3.55 - Recognition 3.65 - Recognition 3.45 - Review 4.00 - Recognition

$104,880 $447,403 $863,524 $586,051 $509,198

20.7 30.6 42.3 31.7 10.4

NOTE: Brimfield has improved from 2013, when it was under Review; Elmwood in 2003 was Early Warning; Farmington was under Review in 2006 and 2007, and Watch in 2005; Princeville is unchanged from Review status from 2013; and Williamsfield has been a perfect 4.00 since 2007, when its 3.65 was still determined a Recognition.

Continued on Page 12

SOURCE: Illinois State Board of Education

SAFE, WELL-FED HUNTERS

By BILL KNIGHT

The fate of what area residents for decades have dubbed “Breakneck Hill” may be at stake after a hearing Friday (March 27) before Peoria County Engineer Amy Benecke McLaren in response to three property owners on Greengold Road complaining about its condition. Represented by attorney Chester Fuller, rural neighbors Cheryl Harden, Mike Innes and Ron Nelson all testified that Greengold Road between Murphy Road and Illinois Route 116 north and east of Hanna City is in such bad shape it’s caused damage to vehicles, prevented companies from insuring homes because of inadequate access, and prevented Ameren from reading meters. In the evidence-gathering session, convened according to state law, Harden testified that Rosefield Township

By MICHELLE SHERMAN

For The Weekly Post

Continued on Page 2

Common goal for candidates in Farmington FARMINGTON – Continuing to provide Farmington students with a 21stcentury education is a common goal shared by the five candidates for Farmington Community Unit School District 265 Board of Education. At a Meet the Candidates forum on March 24, all five candidates – three incumbents and two newcomers – Election 2015 answered quesWrite-in canditions posed by dates vie for an members of the open spot on the audience of about Princeville School 40. Questions Board. Page 13. ranged from class sizes in grades K- Find your polling place to vote on 2 to school uniApril 7. Page 13. forms and from budget cuts to supporting the arts. Incumbents Kelly Threw, Dakota Horn and Todd Guidi all touted strides made in further integrating technology into classrooms and cutting-edge projects such as District 265’s solar panel project which is nearing completion as proof that they have served the community well during previous terms. “I want to make sure that we continue For The Weekly Post

From left to right, Cynthia Brewer, Phil Blackburn and Larry Kelch share a laugh while recognizing 30 years of Illinois hunter safety classes at the Kickapoo Sportsman’s Club. Photo by Jeff Lampe.

30 years of safer hunters By JEFF LAMPE

KICKAPOO – Hunters in Illinois attend safety classes each spring because they have to – and because they want to be safer in the field. But what draws flocks of people to safety classes at the Kickapoo Sportsman’s Club is the food and Weekly Post Staff Writer

the hospitality – hallmarks of a series of classes that last weekend celebrated 30 years at the club. The Kickapoo class is believed to be the fourthlongest running in Illinois and started during a conversation at the old Gilles Tap in Kickapoo. “We were sitting at Norma’s (Gilles Tap) and

started talking about how the NRA used to do safety classes,” Larry Kelch recalled. “After that, we started making some phone calls and...” Next thing he knew Kelch was in charge of the Peoria area’s most popular hunter safety classes. Since they started offering Continued on Page 11

Continued on Page 15

Page 2

THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

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ROAD: ‘Breakneck Hill’ nearly impassable Continued from Page 1

road crews have tried to take out ruts on the gravel road, but two hills and a sinkhole that emerged last June make traveling difficult. Nelson testified that he’s never talked to a road commissioner, but agreed that emergency vehicles can’t get to the area from the west. “It’s virtually impassable,” he said. “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

In Innes’ testimony, he conceded that he has access to his property but it’s in terrible shape, and his appeals to State Sen. Darin LaHood’s office and trustees at both Rosefield and Logan Townships haven’t helped. Greengold is on the border between Rosefield and Logan Townships, and the Illinois Department of Transportation has determined that Rosefield is responsible for less than half a mile and the rest is Logan’s obligation. “I’ve been to both township meetings and they won’t listen. They just ignore me,” Innes

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said. “I get nothing for my tax dollars.” For his part, Rosefield Road Commissioner Matt Windish didn’t dispute Greengold’s condition. “I appreciate the input and ideas [and] I understand the frustration,” said Windish, who’s been in office for about two years. “The road’s horrible. I agree that something needs to be done.” The problem, he said, is balancing needs and resources. Fixing that stretch of road could run some $75,000, Windish said, and the township receives about $500 a year

Mike Innes discusses the poor condition of Greengold Road during a hearing with Peoria County last week. Photo by Bill Knight.

from state Motor Fuel Tax revenues for maintaining the 0.44 mile of road where three people live. “I can’t justify funding [that] to help someone’s convenience” to access property from the west in addition to access from the east, he said. “I don’t know where the funding is to fix it.” State law says the county can order “proper and necessary” repairs “when there are sufficient funds to permit a compliance with such order.” McLaren said she hopes to rule on the petition in about two weeks.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

Page 3

THE WEEK AHEAD HOT PICKS This Week!

s Easter Egg Hunt – Elmwood Kiwanis has its annual Easter egg hunt April 4 at 11 a.m. in Elmwood’s Central Park. s Easter Egg Hunt – Order of the Easter Star has its Easter egg hunt Saturday (April 4) at 9 a.m. at Central Park in Yates City. Ages 8 and under welcome.

s Fish Sale – Spring fish sale order deadline Friday (April 3) with delivery April 11 at 8 a.m. at the USDA Service Center, 6715 N Smith Rd., Edwards. Call (309) 671-7040, Ext. 101.

This Week’s Events

s St. Jude Meeting – Anyone interested in the Elmwood to Peoria St. Jude run on Aug. 1 should attend a meeting today (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 Maundy Thursday – Maundy Thursday Service with communion at First Presbyterian Church of Farmington, 83 N. Cone St. in sanctuary at 6 p.m. today (April 2) followed by simple meal in Fellowship Hall.

knitters or want-to-be-knitters welcome to attend. Call to ask for a supply list, Char Rickey (309) 472-7085. 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.

Future Events

s Movie Time – All ages invited to

watch “Big Hero 6” from 3:30- 5:30 p.m. at the Brimfield Public Library. Popcorn provided. Children in Pre-K must be accompanied by s Tanebrae Service – an adult. Jessica Baldyga will Publicize Your Event s Family Bingo – lead a Tanebrae Service Call us at (309) 741-9790 Family Bingo April 9 at hosted by Farmington or email information about 6 p.m. at Mary and MorCouncil of Churches at your upcoming event to rison Wiley Library, 6:30 p.m. Friday (April martha@wklypost.com. Elmwood. Call (309) 3) in the sanctuary of 742-2431. First Presbyterian Church of Farmings SAMS Fund Raiser – SAMS fifth ton, 83 N. Cone St.. s Free Bread – Free bread is available annual Beer & Wine Tasting fund raiser April 10, 4:30-8 p.m. at Barracks on PioFriday (April 3) at 10 a.m. at Elmwood neer Parkway. Tickets $35 in advance, Methodist Church. $40 at the door. s Easter Egg Hunt – Princeville Lions s School Play – The Elmwood High Club has its Easter egg hunt Saturday (April 4) at noon at Cutter’s Grove Park. School Drama Club presents the play s Easter Celebration – Easter Celebra- “Arsenic and Old Lace” April 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Cost tion Service Sunday (April 5) at 10 a.m. $6 adults, $4 students. at Brimfield Evangelical Free Church, s Farmington Musical – “High School 11724 N. Maher Rd. 8:30 a.m. Easter Musical 2 on Stage” performed April 10morning breakfast. Call (309) 446-3571 12 at Farmington High School. Show or brimfree@frontier.com. times for April 10-11 at 7 p.m.; April 12 s St. Jude Fishing – Annual Fishing at 2 p.m. for St. Jude family fun day May 3 from s Bass Seminar – Pro-staff angler 1-4 p.m. at Brimfield Community Park. Dustin Taylor gives a free bass fishing Contact bbuckman7@yahoo.com. T-shirt seminar April 11 at 1 p.m. at The Great deadline April 7. Outdoors in Knoxville, 205 E. Main s Knitting Meeting – Next meeting of Street. Call (309) 388-0159. the Heart of Illinois Knitting Guide is s Alumni Banquet – Elmwood’s 80th April 7, 9 a.m. at Memorial Hall at annual Alumni Banquet is April 25 at Maple Lawn Homes, Eureka. Bobbie 6:30 p.m. in the Grade School gym. Jennings and Paula Emons-Fuessle will Tickets $18 at Jordan’s Mobil and Elmgive a program on chart reading and wood Pharmacy until April 15. adding life lines when knitting lace. All

