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Volume 143 No. 25

Friday, May 26, 2017

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Keep your eyes open May is Motorcycle Awareness Month By Dave Cook

news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Nice weather always brings more motorcycles out onto the road, but unfortunately too many motorists don’t see them. To help raise awareness of their presence, May has been proclaimed Motorcycle Awareness Month for the 34th year. Motorcycle riders and safety advocates have

kick-started the riding season by launching the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) annual “Start Seeing Motorcycles” campaign. Gov. Bruce Rauner proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month to promote the need for all drivers to be vigilant. “As someone who loves traveling our great state by motorcycle, I know firsthand the importance of sharing the road. Illinois has

within the state during 2016, and 154 of those deaths were motorcyclists, eight more than in 2015. Unlike the common image of the reckless young rider, the average age of motorcycle fatalities during 2015 was 42, and the 23 deaths in the 50-54 age group placed it first among all ages. During the riding season, “Start Seeing Motorcycles” banners and signs will be displayed throughout the state to remind drivers to stay alert for the presence of

a long history of supporting motorcycle safety, and I’m honored to continue that tradition. I urge everyone on the roads to travel with care and to be aware,” Rauner said. While motorcycles represent approximately 3 percent of vehicle registrations in the state, they account for roughly 15 percent of traffic fatalities. According to IDOT information there were 1,078 traffic fatalities

motorcycles. In the Tonica area, the new four-way stop at the intersection of Route 251 and Lambert Road was identified by Tonica Police Chief Dave Woolford as a risky area for all motorists and particularly motorcyclists. “We’ve had a lot of people running the stop signs at that intersection because they’re not used to it, especially the northbound traffic on Route 251; they kind of zone out as they travel through Tonica,” Woolford said.

He recommended riders wear the appropriate safety gear along with brightly colored clothing that’s easily visible. He also gave advice to help keep motorists from becoming involved in a motorcycle-related accident. “Be vigilant and understand motorcycles are out there; always be watchful,” Woolford said. Riders are also urged to take other precautions by

Motorcycle Page 3

Talking dollars at Tonica Grade School

Board looks at budget amendments, life-safety work By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

Tonica News photo/Mike Vaughn

Up, up and away ... Despite a rainy day on Saturday, the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru didn’t let a little (or a lot) of rain spoil the second annual TBM Avenger Reunion. This event, a Salute to Veterans, was set to feature several TBM Avengers. A host of other aircraft, an exciting airshow, helicopter rides, food and beverages were also available. Thanks to the generosity of Marquis Energy, the event was free to the public.

TONICA — The time of year has arrived in which schools have to amend their budget, and Tonica Grade School has provided a quick look into the happenings with its budget. “The theory is everything that’s $1 over budget is supposed to be corrected,” Superintendent James Whitmore said at the board meeting May 17. Different funds were affected by a myriad sources of stress, such as asbestos and boiler work. Some were supposed to receive more revenue but have not at this point. Some funds were adversely affected by the lack of funds from the state, such as transportation. “We have not received state funding for this, but on the projection, it would be working out a bit better,” Whitmore said, continuing further to say the issues with transportation funding indicate the effect of the state’s lack of payments. The lack of expected revenue for these funds will not be reflected in the budget. “When I called the state and said, ‘Can’t we amend the budget to show the state revenue that we didn’t receive?’ They said, ‘No, there’s no need to do that,’” Whitmore said. While he might not expect revenue from the state to

Tonica dollars Page 2

Lostant + two counties = headache news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — Being situated in two counties is causing the Lostant School District some headache when numbers come in. Discussed at the May 22 meeting, the Lostant School District occupies both LaSalle and Marshall counties, and the processes between the two do not always match up. When net taxable numbers come in, Marshall County is able to act faster, leaving LaSalle to provide an estimate until it has more concrete numbers. When numbers do become concrete, the change from Vol. 143 No. 25 One Section - 8 Pages

estimates can cause a shortfall to the district. “What’s happening is that Marshall County has their numbers about two weeks before LaSalle County,” Superintendent Sandra Malahy said. The time difference causes reports from the two counties to lack synchronicity. “They do not want to hold up their process for one school district, and LaSalle County cannot push the process for one school district,” she said. This is not a problem that will affect every district, as it stems from a particular situation. “It’s happening to us because we’re in two counties,” Malahy said.

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Board President Mike Phillips indicated a small portion of the district is located in Marshall County. Malahy said she has requested the county try to find a solution, but noted that she is not hopeful the request will be successful. In related discussion, the district has bumped up some pay by 10 percent, but this increase covers an additional cost which has been moved to the staff. “Basically, it’s not really a bump because we used to pay TRS, and now they’re (staff) paying it,” Phillips said.

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2 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 26, 2017

Seeking Sources Where in the world is The Tonica News? Are you planning a vacation or holiday trip? Don’t forget to take along a copy of the The Tonica News. Once you get to your destination, have someone snap a photo of you holding the newspaper, and then send the photo to us along with pertinent information about who is in the photo and where you are. We’ll be happy to share your photo with other Tonica News readers, your friends, family and neighbors. Email your photo and information to news@tonicanews.com. You can also drop it by our office in Tonica.

