Single Copy Cost 50¢
Call for our experience. Fall for our service.
Call today to Schedule your Furnace Clean & Check!
Princeton: (815) 872-2200 • Tonica: (815) 442-3415 towncountryservices.com
VOLUME 144 NO. 52 • tonicanews.com
Friday, November 30, 2018
Hunters share skills
After spotting an airborne flock of geese, Kevin Loebach, a hunter from Tonica, waves a flag to mimic wings and draw the birds’ attention to the decoys. Loebach belongs to a group that shares knowledge of hunting and fishing with young people who don’t have the means or resources to do so regularly. PLEASE TURN TO STORY ON PAGE 4. (Shaw Media photo/Alex T. Paschal)
Vol. 144 No. 52 One Section - 12 Pages
© The Tonica News
LOSTANT
TONICA A higher Equalized Assessed Value for the Tonica
Not enough bus drivers
School District could trigger a levy hearing, members of the board of education are told. / 2
School might have to switch to contracted transport. / 2
ILLINOIS VALLEY Maze Nails donates more than a ton
of stainless steel nails to Habitat for Humanity in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties. / 5
The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 30, 2018
| LOCAL NEWS
2 Seeking
LOSTANT SCHOOL DISTRICT
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.
Metro News Service
Lack of people to drive buses for the Lostant School District has prompted the school superintendent to investigate the possibility of turning toward a contracted transport system.
(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 Editor, General Manager Jim Dunn jdunn@bcrnews.com Associate Editor Rita Roberts rroberts@bcrnews.com
Email news to:
news@tonicanews.com Photos should be sent as an attachment. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356
Where, oh where, have the drivers gone? Lacking enough bus drivers, school district might have to switch to contracted transport BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@tonicanews.com LOSTANT — Having received no results in its search for bus drivers, the Lostant School District is looking to turn toward contracted transport, according to Superintendent Sandra Malahy. “I cannot find a driver, and there are no substitutes in other school districts that I can borrow. They’re all scrambling also,” Malahy said.
The call for contracted service partway through a school year was described as unusual and requires that the district operate such maneuvers under an emergency Sandra situation clause. Malahy “The earliest that Superintendent, this can take place is Lostant Grade the middle of FebruSchool ary because of all the timelines involved,” Malahy said. She noted that the current drivers are fully aware of the situation.
In other discussion: • The administrator search continues, with the district accepting applications through Friday, Nov. 30. The district has thus far received 12
applications, one of which coming from Colorado with the rest originating in Illinois. • The upcoming tax levy is expected to see a decrease in municipal retirement and Social Security. Malahy said that the district’s needs for those funds have gone down, and the prospective levy was outlined to reflect that. • The district received a rating of “exemplary” from the Illinois State Board of Education with the noted reason for the achievement being “all students,” a fact that pleased Malahy. “So with the highest financial rating and the highest academic rating — it’s not just academic; it takes into account financial oversight and meeting all the requirements. I’m really proud of this school,” she said.
TONICA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Higher EAV could trigger a tax levy hearing Increase expected to be higher than 5 percent BY ZACHARY J. PRATT news@tonicanews.com TONICA — For the Tonica School District, the tax rate might be down, but the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) is up. Tonica’s 9 percent increase in
EAV could trigger a levy hearing as the district aims to bolster its building funds. Regardless of how the district decides to approach the new levy, it appears unlikely to remain below the 5 percent threshold to avoid a hearing. “We know that whatever we do, it’s probably going to be over that 5 percent,” said Chuck Schneider, principal-superintendent.
As the district plans ahead, its financial adviser, Jim Whitmore, assured the board that any decisions being discussed are not extravagant. “My suggestion is we go for what is allowable,” Whitmore said. “You are not going overboard. You are allowed this amount,” he said.
See TONICA, Page 3
Black Friday bargain hunters
3 LOCAL NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 30, 2018 Tonica News photo/Dave Cook
Following Thanksgiving dinner, the line at the Peru Kohl’s store stretched nearly to PetSmart as shoppers prepared to take advantage of Black Friday deals after the doors opened at 5 p.m. Shopping was a popular activity this past weekend as the countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and many bargains could also be found during “Small Business Saturday” and “Cyber Monday.”
