Thursday May 9, 2013 Vol. 1, No. 12 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! THANKS MOM!
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Governor’s budget short-changes schools again By BILL KNIGHT
Rural school districts like Brimfield, Elmwood and Williamsfield are required to transport students that live farther than 1.5 miles from school at no charge to parents, but that expense isn’t covered in a proposal expected to be debated in Springfield this month. That unfunded mandate is just one of several significant financial strains schools already face, affecting their overall financial conditions (See Accompanying Chart). Possible consequences statewide could be larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, longer bus rides, an For The Weekly Post
inability to implement new technology or programs and the elimination of extracurricular activities, according to the state Association of School Administrators. “With nearly 3/4 of school districts in the state now experiencing deficit spending, any reasonable person could assume that at some point, changes will be inevitable that reduce expenditures,” says Elmwood Superintendent Roger Alvey. “Enrollment in Elmwood is down. As a result, funding for General State Aid is down, because GSA is largely dependent on average daily attendance. Decreased enrollment coupled with an EAV (Equalized Assessed
School Report Card Chart School
Long-term Debt (6/30/11)
Est. Operating fund (6/30/13)
GSA* loss
CPPRT** loss
Brimfield
$12.2 million
$5.5 million (down $441,481 in 1 year)
$114,124
$12,497
Elmwood
$2.7 million
$2.3 million (down $810,768 in 1 year)
$172,527
$21,235
Williamsfield
$0
$3.5 million (down $146,709 in 1 year)
$15,042
$8,610
NOTES: * General State Aid
** Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax
SOURCES: Illinois State Board of Education; Illinois Association of School Administrators
Valuation) that has now leveled off means further revenue decrease. “When you combine [that] with the current 11 percent proration of state aid, along with the additional 10 per-
cent proration proposed for next year, along with a potential proration of transportation reimbursement of 80 percent – this means an 80 percent cut Continued on Page 2
Theater faces digital woes
SIMULATED CRASH
By JEFF LAMPE and GABBIE SLOAN
ELMWOOD – The Palace Theater will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. But the venerable Elmwood movie hall may not live to see another birthday. That’s the latest word from Palace owner Vern Reynolds, who faces financial woes stemming from Hollywood’s ongoing conversion to digital movies. “Film distributers don’t care about us,” Reynolds said. “They are pushing the little guys into either going digital or they are making it so we fail one way or the other.” By the end of 2013, the Lawn & Garden film industry plans to no Be sure to check longer use traditional film. out our special Lawn The switch to digital in& Garden insert. See stead of 35 mm film is Pages 7-10. cheaper for larger studios and their distributers, but not for smaller movie theaters. Digital equipment is expensive, costing more than $50,00 for a projection system that requires a new sound system, projector and other equipment that most small town theatres have trouble affording. The Palace Theater is no exception. Actually the problems are already being felt. Reynolds said 35mm prints of first release movies are increasingly harder to come by. And the prices they fetch are prohibitive, he said. So while Reynolds would like to have shown the popular film “42” already this spring, he has been unable to find an affordable way to do so. Weekly Post Staff Writers
A reminder to drive safe By JEFF LAMPE
WILLIAMSFIELD – Prom and graduation season usher in a greater incidence of drivingrelated problems for highschool students. Emily Sellers and others at Williamsfield High School hope to minimize that problem. As part of a week-long recognition of Teen Safe Driving Week, Williamsfield students staged a mock two-car fatal crash last week with the help of area emergency services personnel. At first when a tarp was pulled off two vehicles in a mock crash, there were some Weekly Post Staff Writer
Emily Sellers urges Williamsfield classmates to drive safely (above) on the scene of a simulated fatal crash in which Tim Lynn played the part of the deceased driver (top). Photos by Jeff Lampe.
smiles in the crowd of students assembled in a field north of the school. But as the demonstration continued – ambulances arrived and classmate Tim Lynn did not move from the hood of the car on which he was splayed out – the mood grew more sober. Lynn was fine, of course, aside from a gruesomely effective makeup job. But the longer he stayed still while blood-covered passengers were treated by emergency personnel, the more clear the point became. That’s important to Sellers, who played a passenger in Continued on Page 3
Continued on Page 2
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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SCHOOLS: Transportation remains ‘a huge concern’ Continued from Page 1
– and also the potential for a pension cost shift to local districts, we have no choice but to decrease expenditures or increase revenue. “The only option to enhance revenue is through property taxes via borrowing (issuance of bonds),” Alvey said. “Our board has made the decision to make minimal cuts for the coming year, recognizing that major cuts would have a detrimental effect on programs and the potential to attract new families to the district. However, in order to remain solvent, cuts will have to be made at some point.” Other area schools are already considering drastic measures. MonmouthRoseville District 238 is discussing eliminating freshmen sports, increasing admission pricess and enacting new extracurricular fees. Congerville-EurekaGoodfield District 140 is proposing raising the tax levy there more than 11 percent, from $3.79 per $100 of assessed value to $4.22.
There are a lot of “what ifs” and uncertainties ahead, said teacher Wendy Coulter, co-president with Brad Crisco of Elmwood Local No. 4235 of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. “The state of Illinois is a mess and it appears that neither education nor educators are a priority,” Coulter says. “I expect it to get rough. While funding continues to decrease, mandates do not. Unlike many schools, we have not lost any programs as of yet. “I would encourage people to be informed and get involved.” The Illinois State Board of Education has recommended that the legislature restore education funding from the 11 percent cuts imposed last year, but Gov. Quinn proposed an additional 19 percent cut. Quinn’s proposal eliminates school services and salaries for the Regional Offices of Education, trims the drivers education fund 14.3 percent, cuts the free lunch/breakfast program 37.1 percent, and eliminates these
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line items: Career and Technical Education “Tech Prep,” the Learn and Service America grant, the ONPAR assessment, and the No Child Left Behind programs Striving Readers, Enhancing Education Through Technology, and Safe and Drug Free Schools. Plus, Quinn would gut regular/vocational transportation more than 70 percent to $60,179,400. In Williamsfield, retiring Superintendent Mary Bush said, “Transportation remains a huge concern. If transportation is prorated to a 19 percent reimbursement, Williamsfield will lose almost $41,000 on transportation and that would be an annual reduction, not a one-time reduction. If this happens, the board will make decisions so all of our students still have the same transportation opportunities that we have currently.” Alvey says transportation funding is troubling in most districts. “I am hoping that Gov-
ernor Quinn is ‘showing us death so that we will accept pain,’ meaning that the 80 percent cut he is proposing is simply a scare tactic so the we feel fortunate when the proration is less than his recommended 80 percent,” Alvey says. “If transportation funding is cut by 80 percent, our reimbursement will be $866 next year; we normally receive about $160,000. “We will try to consolidate and possibly eliminate one route if that happens. If tremendous cuts happen, we might not provide ‘door-to-door service’ and instead expect parents to get their parents to central locations to catch a bus. “The State of Illinois is in for a long, tough road relative to finances. All districts will be faced with tough decisions regarding staffing and program cuts in the future. We have to remain strong, make decisions that least impact kids, and remember our job is to educate to the best of our ability no matter
what our circumstances.” In Brimfield, the teachers union president agrees but says that it’s no surprise. “The fact that Governor Quinn’s budget does not reflect the ISBE’s recommended per pupil funding level is not new – that has been the case for many years,” said Monica Freaner, president of the Brimfield Education Association and the Illinois Education Association’s Region 16 Chair. “Similarly, school districts have received late payments for several years as well. It is true that the funding is lower and the payments more sporadic now, but given the history and lack of meaningful discussion in Springfield, school districts should have been planning for the worstcase scenario for some time.” Illinois State Superintendent Christopher Koch isn’t optimistic. “Districts’ financial pictures are expected to grow even bleaker,” he says. “One hundred
fewer districts are in the highest fiscal category and that the number of districts in the lowest category has doubled. Bush said belt-tightening is likely, but there’s no foreseeable tax hike. “There is absolutely no plan to increase the approved tax rates [in] Williamsfield[, which] has reserve funds that enable us to pay all our bills on time despite reduced and late payments from the state,” she says. “We have no short-term or long-term debt.” Elmwood’s reserve has been tapped, too. “Since I have been at Elmwood, we have been able to put about $1.6 million in reserves to help us with weathering the financial storm,” Alvey says. “However, our monthly expenditures are roughly $400,000 to $450,000. Once deficit spending starts, reserves are depleted quickly. At that point, districts have no choice but to borrow money by issuing bonds, which raises the tax rate.”
PALACE: Conversion to digital tops $50,000 Continued from Page 1
“(Movie distributors) expect anywhere from $2,000 to $2,500 up front, guaranteed (for movies like “42”),” Reynolds said. “Then they get paid percentages on top of that. It’s a nightmare.” As a result, Reynolds said he is uncertain about the future for The Palace. Reynolds said he has already invested some money to start the switch to digital, replacing some wiring and adding a brand new sound system. But he estimates the remaining costs of conversion to top $50,000. A cheaper option would be to lease the digital projection system. Whichever option he chooses, to pay for the conversion Reynolds said he may once again turn to local citizens for help. After the tornado, residents donated thousands of dollars and purchased seats to help fund reconstruction of The Palace. “We may take an approach similar to that and raise some funds and then go to the bank and say, ‘We’ve got 10 or 12 grand here, we need another 40’,” Reynolds said. Barring that, Reynolds said there’s a chance he could close the theater. That option is only possible with approval from the City of Elmwood, since Reynolds can’t sell or close the Palace for another four years as part of an agreement he signed when he received funding to repair damage from the tornado of 2010. Reynolds was paid $138,000 from a CDAP grant to make up for an insurance shortfall of what he said
Vern Reynolds (above) says the switch to digital movies is creating a financial hardship for his Palace Theater in Elmwood. Photo by Gabbie Sloan.
was a $435,000 rehabilitation. The Palace was built in 1913 as a vaudeville theater and remains a popular place for residents and brings in customers from the area. “The theater is just too good a theatre to lose,” Reynolds said. The Palace situation is part of an overall period of significant change for Reynolds, who said he is selling his interest in the Morton Cinema. He also faces an uncertain future in Canton, where efforts to sell his Garden Theater to a city-funded group have stalled one year after an apparent deal was struck.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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THE WEEK AHEAD HOT PICKS This Week!
s Elmwood concerts – The Elmwood Junior High School/High School concert is tonight (May 9) at 6:30 p.m.; the 3rd and 4th grade concert is 6:30 p.m. Monday (May 13); and the 5th and 6th grade concert is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 14). s Breakfast buffet – An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is scheduled from 7-11 a.m. Sunday at the Yates City Community Center to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bacon and eggs, sausage and ham, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and Tater Tots cost $8.