(USPS 633340) Published every Friday at Tonica, IL 61370 Entered at Tonica Post Office as Periodical Mail $22 In LaSalle County $25 Outside of LaSalle County

Contact Publisher Sam Fisher sfisher@tonicanews.com Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com

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Locks, messages and summer school By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

LOSTANT — The Lostant School Board is locking into an understanding of regulations surrounding locking mechanisms around the school. “It’s a topic we continue to bring up every once in a while,” Superintendent Sandra Malahy said at the board meeting May 22. The types of locks which the school can use was explained — the lock must disengage and the door open in a manner that requires only one motion from the operator. “If you’re trying to get out of a room, you need to be able to hit the door handle and get out; anything more won’t work,” board President Mike Phillips said. In other building and maintenance discussion, the school is moving toward fixing an area with troublesome pipe above the boiler, but the process cannot continue until an issue of asbestos is resolved. The bids for asbestos removal came in, of which, Malahy said, the district is required to accept the lowest. This bid came from Midwest Service Group out of Downers Grove. Also, the board learned concerns regarding the school’s drainage system have been resolved. “The new mayor was concerned our roof drainage setup, our new one, would overload the water system,” Malahy said. Phillips explained one of Mayor Jack Immel’s concerns was the water might go into the sanitation sewer. “Plus he was concerned that the extra water would add to the flooding problem,” Malahy said. Malahy said a letter she brought to the village board meeting had cleared up the situation and eased the concerns.

Also at the meeting, the school board is looking at a different messaging system to alert parents and students of different happenings. Amid a storm of dropped calls and unrelayed messages, the district is hoping the new system will be a bright arrow to pierce through this darkness. The BrightArrow service will provide additional avenues of information updates simultaneously with the phone calls. Malahy said the service will also update through text messages, parent emails, the school Facebook page, and the school website as it sends the calls. In addition, parents will receive a passcode to access the message through BrightArrow. Using a different service will also confirm whether the issues stem from the current provider or the district’s location. “If we have dropped calls, calls not going through, now we’ll know we’re in a black hole,” Malahy said. “I figured for one year for $150; it’s worth a try,” she said. Summer is coming, and, with it, summer school. Lostant has enough admission to hold the summer program. The district currently has 24 students signed up, potentially to be supplemented with an additional eight incoming kindergarten students. This puts the potential total at 32 students. “That’s definitely enough to have summer school,” Malahy said. The amount falls just short of last year, during which the district had 36 students attend the summer program. Malahy said the program is paid for entirely by Title I funds, so the district doesn’t incur any costs, “even transportation.” She said summer school will begin on July 31 and run for 12 days, with no Fridays.

Tonica dollars From Page 1 come in anytime soon, there are sources which should arrive; however, they are not in time for the budget amendment. Also at the meeting, Tonica is pushing forward on its journey of pursuing health-life safety bonds. Considering a choice between bonding at $250,000 over three years or $300,000 over five, the board selected the latter. “In terms of the impact to the community, doing the $300,000 over five years is less, slightly less,” board President Brian Marcinkus said. Marcinkus noted he district has a deadline it needs to meet for the work to be done. “We have an obligation: This has to be done

Tonica looks at subcontracting bus service Summer help hired By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com

TONICA — Tonica Grade School is still deciding whether to subcontract its student transportation, but it currently has one bidder for the service if it decides to go forward. At the school board meeting on May 17, the board discussed the option of subcontracting bus service. Tonica is currently considering a two route system with two busses, as adding another bus would make the proposal financially unfeasible for the district. “We were unaware of a 78-passenger bus that’s available in the industry,” Principal Chuck Schneider said. The bid in question includes a 71-passenger and a 78-passenger bus, including a lift to assist disabled students, which would reportedly suffice to transport the students. With the new details, the district has to decide whether it still wants to keep a bus of its own, should the service be subcontracted. “The purpose of holding on to that bus would be for field trips,” Schneider said, adding there is otherwise not a lot of use for it. The district also has the opportunity in the future to join a consortium of schools going in together to lease out transportation; if it were to do so, accepting the current bid could ease that process. “Our bidder is the preferred company for the consortium,” Superintendent James Whitmore said, adding that those in the consortium, as a larger consum-

in 10 years,” he said. The number needed for the work, as explained to the board, begins at $575,170 before adding in a 10 percent contingency and 10 percent architect and engineer fee, each adding an additional $57,517, which totals at $690,204 needed for the work. “I think this became a $300,000 conversation because that’s about half of what’s needed,” board vice president Allen Leffelman said, explaining the same reasoning for the five-year suggestion. The $300,000 in five years places the district at the halfway point in cost and work that needs to be done. Whitmore added, “In a five-year period of time, you’re also going to collect an additional $90,000 from the levy.” The district has a hierarchy to follow regarding the work to be done.

er, receive lower costs. The need for a decision rose from a continued difficulty to obtain and maintain drivers. “We’ve been struggling ridiculously for the last three years with finding drivers,” board President Brian Marcinkus said. “This gives us flexibility that we’ve been missing.” Also at the meeting, Tonica Grade School has hired on some seasonal help to take care of the premises during the summer season. The slate of summer workers includes one adult and two students. Mike Ellerbrock, the adult, was hired on at a rate of $12 an hour; the students, David Hillyer and Matthew Huska were brought on at $9 an hour. Schneider said he had vetted the individuals in question before bringing them forward to hire. “What we’re looking at is 4-5 hours a day, and when they’re done, they’re done,” he said, explaining that he can not guarantee the workers will have projects to last the entire summer. However, he expects there to be ample work to be done. “I’ve got plenty of time to walk around and find things for them to do,” Schneider said. “I hope they’re not afraid to get dirty.” Also for the summer, the board approved hiring for extracurricular positions for the season. Nick Heuser as head baseball coach and athletic director; Brad Keutzer as assistant volunteer baseball coach; Jackie Anderson as head softball coach; and David Hillyer, as assistant volunteer softball coach, were up for approval.