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 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 - “Only a liberal senator from Massachusetts would say that a 49 percent increase in funding for education was not enough.� – George W. Bush Illinois Press Association Member

Schools, voters & taxpayers on the hot seat

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FARMINGTON – I left the sprawling Farmington Central complex Tuesday evening pondering the importance of schools in our communities. Outside Farmington’s relatively new facility, parents, athletes and fans were busy with a baseball game, a track meet and softball practice. Inside, singers tuned up for next week’s musical while tutors Jeff helped youngLAMPE sters struggling in one academic subject or another. Everywhere you looked, people of all ages were walking around, squinting happily at the return of our long-lost friend, the sun. There was no busier place in Farmington on this fine spring afternoon. So it goes quite often, and not just in Farmington. That’s the case in any town with a school – a fact magnified even more by the quiet that settles when kids are not in session. Schools play a huge role in our lives. That’s a critical factor to consider with an election looming and with a statewide financial crisis still in full bloom. Surely it’s no coincidence the only contested races in next week’s April 7 election are for school

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board. Elmwood, Farmington and Princeville all have more candidates running than spaces available on their boards. Meanwhile, every other local office is there for the taking: Run and you will win, my favorite kind of race. Why the interest in school boards? Money? Sure. Keeping an eye on where all those tax dollars are spent appeals to some. Sports? Unfortunately. More than one Illinois board member has thrown their hat into the ring to get a coach fired – or to assure a child extra playing time. Education? Hopefully that’s a universal reason. What and how well we teach our children has a direct impact on our lives. (On a side note, I applaud any candidate who grumbles about testing. Kids are spending too much time in standardized tests.) Consider all possible motivations as you vote Tuesday. And please, make sure to vote. The school board members we elect will face an increasingly difficult job. On the front page of this issue Bill Knight penned an informative story about the latest budget cuts that will impact our area schools. While the Illinois State Board of Education disagrees, I think many of Gov. Rauner’s cuts are needed – in education and elsewhere. We can’t afford to maintain the status

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quo of our broken system, where the loudest lobbyists maintain funding for their employers and send Illinois spiraling into a deeper deficit. That is not to suggest school boards are at fault for Springfield’s stupidity. But school boards will have to help solve the problems our politicians have hatched with decades of shortsighted decisions. Some of that will be by continuing to make the cuts boards have grudgingly approved for several years now. I also think taxpayers need to face the reality we will pay more for our schools. I sometimes hear people say what a bad job their local superintendent or school board is doing. I don’t listen much. While I’m sure there are areas for improvement, overall I’d rather let local school boards spend my money than career politicians in Springfield who I never bump into at the grocery store. And I’d love to see a penny sales tax proposal back on the ballot, soon. While improving facilities is secondary to the educational mission, classrooms, auditoriums and even athletic fields play a critical role in the daily lives of many. As Tuesday proved so warmly, those facilities can help keep a community vibrant. Contact Jeff Lampe at 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

GUEST VOICES

Page 5 10107 W. Route 150, Edwards - $145,000 PENDING

Will Cubs’ sad postseason run continue?

Warning: This is a column about baseball. If you don’t like baseball – tough. I’m writing it anyway. Those who follow the column know that I’m a Dodger fan and have been since the early 1960s. My dad tried to turn me into a Chicago Cubs fan early on by Jon taking me to a game in which a GALLAGHER guy named Sandy Koufax pitched for the Dodgers, and the magic is still there some 50 years later. Having said that, I do feel sorry for the Cubs sometimes. I mean, here’s a team that hasn’t been in a World Series since the year we dropped a couple of nuclear bombs on Japan. It’s been 70 years since they’ve served hot dogs at Wrigley Field in October.

That’s more than 25,000 days! They’ve played more than 10,000 games! And if you want to talk about the last time they WON the Fall Classic, well, we’ve fought in two World Wars, elected 17 presidents (plus had one who wasn’t elected), made 11 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added five new states (New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii), 14 new baseball teams, and Haley’s Comet has passed the Earth ... twice. In fact, there may not even be a person alive today who was born prior to their last win in 1908. There have been times when it looked like the Cubs might be gearing up for a chance to win it all. Back in 1969, it looked like they were going to run away with it before a black cat sauntered out onto the field in New York and cursed them. Fifteen years later in 1984, they

actually made it to the playoffs, but lost to the San Diego Padres. The Cubbies took a 2-0 game lead in the best of five series before San Diego tied the series with two home wins. Chicago’s Northsiders held a 3-0 lead going into the sixth inning before the Californians scored a couple of runs. The wheels came off the bus in the next inning when the Padres scored four times, partly due to a ball that dribbled through the legs of Cubs’ first baseman Leon Durham. The Cubs lost the game 6-3 as well as the series, despite having outscored the Padres as a whole. It would be five years until the Cubs made it into the playoffs again, this time against the Giants of San Francisco. The Cubs lost the series 4-1 and Mother Nature was so shocked to see the Cubs in the playoffs that San Francisco had

It is 7:20 p.m., Sunday, March 29, and I just returned from my daily walk, albeit 13 hours later than normal. I was struck by the thought that this day epitomized the March that Mit “comes in like a BERES lion and goes out like a lamb” better than any entire March I can remember.

My walk was delayed by a blustery, chilly morning that soon deteriorated into a morning filled by a cold, driving rain, and this evening I passed the bank marquee announcing a balmy 53 degrees. Oscar Hammerstein – the wordsmith of the Rodgers and Hammerstein duo, which gave us such wonderful musicals as “Oklahoma” and “The Sound of Music” – wrote of this season for the show “Carousel.” He penned, “March came in

like a lion ..., then April cried and stepped aside, and along came ... May, was full of promises,” and then it was June, which was “busting out all over” with the promised summer. I hope my knee is right; it tells me this may be just such a year, and I’ll gladly take the wet of April and the tease of May if they can lead us to a glorious June. Meanwhile, I’ll simply enjoy each day for what it is.

To the Editor: After Congress came a hair’s breadth from shutting down the Department of Homeland Security, members of the leadership tried to reassure the American people. “We’re certainly not going to shut down the government or default on the national debt,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declared on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” Congress, he said, would not lurch from crisis to crisis. I wish I could be so confident. If you look at the year ahead, the congressional calendar is littered with opportunities to do just that. My bet

is not on smooth sailing. This is a problem. Great democracies do not veer from one doomsday moment to the next, nor do they fund government on a weekto-week basis. Yet that is precisely the habit Congress has developed. It’s embarrassing. We need a Congress that can address its problems before a crisis comes up. What will it take? Members need to work at legislating every day – not just the three days in the middle of the week. The so-called “Hastert Rule” – that the Speaker of the House will not allow a vote on a bill unless he

has a majority of his own party behind it – needs to be jettisoned for good. And perhaps most important, the tactic of tying two unrelated issues together in order to force an opponent’s hand needs to be rejected. The parade of make-or-break issues that Congress faces this year presents myriad opportunities for legislative mischief. If all we see before us is one government-shutdown threat after another, the remaining faith Americans hold in our chief lawmaking body could disappear altogether. And deservedly so. – Lee Hamilton Director, Center on Congress at Indiana University

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Man busted for having loaded pistol in bar

PRINCEVILLE – The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office said they were called to the VFW Hall here about 10 p.m. on March 28 on a report of an armed patron at an establishment displaying a sign prohibiting customers from carrying concealed weapons on the premises. Upon their investigation, Everett Koller, 67, of Princeville was found to have a loaded .38 pistol and was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, disorderly conduct, and obstructing a police officer, then transported to the Peoria County Jail. Police said records show Koller has no concealed-carry permit. Witnesses told police Koller had been drinking at the tavern since about 7 p.m.

Knox cops investigating alleged harassment

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YATES CITY – A resident in the 100 block of North Burson Street on March 29 reported a series of late-night disturbances involving a few male juveniles said to have been targeting the home in several recent incidents of harassment, according to reports Local and County police are investigating.

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A Behr Iron & Metal truck loaded with scrap metal dumped its load prematurely last Thursday (March 26) at the N. Bell School Road on-ramp to Interstate 74. Photo by Jeff Lampe.

