The Weekly Post
Thursday August 7, 2014 Vol. 2, No. 24 Hot news tip? Want to advertise? Call (309) 741-9790
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Ronnie returning to headline Old Settler’s Days By BILL KNIGHT
BRIMFIELD – Ronnie McDowell is so familiar to Brimfield audiences he’s almost an Old Settler himself. Headlining the Old Settlers’ Days several times, the 64year-old country singer is returning to the stage Saturday for 6 and 9 p.m. sets in Brimfield, where he’s almost as well-known as Elvis, you might say. McDowell’s string of hit For The Weekly Post
records started with his 1977 tribute to Elvis, “The King Is Gone,” cowritten with Lee Morgan, which sold 5 million copies for Scorpio Records. Now living in the McDowell Nashville area, the Portland, Tenn., native had a dramatic rise in the
music industry. After being mentored by country & western stalwart Conway Twitty – with whom he did a duet on Twitty’s 1958 standard “It’s Only Make Believe” – McDowell recorded for the Epic and Curb companies, and he’s produced more than 30 Top-40 hits. Besides the 1986, Top-10 duet with Twitty, McDowell has teamed up with Jerry Lee Lewis for a rocking duet that McDowell wrote, “You’re
Never Too Old To Rock N’ Roll.” But his own numbers are the most memorable: “I Love You, I Love You, I Love You”; “Older Women”; “Personally”; “Wandering Eyes”; “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation”; “You Made A Wanted Man Of Me”; “All Tied Up”; “In A New York Minute” and “Watchin’ Girls Go By.” Although McDowell is the headliner, Brimfield’s Old Settlers’ Days offers even more. First held in 1869 – and once
drawing about 7,000 visitors to Brimfield for ballgames, balloon ascensions and band concerts – 21st century activities range from carnival rides and an arts & crafts fair to a parade and food and beer tents. The festival opens at 5:30 today (Aug. 7), 5 p.m. on Friday (Aug 8) and then Saturday (Aug. 9) at 6:30 a.m. with breakfast at the American Legion. Also Saturday, the parade is at 1 p.m. Continued on Page 2
Elba Salem dismisses firefighter
ST. JUDE SUCCESS
Local runners assist record St. Jude event By JEFF LAMPE
Area runners chipped in nearly $100,000 out of a record $4.1 million raised for St. Jude last weekend during the 33rd annual St. Jude runs. In all there were 35 runs from local communities to Peoria, as well as a group of 2,200 runners who made a 465-mile trek from Memphis to Peoria’s Civic Center. Local efforts included an established run from Elmwood and second-year fund-raisers from the Kickapoo-Brimfield area and from
By BILL KNIGHT
Weekly Post Staff Writer
Continued on Page 8
For The Weekly Post
Runners from the Kickapoo-Brimfield to Peoria Run near the finish of last Saturday’s St. Jude’s run into Peoria. The Kickapoo-Brimfield group raised $38,000. Photo by Collin Fairfield.
Dog death has owners worried about ‘lepto’ By TERRY BIBO
ELMWOOD – One night was cheerful chaos at Jody Dunbar’s house. Her Scottish terriers, half-siblings with the same father, were yipping and chasing each other and generally tearing through the place. She barely caught a teetering lamp as it was about to crash off the table. “They play like bear cubs,” the 61year-old Dunbar says. The next morning was another For The Weekly Post
YATES CITY – Twenty years ago this week, Steve Frakes’ 12-year-old daughter died after a year of aid and support from the Elba Salem volunteer fire department and other first responders, which inspired Frakes to pay them back by volunteering, too. “I owed a debt to the community,” Frakes says. This week, Frakes Inside has been removed from • Coverage of the Elba Salem Fire Elmwood and Protection District rosFarmington ter. city council Melissa Frakes had a meetings. heart disorder requiring See Page 14 a defibrillator and several trips to hospitals, and Frakes said local firefighters, BYE Ambulance and neighbors were always helpful. “Even her visitation showed community encouragement,” he says. “There were 400 or 500 people there.” Thirteen men attended July 29’s special meeting of the Elba Salem Fire Protection District (ESFPD), and its Board of Trustees took 10 minutes to discuss and dismiss Frakes. Recalling recent fire and rescue calls, Trustee Gregory Wessel said the commu-
story. Her 13-month-old Scotty, Brody, threw up as soon as he got to the kitchen. Immediately, Dunbar knew this was something more than the latest mess. There was no grass or food in the dog’s vomit, just bile. Brody threw up three or more times. His puppy pep vanished. Dunbar already had an appointment at Brown Animal Clinic a few days later. Brody was weak and lethargic, and Dr. Suzanne Harshbarger was
concerned about his rapid deterioration. Bloodwork confirmed something was seriously wrong. Despite injections and IVs and brief rallies, the pup’s health continued to fail. “This went on for two weeks,” Dunbar says. “I have never felt so physically and emotionally exhausted in my life.” She waited one last weekend, alternately hopeful and hopeless. On Monday, June 9, Brody could barely hold Continued on Page 10
Continued on Page 6
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
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SETTLERS: ‘Spiritually connected’ to Elvis Continued from Page 1
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Revived and run by the nonprofit Brimfield Area Men’s Club, which since its founding in 1975 has helped with many community projects, Old Settlers’ Days’ past headliners have included Jerry Reed, T.G. Shepherd, Moe Bandy, Juice Newton and other recording artists. McDowell is among the favorites. Three of his more exceptional endeavors included an album of beach music with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters, a 2007 Curb Records gospel package “Amazing Grace,” and “Ronnie McDowell Country,” a collection of six original songs plus a few
country standards by such legendary writers as Buck Owens. Along the way, McDowell sang 36 tunes for the critically acclaimed 1979 TV movie “Elvis” starring Kurt Russell, provided the singing voice for other TV dramas about Elvis, and he’s recorded and toured with Elvis’s original sidemen Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana. However, McDowell “never thought about losing myself,” he’s said. Elvis “became just a part of what I do. “There’s a beauty in that I can be Ronnie McDowell and step over here and sing Elvis songs, not step in his shoes, but be him in a song.”
