The Weekly Post
Thursday August 17, 2017 Vol. 5, No. 24 Hot news tip? Want to advertise? Call (309) 741-9790
“We Cover The News of West-Central Illinois With A Passion” Serving the fine communities of Brimfield, Dahinda, Douglas, Duncan, Edwards, Elmore, Elmwood, Farmington, Kickapoo, Laura, Monica, Oak Hill, Princeville, Williamsfield and Yates City
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BUILDING UPGRADES
By BILL KNIGHT
BRIMFIELD – Due to an increased workload, Brian Asbell may not be at his customary position holding the sideline chains at Elmwood-Brimfield football games this season. But he knows he wouldn’t have come up through the ranks to become Peoria County’s new sheriff if it weren’t for friends he made at two-a-day practices when Brimfield first fielded a football team in a co-op with Peoria Heights in 1988. “We started football my junior year,” says the 44-year-old former tackle, who on Aug. 10 was confirmed as sheriff by the County Board. “My job goes back to football. One of my football buddies had Asbell a dad who worked at the sheriff’s office, and when I got out of the Army and was looking for work, he suggested applying, and I got hired.” Starting as a corrections officer in 1995, Asbell rose through the department: jail sergeant, patrol division, detective, then an undersheriff starting in 2009, when he became jail superintendent. “I guess I’m sort of that guy who started in the mailroom and ended up being CEO,” he says, laughing. Asbell, who lives in rural Brimfield with his wife and two sons, comes from a large Brimfield family that has farmed in the area for decades. For The Weekly Post
Continued on Page 8
Back to (remodeled) school Elmwood, Williamsfield open doors on renovated buildings construction STEM science room – all part of a project slated to cost Going back to school has created even more ex- $486,100 for the offices and water-line work and citement than usual this $354,193 for the STEM week in Elmwood and Remodel. Williamsfield. In Elmwood, Those two where school local schools Inside does not start are both un• Local school suuntil Friday, dergoing perintendents say changes were major facility they can stay open more far reachrenovation for a year or more ing. All but one without state fundand construcing. Page 12-13 high school tion projects classroom was that, while remodeled, halls were still underway, have aldramatically changed and ready made significant new commons space was changes as school starts. added under a $7.1 milWilliamsfield students lion project. returned Tuesday to find There’s also much more new administrative ofwork still to be done at fices, several remodeled Elmwood, where a new classrooms and an underBy JEFF LAMPE
Weekly Post Staff Writer
main entrance, district offices, band room, concession stand and bathrooms are still to be completed. At both schools, the superintendents involved are excited about what the changes will mean for Continued on Page 2
Bright new flooring colors and repainted ockers are a major change in the hallway of Elmwood High School (above left) where classrooms have also been remodeled. Much work is left on the new entryway and commons, though (above right). At Williamsfield, a new board room (above) should see plenty of use by staff and students as a meeting area. Photos by Jeff Lampe.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
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BACK TO SCHOOL: Construction still ongoing Continued from Page 1
their buildings and for their students and staff. In both cases, public safety has been a factor. “We’ve got a set of eyes on the main entrance right where people come in,” said Tim Farquer of Williamsfield, where the main office was previously located in the middle of the school. “And for the first time we have an entrance that tells guests that, ‘This is the main entrance.’” At Elmwood, Superintendent Chad Wagner points to a new fire alarm system and a new bell/clock/pager system as important safety improvements. “We’ve really improved the safety of the building for our students and staff,” Wagner said. The Elmwood project has also brought a fresh look to a high school that had been largely unchanged for more than six decades. Gone almost entirely is the dark brown floor tile and red lockers of the main hallway – replaced by white, orange and gray floor coverings and gray lockers. Above the brighter floors are clean, new ceiling tiles. Classrooms leading off that hallway are also completely redone with white walls, LED lights and new furniture – some of which at press time had yet to arrive. Even the doors leading into classrooms are new. “Now we’re going to be able to compete with our neighbors to the
south and north,” Wagner said. There’s also a new air conditioning system and new bathrooms – which means the familiar, musky odor of the boy’s bathroom may finally be gone, Wagner said. “It turns out the sewer line under the boy’s bathroom was broken and we would not have found the problem if we hadn’t done this project,” Wagner said. Likely the biggest changes in classrooms were to the art room, ag room and physics and chemistry lab – whose location and look has changed entirely. Work is still to be finished on an ag workshop that features a sizable roll-up door to facilitate larger projects. There’s even more construction to be done in the new entryway and commons area, which Wagner said could be finished by March. One last classroom will be redone in the summer of 2018. “It’s already a resounding difference here but next year will just be a crazy difference,” Wagner said. Reaching this point has taken plenty of work, Wagner said, noting River City Construction had as many as 120 workers on the job at one point. He also singled out the School Board’s building committee – Mark Davis, Claude Keefer and Val Ramirez – as being “invaluable” to the project. “They’re able to see things I can’t even realize,” Wagner said.
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That said, the project has not all been smooth. “I’m not going to lie: I was really apprehensive about being ready for the starting date (Friday, Aug. 18). Even two weeks ago I was nervous,” Wagner said. “But River City has just been phenomenal.” That includes a recent Sunday when an inch of water flooded the new commons area after a sandbag was inadvertently moved. One 12hour day later, construction superintendent John Mummert said a potential catastrophe was averted. At Williamsfield, Farquer and Principal Zach Binder are eager to see the new STEM lab completed. Farquer hopes that happens by Dec. 31, but no firm date is yet set. “It’s exciting. (The students) haven’t had a new space in a long time,” Binder said. Added Farquer, “We’ve gained a lot of square footage for student usage.” Once the STEM lab is done, Farquer said construction at Williamsfield will slow dramatically. “We’ve got some spots we need to put some attention into, but nothing that’s awful,” he said. Still to be determined is what will become of the old central office at Billtown. “It lends itself to be a studentdriven space,” Farquer said. Multiple uses will also be in line for the board room, which Binder said could serve as a conference room for various groups.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
THE WEEK AHEAD HOT PICKS This Week!
s Harvest Home – Yates City’s Harvest Home festival is Friday and Saturday (Aug. 18-19), featuring carnival rides, a 5K race, 1 mile walk/run, craft fair, parade, live music and more. s Community Awareness – Princeville’s Community Awareness Day is Saturday (Aug. 19), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Troutman Park. Breakfast at 7-10 a.m., craft fair, free food 11 a.m.-2 p.m., kids activities. s Eclipse Viewing – Solar Eclipse viewing at Brimfield Public Library Aug. 21, noon to 2 p.m. Safe viewing glasses provided with NASA LiveStream from Carbondale.