Williamsfield on March 22 was arrested by Knox County police on an outstanding warrant from another county and transported to the Knox County Jail. • Clay Chatten, 22, of Farmington on March 26 was arrested for possession of marijuana and for a traffic violation and was then transported to the Peoria County Jail. • David Vonk, 23, of Edwards on March 26 was arrested for battery and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Jerry Poole, 31, of Princeville on March 28 was arrested for Failure To Appear and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Elizabeth Stufflebeam, 22, of Elmwood on March 28 was detained on a traffic stop and cited for driving with no proof of insurance. • Dillon Dawson, 21, of Edwards on March 29 was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and three traffic violations, and

transported to the Peoria County Jail.

Deer accidents

• March 25 – Judith Taylor of Farmington on Illinois Route 116 near County Highway 18 in Farmington Township. • March 26 – Marc Koch of Brimfield on U.S. Route 150 near Heinz Lane in Radnor Township. • March 28 – Laurel Plumer of Hanna City on Martin Road near McCluskey Road in Brimfield Township. • March 29 – Michael Genovese of Edwards on Taylor Road near Ashbury Court in Kickapoo Township. • March 29 – Richard Philipp of Brimfield on Brimfield-Jubilee Road near Princeville-Jubilee Road in Jubilee Township.

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• Michael Senn and Stephanie Castillo, both of Princeville • Rik Whitley and Cassandra Hill, both of Farmington

GALLAGHER: Cubs to win Central, then suffer Continued from Page 5

APRIL SPECIAL

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a major earthquake prior to the start of a World Series game. Nine years would pass before the Cubs were swept in three games by the Braves in 1998. There was some hope in 2003, when the Cubs got revenge over the tomahawk-chopping, warwhooping Atlanta fans, taking the Division Series 3-2. Then came the most famous loss in all of Cub history. The Cubs were playing the Florida Marlins for the National League Championship. They were leading the series 3-2 and held a 30 advantage going into the 8th inning in the sixth game. They recorded the first out, leaving the Cubs just five outs away from going to the World Series. With a runner on second, the next batter lifted a high fly ball toward the stands in left field foul territory. As Cubs outfielder Moises Alou reached into the seats in foul territory, a fan reached out and

tried to catch the ball. Chaos ensued. The fan was clearly not reaching into the field of play, but Alou may have had a play on the ball. Instead, it was ruled a plain old foul ball, the fan was escorted from the stadium (and subsequently had to go into hiding, his whereabouts remaining a mystery to this day), and the game resumed. Not only did the wheels fall off this bus, the engine blew a rod, the transmission scattered itself over miles, and the rust protection quit working. The Marlins – with the help of the Cubs’ shortstop dropping an easy grounder – scored eight times to tie the series before winning it the next night in front of a very quiet Wrigley Field. In 2007 the Cubs were swept by the Diamondbacks and in 2008, my Dodgers dispatched them in three games as well. Since then, the Cubs have undergone some drastic changes.

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Theo Epstein, the general manager of the Boson Red Sox team that ended its long world championship drought, was brought in to build a team. His first few years were uneventful on the field. This year, he seems to have gone a little nutso. He brought in a manager, Joe Maddon, who has World Series experience. He signed free agents like Jon Lester to join with a core of talented prospects, and suddenly, people are starting to take notice of the upstart Cubs. They even changed their radio flagship from WGN to WBBM, making the “Go Cubs Go” theme song obsolete (or at least the line “You can catch it all on WGN”). I’m no great prognosticator, but I am a huge baseball fan. If I had to go out on a limb, I’d pick the Cubs to win the National League Central Division crown this year. Then I’ll pick whoever they play in the playoffs to break Cubs fans’ hearts one more time.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

FARMINGTON HOUSE MOVES

Page 7

337 Phil Gould Dr. Hanna City NEW PRICE $249,000 Beautiful 4 BDRM/4 BS home. Large island in kitchen, new porcelain tile in kitchen and baths. New stainless steel appliances, informal dining room has bay window, 3 stall garage and fenced in yard. Motivated Seller!

Balagna House Moving of Farmington recently moved one of three homes on East Fort Street (between Heden and Brebuer Avenues) that are being relocated in Farmington to make room for a new, 9,100-square-foot Dollar General store on that location. Dollar General is moving from its current location west of County Market. Photos by Dave Giagnoni.

Connie Clarke Jim Maloof/Realtor cclarke@maloofrealty.com 309-635-0249

Hometown pharmacies fret over budget By BILL KNIGHT

BRIMFIELD – Local pharmacies for weeks have become increasingly concerned about cuts to health care for the poor proposed in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s budget, announced in February. Rauner’s plans to cut Medicaid $1.4 billion could lower fees that pharmacists charge for filling prescriptions, and that alone could total $46 million statewide, according to Rob Karr of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA). Pharmacies “already have taken hits,” said Curt Sherman of Sherman’s Pharmacy here. “We had a 10 percent cut and an 8 percent cut in the last three years. If it continues, we won’t be able to provide the service. “The chain [drug] stores don’t mind it as much,” he continued. “They just want people in the store so they can buy liquor or whatever. But these cuts on reimbursements would be terrible – stupid low. Tell me how to stay in business.” For The Weekly Post

About 20 percent of Sherman’s customers are Medicaid patients, he said. Some 12 miles north, Bob Gestrine at Princeville Pharmacy says Medicaid customers amount to some 25 percent of his business. “Sure, it’s going to hurt – it’s not going to help,” Gestrine said. “We’ve been cut before, and there just aren’t many options.” With the economy struggling to recover from the Great Recession beginning in 2007, the need for Medicaid has increased, according to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. There are about 7,600 people enrolled in Medicaid in Fulton County (a 14.7 percent increase since 2006); 12,000 in Knox County (up 17.3 percent since 2006); and 45,000 in Peoria County (up 28 percent since 2006). The availability of pharmacy services to Medicaid patients could drop dramatically if the legislature enacts Rauner’s budget because if fees that drug stores get

keeping dropping, pharmacists would almost have to work for nothing. Plus, the drastic cuts would just move the responsibility. Danny Chun of the Illinois Hospital Association said cutting Medicaid doesn't exactly cut the state’s costs because those costs still must be paid. “It gets cost-shifted to people with private insurance,” Chun told the Chicago Tribune. “Middleclass working families end up paying higher premiums, co-pays and deductibles.” Meanwhile, Illinois hospitals also would suffer in Rauner’s Medicaid cuts, half of which would be Medicaid cuts to hospitals – about 13 percent of hospitals’ Medicaid reimbursements. Rauner has warned that cutting spending will mean “shared sacrifice” by Illinoisans, but IRMA’s Karr doesn’t see it. “This is asking more than a fair share of pharmacy providers,” he said. “It’s a huge deal.”

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

BRIEFS Ashlan Edwards earns American FFA Degree

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FARMINGTON – Ashlan Edwards, daughter of Daniel and Julie Edwards and granddaughter of Larry and Marilyn Walters, all of Farmington, received the American FFA (Future Farmers of America) Degree Nov. 1 at the FFA National Convention in Louisville, Ky. This is the highest award that can be earned in FFA. Ashlan is the first girl to receive this award at Farmington and only the seventh person from the Farmington Chapter. The National FFA Organization is an organization that encourages leadership and education in agriculture. The National FFA Convention allows students the opportunities to compete in events, leadership workshops and education sessions. Active members of FFA are involved in several Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. Members must keep an accurate and detailed report of their SAE hours in order to be chosen for the different degrees and awards offered in FFA. There are four degree levels in the FFA: Greenhand, Chapter, State, and American. The American degree is the hardest to achieve. In order to be considered for the American degree, an FFA member must have received her State degree, kept detailed and accurate records of her SAE hours, be a high school graduate, been active for the last three years, have at least a “C” average in high school, and earned at least $1,500 and worked 2,250 hours.

Route 8 lane reduction at Kickapoo Creek bridge

EDWARDS – Traffic will be slowed this summer and fall on Illinois Route 8 due to work by the Illinois Department of Transportation on the bridge at Kickapoo Creek. As a result of the bridge replacement construction, Route 8 will be reduced to one lane at that point

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American Revolution recently honored the 2015 winners of the DAR Good Citizen Awards. This year’s winners are Hannah Huber of Elmwood, Ava Alford of Williamsfield and Harley Carlson of ROWVA High School.

Farm labor program helps develop housing

Ashlan Edwards of Farmington received the American FFA degree last fall, the highest award that can be earned in FFA.

starting April 1. Construction is expected to last until November. Traffic will be controlled by temporary signals during this time.