“There are a few items in here that have to get done in one year, and some that are five years, and some that are 10 years,” Marcinkus said. One example was the roofing, which could be put off unless it rapidly deteriorates. “All the roof work, we have 10 years to get done,” he said. “I’d prefer to put some of that off until year six or 10.” Principal Chuck Schneider pointed out, also, that some work has particular time limitations influencing when it can be conducted, indicating that “some projects can’t be done in the school year.” The board opted to pursue bonds at $300,000 over five years. “That’s the least amount of impact on taxpayers, and we had better clarity over what we have to do,” Marcinkus said.

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Illinois has wet April, record warmth January-April CHAMPAIGN — The statewide average precipitation for April in Illinois was 7.01 inches, 3.23 inches above normal and the second wettest April on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel at the University of Illinois’ Illinois State Water Survey. Three of the Top 5 wettest Aprils since the late 1800s have been since 2011, indicating a wetter trend in recent years. The largest monthly precipitation total for April in Illinois was in Carbondale with 14.41 inches. Several other sites in Southern Illinois had similar amounts, including Bush (Williamson County) with 13.63

inches, West Frankfort (Franklin County) with 13.35 inches, Kaskaskia (Randolph County) with 13.34 inches, and Murphysboro (Jackson County) with 13.02 inches. The statewide average temperature for April was 56.4 degrees, 3.8 degrees above average and the 11th warmest April on record. The warmest reading during April was 89 degrees at Kaskaskia on April 20. The coldest reading for the month was 19 degrees at Morrison on April 10. The January–April period was the warmest on record with a statewide average temperature of 44.5 degrees, 5.4 degrees above normal.

LaSalle County Sheriff’ • At 1:24 p.m. on May 16, deputies cited Andrew J. Schmillen, 27, of Lostant for driving while license revoked following a traffic stop on West Richey Street in Lostant. • At 5:17 p.m. on May 17, deputies responded to a two vehicle accident on Route 18 near East 11th Road in Eagle Township. Michael W. Schmitz, 35, of LaSalle was traveling west on Route 18 when he slowed because of the low visibility caused by a dust storm. Schmitz was then rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Mark C. Zaloudek, 35, of Streator. No injuries were reported. Zaloudek was cited for operating an uninsured vehicle. • At 9:37 p.m. on May 18, deputies cited Michelle Clift, 42, of Henry for speeding 74 mph in a 55 mph zone following a traffic stop on Route 18 near

East Third Road in Hope Township. • At 11:58 p.m. on May 18, deputies investigated a single-vehicle accident on Route 351 in LaSalle Township. A vehicle driven by a 16 year-old female from Tonica was southbound on Route 351 when she lost control of her vehicle and struck a tree because she was texting. She was transported to IVCH by LaSalle EMS with minor injuries. She was cited for illegal use of an electronic communications device, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and operating a vehicle with no valid insurance. • At 4:17 p.m. on May 19, deputies cited Damaris Deleon, 23, of Streator for speeding 75 mph in a 55 mph zone following a traffic stop on North 18th Road in Vermillion Township.

Enterprise zone activated in LaSalle County The Illinois Valley will now be much more competitive in bringing new jobs and new investment to the area thanks to an economic tool State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) helped activate for the region. Rezin announced May 16 the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has certified the enterprise zone for LaSalle County and surrounding counties, which allows the Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority (UIRVDA) to officially activate the enterprise zone for the region. Rezin has been working with local, regional and state officials for months to activate this enterprise zone. “This is a big deal and a game changer for the future of jobs and investment in the Illinois River Valley,” Rezin said. “An enterprise zone is at the heart of economic development. The first thing site developers ask when

they visit communities is if an enterprise zone is active. If a community isn’t in an active enterprise zone, all too often, that new investment and new business go elsewhere. The Illinois Valley can now compete much better for these jobs and investment. I am confident job expansion, job creation and investment will come to our region as a direct result of activating this enterprise zone.” Enterprise zones are a locally-driven tool that provides financial incentives for companies seeking to develop or create new jobs in the enterprise zone. This could be property tax reductions, an investment tax credit, sales tax exemptions on building materials, utility tax exemptions on natural gas/electricity, and the telecommunication excise tax, among others. These benefits can last up to 25 years. “Enterprise zones are about bringing long-term investments to our communities,” Rezin said. “It

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can’t be overstated that this is vital for our region. I want to thank the mayors, county leaders, members of the Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority, and DCEO for working with me to make this a reality. The Illinois Valley has so much to offer already – a solid workforce, good transportation infrastructure, and communities that care about their neighbors. Those positives combined with this enterprise zone can be the catalyst that drives more economic development to our region.” “We are delighted to be a resource to help create jobs in the region,” said Kevin Olson, UIRVDA chairman. “The enterprise zone works well with our ability to issue double tax exempt bonds to help businesses grow.” UIRVDA is a general development agency serving Bureau, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Marshall, McHenry and Putnam counties.

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Family Video rewards academic excellence Throughout the month of June, students from kindergarten through college can receive a free movie or game rental at Family Video for each final “A” grade or (equivalent mark) they achieve in a core subject on their year-end report card. The company expects to give away over one million movie and game rentals this summer. What started more than 30 years ago as a simple way to reward local students has now become one of Family Video’s most anticipated programs. Since its launch by company founder Charles Hoogland, the Report Card A program expands to 754 movie and game rental stores located in 19 states and Canada. Although the scale of the rewards program has grown, its purpose remains the same — celebrate students who put in the time and effort to achieve success in the classroom. Support from the local communities Family Video serves helps make Report Card A and other programs successful year after year.

“Having kids of my own in school and watching them get excited about receiving an ‘A’ makes me realize how important our Report Card A program is. I believe that academic excellence is something to be celebrated,” said Keith Hoogland, Highland Ventures Ltd. president. “It’s great to be able to give back to local communities and reward students on their success. We look forward to continuing the Report Card A program for many years to come.” Giving back to the community has been at the core of the Family Video business. In addition to the Report Card A program and the hundreds of local charity events, its annual “Round It Up for Lymphoma” campaign has raised more than $6 million in the past six years. All proceeds are donated to cancer research and patient education. Thousands of turkeys and hams are also purchased, packaged with meals, gifted to needy families during the holiday season.