• TONICA Continued from Page 2 There were two funds in particular that concerned Whitmore, the first being the TORT fund, which the district has been working to stabilize, and the second being the building fund, which has required additional injections of cash from elsewhere in order to survive. “We still continue to experience difficulty with the building fund with things that are health-life safety in nature, but for which those funds cannot be used,” Whitmore said. The issue has arisen over the past year, where certain problems with the building have needed
to be solved immediately, and the processes required to use health-life safety funds for those instances do not allow for such immediate accessibility. Chuck “The pressure is not Schneider going to come off the Principalsuperintendent, building fund any time Tonica Grade soon,” Whitmore said. “It behooves you to School keep your buildings up as well as you can,” Whitmore said, looking toward a possible future where area schools could look to consolidate. “I’m no prophet, but I’m going to say the district with the best building in a number of years will be the
Read us online • tonicanews.com
one that survives.” According to Whitmore’s information, the increase in Tonica’s EAV can be attributed to effects from Eden Township’s multiplier.
School board member Chad Lambert summarized the situation: “We’re lowering our rate; it’s the increase in EAV that’s going to be tough to swallow.”
$95 SERVICE CALL TO YOUR FIELD
The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 30, 2018
| LOCAL NEWS
4
OUTDOOR SPORTS
Tonica hunter involved with sharing his skills Group he belongs to teaches hunting, appreciation for outdoors to youths BY GAVIN T. JENSEN Shaw Media AMBOY — Waking up before dawn and laying out in the middle of a wet and windy countryside hoping to bag a couple of geese — that’s a welcome combination for a group that works to teach young hunters and promote the outdoors. T hose a par t of the Adventures of Backwoods Brock and the A-Team want to share their knowledge and love for hunting and fishing with those who don’t have the means or resources to do so regularly. Group founder Brock Decker and his A-Team of hunters headed south of Amboy on a recent Sunday with two new faces — Jeffery Stanish, 16, and Caleb Withers, 7 — to take them on a goose hunt. Stanish, of Crystal Lake, started hunting when he was 12, mostly hunting pheasant or deer, and wanted to expand to geese. He caught the hunting bug from his mom, Kay Stanish, 41, who has hunted most of her life. Withers, of Chana, has only be gun his hunting career and shot his first gun with the group. “He’s only shot a BB gun and then a bow when he attended the group’s fishing derby,” said Tori Withers, Caleb’s mom. Location, decoy placement and bird calling were all part of the goose hunting lesson, and they set up blinds so they would be concealed before the birds took their morning flight. “The geese will fly for about 2 hours from pond to pond and sometimes make a stop in a cornfield to feed,” Decker said. “The trick is getting them to land.” They use an arsenal of stationary decoys, bird calls and flags to simulate geese landing attempting to lure them closer to the hunters. It only took a few minutes past sunrise for the first flock to appear from the west, and everyone buttoned down their blinds and anticipated the landing.
See HUNT, Page 5
Shaw Media photos/Alex T. Paschal
Caleb Withers, 7, of Chana keeps an eye on the sky with Kevin Loebach of Tonica at the hunting spot.
Jeffery Stanish, 16, of Crystal Lake gets into a blind with a shotgun for the hunt. The group sets the decoys out in a horseshoe pattern hoping the geese land in the center.
ILLINOIS VALLEY
5
Shaw Media Photo/Alex T. Paschal
The group saw plenty of geese flying overhead, but couldn’t get any of them to land.
• HUNT Continued from Page 4 “On a windy day like today, it’s almost impossible to hit them when they’re flying on their route, so we try to get them to lock in on the landing area before opening up on them,” he said. A “lock” is when the geese have descended enough and lost their momentum, a sign that they’re committed to landing and easier to shoot; it’s considered fair game because it’s not shooting at a bird on the ground or in a pond, Decker said.