Sharon Fitzgerald is Saturday (Aug. 19), with a 1 p.m. program and a 2-4 s Fund Raiser – Harvest Home fund p.m. open house to follow at Elmwood raiser dinner today (Aug. 17) at Yates Baptist Church, 701 W. Dearborn St. City Community Center. Deep-fried s Yoga – Yoga classes Mondays at chicken breast, potatoes, gravy, roll, Brimfield Public Library (including dessert and drink. Dine in or take out Aug. 21) from 6-7 p.m. 4:30-7 p.m. s Play Group – Play Group held on s Free Bread – Free bread available at Wednesday mornings (when school is Elmwood Methodist Church every Friin session) from 9-10 a.m. in the Morriday (including Aug. 18), 10:30 a.m. son & Mary Wiley LiFree bread available brary conference room Tuesdays (including Publicize Your Event for children ages 0-5. Aug. 22) at Harrison Call us at (309) 741-9790 s Book Sale – Friends Hall in Brimfield at or email information about Book Sale through Aug. 10 a.m. (309) 696your upcoming event to 30 at LME Library in 4542. news@wklypost.com. Princeville. Thousands of s Farmers Market – books, audios, and Vendors gather FriDVDs. Proceeds return to the library day (Aug. 18) in downtown Elmwood, for special projects. 4-6:30 p.m. Future Events s School Supplies – “Great Give s Driver Course – AARP Smart Driver Away” of school supplies and clothes is at Course at Princeville Heritage Museum, Brimfield’s Union Church on Saturday Aug. 23-24, both days from 8:30 a.m.(Aug. 19), 8-9 a.m. 12:30 p,m. Cost $15 AARP members, s Craft Time – Make It/Take It Crafts $20 non-members. Call (309) 385-1916. Saturday (Aug. 19) at Morrison & s Golf Outing – The annual Elmwood Mary Wiley Library in Elmwood. Stop Elementary Parent’s Club, Golf Fore in 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to make button Education fund raiser is Aug. 26 at bracelets. Maple Lane Country Club. Steak dins Retirement Celebration – A retirener, silent auction starts at 5:30 p.m. ment celebration for Pastor Dennis and For tickets, call Erin at (309) 738-9938.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
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The Weekly Post The Weekly Post is published every Thursday (except the last weeks of December and June) by Lampe Publications LLC, 115 W. Main St., Elmwood, IL 61529. All phone numbers listed are in area code (309). Postmaster - Send address changes to The Weekly Post, P.O. Box 745, Elmwood, IL 61529 Phone - 741-9790 Fax - 741-9365 Email - news@wklypost.com Office Hours - Mon-Wed 9-3, Thurs 9-12, Fri 9-3 News - Jeff Lampe 231-6040, jeff@wklypost.com Classifieds - Shelly Brodine 741-9790 Advertising - 741-9790 Subscriptions - Subscriptions $50 for 50 issues. Deadlines - News due Tuesdays by noon. Ads due Mondays by noon. Quotable: “It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.” – Deng Xiaoping Illinois Press Association Member
No glamour in lives of Elmwood’s feral cats
I’ve always wanted to blame Erich Weiger for something other than just the gratuitous Star Wars song at every concert he directs. Two Sundays ago, the Elmwood band maestro gave me that chance. While sitting in my office, daydreaming, the sounds of a song from the musical “Cats” drifted in through the open front door, courtesy of the municipal band’s final summer concert. Their version was good, and before long I was watchJeff ing You Tube versions of the LAMPE musical. While listening to Grisabella the Glamour Cat, I started thinking about the less-than-glamorous feral cats of Elmwood. Across town, the population ebbs and flows based on who is feeding heavily and how many foxes are around. Where food is abundant, so are feral cats. In one part of town, numbers are staggering. My counts have reached the 40s, after which it become impossible to distinguish one scruffy black tom from another. Cats gather in this location because it is fairly remote and because a kind woman has for years provided food and water each day. But it is no cat paradise. Anyone with idyllic views of life in a feral colony needs to spend time witnessing the reality of one-eyed, inbred, limping cats with ears choked by mites. My middle son helps tend this area
and, over the past two summers, we’ve buried our share of founddead felines. In the midst of all that you’ll also find cute little kittens – kittens whose numbers tend to dwindle quickly and often sadly. Which brings me back to my thoughts on that recent Sunday. For more than a month, I’ve toyed with the idea of relocating members of the feral colony. The problem is finding willing hosts. Not everybody likes cats. That was true for me until the kids brought home Rosie (at right, gearing up for Elmwood football season). She was taken from the same feral colony at a young age and has proven to be a sweet little tabby cat, if you can overlook being woken at 6:15 each morning. Even so, there are not a lot of people putting up posters seeking cats. There are too many around already. Shelters are overrun in part because people have a mistaken belief that the lives of feral cats matter more than the lives of the birds, snakes and other critters they kill. So for a bit, I was stumped with what to do here in town. The tipping point came when the kindly lady who feeds the cats asked my son when we were going to start trapping. She can’t afford the food bill and winter is hard on her. That and seeing Grisabella ascend to the Heaviside Layer made my path clear – though it has cursed our office with the smell of tom cat. Last week we ran an ad that you may have seen seeking homes for barn cats blessed with champion mouse-hunting bloodlines.
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Response has been solid. On Monday, we placed three cats at a farm near Princeville. We’ve had calls from Brimfield, Canton, Cuba, Elmwood and Lewistown. Someone also called saying we should spay and neuter first. While that’s a fine idea, my budget does not have room for that. Trapping cats, housing them, cleaning up after them and driving them to new homes is as much as I’m willing to invest in this latest scheme. Maybe a vet out there will be interested in providing free or reducedcost spaying to make sure we don’t pass the same problem on to others. I doubt it. The demand for such help is overwhelming. And maybe there are more folks who want a mouser in their barn or shed. If so, give me a call. We prefer placing several cats together to increase the odds they will stay put. And Mr. Weiger, we can surely collect a few really cute kittens that would make great pets. Contact Jeff Lampe at 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
GUEST VOICES
Pension albatross is THE Illinois problem
A reader of a draft of this column said it was as boring as an Amish fashion show. But it’s about stuff important to Illinois. Hope you can hang in there. With the recent increase in income taxes in Illinois, our state is once again among the top eight or so in state and local tax burden, while our state services to taxpayers are among the lowest. For example, Jim state financial NOWLAN support for public schools as a percentage of total school spending is lowest among the 50 states. Why, you might ask? It’s all about the pension albatross, Stupid! Moody’s Investor Services reports the state’s five public employee pension systems are $251 billion short of assets adequate to meet guaranteed future obligations. That works out to about $20,000 in debt equivalent for every person in our state. By the way, State of Illinois agencies put the underfunding at
about half the Moody’s figure, but I tend to go with the worst figure when it comes to Illinois fiscal problems. The state is paying $7 billion each year to address the underfunding – and will do so until 2045. This is more than the revenue generated by 2 percentage points in the rate of the individual income tax. In other words, if our pensions were fully funded, as in Wisconsin, we could have an individual tax rate of 2.95 percent or less, rather than the new 4.95 rate. Or we could spend the $7 billion to reduce the local property tax big time. Or, my preference, we could invest in infrastructure, schools, universities, but I guess that thinking is out of fashion right now. But we aren’t Wisconsin. The Badger State can, by the way, reduce pension payouts to retirees if the income from its trust fund is insufficient. Illinois cannot. Here is the briefest tutorial on pensions from a non-expert: A bedrock principle for pension experts is that benefits for retirees be generated by contributions made earlier into a trust fund nest egg by those retirees when they were
working, matched by their employers. Makes sense. This principle is, however, honored in the breach more than in fact. Our revered Social Security system is a prime example of intergenerational, pay-as-you-go coverage of benefits. The U.S. Government uses current payments by workers to cover most benefits often earned earlier by others. But in Illinois, we are also trying to rebuild our trust funds, which should of course have been funded across earlier decades. At today’s low rates of return on investments, however, I seriously doubt we will ever be able to amass a trust fund adequate alone to fund future obligations. Social Security doesn’t even try to do so. It should be noted that a few years ago Illinois sharply reduced future pension benefits for new employees, but we still have the problem of moving the pig through the python of often large benefits for all other employees and retirees. Illinois makes its required pension payouts of $10 billion annually. This comes from $5.8 billion in investment income (in 2015)
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Is Trump faring better in polls than reported? I have tired of those who claim to be newsmen telling me how to interpret the events of the day. They present their opinions as if they are fact and we are lucky to have them there to tell us what it all means. They even claim to be without personal bias, an instant sign they think we are stupid. Mit We have all BERES heard the repeated claims of “fake news” rejected by the talking heads as ridiculous. I suggest it is
not the news, but the interpretation that is under fire. One example is the penchant to harp on the lack of popularity of President Trump because he has polled at only 38 percent approval in the latest CNN poll. Either we have very short memories or we paid no attention as President Trump repeatedly won Republican Primary contests with less than 40 percent of the Republican vote. The Republican establishment laughed at him and refused to support his candidacy. But they and the other candidates refused to understand his 30+ percent was giving him the delegates necessary to win the nomination. Even after he won,
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they shunned him. Polls are supposed to be fair. If they are, half or more those polled should be Democrats and Independents. I suggest none of that half favors anything President Trump does. If so, it means his 38 percent favorable rating comes from the Republicans. Basic math tells us 38 votes out of every 50 is 76 percent of the Republican half – which is far better than Trump did in the primaries. Please try to tear apart the numbers I have presented. Either my interpretation or that of the talking heads is fake news. We can’t both be right, but we are free to pretend we are.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
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from our $80 billion in pension assets, plus employee contributions of $1.6 billion, and state appropriations of $9 billion. A huge chunk of the excess of state contributions each year go to rebuild the trust funds, so that by 2045 there should, theoretically, be enough in the funds to cover fully the anticipated payouts to retirees. This excess in state payments over payouts is obviously unavailable for spending on education, so-
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NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Police reports
• Nathan Christy, 28, of Farmington on July 23 was arrested by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department for Driving Under the Influence, failure to reduce speed to avoid accident, leaving scene of accident, and failure to report accident to police authority. • The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office reported arresting Larry A. Wilson, 40, of Elmwood on Aug. 5 for operating an uninsured vehicle. • Tyler Anderson, 22, of Farmington on Aug. 6 was arrested for Failure to Appear. • Jacob Gunter, 29, of Princeville on Aug. 7 was arrested on a bench warrant for Driving Under the Influence, and transported to the Peoria County Jail, where he bonded out that day. • Charetta Harper, 48, of Farm-
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cial services and infrastructure. That’s why we have high taxes, low services. Instead of trying to amass gargantuan trust funds, I think we should continue to build the trust funds, but more slowly, and consider them as rainy-day funds to be drawn upon only in the event of a major Depression. By doing so, we could shave $2 billion or more off our annual appropriation, make full payments to beneficiaries, and still grow the trust funds. There is no magic in
meeting a Year 2045 goal. The $2 billion could go toward meeting current needs. Some retort that would simply be kicking the can of our fiscal mismanagement farther down the road. Wrong. We would be meeting our obligations to retirees fully. And the Illinois Constitution and the state Supreme Court guarantee all pension benefits promised. There is no weaseling out. It’s the pension albatross, Stupid, and we need to rethink it.