Spring Valley, Princeton insurance offices join Dimond Bros. Dakota Street Insurance, Princeton Insurance Group will retain current offices Dimond Bros. Insurance LLC announced Dakota Street Insurance in Spring Valley and Princeton Insurance Group in Princeton have joined Dimond Bros. Becky Dall, regional manager with Dimond Bros., stated, “We are excited to have Dakota Street and the Princeton Insurance Group joining us. Over the last 17 years, they have experienced tremendous growth as they have helped their customers with their insurance needs. The staff at both locations have joined Dimond Bros and will continue to serve our clients, providing you with the familiarity and confidence you know and expect.” As Shelly Samolinski, the prior owner of Dakota Street Insurance in Spring Valley and Princeton Insurance Group in Princeton, said, “Dimond Bros. exceeded

my hopes for a firm we can combine with and continue the tradition we have for excellent service, deep expertise, and an organization our clients and associates want to be a part of. Being a part of a larger organization will allow us to provide a wide array of services and over 15 additional insurance carriers.” Dimond Bros. was founded in 1867 and is headquartered out of Paris, Ill., with 35 locations throughout the state. In 2017, Dimond Bros. is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Additional locations in the Illinois Valley include Amboy, Cherry, Peru, Princeton and Ohio. Contact information for both office remains the same. The Spring Valley location is at 120 E. Dakota St. and can be reached at 815-663-9905, and the Princeton location is at 418 S. Main St. and can be reached at 815-875-4464.

Lostant

Motorcycle

From Page 1

From Page 1 getting regular maintenance checks and taking advantage of IDOT’s free motorcycle safety courses. Even an experienced rider can benefit from taking a rider’s course which helps sharpen skills in a safe environment. Motorcycles can easily be hidden behind another vehicle, so it’s important to check mirrors and blind spots before merging, changing lanes or making left turns. “We want 2017 to be the safest year yet on Illinois roads, and it will take an effort on everyone’s part. Please be alert for motorcycles when you travel. One life lost is too many,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn said. “All of us have a responsibility to ride and drive safely. Drivers should have their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and minimize distractions. “Motorcyclists should wear proper safety equipment, ride safely and obey all traffic laws. If we all do our part, it just might save a life,” Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz said. For more information on IDOT’s free motorcycle training and safety programs, visit www.startseeingmotorcycles.org.

Malahy said the increase was added to cover the cost which has been moved from the school. Regarding the lack of state dollars coming into the district, chances of receiving all its funds are grim. “We’ve been informed that it’s very unlikely categorical money will come in through the rest of the year,” Malahy said. As for how much the school has yet to receive, board member Quillard Skinner said that, “for the record, the state owes the school, right now, $123,621.35.”

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4 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 26, 2017

The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher

Terri Simon

Publisher

Editor

People over parties There’s more than one reason I hesitated before venturing toward this topic including the overwhelming amount of examples available for use; the directions it could be taken; and what will likely be its ineffectiveness to help remedy the situation. I’m writing as generally as possible because to Dave Cook include specific information and COMMENTARY examples is to drown in the constantly evolving tsunami of scandal, hyperbole and the refusal to accept any responsibility. Simply put, many in politics no longer work for what’s good for those who they are supposed to be representing. The problem of not being able to function as a reasonable collective exists throughout the political spectrum. It’s a winner-take-all game, and the players seem to be interested only in their careers and the interests of their deep-pocketed benefactors. On the national stage, the media has become a favorite target of some claiming negative and biased coverage. It’s supposedly the reason for the unsuccessful attempts to legislate, yet there’s little to no responsibility taken by those who are on camera or online saying the very things which are causing them their own problems. An elected leader, no matter their office or party, can’t willfully mislead, engage in ridiculous exaggeration or openly admit to being obstructive and expect the reported story to be warmly receptive. In the Illinois legislature, many are being paid annual salaries and stipends totaling more than $90,000 for a part-time job they haven’t been doing for two years. As Illinois steadily declines, desperate for reform in many areas, our leaders won’t even reform themselves. Along with receiving pay that’s far more than what neighboring states pay their officials, the Illinois legislature also gets health and pension benefits most of us can only fantasize about. Stalemates at all levels of government generally revolve around animosity toward the other side of the aisle. Rather than governing as Americans, our elected representatives seem to have largely chosen to function as members of their party to the exclusion of all else. Our leaders seem to only be interested in control. Appointments or votes are withheld because of upcoming elections. Legislation is stonewalled because of the party of who introduced it, regardless of its content. Legislation is introduced despite it being harmful to the greater good because those who will benefit from it are big campaign donors. Rule changes can be introduced simply to help the party in power remain in power. Abraham Lincoln is widely considered our greatest national leader. He did what almost no current politician would ever do — appoint opposing rivals to cabinet positions. This wisdom allowed him to make use of their strengths and presented him with the benefit of having his own ideas challenged before making decisions. Today’s political leaders don’t want to have their ideas challenged, and there seems to be little room for constructive discussion. Winning is what matters. Of course, voters are ultimately responsible for correcting this predicament. The largest challenge with this is, unfortunately, getting them to vote. Voter turnout at its best is still pathetically low. Another problem is single issue voting. In their neglect to become more informed and gain a more well-rounded sense of the issues, people often end up voting against many of their own best interests. Columnist Jim Nowlan recently introduced his idea for an Illinois political action campaign called “Throw the Bums Out.” It would work toward unseating as many in Springfield as possible, regardless of political party. I hope this becomes successful, and I think many would also enjoy seeing it become a national movement. To write about the problems of our political system and those working within it is a bottomless pit. You have to start somewhere though, and voting across the board to remove as many of our ineffective state officials as possible is a good place to begin. However, it’s going to mean voters will actually need to go vote. They’re going to have to set aside the reality show mentality. They’re also going to need to do what many politicians seem incapable of — choosing what’s best for the state, not their party. Tonica News Staff Writer Dave Cook can be reached at dcook@bcrnews.com.

