The Weekly Post
Thursday August 28, 2014 Vol. 2, No. 27 Hot news tip? Want to advertise? Call (309) 741-9790
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State seeks revocation, fine from Billtown EMS By BILL KNIGHT
WILLIAMSFIELD – The Williamsfield Fire Protection District and its ambulance program face a $90,000 fine and revocation of its license to operate for not meeting requirements concerning oxygen tanks, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The agency notified the services on Aug. 4, giving them 21 days to respond. The IDPH also seeks to reFor The Weekly Post
voke licenses held by EMTs Ty Landon and Jamie Klein (also Williamsfield’s Fire Chief) and ambulance coordinator and founder Janet Collopy. The state claims that the WFPD, starting in 2005, installed an air-tank system for firefighters’ use that was room air (21 percent oxygen). Its EMS vehicles are required to carry “medical grade” tanks of 100 percent oxygen. However, the State alleges, the program instead used tanks
Inside
• The Elmwood School Board is happy to see an increase in attendance. See Page 7
filled with room air – except for its Oak Run vehicle, which carried the required medicalgrade, 100-percent oxygenfilled tanks. Since different fittings prevent transferring contents between room-air tanks and 100-percent oxygen tanks, ac-
cording to IDPH, unnamed personnel apparently fabricated an adapter to fill the medicalgrade tanks with room air instead of the mandated 100-percent oxygen, the agency charges. The origin of the complaint apparently didn’t come from patients or their families. Instead, according to the IDPH, the EMS System brought the matter to the State’s attention. OSF St. Mary Medical Center is the EMS System’s Re-
Continued on Page 7
Brimfield OKs donation of grassy lot
PRINCEVILLE HERITAGE MUSEUM
Princeville museum a hidden gem
By TERRY BIBO
BRIMFIELD – A donated lot will come in, despite concerns from Brimfield Unit School District 309 Superintendent Joe Blessman and three board members. A Booster Club bylaws change was left out, pending more discussion of the proposal to have coaches ensure more volunteers. And the idea of barriers around the playground leaves the school board itself on the fence after its regular August meeting, even though there have been unusual incidents in the news of late. 219 Clinton In May, Anita Cotter had offered a lot adjoining school property for $20,000 – or free, if the district would keep it green, maintain a fence and designate it in some way for her father, Willard Hasselbacher. Blessman said he’d initially been enthusiastic about the gift, but later worried it might curtail options for the future. Board member Constance Johnson agreed, saying she appreciates the offer, “but if we own it, it could be anything.” Other board members felt the stipulations may not be ideal, but could be workable. Ultimately, the board voted 4-3 to approve the donation. Johnson, Maribeth Dura and David Harmon voted against. Mark Hoerr, Dan Heinz, Scott Bauer and John For The Weekly Post
By CHERYL HARLOW
PRINCEVILLE – Nestled against wheat fields and a subdivision on the east side of Princeville is an often overlooked gem, the Princeville Heritage Museum and Akron Townhouse School. The museum is 30,000 square feet spread between three different buildings displaying antique agricultural equipment, steam-powered threshers and local artifacts. There is also a genealogy library located within the museum, which is a great resource for researching local family histories. The Princeville Heritage Museum’s grand opening was in 1999 and came as the result of a publicprivate partnership between the Village of Princeville, the Princeville Civic Association, the Historical Association of Princeville and area businesses and individuals.
source Hospital for Williamsfield. Melissa Stokes, OSF St. Mary’s EMS System Coordinator, declined to comment. A confidential note may be at the root of the allegations about the tank usage, which one person close to the situation characterized as “unintentional.” IDPH attorney Jonathan Gunn in an email obtained by The Weekly Post said, “It is difficult to conceive how a system comprised of a high pres-
For The Weekly Post
A display in the Princeville Heritage Museum features this nostalgic schools exhibit. Outside, prairie flowers surround the one-room Akron Townhouse School. Photos by Cheryl Harlow.
Current Director Julie Delbridge said the museum is funded by membership fees and donations. Adult annual membership is $20, youth annual membership is $5, family membership is $50, and adult lifetime membership is $200. Forms are available at the museum Website, www.princevilleheritagemusuem.com. There is no fee to visit the museum, but a donation is suggested.
“We want to show kids that history happened in their own hometown,” Delbridge said. “We plan to host more programs and hopefully get more people to come out. We want people to be aware that we’re out here and have lots to offer.” The main building of the museum houses a log-cabin exhibit, a local military and past war exhibit, a nostalgic Princeville schools exhibit, and antique toy and lamp exhibit, a genealogy library and a large conference room that is available for rent. Delbridge said the room is often rented for family reunions, class reunions and work trainings. There is a Continued on Page 13
Continued on Page 8
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
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CLASSIFIED ADS GARAGE SALE HUGE LIVING ESTATE SALE Collectible-Glassware-Primitives 11113 W. US Hwy 150 1 mile west of Kickapoo, North Side Thurs-Fri-Sat, Aug 28-29-30 8 am to 4 pm Many vintage/collectibles, plates, glassware, water boilers, local advertising items for: Peoria, Kickapoo, Dunlap, Lacon, & Chillicothe. Postcards, books, milk bottles, crocks, baskets, carnival glass, miniature cups and saucers, vases, Elvis items, milk glass, fishing items, tin & iron primitives, embroidery/crochet items, child’s desk, crockery bowls, too much too list. Cash only please.
HELP WANTED • WANTED TO HIRE: Petroleum Transport Driver. Local hauls, home daily. Preferably 2 years work experience with tanker hazmat endorsement. Must have clean DMV. We offer health insurance, vision insurance, paid vacation, and simple IRA. Please call (309) 879-2221.
Classified Rates Classified ads cost $7 for up to 20 words and must be prepaid. Call (309) 741-9790 or visit 115 W. Main St. in Elmwood. • WANTED TO HIRE: Dump truck driver: experienced in hauling rock, lime, etc. Must have Clean DMV. We offer health/vision insurance and simple IRA. Please call (309) 879-2221. • CHILD CARE: Elmwood Mom Squad seeks child-care workers 9-11 A.M. two Thursdays per month. $8 per hour – must pass background check. Call Samantha (309) 229-2783. • SPORTS WRITER: Part-time job writing stories and taking pictures. Flexible hours. (309) 231-6040. • AD SALES: Part-time ad sales representative for growing publishing company, flexible hours. (309) 741-9790.
FOR RENT • APARTMENTS: Apartments include ap-
pliances and utilities. South of Farmington on Rt. 78. NO SMOKING OR PETS. (309) 224-0395.
FOR SALE • MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: Clarinet, Flute, and Alto Saxophone. Located in Elmwood. Call (309) 231-4214. • MOTOR HOME: 2007 Mini Motor Home, Jayco Grayhawk, 32 ft. SS, 8100 engine with Allison Transmission, 4,800 miles - $48,000 Call (309) 358-1606 • DUCK BOAT: Otter Stealth 2000 duck boat, large trailer, seats, $800. (309) 741-9790. • GRANITE COUNTER TOP: Solid slab granite, 37 x 87, great table or desk top! (309) 231-6040.
MISC. • STORAGE: Autos $59/month, Jet skis: single $49/month – double $59/month, outside storage – Boats/RV’s $30/month (309) 696-5201.
WANTED • HUNTING LEASE: Seeking land to lease for deer/turkey hunting. (309) 231-6040.
Farmington set for Italian Fest on Saturday
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FARMINGTON – Get ready to enjoy a Taste of Italy in central Illinois this Saturday as the Farmington Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Italian Fest at Jacobs Park. In addition to a biscuits and gravy breakfast at the Farmington Odd Fellows starting at 8 a.m., authen-
tic Italian cuisine will be served from morning until dark. Opening ceremonies are at noon with live music starting at 12:30 p.m. with “Nut and Honey,” followed by Tanner Picton at 2, “London has Fallen” from 3-4 and “Alter Ego” from 8 to midnight.
There’s also a spaghetti-eating contest at 4 p.m., 50/50 drawings, a merchants’ raffle starting at 4:30 and the Farmington Firemen and Moose Lodge beer tent open from noon to midnight. New this year are $7 wrist bands for inflatable rides from M&K Parties,
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a petting zoo, a kids activity corner, an 18-game backyard challenge and the Children’s Hospital of Illinois Mobile Bicycle Safety Van. Parking is free and people are encouraged to bring lawnchairs. Shuttle service is available to the park. Call (309) 2452441 or 397-3540.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
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THE WEEK AHEAD HOT PICKS This Week!
s Italian Fest – Saturday (Aug. 30) at Jacob’s Park, Farmington. Run, walk, authentic Italian food all day, bocce ball, bags, beer, live entertainment all day, contests and fun for the whole family. s Fire Safety – Elmwood and Yates City fire departments are working together to put on a fire safety demonstration Saturday (Aug. 30) at Elmwood’s Sweetwater Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tour the fire trucks, enjoy prize giveaways and lunch. LifeFlight helicopter scheduled to arrive at 1 p.m. Rain date is Sunday (Aug. 31).
contest. s Pancake Breakfast – An all-you-cans Farmers Market – Fresh produce and eat pancake and sausage breakfast is set bakery goods on sale at a farmer’s marfor Saturday, Sept. 6 from 7 to 10 a.m. at ket today (Aug. 28) from 4-7 p.m. at United Methodist Church, Elmwood. Brimfield Public Library. Proceeds go to “Homes for Heroes� for s Sign Language – Learn Sign Lanthe home in Elmwood, IL. Free will doguage today (Aug. 28) at 6:30 p.m. at nation. Call (309) 742-7221. Morrison and Mary Wiley Library, Elms MOPS Meeting – Mothers of wood. Email elmlib@elmnet.net to regPreschoolers invited to meet Sept. 8 at ister. Those attending Brimfield Evangelical park on Althea Street. Church, 9 -11 a.m. Call s Free Bread – Bread Publicize Your Event (309) 712-4570. Call us at (309) 741-9790 available every Friday, s Trivia Tuesday – Test or email information about 10 a.m. at Elmwood your trivia knowledge your upcoming event to Methodist Church. Sept. 9 at Kickapoo martha@wklypost.com. s Book Babies – Creek Winery. Doors Reading session Tuesopen at 6 p.m. Top 3 day (Sept. 2) 10:30 to 11 a.m. Brimfield teams receive prizes. Library for children ages 0 to 3. s Craft Night – Make a pillow at Family Craft Night, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Morrison and Mary Wiley Library, Elmwood. s Ag Festival – Williamsfield FFA has Please call (309) 742-2431 to register. its annual Ag Festival Sept. 7 at Doubets Story Time – Story time for ages 3-6 Sept. 13, 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Brimfield Benjamin Park in the northwest corner Library. Enjoy stories, songs, and help of town. Event includes kid’s games, free pancake breakfast and a pie-cooking prepare children to read.