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ington on Aug. 7 was arrested by the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office for Failure to Appear on a Fulton County charge of obstruction of justice and released that day. • Michael Garcia, 42 of Edwards on Aug. 9 reported being victimized by an attempted identity theft. • Dylan Snider, 24, of Brimfield on Aug. 10 was arrested for domestic battery and transported to the Peoria County Jail, which released him Aug. 11. • A utility pole in the alley behind the Elmwood Locker Service in the 200 block of South Magnolia on Aug. 10 was reported to have been broken off at ground level by unknown persons, and Elmwood police are investigating the incident as criminal damage to property. • Bradley Kefauver, 18, of Canton on Aug. 10 was ticketed by Farmington police for possession of drug paraphernalia, and also is-
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sued a warning ticket for a traffic violation. • A residential burglary in the 100 block of West Pearl St. in Farmington was reported to have occurred on Aug. 10, when Farmington police found that a window had been broken to gain access to the property. It was reportedly the third such break-in, police said. • James Herr, 20, of Farmington on Aug. 11 was arrested by Farmington police on a warrant for Failure To Appear on a weapons charge in Fulton County, and was transported to the Fulton County Jail. On Aug. 13, Herr was also ticketed by Farmington police for operating an uninsured vehicle.
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Elmwood will extend sidewalk By BILL KNIGHT
ELMWOOD – A 500-foot extension of a sidewalk on the west side of North Magnolia has been OK’d after a neighbor approved postponing driveway work on his lot until next year. The $21,000 project will be divided into building a sidewalk and ADA ramp for $12,300 soon, after Gary Maness agreed that the City can wait to improve his driveway. The portion of the project – which has already been engineered and OK’d by the Illinois Department of Transportation – will cost about $8,600. That work was a condition of an easement the City needed to do the work, Mayor Bryan Davis said. Besides answering an appeal by residents of the Meadows subdivision to fulfill a pledge to do the driveway this For The Weekly Post
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
year, the arrangement will ease stress on the budget, according to Treasurer Dean Warner. Also easing financial pressure is a new package for both General Liability and Workers Compensation insurance coverage that will save the City some $8,000, Warner said. The Council on Wednesday (Aug. 9) approved awarding that contract for about $58,000 to Elmwood Insurance Services, LLC. In other business, the Council cancelled a Special Meeting previously set for Aug. 22 in order to prepare the annual budget for a public hearing at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 7, Warner said.
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AREA CHURCHES BRIMFIELD St. Joseph Catholic Church Father John Verrier 314 W. Clay, Brimfield (309) 446-3275 stjosephbrimfield.org Sat. Confession: 3:30-4:45 pm Sat. Mass: 5 pm Sun. Mass: 10:30 am (10 am in the summer) Daily Mass: Tues.-Fri. 8 am
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod “Preaching Christ Crucified” “Liturgical & Reverential” Pastor Michael Liese 204 W. Clay St., Brimfield (309) 446-3233 Sun. Divine Service: 10 am
Brimfield E-Free Church Pastor Donald Blasing 11724 Maher Road Brimfield, IL 61517 (309) 446-3571 brimfieldefree.org Worship: 10:30 am
Sunday School: 9:30 am AWANA: Wed. 6:15 pm, ages 3-12
Brimfield United Methodist Church
Sunday services: 9:30 am
EDWARDS Bethany Baptist Church
Pastor David Mustain 135 S. Galena St., Brimfield (309) 446-9310 Sun. Worship: 9 am Sun. School: 9 am Thurs. Bible Study: 7 pm
Union Church at Brimfield United Church of Christ Pastor Stephen Barch 105 W. Clay Street, Brimfield (309) 446-3811 brimfieldunionchurch.org Sunday Worship: 9 am Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 pm First Sunday each month is Communion Sunday (gluten free communion offered)
DAHINDA Dahinda United Methodist Church 1739 Victoria Street, PO Box 14, Dahinda IL 61428 Church phone: 309-639-2768 Email: williamsfielddahindaumc@yahoo.com
7422 N. Heinz Ln., Edwards (309) 692-1755 bethanycentral.org Sun. Worship 8:15 & 11 am Wednesday Awana: 6:15 pm
Christ Alive! Community Church Pastor Lance Zaerr 9320 W US Hwy 150, Edwards (309) 231-8272 christalivecc.com Sun. School: 9:15 am Worship: 10:30 am
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Father Joseph Dondanville 9910 W. Knox St., Edwards (309) 691-2030 stmaryskickapoo.org Sat. Confession: 3-3:45 pm Sat. Mass: 4 pm Sun Masses: 7 & 11:00 am Mon. Mass: 5:30 pm Daily Masses: Wed-Fri. 8 am
ELMWOOD Crossroads Assembly of God Pastor Tim Cavallo
615 E. Ash St., Elmwood (309) 830-4259 crossroadselmwood.org Wed. Worship: 7 pm Sun. Worship: 10:30 am
Elmwood Baptist Church Pastor Dennis Fitzgerald 701 W. Dearborn St., Elmwood (309) 742-7631, 742-7911 Sun. School: 9:30 am Sun Worship: 10:30 am, 6 pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood
United Methodist Church of Elmwood Pastor David Pyell 821 W. Main St., Elmwood (309) 742-7221 elmwoodumc.org Sun. Worship: 9 am, 10:30 am Youth Sun. School: 9 am Adult Sun. School: 8 am
Pastor Zach Waldis 420 E. Woertz, Princeville (309) 385-4487 princevilleumc@mediacombb.net Sun. Worship: 9 am Sunday School: 10:15 am
WILLIAMSFIELD FARMINGTON First Presbyterian Church of Farmington
Reverend Marla B. Bauler 201 W. Evergreen, Elmwood (309) 742-2631 firstpresbyterianofelmwood.org Sun. Worship: 10:30 am Sun. School: 9:30 am
Reverend Dr. Linda Philabaun 83 N. Cone Street, Farmington (309) 245-2914 firstpresfarmington.com Sunday School: 9:30 am Fellowship: 10:30 am Worship: 11:00 am
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
New Hope Fellowship Assembly of God
Father Joseph Dondanville 802 W. Main St., Elmwood (309) 742-4921 Sat. Mass: 5:30 pm Sun. Mass: 9 am Tues. Mass: 8 am Tues. Confession: After mass
Pastor Tom Wright 1102 N. Illinois Route 78 Farmington (309) 231-8076 Sun. Worship: 10 am Wed. Worship: 7 pm
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PRINCEVILLE Princeville United Methodist Church
St. James Catholic Church Father John Verrier Legion Road Knox Road 1450 N Williamsfield (309) 446-3275 stjameswilliamsfield.org Sun. Confession: 7:30-8 am Sun. Mass: 8 am (8:30 am in the summer)
YATES CITY Faith United Presbyterian Church Reverend Marla B. Bauler 107 W. Bishop St., Yates City (309) 358-1170 Worship: 9 am Sun. School: 10:15 am Thurs. Choir: 7 pm
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
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BRIEFS Harvest Home Festival ahead in Yates City
YATES CITY – Food stands open Friday at 4:30 p.m. marking the start of the annual Yates City Harvest Home Festival, which concludes Saturday (Aug. 19). In addition to food vendors, Harvest Home features carnival rides, live entertainment, a vendor show, a 5K run, a 1-mile walk and a parade. Gazebo run registration is from 6:30-7:30 a.m. on Saturday with the walk at 7:30 a.m. and the race at 8. The parade is at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Winners will be announced at noon at the stage. Tractor pulls also start at noon. Bingo will be played both days starting at 6 p.m. Live music Friday includes Gracelyn Ulm on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by the Tomcats at 8 p.m. Tom Hayes performs Saturday at 7 p.m. and is followed by the Crazy
Yates Band at 8.
Locals grand champions at Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD – Carrie Gill of Princeville and Olivia Caldwell of Elmwood both were honored at the Illinois State Fair’s Junior Livestock shows over the weekend and had grand champion animals that sold in Tuesday’s Governor’s Sale of Champions. Gill, daughter of Peter and Suzanne Gill, earned Grand Champion Poultry Market Pen with a pen of turkeys. This is the first year a pen of turkeys has won grand champion over a pen of roaster chickens. Caldwell, daughter of Kim and Todd Caldwell, was honored with Grand Champion Steer. She also won Supreme Heifer Champion, which to the best of the ISF Beef Department’s knowledge marks the first time a youth has won both such awards.
Nine-year-old Delanie Sollenberger of Brimfield gets temporary art on her wrist drawn by Acadia Jacobs of Brimfield during Old Settler’s Days. Photo by Bill Knight.