I urge you to color outside the lines Not many people know I dabble with a bit of paint now and then. I love the idea of a blank canvas — always have. There’s just something so personally rewarding about taking a paintbrush in hand and creating something on that pristine white space in front of you. I love going to art museums and studios. Often, I imagine artists sitting with a paintbrush in hand in front of that blank canvas as they envision what their hand and eyes will create. Driven only by what lies within them, I have to believe it must be the most fulfilling of adventures as they take that personal journey on that white space before them. I tend to prefer the unforgiving characteristics of watercolors. There’s just something about the way the paint and water mix together that seems to soothe my soul. And with watercolors, there is no turning back. Once that paint mixed with just the right amount of water hits that canvas, you are committed and must mentally remain one step ahead of your hand that holds the paintbrush. It’s a challenge. I don’t paint often, and I’m not even sure I paint very well. I only have a few paintings hanging on walls in this world — mostly on walls that belong to relatives, so I’m not sure that really counts. Probably not. I first became interested in painting many, many years ago when I’d watch my grandma who liked to do those paint-by-number sets. Do you remember? Everything came neatly packaged in a box — a paintbrush, about 10 or 12 little plastic tubs of oil paint which each had a number on its lid, and a cardboard canvas that had an image stamped onto it. The image — usually a horse head, a playful kitten or a mountain scene - was stamped onto the canvas in a very light blue or gray ink. If

Terri Simon COMMENTARY

you looked closely at the picture, you could see teeny tiny numbers scattered haphazardly throughout the entire image. The idea was to match the numbers on the canvas with the numbers on top of the paint tubs. Using your paintbrush, you were to fill in the spaces with the proper color. Ta-da — paint by number! Painting by number was difficult. The spaces were so tiny, and the brush always had a mind of its own. Even worse, it took a considerable amount of time for that oil paint to dry before you were able to move on to the next color. Sometimes, I just couldn’t wait and started on the next number, only to have the colors run together or have several ugly smudges across the canvas. On top of that, the finished painting always had a Claude Monet look to it. One had to get clear across the room to really see what you had created. I’m not sure if they even make paint-by-number sets anymore. I haven’t seen them in years, but somehow the concept of filling in little numbered spaces with oil paint doesn’t seem to entice me today. While paint-by-number sets were a great way to get a paintbrush into my hands, it had nothing to do with creativity. I was painting someone else’s picture ... and not doing it very well at that. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that each of us wakes up to our own blank canvas every day — and ultimately, we can paint whatever we want on that pristine white space before us. Do we want to

just fill in the spaces with someone else’s ideas ... or do we want to send caution to the wind and paint our day with reckless abandon? As for me, I’m so tired of being the person everyone expects me to be; I’m tired of painting others’ pictures. Instead, I’m ready to fill my canvas with huge sweeping strokes, bright colors on some days and dark, dismal ones on others. And at the end of each day, I want to look at the picture I’ve painted and be proud of what I see ... hopefully a personal masterpiece that will tell my story one day at a time. I think I have to start looking at life that way – a blank canvas just waiting for me to make my mark. Like one of those masterpieces hanging on the wall, not everyone will appreciate what they see when they look at my canvas, but that’s OK. As long as the strokes represent who I am and how I feel, I’m perfectly content for some to like it and for some to not especially care for what they see. After all, it’s clearly OK to color outside those proverbial lines, smudges and all. We are in the throes of graduation ceremonies. While giving advice to area graduates should probably be reserved for someone who has more experience, more intelligence and more experiences than I do, I would urge graduates to think about the masterpiece they want to paint on their own personal canvasses every day. It doesn’t have to be the painting everyone expects you to paint, it just has to be your own. Color outside those lines. Paint what lives in your heart. I believe the masterpieces you’ll create will be awesome and inspiring. I look forward to seeing your personal artwork. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.

TO Letter THE Editor

The fight to be average To the Editor,

$19 billion. That’s how much more money Illinois would have in its coffers since 2002 if our state’s economy grew like an average state. Even average job growth in our state would have resulted in 600,000 more jobs than we have today. That $19 billion could pay for our current budget deficit and our bill backlog in one year. That’s with no new taxes or new spending. Economic growth would have taken care of those obligations. Average economic growth can solve a lot of our budget problems. This is exactly why fighting for reforms that grow our economy and create jobs is so critical. More than one million people have left Illinois since 2000, and they aren’t all leaving for better weather. People are leaving because jobs are leaving; there is more opportunity elsewhere; and they are tired of bailing out their local and state governments with more taxes. At the top of that list is Illinois’ property tax rate. It’s the second highest or said another way, the second worst in the country. Property tax relief can go a long way toward helping our economy by offering relief for employers and homeowners. Illinois’ workers’ compensation system is one of the most burdensome in the nation for businesses. Improving that – even slightly – would be helpful in keeping jobs and bringing jobs here. When hundreds of thousands of jobs leave, but there are not enough new jobs because of the high cost of doing business in Illinois, our tax revenue drops, impacting our state budget. Our state offers farmland rich with the finest soil, great transportation infrastructure, a world-class technology hub, some of the best universities in the country, a workforce unlike any other, and the list of our positive attributes goes on. The best is here, yet our state is the worst, financially. If our tax and economic policies were even average, imagine the growth and imagine our budget. This is one of those times where being average would make a huge – positive – difference for Illinois. Illinois State Sen. Sue Rezin, 38th Senate District Peru