Tonica hunter assists Kevin Loebach, a 35-year-old hunter from Tonica, was in charge of luring them. He went to work with a goose call and a flag with wings mimicking a landing, but the geese were committed to the next pond and stayed their course. “There are a lot of things you can’t learn from just watching YouTube videos; actually being out here is the best resource,” Loebach said. He’s hunted everything from deer to geese and squirrels, but the game
isn’t the only thing he looks forward to while hunting. “My biggest thing is watching the world wake up, watching the birds come in and being out in nature,” he said.
‘Learning circle of life’ Bryan Heather agrees. “It’s learning the circle of life,” he said. Heather, 37, who was Withers’ mentor, has been hunting for nearly 25 years and taught his two sons to hunt. “There’s a lot of life skills they can learn at an early age, like gun safety,” he said. The 2-hour hunt didn’t produce any geese, which served as a lesson to the youngsters. “I teach my kids that you won’t always win, and that’s one of the life skills that hunting teaches,” Heather said. Stanish and Withers were happy to have the opportunity. “A bad day hunting is always better than a good day at school,” Stanish said. Withers’ mom agrees. “It’s why we got up at 4 a.m.; it’s about the kids and teaching them something new.”
Habitat for Humanity in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties received a donation of 2,613 pounds of stainless steel nails from longtime Habitat supporter Maze Nails. The Habitat affiliate was notified of this contribution recently by Roelif M. Loveland, president of Maze Nails, one of the divisions of W.H. Maze Co. in Peru. “We are extremely grateful and proud to recognize donors like Maze Nails,” Dan Fitzgerald, Habitat board president, said. “As a longtime supporter and community business, Maze Nails understands and shares in the
mission of Habitat. This donation will go towards continuing with home builds and repairs in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties,” Fitzgerald said. Habitat’s mission is to help individuals and families in the community who are struggling due to a lack of affordable housing. Donations of materials and money, as well as volunteer labor, are used to continue with the mission of building homes in partnership with hardworking, low-income families and individuals. To learn more about the Habitat affiliate, visit its website at www. localhabitat.org/.
Hurst Funeral Home Tonica, IL
223-0380
• Friday, November 30, 2018
Maze Nails donates nails to Habitat for Humanity
LOCAL NEWS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com
Photo contributed
Lee McCullough (left), board secretary of Habitat for Humanity of LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties, shakes hands with Kyle M. Loveland, Maze Nails, business development, for the company’s donation of 2,613 pounds of nails.
The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 30, 2018
| COMMUNITY
6
MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM
LASALLE
University of Illinois Master Gardener program is now accepting online applications For the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program, the past four decades can be measured by the millions of volunteer hours given to help bring horticultural help to communities across the state. This year marks the 48th anniversary of the Illinois Master Gardener program. With more than 3,000 members today, Illinois Master Gardeners have given more than 2,309,348 volunteer hours — a value of more than $46 million, to the state. Today, Master Gardener volunteers, who come from farms, small towns, suburbs and cities, offer numerous educational opportunities related to gardening in nearly every county in the state. The mission of the Illinois Master Gardener program is “Helping Others Learn to Grow.” After 60 hours of training in topics such as vegetable and flower gardening, insect problems and plant diseases, the volunteers participate in programs throughout their communities. Some of those opportunities may include speaking at garden clubs, civic groups or schools; answering calls or emails at garden help desks; establishing demonstration gardens that serve as educational tools; and educating citizens on how to establish community gardens. You don’t have to be a gardening expert to become a Master Gardener. All you need is an interest in gardening, some time to volunteer in the community and a desire to share your knowledge with others. The program is more about connections; connecting people with other gardeners, with their community, and with reliable resources for information. Once connections are forged, it’s time to get sowing and growing in our many meaningful community projects. University of Illinois Extension is now accepting applications to participate in the Online Master Gardener Training Program. This new online program allows volunteers to complete the training who may have
never been able to in the past due to schedule or time conflicts. This online, self-guided course for Illinois residents can be completed any time of day or night. Set aside about four hours per week for videos, reading manual and completing quizzes, and the training will be completed in 14 weeks. The 2019 Winter Master Gardener Online Training includes 13 modules — an introduction and 12 subject-areas. Module topics are botany; soils and fertilizers; plant diseases; entomology; integrated pest management; annuals and perennials; trees, shrubs and woody vines; lawns; small and tree fruits; vegetables; composting/organic gardening; and living with wildlife. Each module consists of several videos and an online quiz; therefore, a strong internet connection is highly recommended. Please note this training is not being offered in local Extension offices, but must be completed through use of a personal computer or other computer access. The registration cost for the program is $300, which includes the Master Gardener manual. Registration for the winter 2019 class is now open and will continue through Jan. 4, 2019, and the class will start on Jan. 21, 2019. You may contact the Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Extension Unit for more information, or to obtain an application form, contact Meg E. Overocker, Extension Program Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension - LaSalle County Office, 1689 North 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa, IL 61350; 815-433-0707; bkrug@ illinois.edu. Following completion of the training, Master Gardener interns will work with Extension staff and local Master Gardeners in the Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit area, to complete required volunteer time through approved community service projects. Go to https:// master-gardener.extension.illinois. edu/mgot to read more about the program.