This Week’s Events
s American girl program – An American Girl program will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Morrison & Mary Wiley Library in Elmwood. Girls are invited to bring their American girl dolls and make them a necklace. s Fiber Guild – The Bishop Hill Fiber Guild meets Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Methodist Church in West Jersey. Call (309) 472-7085. s Fall Festival – An Elmwood Fall Festival Meeting will be held May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Morrison & Mary Wiley Library. Call Michelle at (309) 678-0271. s Clean-up day – G&O Disposal has set May 15-16 for the Elmwood Clean-Up Day. There will be no electronic recycling this year. s Craft night – A craft night for women 18 and older is set for May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Morrison & Mary Wiley Library in Elmwood. Design a garden sphere.
Future Events
s Mental illness meeting – Na-
tional Alliance of Mental Illness support group meetings are May 16, 78:30 p.m. at Methodist Medical Center. Individuals in recovery meet in Room G303. Call (309) 472-5907. Family and friends of people with brain disorders meet in the Atrium Conference Room. Call (309) 360-1143. s Stufflebeam benefit – Longtime Brimfield math teacher Alan Stufflebeam will benefit from a fund raiser and dance at the Brimfield American Legion Hall starting at 3 on May 18. s Blood drive – The First Presbyterian Church at 208 N. Lilac St. in Elmwood is hosting a blood drive from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21. To learn more or make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call toll-free (800) 733-2767. s Yates City alumni – The Yates City Alumni Banquet All-School Reunion (for anyone who ever attended Yates City School) is Saturday, May 25 at the Yates City Community Center. Doors open at 6 p.m., meal is at 6:30. Tickets $15 per person. Reservations required. Call (309) 358-1467.
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Going Beyond the expected® to protect you and your Business. Williamsfield students watch as emergency personnel help victims in a mock crash staged at the school last week to culminate Teen Safe Driving Week. Photo by Jeff Lampe.
CRASH: Sister lost to fatal crash Continued from Page 1
Lynn’s car that – under this simulated scenario – was hit by a drunk driver en route to prom. “This really hit home for me. As many of you know, I lost my sister (Chelsea Battye) three years ago in a crash. It was not her fault, but that didn’t make any difference,” Sellers said. “So I’m glad you guys took this seriously. I hope you learn something from this. It’s not just your life that’s in danger. People who have nothing to do with it can be seriously injured or even pass away because of your actions.” Delivering that very message is why law enforcement groups stage similar scenarios at high schools across the state each spring. This was the third Operation Prom demonstration of the year for Heather O’Daniel, a field supervisor for Galesburg Hospitals’ Am-
bulance Service. “In 13 years of doing these we’ve never lost anybody on prom,” she said. “It really hits home with these kids, especially in these small communities.” Williamsfield Superintendent Mary Bush said students urged school administrators to help them organize the scripted crash. “Our student council really wanted this to happen so we made it happen,” Bush said. Emergency personnel on hand included units from Galesburg, Williamsfield and Oak Run – as well as an appearance by Life Flight out of Peoria. “This is the season for students to potentially make bad decisions while driving,” Bush said. “And it isn’t just teenagers who get distracted. This is a wakeup call for all of us, teens and adults.”
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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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 Website – www.wklypost.com (Under construction) Office Hours – Mon-Wed 9-5, Thurs 9-12, Fri 9-4 News – Jeff Lampe 231-6040 Classifieds – Shelly Brodine 741-9790 Advertising – Steve Neal 696-6130 Regular Contributors – Mit Beres, Terry Bibo, Keith Butterfield, Melinda Cote, Amy Davis, Kasey Eberle, Jon Gallagher, Bill Knight, Crystal Prahl and Gabbie Sloan Deadlines – News due Tuesdays by noon. Retail ads and classifieds due Mondays by noon. Circulation – The paper is delivered via mail for free in Brimfield, Dahinda Edwards, Elmwood, Kickapoo, Laura, Oak Hill, Williamsfield and Yates City. Subscriptions are available outside the communities listed above. A one-year subscription is $100. Obituaries, Births, Weddings – Forms are available at our office at 115 W. Main St. in Elmwood. Quote of the Week: – “A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit.” – D. Elton Trueblood Seen by 11,000+ readers every week!
Dahinda readers, welcome to The Post!
Rambling through west-central Illinois bidding a warm welcome to readers in Dahinda. uuu For those of you in Dahinda receiving this newspaper in your mailbox for the first time, there’s no reason for Jeff alarm – you LAMPE don’t owe anybody money. As of today you are now part of the circulation area for The Weekly Post, which we distribute for free every Thursday. Welcome aboard. ... Why? We fielded numerous calls urging us to add the Dahinda post office to our list of Wednesday wanderings. So we listened. Now let’s keep that back road into town flood-free for a few years. uuu Speaking of improving The
Post, we are considering enlarging the Snowflakes puzzle and adding a Crossword. Let me know what you think. ... As for Dahinda, I read where the town name comes from The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which reminds of a Rodney Dangerfield line from “Back to School” that I best not quote in this space. ... A little bird told me to take it easy on The Mayor of Oak Hill this week. Apparently he is still coughing up waxworms. uuu Kudos to Claude Keefer and his crew of volunteers who put on the first Trojan Tool Day at Elmwood High School. By introducing sophomores and juniors to a wide range of trade-based activities (plumbing, carpentry, gardening, masonry, painting etc.) Keefer hopes to teach life skills to future homeowners and to encourage youngsters not headed for college to possibly take up the trades and
earn a good living. ... Hey, Mom deserves something this Sunday. Flowers. A foot massage. Breakfast in bed. Something. ... Funny thing about motherhood – I never realized my wife could yell until we had children. Three boys later there’s no longer any doubts about her vocal projection skills. uuu Parting Shot: Talked to a parent the other day who asked me to urge parents to do one thing: Visit your child’s Facebook page online. Look at the pictures. Check out the accounts of their friends, too. Hopefully you will see nothing but smiling youngsters living innocent lives. And know this: as your children head into the workplace, many employers will be eyeballing those same Facebook accounts. There’s no reason to lose a job – or worse – over some dopey pictures or comments. Contact Jeff Lampe at 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com
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Many who read this will remember when it all began in the mid-1960s. A cry meant to encourage young people to think for themselves morphed into a call that was taken to mean nothing was inherently wrong. The call was “Do your own thing.” It came at a time of social Mit unrest, when BERES young men were being drafted into a military involved in an escalating war that was nothing like World War II. It came at a time after the passage of the Civil Rights Bill, which left many concerned about their way of life and with little idea how to respond to the change in their own hometowns. It also came on the heels of what may have been the single most influential chemical ever in-
troduced to American social norms: The Pill. So where did it lead? True, many positives were realized over the next 40-plus years. Women whose mothers and aunts had discovered they were able to do work once reserved for men during World War II helped spawn generations of women who realized they were equally capable of filling positions previously reserved for men. More young women and members of minority groups found their way through higher education, vocational training programs, and internships, and they took their places in the daily effort to improve their lives. The two-person family income became a norm rather than the exception. At the same time, a cry went out for relaxation in the workplace – no more gray flannel suits. Instead we morphed to our present-day life of “casual.”
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And it left us an unintended but inevitable void. It also foisted upon us the idea that people perform better when they are relaxed. Certainly, that is not always accurate. A student does not learn more when he or she is lounging in a desk or completing homework lying on a bed; no athlete performs better when he or she is totally at ease; no army can win without regimentation; no one gets more out of church because he or she did not make a real effort to look for God (whether He cares or not). And we lost a wonderful way of showing that some events are special. To those who are too young to remember: There was something very special about “getting dressed up” to attend a wedding, a funeral or a graduation. We sacrificed our comfort to show we cared.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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Tales of a misplaced Dodgers fanatic My dad decided that I needed to be a baseball fan. Little did he know he was creating a monster. He took me to my first game when I was pretty young. I don’t remember a lot about it, to tell you the truth. My dad was a Cub fan. Before he died, he admitted, “Life’s too short to be a Cub fan.” Jack Brickhouse once summed up the miseries of the Jon Northsiders by GALLAGHER saying, “Anyone can have a bad century.” My dad’s intention was to make me a Cub fan. Fortunately, the game that we saw is what sealed my fate. The Cubs that day played the Dodgers and there was a guy by the name of Sandy Koufax pitching for the Dodgers. For those of you who don’t know, Koufax is arguably the greatest left-handed pitcher in the history of baseball. He retired at age 31 because of an arthritic arm/elbow, and was the youngest
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player ever elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame. The only things I remember from that game was the lack of spectators, the wind blowing in off the lake (making it very chilly), and the small crowd going, “Ohhhhhh!” every time Koufax threw the ball. That day, I became a Koufax fan and a lifetime Dodger fan. It’s not easy growing up in Central Illinois and reverently following a team from the West Coast. The Journal Star was a joke when it came to covering baseball when I was young. They never had Dodgers’ scores, only a sentence that said, “Late game not included.” Even after technology improved, the Journal Star would not go out of its way to print scores from the West Coast unless the Cubs or Cardinals were involved. The Register Mail wasn’t much better. After I got to be a teenager, I actually subscribed to the Los Angeles Times to follow the Dodgers. It was expensive and it sometimes took up to two weeks or more to get a newspaper, but, by golly, I
had all the Dodger news I wanted. The following year, I discovered the Sporting News, a weekly newspaper devoted to baseball. My mailman and his aching back were forever grateful. Meanwhile, I did everything I could to follow the Dodgers on a daily basis. When they played the Cubs, I could watch it on WGN. If they played on Sunday, the Cubs’ network carried the game. If they played the Cardinals, I could listen to the game on a Galesburg station. I also discovered that at night, especially late at night when the Dodgers played (their home games started at 10 p.m. our time), I could tune my little AM radio into distant stations. As a result, I knew where WLW in Cincinnati was (700AM), KDKA in Pittsburgh (1020), WSB in Atlanta (750), WCAU in Philadelphia (1210) as well as stations in Houston and occasionally New York City. I’d go to bed with the game playing, fall asleep about the fifth inning, and wake to static as the clear-channel radio station had
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Chesney turned floodwater to saltwater
If you spotted a pirate ship in Peoria on April 26, there was no need to call the Coast Guard. It was just Kenny Chesney rescuing friends from floodwaters. The Peoria Civic Center undocked from the riverfront and sailed to a problemfree paradise with Chesney captaining a central Illinois crew. Kelly “When I heard O’BRIEN he was coming here for the No Shoes Nation Tour, I was thrilled, as were my friends,” said Kristin Fuller of Williamsfield. “Being a Kenny fan has brought so many new friends into my life. I have friends from right here in Peoria, Chicago, the St. Louis area and as far as way as Indianapolis. We just all got together in Peoria and had a ball.” A beach ball, even Beach balls flew through the air as Chesney bounded on stage, immediately ordering everyone onboard to do whatever made them “Feel Like a Rock Star.” In his skull-and-crossbones cutoff t-shirt and signature straw cowboy hat,
he announced the evening’s destination: an escape from reality. No getaway is complete without beverages, so Chesney offered a selection of “Beer in Mexico” and a “Keg in the Closet.” As cups rose, so did the “Pirate Flag” in Chesney’s current single, giving guests a taste of his April record release “Life On A Rock.” “Technically, it’s not summer,” he said, “but we’re gonna find some here in Peoria tonight.” Searching for warmer (and drier) weather, Chesney sang of sunglasses and bare feet in “Summertime” and “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems.” With inflatable palm trees popping up in the stands and sweat shimmering on Chesney’s tanned skin, summer did seem imminent. No matter the month, Chesney centers his sound on one season. While Chesney masters packing fun into beach party tunes, his more serious and sentimental side couldn’t be overlooked. “Somewhere With You” showed off his raw emotion and spotless vocals, while “I Go Back” boasted his storytelling ability through relatable and reminiscent lyrics, which Fuller appreciates. “I am a Kenny Chesney fan be-
cause I love his music and have now for about five or six years,” said Fuller, 33. “There are so many songs that I can relate to.” A stripped-down “You And Tequila” with Chesney on acoustic guitar also showed his versatility, proving he not only entertains stadiums but also connects on a personal level. The most crowd-pleasing moment came during Chesney’s platinum single “Come Over.” In the frustration-filled ballad, Chesney called upon the thousands of voices to belt out background vocals, adding to the song’s emotive quality. Chesney thanks one man in particular for his success in country music – George Jones, who passed away the morning of the show. “We all lost someone real special today if you love country music,” Chesney said, leading into a tribute to Jones. Chesney closed with his rowdy number “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Whether riding a tractor or sailing a pirate ship, Chesney is in control. He demanded the packed Civic Center listen to his music and have fun with no problems. Aye, aye, Captain!