ASBELL: Budget woes atop list for sheriff Continued from Page 1
“My childhood was ag-based [but] I always thought about law enforcement,” he says. “It intrigued me.” The opportunity for his latest advancement came when Sheriff Mike McCoy resigned June 29 to become Washington police chief. “All this was unexpected,” he says. “I was the most surprised, and while I was interim sheriff I had to wear both hats, continuing as jail superintendent, so there were some 100-hour weeks this summer.” For five weeks, Asbell worked and went through the application process. Two other candidates were in the running before a selection committee made up of Peoria County Board chairman Andrew Rand, a Democrat, and Republican County Board members Jim Fennel and Stephen Morris. (Since McCoy is a Republican, his vacancy had to have been filled by a Republican.) The committee unanimously picked Asbell to complete McCoy’s term through Nov. 30, 2018. Now in charge of more than 175 employees and dozens of additional contract workers, support personnel and volunteers all working to serve more than 180,000 people in an area of 629 square miles with about 1,200 miles of roads, Asbell faces several formidable tests to his leadership. “The budget is a big problem,” he says. “It’s a balancing act, with patrol, corrections, records and all the civil process work we do. It has to be coordinated at a global level. We not
only took a cut of over $600,000 this winter, but taking into account retirement and buyout [obligations], we were down about $1 million. “I’ll be prioritizing services and making difficult decisions, decisions I have to stand by.” The financial side isn’t likely to improve soon, he adds. “Look at the state revenue coming to the county,” Asbell says. “Forecasts for 2018 to 2020 aren’t better. If we have to take another reduction, we’re talking services.” Besides budget woes, behavioral health issues, community relations, and crime – especially drug problems – are on Asbell’s short list of needs. “We’re one of the area’s biggest mental-health providers,” he says. “We work with social-service agencies, faith-based groups, and our own full- and part-time professionals and a psychiatrist, but it takes resources.” Asbell wants to launch an advisory board to help him build trust. “We have to re-think how we do some of our work,” he says. “Community involvement will be a big part of that, different sectors of the population.” As for crime, Asbell blames drugs in general, but opioids in particular. “It’s an epidemic, it really is,” he says. “Addiction is a disease, and addicts need money to feed their addictions. We need to go on the offensive, especially with education. We have to go out to schools, talk to
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parents, whatever it takes, because these are deadly substances, and for people predisposed to addiction, one experience might instantly addict them, and it affects everyone around them.” Such challenges might seem like predicaments bigger cities deal with, but small towns aren’t immune, he says. “I’ve seen many detainees in the jail dealing with addictions, and they’re by no means all from the city,” he says. “I’ve had parents say they want help but they don’t want their child in jail, and I’ve told them, ‘At least they’ll be alive there,’ and we can start to get them some help.” Fortunately, Asbell’s upbringing and experience give him a familiarity with the county and an institutional memory, he says. “In policy discussions or working on the budget or employee relations, I know the past practice, the precedents,” he says. “I have more to learn and I have an open line of communications and I think I have internal support. “Of course, this is ‘the honeymoon’,” he adds, smiling. Asbell may run for sheriff in the 2018 election, but he declines to commit, noting that family discussions continue over that decision. “I’ll make a formal announcement next month,” says Asbell, in a response as agile as a key block for a running back. BILL KNIGHT can be reached at bill.knight@hotmail.com.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
Yates City tables additional protection bond By BILL KNIGHT
YATES CITY – The possibility of adding a $500,000 bond to existing insurance coverage for officials handling village assets was discussed at the Village Board meeting on Wednesday (Aug. 9), but the idea was tabled. Board member Boyd Bewley proposed the measure, noting that the Village has about that much in liquid assets. “I’m a Trustee, and I’m looking out for the assets and property of the Village,” he said. Such a surety bond would cover Village President Leslie Gavelys and Treasurer Joy Mahr in case of a loss of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, Bewley said. The bond would cost the Village $1,500 per official, according to Bewley and Finance/Insurance Committee Chair Tom Kinzer. Kinzer added, however, that officials are already bonded for any losses up to $50,000 under the Village’s insurance package through the Illinois Municipal League’s For The Weekly Post
Risk Management Association. Trustees commented that for $3,000, it was unclear whether there’s a need for the additional coverage. The Board may take up the measure in September. Meanwhile, demolition of the Masonic Lodge building at 102 E. Main St. was scheduled to start this week, and Public Works Supervisor Chuck Eiker said that since the structure is condemned Village workers will have to wait until much of the building is down before they’ll be able to disconnect water and sewer connections there. In other news: • Police Chief Randy Benson suggested making the east side of Marietta Street no-parking between Market and Maple Streets for the Harvest Home Festival this weekend (Aug. 18-19) except for vendors and volunteers in order to ensure access for emergency vehicles and minimize dangers of kids darting into traffic between parked vehicles;
• Benson also reported that the department in July had 137 reports, 93 stops, 89 warnings, 24 citations, 4 arrests, 1 Notice To Appear and 12 ordinance violations; • the Board approved Eiker purchasing two truckloads of rock chips and one load of spray-patching rock from Burgess Brothers in Yates City at a cost of about $22 per ton, and also 450 pounds of chlorine from Hawkins, Inc. of Roseville, Minn., at about 65 cents per pound; • the Board also OK’d adding electricity for the new lights behind the Community Building to its Ameren bill for an additional charge of about $30 per month, Gavelys said; and • the Board renewed its annual Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Municipal League’s Risk Management Association for insurance.
BILL KNIGHT can be reached at bill.knight@hotmail.com.
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Cut flowers from the garden offer benefits By RON DIETER
It’s nearly impossible for me to look at a vase of cut flowers, especially daisylike blooms, without smiling. I enjoy having a fresh floral bouquet on the dining room table. It makes me feel good every time I walk by and there’s plenty of evidence to show that my good feelings are real, not imaginary. Research shows that flowers and plants can improve a hospital patient’s recovery and enhance creative abilities at the office. Fresh flowers help folks relax, which is one reason you’ll see them at the doctor’s office and on the tables of finer restaurants. Cutting fresh flowers from your own garden and arranging them into colorful bouquets is a relaxing and rewarding way to spend an early summer morning. And don’t worry about depleting your garden of flowers. Cutting the flowers is much like deadheading and actually encourages more blooms. Before you start, invest in a good floral shears. They’re specifically designed for cutting flower stems. Household scissors are designed for paper and will crush delicate flower stems. A sharp knife will do the job in a pinch but a floral shears is a whole lot handier. The evening before you harvest your flowers, wash the vases, floral shears and gathering bucket with hot soapy water. Bacteria is the enemy of cut flowers, so think clean. Prepare a solution of floral preservative by mixing one teaspoon each of household bleach and sugar with two teaspoons of lemon juice in a quart of tap water, preferably unsoftened. You can buy commercial preservatives but this home-made mix is For The Weekly Post
just as good and cheaper too. Some folks go the extra mile and use distilled water for the mix. Early in the morning, before the sun begins to bear down, is the time to cut garden flowers. The plants have re-hydrated during the cool of the night and their stems are rigid and filled with water. Take your gathering bucket filled part way with plain lukewarm water into the garden with you. Single flowers, such as dahlias, rudbeckias, daisies, and zinnias should be fully open before cutting. Stems with multiple blooms – salvia, larkspur, snapdragon, Queen Ann’s lace and phlox – should have at least one bud completely open before cutting. Cut the stems as long as possible, remove all foliage from the lower third of the stems and immediately put them in the water. Gather some contrasting foliage to accent the final arrangement. Boxwood, arborvitae, hosta, and coral bell foliage are some good choices. Store your collection in a cool place for at least an hour or two to condition the flowers. When you’re ready to arrange the bouquet, fill your vase halfway with the preservative mix. As you create your arrangement, take each stem from the bucket and remove all leaves and foliage that would be below the surface of the water in the vase. Bacteria will thrive on any submerged leaves and plug up the stems, depriving them of water. Cut each stem to the de-
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sired length and place it in the vase. Make the cuts at an angle to increase the water-absorbing surface area. Try to minimize the time the stems are not in water. Some folks make the cuts under water to minimize the chances of an air-block. A cut-flower bouquet will last longer in cool
conditions. Don’t place them in direct sunlight or near furnace air ducts. Keep them away from windows and drafty areas and away from ripening fruit. Ethylene gas produced by the fruit will cause the bouquet to go downhill quickly. Check the arrangement daily and add plain water if necessary. Pull out any fading flowers so they won’t foul the water. If you have trouble with a particular variety fading too quickly, do some internet research to see if that flower needs special treatment. At our house, overnight guests will find fresh flower bouquets on their nightstand and on the bathroom counter. It’s a special way to extend a warm welcome and to make them feel at home.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
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Area schools could last a year without aid By BILL KNIGHT