IVCC music department will present winter concert OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s music department will perform a free winter concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. The concert includes selections sung by the IVCC Collegiate Chorale, directed by Jenilyn Roether, as well as solos by piano and voice students of instructors Brad Fritz and Roether.
‘White Christmas’ performance added LASALLE — Because of outstanding ticket requests, Stage 212 has added a performance of its fall musical, “White Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4. This is the final added performance. No more performances will be added.
Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased by visiting the box office between 4 and 6 p.m. on Monday and 9 a.m. and noon on Saturday, or by calling 815-224-3025 during the same hours. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting www. stage212.org.
OGLESBY
IVCC will host nursing admission information session on Dec. 5 OGLESBY — A nursing admission information session will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, in Room CTC124 at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. Sponsored by the counseling center and admissions and records, the session will cover admission
requirements and courses students should take before applying to either the associate degree (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs. Due to space limitations, students are encouraged to RSVP with Kathy Sramek at 815-224-0439 or kathy_sramek@ivcc.edu.
OGLESBY
‘Mamma Mia!’ auditions announced OGLESBY — Auditions for the Illinois Valley Community College theatre department’s spring 2019 production of “Mamma Mia!” will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, and 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 10, in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. Callbacks will be Tuesday, Dec. 11. Auditions are open to all community members, as well as students and alumni. To audition, prepare an up-tempo audition song. Songs from the show are accepted. Bring backing tracks on phone or CD; speakers are provided. A dance audition will be taught and there will be readings from the script. Check-in begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday and 5:30 p.m. Monday.
The hit Broadway musical featuring the music of ABBA will make its Illinois Valley debut on the IVCC stage April 18-28. Director/choreographer Don Grant Zellmer said, “To say we are excited to open this show is an understatement. We’ve been waiting a long time for the rights to become available. “We’ll make casting announcements, behind-the scenes photos and information about other local fine arts opportunities on our IVCC Fine Arts Facebook group,” he added. “We encourage all who enjoy the local arts to join our group.” Audition questions can be directed to Zellmer at dongrantzellmer1@ yahoo.com with the subject line “Mamma Mia Auditions.”
LASALLE
IVYSO announces fall concert LASALLE — The Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform its fall concert at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, in Matthiessen Auditorium at LaSalle-Peru High School. The fall concert features works both old and new. Mozart and Brahms provide the beloved classics, while “Tahiti Trot” and “Frozen” add a contemporary twist. A cake and punch reception will fol-
low the concert. Alex Wang, one of the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra’s directors, will be featured on “Zigeunerweisen” by Pablo de Sarasate, a concerto for violin and orchestra. Tickets, which are available through orchestra members or at the door, are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. In its 32nd season, the IVYSO is comprised of Illinois Valley-area students.
IVCH BRIEFS
MENUS Grief recovery group will meet Dec. 12 and 26
PERU — Because wintery weather conditions can adversely affect health, the Live Life transplant support group will not meet in December, January and February. The group normally meets on the second Monday of each month in the conference room of Illinois Valley Community Hospital’s Sixth Street office building. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 11. Live Life is an IVCH support group for Illinois Valley residents who have had transplant surgery or who are on waiting lists for transplants.