Yates City Alumni Banquet ALL SCHOOL REUNION
(Open to Anyone Who Ever Attended Yates City)
SATURDAY – May 25, 2013 6 pm – Meal at 6:30 pm
Yates City Community Center $15 Per Person
Reservation Deadline May 15
Mail to: Alumni Banquet, Box 111, Yates City, IL 61572 Or Call 358-1467 or 358-1247 or 358-1504 Email to ycalumnibanquet@yahoo.com
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GREAT DEALS!
JORDAN’S FOOD MART In Elmwood
2 10-Ounce Bags $5
Normally $3.59 Each!
Page 6
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
GALLAGHER: Satellite radio a baseball savior Continued from Page 5
signed off. I even knew where I could find the Montreal Expos broadcast! Problem was, it was in French. The solution? I took five years of French so I could understand who was on first. That’s dedication. That’s close to insane. Mais, je parle francais! With the advent of the Internet, I’ve been in baseball heaven. First, Major League Baseball began offering radio broadcasts of all games. I was hooked. The only problem was that I had to be near an Internet connection and with dial-up service, hearing games was hit and miss. Then XM radio came into being. The satellite radio service offered broadcasts of all baseball games with the home announcers for each game.
PUBLIC RECORD
I had it installed in my car with a home adapter so I could keep up with the Dodgers each and every night. Now, all the games are broadcast on the Internet. Pay a fee and you can watch the TV broadcast of all 162 games. I also try to get to a game in person every once in a while. I’ve never been to Dodger Stadium, but it’s on my bucket list. I’ll get there someday. In the meantime, if you need to get hold of me for any reason, just check the baseball schedule. If you see the Dodgers are in the middle of a game, I won’t be far from my computer. And unless you’re one of my children, don’t be offended if I don’t pay a lot of attention to what you’re saying ’til the last out.
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Bradley police arrest Elmwood man
PEORIA – Matthew Dedecker, 21, of Elmwood was arrested by Bradley University Police and booked into the Peoria County Jail on charges of disorderly conduct and battery on May 3, according to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department. As of press time, Bradley had no other information available.
Wreck at Maher-Route 150 BRIMFIELD – Kyle Simmons, 23, of Brimfield about 8:30 a.m. on May 4 was eastbound on U.S. Route 150 when a car driven by William Fischer, 40, of Peoria pulled out in front of him from the stop sign at Maher Road, causing Simmons to collide with him, according to the Peoria County Sheriff’s office.
Fischer told police he assumed the intersection had a four-way stop, and officers issued a verbal warning for failure to yield right of way and also asked the Sheriff’s department to request the Illinois Department of Transportation make the 150/Maher intersection a four-way stop because of the number of accidents, “some fatal,” there over the years.
Radnor Township wreck
Michael Cunningham, 52, of Princevillle about midnight on May 4 was westbound on Brimfield-Jubilee Road when he lost control of his 2010 GMC Sierra, left the road and sturkc a utility pole, snapping it in half, according to police. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
Police Reports
• Mower stolen – Jesse Coffey of Elmwood on May 5 reported the theft of a John Deere riding lawnmower from his back yard. Elmwood police are investigating. • Battery booking – Tracy Wood, 41, of Brimfield on May 2 was booked in Peoria County Jail on a charge of battery after being arrested by the Chillicothe Police Department. • Mailbox collision – Dwight King, 29, of Elmwood about 6 p.m. on May 4 was turning from his roadside mailbox on the south side of Illinois Route 8 when he struck a westbound car driven by Stephanie Keach, 52, of Yates City. No injuries were reported, although Keach’s 2006 GMC Envoy had to be towed from the scene of the accident.
Peoria Co. health rating a call to action By BILL KNIGHT
Peoria County has moderately healthy residents when compared to the rest of Illinois, according to the annual County Health Rankings released this spring. But troubling trends in household poverty, the cost of health care, and sexually transmitted diseases made countywide health statistically mediocre. “The rankings help counties see what is affecting the health of their residents so they can see where they are doing well, where they need to improve, and what steps they need to take as a community to improve health,” said Greg Chance, Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator. “A significant change in health factors from past years suggests the challenge to becoming a healthier community lies in changing health behaviors. “As a community, we need to use a systems approach to influence health and promote health improvement policy on many behavioral issues like tobacco-free communities, violent crime, and reducing our high STD and teen birth rates,” he added. The 2013 County Health Rankings – produced by the University of Wisconsin, the Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – ranks Peoria County below the median for overall health when compared to the 102 counties in the state: No. 66. The data provide details on factors that influence people’s health and why Peoria County ranks high at 7th in clinical care but 88th in social and economic factors. For instance, Peoria County has dramatically more physicians per capita than the state or country (1 physician for every 887 people, compared to 1 for 1,292 for Illinois and 1 for 1,067 nationwide). However, Peoria County has more than twice as many children in poverty (29 percent) as the United
Peoria County Health Ranking
For The Weekly Post
Peoria Co.
Margin of error
Illinois
Nation*
Health Outcomes Premature death
7,612
7,163-8,060
6,604
5,317
Morbidity Poor/fair health Low birthweight
12% 8.9%
9-15% 8.5-9.3%
15% 8.4%
10% 6.0%
Health Behaviors Adult smoking Adult obesity Physical inactivity Excessive drinking STD infections Teen birth rate
21% 29% 26% 20% 914 52
16-27% 24-34% 22-31% 15-26% -50-54
19% 27% 25% 20% 473 38
13% 25% 21% 7% 92% 21
Clinical Care Uninsured Physicians Dentists Diabetes screening Mamm. screening
12% 887:1 1,635:1 87% 64%
11-14% --83-91% 0-68%
16% 1,292:1 1,630:1 84% 65%
11% 1,067:1 1,516:1 90% 73%
-64-69% -24-33%
82% 6% 9.8% 21%
-70% 5% 14%
Social & Economic Factors High school grad. 77% Some college 66% Unemployment 9.5% Children in poverty 29%
* 90th percentile, i.e., only 10 percent are better. Note: Blank values reflect unreliable or missing data
States (14 percent), and in Illinois (21 percent). This is the fourth year of the Rankings Report, which ranks the overall health down to the county level in all 50 states. It offers a snapshot of how healthy people are and how long they live. Researchers used many measurements and various factors to assess the county’s health, including personal behavior, social and economic factors, rates of smoking, lack of insurance, number of primary-care providers, access to healthy foods, and air pollution. The most disturbing areas where life and health deteriorated in Peoria County in the last year were: • Typical health care costs increased 8.4 percent, from $8,001 to $8,679, • The number of kids eligible for free lunches went from 36 percent to 45percent, and • Reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases rose 15 per-
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cent, from 793 in 2012’s report to 914 this year. “Current community efforts to improve Peoria County’s health status resulted in the Peoria County Community Health Needs Assessment and Improvement Plan,” Chance said. “This planning document identifies priority community health challenges within Peoria County and outlines suggested intervention strategies to improve health status in Peoria County. “Community health improvement is everyone’s business,” he continued. “Working together, we can make Peoria County a healthier place to live and work. The rankings help us, as a community, identify factors that are making our residents unhealthy and understand where we need to focus health improvement efforts.” The complete Health Rankings Report for the nation’s counties is online at www.countyhealthrankings.org/
www.wklypost.com A Special Section Of The Weekly Post
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
Lawn and Garden
Take some time to smell the Judds The thing that gets lost sometimes is the meaning behind the cliche. “Stop and smell the roses.” Yawn. No. “Stop and smell the roses.” Or in my case, the Judd Viburnum. One of the great pleasures of spring, aside from watching children throw baseballs and grow too fast, is taking a toobrief walk through the Jeff yard to visit LAMPE with rooted friends. Routine appeals to me and one daily regime I really enjoy this time of year is walking the perimeter of the yard to visit with the plants. They all have stories. And names. Mohican Viburnum. Star Magnolia. Pin Oak. Serviceberry. Arrowood Viburnum. Henry’s Garnet. Bridal Wreath Spirea. Cranberry Viburnum. Oakleaf Hydrangea. Every one has a tale – where it came from and why. Like many who enjoy digging in the dirt, I fall in love with plants easily. My plantings tend to reflect those love affairs by featuring a wide variety of plants that don’t always go together exactly right. Whether they complement one another or not, my rooted pals provide a welcome greeting of leaves and blooms and smells
Page 7
Favorite Plants of the Pros
Here are some favorite plants of lawn and garden professionals in The Weekly Post Area, with photos of their top selections. 1. Japanese Maple 2. Wine & Rose Weigelia 3. Bird’s Nest Norway Spruce 4. Black-Eyed Susan 5. Sargent Crabapple
Bryan Davis, Here We Grow
each spring. None makes me smile more than the kings. Queens, more likely. The Judds. On a recent May day I walked home on the south side of Main St. here in Elmwood. Before I reached the corner across from my home, the fragrance swam over me and stopped me. It was almost intoxicating, really, which is exactly what my gardening guru Ernie had told me years ago when I visited a garden shop to buy plants. “Try this,” Ernie told me. “No plant is more fragrant.” So I did. I left with not one, but two Judd Viburnum. Planted them at our house in Peoria and figured they would provide fragrant blooms until I died. Then we moved to Elmwood, a decision that ranks among the best in my 46 years. Naturally, the plants came along. I even wrote it into the contract for our Peoria house. “Some plants to stay with owner.” The buyers never quibbled. That alone made the sale a success. Aside from the fragrance, the thing I like most about The Judds