Citizens for Clean Air & Water to meet April 11

ELMWOOD – The public is invited to RSVP before Saturday (April 4) to attend a meeting of Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water at Maple Lane County Club, where several agriculture and environmental experts will discuss research and legislation concerning Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and related matters, according to group co-founder Karen Hudson. The 10 a.m.-3 p.m. meeting will feature Dr. John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural & Applied Economics of the University of Missouri; Dr. Kendall Thu, chair of Northern Illinois University’s Anthropology department; Dr. Stacy James, a water resources scientist at Prairie Rivers Network; and Hudson, who’s also an associate with the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project. Refreshments and a lunch catered from Chipotle will be provided. To RSVP, contact Hudson at karenh@sraproject.org or (309) 742-8895.

Spoon River DAR honors good citizen winners

WILLIAMSFIELD – The Spoon River Chapter of Daughters of the

CAN YOU DIG IT? NOT UNTIL YOU CALL 811 Stay safe while working outdoors. Always call JULIE at 811 before you dig. If you smell an odor like rotten eggs in your home, leave immediately. Call Ameren Illinois at 1.800.755.5000 from a different location to report the gas odor. If you smell gas outside, call Ameren Illinois to report. There is no charge for this service.

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CHAMPAIGN – The Rural Development Farm Labor Housing program helps qualified non-profit applicants develop housing for year-round and migrant/seasonal housing on terms which will allow rents that are affordable to low-income farmworkers and farm processing workers. Pre-applications to construct offfarm units and related facilities, or to purchase and substantially rehabilitate off-farm labor housing properties are being accepted through June 23. Applications may be submitted at www.rd.usda.gov/files/FLH_Preapplication_FY2015.pdf or in hard copy to USDA Rural Development, 2118 W Park Court, Suite A, Champaign, IL 61821. Qualified applicants include nonprofit organizations, limited partnerships with a non-profit general partner, and most state or local governmental entities. To learn more, call (309) 342-5138, Ext. 4.

Child abuse prevention event set for Courthouse

PEORIA – Help raise awareness of child abuse by joining “Hands Around the Courthouse” on Friday, April 17, at noon in the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Youth Services Network Panel is hosting its Eighth Annual Hands Around the Courthouse event to draw attention to the 1,098 pending child abuse and neglect cases in Peoria County. Participants are encouraged to wear blue to show their support of Child Abuse Prevention Month. To learn more, call (309) 6692939.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

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‘High School Musical 2’ at Farmington By MICHELLE SHERMAN

FARMINGTON – Student thespians at Farmington Community High School are “all in this together” as they prepare to present “High School Musical 2” April 10-12. Made famous by the Disney TV movie, the musical tells the continued story of Troy, Gabriella and their friends as they participate in a talent show. Director Ryan Lambert takes great care in choosing the shows presented annually, tailoring them to fit the talents and personalities of his students. “We could have just as easily chosen ‘Oklahoma!’ or ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ – both great shows, but not the personality of these kids,” he said. “I tailor For The Weekly Post

my show choice to who the kids are and what would benefit them the most.” Auditions take place before winter break, with rehearsals beginning in earnest in January. The cast practices every evening, sometimes juggling multiple commitments to other activities. “We have students involved in sports, after school work, tutoring and whatnot, so I work around those things,” Lambert said, adding that coaches and employers are very understanding should the musical need a student right after school. Inclusiveness is not only something that “High School Musical 2,” with its catchy tunes and teenaged characters, advocates, but also something the director strives

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Farmington cast members rehearse. From left to right are Colton Evans, Julia DePriest, Matt Williamson and Madison Murphy. Photo by Michelle Sherman.

for in all his productions. “I want them to understand that, no matter what they do, where they go, the theater is there for them. It is a place you don’t have to be afraid to be yourself and you can do so without judgment,” he said. “We are a small family within the school and you can see that when you come see the rehearsals.” Senior Colton Evans, 18, who plays the lead role of Troy Bolton, says that his time in theater has been among the most challenging things he’s done in his high school career. Despite playing more

than one sport and participating in other activities, preparing for the musical each year puts all his skills to the test. “All the memorization and all the singing practice ... I’d say it takes more hard work and dedication than any of those sports,” he said. “I just want people to know that we tried our best with this musical.” “High School Musical 2” will be performed at 7 p.m. April 10 and 11 and at 2 p.m. April 12 in the FCHS auditorium. Tickets are $5 each and souvenir programs are $1, and both can be purchased at the door.

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Page 11

Winter Special

KICKAPOO: 3,345 students registered so far

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Continued from Page 1

classes in 1976 (just five years after the state of Illinois took over hunter safety from the NRA), a total of 3,525 students have been registered at the Kickapoo event with another 3,345 certified. “They’re just so easy to work with,” said Cynthia Brewer, who oversees hunter safety for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “And they have this fish fry.” As she said that, Kelch told the students and parents assembled last weekend that food was ready. In no time, pounds of fish filets, baked beans and cole slaw were gobbled up. “I never have any trouble filling this class,” said head instructor Phil Blackburn, who is in his 25th year of instruction in Peoria County. “I hope it’s the quality of the class, but I have a feeling it’s the fish.” Illinois mandated safety classes for hunters in 1996 and Kelch has seen generations pass through the club. “You don’t do some-

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A full house packed the Kickapoo Sportsman’s Club Saturday for another hunter safety class. Photo by Jeff Lampe.

thing like this without help,” Kelch said, praising his helpers. “We try to make it interesting.” Kelch singled out Craig Tiezzi of Kickapoo as one who has been with him since the start. “The neat thing is it’s family oriented,” Kelch said of the class. “When

they take the test, you’ll have kids competing with grandpa or dad to see who can get the best score. And most of the time, the kids beat the parents.” For information on upcoming hunter safety classes, visit the IDNR Website: www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

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FUNDING: Schools tapping reserves

our schools continue to cut costs and stretch shrinking financial resources, many still must borrow or dip into their reserves in order to stay in the black,â€? said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. “There also appears to be a direct correlation between the decrease in state funding and the declining number of districts in Financial Recognition. “Our Board will continue to advocate for more state education funding.â€? .# ##.è The ISBE, now led by Gov. Bruce Rauner ap/ĂĄ@Ó呼… @ĂĄ pointee James Meeks, a former State Senator, is asking for an additional $729.9 million to fully fund General State Aid, 8 / 1 3/ which has been prorated 1# ; for the last four years. Adjusted for inflation, Z ӑ……× I /ĂĄĂ“@ĂĄĂĄÂŞÂĽ ,Ă“ÂŞ|n×בª¼@š the proposed Fiscal Year /nӑn×è 8Â?1ߑ¼ ¼…‘¼n ߑåŽ Z Ă˝[šÏבÝn /ĂŹĂ—Âťn¼×‘ª¼ ÂŞÂ |ÂŞĂ“ĂĄ 2016 budget amount is /Þ×ån è ½/ /Â?ʞ still 5.2 percent less than Z Ă“nn šª@呼…è ÂŞĂźnĂ“ n[™ the FY 2009 general Z Ӆª¼ª ‘[ nĂ—ÂŽ /n@ĂĄ fund appropriation level, Z ĂŹĂĄÂŞÂ @å‘[ ª¼åÓªššne 1Ă“@[呪¼è ISBE says. Z n@eš‘…Žå× State-funding reduc!ÂŞĂĄna n@ĂĄĂŹĂ“nĂ— Ăť@Ă“Ăž QĂž  ªenš ! tions since 2009 include a 3.6 percent drop in Âłtäê³ : :Ă‚ AÔ¥’Œ†âŒ /fĂ‚c 2Ԓݍ›’c Ă?³ Ă?§ General State Aid žäĄ§¿ äĂ?ê‘ê„ t ÂŤĂ” ³‘tĄĄ‘0 9 ‘ ($165.5 million O-AÞ¥oÂŚĂ˘Ă˜ AĂ”o RAĂ˜of ÂŤÂŚ Ă?Ä„ ÂĄÂŤĂ˜ Aâ  Â§à -/ ߒâÂ? ³Ąà fßŒ ÂźAÞ¥oΉc âAĂ˝ AÂŚf l Ą fÂŤ\ }oo Â’ÂŚ\ݒfofĂ‚ Ă”of’â AŸŸÔÝA› ߒâÂ? AŒš ÂŤ} AÔ¥’Œ†âŒ /oÉí’ÔofĂ‚ statewide), a 39.4 perßßßà ב š‘[‘åÞ |Â…Ă [ª ²ãĄĄãÊ cent drop in transportation ($133.7 million), a 45.6 percent drop in free lunches ($12 million), a 46.8 percent drop in agriculture education ($1.6 million), and a 40 percent drop in tech support ($1.7 million). ISBE’s adjusted Financial Profiles for area districts show that all but Princeville CUSD 326 still score a Recognition, with Princeville once #Ă Ă ;aùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùù #Ă Ă 9 1 #.. 1 #!/ ;aùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùùù more under Review. (See box on Page 1.)