Disappointed in Rep. Jerry Long To the Editor, Earlier this month, Republican State Rep. Jerry Long voted against giving women equal pay for equal work when he voted no twice — once in committee and once on the House floor. The bill, HB2462, overwhelmingly passed 91-24 in the House. At a time when Illinois is in crisis, I find it difficult to understand why Rep. Long would choose to vote against a bill that would help so many women, especially in his own town of Streator, where the post-industrial economy has hit working families hard there. If the Republican Party touts itself as the party that promotes family values, wouldn’t helping working women earn a decent wage help stabilize families? More families rely on women’s salaries as men continue to deal with the effects of the Great Recession. According to the Institute of Women Policy Research, when single mothers earn equal pay for their work, they are less likely to receive services, such as Medicaid or income security, from the government. This saves money in the long run. Over a 40-year period, women on average lose $434,000 to career wage gaps with college-educated women losing even more — $713,000 over the course of their career, according to the Center for American Progress. With the revenue problem in the state of Illinois, I would imagine lawmakers would support the idea of equal pay for equal work, so that women would pay more taxes to help address some of the fiscal issues plaguing the state. I am disappointed in our state Rep. Jerry Long and his vote against women! Jane E. Moran Oglesby

Letters policy

Letters to the Editor should not be more than 500 words in length. Only one person can sign a Letter to the Editor. The author of the letter must include his/her name, hometown and telephone number. The author’s name and hometown will be published, however, the telephone number is only used to verify the authenticity of the author’s signature and will not be published. Unsigned letters are never read or published. No letter will be published until The Tonica News contacts the author of the letter to verify the signature. The Tonica News reserves the right to edit or refuse any Letter to the Editor.

Friday, May 26, 2017 • The Tonica News • 5

Community LIFT event on June 11 LASALLE — Christian women of all ages are invited to attend a Ladies In Fellowship Together (LIFT) event at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at the Grace United Methodist Church, 1345 Chartres St. in LaSalle. The theme for the afternoon is “American Pie.” Joyce O’Hare, from Tiers of Joy in LaSalle, will be the guest pre-

Huska receives scholarship

senter. All women in the Illinois Valley area are encouraged to come take a relaxing break as they celebrate pies and our American heritage. The afternoon will include fellowship, fun and refreshments. RSVPs are encouraged, but are not required to attend. Contact Lois at 815-663-1724 or vcroasdale@comcast.net.

Rachel Huska is this year’s recipient of a $500 scholarship from the Tonica Association of Federated Teachers and Support Staff. Rachel is a graduate of LaSalle-Peru High School and was presented with a check from Kirsten Augspols, union president.

Learning the fads and facts of eating gluten free MAGNOLIA — University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Susan Glassman will present “Gluten Free, Fads and Facts” from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at the Putnam County Library, 114 N. Chicago St. in Magnolia. Participants will learn the research-based information of eating gluten free, the fad diet craze and dietary facts. In this class, they will also cover indicators of gluten-free

intolerance, sources of gluten, how to keep a gluten-free kitchen and eat out safely. Participants will also be able to try a gluten-free snack and take home information to share with family and friends. To register, call University of Illinois Extension at 815-224-0889 by Monday, June 5, or online at: https://web. extension.illinois.edu/ registration/?RegistrationID=16777.

Piecha named to dean’s list EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Emily Piecha of Tonica was named to spring semester dean’s list at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Ind. She is majoring in archaeology. Students included on the dean’s list earned at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Menus Lostant Grade School Breakfast May 29 — No school. May 30 — Cook’s choice, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice, milk. Lunch May 29 — No school. May 30 — Turkey and cheese sandwich, chips, fruit roll-up, milk.

Putnam County Community Center May 29 — Center closed for Memorial Day. May 30 — Hamburger with bun, potato salad, chips and dip, green beans, pineapple bits, dessert. May 31 — Chicken salad on bun with lettuce, macaroni salad, broccoli normandy, fruit cocktail. June 1 — PCCC Health Fair. June 2 — Cheeseburger on bun, french fries, threebean salad, cantaloupe. Bread, butter, fruit juice and 2% milk are available with meals. For reservations, call 800-757-4579 24 hours in advance of the day’s meal. The menu is subject to change. Meals are available to senior citizens 60 plus at no cost, but donations are appreciated. The meal program is partly funded by donations, so they have a suggested donation of $5 per meal. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. ••• Visit us online at www.tonicanews.com.

Photo contributed

Stage 212 children’s theater production auditions

are three age groups/divisions for the events. All 4-H members who are enrolled in 4-H Shooting Sports in the state of Illinois for the current 4-H year are eligible to participate. This is an opportunity for 4-H members to test their skills against statewide participants.

CHILLICOTHE — Marshall-Putnam 4-H Shooting Sports will hos the fifth annual Summer Sizzle Shoot in partnership with the Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club on Saturday, June 3. The event will include air rifle, archery, shotgun and .22 rifle. There

The public is welcome to come out and watch the 4-H youth compete. There is no charge to watch the event. There will be food for purchase on site. For more information about the Summer Sizzle Shoot or how to join 4-H, call Anne Scheel at 309-364-2356.

Relay campsite choice meeting on May 31 STREATOR — The LaSalle County Relay For Life committee will hold a campsite choice meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at the Lions Club shelter in the Streator City Park on Hickory Street. This meeting is a time for all teams to choose their team’s campsite location. Participants will also get important information on the fun evening that is planned for everyone at the 20th LaSalle County Relay for Life event on Friday, June 9. The team participate T-shirts, for those team members that have qualified by raising their $100 requirement, will also be available to the team captains. There will be no bank night at this meeting. Teams are urged to send money in ahead of time or the night of the event at the Elks Lodge.