is that they are viburnums – hearty native plants that can survive a dry Illinois summer without much extra water (though I still pamper them with long drinks from the hose). We planted The Judds right outside three tall windows on the east side of the house. That way spring breezes would bring fragrance into the dining room where the piano sits. My plan was to sit, eyes closed, drink in the fragrance and listen to my boys play piano – combining nearly everything that matters most to me in one single moment. Sometimes the plan actually comes together, proving an important truth. Like anything that slows us down and makes us take time to enjoy life, plants matter. That’s why when Bill Knight proposed a spring Lawn and Garden insert, I hemmed, hawed, thought and agreed. The days fly past too fast. The children will be gone too soon. The piano will go silent. We all need to take time to smell the Judd Viburnums in our lives. Contact Jeff Lampe at 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com
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1. Lupine, tempermental in Illinois but worth it 2. Salvia Caradonna 3. Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart 4. Hydrangeas, all varieties 5. Siberian Iris
Andrew Fritz, Fritzy’s Greenhouse
1. Baby Wing Begonia 2. Zahara Zinnia 3. Gazania 4. Proven Winter Supertunia 5. Celosia
David Christy, Yates City Greenhouse
1. Tidal Wave Petunia, incredible performer, very little maintenance 2. Gloriosa Daisy 3. Black-Eyed Susan 4. Golden Alexander 5. Prairie Dropseed
Dawn Hermann, Pleasant Prairie Nursery
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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May magical in the Midwest By TERRY BIBO
When C.S. Lewis described the origins of the mythical, magical land of Narnia, he started in the dark, on bare ground. A fanciful offshoot of pre-World War England where trees walk and animals talk and lions rule, his Narnia was conjured into being a bit at a time. As music and light swelled, so did the earth, bursting into oaks, elephants and flowers. Apparently in a Terry trice, since there was BIBO no accounting for time there, a fully-formed world evolved. For a brief while, newborn Narnia was so full of life that fallen coins took root and became gold and silver saplings overnight. May is as close as the Midwest can come to such magic in the garden. At the moment, all things seem possible. Particularly in 2013, when winter clenched the countryside with unrelenting hag’s teeth, watching spring For The Weekly Post
unfurl has been a novel experience. England itself could not have more cold and dismal rains than we have had this year. Peeking between downpours, perhaps we can claim our own soggy space as a gardener’s paradise. Almost overnight, tulips and daffodils have popped everywhere. Magnolias and dogwoods and redbuds are embroidered with blossoms above, even as neon spikes of hosta rapidly whorl from the ground below. If there is a blessing in the chilly temperatures, it may be that this too-brief jolt of color is prolonged by days or weeks. For the moment, the lush bounty of grass is a splendid green backdrop rather than an endless chore. For the moment, new leaves remain unbitten, fresh stalks unwithered, brave branches unbroken. Another Narnia tale recounted years when it was always winter and never Christmas. Sounds more than a bit like our own story. But today is a new chapter – a promising time to dig, plant, grow.
Email Terry Bibo at terry.bibo.freelance@gmail.com
Native plants multiply landscape value
URBANA – According to researchers at Texas A&M, landscaping brings an average of 109 percent return on every dollar spent by homeowners. Nancy Pollard, a horticulture educator at University of Illinois Extension, said that choosing native plants for the landscape
can also improve your home’s ecological value. Using native plants can save on water bills once they are established. Another important reason to use natives is that they provide food for bird, butterfly, and other wildlife populations. Wildlife does not eat
only the berries. Native plants support a huge network of life by providing food for caterpillars. Pollard said oaks support a whopping 534 species of moths and butterflies. Black cherries are a close second, supporting 456 species of butterflies and moths.
Pat Middleton of Brimfield has spent 25 years as a Master Gardener and says trees are now her gardening passion. Photo by Jeff Lampe.
Gardening a passion for pair By MALLORY HARTIGAN
BRIMFIELD – As spring accelerates and summer’s promise seems just ahead, gardeners return to the outdoors thinking of tomorrow’s potential and today’s. In Brimfield, two long-time gardeners are thinking of the future and reflecting on the past: Patricia Middleton and Mary Wittaker. Middleton, 64, has been a Master Gardener for 25 years. She retired in 2004 after teaching horticulture at Illinois Community College, high schools and federal prisons. “The seeds were planted when I was a child by my grandfather in Germany,” Middleton says. “He always had an interest in gardening. I’ve just always been around it.” Middleton’s mother continued to garden, too, and that brought her further into gardening as she grew up. Gardening is more or less a way of being for her, she says. “I started gardening seriously when I was about 30 years old,” Middleton says. “I just wanted to do it all.” Over the years she learned many do’s and don’ts in gardening. Her
Gardening Hotline
For The Weekly Post
The Peoria County Master Gardeners run a gardening hotline Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The hotline operates from mid-April through September. Master Gardeners can answer questions about landscaping, gardening, lawn care, houseplants and even insects. Call (309) 685-3140 Ext. 13 or send an email to uiemg-peoria@illinois.edu.
advice to beginners is simple: Start small. “You will be able to maintain an interest when you are not burdened,” Middleton says. “Each year your interest will grow and you will just get braver and you’ll learn how far you can go.” After 25 years of gardening, Middleton says trees have become her passion. On her property she has 27 different species of trees. “Trees are the backbone for all our gardening,” she says. “I have a variety of oak, maple and birch trees and I just acquired a bur oak.” Wittaker, 67, also has been around gardens her whole life. However, she only began to garden seriously when her son left home. For her, gardening is relaxation. “I think people – particularly women – have a tendency to raise something,” Wittaker says. “I like starting small with
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things that aren’t fully developed. I like to watch them grow.” Wittaker has been a Master Gardener for the past five years. Through gardening, she has learned the only way to grow something is to be careful. “Plants need space,” Wittaker says. If a label says to plant it in a 6foot plot, follow the directions. Plants will strangle each other if they aren’t given enough space to grow.” Her advice for beginners is to do what they love. There are no mistakes in gardening. Nothing cannot be dug up or chopped down. “Give enough time to devote to [gardening] so you don’t end up disliking it,” Wittaker says. “I love to go out and dig in the dirt, but mostly I like compost and making compost,” she says. “I just love everything about [gardening].”
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
Don’t cut your grass too short! By JEFF LAMPE
Growing a lush, green lawn takes work. But it also takes some planning and a willingness to let the grass grow. Too often, grass-cutting expert Chris McClaskey said, homeowners scalp their grass too short – particularly in the summer. “The longer you can leave it, the greener it is going to be,” said McClaskey, who runs a Brimfield-based mowing business. With that in mind, try to never cut more than onethird of the new growth. In the spring, that may call for mowing every three or four days. But in the summer you can get away with mowing Weekly Post Staff Writer
Ideal Mowing Heights Grass Bermudagrass Fescue Ky. bluegrass St. Augustine Zoysia
Height 1-2 inches 2-3.5 inches 2-3.5 inches 2-4 inches 0.5-1.5 inches
only every 7-10 days. “Cut it long instead of super short and you will avoid the browning up and you won’t have so much brown grass to pull out next year,” McClaskey said. After last year’s drought, that dead grass has been a problem in many lawns this spring. This year has been the opposite of a drought, with plenty of moisture and plenty of fast-growing grass. Eventually, though, home-
owners will need to start watering their lawns. When they do, McClaskey advises running sprinklers early in the day. “The best time to water is early in the morning before the sun comes up. If you have an auto sprinkler, the best time is around 6 a.m.,” McClaskey said. “The water has a chance to soak into the ground before the sun comes up and evaporates it all.” Beyond that, mowing tips are fairly simple. Keep your mower blade sharpened and consider having two blades, with a sharp spare always available. And vary the mowing direction occasionally to reduce wear patterns on the grass.
LUCKY WINNER
Mowing got easier for Andrea Brush of Elmwood when she won this Toro rider and cart earlier this spring courtesy of a drawing held by Par-A-Dice Casino and Wieland’s Lawn Mower Hospital in Peoria. Helping Brush pick up the mower was her father Frank Webster of Elmwood. Photo by Steve Neal.
Old gas main problem with mowers Performing regular engine maintenance is critical to keeping the small engine in a lawn mower running at peak performance. A mower engine tune-up takes about 30 minutes and costs under $12 for the average push mower, according to the engine experts at Briggs & Stratton Corporation, the largest manufacturer of gasoline-powered engines for outdoor power equipment. Here are four easy steps for tuning up your mower: 1. Change the mower oil. 2. Replace the air filBy Weekly Post Wire Services
ter. 3. Replace the spark plug. 4. Add fuel preservative to the gasoline. A tune-up on a riding mower may also require replacing the oil and fuel filters. “Most people who own a walk-behind mower can tune up their mower following simple instructions,” says Synoilva Shaw, with the Briggs & Stratton marketing department. “We’ll even walk homeowners through a tuneup step by step on our website at www.briggsandstratton.com, or they can follow our help-
ful tune-up schedule.” Homeowners know the importance of tuning up their lawn mower engine. According to research by Briggs & Stratton, 66 percent of homeowners who purchased a new push mower will perform a tune-up at least once a season. Also, 76 percent of homeowners tune up their engine mower before the season starts. Tuning up is key in extending the life of a mower engine and can reduce emissions by up to 30 percent. But if your mower won’t start or is tough to get running, a tune-up
Page 9
might be just what you need. “The source of most starting problems is old gasoline – gas goes stale in about 30 days, and the new ethanol-based fuels can be especially problematic,” Shaw said. The company warns that certain gasoline blends should never be used in lawn mower engines and other small gas engines. Fuel blends containing more than 10 percent ethanol, like E15 or E85 gasoline, or gasoline containing other alcohol blends can damage small gas engines. Small engine repair required because of the use of these unapproved gasoline blends is not covered under the Briggs & Stratton warranty. Homeowners can recycle oil from their lawn mower engine through participating Briggs & Stratton dealers nationwide.