. 3 ; Z /3 1 #.. 1 #!/ #! ! “This latest reduction ĂŠĂŠĂŁsĂ !

½²ĄĄÀž stands to cost us an additional $167,000,â€? said a ! . -3 , !1 ,.## . 1 1a ĂŁĂ?ʀĂ?ĂŠÄ„Â˛Âƒ ĂœaĂŠÂŚ , Superintendent John As#!a /ĂĄ@[nĂž / ‘åŽ ! :1 .3! 1 a ĄƒĂ?²ÊĂ?Â˛Âƒ plund of Farmington ,.## 3 a ĄƒĂ?Ä„ÂŚĂ?Â˛Âƒ ²Êa€Œa€€ Central CUSD 265. “But !a 1Â? ; we have also been inContinued from Page 1

top rank, Financial Recognition, and more have dropped to the next tier, Financial Review. From bottom to top, ISBE financial scores are 1.00-2.61 (Financial Watch); 2.62-3.07 (Early Warning), 3.08-3.53 (Financial Review), and 3.54-4.00 (Financial Recognition). “Our Financial Profile data shows that while

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formed that we will not receive half of our Mandated Categorical funding for the year as well (transportation, special education). That stands to cost us an additional $419,000.� The March 24 stopgap measure will cost Elmwood District 322 about $150,000, says Elmwood Superintendent Chad Wagner. “With the passage of the FY15 budget fix legislation, we are looking at a deficit-spending scenario of around $550,000,� he says. Ahead, the proposed FY 2016 budget, which tries to fund government with a 35 percent decline in revenue due to the expiration of the state income tax hike, aims for a raise in General State Aid from 89 percent to 94 percent, but it has many questions marks – such as a $21 million cut in other education programs. That makes it difficult to plan, Wagner says. “The unknown factors will include future cuts to MCAT [Mandated Categorical reimbursements, such as special education, free lunch and transportation], reductions in other essential programs, and the pension cost-shift issue – where districts will take on the state's responsibility of paying for pension costs, about 8 percent of overall certified payroll, or almost $200,000 for Elmwood,� Wagner says. “I think we will be lucky to see a break-even scenario.� Williamsfield District 210, which depends far less on state funding (see box), is nevertheless still “conservatively preparing for any and all scenarios,� says Williamsfield Superintendent Tim Farquer. “We try to end each

fiscal year with at least 360 days cash on hand so we can absorb bumps in the road like the one we are all heading toward,� he says. “We do so while working to maintain one of the (if not the) lowest tax rates in the area.� “Cash on hand� is a projected estimate of the number of days a district could meet operating expenditures provided no additional revenues were received. Additional revenue means different things to the state and to schools. “It is difficult to say how the FY16 budget will affect us, as the government clearly doesn’t follow the budget anyway,� Asplund adds. “We were told to count on a certain amount of money this year (which was already greatly reduced from previous years), and now we are being told very late in the process that we will not even be receiving the amount they promised us.� Schools’ management and labor are on the same side concerning inadequate funding. Illinois Federation of Teachers leader Ellie Sullivan said, “We are calling on our elected state officials to stop cutting public education, our state universities, and student financial assistance. “In the next two months, legislators must vote for the fiscal year 2016 budget. We are demanding that they do not balance the budget on the backs of our students and our institutions.�

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Three write-ins vying for Princeville board There is another contested area election, after all. Three late write-in candidates have rounded out a now-competitive field for the Princeville C.U.S.D. 326 Board of Education. Those three candidates are Kristi Daugherty, Ben Herrmann and Rob Hilsabeck. They will be vying for the four seats open in the April 7 election, but face the disadvantage of not being on the ballot. The candidates From Weekly Post Staff Reports

who are on the ballot are Darin Cowser, Susan Hefler and Darwin Stahl. Here is the most recent list from Knox and Peoria County Clerks of people who filed declarations of their intent to be write-in candidates for positions in the newspaper’s circulation area: • Brimfield – Paul Dye for the Village Board • Elmwood – Adam Lee Rue for Ward 2 of the City Council For Library Trustees for the Elm-

wood Township Library District – Stephanie Colgan, Kimberly S. DeSplinter, Monica Lampe and Tom Herman • Princeville - Mary Ann Mercer for Village Clerk • Yates City – Doug Passmore for Salem Library Trustee Saturday (April 4) is the last day for grace-period registration and grace-period voting, and the last day for early voting at the office of the election authority or at a location designated by the authority.

to break away from Ameren Illinois for electricity. The measure previously was defeated by a dead tie in March of that year. Farmington joins a collective of more than 600 municipalities comprising some 3 million individual customers seeking to receive lower energy prices. Ameren still will provide electrical distribution to the city, and also will respond in the event of outages or repairs. Individual customers can choose

to opt out of the collective. Constellation’s proposed price is set to save customers 15 percent on their energy bills, said Mayor Kenn Stufflebeam. Should the market price on electricity drop, Stufflebeam says, residents still will receive the best price on their electricity. “If the default rate drops below the rate at which” SIMEC bought it, he said, “the citizenry would get the lower of the two” prices. The new supplier is set to take effect in May.

Page 13

YARD ROLLING Call Wes Coykendall 309-712-3265

Humane Society of Fulton County This pretty girl is Kelsey. She can be a bit shy at first but warms up quickly. She is two years old and gets along with cats and cat friendly dogs. She is up to date on her vaccines. She is in a foster home so if you are interested in meeting her please contact the shelter so we can arrange a time for you to meet her.

Farmington picks Constellation Energy By MICHELLE SHERMAN

FARMINGTON – Farmington residents wishing to take part in the electrical aggregation program soon will have their energy supplied by Constellation Energy. The Farmington City Council on March 16 authorized SIMEC Energy to seek proposals from carriers. A request for proposal was sent out March 20. Farmington voters in November 2014 approved a ballot measure which gave residential and small business customers the opportunity For The Weekly Post

Polling places listed

Area County Clerks have verified the locations of polling places in The Weekly Post area for the April 7 consolidated election: FULTON COUNTY Farmington • Farmington 1 – 5 St. Matthews Catholic Church, 156 E. Vernon, Farmington • Farmington 2 – 4, 6 Baptist Church, 135 N. West, Farmington • Farmington 3 – Norris United Methodist Church, 241 N. Main, Norris KNOX COUNTY Yates City • ElbaTownship Hall, Elba Township • Salem Community Center in Yates City Williamsfield • Persifer Township Hall, U.S. Route 150 and Dahinda Road Truro • Williamsfield Fire Station, Williamsfield PEORIA COUNTY Brimfield • Brimfield 1 – W. F. Harding Memorial Bldg., 106 E. Knoxville St., Brimfield Elmwood • Elmwood 1, 2, 3 – United Methodist Church, 821 W Main, Elmwood Jubilee Township • Jubilee 1, 2 – Jubilee Township Hall, 12807 N Princeville-Jubilee Rd., Brimfield

Kickapoo Township • Kickapoo 1, 2 – Kickapoo Township Hall, 10025 W. Route 150, Kickapoo • Kickapoo 3 – Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 2025 N. Kickapoo Creek Rd., Peoria • Peoria 68 – El Vista Baptist Church, 6301 N. Syler St., Peoria • Peoria 69, 70 – Charter Oak School, 5221 Timberedge Dr., Peoria • Peoria 71 – Liberty Village, 6906 N. Stallworth Dr., Peoria • Peoria 74 – Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 Ill. Route 91, Peoria • Peoria 75 – Golf Learning Center, 7815 N. Radnor Rd., Peoria Millbrook Township • Millbrook 1 – Millbrook Township Center, 20923 W. Cedar St., Laura Radnor Township • Radnor 1, 2, 3 – Dunlap Prospect United Methodist Church, 300 E. Ash St., Dunlap • Peoria 73 – Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 Ill. Route 91, Peoria • Peoria 93, 95 – North Branch Library, 3001 W. Grand Parkway, Peoria Rosefield Township • Rosefield 1, 2 – Rosefield Township Building, 16221 W. Southport Rd., Brimfield

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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

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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. • AD SALESMAN: Part-time advertising salesman needed for magazine and newspaper. Good part-time job for someone with spare time seeking to make some extra money, meet good people and keep busy. Flexible hours. Call (309) 2316040.