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Indeed, McDowell’s sound is less derivative than distinctive, from rockabilly to romantic ballads. (He’s also written songs for Johnny Cash, George Strait and Porter Waggoner, among others.) McDowell’s said he never met Elvis, but “Elvis kind of defined my career,” he’s said. “I feel like he and I are spiritually connected.” McDowell has also hosted and performed on the TV show “Music City Late Night,” featuring guests including not only country artists such as Tim McGraw and Merle Haggard but Snoop Dogg and Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
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THE WEEK AHEAD HOT PICKS This Week!
s Farmers Market – Fresh produce and bakery goods on sale at a farmer’s market today (Aug. 7) from 4-7 p.m. at Brimfield Public Library.
s Dahinda Frogfest – Annual Frogfest is Saturday (Aug. 9) at Dahinda Methodist Church. Frog jumping and children’s games at 4 p.m. Frog legs, home made pie and meal at 5 p.m. Music by Acts 22. s Yard Sales – Farmington’s annual city-wide yard sales are being held around town on Friday (Aug. 8) and Saturday (Aug. 9).
This Week’s Events
s Family Bingo – Family Bingo Aug. 14 at Morrison and Mary Wiley Library in Elmwood at 6 p.m. Call (309) 7422431 to reserve your spot.
s Free Bread – Bread available every Friday, 10 a.m. at Elmwood Methodist Church. s Band Concert – Elmwood Municipal Band Concerts 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every s Well Mobile – The Wellness moSunday in Central Park, Elmwood. bile will be at the Kickapoo Firehouse s Fiber Guild – Bishop Hill Fiber Hill on Aug. 16, 8 to 11 a.m. Contact Leo Guild meets Saturday Schaub (309) 446-9550. (Aug. 9) at 10 a.m. at Publicize Your Event s Blood Drives – St. Methodist Church in Mary’s Church in KickCall us at (309) 741-9790 West Jersey. Program: apoo will host a blood or email information about Lee Shafer will present drive Aug. 16 from 7 to your upcoming event to program of natural dyemartha@wklypost.com. 11 a.m. Princeville Presing. Contact Char byterian Church will Rickey (309) 472-7085 host a blood drive Aug. 20 from 2-7 p.m. or e-mail spinwool7@aol.com. s Hunters Safety – Hunters Safety s Trivia Tuesday – Test your trivia Aug. 21 & 22 from 5-10 p.m. at Course knowledge Aug. 12 at Kickapoo Creek Maple Lane Country Club, Elmwood. Winery. Doors open at 6 p.m. Top three Dinner provided. Call (309) 742-2141. teams receive prizes.
Future Events
The Marriage Game
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Page 4
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 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 ant is knowing and wise, but he doesn't know enough to take a vacation.� – Clarence Day An Illinois Press Association Member
Of snakes, algae and what matters
Farmington’s Citywide Garage Sales Aug 8th–9th
Sponsored by the Farmington Chamber of Commerce
Rambling through central Illinois pondering fangs. uuu Add this to the list of things you should not do while on vacation with your mother: Take a big snake skin and a $20 bill and then stick those items into a door frame with a steak knife and tell all the kids there is a reward for anybody who brings a live snake into the house. And no, a dead snake does not count. Neither does a Jeff picture of a live LAMPE snake. You want the money, bring me a live snake! NOTE: This is a particularly bad idea when you are all staying in one house where the snake is to be delivered ... when your parents pay for the rental of that lakeside house .. and when there are literally 50 water snakes within 100 yards of the house that drive the kids into a snake-hunting frenzy (while you, your dad and
brother are golfing). uuu Did I mention water snakes live to bite? Not that my scaredy-cat children came close enough to actually grab one after witnessing a particularly mean mama snake attack my golf club repeatedly and slither after us, sending kids scattering in her wake. Elmwood teachers, if my kids say they “caught� snakes on vacation this summer, give them an “F� on that assignment. ... Say what you will about central Illinois, but we’ve got a lot of water and you learn to appreciate it more when you leave home. On vacation last week we were about to go to the zoo in Toledo, Ohio, when we saw pictures of green algae in Lake Erie and read all about a ban on drinking water in that city. That nasty, green algae made even Yates City water seem tasty. ... Boy am I glad we have free public education in this country! Wait, you want a check for $495 to register my three children and sign them up for extracurriculars? And I still
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The Elmwood Post Office Lobby will be closed August 16 at noon and reopen regular hours on the following Monday the 18th. This is a result of tile work being done at the entrance of the Post Office.
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need to pay my property taxes? uuu Several months ago, a friend who had lost his spouse made a simple request. “Someday, write something telling young couples that the bad times are not as bad as they seem.� My friend’s point was that surviving tough times actually makes you stronger as a couple. That moments of heartache are better than the unending heartache of losing a loved one. That message always resonates with me, even though it’s not a new one. Lost loved ones have spurred countless classic poems, songs and stories. Obviously, this little column is not one of those classics. It is, instead, a simple missive: Fight through the bad times and take time to make plenty of good times with your spouse, parents and kids. ... Parting shot: The reward stands. Bring a live snake to the office (while I am here, please) and the $20 is yours.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
GUEST VOICES
‘Dumb and Dumber’ – the live version
Sometimes, people say such stupid things that it makes my bones hurt. I used to work with a lady who was about as bright as a boxful of burned-out light bulbs. Hanging around her was entertaining because you never knew what kind of stupid thing she was going to say next. Jon Once she had a customer who she GALLAGHER was helping, and the customer was telling her about their son. The son had taken a job working on the Alaskan pipeline and was now living in Alaska. They explained that while he wasn’t thrilled about living so far from home, it paid well. My co-worker just shook her head. “No thanks,” she said, “I’ll just stay here in America.” After the customer left, we tried to explain to her that Alaska had been part of the U.S. since 1959. She didn’t believe it and insisted that it was part of Canada. When we found a website that listed the 50 states, she responded with “You can’t believe everything you read on the Internet.” She overheard a joke once and took it seriously. The joke had a blonde telling someone that the United States was going to launch a manned mission to explore the surface of the sun. When it was pointed out to the blonde that anything that got that close to the sun would burn up, the blonde said,
“Silly! They’re going at night!” My co-worker took it seriously and repeated it as fact to several people. We tried telling her that it was a joke, but she insisted before one customer got fed up with her and, in no uncertain terms, informed her as to just how stupid she was. And for those of you wondering, no, she WASN’T blonde; she was a redhead. We had her convinced once that if you planted birdseed, you could grow birds. I swear: I’m not kidding. I’ll admit, it took a little setting up with a friend who worked at Lowe’s to accomplish, but she eventually called over there, talked to my friend and asked if they carried bird seed. My friend asked her if she wanted to grow parakeets or canaries. (I’d be willing to bet that to this day, she’s still watering the pots she planted the seeds in.) I was reminded of this just today when I needed to run to the grocery store. I overheard a conversation that made me feel like the Aflac duck in the TV commercial where it talks to Yogi Berra. The guy was somewhere in his 20s with a haircut that looked like his barber suffered a heart attack in the middle of it, and with more ink on his arms than in this issue of The Weekly Post. He was saying, “I don’t believe in that Bible stuff because it said that Noah was like 500 years old and if that’s the case, that was only like the 1500s and they’d have a photo of him. I never saw no photo of him, have
you?” There were so many problems with that statement that I didn’t even know where to begin. Then I remembered an old saying that I try to live by: Not my circus, not my monkeys. The guy he was talking to, possibly his grandfather, but definitely someone much older, brought up dinosaurs. I didn’t catch exactly what he asked the younger man, but it brought on a chortle of sorts. “The dinosaurs didn’t make it to the ark! That’s why they’re not around!” That was the statement that turned my brain into mush. Suddenly, he’s arguing that the dinosaurs missed something that he didn’t believe in anyway. The only logic that I can come up with here to explain his way of thinking is that he learned his history by watching reruns of the Flintstones. Sometimes you can’t argue with people, and it doesn’t do a darn bit of good to try to educate them. They know everything, by God, and there’s no changing their mind short of a brain transplant. When I first started writing this column for The Weekly Post, someone asked me how I was going to find something humorous to write about each week. I told him that it was just a matter of keeping my ears open. Somebody, somewhere, would give me plenty of stuff to write about. I rest my case.