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Page 10
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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Contact Barb Woods - 309-262-6210 Bryan Davis stands among some of the more than shrubs, trees and perennials at Here We Grow, a full-service nursery and gardening center that he opened in early May in Elmwood. Photo by Jeff Lampe.
Positive growth comes to Elmwood By JEFF LAMPE
ELMWOOD – Bryan Davis’s quest for work that would be kinder to his body may well save local gardening enthusiasts drive time. Elmwood resident Davis recently opened Here We Grow Nursery & Garden Center at 807 W. Main St. in Elmwood. “I knew I was going to have to expand into something else that would be easier on my body,” said Davis, 39, who has run Davis Landscape Service since 2002. He also operates a snow-removal business in the winter. “Plus I wanted to reach the customers who do their own work,” Davis said. “I saw the potential for a little bit of an untapped marWeekly Post Staff Writer
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ket. We have greenhouse operations, but there’s not really a fullservice garden center close. You have to go to Peoria.” Not any longer. The full-service store – which operates out of the remodeled Gepetto’s restaurant building – offers more than 1,000 shrubs, trees and perennials as well as daily arriving flats of annual flowers and vegetables. Inside the store, shoppers can also find a variety of gardening items, from grass seed to pots to wind chimes and all sorts of other outdoor-related items. In addition, Here We Grow sells bulk mulch and rock, bagged soil, mulch and manure. Davis closed on his location last July and spent nearly seven months remodeling the building
and creating his plant and materials yard. Here We Grow employees six part-time and two full-time workers, plus Davis. “I’ve been looking to do this for three or four years, but it took two of those years to get my wife (Erin) on board,” Davis said. “Now she’s on board.” And while Davis agreed to pick his top five plants for this issue, he did so reluctantly. “There are so many plants out there I love,” he said. “Every shrub is different.” One of his current favorites is called the Bloomerang Lilac. “It has purple blooms all year,” Davis said. Naturally, Here We Grow has a few of the prolific lilacs for sale.
Local gardeners enjoy welcoming spring By KELLY O’BRIEN
ELMWOOD – As spring awakens greenery from its winter slumber, the passion of local gardeners also begins to bloom with the revival of every flower and shrub. “It’s awfully nice to see green things again,” said Master Gardener Lee Hammond of Elmwood. “Watching things grow is a wonderful exFor The Weekly Post
perience. It’s a lifetime love.” Hammond, 81, says his love for gardening stems from stacking pots for a quarter a day when he was 6 years old. That childhood job evolved into a serious hobby today of cultivating more than half of his 9 acres just east of town. With the help of his wife Mary Jo, Hammond gardens vegetables, fruit and evergreen trees, plus “just about any kind of plant you’d be interested in. “I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to live in a spot where you can see
the fruits of your labors,” he said. Also reaping the benefits of gardening, Dave Inskeep, 71, of Elmwood maintains more than 7 acres of Inskeep thousands of plants, including hostas, day lilies, geraniums and doubleknockout roses. Inskeep says his pride and joy are his hostas, to which he devotes nearly 500 square feet for vari-
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ous species. “I’ve never seen a bad hosta,” he says. “When you have more colors, it tends to send more of a statement.” While he loves showing off his colorful, formal arrangement of plants, his purpose for gardening extends beyond receiving compliments from visitors. “I have 13 grandchildren, and I want to give them a chance to watch things grow and to develop a love for plants,” he says. “Whenever a new grandchild comes along, we plant a new tree.”
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
OBITUARIES Carolyn Lee McCoy
YATES CITY – The final curtain has dropped on Carolyn’s last “stage” of life. Carolyn Lee (Sparks) McCoy, of rural Yates City, Illinois died at 5:34 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2013 in her home following a valiant battle with cancer. Carolyn was born January 22, 1941 in Berwyn, Illinois, the daughter of Doreen (Puterbaugh) Sparks and Bertrand “Bert” H. Sparks, both deceased. Carolyn married Larry E. McCoy on June 16, 1963 at the First Presbyterian Church in Elmwood, Illinois. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in another 44 days. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Larry McCoy, her cousin Karen Sue (McConkey) Naffziger and her husband Shelby Naffziger, Bullard, Texas, cousin Larry McConkey and his wife, Sammie McConkey, Kerrville, Texas, and second cousins, Terri (Naffziger) Gibbs and her husband Robert Gibbs and family, Southlake, Texas, Brad Naffziger and his wife Susan Naffziger, and family, Lutz, Florida, and Cami (McConkey) Feldman and her husband Stephen Feldman and family, Kerrville, Texas. Carolyn was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Illinois, and the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Dubuque, Iowa. Carolyn graduated from Elmwood Community High School as valedictorian of her 1959 class. She majored in Economics and Finance at the University of Illinois and graduated on the Dean’s List in 1963. She worked in the Trust Department of what was then, the First National Bank of Rockford, Illinois for four years, then went into business for herself as an advertising/promotion agent performing primarily in the industrial equipment field. Her real love, as yet undiscovered, was acting. Her acting career got its start in Rockford, when Larry convinced her to try out for a religious play that traveled from church to church in the northern Illinois/southern Wisconsin area. Discovering her newfound love and talent for acting, she began to audition for and accept roles in the Rockford Civic Theatre. After 15 years in Rockford, Illinois, Carolyn moved with Larry to his new job at the Telegraph Herald in Dubuque, Iowa in 1978. She and Larry renewed their acting avocation with the Barn Community Theatre in Dubuque. Although appearing in a few dramas, she preferred comedies and musicals starring as Mame in “Mame,” Ethel Thayer in “On Golden Pond,” Lola in the musical “Damn Yankees” and numerous other Barn Community
Today’s Obituaries
• Pearl Colvin, 92, Peoria • Rita Davis, 92, Peoria • Carol Foster, 81, Peoria • Thomas Kennedy, 68, Elmwood • Wayne Lloyd, 83, Brimfield • Carolyn Lee McCoy, 72, Yates City • David R. Orten, 61, Elmwood • Mary Roling, 85, Davenport, Iowa
Theatre productions. Carolyn also performed at the Bell Tower Theater and acted with the Dubuque Fine Arts Players. Carolyn and Larry were founding members of the Die-Laughing Mystery Players, a traveling mystery dinner theatre troupe, having a cast of eight actors. Carolyn and Larry performed with them for 18 years and Carolyn managed the traveling troupe from 1989 through 2005. Carolyn performed in this show 337 times; Larry 364 times. With her acting partner and playwright, Vince Williams of Dubuque, Iowa, the two of them performed Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Dickens,” Vince’s embellishment of Dickens’ immortal “A Christmas Carol” 623 times. They performed another of Vince’s plays entitled “For cRyan Out Loud” 937 times. In the 1980s, Carolyn adapted her “Flora From Frisco” character from the BCT musical, “No, No, Nanette” into “Flora The Floozy,” and entertained at celebrations of significant birthdays and anniversaries and sometimes at business meetings/conventions. “Flora The Floozy” wrote, memorized, and delivered 617 comedy routines in Dubuque, Iowa, southern Wisconsin and northeast Iowa before retiring in January 2006. Carolyn appeared as an extra in movies such as “Field of Dreams” and “Take This Job and Shove It.” She had speaking parts in a few TV shows. Some Dubuque area commercial firms hired her to be their spokesperson in videos for their products and/or services. Excluding her movies and TV shows, she delivered 2,711 performances in and around the city of Dubuque, Iowa entertaining, and bringing smiles and laughter, to an estimated collective audience of more than 134,000 people. Carolyn and Larry retired in January 2006 and moved from
Dubuque, Iowa to Pine Knoll Farm near Yates City, Illinois where they enjoyed their six cats and two collies in a setting of nature designed by God and which Carolyn often referred to as “A Little Piece Of Heaven.” An encore performance of her life was held in Carolyn’s memory and in God’s honor at Haensel Funeral Home, 501 S. Orchard St. Mackinaw, 61755, at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday May 8, 2013. Those who attended were asked to come prepared to laugh and be entertained because Carolyn always wanted to “Leave ‘em laughing.” Carolyn’s “Act 1” visitation was scheduled to be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood 201, West Evergreen Elmwood, 61529. Her “Act 2” visitation was scheduled for 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at Haensel Funeral Home, Mackinaw, prior to her funeral services. Burial will be at the Mackinaw Township Cemetery. Haensel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Crystal Cathedral’s Hour of Power (TV), to the Salvation Army or OSF Hospice. Larry would like to thank OSF Hospice and Spoon River Home Health Care for their loving and compassionate care during Carolyn’s final earthly days. Make online condolences at www.haenselfuneralhome.com.
Pearl Colvin
PEORIA – Pearl M. Colvin, 92, of Peoria, mother of a Brimfield man, died Wednesday (May 1) at Proctor Hospital in Peoria. Pearl is survived by her children, Richard (Janet) Colvin of Brimfield, Patricia (Russell) Mulvaney of Columbia City, Ind., and Terry (Diane) Colvin of O’Fallon; and daughter-in-law, Mary Colvin. A graveside service was planned for Saturday (May 4) at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Make online condolences at www.hurdfamilyfunerals.com.
Wayne Lloyd
BRIMFIELD – BRIMFIELD – William Wayne Lloyd, 83, of Brimfield, died on Monday (April 29) at home. Funeral services were planned for May 2 at Wright & Salmon Mortuary and burial in Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.
More Obituaries, Page 12
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Page 11
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Page 12
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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OBITUARIES David R. Orten
PEORIA – David R. Orten, 61, of Elmwood died at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born December 9, 1951 in Jacksonville, to Roscoe and Alice (Cummins) Orten Jr. He married Kathy T. Schaub on July 1, 1972 in Sunnyland. She survives. Orten Also surviving are his mother, of Washington; two sons, Eric Orten of Bloomington and Chad (Danyle) Orten of Dahinda; one sister, Judy Heffernan of Washington; and four grandchildren, Zach, Alex, Gabe, and Isaiah. He was preceded in death by his father. David was a welder for Rohn Manufacturing for 30 years, and later worked for Morton Metalcraft for 5 years. He enjoyed playing guitar and was the sound guy for the band, Strata. He was a member of the Greater Peoria AMVETS Post 64 and a past member of the UAW Local 1494. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood, where visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Rev. Steve Hardin will officiate. Burial will be at Elmwood Twp. Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. To view David’s tribute video, or to
leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.