For the first time in history, Illinois last Thursday (Aug. 10) missed its initial General State Aid payment to local schools (although Springfield sent some funds earmarked for transportation, special education and other needs, which had been delayed for five months). After years of stalemate, the budget that passed in July over Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto includes $350 million more for schools based on an Evidence-Based Funding Model. “Therein lies the problem,” says Elmwood Dist. 322 Superintendent Chad Wagner. “The budget bills approved appropriations based on an Evidence-Based Funding Model (EBFM), but that funding model has not been approved (Senate Bill 1). Therefore, no dollars can be appropriated because there is no funding mechanism to release that money.” Nevertheless, area school districts should be able to continue operating this year without General State Aid, but it will require exhausting savings schools have built up as reserve funds. Williamsfield 210 Superintendent Tim Farquer says, “We can go the whole year, probably multiple years.” Princeville 326 Superintendent Shannon Duling also says that district can make it through this year. In Farmington, Superintendent Zac Chatterton said Dist. 265 has 380 days’ reserves to operate. “In theory, we could go the whole year,” Chatterton said. “The district has been conscientious of spending, actively sought out cost-saving opportunities, and been good stewards. As a result, we are able to maintain our current educational offerings for our students while we wait to see what the state does. “Senate Bill 1 does provide a more equitable approach for which schools are funded while ensuring that no school district loses money,” he added. “Farmington would benefit.” Elmwood can stay open the entire school year, too, Wagner says. “Elmwood Dist. 322 has been very fiscally responsible the past three For The Weekly Post
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years and has worked hard to build up six months’ worth of savings in the Operational Funds (Education, Operations & Maintenance, Transportation, Working Cash),” Wagner says. “However, without state revenue, our reserves will take a massive hit and the fiscal responsibility that we have exhibited will be quickly washed away due to the inability of our legislators to put politics aside, put students first, and get schools their allocated funds.” There’s no “Plan B” to trim extracurricular activities such as football or chorus, he adds. “We do not have a plan to cut our way through this crisis,” Wagner said. “It is important for students to have the opportunity to be involved in school activities and be exposed to as many pathways of academic success as possible.” Princeville’s Duling concedes such cuts may be necessary. “Cutting extracurricular activities would produce enough savings that we would likely need to consider if funding isn’t restored by second semester,” he says, but “currently there aren't any plans to make any cuts in any of those areas.” Brimfield Superintendent Robert Richardson says Dist. 309 finances could let its schools stay open 166 days. (Illinois’ school year must be at least 176 days.) Area superintendents and some legislators have urged an override this week of Rauner’s Amendatory Veto of SB1. On Sunday, the Senate passed the override 38-19 with Dave Koehler voting yes and Chuck Weaver voting no. The House was scheduled to consider an override Wednesday (Aug. 16), but a three-fifths majority is needed to pass the bill. With the House’s 67-51 Democratic-Republican breakdown, and at least four Republican votes necessary, the action is questionable there. If the House fails to override, Illinois will have no process for schools to receive General State Aid (GSA). School districts are supposed to be funded at GSA’s “Foundation Level” of $6,327 per student (which has been cut 11 percent in recent years) plus Mandated Categorial payments
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for transportation, etc., (which haven’t been fully for years.) According to a 2015 report of the Education Trust, for every dollar spent to educate Illinois students from wealthier districts, only 81 cents are spent on students from poor districts. Illinois is 50th out of 50 states in the percentage of funding that comes from the state. Illinois contributes less than 20 percent of the money for K-12 students; the national average is 45 percent. Ohio, for instance, the highestpoverty districts get 22 percent more in state and local funds per student than the lowest poverty districts. In Illinois, the poorest receive 20 percent less. SB1’s evidence-based funding model uses factors to set need. Developed by researchers Picus, Odden & Associates, the EBFM would calculate adequate funding and provide assistance accordingly. The measure passed the House and Senate as the first school funding reform bill in about 20 years. SB1’s Senate sponsor Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) “has done a great job of put together a funding formula that treats schools in a equitable manner,” Richardson says. “The political games being played in Springfield are not what is best for the students of Illinois.” Duling agrees, noting, “It will help address inequalities that currently exist in school funding throughout the state and help address funding education adequately. No bill is perfect and SB1 is no exception. However, this bill is a HUGE step in the right direction.” The situation has a positive and some negatives, Farquer says. “Positive: Educational organizations (Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Education Association labor union) have all rallied in support of SB1,” he continues. “It’s nice to see.” “Negatives: The Amendatory Veto contains potential for longterm damage on public schools,” he adds. “More immediately the longterm damage a property-tax freeze Continued on Page 13
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
FUNDING: Rauner says SB1 favors Chicago Continued from Page 12
could cause.” Illinois schools depend on property taxes, which provide about 64 percent of K-12 funding, relying on the state to merely help what can’t be raised locally (that even though the state Constitution requires the state to provide at least half of school funding). Rauner and GOP supporters such as Weaver have said SB1 unfairly favors Chicago Public Schools (CPS). “The numbers bear out how broken our system is and how important our changes are. It shows that for years the state has been sending money to Chicago at the expense of the rest of the state,” Rauner said. The Stand for Children advocacy group disagrees with Rauner (who urged its creation six years ago, before running for governor), stating that SB1 would just put Chicago on equal footing with the rest of Illinois. SB1 includes $215 million for pension obligations in Chicago (the only district in the state responsible for employer shares of pension costs)
and another $250 million block grant (which Rauner in a legal brief conceded was “in lieu of” Mandated Categorical payments all other districts receive), and drops that block grant after one year, making its qualification for Mandated Categoricals the same as everywhere else. Further, Chicago taxpayers, according to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, are “double taxed” since they’re paying for CPS pension costs plus contributing to state coffers underwriting all other districts’ pension responsibilities. Politifact, a non-partisan fact-checking journalism group, said, “The bill’s Chicago pension component can’t be called a ‘bailout’ or even a perk because it only gives CPS what every other school district already has.” Besides Chicago, the governor’s Aug. 2 Amendatory Veto changed the bill in other ways that threaten school finances, administrators and SB1 supporters say. Rauner removed the original “hold harmless” provision protecting districts from immediate cuts
in aid. But the biggest change involves Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts and Property Tax Extension Law Limits (PTELLs), ways local governments hold down taxes. In TIFs, taxes are frozen for up to 23 years, usually to encourage development. Rauner's change would require the inclusion of TIF properties in school districts’ Equalized Assessed Valuation “wealth,” meaning that districts would have to say they have access to property-tax revenue they actually cannot use, thereby decreasing districts’ state aid. Farmington and Princeville have arrangements with local governments to recoup some of that lost revenue. The City of Farmington paid Dist. 265 almost $19,000 in 2016 and almost $18,000 this year, and its three surplus TIF areas also contribute to substantial additional money sent to Dist. 265 from Fulton County. The Village of Princeville sent checks of $219,000 and $221,000 to Dist. 326 there those years. In Elmwood, however, there’s no arrangement for Dist. 322 to receive funds lost to TIF provisions concerning property taxes, so the district gets nothing. The PTELL tax caps prevent property taxes from rising more than 5 percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. Both those and TIF districts limit school districts’ access to property taxes. So the Amendatory Veto could encourage property tax hikes. Meanwhile, Manar crit-
icized the political gamesmanship but reached out to downstate Republicans with compromise ideas as a way to avoid an override attempt to offer them before schools have to start borrowing. And he remained hopeful. Rauner’s plan, Manar said last week, is “no less than an all-out assault on Illinois’ commitment to public schools [but] we still think we can fix this with bipartisan agreement. I still believe it is within reach.”
BILL KNIGHT can be reached at bill.knight@hotmail.com.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
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OBITUARIES Mary Ann Baer
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PRINCEVILLE – Mary Ann Baer, 89, of Eureka, formerly of Princeville, died Aug. 8 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka. Survivors include son Ronald Baer of Edelstein; daughter Debra (Leon) Klopfenstein of Haviland, Ohio; 16 grandchildren; 25 greatgrandchildren; brother Virgil Sauder of Morris, Minn.; sisters Mildred Siepka of Hoffman Estates, and Dorothy Zaugg and Joyce Nohl, both of West Bend, Iowa; and sisters-in-law Eleanor Baer of Eureka and Lydia Hauter of Morton. Funeral services were Aug. 12 at the Princeville Apostolic Christian Church, with burial at Princeville Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.haskellhott.com.
Mary C. Bridgens
PRINCEVILLE – Mary C. Bridgens, 93, of Washington, mother of a Princeville man, died Aug. 7 at Heddington Oaks in West Peoria. Survivors include children Mick (Rosie) O’Dea of Princeville, Patricia Fenoglia of Washington and Mary Kay (Brian) Thoennes of Normal; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and brother Bill Coyle of Florida. Cremation rites were accorded by Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at Dana Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.deitersfuneralhome.com.
This Week’s Obituaries • Mary Ann Baer, 89, Princeville • Mary C. Bridgens, 93, Princeville • Judith Ann Bundy, 77, Princeville • Shirley Frank, 87, Elmwood • Thomas S. Gooding, 75, Princeville • Betty McRae, 98, Farmington • Helen K. Nofsker, 99, Farmington • Vernita Joan Schurtz, 79, Elmore • Robin L. Wefenstette, 56, Farmington
We print basic obituaries for free. Longer obituaries cost $1 per inch; $5 per picture. Call (309) 741-9790.
Judith Ann Bundy
PRINCEVILLE – Judith Ann Bundy, 77, of Metamora, a Princeville native, died Aug. 7 at Snyder Village in Metamora. Survivors include children Karen Bundy, Diane (Victor) Hull and Paula (Leon) Klein, all of Metamora, and Gary (Christina) Bundy of Germantown Hills; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; daughter-in-law Terri (Brian) Kleen of Metamora; brothers William (Charlene) DeLap, Gerald (Marion) DeLap and Milton (Paulette) DeLap, all of Metamora; and sisters Marilyn Fuchs of Washington and Jeanette Washburn and Evelyn DeLap, both of Metamora. Funeral services were Aug. 10 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel, with burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora. Condolences may be left online at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
Shirley Frank
ELMWOOD – Shirley Ann Frank, 87, of Elmwood passed away peacefully Aug. 12, 2017, at her residence.