This Week’s Events
Future Events
NEW PRICE! 9301 N. BRIMWATER, BRIMFIELD: Breathtaking location, landscaped corner lot/mature trees, 48x63 outbuild. on 4.6 acres! Brick 3BR/ 3.5BA ranch, open floor plan, huge master suite, fantastic kitch. (granite/ island/pantry/all appliances), fin. base. w/2nd kit./fam. room/ rec room, over 3000 total fin. sq. ft. Enjoy serenity from deck! $349,000 NEW LIST! 505 N. PINE ST., WILLIAMSFIELD: Great 3BR, 3BA ranch on just under an ACRE with mature trees (white pines/oaks), part. fin. walkout base., vaulted great room, sliders from kitchen to deck, master suite, main level laundry, open floor plan, close to schools, park! $189,900 NEW LIST! 407 N. LAUREL, ELMWOOD: Neat 3 BR ranch on nice corner lot w/mature trees. NEW: flooring, water heater, updated bath & sump pump. Home has liv. and fam. room! $94,000 NEW LIST! 207 N. KELLOGG, YATES CITY: Many updates in this adorable 2BR ranch on huge lot w/2 car garage, spacious eat-in kitchen, spacious rooms PLUS covered patio! $59,900 305 N. MAGNOLIA, ELMWOOD: Nice updates in this 3BR home w/ newer foundation, large rooms, stained glass/pocket doors/ higher ceilings, newer 2 car gar., above ground pool, deck & front porch. $104,000 23814 W. NIGHTINGALE, LAURA: Nicely updated 2 poss. 3BR 1 1/2 story home on 1/2 acre lot. Awesome kitch., finished encl. porch, newer: roof, furn./AC, updated wiring PLUS oversized 2-car gar. Move right in! $84,000 308 W. MAIN, YATES CITY: Nicely updated 2BR, full partially furn. base., main level laundry & large family room w/huge windows overlooking back yard. Fireplace in liv. room, cute kitchen, patio & mature trees. $89,500 312 W. MAIN, ELMWOOD: Beautiful 3BR/3BA home w/28x24 gar. (loft above). Complete update in 2007 plus newer foundation, nice woodwork, great kitch, master suite & main-level laundry! $179,500 207 W. MAIN, ELMWOOD: Great 3BR, 2BA home, full base., newer siding/roof/deck and more! Nice wdwk, wood floors & pillars, spacious rooms with high ceilings. Must see! $99,500 GOLF COURSE LOTS in ELMWOOD!
PENDING 312 W. Main, Elmwood • 212 Cherry Ridge, Peoria 106 Kent, Yates City • 67 N. Wood, Farmington 620 E. Fort, Farmington 220 Merle Lane, Peoria
Festival bills ‘A World of Pure Imagination’ ELMWOOD – The Elmwood Fall Festival this year is marking the 50th anniversary of Roald Dahls’ children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory� by using the theme “A World of Pure Imagination.� Starting Thursday (Sept. 4), the Central Park festival site will feature Boden Amusement rides, a food tent, live
music including the West MacQueen Street Band (7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5), a run/walk (8 a.m Saturday, Sept. 6), a parade (12:30 p.m. Saturday), and a special screening of 1971’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,� starring Gene Wilder, at the Palace Theater at 4:30 Saturday afternoon.
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I kept in great cond on This week, â€? poo-Brimfie FARMINGT School every missi $38,000. St. Jude’s run be Old Frake ld the Com will has to s ing Photo been remov n is ay to owner of propertyPeoria the by Collin into Peori RunPlann near theheld Mond ed from the Elba Farmingto told Fairfield. a. The Inside ing finish of garbag Salem Fire Center in make the O’Brian Kickapoo-B rimfieldwill have last Protection n, public meet to By TERRY • a Cover degroup g ingto ing e District t be age r. “We work durin raised secur BIBO r in Farm ter. rosa Elmwood of the matte building there won’ ol Cente ELMW For The Weekly Post and discuss burned police week so being strung story. does not have OOD – Old Scho Melissa Farmington ongoing on. twice a s One night e the cheerful he still pickup spite an heart disordFrakes had a chaos s and secur city counc was er said Her 13-mo of any debri od.â€? investigati told by Jody Dunb house. 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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
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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 Office Hours – Mon-Wed 9-3, Thurs 9-12, Fri 9-3 News – Jeff Lampe 231-6040, jeff@wklypost.com Classifieds – Shelly Brodine 741-9790 Advertising – 741-9790 Subscriptions – Subscriptions $50 for 50 issues. Deadlines – News due Tuesdays by noon. Retail ads and classifieds due Mondays by noon. Quotable – “The middle of the road is for yellow lines and dead armadillos.” – Jim Hightower An Illinois Press Association Member
Of editorials, owls and hungry snakes
Rambling through central Illinois pondering insanity. uuu I promise this is my last rambling column that focuses on critters and other silly topics. Any day now I am going to buckle down and write serious, boring editorial page stuff, as someone out there has requested. Jeff You know the kind of column LAMPE ... lofty opinions from old white guys like me about what is best for America and how kids are bad and the country is headed to heck in a handbasket. No, that is not a veiled reference DRIVEWAYS CONCRETE DEMO SITE PREP DRAINAGE
We have endured the start of media-directed campaign jargon, and it is obvious this year’s hype will be no more intelligible than the last onslaught. But I may be able to reduce Mit some of the time BERES we all spend wondering what it all means. Save any time you are tempted to spend deliberating policies that purport to help education. Party affiliation has no bearing – none of the promises ever come to fruition.
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Education is the easiest target for candidates who want us to believe they are the champions of what is good for our kids. The problem lies not in their dubious intent, but in the fact that almost no one (I say almost because there may be someone out there who is the exception) has any idea if what is proposed will actually have an impact when and if it becomes policy. Few people have my background in education – I was a teacher, an administrator and a board of education member. I have not understood the benefits of any plans proposed over the last 30 years.
But I have watched people believe the problems can be solved by money provided from the lottery earmarked for education only to find the total dollars never matched the projection and no measurable gain was realized from what did reach the education funds. That is simply the most obvious culprit. So join me as I watch the news and the ads and try to make an informed decision, and as I “deep six” any suggestion any politician makes that he or she is the friend of education.
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while carrying a broom. Ahh the gossip that could have started. uuu Kudos to Lilac Bush of Edwards for finding the Mayor of Oak Hill last week. We promise to make this week’s search easier. ... Milky the Snake is starving and the crickets Lynne Breitbarth brought in just drove everyone crazy with all their chirping. So there’s now a $7.25 reward for the first live mouse brought to the office (and a $50 fine if it gets loose). ... Parting Shot: Next week’s column will be deadly serious – unless The Chief calls with a wounded weasel to rescue or somebody asks to hear the story of Chef Todd and the armadillos. Contact Jeff Lampe at 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com
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to Mit Beres or Randy Fritz – just a judgement on most editorials. But life keeps getting in the way of my attempts at high-minded words. There I was the other night, pondering big thoughts in the wee hours, when the phone boinged. Elmwood Police Chief Aaron Bean was calling. He needed help. Somehow, a great horned owl got trapped inside the batting cage at Sweetwater Park. Bean spent 15 minutes chasing the bird around and both owl and cop had become tired. By virtue of being dumb enough to still be awake, I was enlisted. And, with the help of a broom, we chased the owl to freedom. The only downside was nobody was awake to see me get dropped off by the police in the wee hours,
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
GUEST VOICES
Lesson to learn from Robin Williams’ death Robin Williams’ death seemed to be a shock to everyone. Here was someone with an immense talent, not only to make people laugh, but to bring tears to their eyes with nothing more than a facial expression. He was renowned as a comic genius, but those who saw his performances in dramatic roles were Jon aware of his seri- GALLAGHER ous side as well. (His performance in 2002’s “One Hour Photo” still gives me the creeps.) He proved to us all that he was one of the world’s greatest actors just this past month. We saw the World’s Funniest Human, a highly successful film star who had everything – a mansion, a family, money, awards, fans, you name it. As it turns out, it was another role he was playing in real life. Behind the funnyman was a sad, depressed and broken man whose demons seized him and kept him on an emotional rollercoaster filled with addictions and depression. Although almost all of us were in one way or another affected by his humor, whether you enjoyed it or not, few could pierce the veil of comedy that he erected. So many other actors and comedians were influenced by his unique brand of humor that we’ll never be able to escape the impact. Whether it was his breakout role on TV’s “Mork and Mindy” or an interview on Leno or Letterman, or a character he created for a movie, Williams managed to touch us in some way. Who would have guessed that he was being torn apart by depression? Who could imagine that the only solution he could find would be to end his own life? When I heard his death was a suspected suicide, the Smokey Robinson song “Tears of a Clown” came to mind: Now if there’s a smile on my face It’s only there trying to fool the public.