Carol Foster
PEORIA – Carol Eileen (Schulthes) Foster, 81, passed away peacefully at 10:04 a.m. at OSF St Francis Medical Center on Sunday, May 05, 2013 with her family at her bedside. Carol was born in Elmwood Township to Henry and Mae Schulthes on March 19, 1932. She married Bill Foster December 18, 1949 in London Mills. He survives along with their chil- Foster dren, Janis (Dean) Hayden, Tim (Jackie) Foster, and Kim (Rick) LeHew, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Her brother Mike Schulthes of London Mills and sister Mickey Estes of Canton also survive. Preceding her in death were her parents, and one sister, Shirley Dutton. She enjoyed helping her husband of 63 years on their family farm and loved being a farmer’s wife (receiving the WMBD Agri Business Woman of the Year award in 2001). She was a homemaker, known for her sewing and baking talents – especially pecan rolls. In her later years, she discovered a love for art that included oil paintings as well as wood carvings. She had wonderful friends, many of whom she golfed and played cards with. Always with a beautiful, heartfelt smile and positive demeanor, she was sharing of her love and talents.
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BRIMFIELD
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Baptist Church S. Jefferson St., Brimfield (309) 446-9754
Christ Alive! Community Church Pastor Lance Zaerr 9320 W US Highway 150 Edwards (309) 231-8272 www.christalivecc.com Sun. School: 9:15 am Worship: 10:30 am
United Methodist Church Pastor Mark Graham 821 W. Main St., Elmwood (309) 742-7221
Brimfield Evangelical Free Church 11724 N. Maher Rd Brimfield (309) 446-3571 Brimfield United Methodist Church Pastor Leonard Thomas 135 S. Galena St., Brimfield (309) 446-9310 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 314 W. Clay St., Brimfield (309) 446-3275 www.stjosephbrimfield.org St. Paul’s Lutheran Rev. Michael Liese 228 W. Clay St., Brimfield (309) 446-3233 Union Church Pastor Stephen Barch 105 W. Clay St., Brimfield (309) 446-3811 Zion Episcopal Church 205 E. Van Buren St.,Brimfield (309) 446-3811
DOUGLAS United Methodist Church Douglas Worship: 8:30 a.m.
EDWARDS Bethany Baptist Church 7422 N. Heinz Lane, Edwards (309) 692-1755 Bethel Bible Church 9728 W. Powder Mill Rd. Edwards
Evangel Community Church Pastor Doug Surratt 7614 N. Heinz Lane, Edwards (309) 692-2024 Korean Presbyterian Church of Peoria 7910 N. Ford Rd., Edwards (309) 683-8556 United Methodist Church W. Powdermill Rd., Edwards (309) 676-3139
ELMWOOD Crossroads Assembly of God Pastor Tim Cavallo 615 E. Ash St., Elmwood (309) 830-4259 Sun. Worship: 10:30 am Elmwood Baptist Church Pastor Dennis Fitzgerald Pastor Jay Richerson 701 W. Dearborn, Elmwood (309) 742-7631 First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood Pastor Marla Bauler 201 W. Evergreen, Elmwood (309) 742-2631 St. Patricks Catholic Church Father Paul Stiene 802 W. Main St., Elmwood
KICKAPOO St. Mary’s 9910 W. Knox St., Kickapoo (309) 691-2030
LAURA Laura United Methodist Church Pastor Tim Pearce 20300 W. Walnut Creek Rd. Laura (309) 995-3371 Worship: 9 am Sun. School: 10:45 am
WILLIAMSFIELD St. James Catholic Church 111 S. Olive St., Williamsfield (309) 446-3275 Worship: 8 am @ church (Labor Day to Mem. Day) Williamsfield United Methodist Church Pastor Jennifer Seder 430 N. Chicago Ave. Williamsfield (309) 639-2389
YATES CITY Faith United Presbyterian Church Rev. Chris Deacon 107 W. Bishop St. Yates City, IL 61572 (309) 358-1170 Worship: 9 am Sun. School: 10:15 am Thurs. Chancel Choir: 7:30 pm
She tended her garden just as she did her children – with loving care. Heaven definitely greeted an Angel. Carol was a long-time member of the Elmwood United Methodist Church and in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to her church, BYE Ambulance in Elmwood, or the Smile Train (for cleft palate). Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, at Elmwood United Methodist Church at 821 W. Main Street. Visitation was to be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday May 8 at the Elmwood United Methodist Church. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be at Elmwood Township Cemetery. To view Carol’s video tribute or post condolences, visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.
Thomas Kennedy
ELMWOOD – Thomas Eugene Kennedy, 68, of Elmwood, passed away at 3:32 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2013 at his residence. He was born on July 15, 1944 in Kewanee to Eugene H. and Donna Virginia (Johnson) Kennedy. They preceded him in death. He first married Kennedy Sharon Saltsman, he then married Ann Taylor in Peoria on October 1, 1977. She survives. Other survivors include two children Chad Kennedy of W. Peoria, Erin Kennedy of Peoria, and three grandchildren Grant, Gracyn and Gwenyth. Tom worked in sales, last working with PSC Fabricating. He was a member of Horeb Lodge #363 AF & AM, Elmwood Kiwanis Club, Past Associate Bethel Guardian of Elmwood Job’s Daughters, Elmwood Municipal Band and community chorus. He was a member and past elder of the Elmwood Presbyterian Church and was a member of its choir.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Elmwood Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at OaksHines Funeral Home in Elmwood, with masonic rites at 6:45 p.m. Burial will be at Elmwood Twp. Cemetery. Memorials may be made to BYE Ambulance. To view Tom’s video tribute or post condolences, visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Mary Roling
DAVENPORT – Mary E. Roling, 85, the mother of a Yates City woman, died Friday (May 3) at Bettendorf Health Care Center. She is survived by two sons and three daughters, including Mary Beth (James) Ralston, Yates City; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a sister. A funeral Mass was planned for Tuesday (May 7) at Holy Family Catholic Church here, with burial in Holy Family Cemetery. Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Mary’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
Rita Davis
PEORIA – Rita C. Davis, 92, of Peoria, the mother of a Brimfield man, passed away on April 27 at Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria. She is survived by two sons, Stephen (Patty) Davis of Brimfield and Michael (Wanda) Davis of Dunlap; one daughter, Jean (Lynn) Hyland of Marietta, Ga.; 11 grandchildren; and 15 greatgrandchildren. A funeral Mass was planned for May 3 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Peoria and burial in St. Mary's Cemetery. Tributes and condolences may be submitted to ww.wrightandsalmon.com. Obituary Policy: We print basic obituaries for free. Longer obituaries cost $1 per column inch.and $5 per picture. Forms are available at The Weekly Post, 115 W. Main St.; Elmwood, IL. Or call 309-741-9790.
Elmwood council amends pact to aid rehab concept By BILL KNIGHT
ELMWOOD – An Elmwood physical rehabilitation and wellness facility took a step forward Tuesday, when the Elmwood City Council unanimously passed an ordinance amending an agreement with Elmwood Development Company to allow such an operation to be built on a Fairground Acres subdivision lot. Developers said they’ve been talking with representatives from IPMR (Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation). In related action, the Council OK’d an ordinance amending the agreement with Tucked Inn, LLC, to reduce its For The Weekly Post
proposed assisted-living facility project from three lots to two, and accepted engineer Scott Hobart’s plans for another subdivision extension for review. In other business, flood expenses of $5,288.50 were submitted to Peoria County, an Otto Baum invoice for $51,694.88 for the Whitney building was approved, and recently elected members Walt Avery, Jared Howerton and Kent Stevens were sworn in – as were Mayor J.D. Hulslander, Clerk Dotty Naumann and Treasurer Harold Jehle. Reappointed were Naumann as City Collector, Aaron Bean as Chief of Police and the law firm of Whitney & Potts as the city’s attorney.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
Page 13
1. SCIENCE: What is the conversion of water vapor to liquid called? 2. PSYCHOLOGY: What is gymnophobia? 3. LITERATURE: What was the name of the centaur in "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone"? 4. MOVIES: What does Cruela De Vil want to make out of the puppies in "101 Dalmatians"? 5. TELEVISION: Where does the show "The Gilmore Girls" take place? 6. MUSIC: In what year did the Beatles make their first visit to the United States? 7. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Iceland? 8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What kind of animal is a macaque? 9. MEDICINE: What is the chief cause of cholera? 10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the biggest snake in the world, in terms of weight and girth? Answers 1. Condensation 2. Fear of nudity 3. Firenze 4. A fur coat 5. Stars Hollow, Conn. 6. 1964 7. Reykjavik 8. A monkey 9. Contaminated water 10. The anaconda
FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 8 (c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.
THE FARM FIELD
Delays in corn planting not really disastrous for Illinois By DEBRA-LEVEY LARSON
April turned into a “second March,” with wet weather and cool temperatures persisting late into the month and corn planting progress in Illinois stuck at 1 percent as May 1 came and went. Nationally, only 5 percent of the corn crop was planted by April 28, and none of the Corn Belt states had more than 2 percent planted, according to University of Illinois crop sciences professor Emerson Nafziger. “The corn that has been planted is struggling mightily to survive the soil conditions and to emerge,” Nafziger said. “If we are lucky enough to ‘skip’ another month and May begins to look more like a typical June, it’s not too late to get the planting and crop back on track. So while yield potential will start to drop as we get further into May with planting, chances of a good corn crop remain high, as long as weather permits planting soon, and then For The Weekly Post
returns to a more normal pattern of rainfall without summer drought periods like we’ve had the past three years in parts of Illinois. “Most of our plantingdate studies show that yield loss accelerates as planting is delayed in May, and getting corn planted by the end of April is a recognized goal in Illinois,” Nafziger said. “The reality is, though, that, on average, we only manage to get a little more than 40 percent of our corn planted by this target date and it’s nearly the end of May before we reach 90 percent is planted. “Several times in recent years, we have planted more than 50 percent of the corn crop in a 10-day period, and can plant even faster than that if all fields are ready at once,” he added. This means that weather and soil conditions, not equipment, are the major barriers to planting early. “Despite our anxiousness to finish planting by
the end of April, Illinois data over the past 20 years do not show that early planting alone boosts yields,” he said. Does this mean that getting the crop planted early is not as important as a management goal? Nafziger said no.