Why early August is the end of summer I first became aware of a calendar I did not recognize in the mid1970s – the end of summer seemed to coincide with the first week in August. Many Elmwood breadwinners were employed by Caterpillar, and Cat closed down for two weeks near the end of Mit July. The end of BERES “Cat Vacation” signaled the end of fun summer activities and the beginning of getting ready for school.
Football practice did not begin for another three weeks, but suddenly there were more guys “going out for a long one” than there were playing catch, and the pick-up games around town changed from baseball to football. We had recently joined Maple Lane Country Club, and, equally suddenly, Cathy, Tony and I had an almost private pool, and the golf course was so empty you could have placed a cannon loaded with grapeshot on each tee and fired them in unison without fear of hitting a single soul. Atypically, I didn’t try to analyze this phenomenon and simply
enjoyed the open course and attention of lifeguards who had few others to watch, and I relished knowing I did not have to buy clothing for teen-age daughters to wear when school actually started near the end of August. But time has passed, and I have turned to thinking (much like a small child who innocently asks “Why?”) about what prompted this seemingly premature desire to get started. I have decided that desire is one of the forces that enhance productivity and make life enjoyable – we are always looking to move on.
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Page 5 OPEN HOUSE – SUNDAY, AUG. 10 – 2-4 pm 8514 N. Ford Rd., Edwards – $199,900 3 BR, 1.5 BA ranch on 2.35 acres 405 Runkle Street, Hanna City – $129,900 3BR brick Ranch w 24x32 outbuilding 14601 W. Schlink Road, Brimfield – $159,900 Price Reduction! 3 BR, 2 BA Ranch on 1 acre 4900 N. Knoxville, Peoria – $84,900 2 BR, 2 BA Condo, Updated kitchen 00 N Kellstadt Road, Brimfield – $155,000 8.5 acres, wooded, great building site 30 Acres, Knox Road 300N – $250,000 30 acres, 20 tillable, some wooded, barn, 3 grain bins 111. W. Main, Yates City – $135,000 Halls Tavern, Great investment opportunity! 1,600 SF Bar, full kitchen, rented apartment PENDING: 14601 W. Schlink Road, Brimfield $159,900
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
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FIREFIGHTER: ‘I want the infighting to stop’ Continued from Page 1
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nity appreciates the fire department, but he pleaded for mutual respect in the ranks. “I want the infighting to stop,” he said, adding that while some “who read [a comment someone posted on Frakes’ Facebook page] took it as derogatory toward a specific fireman in the Elmwood Fire Department, I believe this was a huge misunderstanding that escalated into a terrible firestorm. “Assumptions were made about the subject or source – unrelated to
either [fire] department.” he said. Elmwood’s fire department was told the post criticized one of its former volunteers (although it reportedly concerned a Schuyler County public-safety employee) and it subsequently asked that Frakes no longer respond to any mutual-aid calls Elmwood has. “This was action not taken by me,” said Frakes, a 59-year-old retired Caterpillar software development engineer who now runs a small business from his rural Douglas home. “I actually had [the
post] removed and now I’m being held responsible for it? “Your logic is like having your livestock hit by lightning and suing the veterinarian,” he added. “It’s ridiculous. This smells of retaliation.” Frakes said a petition seeking his discipline, signed by about a dozen men out of a department of some 25, was to get back for his blowing the whistle on improper conduct by a firefighter who was not dismissed, but temporarily suspended. Continued on Page 7
PUBLIC RECORD
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Elmwood is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build a Home for a Hero. We are looking for a Military family interested in owning a home. Anyone interested may contact Habitat for Humanity: 931 N. Douglas, Peoria, IL 61606. Call:309-676-6729. Their website is habitatpeoria.org/homeowners/qualifific cations
Elmwood man reported the theft of a 2013 Dodge car, a cell phone and other items from his home on East Cypress Street, police said. Garner was charged with car theft plus two other counts of theft and possession of drug equipment.
NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Brimfield storage business burglarized
BRIMFIELD – Brimfield Mini Storage reported that 12 units’ locks were broken between 9 p.m. July 26 and 11 a.m. July 27 to gain entry to the rented spaces, according to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office. Staff was notifying customers to determine any losses. Four units couldn’t be accessed because of damage to doors.
Canton teen injured in wreck near Laura
LAURA – Ryan Kenney, 19, of Canton was injured and transported by the Brimfield Fire Department to Graham Hospital in Canton on July 30 after a car in which he was a passenger was rear-ended near the railroad bridge on Illinois Route 78. Kenney’s vehicle was hit by a car driven by Bernard Barkley of Washington, according to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, which cited failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash as a contributor cause.
Edwards man ticketed for pot possession
EDWARDS – Connor Dura, 21, of Edwards on July 29 was stopped by Peoria County Sheriff’s officers who noticed his car and a second vehicle parked in Jubilee State Park after closing, according to reports. After questioning, Dura said he had marijuana in his car and was issued a Sept. 10 Notice To Appear for possessing less than 30 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. A 17-year-old Brimfield youth was questioned and released.