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Thinking of Buying or Selling? Please Call! But when it comes down to fooling you, Now, honey that's quite a different subject. But don't let my glad expression Give you the wrong impression ’Cause really I'm sad. Oh, I'm sadder than sad…. Like a clown I appear to be glad, ooh, yeah. Well, they're some sad things known to man But ain't too much sadder than The tears of a clown when there's no one around. Pictures of a smiling Williams accompany almost every article. In retrospect, it’s almost easy to see the sadness in his eyes. Alas, hindsight is always 20/20. For the past month, people have been dumping buckets of ice water over their heads to bring awareness to ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. I would have thought losing someone like Robin Williams might have brought some attention to depression, but I’ve read very little on it while Youtube seems to be filling up with cold, soaking wet people. Depression isn’t just being unhappy. Depression is a condition that takes over people’s lives, giving them the impression that nothing can ever change and that they are worthless. There are many websites dedicated to the diagnosis and treatments. I couldn’t do justice to it here, but I encourage you to Google “recognizing depression in
others” for a more complete list. I have known at least a half dozen people who ended their own lives. They’ve ranged anywhere from a 16-year-old boy tired of everyone at school making fun of his weight and his refusal to “party,” to a young wife and mother who didn’t believe in divorce, yet wanted to free her husband so he could carry on an affair. There was a man whose wife caught him in an affair, and a year later, his mistress, a church-going woman who couldn’t handle the whispers of their small town. A friend’s father, a farmer whose farm was close to bankruptcy, ended his life before the banks took away the only life he knew. In each case, as with Robin Williams, a common thread runs throughout: “I had no idea!” And, maybe worse: “I wonder what I could have done to help?” Learn to recognize the symptoms of the disease in those around you. In many cases, help can take the form of nothing more than you being willing to listen. There’s nothing we can do to bring back Robin Williams. His death was a waste of immense talent, but it doesn’t have to be. If his death can remind us that there are those around us who are hurting and could use either a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on, then it didn’t have to be in vain. Be there for someone and maybe you’ll never have to utter the phrase, “I had no idea!”
M.O.P.S.
Are you a mom looking for encouragement, a place to share your thoughts and, get tips on raising your kids? Do you need a place to connect with other moms, or a place to take a break and enjoy some mom time? If your children are ages birth through five years old then, MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) might be just what your looking for! Join us for our first meeting Monday, Sept. 8th, 2014 at Brimfield Evangelical Church 9:00am-11:00am. MOPS meetings are held the second Monday of each month Sept-May. For more information contact, Lyndsey Johnson at 309-712-4570.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
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PUBLIC RECORD
NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
dent but the Elmwood man declined to press assault charges.
ELMWOOD – Elmwood School District on Aug. 19 twice locked down its buildings, but one was tied to a bank alarm inadvertently triggered, and the second was a precautionary measure. “There never was a threat anywhere,” said Elmwood police officer Dave Boland. The possibility of danger stemmed from a report Elmwood police received about a Peoria man so angry about a friend of his stepson’s that he remarked to his wife that he intended to drive to Elmwood and attack him. Local police contacted City of Peoria police, who intercepted the man en route. Meanwhile, Elmwood Police Chief Aaron Bean notified the school, triggering the lockdown. Each lockdown was less than a half hour, said Elmwood Superintendent Chad Wagner, who praised school employees.
KICKAPOO – Sometime after midnight on August 24, several mailboxes in Kickapoo and on Kickapoo-Edwards Road were damaged, possibly with a baseball bat, police said. The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the criminal damage to property.
No danger in school lockdown at Elmwood
No charges in verbal assault at tavern
BRIMFIELD – A 41-year-old Elmwood man called police on August 23 after a 35-year-old Yates City man allegedly threatened him in a Brimfield tavern, according to reports. The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office documented the inci-
Several rural Kickapoo mailboxes damaged
Stolen trailer found one day later
DAHINDA – A 64-year-old man from Dahinda on August 20 reported the theft of a red 1999 Kirks trailer from his property, but it was recovered the following day in the 2300 block of Knox Road 1700 E, police said. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious vehicle in the neighborhood on the day the trailer went missing.
Princeville woman victim of apparent scam
PRINCEVILLE – A 78-year-old Princeville woman reported being apparently defrauded on Aug. 20, when callers claiming to be her injured grandson and his attorney demanded $6,000 on a prepaid debit card, police said. The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office gathered evidence and is pur-
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The Knox County Board at a special meeting on Aug. 16 approved 80 a new referendum to let voters decide to fund the 9-1-1 system. A similar measure was defeated at the last election, which some supporters blamed on poor wording. Set to appear on Knox County ballots this November will be: “Shall Knox County be authorized to increase by 1/4 of 1 percent the public safety tax to the total rate of 1/2 of 1 percent upon all persons engaged in the business of selling tangible personal property at retail in the county on gross receipts from the sales made in the course of their
business to be used for operation and maintenance of the 9-1-1 system and other public safety purposes? “This would mean that a consumer would pay an additional $0.25 in sales tax for every $100.00 of tangible personal property bought at retail.” Knox County Sheriff David Clague said revenue would improve a 22-year-old 9-1-1 system.
Knox County to help Elba Township with culvert
ELBA – Knox County has committed to share the cost of a new concrete/cloth liner for a culvert in a high-traffic area of Knox Road 1000 N, according to Elba Town-
suing a deceptive practices charge.
Police reports
• Richard Sarnes, 36, of Williamsfield on Aug. 16 was detained by police who warned him about trespassing, and then he was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Peoria County, according to reports. Sarnes was transported to the Knox County Jail. • Chuck Kirk, 50, of Farmington on Aug. 19 was arrested for Failure To Appear and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Shane Elder, 40, of Princeville on Aug. 20 was arrested and held for another agency, and was transported to Peoria County Jail. • James Arbogast, 56, of Brimfield on Aug. 22 was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and transported to Peoria County Jail. • Juan Rios-Garcia, 35, of Dunlap, on Aug. 22 was ticketed for Driving Under the Influence from a stop on Princeville-Jubilee Road, and taken to Peoria County Jail.
Corrections
• In last issue’s article about Peoria County EMA change, a transcription error was made in a quote by Brimfield Fire Chief James Bennett. It should have read, “The County is required to have an EMA ... the City of Peoria is not...” We regret the error. • A news story about the Yates City board last week misidentified Lee Lopeman. We regret the error. ship Clerk Phil Goedeke.
Watch for red door to help Habitat for Humanity
ELMWOOD – Various local businesses will be displaying a red door to raise awareness of the ongoing effort to build a Habitat for Humanity/Home for a Hero Home in town. The local group is in the process of purchasing a property on S. Locust St. For every $5 donated, a flag will be put on a wreath on the door and the donor may sign a small card to the family that will eventually inhabit the house. To learn more, call Gerri Pettit at (309) 251-7006.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
Farmington adds tech class By MICHELLE SHERMAN
FARMINGTON – Farmington area residents soon will be able to learn about technology for free thanks to a new program offered through Spoon River College. For the last several years, the college has received a “Bridging the Digital Divide” grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, said Carol Davis, SRC vice president of community outreach. The college received a total of $63,800 and also will fund similar opportunities at SRC’s four other locations. Opening a classroom in Farmington was written into this year’s grant. “We’re trying to help educate people so they can improve their lives or improve their chances to get a job,” Davis said. As SRC’s outreach For The Weekly Post
program has evolved thanks to the grant, Davis says employers have told her that they have many positions available but their applicants are not as well-versed in the basic technologies that they need. The three-hour first semester courses will begin September 25 and will focus on Microsoft Office programs. Thanks to the grant monies, all courses will be offered for free. Farmington residents should receive a flier in this month's water bill outlining the program and how they can register. Davis received the first registration for the Farmington location on Tuesday. Work is underway to get the Farmington classroom up and running. The Farmington Municipal Building, 322 E. Fort St., will house the outreach location.
The building, formerly Chapman School, currently is used for city offices. Davis says there will be eight Internet-accessible computer stations, six of them for student use. Farmington Community Unit School District 265 also has offered to assist the outreach program. Similar classes are offered at the college’s Canton, Rushville, Havana and Macomb sites should the dates and times of the Farmington classes not work for those interested in the course. Following the first semester, the program will be evaluated for its impact on the community and participation levels. “This is a partnership between education, business and the city,” Davis said. “These are the same high-quality classes that people would normally pay $35 to $40 for.”
EMS: Oxygen tanks had room air Continued from Page 1
sure air compressor and multiple large tanks, plumbing and special electrical service costing thousands of dollars could be purchased, installed, maintained and utilized without the trustees’ knowledge.” The State further says it notified WFPD of the improper tank usage in March of this year, and the IDPH says Williamsfield’s tanks were tested in April, when all of them were found to contain 21-percent-oxygen room air. The local EMS System then ordered the ambulance out of service, IDPH says. The IDPH has proposed a plan to correct the situation and also a settlement agreement in the dispute, but the WFPD’s lawyer, Chicago attorney Edward Bruno, has not agreed. The IDPH suggests the WFPD admit all allegations and that the conduct violated the law, but WFPD lawyers say that’s not only “unacceptable,’ but “untrue.” The fine is a total of $9,000 per year for the entire time the alleged infraction is to have occurred – 10 years, from
2005-2014. Williamsfield’s ambulance service assists about 100 patients a year. According to the office of State Rep. David Leitch (R-Peoria), rural areas with populations of fewer than 10,000 people may apply for some exemptions. A legislative colleague, State Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson), added, “We need to improve EMS, especially in rural areas.” A long-time advocate for EMS, Moffitt sponsored two laws Gov. Pat Quinn signed this month. House Bill 4523 allows rural ambulance providers to be upgraded to the highest EMT license of any person staffing that ambulance, including Registered Nurses. It takes effect Jan. 1. HB 5828 allows firefighters trained as paramedics to use those skills in their roles as firefighters; it took effect immediately. Leitch co-sponsored both measures. On behalf of WIlliamsfield’s fire district, Bruno requested a hearing, and a pre-hearing conference is scheduled for Oct.1.