“At the same time, we need to recognize that it’s not ‘game over’ if we are forced by weather and soil conditions to plant into May, even past mid-May,” he said. Nafziger said that the fact that early planting does not necessarily lead
to high yields does tell us that what happens after planting and through the rest of the season is more important than when we get the crop planted. “This reminds us that it’s important not to do anything that might
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compromise the plant’s ability to take advantage of conditions later in the season that will determine actual yield,” he said. “That certainly includes taking care not to plant into wet, compacted soils in our rush to plant early.”
Page 14
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
REMEMBER WHEN
Katelyn Fricke, Brimfield
EDWARDS STORE: Here’s a picture of Jimmy Green’s former store in Edwards, which caught fire in the past few years and was later torn down. Photo courtesy of Bruce Howard.
IN BRIEF
Principals honor Blane, Matheny
EUREKA – Jeannie Blane of Brimfield Grade School and Stan Matheny of Elmwood High School were honored on Monday at a banquet held by the Illinois PrinciMatheny pals Association Central Illinois Valley Region. In her second full year as princi- Blane pal of Brimfield Grade School, Blane was named 201213 Principal of the Year. The Central Illinois Valley Region is made up of more than 38 school districts. Matheny was awarded the 2013 Herman Graves Service Award for outstanding and continued service to the Illinois Principals Association.
Bledsoe named to all-state team
ELMWOOD – Elmwood High School senior Michael Bledsoe was named to the All-State
Class A Team at the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association banquet at Illinois State University. That is the high- Bledsoe est honor bestowed on a player from the IHSSBCA. Bledsoe has also received numerous awards this year throughout the Prairieland Conference and has been named to several AllTournament teams this year.
Donations sought for flood victims
EDWARDS – Melissa Turner and Julie May are organizing a community benefit for victims of recent flooding in Edwards, and urge people to donate items at the Elmwood Grade School gymnasium from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, May 17 for free distribution to those in need. Any and all types of household goods are needed, from furniture, bedding and kitchen items to food, toiletries and cleaning supplies. Even large appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators and stoves are welcome, they said. Contributors may ask
NOTICE
The Elmwood Township meeting for May has been changed to Monday, May 20, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at the Township Office, 111 Main St., Elmwood, IL 61529.
for volunteers to pick up donated material, but they must contact May or Turner by Saturday (May 11) to ensure arrangements are made. To pick up items, flood victims are invited to come between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the Grade School gym, where refreshments also will be available. People interested in making monetary donations can contribute to the “Edwards Flood Victims Fund” in care of Farmers State Bank in Elmwood. For more information, contact Turner at melisturner02@gmail.com (or 309-251-9633) or reach May at julie_may1@hotmail.com (309-370-6555).
Brimfield senior Katelyn Fricke (above signing her letter of intent for Missouri-Rolla next to mother, Mary) played a lot of parochial school soccer through eighth grade in Peoria. As we should know, the sport of soccer involves running … a lot of running, and, on a very wide and long field. When Katelyn came to Brimfield for her freshman year – and subsequently to ElmwoodBrimfield track that year – she was ready to run from her years of soccer. Thus, she has been a 1and 2- mile runner for the Lady Trojans all through her high school career. Upon seeing Katelyn’s work in track as a freshman, E-B girls cross-country coach Tony McCoy recruited her to be a harrier for her sophomore year. With that she contributed to the team’s second-place finish in the 2010 IHSA State Finals, and wound up being very busy as a runner in fall and spring for the remainder of her high school career. When running in distance races, Katelyn speaks of the necessary endurance, then the push in the last half mile. She speaks of her parents, Mary and Lyle, Coaches Gregg Meyers and Hayley Moore Davis as those who have encouraged her efforts. These influences, her efforts with running, and her involvement and honors at Brimfield have led to scholarship help at Missouri Science and Tech College, where Katelyn will run cross-country and track. In her spare time, Katelyn Fricke enjoys … running! It may have begun with soccer, but it’s true – running is important in all sports, especially cross-country and track! – Phil Johnson
Elmwood second in track meet By GABBIE SLOAN
RUSHVILLE – Elmwood-Brimfield might have not had the most ideal track season weather-wise, but that didn’t stop the team from placing second in the Prairieland Conference meet on Monday in a much-needed sectional tuneup. “We did really well,” Coach Brett Morse said after the meet, during which E-B enjoyed many first-place finishes. Shayla McCormick was the Prairieland champion in the high jump, beating her record of 4 feet, 8 inches by two inches. The 4x800 team won yet again. Katelyn Fricke was first in the 3200 and Olivia Althiser placed second in the 1600. Sprinter Hannah Gatley is undergoing rehabilitation after suffering an injury earlier in the season. But she still Weekly Post Staff Writer
ended up winning the 100. “She only ran one race at the meet, but she ended up getting first overall,” Morse said. E-B girls head to Monmouth Friday for Class 1A sectional action. Morse said he thinks Gatley has a chance of winning the 100 and 200 and that Fricke has a good shot in the 3200. He said the 4x800 relay is also looking strong. Even though the girl’s season is coming to a close, Morse is looking forward to next year. “It looks like we’re going to have a solid 4x200 relay next year,” he said. Gab Nelson, a long-time distance runner, placed second in the 200 on Monday, running it in about 28 seconds. relay. The E-B boys also placed second out of 11 teams, finishing just after Rushville. Collin Reicheneker tied for first
in the 400 while Noah Isbell got second in the two mile with sophomore Nate Herridge in third. E-B also placed first and second in the 800 with Jake Osmulski and Ian Armbruster in the lead. The 4x800 and the 4x400 relays got first. “The 4x400 team finished the meet very strong, with the fastest time of the year,” Coach Greg Meyers said of the squad’s time of 3:37.35. “Things are progressing along nicely for sectionals,” Meyers said. The E-B boys head to Sherrard on May 17 for Class 1A sectionals.
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SCOREBOARD The Week
BASEBALL Thursday (May 2) Results • Brimfield-Elmwood 12, Delavan 2 • Wethersfield 4, WilliamsfieldGalva 0 Friday (May 3) Results • W-G at Illini Bluffs, ppd • B-E at Peru St. Bede, ppd Monday (May 6) Results • B-E 10, Beardstown 9 (8) Class 1A Postseason Varna Midland Regional Monday, May 13 • Game 1, 4:30 pm – (5) Henry at (4) Princeville Wednesday, May 15 • Game 2 at 4:15 pm: (1) Williamsfield-G vs. Winner Game 1 Thursday, May 16 • Game 3,4:15 pm – (2) Varna Midland vs. (3) Stark County Saturday, May 18 • Game 4,11:00 am – Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3 Winner advances to Illinois Wesleyan Sectional Wednesday, May 22, 6 pm, vs. Winner Delavan Regional Class 2A Postseason Brimfield Regional Monday, May 13 • Game 1, 4:30 pm – (5) Kewanee at (4) Knoxville Wednesday, May 15 • Game 2, 4:30 pm – (1) BrimfieldElmwood vs. Winner Game 1 Thursday, May 16 • Game 3, 4:30 pm – (2) Wethersfield vs. (3) Farmington Saturday, May 18 • Game 4,10:00 am – Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3 Winner advances to Monmouth-Roseville Sectional Thursday, May 23, 4 pm, vs. Winner Sherrard Regional SOFTBALL Wednesday (May 1) Results • Brimfield-Elmwood 8, Williamsfield-Galva 1 Thursday (May 2) Results • Wethersfield 15, W-G 2 Saturday (May 4) Results • B-E at Beardstown, ppd Monday (May 6) Results • Stark County 13, W-G 2 • B-E 15, Bushnell-PC 3 Tuesday (May 7) Results • Annawan 13, W-G 1 • B-E 8, ROWVA 2 Class 1A Postseason Lowpoint-Washburn Regional Monday, May 13 • Game 1, 4:30 pm – (5) Lowpoint-W at (4) Oneida (ROWVA) Tuesday, May 14 • Game 2, 4:30 pm – (1) Stark County vs. Winner Game 1 Wednesday, May 15 • Game 3, 4:30 pm – (2) Princeville vs. (3) WilliamsfieldGalva Saturday, May 18 • Game 4, 11 am – Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3 Winner advances to Varna Midland Sectional Wednesday, May 22, 4:30 pm, vs. Winner Putnam Co. Regional Class 2A Postseason Brimfield Regional Monday, May 13 • Game 1, 4:30 pm – (5) Knoxville at (4) Spoon River Valley Tuesday, May 14 • Game 2, 4:30 pm – (1) Brimfield-Elmwood vs. Winner Game 1 Wednesday, May 15 • Game 3, 4:30 pm – (2) Farmington vs. (3) Peoria Christian Saturday, May 18 • Game 4, 2 pm – Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3 Winner advances to Biggsville Sectional Wednesday, May 22, 4:30 pm, vs. Winner Tremont Regional
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
Junior high tracksters off to state meet Several area seventh and eighth grade track athletes qualified for the Illinois Elementary School Association’s Class A state track meet this weekend at the EastSide Center in East Peoria. The meet starts at noon on Friday and then again at 9 a.m. on Saturday. For an approximate time schedule visit www.iesa.org. Here are qualifiers from area schools. BRIMFIELD JUNIOR HIGH • Ali Wagner – 1600 • Natalie Meyer – 1600 and 800 • Kamryn Cuevas – 400 • Mallory Meinke – 100 • Lindsey Stenger – 200, shot put • Matt Dawson – 4x100 • Jack Bowers – 4x100 • Kyle Fisher – 4x100, 110 hurdles • Jacob Rosecrans – 4x100, long jump, 400 • Tyler Baysingar – 4x100 • Tyler Short – 4x200, 4x400 • Logan Wyatt – 4x200, 4x400, 110 hurdles • Kelby Barnewolt – 4x200, 4x400 • Justin McIntosh – 4x200 • Jacob Parker – 4x200, 4x400 • John Barrat – 4x400 ELMWOOD JUNIOR HIGH Boys 7th Grade • Charlie McKinty – 1600, 4x400 • Dewey Morris – 4x400
• Riley Baker – 1600
From Weekly Post Staff Reports
• Cooper Hoffman – 4x400 • Logan Whitney – 4x400 • Griff Inskeep – alternate 4x400 • Daniel Thomlison - discus
8th grade • Allie Meyers – 1600, high jump
• Regan McFall – high jump
• Jenna Musgrave – shot put, discus
• Maggie Harms – 800
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Girls 7th Grade • Grace Nogaj – 400, 4x200
• Andria Carman – long jump, 100,
4x200
• Katie Golemon – 42 00
• Riliegh Johnson – 4x200
• Welker – 4x200
8th Grade • Megan Mazander – 800 Boys Hayden Golemon of St. Mary’s School qualified for the IESA state track meet Friday and Saturday at East Peoria’s EastSide Centre.