Shirley was born Nov. 24, 1929, in Elmore, the daughter of Harry James and Hazel Felina Collins Tucker. She married Rudy Frank in Elmwood at the First Presbyterian Church on Dec. 19, 1986. He survives. She is also survived by one son, Scott (Susan) Cisel of Morton; two daughters, Kathy (David) Clauson of Trivoli and Theresa Cisel of Elmwood; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Shirley was valedictorian of the class of 1947 at Elmwood High School. She received her associate’s degree from Illinois Central College and worked in Elmwood for Whitney & Potts, retiring in 1992. A graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Elmwood Township Cemetery. The Rev. Marla Bauler and the Rev. James Reed will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elmwood Historical Society. Condolences may be left online at www.haskellhott.com.
Thomas S. Gooding
PRINCEVILLE – Thomas S. Gooding, 75, of Deer Creek, father of a Princeville woman, died Aug. 9 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Survivor include his wife Mary A. (Hennings Reitzel) Gooding; his mother, Velma Gooding of Springfield; daughters Tracy Castle of Princeville and Tammy (Kelly) Cito of Littleton, Colo.; sons Jason (Annette) Reitzel of Villa Park, Adam (Ching) Reitzel of Charlotte, N.C. and Jon (Poyer) Reitzel of Maastricht, Netherlands; 18 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and brothers Jack (Judy) Gooding of
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
OBITUARIES Springfield and Garry (Sarah) Gooding of Santa Rosa, Calif. Cremation rites were accorded. Haensel Funeral Home in Mackinaw is assisting the family with arrangements. There will be no services. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be left online at www.haenselfuneralhome.com.
Betty McRae
FARMINGTON – Betty McCrae, 98, of Farmington. Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home, Farmington.
Helen K. Nofsker
FARMINGTON – Helen K. Noftsker, 99, of Eureka, formerly of Farmington, died Aug. 8 at Select Post Acute Care (formerly Maple Lawn) in Eureka. A 1935 graduate of Farmington High School, the Rapatee native is survived by daughter Pamela Nussbaum of Eureka; son Michael (Dianne) Noftsker of Needham, Mass.; five grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Cremation rites were accorded by Schmidt-Haller Burial and Crema-
tion Services of Peoria, and a graveside memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. Rodney Herrick at 11 a.m. Sept. 12 at Olio Cemetery in Eureka. Condolences may be left online at www.legacy.com.
Philbee of Galesburg; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Cremation rites were accorded. No service is planned at this time. Condolences may be left online at www.watsonthomas.com.
ELMORE – Vernita Joan Schurtz, 79, of Galesburg, an Elmore native and sister of a Kickapoo woman, died Aug. 9 at Marigold Rehab & Health Care Center in Galesburg. Joan was born April 30, 1938, in Elmore, the daughter of Jim and Pansy (Sargent) Philbee. In 1957, she married J.D. Storm, who she met while working at Pittman’s Café in Williamsfield. They had three children; he died in 1984. She later married Robert “Bob” Schurtz in 1985. He preceded her in death in 1995. Survivors include children Shahn (Steve Weast) Storm of Maquon, Dana Storm Chason of Lancaster, S.C., and Delbert “Dale” (Linda) Storm of Mineola, Texas; sister Ollie May (Andy) Stenger of Kickapoo; brother Mike (Brenda)
FARMINGTON – Robin L. Wefenstette, 56, of Farmington died Aug. 11 at her home. She was born on February 8, 1961, in Red Bud, Ill., to Billy and Clara Jo (Reinhardt) Bills. She married Eric Wefenstette on May 23, 1998. Survivors include her husband, Eric Wefenstette; father Billy Bills and stepmother Norma Bills; son Jacob (Ashley) Camp of Farmington; three grandchildren; brothers William J. Bills of North Carolina and Kevin L. Bills of Peoria; stepsister Shonna Bates of Canton; and many nieces and nephews. A visitation was Wednesday at Farmington’s Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home. Cremation rites were accorded. Condolences may be left online at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
Vernita Joan Schurtz
Robin L. Wefenstette
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Address 105 S. Rose St., Elmwood 18 W. Fort, Farmington 106 N. Jackson St., Brimfield 215 E. Knoxville St., Brimfield 105 E. Spring St., Princeville 5801 N. Smith Rd., Edwards 1090 E. Fort, Farmington 1090 E. Fort, Farmington 127 E. Main, Princeville 849 Knox Rd. 2200E, Yates City 615 E. Main St., Princeville 131 W. Knoxville Ave., Brimfield 909 Town Ave., Princeville 10 N. Cone, Farmington 325 N. Ostrom St., Princeville 503 E. Vernon, Farmington 1468 Knox Rd. 1725N, Dahinda
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Farmington OK’s deficit spending for 2018 By BILL KNIGHT
FARMINGTON – The Board of Education on Monday approved a tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2018 that new Superintendent Zac Chatterton said is a worst-case scenario, planning for deficit-spending of $1,544,204. Projecting revenues of $12.9 million and expenses of $14.4 million, the plan’s biggest overruns are in the Education fund (deficit of $967,000) and Transportation (deficit of $558,000), a summary showed. Acknowledging that much is uncertain given the state legislature’s wrangling over school funding, Chatterton added, “We’re going to have to have an amended budget.” In other action, the Board unanimously approved a package of transportation measures: a three-year For The Weekly Post
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lease of S&H Camp Properties land for $5,000 a month, a three-year lease of a Village of Hanna City lot for $400 a month, and a two-year agreement to lease buses from Midwest Transit Equipment for $9,391 per year. In other news, • Elementary Principal Missy Ryba and Junior High Administrator Joshua Piper reported on Summer School, which averaged 45 grade schoolers attending and showing 63 percent improved in reading and 70 percent improved in math, and 9 junior high students showing gains: eight of nine increasing performance in math or reading, with four improving in both; • Chatterton said he finalized pacts for employee Health Reimbursement Agreements and Health Savings Accounts retroactive to July 1;
• the Board thanked District custodians and grounds crew for “an aggressive summer schedule” that included installation of new equipment and upgrading the courtyard; and • the Board unanimously accepted resignations by Rachelle Larson, Dave Johnson and Matt Swearingen; OK’d Family Medical Leave Aug. 18-Oct. 16 for Jessica Bochniak; and approved hiring Kenny Achley (junior high assistant baseball coach), Chelsey Agnoletti (student facilitator), Christy Garlish (transferring to Unit office secretary), Cynthia Fleming (Bright Futures), Meghan Krusa (café), Rebecca Layer (1st grade teacher), Nicole Lettoli (6th grade teacher) and Jenna Putrich (student facilitator). BILL KNIGHT can be reached at bill.knight@hotmail.com.
CLASSIFIED AND LEGAL ADS - Call (309) 741-9790 JUST ... $5 for 20 Words! HELP WANTED INVITATION TO COMMENT ON A PROPOSED COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY This notice is to serve as an opportunity for members of the public or the permitting agency to comment on a communications site with regards to effects on historic properties within one-half of a mile of the proposed site. All interested persons are invited to comment on any potential effects that may be caused to historic properties, if any such properties are or may be located at or near the site, from the proposed construction of a 195-foot self-support telecommunications tower located at 430 W. Knoxville Street in the Village of Brimfield, Peoria County, Illinois (approx. 40 - 50 – 16.80N, 89 - 53 – 27.52W). Comments regarding historic properties may be submitted to the following contact: Jake Rieb, Edge Consulting Engineers, Inc., 624 Water Street, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578, Phone: 608.644.1449, Email:jrieb@edgeconsult.com. This notice is provided in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, 47 C.F.R. Part 1, Appendices B and C. (#16595).
• LABORERS: Armour Roofing Inc. of Dahinda is looking for laborers. We average 20 hours a week with 30-40 hours during some weeks in July and August. Must have transportation to Dahinda. Pay ranges from $12-$15/hour. Please contact us at (309) 879-2634. • PETROLEUM TRANSPORT DRIVER: Local hauls, home daily. Preferably 2 years work experience with tanker hazmat endorsement. We offer health insurance, vision insurance, paid vacation, and simple IRA. Must have clean DMV. Call (309) 879-2221. • DUMP TRUCK DRIVER: Expe-
rienced in hauling rock, lime, etc. Must have clean DMV. We offer health/vision insurance and simple IRA. Please call (309) 879-2221. • BUILDING & ROOFING: Local contractor seeking full time employee, building and roofing experience preferred but will train the right person. Send resume to: PO Box 469, Elmwood, IL 61529 • AD SALESPERSON: Part-time advertising salesperson needed. Call (309) 231-6040.
FOR SALE • TRUCK: 2000 F150, 4WD, 170,000 miles. $2,500 with lumber rack/tool boxes; $2,000 w/out. Call (309) 635-6104.
• MISC. ITEMS: Canning jars: jelly size, quarts and pints $20, Breville Citrus Juicer $100, Hot Stones/Warmer $100, Avila Massage chair $250. Call (309) 338-7367. • MISC. ITEMS: 42” round Oak table with hidden leaf $150, complete twin bed (headboard, frame, mattress, and box spring) one month old $175, 357 Smith & Wesson Model 19 (must have valid FOID Card) $500. Call (309) 678-2750 (No text mesaages, please). • HAY: Grass hay-square balesno rain, $4 per bale. (309) 6354575.