Page 7
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Music • “Nut and Honey 12:30-2:00 p.m. • Tanner Picton 2:00-3:00 p.m. •“London has Fallen” 3:00-4:00 p.m • “Alter Ego” 8:00-Midnight
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The Brimfield PTO and Students want to THANK all the volunteers, businesses, and the PTO playground committee for the new playground equipment. It was a long, rainy day for the installation crew. All the hard work paid off and the kids LOVE it!! We Cover The News of West-Central Illinois With A Passion
Page 8
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
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BOARD: Brimfield Boosters seeking help Continued from Page 20
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Moon voted for it. Boosting Boosters Several members of the Brimfield Athletic Booster Club came to the board meeting looking for more help. They said the same small group of people are doing most of the work at the concession stand. Rather than quit, which they’ve considered, they’d like to have coaches line up volunteers. From their perspective, most coaches don’t understand how each year’s $20,000 from Boosters benefits them – and a more direct say in the distribution might make the link clear. “We’re trying to get the coaches to motivate the parents to do it,” said Faith Streitmatter. In mulling how to increase participation, the Boosters also learned there may be repercussions on how the bills are paid. The funds go through the district, so the district is responsible. Although the sports seasons have begun, board members asked Boosters if they could hold on while more information is sought. Athletic Directors
Chad Jones and Jim Blane are expected to attend the Sept. 17 board meeting. “We can function for a month,” Booster Brenda Snyder said. Playground Fence? After the furor created when a 6-year-old boy was approached by a 55year-old Iowa man at the Pekin Hardee’s, Heinz wondered if Brimfield’s playground needs a fence. He noted the village is just off Interstate-74 and the Iowa man could just as easily have stopped here. “With goofballs running around doing what they’re doing, it’s better to be proactive than reactive,” said Heinz. Board president Harmon said fencing around the school has been proposed before. He prefers the space remain open rather than give the schools a prison-like appearance. After all, he pointed out, there have always been perverts and the realistic threat to children is low. “In a hundred years, nobody’s been hurt,” Harmon said. “In a hundred years, nobody’s been ab-
ducted. ... I don’t like fences.” Bauer suggested the discussion resume when the board has more information about the options and costs of a fence. “I think we should do our due diligence,” he said. Common Core Discussion will continue about the time needed for professional development as new standards are implemented throughout the schools. Monica Carnall-Freaner, president of the Brimfield
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Education Association, updated the board about the complexity of the changes to come. She said it will take years to adjust, and teachers need regularly-scheduled time to adapt their classes. “We are shifting so much content, as well as rigor, to the lower grades,” she said. Harmon suggested the matter be referred to the administration for a proposal since the changes are long-range. TERRY BIBO can be reached at terry.bibo.freelance@gmail.com.
PREP FOOTBALL 2014 A special section of The Weekly Post
Three in playoffs a possibility? E-B, Farmington, Princeville all have shot Last fall during a verbal sparring session with Jim Crane, a gifted verbal antagonist if ever there was one, I was informed just how dumb I had been to pick Elmwood-Brimfield to “kill” Farmington in a football game. My prediction: 23-13 E-B. Actual score, 16-14 Farmington. To me 23-13 is no “killing” but Crane took it to heart. Which is one reason I am eager for Friday to arrive. Folks care about prep football. They take it to heart. So do I. That said, we Jeff get it wrong LAMPE sometimes (and here’s hoping that trend starts this week). Our goal in picking games is simply to cover football with a passion matching that of the fans. So please don’t take selections personally and feel free to tell me how dumb I am. Just get in line behind Crane. uuu So what are my predictions? I think we can go 3-for-3 with all three area teams in the playoffs. Overall: Elmwood-Brimfield 81, Princeville 6-3, Farmington 5-4. Opener: Sorry, not a great start: Mercer County 24, E-B 18 A-W 22, Farmington 7 Princeville 17, Lewistown 12 (Last year 9-2). uuu Among my favorite moments in a prep game is that instant when a body breaks free from the scrum, eliciting a roar you can hear all over town on an otherwise quiet Friday night. That’s why I plan to keep my eyes on E-B senior running back Layne Wyatt (and why
Layne Wyatt scored 17 touchdowns for Elmwood-Brimfield last season.
opponents should also). Wyatt doesn’t look overly impressive off the field, but he’s a gamebreaker who will likely lead this area in touchdowns after racking up 17 last fall. “They talk about vision in coaching circles and how you can’t teach that, and he has that. He has the feel for when to cut back or when to bounce it outside,” E-B Coach Todd Hollis said. “And some kids see it, but they can’t get there. He has the burst necessary to squeak through that little hole.” uuu Must-see games? Sept. 5 – Annawan-Wethersfield at E-B (Trojans haven’t started 02 in a long time); Sept. 19 – Knoxville at Farmington (Toby Vallas reunites with old school); Sept. 26 – West Central at Princeville (must-win); Oct. 10 – E-B at Farmington (prediction will make Crane mad); Oct. 17 – Princeville at MidCounty (another must-win); Oct. 31 – Let’s hope there are three must-see playoff games!
uuu There’s a perception parents are turning away from football due to injuries. Maybe some are, but a recent poll shows the opposite. That annual survey by the National Federation of State High School showed football participation in high schools actually increased in 2013-14 for the first time in five years. An additional 6,607 boys participated in 11-player football in 201314, pushing the total to 1,093,234. Another 1,715 girls participated in 11-player football last year, an increase of 184. “With the precautions that are in place nationwide to address concussions in all high school sports, including football, we have maintained that the risk of injury is as low as it ever has been,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. uuu Fellow sports scribe Les Winkeler made an interesting observation recently after typing in rosters for a few dozen southern Illinois prep football teams. “I don’t know what’s in the water, or what kids are eating these days, but they are a lot bigger than when I graduated from high school in 1972. “Back in the 1970s and early 80s coaches would brag if they had five kids that weighed 200 pounds or more. Guys that weighed 180 pounds were considered solid linemen. “Don’t know exactly when that has changed, but ... Harrisburg’s line averaged about 260 pounds when the Bulldogs won the state championship in 2000.” As if proving that theory, E-B’s offensive line this year will average 241 pounds on opening day. Those are big boys!
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Memories of Farmington past
Facing a Kewanee Wethersfield team in the football opener is not new for Farmington, which starts the 2014 season Friday at Annawan-Wethersfield. The 1945 Farmers team (pictured above) drubbed Wethersfield 26-0 to open an unbeaten season. That team was also the first in an amazing six-year run that saw coach Walter Grebe direct four unbeaten teams and go 52-2-2 overall. One other similarity between the teams is that the 1945 roster shows Fred Balagna while the 2014 roster features Max Balagna.
E-B coop creating controversy
Success breeds resentment in the world of football. Lately that has been true of the cooperative agreement between Elmwood and Brimfield, which is prompting some in the Prairieland Conference to suggest the two schools should split and field their own teams (which would create the need for helmets like this one). The stated cause for the suggestion is that Beardstown is leaving the Prairieland next season, meaning the league will be one short of the six-school IHSA requirement. But no question part of the reason is also that EB’s turnout has grown steadily in recent years to a record level of 80 boys this fall. Thankfully, so far coaches and administrators at Brimfield and Elmwood have shown no interest in ending the coop.
Mercer County loaded again
Due to scheduling changes this season, folks in Farmington, Elmwood and Brimfield are paying a lot more attention to the football powerhouse from Aledo – the Mercer County Golden Eagles. Mercer County was Class 2A champion in 2012, reached the semis last year and has gone 36-3 in the past three seasons. Back from last year’s 11-2 team are seven starters on offense and three on defense. Worth noting is that Mercer County has won 14 straight home games by an average of 33 points per game.
FARMINGTON FARMERS FARMINGTON FARMERS Coach: Toby Vallas Enrollment: 408 (Class 2A) Last year: 10-2, lost in quarterfinals SCHEDULE Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24
at Annawan-Wethersfield vs. Mercer County at Beardstown vs. Knoxville at Havana vs. West Prairie vs. Elmwood-Brimfield at Peoria Heights vs. Rushville
7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
VARSITY ROSTER 10 22 27 39 52 54 57 58 72 77 82 2 5 6 15 23 53 78 3 4 13 14 28 30 49 50 55 59 61 67 68 75 8 9 18
Josh Lozier Max Balagna Caleb Fruendt Cody Martinez Spencer Kiesewetter Cody Fernandes Brody Isbell Nick Janes Austin Enser Jacob Woerner Colton Evans Reid Berry Cody Jepson Steven Gilstrap Kyle Welker Jacob Hursey Isaiah Alvarez Jake Geber Gavin Garcia Gage Meyer Dylan Hayden Jake Settles Henry Tran Jonah Cecil Matt Rose Nick Martinez Cole Lenzen Tanner Crowe Noah Lane Casey Largent David Herr John Tunney Cade Lancsford Ethen Kenney Jack Fletcher
6-4 5-7 6-3 6-1 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-3 5-10 6-4 5-7 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-8 5-5 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-5 6-0 5-9 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-8 6-6 5-8 5-7 5-10
180 180 190 210 200 162 170 200 210 170 220 190 180 170 160 155 205 240 170 130 150 165 146 144 170 245 216 205 170 210 170 254 150 130 146
Sr WR Sr RB/LB Sr WR Sr RB Sr OL Sr OL Sr OL Sr OL Sr OL Sr OL Sr TE/DE Jr TE Jr RB Jr QB Jr RB Jr RB Jr OL Jr OL Jr RB So WR So QB/DB So TE/DB So WR So WR So OL So OL So OL So OL So OL So OL So OL So OL Fr RB Fr WR Fr QB
Assistant Coaches: Joe Stokowski (defensive coordinator), Nick Hoffmann (offensive/defensive line) and Zach Lozier (defensive line).
PLAYOFF HISTORY Farmington has 14 playoff appearances, with last year’s 10-2 quarterfinal showing the school’s best. Nine playoff berths came under Dan Dillard (1984-2000) and four were under Casey Martin (2006-2014), who compiled a 44-35 record before retiring last year after eight seasons.
Max Balagna makes a move against Elmwood-Brimfield in last year’s 22-12 home playoff win. Balagna will be called on to play a larger role on offense and defense this season.