PERU — The Illinois Valley Community Hospital grief recovery group will next meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 12 and 26, in Conference Room “C” on the fourth floor of IVCH. The group allows persons who have recently suffered the loss of someone close to them to share their feelings and experiences with others who have also lost loved ones through death. The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. For more information, call Deacon Ray Fischer, IVCH pastoral care coordinator, at 815-780-3426.
Stage 212 will present ‘Spidey’s Character Celebration’
Tonica Grade School
Breakfast Dec. 3 — Toast, sausage, egg and cheese, granola, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese stick, juice, milk. Dec. 4 — Biscuit and gravy, granola, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese stick, juice, milk. Dec. 5 — Apple churros, granola, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese stick, juice, milk. Dec. 6 — Breakfast boat, granola, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese stick, juice, milk. Dec. 7 — Poptart Friday, granola, cereal, yogurt, fruit, cheese stick, juice, milk.
Breakfast Dec. 3 — Breakfast pizza or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 4 — Pancake and syrup or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 5 — Scrambled eggs or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, hash brown, juice, milk. Dec. 6 — Sausage biscuit with cheese or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Dec. 7 — Powdered sugar or chocolate doughnuts or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk.
Lunch Dec. 3 — Hot dog, baked beans, chips, fruit, milk. Dec. 4 — Cheese quesadillas, Spanish rice, pudding, fruit, milk. Dec. 5 — Chicken rings, orange peppers with Ranch, fruit, milk. Dec. 6 — Baked potato bar (cheese, ham, broccoli, bacon, butter, sour cream), fruit, milk. Dec. 7 — Round cheese pizza, broccoli, Gold Fish, fruit, milk.
Tickets for the event are now on sale for just $10 each and may be purchased online at www.stage212.org, by visiting the box office Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, or by calling 815-224-3025 during the same hours. Tickets may be picked up at the door. All patrons age 1 year and up must have a ticket. All children must be properly chaperoned. Performances may be added as ticket sales demand.
Lunch Dec. 3 — Sloppy joe meat, bun, green beans, fruit, chips, milk. Dec. 4 — No lunch, early out. Dec. 5 — Taco salad (crispy tortilla bowl, taco meat, cheese cup, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions), Rice Krispies treat, milk. Dec. 6 — Turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit, dinner roll, gelatin with Cool Whip, milk. Dec. 7 — Pizza crunchers, carrots, fruit, cookie, milk.
Therapeutic and medical message • Reiki healing • Hot stone therapy
SOMETHING NEW FOR YOU!!!
Holiday Savings! 10% off All Services! Gift Certificates Available!
Re-Opening on December 1st The Antique & Gifts Room Just added personalize/custom business Metal Stamping, Vinyl and Embroidery
815-442-3666 Call to make an appt
$5.00 OFF
any Hair Service over $30.00
Dawn O’Keefe, Licensed Massage Therapist
815-780-7960 222 MCCOY ST., GRANVILLE, IL 61326
Must have coupon.
Michelle Johnson Stylist-Owner | Tonica
Expires 12-31-18
Perms start at $52 Hair Color starts at $36
Redken, Matrix, AVON & Posh Products
SM-PR1602326
SM-PR1606607
One per customer
CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT! relaxstation.dawn@gmail.com
7
• Friday, November 30, 2018
LASALLE — Stage 212 is helping young people ring in the new year in style with “Spidey’s Character Celebration,” a kid-friendly celebration presented at 9 and 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, at the theater, 700 First St. in LaSalle. The event, emceed by Spiderman, will feature live performances by Anna, Elsa, Moana, Belle, the Beast, Snow White, The Paw Patrol and The Trolls, and a meet-and-greet photo opportunity with all characters.