Dahinda man injured in rural Knox Co. accident
DAHINDA – Justin Dean, 33, of Dahinda was northbound on Knox County Highway 12 when a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Amber Foster, 29, of Knoxville, traveling eastbound on Knox County Highway 7, ran a stop sign and struck Dean’s 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, according to police reports. A passenger in Foster’s car, Katherine Wright, 34, of Galesburg, was injured and transported by first responders from the
Troopers arrest woman for stealing car
ELMWOOD – Agnes Garner, 33, of Peoria on July 27 was stopped by Illinois State Police on Interstate 474 after a 47-year-old
Galesburg Hospitals Ambulance Service to Cottage Hospital in Galesburg.
Overheated mower sparks
Oak Run garage fire
DAHINDA – An apparently overheated lawn mower was blamed for a fire July 26, when the Knoxville Fire Department responded to a garage ablaze and endangering a house in the 200 block of Valley View in Oak Run, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. The family escaped uninjured, police said.
Police reports
• Justin Peterson, 22, of Brimfield on Aug. 1 was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Jessica Stephens, 30, of Princeville on Aug. 1 was arrested for theft of less than $300 and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Jessica Bartlett, 30, of Brimfield on Aug. 2 was arrested for resisting and obstructing an officer and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Cory Stear, 24, of Brimfield on Aug. 2 was arrested for driving on a suspending license and transported to the Peoria County Jail. • Wendy Wagner,32, of Brimfield on Aug. 2 was arrested for failure to appear and transported to the Peoria County Jail. Bonded & Insured
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FIREFIGHTER: Unanimous vote Continued from Page 6
More than 30 firefighters and area residents in February had petitioned the Trustees to discharge that firefighter. Although Wessel conceded that it was a misinterpretation and Trustee Gene Saunders said he hated to dismiss a firefighter (adding “I’m not sure I want to be a trustee.”), the vote was unanimous. Board President and Trustee Gerry Buckman told Frakes he has “done everything you can to bring down this department.” Frakes defended himself by saying, “The way you made that sound – like I just went out of my way to be a pain in your butt – was never my intention. My intention was to prod you into doing your job. When I came to [the board] with concerns, it was for the betterment of the department and the community.” Former Fire Chief Phil Goedeke said volunteering at Elba Salem “is hard when things are not fair, when people don’t have your back.” Firefighter Matt
Goedeke stressed the Board’s inconsistent action against Frakes. “I don’t think the actions taken against him are fair considering what happened with others in this department,” he said. Another ex-chief, longtime volunteer firefighter Sonny Snyder, said, “My heart’s in this place [but] we’re not where we need to be. Facebook [photos] show our department is nothing but a bunch of party animals, and guys who care about the department you kick out in
the street. I think you should completely disband the department and start over with people who care and aren’t too busy showing off.” Buckman said, “It’s time to move forward,” and Wessel warned the department that any celebration or expression of joy or relief about the board action was “not acceptable and will be dealt with.” Elba Salem’s next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. today (Aug. 7) at Yates City’s firehouse.
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Page 7
Page 8
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
We would like to announce the arrival of twins on May 19th, 2014. The handsome boy on the le is Asher Wallace Edwards and the beau"ful girl on the right is Avalyn Bernice Edwards. The proud parents are Rob & Pa#y Edwards from Mackinaw, IL. and the grandparents are Gary & Linda Edwards of Yates City, IL.
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ST. JUDE: Creative fund-raising ideas help Continued from Page 1
Princeville. Elmwood’s runners raised $26,479.50, Brimfield-Kickapoo generated $28,000 and Princeville chipped in with $35,000. Along with compassion, creativity is a key to the annual fund raiser. In Elmwood, runners sold sundaes at a concert in the town square one Sunday. The Kickapoo-Brimfield group tried a variety of activities, including a pork-chop sale last Saturday, a Kids Fun Run &
Obstacle Event earlier in the summer and on-street collections by volunteers on the day of the run. In all cases, money raised for St. Jude today is used to save the lives of children tomorrow. That includes young-
sters like first-grader Johnah Sahr of Edwards, honorary leader for the Kickapoo-Brimfield contingent of 50 runners. Sahr was declared cancer-free last year after a courageous battle with Stage 4 high-risk neurob-
Princeville to Peoria runners wrap up the second year of their St. Jude run after raising $35,000 for the annual event. Photo by Collin Fairfield.
lastoma that included a stay at the St. Jude Hospital in Memphis and many other treatments – all paid for by the generous efforts of volunteers like the St. Jude runners. – Angie Sneeringer contributed to this report
Young runners are always a staple of the Elmwood to Peoria Run for St. Jude and this year was no different. Participation by youngsters also helped the Elmwood crew raise $26,479.50. Photo by Collin Fairfield.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
Page 9
Integrys withdraws Elmwood power service By BILL KNIGHT
ELMWOOD – Within days of Ameren notifying Elmwood customers that Integrys this month will stop providing local electricity, ComEd’s parent company, Exelon, announced it’s buying Integrys. Permitted under the terms of its municipal aggregation program pact with the City of Elmwood, Integrys’ moves mean people have two months to stay with Ameren or look for an alternate, after which customers will be locked in for one year. Three years ago, when municipalities started contracting for power, some alternate Retail Electrical Suppliers offered “lossleader” deals that bigger utilities didn’t match. Many suppliers have since retreated and aren’t competing to keep customers. Changes mean there are many electrical suppliers and an array of options that can seem puzzling. “You have to do your homework For The Weekly Post
now,” said Community and Economic Development Association of Illinois president Mark Burger, to WLS-TV. “Things are not as automatic as they used to be.” The Supply Choice web page, provided on Ameren’s Website, lists 23 suppliers while pluginillinois.org – from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) – lists nine suppliers. That includes Homefield Energy, a Collinsville company that is Brimfield’s aggregate supplier until June of 2016. Homefield’s listed rates for new customers are higher than Ameren’s. PALMCo., based in Brooklyn, N.Y., is listed as offering lower rates, but they’re for the first two months, then become variable. Some speculate potentially higher rates could go into effect in September, but it’s unknown whether Exelon’s takeover of Integrys will offset rising prices or even be available to consumers outside ComEd’s Chicago market. “That perhaps will offer innova-
tive services to help lower bills,” said Dave Kolata, president of Citizens Utility Board (CUB). “It’s not going to save consumers now, so we will just have folks go back [to the main utility company, for Elmwood, Ameren].” If you look for an alternative energy provider, experts say to be careful with variable pricing, which can change with the marketplace, and with “teaser rates” that can go up after a few months. Consumers also should ensure they can drop a supplier without a penalty. As to the Sale of Integrys – for $60 million, set to close this winter – the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) called on the ICC and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate anti-competitive consequence of the purchase. “If combined, these companies appear to control more than half of the retail electricity market in Northern Illinois,” said ELPC director Howard Learner in a prepared statement.