FOR RENT • ELMWOOD: 2 bedroom house w/central air, kitchen appliances,hook-up for stackable washer/dryer, large yard. $600 rent, $600 deposit. No pets. (309) 231-1588. • ELMWOOD: 3 bedroom
house w/central air, large kitchen w/new appliances, hook-up for washer/dryer, large 2-car garage, $700 rent, $700 deposit. No pets. (309)231-1588.
SERVICES • MOWER REPAIR: G&G Services of Yates City handles lawn mower service & repair, riders, push mowers, weed eaters. Also servicing & repairing ATVs, UTVs & golf carts. Free pickup and delivery within 15 miles. Now accepting credit cards. (309) 303-3444.
THANK YOU • Thank you to whomever it was that stopped at the accident on U.S. Route 150 on June 21. We would like to know who you are so we can thank you personally. You were truly a life saver. Call (309) 446-3239. – June Schierer
NOTICE UNDER ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME ACT STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF PEORIA To Whom It May Concern: Public Notice is hereby given that on the 28th day of July, 2017, pursuant to "An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State," a Certificate of Ownership of an Assumed Name Business was filed with the County Clerk of Peoria County, stating that MARK L. RHEA intends to transact, or is transacting business in Peoria County, State of Illinois, under the assumed name FARM CARE, with the place of business located at 101 S. Magnolia St., Elmwood, Illinois 61529. The true name and address of the owner is: Mark L. Rhea, 404 South 1st Street, Camp Point, Illinois 62320.
CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF ILLINOIS Peoria County, in Probate In the Matter of the Estate of CYNTHIA JO HYLAND, 17-P-301 NOTICE OF CLAIM DATE Notice is hereby given to creditors of the death of CYNTHIA JO HYLAND. Letters Testamentary were issued to KATHRYN SCOTT, whose address is 301 E. Thrush Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61603, and ADRIENNE NELSON, whose address is 6839 N. Michele Lane, Peoria, Illinois 61614, as Co-Executrices, whose attorney is DANIEL M. CORDIS of CORDIS & CORDIS, 129 N. Walnut Avenue, P. O. Box 445, Princeville, Illinois 61559. Claims against the estate may be filed in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Peoria County Courthouse, Peoria, Illinois, or with the representative, or both, on or before the 6th day of February, 2018, or if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by Sec. 18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Every claim filed must be in writing and state sufficient information to notify the representative of the nature of the claim or other relief sought. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim
filed with the clerk must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative and to the attorney within ten (10) days after it has been filed. Dated: August 10, 2017. KATHRYN SCOTT and ADRIENNE NELSON, Co-Executrices of the Estate of CYNTHIA JO HYLAND, Deceased Cordis & Cordis Attorneys for Co-Executrices 129 N. Walnut Avenue P. O. Box 445 Princeville, Illinois 61559 Telephone: 309.385.46l6
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
Princeville parents voice class-size concerns By BILL KNIGHT
PRINCEVILLE – A group of parents troubled by class sizes at the 1st and 3rd grade levels asked the Board at its Aug. 8 meeting to add sections to more easily provide one-to-one teacher-child interactions and ensure better educational experiences. “They were concerned that the higher class sizes would diminish the quality of education,” said Superintendent Shannon Duling, who concedes that projected enrollments and tentative plans call for two 1st grade classes of 24 pupils each, and two 3rd grade classes of 25 pupils each. Previous Board discussions with parents and after public comments have noted that grade sizes should be in the mid-50s to arrange for three classes. For example, Princeville’s Kindergarten has 54 children registered and three classes of 17, 18 and 18; 5th grade has 55 pupils and three For The Weekly Post
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classes of 18 18 and 19. Forty-eight pupils are enrolled in 1st grade; 50 in 3rd grade. In another topic touching on the grade school, which has been coping with roof issues, Board members began to review its Facility Assessment in anticipation of changing its priorities. Conducted with help from BLDD Architects, assessments have been used in planning the remodel of the Junior-Senior High School and in preparing for any revenues derived from the Peoria County Facilities Sales Tax. Ideas included replacing the track, renovating bus lanes and adding parking. “We believe there are still approximately $12,000 of items that still need to be addressed,” Duling said. “The Board will likely look for community input.” Leaks forced a grade-school chimney to be capped and a gym wall re-
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painted, but it’s unknown whether that fixed the problem until the next rain because a roofing company hasn’t located the source of two leaks in 3rd grade classrooms. An estimate for a roof overlap is $293,000, Duling said. In other business, the Board will continue to use United Health Care, which was also the lowest bidder. In personnel, the Board approved the following non-certified employment: Jhordis Feddericke (aide); Candace Forbes (bus driver); Gizelle Araiza, Gloria Garanzuay and Alejandra Fernandez (migrant Head Start aides); Yazmeen Garanzuay (migrant Head Start bus monitor), Maria Blunier (migrant Head Start teacher); Tanna Krey (After Care supervisor); and Elizabeth Klein (migrant tutor). The Board also accepted the resignation of aide Chantel Rinkel and approved Kristi Brodie as K-8 yearbook sponsor.
Wear special glasses to view solar eclipse On Monday (Aug. 21), a solar eclipse will be visible across the entire U.S. The last total solar eclipse seen coast to coast in the U.S. was in 1918. Starting shortly before noon and lasting until 2:45 p.m. central time, people in Illinois can see the moon pass in front of the sun. There is a 70-mile wide path across the country called the path of totality, which is when the sun will be completely blocked by the moon. Parts of southern Illinois are in the path of totality. Totality in Carbondale and the immediate surrounding area will last approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds. Central and northern Illinois will see varying degrees of the partial eclipse. Looking directly at the sun is unsafe except during the brief phase when the moon entirely eclipses the sun. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially By Weekly Post Staff Reports
eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or solar viewers. “Looking at the sun without eclipse glasses or solar viewers can cause ‘eclipse blindness’ or retinal burns,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. “Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun.” More information is at eclipse.aas.org/resources/so lar-filters.
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Page 17
Page 18
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 17, 2017
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TRIVIA TEST By Fifi Rodriguez 1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What is the international radio code word for the letter “W”? 2. LITERATURE: What famous mystery novelist sometimes wrote under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott? 3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the tallest of the U.S. presidents? 4. LANGUAGE: What is a gerund? 5. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of raccoons called? 6. HISTORY: The United States purchased Alaska from which country in 1867? 7. MEDICAL: What happens when someone experiences obdormition? 8. U.S. STATES: Which is the largest U.S. state by area? 9. GAMES: How many tiles are involved in the game of mahjong? 10. FAMOUS QUOTES: What 20th-century playwright once said, “I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me”?
Answers
FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 14
1. Whiskey 2. Agatha Christie 3. Abraham Lincoln, at 6 foot, 4 inches 4. A verb that functions as a noun and ends in “ing,” such as swimming or asking. 5. A gaze 6. Russia 7. An arm or leg falls asleep 8. Alaska, which is more than twice the size of Texas 9. 144 10. Noel Coward
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MOVIES 1. The Dark Tower (PG-13) 2. Dunkirk (PG-13) 3. The Emoji Movie (PG) animated 4. Girls Trip (R) 5. Kidnap (R) 6. Spider-Man: Homecoming (PG-13) 7. Atomic Blonde (R) 8. Detroit (R) 9. War for the Planet of the Apes (PG-13) 10. Despicable Me 3 (PG) animated
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OUTDOORS ... email your pictures to jeff@wklypost.com
Mallards down, but duck numbers are good By JEFF LAMPE
Breeding duck numbers dropped slightly from last year to a total population of 47.3 million according to the annual breeding duck survey released Tuesday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An 11 percent decline in mallard numbers was causal in the slight decline from 48.4 million last year. But the overall count is the fifth-highest total survey estimate on record. Aside from the mallard dip, most duck species faired very well. Pintails increased 10 percent, but still remain 27 percent below the long-term average. The 2017 survey also shows the highest estimate ever recorded for gadwall, which increased 13 percent to 4.18 million – 111 percent above the long-term average. Northern shovelers were up 10 percent to 4.35 million – 69 percent above the long-term average. Wigeon fell 19 percent to 2.78 million, 6 percent above the long-term average. Green-winged teal deWeekly Post Staff Writer
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creased 16 percent to 3.6 million, still 70 percent above the long-term average. Redheads declined 13 percent to 1.12 million, 55 percent above the long-term average. The canvasback estimate of 733,000 is similar to last years estimate of 736,000 and 25 percent above the long-term average. In good news for September teal hunters, blue-winged teal are up 18 percent to 7.89 million. Illinois teal season is Sept. 9-24. Pheasant permits – Driving through Knox County the other day, I saw a hen pheasant emerge from tall grass. It was an encouraging sign that proves when there is still habitat, there are still pheasants and other upland game critters. And in Illinois, the surest spot to find habitat and upland game is on Pheasant Habitat areas. I mention that because August is the month when hunters can apply for one of the Department of Natural Resource’s free upland game hunting permits. Deadline to apply is Aug. 31 and the odds of getting drawn are not
great. But if you do receive a permit, line up some friends (preferably those who have good dogs) and planning on seeing pheasants. For my money, the best location in Illinois is the Sibley PHA. Applications are online at www.dnr..illinois.gov/hunting. Hall of Fame – The Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame has added four new members: IFOR founder Bob Becker of Brighton; David Nelson of Barrington; Mick Wanless of Springfield; and Glenda Zanders of Evansville. Honorees will be recognized Aug. 19 at the Illinois State Fair. Deer permits – Permit applications will be accepted until Aug. 18 for the third lottery drawing for 2017 Illinois firearm and muzzleloader deer permits. For details, visit www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting Turkey tags – Hunters may apply through Aug. 21 for the second lottery for 2017 Illinois Fall Wild Turkey Shotgun Season permits. Season dates are Oct. 21-29. Visit www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting.