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

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 – 8am to 1pm. Rent a booth for only $20, bring all of 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

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! 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.

FOR SALE • 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) 2313350. • PROM DRESSES: Variety of styles, colors. Sizes 2 & 4. (309) 231-4214. • GRANITE COUNTER: Solid slab, 37 x 87, (309) 231-3350.

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Page 14

THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

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FARMINGTON – Barbara J. Dozard, 42, of Farmington died on March 21 in Peoria County. Survivors include two children, Rhiannon Perry and Cole Ballard, both of Farmington and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has been accorded. A graveside service was March 24 at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Farmington. Condolences may be left at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Robert Greer

PEORIA – Robert R. “Shorty” Greer, 84, of Peoria, stepfather of a Princeville man, died March 23 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Survivors include his wife, Lola (Lingenfelter) Greer; his stepson Leonard D. (Kilo) Lance of Princeville; two step-granddaughters Austin Miller and Trinity Lance; two step-great-grandchildren; and a niece. Funeral services were March 27 at First English Lutheran Church, with burial and military honors following at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Condolences may be left at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.

Ida A. Lake

PRINCEVILLE – Ida Arline Lake, 95, of Peoria, mother of a Princeville man, died March 24 at her home. Survivors include her son, Dean (Terry) Lake of Princeville; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private family services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com.

Beverly Johnson

PRINCEVILLE – Beverly Maxine Johnson, 89, of Normal, died on March 22. Survivors include daughter Gayle (and Mark) Brackett of Princeville, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. The funeral was March 25 at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington. Condolences may be left at

This Week’s Obituaries • Beverly Dozard, 42, Farmington • Robert Greer, 84, Peoria • Ida Lake, 95, Princeville • Beverly Maxine Johnson, 89, Princeville • Loretta McClain, 89, Princeville • Mark Ross, 61, Brimfield • Betty Seidel, 83, Elmwood • Paul Way, 77, Farmington • Reva Williams, 89, Princeville • Patricia Yager, 75, Princeville

www.dignitymemorial.com.

Loretta McClain

PRINCEVILLE – Loretta McClain, 89, of Princeville, formerly of Washington, D.C., died on March 20 at Grand View Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Peoria. Loretta is survived by her loving family, Yolanda (and Glenn) Branche of Washington, D.C.; Lamar (and Kimberly) McClain of New Carrolton, Md.; Jocelyn (and Dexter) Hazlewood of Princeville; and six grandchildren. Funeral services were March 30 at the 19th Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. She will be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, with her beloved husband, John Walter McClain, who died in 2014. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements in Illinois and McGuire Funeral Services, Inc., is handling services in Washington, D.C. Condolences may be left at legacy.com.

Mark Ross

BRIMFIELD – Mark Ross, 61, formerly of Peoria and stepfather of a Brimfield man, died on March 22 at home on Lake Keowee in South Carolina. Survivors include his wife, Maribeth (Schachtrup) Ross; stepsons Jeffrey Rule of Brimfield and Gregory Rule of Washougal, Wash.; along with two grandchildren. A celebration of life was March 30 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria Heights, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, West Peoria.

Condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com.

Betty Seidel

ELMWOOD – Betty J. Seidel, age 83, of Peoria, mother of an Elmwood man, died March 25 at her home. Survivors include son Dennis (Tracie) Seidel of Elmwood; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and 4 brothers. Funeral services were March 31 at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria, with burial in Parkview Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.Davison-Fulton.com.

Paul Way

FARMINGTON – Paul A. Way Jr., 77, of Abingdon, father of a Farmington man, died March 23 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Survivors include his wife, Sharon (Suydam) Way, son Todd (Irene) Way of Farmington; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one brother; and several nieces and nephews and their families. His celebration of life service was March 27 at Abingdon Christian Church, with burial in the Abingdon Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com.

Reva Williams

PRINCEVILLE – Reva J. Williams, 89, of Princeville died on March 22 at Cornerstone Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Peoria Heights. Surviving are one son, Ron (Diana) Williams of Princeville; one daughter, Chris Williams of Normal; three grandchildren, Ryan (Sue) Williams of Princeville, Niki Williams of Napa, Calif., and Bret (Rachel) Williams of Henry; and two greatgrandsons, Chase and Jake Williams; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were March 27 at Haskell-Hott Funeral Homes in Princeville with burial in Princeville Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.haskellhott.com. More Obituaries, Page 15

PUZZLE ANSWERS CryptoQuote Answer “You can never tell about a woman, and if you can, you shouldn’t.” – Obscure Origin

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

OBITUARIES

Patricia Yager

PRINCEVILLE - Patricia Ann Hountz Yager, 75, of Peoria, formerly of Princeville, died on March 25 at UnityPoint HealthProctor in Peoria. Surviving are her children, Denise L. Yager, Kenneth F. Yager

II and James L. Yager; grandsons, John and Joseph Yager; sister, Doris (Bill) Hegwood; brothers, Ernie (Nancy) Hountz and Jim (Ellen) Hountz; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has been accorded and a graveside service will be at

11 a.m. Saturday, June 20 at St. Mary of the Woods Cemetery in Princeville. Condolences may be left at www.haskellhott.com.

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

ILLINOIS LEGAL Q&A

Can I pay to reinstate a driver’s license?

Here are answers to common legal questions in Illinois, distributed monthly by the Illinois State Bar Association and Illinois Press Association. Question: Is there a cost involved to get a revoked or suspended driver’s license reinstated? Answer: When a driver’s period of revocation or suspension has ended, he or she must pay a reinstatement fee to regain the license – typically from $70 to $500, depending, in part, on the reason that the license was taken away. The driver may also have to meet other conditions or pay additional fees. Q: I got behind on my rent, and my landlord is threatening to turn off my utilities as a way to force me to pay. Isn’t this illegal? A: Landlords are prohibited

from forcing out tenants by turning off utilities, changing door locks or removing doors and windows in a rental unit. If this happens, you have recourse in a court of law and may be eligible for monetary damages. Q: Must an organization require its employees to receive vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella? A: A complex set of laws govern what employers must consider before making decisions related to personal health. State law does not require hospitals or similar health care institutions to ensure that employees have received the shots for measles, mumps and rubella. Yet, hospitals must get health assessments from employees, including their immunization status. Employers must also be mindful of anti-discrimination laws which

prohibit them from requiring vaccinations based on religious or medical grounds. Q: How often should a will or estate plan be updated? A: It’s a good idea to review your will and estate plan annually or after a major life change, such as marriage or divorce, the birth or death of a potential heir, a significant shift in one’s financial situation, a major adjustment to an investment portfolio, or a real estate purchase or sale. Make sure you also review the beneficiary designations on your retirement and insurance policies; assets in those accounts will be transferred automatically to your named beneficiaries when you die. A will does not determine the provisions of beneficiaries on 401(k), pay on death accounts,

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.

Continued on Page 16

FARMINGTON: ‘Frequent change necessary’ Continued from Page 1

to offer the best education possible to our students,” Guidi said. Retired teacher Faralli said she wants to “give back to the children of the district” and to be a voice for the teachers and staff members who may not be comfortable bringing their concerns to the board. When she was a teacher, she said, her co-workers were apprehensive to bring up issues with board members. “They were afraid to say something for fear of the backlash,” she said.

To help combat that, Faralli said she would like to see a focus group comprised of teachers, staff members and board members where grievances could be aired and, hopefully, rectified. Zessin, who currently serves as the high school wrestling coach and previously has served in other elected positions, believes that, even though the district is heading in a positive direction, frequent change is necessary. “It’s other people’s turn to take the place” on the board, he said, “to get their different ideas” heard.

Weighing heavily on the minds of audience members were problems with the school bus company and mandatory testing. On both accounts, the candidates said their hands are tied. As far as buses, the district is not only bound by the contract it signs with a provider, but also by the law when soliciting bids. Testing is mandated by the federal government and individual districts cannot opt out. The five candidates are running for four seats on Tuesday’s (April 7) ballot.