Billtown village board seeking members By MICHELLE SHERMAN
WILLIAMSFIELD – The Williamsfield Village Board hopes to appoint two new board members following Monday’s (Aug. 4) resignation of President John Herman. Herman, whose last meeting will be Sept. 2, is moving and can no longer serve on the board. There already is one vacant spot that also needs to be filled. The board also discussed applicants to replace retiring police chief John Kellogg. Kellogg is currently a full-time employee of the village. But Village Clerk Mary Rice says the board is considering making the police chief’s position a parttime job in the future. The board hopes to have a candidate to discuss at the next meeting. For The Weekly Post
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
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BRODY: Was leptospirosis the culprit? Continued from Page 1
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his head up and she had him euthanized. “It broke my heart,” she says. With other dogs at home, Dunbar worried. She lives on a quiet street near a cornfield. She scoured the place for rodents and rat poison – the most likely cause of such a death. Her daughter, Tina Dunbar Kraemer, called the breeder to check the health of related dogs. All negative. “I just don’t know what to think,” Dunbar says. Since other dogs with similar symptoms have died this summer, Dr. Harshbarger is a bit worried, too. She has no confirmed cases. But these dogs may have had leptospirosis, a bacteria-like spirochete which is common globally, especially in tropical regions, but rare locally. Vets only suspect leptospirosis when strong animals abruptly go into kidney failure and other potential causes have been ruled out. Symptoms are so common and the illness progresses so quickly it may be too late to save dogs when owners seek treatment. “Once you get to renal failure there’s no going back,” Harshbarger says. “You can’t reverse the damage.” Worse yet, the lep-
Brody, a 13-year-old Scottish terrier, was euthanized this summer after coming down with a disease that had similarities to leptospirosis.
tospirosis spirochete can survive for months and can infect a variety of animals, including people. Leptospirosis stopped being a notifiable disease in the U.S. in 1995, according to medicalnewstoday.com, so hard numbers are difficult to find. (And Centers for Disease Control experts did not return numerous requests for information.) Ninety percent of human cases are mild and the disease can be treated with antibiotics. “It can be serious, but we don’t see a lot of it,” said Diana Scott, public information officer for the Peoria City/County Health Department. “. . . Not in recent memory, if ever.” So it may not be time to hit the panic button.
But it may be time for dog owners to get proactive. Leptospirosis may be most common in warm climates, but it can be found in other areas after flooding or high rainfall. CDC says the disease has been diagnosed more frequently in pets in recent years. Lauren Malmberg, head of Peoria County Animal Protection Services, had not heard of leptospirosis cases here. “We have seen a few cases,” says Dr. Tracy
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Myers of Whitney Veterinary Hospital, president-elect of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association. “They are from the outlying areas. It’s definitely on the rise.” Vets have been reluctant to immunize in the past because leptospirosis is rare and vaccines can be hard on puppies. That may be changing according to Myers. “The newer vaccines have less chance of a reaction,” she says. She suggests those with questions visit isvma.org. Although there is no official diagnosis for Brody, the Dunbar family shared their story in hopes of helping others. Kraemer posted a caution about rat poison on Facebook. Dunbar says she may have her other dogs vaccinated, and warns dog owners to be careful. “It’s God awful,” Dunbar says. “I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.”
TERRY BIBO can be reached at terry.bibo.freelance@gmail.com.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
Page 11
FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 14
1. LITERARY: Who wrote the novel "The Bridge of San Luis Rey"? 2. MUSIC: What country does the band U2 call home? 3. SCIENCE: Which famous scientist was known as "The Wizard of Menlo Park"? 4. MOVIES: What was the name of the town in "Back to the Future"? 5. SPACE: Who were the first and last astronauts to step on the Moon? 6. ENTERTAINERS: Which famous leading man had a pot-bellied pig named Max as a pet? 7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the name for an animal that eats only plants? 8. MEDICINE: Who produced the first vaccine for rabies? 9. TELEVISION: What 1980s sitcom featured the Seaver family? 10. GEOGRAPHY: What is Ethiopia's capital? Answers 1. Thornton Wilder 2. Ireland 3. Thomas Edison 4. Hill Valley 5. Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan 6. George Clooney 7. Herbivore 8. Louis Pasteur 9. "Growing Pains" 10. Addis Ababa 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
MOVIES 1. Lucy (R) 2. Hercules (PG-13) 3. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 4. The Purge: Anarchy (R) 5. Planes: Fire and Rescue (PG) 6. Sex Tape (R) 7. Transformers: Age of Extinction (PG-13) 8. And So It Goes (PG-13) 9. Tammy (R) 10. A Most Wanted Man (R)
ELMWOOD UNDER CONSTRUCTION BUT OPEN FOR BUSINESS
2014 King Features Synd., Inc.
BRIEFS City-wide yard sales in Farmington this weekend
FARMINGTON – A city-wide yard sale sponsored by the Farmington Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for this Friday (Aug. 8) and Saturday (Aug. 9). Anyone can participate, organizers say. For times and places go to farmingtonillinoischamberofcommerce.wordpress.com.
Harvest Home Festival set for 128th anniversary
YATES CITY – This summer’s Harvest Home Festival marks 128 years since the first one, and this year activities range from a Baby Contest, bingo and a bags tourney to Boden Amusement’s rides, a
food stand and entertainment including Ashley Bean (7 p.m. on Aug. 15), Tomcats (5 p.m. on Aug. 16) and the Dirt Road Junkies (7 p.m. on Aug. 16).
Guest ministers to visit Crossroads church Aug. 17 ELMWOOD – Guest ministers Bonnie and Tom Lentz from The Jesus House will be at Crossroads Assembly of God church on Aug. 17 for a 6 p.m. service. The Jesus House serves the homeless. There will also be burgers and hot dogs served at 5 p.m.