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XC: Turnout up for Farmers, Princes, E-B girls Continued from Page 20
Dunkel and Alex Hermann and junior Logan Whitney. Hoffmann and Dunkel were both top-40 finishers at state last year and Herman and Whitney have closed the gap after a strong summer of training. Beyond them are several runners contending for the final three spots: junior Jacob Brown, sophomores Eli McKinty and Thomas Adkins and a group of six incoming freshmen. “I think there is a lot of potential in the other returning runners and some of the freshmen runners are as far along as the freshman in 2006 – Doug Vrchota and Tony Young – and they helped us win a state championship,” Meyers said. Farmington – With 24 runners out, coach Travis Wilkinson is fielding four complete teams this season and praises the group’s efforts heading into Monday’s Farmington Invitational at 4 p.m. “I expect to have a very solid season in terms of growth for the future and being competitive for this sea-
Major Invitationals • Sept. 2 – Little Giant Invite, Big Creek Park, Canton 9 a.m. • Sept. 9 – First to the Finish, Detweiller Park, Peoria, 9 a.m. • Sept. 16 – Bureau Valley, Manlius, 9:30 a.m. • Sept. 26 – Prairieland Conference Meet, Lake Storey, 4:30 p.m. • Sept. 30 – Elmwood Invite, 9:30 a.m. • Oct. 5 – LTC Meet, Kewanee, 4:40 p.m. • Oct. 9 – Amboy Invite, 10 a.m. • Oct. 14 – Peoria Heights Invite, Detweiller Park, 1 p.m. • Oct. 21 – Regionals • Oct. 28 – Sectionals • Nov. 4 – State Meet, Detweiller Park
son,” Wilkinson said. “We participate in a wide variety of meets with some of the best competition in Class A. I expect improving times and a number of placements.” Top returnees are senior Andrew Cation and senior Jessamy Hintz. Wilkinson said top newcomers so far look to be seniors Brent Austin and Ethan Sweet on the boys team and freshman girls Addy Neal and
Lily Sharum. Princeville – The Princes return both of last year’s MVPs: junior Briar Hilsabeck and his sophomore sister Sorin. Also back is No. 3 girls runner Alyssa Headley and the rest of the boys team, including No. 2 runner, Nathan Miller and No. 3 Paul Oelkers. “I think that the team we have at the beginning of the season will be far different than the team we end the season with,” coach Jeremy Melick said. Melick said several newcomers on his 17-athlete roster have running backgrounds. “Now it will be a matter of helping them learn how to effectively run a three-mile race and helping them discover what all they’re capable of,” Melick said. “This is also the largest team we’ve ever had, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the in-team competition they provide for one another helps them improve and drop time.”
GOLF: Farmers girls aim for history Continued from Page 20
lead the team along with senior Jarrett Clark, juniors Tanner Blum and Clay Coulter and newcomer Kyle Doubet. On the girls side, seniors Grace Harms and Katie Alcaraz lead the squad. Alcaraz was most improved last year. Behind them are four freshman. Farmington – Senior Josh Smith returns as the No. 1 out of nine boys golfers after reaching the sectional
last year. Other returning lettermen are senior Jarod McCullough and juniors Aiden Crusen and Jacob Gibbs. On the girls side, coach Jodi Rathbun has one of her deeper teams and, if the girls will commit, feels this squad has the chance to make Farmers history. “My expectations are for the Farmington girls team to make it out of regionals as a team for the first time
in school history,” Rathbun said. Top returnees are senior Regan Kersh (who shot 45 Monday at Maple Lane Country Club in Elmwood), senior Josie Huffman, Courtney Renfroe and senior Carly Behrens, who reached the sectionals last year. Princeville – Junior Isaac Glenzinski is the top returnee for the Princes boys team, while seniors Kelly Sutherland and Kelly Gill lead the girls team. Expectations are “to compete at every match and see each player improve as individuals,” coach Jeff Kratzer said.
Board honors Princeville SB The Peoria County Board on Aug. 10 recognized Princeville High school’s softball team for winning third place in the 2017 IHSA Class 1A tournament this spring. The program finished its season 26-9. Head coach Chad Gardner, four assistant coaches and 16 members of the squad were honored. By Weekly Post Staff Reports
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Page 19
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Elmwood XC ranked
GOLF PREVIEW
Boys team top 6, girls top 25 in preseason polls By JEFF LAMPE
Statewide rankings are an expectation for the Elmwood-Brimfield boys cross country team, which this year checked in at No. 3 and at No. 6 according to preseason polls. But the return to rankings is newsworthy for an E-B girls squad that just two years ago had only three runners out. Numbers are up for the girls this year under secondyear coach Kyle Anderson, whose team is rated 21st and 24th in the two most widely viewed cross country polls. Those two polls can be found online at ilxctf.com and ilmilesplit.com (which requires payment for some parts of its online service) With 14 runners out, Anderson is hoping for a topfive finish at the sectional. Senior Emily McCauley is the veteran leader on a team that includes several promising sophomores, headlined by Julie Dunkel. “I believe the summer has been a good one. The Weekly Post Staff Writer
Sophomore Calvin Peterson of Williamsfield tees off at Maple Lane Country Club on Monday during the Bombers’ first meet of the season. Peterson is one of several experienced Billtown golfers expected to lead a team that could contend for conference titles. Photo by Jeff Lampe.
Brimfield on course
Kreiter headlines top local boys golf team By JEFF LAMPE
Coach’s son Brady Kreiter returns as the top local golfer after winning two invites and a regional last year and reaching the Class 1A state tournament as a junior. Kreiter shot 87-87-174 to finish 59th at state after winning the Mason City Regional with a round of 78 and tying for fourth with a 77 at sectional. Unlike last year, Kreiter has more support on a roster that includes seven boys and one girl. Junior Luke Altorfer is out for his third season and freshman newcomer Jeremy Ott will “make an impact right away,” according to Coach Kevin Kreiter. Senior Gabe Roling rounds out a solid top four. “Our goal as a team is to win the conference and advance out of regional,” coach Kreiter said. Williamsfield – With five of six varsity starters back, Williamsfield will field one of its more competitive teams in recent years. Weekly Post Staff Writer
“I will be disappointed if we can’t bring home the ICAC or (Lincoln Trail Conference) tournament trophy and would be surprised if we don’t take at least a couple of the boys out of the regional and one of the girls from their regional, too,” coach Andrew Fritz said. “The potential is certainly here this year.” Varsity returnees are sophomore twin brothers Calvin and Lorin Peterson, senior twin brothers Matt and Luke Brown and sophomore Austin Larson. Fritz said the three sophomores spent a lot of time on the golf course this summer, including playing in the Knox County amateur. Elmwood – The Trojans are hoping to win a few more matches than last year, according to coach Dianne Burwell. “We’re hoping for individuals to improve their previous year’s averages,” Burwell said. “And of course to have fun playing golf.” Senior Andrew Draher is out for his fourth year and will be looked on to Continued on Page 19
Seniors Cooper Hoffmann (left) and Trevor Dunkel will lead an Elmwood-Brimfield cross country team that is expected to contend for a state trophy in November.
quantity and quality of the miles ran improved greatly over a year ago,” Anderson said. “If we keep the enthusiasm and respond to fall training well, I believe that we can get through regionals and be a contender for a top-five spot in our sectional.” Expectations are much loftier for the boys team, which placed fifth last year.
“I believe we have the potential to be a top-three team in the state and, if things go well, maybe state champions,” Meyers said. “But there is a lot of training to do before we can start talking about those kind of goals.” Any talk about the E-B boys starts with the top four returnees: seniors Cooper Hoffmann, Trevor Continued on Page 19
Brimfield adds to Hall of Fame
BRIMFIELD – In addition to honoring boys basketball coach Scott Carlson last Thursday during Old Settler’s Days, a new class was named to the Brimfield Athletic Hall of Fame. The latest honorees include: • Roy Griggs – The 1919-20 Class B state pole vault champion, he cleared 11 feet, 3 inches. He also won in 1920-21 after clearing 11-0. • Terry Hart – The first girls basketball coach at Brimfield, Hart was 117-39 in 11 years and took two teams to the Sweet 16. • Rodney McKown – A 1980 graduate of Brimfield High School, he ran cross country and was part of the Indians’
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1978-79 Elite 8 basketball team. • Rick Reinhart – In 1973 Reinhart (pictured at right) averaged 32.4 points per game and was named to the second-team all-state basketball team. • Brad Sloan – A 1974 graduate, he has worked for 38 years as a Major League baseball scout. Sloan currently works for the Boston Red Sox as a special assignment scout.