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

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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

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

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Page 16

THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

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Elmwood High School Drama Club Subtlety of most farmers translates nicely Presents

By WILLIAM C. BAILEY

One of the more rewarding aspects of attending a university is the opportunity to meet people from other countries. This school year, a number of Brazilian students are attending classes at Western Illinois, with 16 of them focusing on agriculture. I am fortunate to have some of these students in one of the classes I teach – U.S. Agricultural Trade. One recent topic focused on the challenges of interacting with someone for whom English is not their native language. In an effort to make Western’s agricultural students aware of the challenges to do business overseas and in a foreign language, I divided my class into five sections – with each section having a blend of native English speakers and native Portuguese speakers. Each section was given a sentence, in English, which they translated into Portuguese, and passed the translation to the next group to be translated from Portuguese back into English. We then compared the original material with the twiceFor The Weekly Post

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translated product. The exercise was huge fun and, I believe, quite useful. Each section was given a unique sentence. To keep an agricultural theme, I took several phrases from Jane Smiley’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel – “A Thousand Acres.” While the book is not light reading, it resonates with Midwestern agriculture. So, an award winning, well written book with an agricultural theme seemed like a logical place to find challenging sentences. While there were five different sentences used, several sentences really stood out – from a translation perspective and from an international agriculture perspective. One sentence the students grappled with was: “Most issues on a farm return to the issue of keeping up appearances. Farmers extrapolate quickly from the farm to the farmer.” While the phrase “keeping up appearances” presented challenges for the English speakers to convey to the Brazilian students, it was the single word “extrapolate” that really received attention. The internet was useful but the final translation was not bad – “concluded” rather

SEE ANSWERS PAGE 14

Continued from Page 15

and life insurance. Q: How long does a personal bankruptcy stay on your credit report? A: Personal bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years. While you may be able to qualify for credit during that time, terms may be undesirable. Generally, bankruptcy should be considered as a last-ditch solution. Q: Does “chronic pain” qualify as a condition for an Illinois resident to obtain and use medical marijuana? A: It does not. The Illinois Department of Public Health lists the qualifying conditions at goo.gl/AxJ1Xt. To become registered, a patient must submit an application to the department’s Division of Medical Cannabis. For more information, visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com. Send legal questions to illinoislawcolumn@isba.org.

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than “extrapolate.” The second challenging sentence was “What are the signs of a good farm? Clean fields, neatly painted buildings, breakfast at 6, no debts, no standing water.” The students’ translations were excellent, except “standing water” ended up “stagnant water.” The third sentence was the most fun, for me – “Mostly when you pass farmers on the road, they acknowledge you with the subtlest of signals – a finger lifted off the steering wheel, or even a lifted eyebrow.” The phrase was perfectly translated. It turns out this behavior is also normal in Brazil, not just on the rural roads of the Midwest. The smiles of the Brazilian students, when I asked if this was common behavior in Brazil, were something. From Macomb to rural Brazil and back again – all in class.

Bailey is a professor at Western Illinois University and formerly was Chief Economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Nutrition.

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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, April 2, 2015

Page 17

1. MONARCHIES: Who is the longest reigning monarch of Britain? 2. PRESIDENTS: Name the only U.S. president who never lived in the White House? 3. MYTHOLOGY: Which one of the Greek Muses was associated history? 4. GEOGRAPHY: What is the name of the strait that separates Sicily from the Italian mainland? 5. LANGUAGE: Who coined the word “utopia”? 6. HISTORY: When was Charles Lindbergh named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year”? 7. ENTERTAINMENT: Which 20thcentury actress was dubbed “The Legs”? 8. GAMES: In cricket, how many players are on each side? 9. LITERATURE: Who wrote the 19thcentury novel “Little Dorrit”? 10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is antimony?

Answers

FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 14

1. Queen Victoria, 63 years. Queen Elizabeth II would surpass her on Sept. 9, 2015. 2. George Washington 3. Clio 4. Messina 5. Thomas More 6. 1927 7. Betty Grable 8. 11 9. Charles Dickens 10. A metal element (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

MOVIES 1. Insurgent (PG-13) 2. Cinderella (PG) 3. Run All Night (R) 4. The Gunman (R) 5. Kingsman: The Secret Service (R) 6. Do You Believe? (PG-13) 7. The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG) 8. Focus (R) 9. Chappie (R) 10. The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (PG) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

Princeville baseball jumps out to 5-0 start; Brimfield opens at 4-5 By PHIL JOHNSON

PRINCEVILLE – A blazing start has the Princeville baseball team at 5-0. Coach Chris Delbridges’ team is coming off a 10-0 stomping of Knoxville and a 3-0 blanking of ROWVA-Williamsfield last week. Against Knoxville Cole Hartley was stingy by giving up only three hits. Zach Simmons helped by slugging a homer. In the Williamsfield win, Austin Brodine drove in all three runs and ace pitcher Mitchell Janssen froze the opponents with 18 strikeouts. Brimfield-Elmwood Brimfield-Elmwood (5-6) played big boys of the area this past week with mixed results. A seven-run third inning by Putnam County last Wednesday was too much to overcome in an 8-4 loss. For The Weekly Post

Control pitcher Austin Sims just couldn’t change locations nor speeds enough to stop the visitors. Jake Roberts did have a big offensive day in the losing effort with three hits and three RBIs. A day later the team re-grouped in a 14-4 win over Stark County. Michael Houlihan pitched a complete game and Carson Cuevas had three hits, including a homer and three RBI. At a very cold Limestone round-robin Friday, Brimfield got strong pitching from Cuevas and Sims, but the offense managed only two hits in a 4-0 loss. Saturday at still-cold Limestone, the offense improved, but too many walks to Moline by normally commanding Brad Demmin hurt. Brimfield lost Tuesday to Canton, 16-4 after a 6-5 Monday win over Kewanee. “We have a lot to work on yet, but it’s

definitely early, and our players are very willing,” coach Brandon Porter said. Farmington The Farmers (2-3) topped AnnawanWethersfield (12-7) and Havana (6-4) this past week. Pitchers Caleb Gilstrap and Jordan McCance kept things close against A-W into the sixth when Farmer bats found their pop for seven runs. Coach Josh Putrich made good use of his pitching staff by bringing in Dylan Hayden to finish off the win. In the Havana victory a combination of pitchers Jake Johnson, Jake Settles, and Hayden gave the team a chance for late-inning Farmington bats to overcome a deficit for a 6-4 win. “Our hitting is starting to come around, and a number of pitchers are stepping up for us. We’re starting to play good baseball,” Putrich said.

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ROWVA-Williamsfield The new co-op Cougars topped improving Peoria Heights, 5-2, as Ethen Hunt knocked in three runs and Wyatt Brodie and Garrett Wight combined to pitch the team to the victory. In a 3-0 loss to Princeville, Zach Smith kept the team close allowing only three runs and six hits. A doubleheader sweep of West Central (6-5 and 4-3) got the team to 4-1 on the season on Saturday. In game one Wight and Brodie again worked the pitching duties. In the nightcap Easton Beard pitched efficiently through five, and Charlie Gibbons worked out of jams in the final two innings for the sweep. “Charlie gave us a scare in each of the last two innings, but persevered in each of those two for the win,” said coach John Clark.

Page 18

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ALL SPORTS ROUNDUP

Area hoops players score in all-star game

CANTON – Carson Cuevas and Nate Wallace combined for 31 points Saturday in the 10th annual Kiwanis Club of Canton Girls and Boys All-Star games at Alice Ingersoll Gym. The Brimfield duo played for the North team, which dropped a 97-84 decision. Tyler Jones of Williamsfield had 11 points for the North while Matt Williamson of Farmington scored five and Jack McKinty of Elmwood added four. Hannah Jostes of Farmington had 13 points for the South in the girls game and teammates Paige Pasley added six points and Kenzie Skaggs scored one. The North team won, 67-66, and got three points from Abby Frietsch of Elmwood and one from Ashley Perryman of Elm-

wood. Brimfield’s Ryleigh Keith also played. 300 Game: Jim Dura of Edwards rolled a 300 game Sunday afternoon in the Knights of Columbus Bowling Association tournament at Landmark Lanes in Peoria. The tournament is being held over three weekends and attracts bowlers from around the United States. Junior High: The junior high track season is gearing up across the area, with practices underway and meets starting soon. Boys and girls Class A sectionals are May 9 with the state meet May 15-16. Boys and girls Class AA sectionals are May 16 and their state meet is May 22-23. Shrine Game: For the first time in a few years, there are no area

players competing in the annual Illinois High School Shrine Game on June 20 at Illinois Wesleyan University. Quarterback Zach Glisan of Abingdon-Avon will play in the game hosted by the Illinois Coaches Association and the Shriners of Illinois at 1:00 p.m. Learn more about the game at www.ilshrinegame.com. Hoops Honors: Brimfield junior guard Kennedy Dura made the Journal-Star’s five-player smallschool all-area basketball team after averaging 17.2 points, 7.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds. Hannah Jostes of Farmington was a second-teamer and Ryleigh Keith of Brimfield earned thirdteam honors. Email information to jeff@wklypost.com.