Et cetera
An antique tractor and equipment show is set for Aug. 16-17 at the Stark County Junior Fairgrounds in Wyoming. Learn more at www.citractorclub.com
Help Support Our Honor Flight Vets Fundraiser and Bake Sale August 9th
To promote foot traffic, Lampe Publications, David Vaughan Country Financial, Uptown Cafe, Tootʼs Treats and Sarahʼs True Value will be offering a $10 gift certificate each week. More businesses will be signing up soon! For Details call Chris at 309-313-3078
Please busine visit each how sys and ask sign u ou can p to w in!
Eight vets from Farmington Country Manor will be flying to Washington D.C. on September 23rd
• Bake Sale 9am-2pm • Cookout 11am-2pm • Painted Flag Pallets • Silent Auction
We will be under the green and white tent between County Market and Ace
The Elmwood Development Association • The City of Elmwood
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Page 12
THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
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Donna Brewer, Local Representative (309) 742-4661
Opening Soon In Elmwood C ountry Comfo rt Retirem ent Ho me A ssi st e d L i vi n g a n d Me m or y C a re To Apply for Residency Call Michele At 309-238-1122
Franklin Wickwire
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ELMWOOD – Franklin “Jack” Wickwire, age 77, of Bushnell, Fla., formerly of Elmwood, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2014, in Inverness, Fla. Jack was born on June 23, 1937 in Peoria County, Ill. He worked as a truck driver, a past member of the NRA, enjoyed communicating on amateur radios, was an avid NASCAR fan and loved spending time with his family. Survivors include his three sons, Jonathan Ray (Nancy) Wickwire of Geneseo, Alan Brian (Joy) Wickwire of Phoenix, Ariz., and Patrick Scott Wickwire of Bushnell, Fla.; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Douglas Wickwire of Galesburg, Ill., and Ralph “Bill” (Lois) Wickwire of Pinckneyville, Ill.; and two sisters, Berdella Smith of Galesburg, Ill. and Inez (Jim) Bevard of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita Lorraine Wickwire; a son, Ricky Dean Wickwire; and a daughter, Christine Marie Wickwire. A memorial service will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home, Elmwood, on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Ritter officiating. Friends may call at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home, Elmwood on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America.
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YATES CITY – Brenda M. Earnest, 66, passed away Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014 at 12:40 a.m. at her home in Yates City, Illinois. Brenda was born on Dec. 11, 1947 in Lawrence County, Tenn. the daughter of Wilburn and Nettie (Landtroop) Hughes. She married Robert “Bob” Earnest on March 10, 1969 in Loretto, Tennessee. She is survived by her husband, Robert Earnest of Yates City, three children; Shelley (and Robert) Cassel of Yates City, Ill., Kelley Woodcock of Farmington, Ill., and Noah Earnest of Elmwood, Ill., four grandchildren, Zach Cassel, Michaela Cassel, Kaitlyn Woodcock, Johnathan Woodcock, and one uncle, Odis Hughes of Peoria. She was preceded in death by her parents. Brenda was a member of the Crossroads Assembly of God Church in Elmwood, Illinois. Per her request, cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial donations can be left
This Week’s Obituaries
• Terry L. Block, 70, Princeville • Rick Bollinger, 62, Farmington • Stephen Crayton, 27, Flanagan • Brenda Earnest, 66, Yates City • Gary Francois, 77, Galesburg • Howard Johnson, 75, Farmington • Glenda Shellenberger, 80, Bellevue • Bonnie Spitzer, 54, Farmington • Willard Swindler, 100, Elmwood • Donald Thomson, 88, Nekoma • Franklin Wickwire, 77, Elmwood
to the Elmwood Crossroads Assembly of God Church. The HurdHendricks Funeral Home in Knoxville, Ill., is assisting the family. Offer condolences at www.hurdhendricksfuneralhome.com.
Terry L. Block
PRINCEVILLE – Terry Lee Block, 70, of Princeville died on July 27 at Heritage Manor in Chillicothe. Cremation rites have been accorded and no services are planned. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington assisted in arrangements.
Rick Bollinger
FARMINGTON – Ricky Lyn Bollinger, 62, of Farmington died on July 31 at his residence. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service was held on Aug. 4 at the First Baptist Church in Farmington. Affordable Funeral & Cremation services of Central Illinois is assisting the family with arrangements. Submit condolences to www.peoriafuneral.com.
Stephen Crayton
BRIMFIELD – Stephen Crayton, 27, of Flanagan, grandson of a Brimfield couple, died July 30, at Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac. He is survived by his son Truth Crayton of Flanagan; his parents, Herman and Denise Crayton; two brothers, Kendall Crayton and Austin Crayton, both of Peoria; grandparents Jerry and Sarah Crayton of Brimfield, and Melvin and Geraldine McIntosh of Detroit, Mich.; his girlfriend, Jacquelyn Steinhilber of Flanagan; and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were Aug. 5 at Bradley Epworth Church in Peoria. Online condolences may be
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made at simonsmortuary.com.
Gary Francois
PRINCEVILLE – Gary R. Francois, 77, of Galesburg, father of a Princeville man, died July 30 at Heartland Health Care Center. He is survived by his wife, Martha Ehrenhart Francois; three sons, Mark Francois of Princeville, Scott (and Kimberly) Francois of Jacksonville, Fla., and Todd (and Cheryl) Francois of Salem; three daughters, Miava (and Larry) Reem of Galesburg, Jena (and Lawrence) Sanchez of Pueblo, Colo. and Dana (and David) Scott of Ripon, Wis.; a son-in-law; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers and a sister. Cremation was accorded. A memorial service was Aug. 4 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
Howard Johnson
FARMINGTON – Howard L. Johnson, 75, of Farmington died on July 28 at UnityPoint HealthMethodist. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kay Taber Johnson; three children, Kevin Johnson of Key Largo, Fla., Aana (Alex) Giftos of Glasford, and Ketra (David) Divet of Cape Coral, Fla.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Donna Johnson of Hindsboro, and Dianna Lust of St. Peters. Services were Aug. 1 at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, with burial in Oakland Cemetery in Oakland. Offer online condolences at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
Glenda Shellenberger
YATES CITY – Glenda M. Shellenberger, 80, of Bellevue, sister of a Yates City woman, died on July 28 at her residence. Surviving are a sister, Shirley Korth of Yates City; five daughters, Sherry (Tim) Smith of Marquette Heights, Sharon (Ralph) Hill of Bartonville, Carolyn (Nick Fink) Trainor of Peoria, Kim Brown of East Peoria and Jill (Jeff Thomas) Webb of Washington; three stepdaughters, Lisa Carter, Donna Heffron and Debbie Boehle, all of Indiana; three sons, Stephen Trainor, and fiancee, Shelly of West Peoria, Jim (Lisa) Trainor of Bellevue and Donald (Amanda) Trainor of Peoria; 41 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren. Graveside services were Aug. 1, at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Offer condolences online at www.sedgwickfuneralhome.com.