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This year’s event will begin with survivor registration beginning at 5 p.m. with a meal to follow for all survivors and one caregiver starting at 5:30 p.m. A purple survivor T-shirt will also be presented to each survivor as well as a small gift. The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. This event is open to the public. People are urged to bring a lawn chair to sit by the

pavilion and enjoy the various entertainment and activities throughout the evening. There will also be team food booths available serving Joe’s Pizza, lemon shakeups, walking tacos, burgers and hot dogs and other tasty choices. Stay and enjoy the luminaria ceremony at dusk which includes Elaine Cunningham on the bagpipe as well as a special selection from Perfect

Chord along with the quiet remembrance lap lead by the event planning committee. A breakfast will be served to all team members at 4:30 a.m. with the closing ceremony to follow at 5 a.m. as well as team totals being announced. The event will end with all participants in a circle and joining hands with the release of the “Notes to Heaven” balloons.

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“The Little Mermaid Jr.” will have performances Aug. 11-13. Rehearsals will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit Stage 212 online at www. stage212.org or on Facebook or call 815-224-3025. “The Little Mermaid Jr.” is partially funded by OmniArts and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Annual Summer Sizzle Shoot announced

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Matthew Hostetter Granville 815-339-6136 matt.hostetter@ countryfinancial.com

Director Reid Tomasson will cast approximately 30 children in a variety of lead and supporting roles. Kids will be taught a song, a few dance steps and will do a reading from the script. No advance preparation is necessary, but kids should come dressed to move. Flip-flops are strongly discouraged. All auditioners should bring a calendar with any summer conflicts.

LASALLE — Stage 212 has announced auditions for the Children’s Theater production, “The Little Mermaid Jr.” will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, June 9, and at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 10, (attend one) at the theater, 700 First St. in downtown LaSalle. A full production by kids, for kids, “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” is open to all children entering grades 4-10.

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6 • The Tonica News • Friday, May 26, 2017

LaSalle-Peru High School

Isabella Brooker

Ian Ellis

Samantha Forrest

Rachel Huska

Taylor Johnson

Tea Lamboley

Amy Lund

Amber Schiffbauer

Jonathan Siemers

Reilly Sluder

McKayla Urbanowski

Lexi-Anna Verda

Harrison Wilmot

Not pictured: Brennan Thompson

999 • Legal Notices

IN THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF ILLINOIS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY Estate of ) DONALD D. TIPTON,) Deceased. )

Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the estate representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed with the Clerk. Dated this 26th day of May, 2017. Greg Vaccaro, Clerk of the Circuit Court 13th Judicial Circuit, LaSalle County, Illinois Published in the Tonica News May 26, June 2 and 9, 2017.

not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. Greg Vaccaro Clerk of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Ottawa, Illinois Published in the Tonica News May 19, 26 and June 2, 2017.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, OTTAWA, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) CORRADO ) USSEGLIO, ) DECEASED. ) NO. 2017-P-91 PUBLICATION FOR CLAIMS CLAIM NOTICE Estate ofCORRADO USSEGLIO, Deceased. Notice is given of the death of CORRADO USSEGLIO of Oglesby, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on May 11, 2017, to Aida Falassi, 314 N. Kenosha Avenue, Oglesby, IL 61348 and Edith Jean Castelli, 327 E. Florence Street, Oglesby, IL 61348, as Co-Executrixes, whose attorney is Gerald M. Hunter, Ltd., 129 W. Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348. Claims against the estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, IL 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters, and any claim

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT LASALLE COUNTY, ILLINOIS ESTATE OF ) BETTY L. WAGNER,) DECEASED. ) 2017-P-79 PUBLICATION FOR CLAIMS CLAIM NOTICE Estate of BETTY L. WAGNER, Deceased. Notice is given of the death of BETTY L. WAGNER of Ottawa, Illinois. Letters of office were issued on May

2, 2017, to DONALD L. WAGNER, 1103 N. 2509th Rd., Ottawa, IL 61350, whose attorney is Gerald M. Hunter, Ltd., 129 W. Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348. Claims against the estate may be filed with the office of the Circuit Clerk, Probate Division, LaSalle County Courthouse, Downtown Courthouse, Ottawa, IL 61350, or with the representative, or both, within 6 months from the date of issuance of letters, and any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed. Greg Vaccaro Clerk of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court Ottawa, Illinois Published in the Tonica News May 12, 19 and 26, 2017.

–––––––– Classifieds ––––––– General Terms and Policies The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion. CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com

- 200 Employment 232 • Business Opportunities ********** THE CLASSIFIED Advertising Department of the Tonica News Does not have the opportunity to fully investigate the credibility of each advertiser appearing within these columns. If an offer sounds “too good to be true” it probably is. Proceed with caution if you are asked to send money or to give a credit card number. Proceed with caution in calling 900 phone numbers. All phone numbers prefixed by”900” are charged to the CALLER. Charges may be assessed on a “per minute” basis rather than a “per call” basis. The Tonica News Classifieds makes every effort to qualify these charges for the reader. If you have a concern about an advertiser, please contact: Better Business Bureau 330 North Wabash Chicago, IL 60611 312 832-0500

HARD TO FIND THAT RIGHT PERSON FOR THAT JOB OPENING? The Tonica News Classified can reach just the right person you are looking for to fill that job opening. Call 815-875-4461