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“The great competition overall in the Peoria area can only help to make us better,” Hardesty added. GIRLS Farmington The Lady Farmers return state performers Allyx Camp, Calli Fletcher, vaulter Amber Campen and thrower Hannah Jostes (who was second Tuesday in the discus at Farmington). “Maggie Cecil should lead our distance runners. Seniors Brittney Hammond and Cortney Workman are at the top of a hard working sprint group, and a key newcomer to our team will be senior sprinter and jumper Kenzie Skaggs,” coach Toby Vallas said. Farmington will also

add versatile freshman runners Haley Huls, Jordan Peckham and Payton Peckham. Elmwood-Brimfield Youth abounds for the girls team in the wake of several seniors opting not to go out, coach Brett Morse said. “We’re in a building year, we’re kind of trying to find our way at the moment,” he said. Morse said several athletes were near state qualifying standards last spring. That list includes Izzy Ott in the triple jump, Jenna Musgrave in the shot put and Shayla McCormick and Allie Meyers in the high jump. “Hopefully we can get them a couple more inches and get them to state,” Morse said.

Very active Elmwood High School senior Taylor Armbruster advises up-and-coming young lady student athletes, “Believe in yourself.” She has been doing that, and there can be no doubt she will continue. The accomplishments speak for themselves. The four-year Lady Trojan cross country harrier has been an EHS Scholastic Bowl team leader, a speech team drama duet performer, a drama club actor, plays the clarinet in the band, is a Key Club volunteer and a National Honor Society and Elmwood Excellence honoree. It would seem there could be nothing more for Taylor to participate in the high school experience. Along with that, she doesn’t exactly let up in her spare time. She plays the piano and studies various languages of the world in her spare time. Taylor reached a hard-fought personal goal as a runner this year, running 19 minutes, 56 seconds at the Elmwood Sectional. She feels this goal was helped by a strong finish, her favorite part of a race. As mentioned, she has been significant in the recent success of the EHS “Scho Bowl” team, which made an Elite Eight appearance in 2014 and won a regional championship this spring. As far as favorites go for Taylor, she admires one of the greatest Americans in history, Abraham Lincoln. She chooses “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” as her top movie and “Psych” as her favorite TV show. Taylor also “chills” to her best tunes, which are of the pop and foreign variety. This fall she’s headed either for Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa or DePaul University in the “Windy City” to learn about Latin American studies. It sounds like a challenge, but Taylor Armbruster can do it. It’s important that she believes in herself! – Phil Johnson

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Morgan Florey tossed a no-hitter and struck out 18 batters Monday in a 4-0 win over Princeville. Photo by Collin Fairfield.

SOFTBALL: 15 Ks on Saturday Continued from Page 20

seven innings, but also yielded six walks. Morgan Ledbetter also drove in two runs for Brimfield with a double and Kendra Gorham singled and scored a run. Abby Frietsch walked for Brimfield and scored the Lady Indians’ other run. Florey was also dominant Saturday when The Lady Indians traveled to Pekin for a doubleheader versus the Lady Dragons. Game one was a Florey pitching gem that featured 15 strikeouts and just one walk. Ledbetter, Gorham, Allison Pillman, and Hannah Baysingar led the offensive attack in the 11-0 victory. Pillman had three hits and Baysingar contributed two while Gorham drove in three runs with a double. Ledbetter took one out of the yard at Pekin, slammed two doubles and had four RBIs. In the nightcap errors derailed hopes of a sweep and were a factor in a 14-8 setback. Kendra Gorham and Ledbetter pitched, while Ryleigh Keith went deep and Kennedy Dura had two hits for Brimfield. “It was a good starting point for us to know what we need to work on moving forward,” Juerjens said. On Tuesday Florey fanned 21 in a 171 win over Midwest Central. Farmington The Lady Farmers opened their season by thrashing Annawan-Wethersfield 16-2 as pitcher Alli Sprague recorded six strikeouts with just one free pass. The big blow on offense for the young Farmington team was a three-run shot off the bat of Maddie Murphy.

Princeville The loss to Brimfield last Monday continued a challenging and busy schedule in the early going. Prior to making the trip to Brimfield, the ladies of Princeville also came up short to larger schools Seneca (6-1) and Ottawa Marquette Academy (10-9) while winning over Rock Island (8-6). Princeville had 11 hits against Rock Island including two by Natalie Cokel and Jessica Devries. Maddie Hite led the team with two RBIs. Then, after a defeat at the hands of Abingdon-Avon (8-4), the Lady Princes began conference play with a resounding 10-0 victory over ROWVAWilliamsfield. Kraft had a five-inning no-hitter in that game, striking out 10 and allowing no walks while tossing 45 strikes out of 62 pitches. Gardner and Cokel each had two hits in the win and Gardner drove in two runs with her two doubles. “We’re (3-4) so far, but we’ll benefit in the long run by taking on strong competition,” coach Chad Gardner said. Tuesday was a good example of that, as Princeville routed Kewanee, 20-1. ROWVA/Williamsfield The new co-op is off to a 3-3 start with wins over Abingdon-Avon (5-4), Knoxville (7-4) and Peoria Central (74) alongside losses to Ridgewood (146), Princeville (10-0) and North Fulton (6-2). Madison Stewart pitched all three wins for the Cougars and Amy Newell was 3-for-3 with three doubles in the win over Peoria Central. Newell also went 4-for-4 in the loss to North Fulton.

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Brimfield, Florey top Princeville

Distance, throwing strong for E-B boys By PHIL JOHNSON

With a trophy case full of cross country hardware, it should come as no surprise that distance events are typically a strong suit for the Elmwood-Brimfield boys track team. This season is no different for coach Gregg Meyers, whose team will again be strong in diatance events, led by Nate Herridge, Kelly Hoffmann, Derek McCoy and Matt Osmulski. E-B opened its outdoor season Tuesday at Farmington, along with the host team, Monmouth-Roseville and Knoxville. While meet results were not final at press time, that quadrangular was the first glance at what Meyers figures will be a solid track season. “Our middle distance begins as a question mark.We’re hoping for Kelby Barnewolt, Matthew Gerontes and Dakota Swadinsky to step up in those events,” Meyers said. Hayden Golemon and Sam Marincic return for hurdles competition and will be looked on for team points. Throwers Jackson Harkness and Brad Novak give the team considerable strength in shot and discus competition, while Swadin-

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By PHIL JOHNSON

Three games into the season, Brimfield’s Morgan Florey already looks to be in mid-season form. A senior pitcher, Florey (3-0) tossed a no-hitter Monday, struck out 18 Princeville batters and slammed a two-run home run in the first inning to lift Brimfield (3-1) past the Lady Princes (24). Florey The only blot on No-hitter Florey’s otherwise perfect seven-inning performance were two walks. Overall, 61 of her 97 pitches were strikes. “She was unhittable,” Brimfield coach Kurt Juerjens said. “The only ball put in play was a bunt.” Florey’s dominance overshadowed a solid complete game on the mound by senior Jordan Kraft, who allowed just three hits and struck out eight in For The Weekly Post

Farmington’s Colton Evans is one of several talented shotputters in the area. Photo by Jeff Lampe.

sky (who is out for a few days with an injury) and Devin Jones are strong jumpers. “Harkness and Novak are very hard workers, and Dakota could be one of the best triple jumpers in the area,” Meyers said. Farmington Coach Jim Hardesty’s Farmington boys track team has youth in 11 freshmen but also five returnees with state experience. Colton Evans leads the throwing department while Josh Lozier returns in pole vault. Evans topped 42 feet in Tuesday’s

meet to finish behind E-B’s dynamic duo of Harkness (45-8) and Novak. “We feel we are deep in sprints with senior Max Balagna having the most experience. The team is very excited about the season; have been working very hard; and are very dedicated to improving,” Hardesty said. “We think the Prairieland Conference is an excellent Class 1A track conference and look forward to the challenges presented, with Elmwood-Brimfield and Rushville-Industry being the strongest of our competition. Continued on Page 18

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Continued on Page 19