Newness pervades Farmington football By JEFF LAMPE
FARMINGTON – There’s an overwhelming sense of newness in the Farmington football program – starting with head coach Toby Vallas and carrying right through a roster that has transitioned from a veteran, senior-laden squad to a younger, less-experienced group. With the exception of senior Max Balagna, there are no players suiting up opening day who saw significant time on last year’s 10-2 playoff team. “We’re going to see how they react, but I think this is a group that is going to get better every week,” Vallas said. Two keys on offense are 6-foot-4 junior quarterback Steven Gilstrap and 5-7 Balagna. Gilstrap played just 10 snaps last season but fits in well with the new scheme, Vallas said. “We run a ton of option and he’s a burner,” Vallas said. “He can run, which is a great thing for us.” Taking some pressure off Gilstrap will be Balagna, a stocky but shifty back who rushed for nearly 500 yards last season. The challenge for Balagna this fall is transitioning to featured back. “He’s never carried the ball a whole bunch. He was a wingback last year and he’ll be more of a focal point this year, so it’s a different role for him,” Vallas said. “But I have all Weekly Post Staff Writer
Balagna
Evans
the confidence in the world in Max.” Sophomore Gavin Garcia and junior Reid Berry will also share carries until junior Cody Jepson returns from injury, likely in the third or fourth game. In those infrequent moments when he is called on to pass, Gilstrap will look to 6-3 senior tight end Colton Evans or Balagna, Vallas said. Up front is where the newness is even more evident. Of six likely candidates for starting spots, two did not play last season (5-10 Spencer Kiesewetter and 5-9 Cody Fernandes), one was a running back (Nick Janes), one is a sophomore (5-11, 205-pound Tanner Crow) and only two had some experience (junior Jake Geber and 6-foot senior Jacob Woerner). The 5-10, 240-pound tackle Geber figures to anchor both lines and is the biggest member of a front five that will average under 200 pounds. “We’re not super big up front and we lack depth on the offensive line,” Vallas said. “But they’ve worked
Geber
Gilstrap
hard at it and I think they’re going to continue to get better.” Joining Geber up front on defense are Kiesewetter and Evans. Janes anchors a linebacking corps that will include Balagna, Garcia and Berry. “Right now I would say our personnel fits a little better defensively,” Vallas said. In the defensive backfield, 6-4 senior Josh Lozier and 6-3 senior Caleb Fruendt tower over their backfield mates in size and experience. Also expected to see time as DBs are junior Jacob Hursey, sophomores Jake Settles and Dylan Hayden and freshman Cade Lancsford. “This is almost like the last time I (started as head coach at Knoxville). It’s very similar. Fresh faces. Guys who haven’t done it and the shock of a new system,” said Vallas, who was 46-44 at Knoxville and made the playoffs his last three seasons. “These guys have responded the same way and it worked out last time, so I think it will work out the same way this time.”
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ELMWOOD-BRIMFIELD TROJANS ELMWOOD-BRIMFIELD TROJANS Coach: Todd Hollis Enrollment: 402 (Class 2A) Last year: 9-2, lost in second round SCHEDULE Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24
at Mercer County vs. Annawan-Wethersfield at Knoxville vs. Havana (Homecoming) at Bushnell-Prairie City vs. Beardstown at Farmington at Abingdon vs. Peoria Heights
7:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
VARSITY ROSTER
Elmwood-Brimfield running back Layne Wyatt eluded plenty of tackles last year en route to 1,860 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns. He has come big stronger, bulkier and faster this season according to coaches.
Big lines, big numbers for E-B Trojans By JEFF LAMPE
ELMWOOD – Todd Hollis remembers years past when he would pore over rosters and marvel at the sizes of opposing players. This season other coaches will do the same when they peruse the Elmwood-Brimfield lineup. That’s one big benefit of having 80 players out for football. With a starting offensive line that averages 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds (including bookend 275+-pound tackles Brad Novak and Andrew Jordan), the Trojans have the size. “This is the biggest team we’ve had,” said Hollis, who is entering his 16th season at E-B where he is 92-58 and has nearly half the football wins in school history. Better yet, the Trojans are also experienced on offense, with nine of 11 starters back. “Our offensive line, with all those guys back, they’re playing so fast and the communication is so good,” Hollis said. “That kind of stuff only happens through experience.” The main change for E-B is at quarterback, where senior Michael Houlihan is moving over from tight end. Though Houlihan may not have classic runnning or throwing form, Hollis is impressed with his results. “He throws it well and he puts it where it needs to be,” Hollis said. “He’ll make a mistake once. And Weekly Post Staff Writer
Gilles
Houlihan
then he’s going to be hard on himself, file that away and he won’t make the same mistake again.” Most of the time, Houlihan will be sticking the ball in the stomach of returning senior running backs Layne Wyatt, Donovan McCoy and Jacob Sollenberger. That trio combined for 2,893 rushing yards last year, with 1,860 from Wyatt. The 5-8 Wyatt has added bulk this season but also picked up “some more wiggle in his hips” according to coach Brad Crisco. “He’s gotten bigger and faster, which is nice,” Hollis agreed. Overall it just seems like E-B is getting bigger everywhere. That’s true even at cornerback, where the Trojans will line up 6-foot Kyle Totton and 6-2 Jake Johnson, a lineman last year whose footwork has impressed coaches. Those two join returning starters Wyatt and Tommy “Honey Badger” Bowers in the defensive backfield. Four other senior starters return on defense: 5-8, 215-pound Nick McCoy and 6-2, 270-pound senior
Jordan
Wyatt
Cameron Passie at tackle and Gilles and Sollenberger at linebacker. An area to watch is defensive end, where Wilbur, Donovan McCoy and high-motor senior Seth Stephens will combine to replace last year’s wrecking crew of Mark Marlott and Matt Hanley. Junior Colton Fales should also move into a starting linebacker spot for the Trojans. One big difference for E-B is the schedule, which has been dramatically upgraded by adding Mercer County and Annawan-Wethersfield in the first two weeks. That creates a situation when the Trojans could wind up with a less impressive record by season’s end – but possibly a better team and certainly a better playoff point count. “It could be a big swing as far as playoff points from what we’ve had in the past,” Hollis said. “You add Mercer County and Annawan and you might be adding 16 points.”
3 Jack McKinty 6-2 170 Sr QB/DB 5 Donovan McCoy 5-10 175 Sr RB/LB 6-0 155 Sr TE/DB 7 Kyle Totton 8 Michael Houlihan 5-10 170 Sr QB/DB 20 Layne Wyatt 5-8 165 Sr RB/DB 21 Ben Adkins 6-0 155 Sr TE/DB 23 Jacob Sollenberger 5-9 180 Sr RB/LB 34 Tom Bowers 5-7 145 Sr RB/DB 52 Brock Asbell 6-0 225 Sr C/LB 53 Nick McCoy 5-8 215 Sr OL/LB 6-1 225 Sr LG/LB 54 Brian Gilles 55 Cameron Passie 6-2 270 Sr OL/DL 66 Andrew Jordan 6-3 275 Sr RT/DE 88 Jake Johnson 6-2 175 Sr TE/CB 6-0 185 Sr TE/LB 90 Brad Demmin 92 Zach Roling 6-0 145 Sr TE/LB 5-8 140 Sr TE/DB 97 Seth Stephens 12 Austin Sims 6-1 165 Jr QB/DB 32 Cory Hart 5-9 150 Jr RB/LB 33 Dillon Warner 5-8 145 Jr RB/DB 5-10 175 Jr RB/LB 35 Tyler McQuellon 38 Matthew Gerontes 5-8 155 Jr RB/DB 5-9 155 Jr RB/DB 44 Ian Huseman 47 Colton Fales 5-8 195 Jr RB/LB 58 Pat Lawrence 5-10 250 Jr OL/DL 62 Jared Roberts 6-0 190 Jr OL/DE 72 Brad Novak 6-7 280 Jr LT/DL 77 Sean Wilbur 6-0 200 Jr RG/DL 79 Austin Miller 6-0 235 Jr OL/DL 82 Bob Hall 5-9 155 Jr TE/LB 84 Jake Harlow 6-1 155 Jr TE/DE 89 Koby White 5-10 140 Jr TE/DB 42 Sam Marincic 5-10 140 So RB/DB 43 Isaiah Groeper 6-3 195 So RB/DE 45 Jackson Harkness 5-9 200 So RB/LB 60 Colton Milliman 6-2 230 So OL/DL 64 Evan Asbell 6-1 245 So OL/DL 65 Matthew Jordan 6-0 165 So OL/LB 67 Carter Baysingar 6-1 205 So OL/DL 75 Darren Novak 6-3 195 So OL/DL 78 Cort Baysingar 5-11 245 So OL/DL Assistant Coaches: Brad Crisco, Mike Dutton, Brandon Butler, Brandon Porter, Zach Polen and Mike Walker.
PLAYOFF HISTORY Elmwood has 13 playoff appearances and was a Class 3A quarterfinalist in 2004. The Trojans’ first three 1A playoff berths came under Bob Curran and the last 10 have been under Todd Hollis, who is 92-58 in 15 seasons.