Lostant Grade School
COMMUNITY | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com
No transplant support group meetings next three months
The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 30, 2018
|
8 THE EDITORIAL PAGE
Jim Dunn
Rita Roberts
Editor, General Manager
Associate Editor
The Tonica News
Women’s group turned the tide in one county Organizer would like to see more such groups started
I
had the pleasure of meeting several Democratic women candidates from Lake County during the Illinois State Fair last summer. Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) was showing them around town and brought them to a reception I was attending. We chatted for a while before they went on their merry way. “Merry” is actually an understatement. Those candidates were positively joyful. They seemed genuinely thrilled to be running for office. Only one had ever run for something before. The rest felt compelled to get involved after the 2016 election. Sen. Bush brought 10 women with her to Springfield, and she said four of them went on to win their respective races. Well, maybe three, but Bush is optimistic that Mary Edley-Allen will wind up defeating appointed Rep. Helene Miller Walsh (R-Mundelein). Edley-Allen is ahead by two votes as I write this, with
COMMENTARY Rich Miller more to count. Joyce Mason, the only candidate who had run for office before and who defeated Rep. Sheri Jesiel by more than 1,000 votes, was also at the event, as were two county board candidates who appear to have won, Jessica Vealitzek and Julie Simpson. The county board flipped from Republican to Democratic control for the first time ever, and those two candidates were crucial to that effort. Two other women candidates who didn’t make the trip to Springfield both won countywide races, Robin O’Connor (clerk) and Holly Kim (treasurer). Sen. Bush helped found an organization called the Lake County Democratic Independent Women on Oct. 30, 2017. She said she sent out some emails and started a Facebook page. Women came out of the woodwork after the 2016 election, and Bush wanted to help them focus their enthusiasm on actually winning races and then holding on to those
seats down the road. The group has an office and a field director, and members meet once a month. A “pink wave” garden party fundraiser pulled in $15,000, and Bush said people told her at the event that it felt like “coming to a wedding, everyone is so happy.” When Bush first won her own Senate seat in 2012, her district and both of its attached House districts were held by Republicans. Now, with Rep. Jesiel’s defeat, all three legislators are Democratic. Things are definitely changing in Lake County, but they didn’t necessarily change on their own. The House Democrats did their part by pumping in tons of money and staff over the months, but Mason was also helped by that independent women’s group. The House Democrats got into the Miller-Walsh race late, but Edley-Allen had taken the group’s training and had already been walking precincts for months. “These were areas where we weren’t supposed to win,” Bush said. Sen. Bush said that while House Speaker Michael Madigan is likely pleased that he has two more Democratic seats, she cautioned that both women are independent Democrats.
In other words, they’re not the usual ducklings who will quietly follow orders traditionally given to targeted members. Bush said she doesn’t just want to help people win elections, “I want to help them be really good representatives.” She said her advice to all candidates is that they shouldn’t be thinking how their voting record in Springfield or on the county board would get them re-elected. Hard work back in the district will pay greater dividends. “The harder you work, the luckier you get,” she said. “I want to see people work really hard and do what they think is right.” Bush should know. I jokingly chided her during her freshman year in office for having such a liberal voting record while representing an area not known for its liberalism. But she won her last election by 9 percentage points and is encouraging others to do what she does: vote your conscience and work your tail off back home. So, even if you wind up losing, you can go out with no policy regrets.
Note to readers: Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax. com.