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THE WEEKLY POST • Thursday, August 7, 2014
OBITUARIES
Bonnie Spitzer
FARMINGTON – Bonnie Rose Spitzer, 54, of Bartonville, sister of a Farmington woman, died on July 28 at her residence. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Spitzer; her father, Willard Darrel; three sisters, Kelly Humphrey and her fiance, Bruce Watson of Farmington, Dorine (Gene) Munsell of Pekin, and Peggy McCabe (Danny) Walley of El Paso; one brother, Patrick McCabe of Bartonville; four children, Daniel Joseph (Amanda) Krider of Peoria, Melissa Marie Krider of Peoria, Monica Mae Krider of Bartonville and Elizabeth Spitzer and her fiance, Matt Kramer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and 10 grandchildren. Services were July 31 at Endsley-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Bartonville, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Peoria. Make online condolences at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
Willard Swindler
ELMWOOD – Willard Swindler, FOR ANSWERS SEE PAGE 14
100, of Elmwood died Aug. 1 at Farmington Country Manor, one day after celebrating his 100th birthday. He is survived by two children, Allen Swindler and Donna Whittinghill, both of Elmwood; one daughter-in-law, Pat Swindler of Elmwood; one brother, Larry Swindler of Bloomfield, Iowa; one sister, Delilah Morrow of Bloomfield, Iowa; eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Cremation rites have been accorded. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 9) at Cottonwood Cemetery in rural Edwards. Immediately following burial, family will receive friends at the Elmwood Tap. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Donald E. Thomson
NEKOMA – Donald E. “Gene” Thomson, 88, Nekoma, brother of three area residents, died July 31 at Rosewood Care Center in
Galesburg. He is survived by his wife Dorothy (Sebastian) Thomson; his siblings Doris Yocum of Peoria, Carroll Thomson of Yates City, Wayne (Pat) Thomson of Oak Run/Dahinda, Charlene (Stu) McKechnie of Elmwood and Sibyl Wilson of Phoenix, Ariz.; his children Linda Torbert of Galva, Sheri Wood of Altona, Virginia Verscheure of Kewanee, and Randy Thomson of Nekoma; a son-inlaw; 13 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Funeral services were Aug. 5 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altona. Interment is in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Altona. Offer condolences online at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.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 309741-9790.
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Page 13 518 N. Lakeshore, Hanna City - $299,900 Magnificent 3 BR/3.5 BA on approx. 3.5 acres wooded property w/lake views. Walk-out basement. NEW LIST! 1505 Noel Dr., Metamora - $239,000 Well-maint. 1.5 story, 4 BR, 2.5 BA home on quiet cul de sac. Vinyl fenced backyard, 3-stall gar. & shed. 402 E. Park, Deer Creek - $210,525 Well-maint 3 BR/3 BA ranch home w/lg fenced yard w/shed, 3-stall garage, finished basement. 373 E. High Point Rd., Peoria - $192,500 Beautiful 3 BR/2.5 BA home, filled w/character & AM charm, w/built-ins. Manicured yard. NEW LIST! 304 N. Phil Gould, Hanna City - $178,500 EAVER Beautiful 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2-story home. Hardwood flooring in living room/formal din. room/eat-in 369-9268 kitchen. Partially finished basement with Rec room. NEW PRICE! 126 E. Clinton, Brimfield - $138,900 Hanna City Well-maintained 3 BR/2 BA home w/spacious yard. Office Walking distance to schools. Nice oak kitchen. NEW LIST! 400 N. Burson, Yates City - $114,900 Managing Broker, Spacious 3 BR ranch home in the heart of Yates City, GRI, AHS 2-car garage, screen porch, back-up generator. 12325 W. Farmington Rd, Hanna City - $92,000 Cozy 1.5 story home, 3 BR/1 BA, large lot, many updates including roof/furnace/windows! NEW PRICE! 3432 N. Sandia, Peoria - $65,500 2 BR/1.5 BA well-maintained condo in convenient location! Many updates in last 2 years. NEW LIST! 0 Zeine, Glasford - $35,000 Nice recreational lot. Possible building site. PENDING: 6525 N. Kramm Rd., Brimfield, $124,900
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Elmwood council approves 2014-15 budget By BILL KNIGHT
ELMWOOD – A new bond boosts the City’s budget for Fiscal Year 2014-14 by $500,000, so what seems to be a 24 percent increase in appropriations approved by the City Council on Tuesday is misleading. But slight changes in a few line items also are factors in a new $4,164,307 figure. “The budget includes some transfers back and forth,” said city attorney Bob Potts. “It’s not as big a change as it might seem.” “Things are tight,” said City Treasurer Harold Jehle. “In trying to balance the budget, there was more cutting than adding.” The Council also amended the redevelopment agreement with Katie Kim and JSCK, LLC, for For The Weekly Post
property at Main and Magnolia Streets to extend a deadline to Aug. 15 for the delivery of “due diligence” materials to the City, and heard from Dr. Jessica Dean of Associates in Dentistry that they’re looking to build a 3,000-squarefoot facility in 2016 and would prefer a site on or near the square. “I have time on my side,” she said. “But time flies.” In other business, the Council: • approved a contract with B.Y.E. Ambulance Service for next year for $54,600, unchanged from last year; • approved a $10,236 bid from Laverdiere Construction for new electrical service from by the firehouse beneath Evergreen Street to a new street-level vault near the Post Office – contingent on the Illi-
nois Department of Transportation making the improvement part of Streetscape II project; • tabled a motion on contracting for fire protection for 2014-2015 until the next meeting; • approved a $500 donation to the Peoria County veterans memorial; • appointed City Clerk Melissa Morris as authorized agent for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund; • OK’d the Knights of Columbus’ Tootsie Roll Drive on Sept. 19-20 at the corner of Main and Magnolia Streets; and • in a special meeting on July 30, approved a 3-percent pay increase for the City’s six part-time police officers.