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PRINCEVILLE PRINCES PRINCEVILLE PRINCES Coach: Jon Carruthers Enrollment: 237 (Class 1A) Last year: 3-6 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 20 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24
vs. Lewistown at Peoria Heights vs. Mercer County at Ridgewood vs. West Central at Monmouth United vs. Annawan-Wethersfield at Mid-County vs. Stark County
7:00 7:00 7:00 1:30 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 7:00
VARSITY ROSTER 1 Zach Simmons Sr RB/LB Sr RB/LB 4 Zach Harrison 7 Mitchell Janssen Sr QB/LB 18 Thomas Smith Sr SE/DB 34 Luke Cokel Sr RB/DB Sr C/DT 51 Jeff Waters 70 Tim Hefler Sr G/DE Sr TE/LB 86 Michael Sheets 88 Jordan Ray Sr SE/DE Sr TE/DE 89 Hunter Nauman 8 Tristin Jenkins Jr RB/LB 9 Austin VanLaningham Jr RB/DB 12 Logan Green Jr RB/LB Jr TE/LB 13 Matt Thole 14 Blake Streitmatter Jr RB/DB 21 Mason Harlan Jr WR/DB 26 John Remmert Jr RB/LB Jr G/NG 52 Jesse Feucht 55 Marshall Martin Jr G/LB 58 Terry Stein Jr C/DT 59 Weston Bridson Jr G/NG Jr T/DT 60 Stone Eads 64 Jacob Tracy Jr T/DT Jr C/DT 65 Brett Delbridge 68 Evan Bultemeier Jr T/DT 3 Matt Saal So RB/LB 5 Scott Snedden So RB/LB 11 Noah Bauman So QB/DB 20 Marcus Rock So RB/LB 30 Greg Urbanc So WR/DB 32 Keegan Conrad So SE/DE 33 Trey Call So SE/DB 35 Andrew Herrmann So TE/DE 41 Alejandro Lopez So SE/DB 53 Dylan Baird So T/DL 54 Zach Johnson So T/DL 56 Cole Gehrig So G/DT 57 Jack Wagner So T/DE 62 Daniel Merk So G/DT 66 Trevor Bottenberg So T/DT 75 Chase Leighton So T/DE 77 Caleb Saylor So T/DT Assistant Coaches: Nate Rice, Nate Wineinger, Matt Russell and Chris Bergschneider.
PLAYOFF HISTORY Princeville has a rich postseason record, highlighted by a second-place Class 1A finish in 1975 and 17 playoff berths. Of those, eight came under Tom Bruna, two under Bryan Kinnikin, six under Rollin Arnett and one under Jon Carruthers.
Watch for a full-page layout of the Princeville team photo, schedule and statistics later this fall in The Weekly Post. Papers are available each week at the following Princeville businesses: Casey’s Economy Builders, Country Feed and Supplies and Princeville State Bank. Photos by Collin Fairfield.
Princes finally have depth, experience By JEFF LAMPE
PRINCEVILLE – Football fans in Princeville have been waiting on this season for years. Veterans back. Good numbers. Plenty of juniors and seniors. Leaders. Skill players. Size. For a change, all the elements are there. So why is coach Jon Carruthers so keyed up heading into Friday’s season opener against Lewistown? Because success in this first game is one key to Princeville ending a twoseason playoff drought. “This is a must-win,” said Carruthers, reflecting on the rest of a heavyweight schedule that includes traditional powers Mercer County, Annawan-Wethersfield and Stark County. But for the first time in three seasons, the Princes have a team primed to shine in must-wins. “Overall this is a class of juniors and seniors we’ve had circled for some time,” Carruthers said. “They were always the future. And the future is now.” First to the offense, where senior quarterback Mitchell Janssen is back for a third season running the offense. Last year the 6-1, 200pounder hit 56 of 115 passes for 627 yards, even though he really didn’t cut loose until the last two games. “Last year Mitchell was begging me and begging me to throw and I finally said, ‘Let’s try,’” Carruthers Weekly Post Staff Writer
Janssen
Sheets
said. The end results were good enough that Carruthers hopes to be “50-50” on offense this year between passing and running. Likely targets include three-year starter at tight end Michael Sheets, a 6-5 athlete who caught 18 passes for 227 yards last year, and two-year starter at split end Tom Smith (14 for 144 and three TDs). “Mitchell would like to throw it every down,” Carruthers said, laughing. “He has really grown into this offense. We’ve been around each other so much we kind of know what the other is thinking.” That said, there’s no doubt the Princes will still run plenty. Janssen racked up 342 yards and four scores on 65 carries last year and has several experienced backs. Senior Zach Simmons moved from guard to running back toward the end of last season and is expected to see plenty of carries. Fullback John Remmert will also tote the pigskin after racking up 227 yards last season, as will wingback Luke Cokel (24 carries for 302
Simmons
Smith
yards). As important as the backs is a big, deep group of linemen – Carruthers’ biggest ever. “It’s nice to have big boys finally,” he said, listing: three-year starter Tim Hefler; 6-1, 250-pound junior tackle Terry Stein; 6-2, 280pound junior tackle Jacob Tracy; junior Marshall Martin; senior center Jeff Waters; 6-foot, 245-pound Stone Eads; and 6-foot, 255-pound Brett Delbridge, who has been sidelined with a concussion. As excited as Carruthers is about his offense, he’s even more optimistic about a defense that returns seven part-time starters. Anchors are Janssen and Martin at linebacker, a deep D-line of Sheets, Hefler, Waters, Eads and Delbridge plus defensive backs Matt Thole, Simmons and Tristin Jenkins. “Our defense is really going to be exciting,” Carruthers said. “I think they are the heart and soul of the team. “Week one is going to be huge for us. It’s going to be a playoff atmosphere, I foresee.”
Good Luck Princeville Princes! Good Luck Princes!
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 13
MUSEUM: Antique tractors too Continued from Page 20
small kitchen adjacent to the conference room where volunteers with the Princeville Senior Meals Program get meals ready to deliver three days a week. Adjacent to the main building are two large machine sheds full of antique tractors and farm equipment. At the end of every July the museum hosts The Heritage Harvest, which features threshing and corn shelling demonstrations, an antique tractor parade hosted by the Central Illinois Farm Heritage Tractor Club and more. This spring the museum was proud to display a nationally traveling exhibit, “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War.” “It was one of our best attended exhibits to date with over 1300 visitors coming to see it in April and May,” Delbridge said. Upcoming events include a program on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. featuring Art Allen, whose deceased wife Nancy wrote the book, “Zeal to Educate Women.” The book is bout the three Peters sisters of Princeville who did charity work in China in the late 1800s. The Peters sisters championed change
in China regarding the education of women at a time when most American women did not receive formal education beyond eighth grade. The Akron Townhouse School, a 1900 one-room schoolhouse, has been a big draw for school field trips and tours, Delbridge said. School children from Princeville, Brimfield, Stark County and Dunlap have taken field trips to visit the museum and the schoolhouse. While there, students can experience what it might have been like to attend a one-room country school. To add flavor, retired local teachers run a two-hour classroom experience in the schoolhouse. Field trips can be scheduled for either mornings or afternoons. Delbridge said she enjoys doing old vs. new demonstrations with visiting school children. She compares objects from the past (telephones, irons, records etc.) with current objects. “Many people take family pictures at the schoolhouse because it is so picturesque,” Delbridge said. The museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as by appointment. Call (309) 385-1916.
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Annual Percentage Yield
Annual Percentage Yield
Page 14
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 17
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11. MOVIES: Which movie character delivered the famous tagline: "Why so serious?" 2. EXPLORERS: Who was the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe? 3. LITERATURE: What was the original title of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"? 4. INVENTIONS: Who is credited with inventing Band-Aids? 5. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Who once said, "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody"? 6. LANGUAGE: In British slang, what is a "torch"? 7. MUSIC: Which character on "Sesame Street" had a hit single with the song "Rubber Duckie"? 8. GEOGRAPHY: What Central American nation lies between Honduras and Costa Rico? 9. TELEVISION: Which sitcom featured the character Cliff Clavin, and what was his profession? 10. ANATOMY: What is the common name for the axilla? Answers 11. The Joker (Heath Ledger) in "The Dark Knight" 2. Ferdinand Magellan 3. "First Impressions" 4. Earle Dickson 5. Bill Cosby 6. Flashlight 7. Ernie 8. Nicaragua 9. "Cheers," postal worker 10. Armpit 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
MOVIES 1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG-13) 2. Guardians of the Galaxy (PG-13) 3. Let's Be Cops (R) 4. The Expendables 3 (PG-13) 5. The Giver (PG-13) 6. Into the Storm (PG-13) 7. The Hundred-Foot Journey (PG) 8. Lucy (R) 9.Step Up All In (PG-13) 10. Boyhood (R) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 15
Elmwood board agrees on good start By BILL KNIGHT
ELMWOOD – The good news shared at the Board of Education’s Monday meeting was as welcome as the fresh start, clean desks, and smiling faces of students returning for the 2014-15 school year. “It’s been a phenomenal start,” said Superintendent Chad Wagner. Beginning the new year with an enrollment of about 1.5 percent higher than last year was particularly well-received. The District’s high point was in 20072008, when its enrollment was 688, not counting dozens of pre-K Bright Futures kids. But by last year, the total enrollment had fallen to 640. Since Average Daily Attendance is a factor on funding assisFor The Weekly Post
FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 17
tance from the State, numbers matter. “I hope we hit rock bottom [last year],” said Board president Tom Conklin. Last year’s low was down 4.6 percent from the 2007-2008 year. One indication of optimism is the growth this year of the Bright Futures program, which went from 16 last year to 34, with a waiting list now. “People are realizing what a great place this is,” Wagner said. Students are rising to the occasion, too, said Counselor Janelle Meyers, who reported on rising participation in demanding coursework such as advanced mathematics classes. “It’s good to see students challenging themselves,” she said, citing 17 students in a
trigonometry course, and 28 in a pre-calculus course. “It’s all good.” Also good was a tentative budget being finetuned by Wagner and Business Manager Sherry Swindler. A June draft projected a deficit of about $575,000, but by applying what Wagner described as a more “frugal” approach, some $100,000 was trimmed, so the proposed 2014-15 budget will have a deficit of about $470,000. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for the next Board of Education meeting, on Sept. 22. “Things are running smooth,” reported High School Principal Stan Matheny. “We have about 19 new students [at the high school], and several of them have said how different we are than their old schools.”