8th grade • Jackson Harkness – shot put, discus, 4x400 • Sam Marincic – hurdles, 4x400 • Derek McCoy – 1600m • Isaiah Groeper – shot put, high jump, 800, 4x400 • Tyler Svymbersky –alternate 4x400 • Mathew Jordan – 4x400 Girls 7th grade • Miranda Coulter – shot put • Grace LaFollett – 400, high jump
7th Grade • Jett Schmitt – shot put, discus 8th Grade Boys • Chris Mills – long jump, 4x200,
400
• Hayden Golemon – 110 hurdles,
100, 4x200, 200
• Franciscovich – 4x200
• Plack – 4x200
• McClanahan – 4x200 WILLIAMSFIELD JUNIOR HIGH Girls 7th Grade • Paige Collopy (6th grader) – long
jump
• Alexis Little (6th grader) – discus
LACROSSE: 2nd year at Dunlap Continued from Page 16
Page 15
It’s only the second year for lacrosse at Dunlap and the first year that any of the Elmwood boys have played. “It wasn’t too hard to adjust to playing. We’re all from athletic backgrounds,” Alcaraz said. The JV team is currently 3-1 while the varsity is 2-1. Jon and Trent Scotti play JV while Alcaraz and Case play both. Jon Scotti plays defense while Trent Scotti is a midfielder. Alcaraz and Case both play as midfielders or attackers. “We’re actually pretty good,” Case said. Long considered an East Coast sport, lacrosse has slowly spread to the Midwest and is currently most popular in suburban Chicago, where teams are part of the Illinois High School Lacrosse Association. Boys lacrosse is considered an “emerging sport” by the Illinois High School Association. In 2009, the IHSA Board of Directors approved a state series if at least 65 boys teams and 40 girls teams entered the tournament. Those thresholds were not met, and the Board delayed the inaugural tournament indefinitely until participation in lacrosse increases. Other downstate towns fielding lacrosse teams include Peoria, Morton, Bloomington, Champaign, Springfield, Washington and Belleville. The four Elmwood students playing say there’s good reason for the grow-
ing popularity of the sport, which was first played by Native American tribes and requires the use of a long stick with a net basket at one end. “It’s a lot of teamwork and action. There’s always competition,” Trent Scotti said. Even though the boys aren’t from Dunlap, both Case and Alcaraz see a lot of playing time. Case does not think the Dunlap boys are favored, in fact, he said “I think the coach likes us better.” The boys all have enjoyed being a part of the team. “It’s one of the few sports I’ve considered playing in college,” Alcaraz said. He did also admit that it’s one of the most violent sports he’s ever played. “I’ve never come out of a game without some big bruises,” Alcaraz said. The lacrosse season started when track began and ends with the Central Illinois Lacrosse Championship June 8. Dunlap’s next game is Saturday at Morton, with both the JV and varsity in action from 12:30 to 3:45 p.m. The boys are not sure what will happen next year with the team. Dunlap is going to have try-outs for the team for the first time. Both Jon and Trent Scotti are going off to college, but Trent is thinking about joining a club team. “Either way, it’s been nice to be the founders of lacrosse at Elmwood,” Alcaraz said.
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Real Estate & Personal Property Auction Located at: 231 N. Washington Street, Brimfield, IL 61517 Saturday, June 8th , 2013 @ 10 a.m. Real Estate Description: Two Bedroom Ranch home situated on double corner lot near churches & businesses. Built in the 1800s, the front of the brick home still maintains that unique look. The home has eat-in kitchen, living room, den and utility room. Covered front porch & side enclosed porch provides good entries. It also has a double garage, blacktop drive and plenty of trees. Call today for an appointment to view or visit the Open House – Call the auctioneer: 309-370-5305. Legal Description: Town of Brimfield NW ¼ SEC 24-10N-5E Lots 1-2 BLK 20 Pin#06-24-106-001
Open House: Sunday, May 19th 2013 • 1-3pm Terms for Real Estate: 10 percent down at time of final accepted bid. Remainder paid at time of closing in 30 days, when Title Insurance policy will be given. Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Property is subject to sale prior of auction. Both buyer & seller will be required to sign written agreement furnished day of auction. Property will be sold “As Is” and not subject to loan approval. Personal Property to be auctioned immediately following the sale of above Real Estate 1936 Gibson l4 Guitar-1817 Violin w/wood case-Antique Furniture-Antiques-Pottery-SterlingChina-Glass-Collectables-Red Wing-Waterford Crystal-Lead Crystal-Cut Glass-Pocket WatchesQuilt-Minks-Display Case Items-Paintings-Paper-1938 Leather H.S. Football Helmet- AppliancesModern Furniture-Household-Riding Mowers-Lawnboy Elec Start-Yard Carts-Tools-Shop-Garden: To view complete sale bill & photos; www.culverauctions.com or www.biddersandbuyers.com Auctioneers Note: This is a must see property and offers an outstanding selection of personal property to be sold immediately following the sale of the real estate. Statements day of auction supersede all others. TERMS: CASH OR CHECK • NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS • LUNCH STAND • RESTROOM Owner; Helen M. Ward – POA; Vicki V. Colvin Culver Auction Service Lic#440.000447 Greg Culver Farmington. IL 61631 ph:309-370-5305 -Tim Placher Lacon, IL. Lic#440.000339-Jimmy Johnson Lic#441.001594
Page 16
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, May 2, 2013
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Baseball teams earn top seeds By JEFF LAMPE
Despite plenty of rain and many lost games, this has not been a lost baseball season for BrimfieldElmwood and WilliamsfieldGalva. Both area squads earned No. 1 seeds heading into the postseason and have shown flashes of real promise. B-E (17-5) headlines its own Class 2A regional, which opens Monday, and is coming off an exciting comeback win over Beardstown on Monday. The Indians scored seven runs in their final three at-bats to win the Prairieland Conference semifinal 10-9 in eight innings. That was despite one of the first subpar pitching outings of the season by junior Matt Dwyer. Dwyer had been hit in the back of his right elbow by an errant Weekly Post Staff Writer
warmup toss a few days earlier prior to a 12-2 win over Delavan. But Coach Steve Paxson said his ace appears to be fine. “Matt Dwyer has had another great year and I really like the way Jason Harkness is coming out of the bullpen,” Paxson said. “I’m hoping (Harkness) can continue to do that for us. That’s how you win big games.” Nick Groeper is the No. 2 pitcher for B-E, which has received timely hits from Harkness, Groeper and No. 9 batter Carson Cuevas. “Actually, we’ve all been hitting pretty well,” Paxson said. “We just need to keep putting the ball in play.” Winner of the ICAC Conference, B-E faces South Fulton today for the Prairieland Conference tournament title. W-G (10-5 heading into a
Wednesday game vs. Rowva) lost a dozen games to rainouts. But with a balanced hitting lineup and fireballing ace James Doubet, Coach Charlie Sams’ team is a postseason threat. “We’re not exactly stinging the ball but we don’t really have anybody struggling,” Sams said. “We’re hitting the ball much better as a team this year than last.” Top hitters for W-G include James Doubet (.367), Parker Wight (.333), Tyler Doubet (.326), James Sams (.311) and cleanup hitter Logan Smith, who leads in RBIs. Leadoff man David Jeffries is 15-for-15 stealing bases. “Top seed doesn’t mean a thing,” Sams said. “It’s up to us to do something with it.” Regional play starts Monday. See Page 14 for area regional schedules.
LACROSSE? IN ELMWOOD?
Brimfield-Elmwood baseball coach Steve Paxson and his ace pitcher Matt Dwyer chat during Mondays’ exciting comeback win over Beardstown. Photo by Jeff Lampe.
Different stories for softball teams
While Brimfield-Elmwood looks to be peaking for the postseason, Williamsfield-Galva has struggled of late as the 2013 softball season reaches its conclusion. Top-seed in its own regional, B-E (19-3 heading into Wednesday’s game with Abingdon) has converted hot hitting and good pitching to outscore its last three foes 31-6 since a 4-1 loss to Farmington – No. 2 seed in the Class 2A Brimfield Regional. Highlights included a grand-slam by Bekka Roberts in Monday’s 15-3 win over BushnellPrairie Central and continued hot hitting by Kerrigan Dura (.549), Kendra Gorham (.487), Morgan Ledbetter (.444) and Ryleigh Keith (.400). The Lady Bombers (4-10) have not been so fortunate, losing four straight. But there’s still time for No. 3 seed W-G to turn things around. The team faces No. 2 seed Princeville on May 15 in the Lowpoint-Washburn Class 1A Regional and has split with the Princes. “I think we can compete and get a win,” W-G Coach Darrin Peterson said. See Page 14 for area regional schedules. Weekly Post Staff Reports
Elmwood members of the Dunlap Lacrosse team are (left to right) Trent Scotti, Grady Case, Kyle Alcaraz, Jon Scotti. Photo by Gabbie Sloan.
Lacrosse gains Elmwood converts By GABBIE SLOAN
ELMWOOD – The popularity of lacrosse has spread nationwide over the past few years – even to Elmwood. Juniors Kyle Alcaraz and Grady Case and seniors Jon and Trent Scotti are members of Dunlap’s lacrosse team. “It’s an interesting sport – new and For The Weekly Post
upcoming,” Alcaraz said. Case was actually the first to become interested in playing lacrosse. “A guy called and asked me to be a referee for one of the games, but I said I’d rather play instead,” Case explained. Soon after that, Case asked the three other boys to join the team and soon all four were playing for Dunlap. Continued on Page 15
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The SCHEDULE Week
TODAY, May 9 • Brimfield-Elmwood softball vs. WilliamsfieldGalva 4:30 pm • B-E baseball vs. South Fulton 4:30 pm • W-G baseball at Illini Bluffs 4:30 pm FRIDAY, May 10 • B-E softball at Limestone Tournament vs. Limestone, 5 pm • Elmwood-Brimfield girls track at MonmouthRoseville Class 1A Sectional, 4 pm SATURDAY, May 11 • B-E baseball at Metamora vs. Galesburg 9 am, Normal U-High 4:30 pm • W-G baseball at Galva vs. Mercer Co. (2) 10 am • B-E softball at Limestone Tournament vs. Normal West, 7 pm MONDAY May 13 • Baseball/softball regionals start. See schedule Page 14.