Farmington holds off on Casey Road decision By MICHELLE SHERMAN
FARMINGTON – The Farmington City Council on Monday postponed a plan to make Casey Road a city street due to concerns of road quality. The road, part of the decade-old Wasson Ridge subdivision, has not been tested for quality and construction. Council members and Farmington residents already have concerns over other city roads that have fallen into disrepair. “I just have a little reservation taking on a sub-par road,” said Alderman Jeff Vogel. “I just fear that we’re going to get into some expenses very soon that we don't want.” Alderman Matthew Ulm agreed, wanting to see core samples of the road and specifications on materials to determine if they meet state requirements. Any testing would be done at the individual property owners’ expense. Water runoff was also a concern of Ulm’s but City Manager Rollen Wright said there have been no water problems to his knowledge. In other business the council: For The Weekly Post
• Approved the use of city property by the Farmington JFL for practices and games. • Learned that Cobblestone Corner Antiques and Sawmill Hydraulics wish to annex their properties into the city. That would require approval by owners of property located between city limits
and the businesses. The council instructed Wright to investigate the matter. • Discontinued membership in the Western Illinois Regional Council. • Instructed Ehlers to investigate the cost of tarring and chipping a 20foot section of city property near Jacobs Park to create 30-34 additional
parking spots. • Approved including a question on the November ballot regarding the city’s participation in an electrical aggregate with Simec Energy. A similar question last November ended in a tie. • Decided to further investigate the inclusion of Industry Road as a city street.
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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 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
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
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
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(309) 742-4921 Sat. Confession: 3:45 pm Sat. Mass: 4:30 pm Sun. Mass: 10 am Tues. Rosary: 8:15 am United Methodist Church of Elmwood Pastor Bradley F. Watkins II 821 W. Main St., Elmwood (309) 742-7221 www.elmwoodumc.org Sun. Worship: 9 am, 10:30 am Youth Sun. School: 9 am Adult Sun. School: 8 am
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 7, 2014
Page 15
FB practice starts Aug. 11
Farmington’s 8U team won first place in the Kickapoo Valley League tournament and ended the season with a record of 13-2. The team included, Back Row (left to right) Coaches Richard Crawford, Jeremy Binder and Richard Brewer; Middle Row (l to r): Mason Griffith, Ben Beeney, Jaxson Fries, Trevor McVey, Jack Gronewold, Landon Binder and Luke Lebron; Bottom Row (l to r) Dawson Foster, Landon Crawford, Landon Crusen, Seth Shaw and Jerett Fauser. Not pictured: Jason Kennelly.
Illinois high school football practice starts Monday. Teams have 18 days to prepare for the Aug. 29 season opener. Practices in full pads are not allowed until Aug. 16 so players can acclimate to the heat. Elmwood-Brimfield starts its season at Aledo against Mercer County on Aug. 29 while Farmington is at Kewanee Wethersfield that night and Princeville is at home vs. Lewistown.
JFL: Run like a miniature NFL Continued from Page 16
quality of the players coming in as freshmen,” Oldfield said. “Last year’s Farmington varsity football team went the farthest into the state playoffs we’ve ever gone. And a lot of those players participated as kids in our first year of Farmington JFL.” Farmington has three flag teams and five tackle teams. New this year is a cheer team with 21 girls participating Farmington JFL also coordinates with the high school through coaches’ clinics, during which varsity coaches teach plays and positions to JFL volunteers, Oldfield said. As for injuries, Kenney said, “We’ve been lucky at Brimfield and have had no major injuries or head injuries, only one or two broken arms over the years.” Every JFL division is mandated by weight and age, so all similar weight players are grouped together on a team and only play against teams of a similar weight class.
“This prevents big kids smashing up smaller kids,” Kenney said. “The league is run like a miniature NFL, with fines for unsportsmanlike conduct and lots of rules and by-laws.” Unsportsmanlike conduct fines are $100 for a player, $500 for a coach and $100 for a parent. Brimfield JFL has never been fined in the last 10 years, Kenney said. “Former Director Joe Arbogast was big on sportsmanship and for
12 years really instilled that value into the program,” he said. Kenney stressed the importance of good equipment and noted Brimfield JFL purchased new shoulder pads and helmets this year. “With weight restrictions kids don’t get discouraged about football because they’re playing against kids their own size,” Kenney said. “Our goal is for kids to grow to love (football) and go on to play it in high school.”
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JFL programs offer early start for football By CHERYL HARLOW
While high schoolers across the area are awaiting the Aug. 11 start of football practice, younger players have already taken to the turf. Thanks to Junior Football League (JFL) programs in Brimfield, Farmington and Princeville, area boys get a headstart on the gridiron. Practice started Monday in Brimfield, where more than 120 boys will play on two flag football teams and five tackle teams, according to Monte Kenney, Brimfield JFL Director. He said players from Brimfield, Elmwood, Williamsfield, Hanna City, Oak Run and Princeville have participated in the Brimfield program, in its 28th year. “My philosophy is to teach them young and they will learn through repetition and quality coaching,” said Kenney, who has coached JFL for seven years and is in his second season as director. Like Farmington and Princeville, Brimfield competes in the Junior Football For The Weekly Post
League of Central Illinois, which was established in 1967 and last year oversaw games for more than 5,000 players and nearly 1,000 coaches. Flag football is for youngsters age 5-7 and includes practices two nights a week and an eight-game season. In flag there is no tackling. Instead, coaches teach different positions, where to run, and who throws the ball to whom. Tackle football is for ages 814 and practices are held four nights a week with 8-10 games in a season. In tackle, each kid plays at least 50 percent of each game. Teams have at least three coaches in flag level and four to five at the tackle level. All coaches are volunteers. Kenney said ElmwoodBrimfield varsity coach Todd Hollis, has worked closely in the past few years with Brimfield JFL teams. “We are really starting to work together now. Coach Hollis has been very receptive to giving us playbooks, training us and helping us learn the high school offense,” Kenney
Brimfield JFL Director Monte Kenney stands next to a rack of new helmets for use in the 28th season of the popular Brimfield youth football program.
said. Earlier this summer the entire E-B football staff met with 20 JFL coaches at Brimfield Public Library for a training session. Coaches watched football game footage and explained how to run and block in the Trojans offensive scheme. “It’s been good from a com-
munication standpoint for the coaches. It’s more important than learning to run our offense or defense,” Hollis said. “It’s teaching them how to block and tackle well and how to play the game safely.” Familiarity helps, according to Kenney. “Kids go in as freshmen already knowing the fundamen-
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tals and are familiar with the high school plays,” he said. “I think areas that have JFL have a big advantage over areas that don’t.” He’ll get no argument from Tom Oldfield, the Farmington JFL director. “The high school coaches have thanked the JFL for the Continued on Page 15