Wagner agreed, responding to Board Secretary Bill Frietsch’s question about how things seem to him after Week 1. “Since I’m Superintendent and not superintendent and principal, I expected some difference,” he said. ‘But it’s four or five times busier than I thought it would be – and I like it like that. Plus, the community has been fabulous.” In other business, • the Board unanimously approved, with members Dean Cantu and Rick LeHew absent, transferring $6,867.57 from the Working Cash fund to the Fire Prevention & Safety Fund to cover the balance of the security project. More than $180,000 in funding came in before the end of the last Fiscal Year, but expenditures are coming out of this year. The project replaced key locks with a key-fob access system; • Elementary School Principal Tony Frost reported last Saturday’s Parents Club fund-raising golf outing was “the best attended we’ve had”; • New Technology Coordinator Caleb Waddell has been well-received by faculty and administrators. A new Website is an early indication of his work; and • about $2,500 was trimmed from tentative arrangements to send seven Board members and administrators to conventions in Chicago in November by means of car-pooling, eliminating a dinner and trimming incidental spending.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
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ELMWOOD – Linda G. Knight, 66, of Elmwood passed away at 10:07 p.m. at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014. Linda was born on Dec. 5, 1947, in Peoria, to Mary Leona Cisel. She was raised by her grandparents, Joseph and Mary Daisy Cisel, and lived her adult life with her Aunt Liz Cisel, all whom preceded her in death. She was an employee of the Elmwood CUSD No. 322, last working in the cafeteria. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and attended the Elmwood United Methodist Church. Cremation has been accorded and a graveside burial of ashes will be held at a later date in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a fund set up in Linda’s name at Farmer’s State Bank in Elmwood to assist with funeral expenses. Haskell-Hott Funeral Homes in Princeville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left in Linda’s honor at www.haskellhott.com.
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PRINCEVILLE – Elizabeth L. “Betty” Scherler Birgam, 91, of Princeville died Aug.19 at her residence. Betty is survived by her two daughters, Cindy S. (Joe) Brone of Princeville and Jody L. (Roger) Wilkerson of Washington; one son, Robert K. (Carol) Scherler of Elmwood; six grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; one brother, Charles (Ellora) Edwards of Elmwood; and her “honorary” daughters and grandchildren. Funeral services were Aug. 23 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria, with burial in Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Leave online condolences at www.woolsey-wilton.com.
Clifford Fox
BRIMFIELD – Clifford Roger Fox, 95, of Peoria, father of daughters in Brimfield and Edwards, died Aug. 21 at Proctor Place. He is survived by two daughters, Lynda (Pat) Friede of Brimfield and Denise (Dan) Counsil of Edwards; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A funeral Mass was scheduled for Aug. 27 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Peoria. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum. Leave online condolences at www.wrightandsalmon.com.
This Week’s Obituaries
• Elizabeth Birgam, 91, Princeville • Clifford Fox, 95, Peoria • Barbara Johnson, 79, Knoxville • Linda Knight, 66, Elmwood • Lester Martin, 88, Eureka • Raymond E. Preston, 89, Williamsfield • Grace Renner, 89, Hanna City • Ronald Rynearson Sr., 68, Edwards • Robert D. Tolf, 90, Peoria
Barbara (Teel) Johnson
BRIMFIELD – Barbara Joan (Teel) Johnson, 79, sister of a Brimfield man, died Aug. 20 at the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Howard Johnson of Knoxville; two sons, Jeff (Laurie) of Knoxville and Bruce (Andrea) of Freeport; one brother, Ronald (Helen) Teel of Brimfield; four grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren and soon-to-be-born Sofia Johnson of Milwaukee. She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Haley Johnson. A celebration of life was held Aug. 23 at Grace Lutheran Church in Knoxville. Cremation rites have been accorded with private family burial of ashes at Knoxville Cemetery. Leave online condolences at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome .com.
Raymond E. Preston
WILLIAMSFIELD – Raymond Eller Preston, 89, died Aug. 17 at his home in rural Williamsfield. Cremation rites will be accorded. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home, Knoxville, is assisting the family.
Lester Martin
PRINCEVILLE – Lester Martin, 88, of Eureka, brother of a Princeville woman, died Aug. 23 in El Paso He’s survived by his wife, Ruth Schmidgall Martin; three sisters, Loretta Rumbold of Princeville and Verna Hartter and Helen Wiegand, both of Eureka; two brothers, Nelson (Mary Ellen) Martin of Eureka and Harvey (Sharon) Martin of Metamora; children Donna (Tim) Carr and Alan (Sharon) Martin, both of El Paso, Larry (Debbie) Martin of Flanagan and Becki (Dean) Martin of Eureka; 19 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were planned for Aug.27 at the Eureka Apostolic
Christian Church, with burial in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Roanoke. Leave online condolences at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome. com.
Grace Renner
FARMINGTON – Grace Anita (Hull) Renner, 89, of Hanna City, formerly of Farmington, died Aug. 22 at UnityPoint Health-Methodist in Peoria. Grace was a member of the Farmington United Methodist Church, Farmington Tri-County Senior Center, and the American Legion Auxiliary, and managed Grace's Daycare in her home in Farmington. Services were Aug. 25 at the Farmington United Methodist Church, with burial in Sheffield Cemetery. Leave online condolences at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
Ronald Rynearson Sr.
EDWARDS – Ronald L. “Reggie” Rynearson Sr., 68, of Edwards died on August 22 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Surviving are six children, Jacob (Mandy Engel) Rynearson and Ronald Rynearson Jr., both of Edwards, Karen Parks of Elmwood, Tammy Myles of Chicago, Pamela Rynearson of Seattle, Wash., and Rena Wright of Peoria; 13 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. Graveside services were planned for Aug. 26 at Combs Cemetery, near Edwards. Leave online condolences at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.
Robert D. Tolf
TRIVOLI – Robert D. Tolf, 90, of Peoria, formerly of Trivoli, died Aug. 22 at the Proctor Endowment Home in Peoria. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday (Aug. 29) at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, where visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in Trivoli Cemetery in Trivoli. Leave online condolences at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
Obituary Policy: We print basic obituaries for free. Longer obituaries cost $1 per column inch and $5 per picture. If you are a family member submitting an obituary, we will have to confirm the death with a funeral home or cremation service. Forms are available at The Weekly Post, 115 W. Main St.; Elmwood, IL. Or call 309-7419790.
All You Can Eat Pancake & Sausage Breakfast (Also serving muffins,fruit, juice, milk & coffee)
Saturday, September 6th 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. United Methodist Church of Elmwood
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Ag Day Sept. 7 in Williamsfield WILLIAMSFIELD – Tractors and free, farmrelated family fun will take over Williamsfield’s biggest park for Ag Day on Sunday, Sept. 7. The event celebrates the area’s heritage and future in agriculture and begins at 8 a.m. with a free pancake breakfast at Doubet-Benjamin Park at the northwest corner of town. Activities continue with a worship service in the park at 9:30 a.m. A parade of antique tractors will drive the streets of Williamsfield at 10:30 a.m. and end at the park where activities will begin. The popular Farm Chore Course returns and allows kids to drive battery-powered tractors and trucks through a course to complete chores. Meanwhile, the event includes more than 20 free scheduled events and activities, such as a bale climb, duck races, cow pie bingo, archery game, balloon herding and apple-peeling stations that appeal to all ages. The big tent features hourly events, including a century presentation by local 100-year-old farm woman Myrtice Coe and an informational session about the late Ralph Norman. Afternoon entertainment includes the Ag Olympics and the return of an egg-smashing hit, the Ag Quiz Bowl. Local bakers are invited to enter homemade fruit pies in the pie contest. Entries must arrive by 12:30 p.m., and the winner earns a handmade rolling pin made by FFA Members New this year, local FFA and 4-H groups will debut their first-ever calendar for sale. The 2015 calendar includes local,
rural landscape photos taken by local photographers. Proceeds help cover Ag Day expenses. Ag Day organizers include the Williamsfield FFA Chapter, Williamsfield FFA Alumni & Friends, and Williamsfield Town & Country 4H Club. The Williamsfield Area Development Corporation will provide the free breakfast.