- 400 Merchandise 450 • Under $1000 2 new XL Pine (with glass) doors, $150, large round wooden table for $25, (needs paint); small desk, $25. 815-488-2934 60”x60” corner jetted whirlpool tub, new in plastic. $600 or best offer. Call 815-876-6051 Complete set of 21 Kory, 1/64” scale, collectible trucks, 1988–2008. $1,000 value or best offer. Call 815-303-6695 Craftsman 3” belt sander $30; Craftsman 1/3 sheet pad sander, $25; Black & Decker 6” table grinder, $45. Call 815-454-2219 Heirloom tomato plants, $1 each. Call 815-878-0780 John Deere LT 130 lawn tractor. Canopy & grass catcher. 48", just serviced for the season $525 or best offer. 815-878-4270 Patio set with cushions and umbrella $200 or best offer. Call 815-875-1339 Side hay rake, new idea. In good condition. $400. Call 815-866-9474 Solid pine dining table, 32”x57”, 4 ladder back chairs, $200. Call 815878-2787, between 4pm6pm Thero-tru entry door, perfection condition $65; 4 maple chairs, $35 each; solid oak antique dresser, $200. 815-830-8153 Tires for Sale: One 22575-14 (on Chrysler rim) $50; One 225-75-16 $100; One 245-70-17 $75 Call 815-664-2236 ************ HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week. No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales. E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number) No Phone Calls!

WANTING TO SELL YOUR CAR? Call 815-875-4461

450 • Under $1000

460 • Garage Sales

Weider weight set: bench press bar, curl bar, 240+ lbs of weights, weight stand and bench $60. Call 779-348-0310

TISKILWA 734 West Brewster. Thursday, May 25, 9am-4pm; Friday, May 26, 9am-12pm. Porch swing, oak night stand, 2 oak bar stools, 3" Trash Pump, small kitchen table, 4 solid oak bi-fold closet doors, lamps, shabby chic, home decor, enamelware, stools, jewelry, yard art, holiday items, 5 gallon water jug, young men's size M-L, young women's size S-L, so much more!

460 • Garage Sales LAKE THUNDERBIRD 2 miles North of Putnam & 2 miles West of Rt. 29. Friday, Saturday, May 26, 27; 8am–4pm. ANNUAL GARAGE & BAKE SALE. Maps, Bake Sale & additional garage sales at the club house MORE ON 34 2 DAY GARAGE SALE PRINCETON Bureau County Fairgrounds (Rt 6 & 34). Friday, Saturday, June 16 & 17: 8am - ? Inside & Outside selling spaces available. Call Kathy (after 3pm) 815-866-3606 or see Bureaucountyfair.com PRINCETON 2026 South Main. Thursday, May 25, 9am-6pm; Friday May 26, 9am til ? Antiques, including wooden ironing board, cow stantions, bird cage with stand and much more. Many misc. things, small bicycle and party supplies PRINCETON 21944 1500 N Avenue. Friday, May 26, 8am–6pm. Futon, large sectional sofa, girl's junior clothing, cast iron skillets, ladder for 4' pool, games, dvd's, books, craft supplies, lots of misc. PRINCETON 704 Eastmor Drive. Friday, May 26, 8am-5pm; Saturday, May 27, 8am-1pm. PUTNAM Lake Thunderbird. 3 Hawthorne Court. Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27; 8am-4pm. MOVING SALE. Lots of items to sell TISKILWA (Schindel Residence) 1 mile north of Tiskilwa on PrincetonTiskilwa Blacktop. Thursday, June 1, 1 pm-7 pm; Friday, June 2, 7 am-4 pm; Saturday, June 3, 7 am-noon. HUGE MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE Women's clothes (size large and extra-large); Girls' clothes (many brand names-like new), size 14Junior Miss. A large variety of knickknacks, small appliances & household items. Other items include: curio cabinet, deer stands, and a boat topper canvas. Homemade cookies! Something for everyone. Much more, come see!

- 700 Real Estate For Sale 767 • Mobile Home Sales **************** PUBLISHER'S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call, HUD tollfree at 800 669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800 927-9275

No. 2017-P-88 NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of DONALD D. TIPTON. Letters of office as Independent Executor were issued on May 9, 2017 to NORMA J. GLOGOWSKI, 1623 Poplar Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350 and whose attorney is M.G. GULO & ASSOCIATES, LTD., 123 S. Monroe Street, Streator, Illinois 61364. The estate will be administered without Court supervision, unless under Section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, Par. 5/284) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the Clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 119 W. Madison Street, Ottawa, Illinois 61350, on or before November 30, 2017, or if mailing or delivery of notice from the representative is required by Section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act of 1975, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed within that period is barred. Copies of any claim filed with the

We’re Taking FREE Classified Advertising

Noah Rimes

NOTICE OF HEARING Public notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the Committee on Zoning of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tonica on the 19th day of June, 2017, in the Village Hall in said Village of Tonica at the hour of 6:30 p.m. for hearing on map amendment zone change. SUBJECT: Map amendment zone change from R-1 Residence District to C3 Commercial District. APPLICANT: Jeremy Hillyer and Brian Claudnic LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 in C & H Subdivision, being a part of the W 1/2 of NW 1/4, T.32 N, R1 E, 3rd PM, Village of Tonica, II. PROPOSED USE: Commercial service building for electrical and contracting business. PROPERTY OWNERS PLEASE NOTE: All persons interested should attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. Dated this 2nd day of June, 2017. Heather Sherman VILLAGE CLERK, Village of Tonica Published in the Tonica News May 26, 2017.

E-mail items • Up to 5 lines of copy for sale to: classified@ • 3 items maximum in ad • 1 ad per week, per household bcrnews.com • Private party sales only for all items valued under $1,000! • Excludes services, firearms & animal sales

Friday, May 26, 2017 • The Tonica News • 7

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