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AREA CHURCHES BRIMFIELD
ELMWOOD
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod “Liturgical & Reverential” Pastor Michael Liese 204 W. Clay St., Brimfield (309) 446-3233 Summer Schedule Sun. Divine Service: 10 am
Crossroads Assembly of God Pastor Tim Cavallo 615 E. Ash St., Elmwood (309) 830-4259 www.crossroadselmwood.org Wed. Worship: 7 pm Sun. Worship: 10:30 am Elmwood Baptist Church Pastor Dennis Fitzgerald 701 W. Dearborn St. Elmwood (309) 742-7631, 742-7911 Sun. School: 9:30 am Sun Worship: 10:30 am, 6 pm Wed. Prayer Meeting: 7 pm First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood Reverend Marla B. Bauler 201 W. Evergreen, Elmwood (309) 742-2631 firstpresbyterianofelmwood.org Sun. Worship: 10:30 am Sun. School: 9:30 am St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Father Paul Stiene 802 W. Main St., Elmwood (309) 742-4921 Sat. Confession: 3:45 pm Sat. Mass: 4:30 pm Sun. Mass: 10 am
Brimfield United Methodist Church Pastor Leonard Thomas 135 S. Galena St., Brimfield (309) 446-9310 Sun. Worship: 9 am Sun. School: 9 am Thurs. Bible Study: 7 pm
EDWARDS Christ Alive! Community Church Pastor Lance Zaerr 9320 W US Hwy 150, Edwards (309) 231-8272 www.christalivecc.com Sun. School: 9:15 am Worship: 10:30 am
Tues. Rosary: 8:15 am United Methodist Church of Elmwood Pastor Bradley F. Watkins II 821 W. Main St., Elmwood (309) 742-7221 www.elmwoodumc.org Sun. Worship: 9 am, 10:30 am Youth Sun. School: 9 am Adult Sun. School: 8 am
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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. Choir: 7 pm
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
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from last year and 10 of them have their top four (runners) back,” E-B coach Gregg Meyers said. “Some have six or seven back. So there’s a lot of strong teams.” But there’s no question E-B is right there. Preseason polls all tab E-B No. 1 and DyeStatIl.com writes, “It is hard to deny that ElmwoodBrimfield is the team to beat this season as six of last year’s state team returns.” That includes senior Nate Herridge and junior Matt Osmulski, a competitive duo who traded off the No. 1 runner position last fall right up until the state meet. In that race Herridge placed 22nd in 15:40 to earn all-state honors and finish five spots ahead of
Osmulski, whose time was 15:44. But the top two can’t rest on their laurels this fall, as they will be pushed by senior Kelly Hoffmann and sophomore Derek McCoy. “I’m hoping if things go well that the top four will all have a chance to be all-staters,” Meyers said. “And the top four has been flip-flopping from race to race. “If we can get a fifth or sixth in the top 40 then we’ll be good.” Candidates for the latter include sophomores John Barratt and Kelby Barnewolt and freshmen Alex Herrmann and Cooper Hoffmann. The younger Hoffmann was all-state in eighth grade to help his team win its state title, as well. The key for Elmwood
is putting in miles to peak in time for state and Meyers said Herridge, Osmulski, Kelly Hoffmann and McCoy all did a good job this summer. On the girls side, E-B returns several key runners from last year’s 15th place state finisher. Heading the pack is senior Kendra Gorham, who was 92nd at state last year (19:43). At this point in the practice schedule, coach Hayley Davis said her No. 2 runner is senior Hannelore Book and the rest of the top six includes junior Sara Rosecrans, junior Nicole Collins (who did not finish last season) and freshmen Emily McCauley and Natalie Meyer. Junior Cassie Carn did well at state last year, placing 98th (19:43) and should also contribute along with sophomoer Allie Meyers. “They’re more positive this year,” Davis said. “I have a very good, solid seven that I can rely on. So I’m hoping to do better and I think they want it more
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than last year.” Both E-B teams open Sept. 3 at Detweiller Park against Metamora and Peoria Notre Dame for a 4:30 p.m. meet followed by the Canton Invite on Sept. 6 at 9:30 a.m. Farmington Seniors Amber Campen and Maggie Cecil head up what is otherwise a fairly inexperienced squad. “We are very young and eager to see improvement,” Coach Jim Hardesty said. “The kids have put in a lot of miles to prepare for the season and are excited to compete.” Farmington will host the Prairieland Conference meet Sept. 30 and regionals on Oct. 25. Hardesty said the girls squad is aiming to advance out of the regional for the second year in a row. Princeville Jeremy Melick is the head coach for the Princes and his team opens its season on Sept. 3 at Monmouth for the 4:30 p.m. Prime Beef Run.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
VOLLEYBALL: P-ville coach Garretts resigns Continued from Page 20
been second-team all-Prairieland Conference the past two seasons. Pasley will get hitting support from senior outside hitter Brianna Rutledge once Rutledge returns from a bout with mono. Rutledge moved from the middle last year and Jensen said “moving her into a new position should just increase her productivity.” Another outside hitter Jensen said should “surprise people” this fall is 5-7 senior McKenzie Skaggs, who is moving from the right side to the left side. “She’s got a lot of athletic ability,” Jensen said. Along with the hitters, Jensen has a veteran setter in 5-10 Allyx Camp. “She’s a great server and she’s definitely ready to take over the setting for us,” Jensen said. Here’s a look at other area teams hoping for extended runs once postseason play starts Oct. 27. Brimfield-Elmwood Despite losing 12 seniors from a squad that reached the regional final (losing to Stark County), coach Troy Tilly is still optimistic. In his second season as head coach, Tilly said he is more comfortable at the helm and sees plenty he likes in a varsity roster that includes five seniors six juniors and two sophomores. Newcomer Morgan Florey made an impact in softball and will also help as an outside hitter in volleyball. According to Tilly, the same is true of Payton Teel, a senior outside hitter who ran cross country last fall but returned to volleyball.
“Our approach will probably come more from the outside than from the middle like last season,” Tilly said. Two of his primary middle hitters figure to be juniors Morgan Ledbetter and junior Shayla McComick, who he said “can jump out of the gym.” “Our strength is our front-row attack,” Tilly said. “We’ve got some big hitters and good blockers and then we’ve got senior leadership at the setter position, which is big as far as court awareness.” Setting those hitters up in Brimfield’s 6-2 offense will be senior Alissa Bauer and junior Jessica Link. Tilly will be assisted this year by his wife, Betsy Tilly, a former allconference player at Peoria Notre Dame who played collegiately at Monmouth College. Princeville The Princes reached the regional final last year before falling to Roanoke-Benson, but must replace considerable firepower from that team – in addition to veteran coach Kathy Garretts. Garretts submitted her resignation last Friday for medical reasons and the head coaching position was posted Monday – leaving precious little time for a new coach to step into the role Garretts had served for 15 seasons. But the former coach has not left the cupboard bare. “Offensively I think they are going to be really good. They’ve got a lot of pretty well-rounded hitters,” Garretts said. “We’re just
a very young team.” The roster includes four seniors, seven juniors, two sophomores and one freshman. Of those, eight players have varsity experience including outside hitters Jordan Kraft and Alexis Kelton, defensive specialist Kara Kessling and setter Libby Dwyer. Other key returnees are Anna Schupbach, Bridgett Talley and Brooke Gardner. “They work very well together and get along great,” Garretts said. “I think they’ll be pretty good.” The Princes last postseason title came in 2011, when the team won its third straight regional. Williamsfield With juniors Taylor Dorthey, Maddison Stewart and Emilee Furlong players all standing over 6-1, coach Tyson Hart’s squad might have the best height in Billtown. He plans to use the trio on his front line. “So far we have no set spots for them up front,” he said. Back to direct the offense is setter Kimberly Campbell, one of two seniors this year. The other is defensive specialist Amy Newell. “Those two will be big leaders for us,” Hart said. Billtown’s 13-15 mark included an ICAC Conference title, which serves as incentive in a program that has 19 girls. “Last year kind of jump-started the girls to work hard and to do as well as the group before them,” Hart said. Billtown opens today (Aug 28) at Ridgewood.
ALL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Brimfield wins in golf; Farmington VB rated 2nd Brimfield’s golf team won its Monday (Aug. 25) match at Kewanee Dunes with a score of 190 to top Orion (193) and Annawan-Wethersfield (226). Freshman Brady Kreiter earned his first medalist honor after shooting 20 and Brimfield senior Ryan Smith was second with a 42.
Volleyball rankings
for each sports season. Quinn says the idea is to reduce and prevent concussions among athletes. IHSA director Marty Hickman says the online course takes a few hours to complete and must be taken every two years.
Coaches, help us!
Not seeing your results in print? We ask coaches
to send results, story ideas and pictures to us at news@wklypost.com. Or call (309) 741-9790 or fax to (309) 741-9365.
Writers wanted
Do you like attending sporting events? Do you want to write about sports or take pictures? The Weekly Post has a great opportunity for you. Call Jeff Lampe at (309)
231-6040 to learn more.
More prep players
The number of participants in high school sports increased for the 25th consecutive year in 2013-14 with a record total of almost 7.8 million, according to an annual survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
Farmington was ranked second in the Journal Star small-school rankings ahead of No. 3 Princeville and No. 6 Brimfield-Elmwood.
Concussion training
High school coaches and athletic directors now must take a concussion training course under a law signed by Gov. Pat Quinn. On Monday, the Illinois High School Association set a deadline of Sept. 15 for fall coaches in 2014. Thereafter the deadline will be to complete a course by the first allowable practice date
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Page 19
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 28, 2014
Weekly Post Sports
Farmer volleyball set to win
Football opens Friday
And Elmwood-BrimWeekly Post Staff Writer field has a record 80 Friday night means players out and several something again. At key returnees from yet least it does for prep another playoff team. football fans, who get Even so, the Trojans their first real installcould wind up with a ment of fun this Friday. less impressive record The nine-week Illinois this year and still be a season kicks better team off this week come playoff and the three time – that area teams thanks to a head into the stiffer schedule. season in difMost notable ferent posifor E-B is the tions. addition of MerFarmington cer County – has an inexpethe Trojans FOOTBALL rienced team opening-day PREVIEW and a new Pages 9-12 foe. Game time coach who for that road looks to rebuild after a contest is 7:30 p.m. school record 10-2 seaFarmington travels to son in 2013. Kewanee to meet AnPrinceville has a solid nawan-Wethersfield – group of juniors and sen- another new foe for both iors for a change and the Farmers and Trojans. coach Jon Carruthers is Game time is 7 p.m. hoping that translates Only Princeville is into a return to the play- home for the opener, offs after a two-year abkicking off against sence for the Princes. Lewistown at 7 p.m. By JEFF LAMPE
Weekly Post Staff Writer
Continued on Page 19
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Ready to rumble
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS
By JEFF LAMPE
There are precious few volleyball banners hanging in the gym at Farmington High School. No regional titles at all, according to the Illinois High School Association. This year’s Farmers team hopes to change that. As prep volleyball season gets underway this week, Farmington welcomes back the area’s most experienced group, with seven seniors returning from last year’s 11-18 regional semifinalist. “I expect good things,” second-year head coach Cassie Jensen said. “These guys definitely want it and most of them have played on the varsity since they were freshmen or sophomores.” That includes 6-foot-1 senior middle hitter Paige Pasley, who lead the team in kills and blocks last season and has
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Senior Nate Herridge (far left) and junior Matt Osmulksi (far right) are two reasons Elmwood-Brimfield cross country is the preseason favorite to defend its Class 1A state title. Photo by Jeff Lampe.
E-B favored for eighth title By JEFF LAMPE
With only one runner gone from last season’s Class 1A state champion team and several promising youngsters coming into the program, the temptation is to label Elmwood-Brimfield a heavy favorite for the boys state cross country title. To do so, of course, ignores the Weekly Post Staff Writer
fact the Trojans won last year by the slimmest of margins (six points) and only after an agonizing wait. So there’s no such thing as a heavy favorite, not with Winnebago, Tolono Unity, Rockford Christian and St. Joseph-Ogden also returning plenty of runners. “You look at the top 12 teams Continued on Page 18
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