Keeping score tricky in wide-open Chicago mayor’s race
T
he mayor of Chicago is arguably more important than the governor of Illinois. Maybe that’s why more than two dozen have been gathering petitions for the city’s Feb. 26 non-partisan election (though all the candidates are Democrats). Chicago is both less and more than it used to be. After World War II, the city alone had 3.6 million residents, more than half the state’s total population. Today, there are 2.7 million, just one in five Illinoisans. Yet central city Chicago is the beating heart of a three-state metropolis of 10 million people, with a gross economic product that would make it the 20th largest nation in the world by that measure. And I hate to say it, but the region sends lots of tax money to support schools and services for struggling Downstate communities like mine. Chicago is a tale of at least two cities. One, the mostly white, booming downtown and North Side, where millennials flock to good high-tech
UNDERSTANDING ILLINOIS Jim Nowlan and professional services jobs. The other, largely African-American and Latino to the south and west, where residents feel left behind and often live in fear of out-of-control, homicidal gang bangers. The next mayor has to keep the boom booming and also tackle the wrenching problems in the neighborhoods. He or she will face a budget that is in even worse shape than the basket-case state fiscal mess, with huge payments looming for police and fire pensions and big debts to retire, and no money to pay either. Set aside the important, generally successful 6 percent of Chicagoans who are of Asian descent, and the rest are almost equally divided, one-third each white, Afri-
can-American and Latino. University of Illinois at Chicago politics professor and old friend Dick Simpson is my primary source for what follows. Dick says the present large cast of characters will be winnowed down to about eight who will survive challenges to their petitions over the coming month. Of that group, he expects three will be white, three black and two Latino. And that’s how you have to break out Chicago politics, through a racial and ethnic prism, with a small band of white progressives maybe above all that. Most Chicagoans will vote for “one of their own” in the Feb. 26 balloting. No candidate is likely to win much more than 20 percent, so the top two vote-getters will square off in an April 2 run-off. At present, the front-runners appear to be Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, a black former public school teacher; Susana Mendoza, just elected state comptroller but ready to jump into
a much larger pond; Bill Daley, son and brother of the mayors Daley; and former schools head Paul Vallas (a student of mine when I taught for a year at Western Illinois University). Round one will boil down to three factors: money; candidate organizations, and compelling campaign narratives. Simpson thinks a candidate will need $3 million to $5 million to compete through both elections; other insider friends of mine think it will take more. If on Feb. 26, one black and one Latino emerge, where will the white voters turn? If a “minority” and a white emerge, where will the other minority group turn? Thus, candidates will have to keep both elections in mind as they appeal to voters. Much to be sorted out. All very important to the future of Chicago, the region and the state.
Note to readers: Jim Nowlan of Toulon can be reached at jnowlan3@ gmail.com.
A1
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
110 • Special Notices In Search of '85 or '86 Tonica High School yearbook as a Christmas gift for a loved one. Call 309826-6121
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
Large, Lighted Curio Cabinet, Excellent Condition. $100; Large Baggallini Purse, Great for a Gift $25; Ladies Leather Coat - Size Large $25. Call 815-872-6911 Maple Rocker with Removable Cushions. Good Shape $40 OBO. Nice Cane Maple Chair (Canes need replaced) $20 OBO. Call 815-915-5243, Not in the morning. Tires: One 225-75-14 (on Chrysler rim) $50; One 195-75-15 $40; Two 24560-18 $50 each. Call 815664-2236. ************ 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)
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
Visit the classifieds online at
www.tonicanews.com 999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
999 • Legal Notices
IN THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF ILLINOISIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LASALLE COUNTY Estate of DONALD G. POUK, Deceased. No. 2018-P-232 NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the death of DONALD G. POUK. Letters of office as Independent Executor were issued on October 18, 2018 to NORMA WARGO, 810 Bazore Street, Streator, Illinois 61364 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. 5/28-4) 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 May 24, 2019, 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 claim filed with the Clerk must be mailed or delivered to the estate 450 • Under $1000 any representative and to the attorney within 10 days after it has been filed with the Clerk. Busch Light Beer Bar Dated this 16th day of November, 2018. Light, 32” Tall x 8” Wide, Jim Olson, Clerk of the Circuit Court Like New Condition. $35. 13th Judicial Circuit, LaSalle County, Illinois November 16, 23,30, 2018 815-875-2664
• Friday, November 30, 2018
Call 815-875-4461 classified@bcrnews.com
450 • Under $1000
CARS815.com
General Terms and Policies
9 CLASSIFIEDS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com
–––––––––––––––– Classifieds –––––––––––––––
A2
10
Business Directory KETTMAN
PASSINI PLUMBING & HEATING David Passini
We’ll keep you in hot water! Need a new water heater installed? Turn to the experts. Grasser’s is your local,
Selling & Repairing all makes of tires 112 S. St. Paul St. Mark, IL 61340
Open 7 days/week 8-5pm
Johnny Sieg Owner/Operator siegtire.com 815-878-7367
Cars, Trucks, Trailer, Motorcycles, ATVs, & Lawn Mowers also Bicycles
Rollin!
Mounting, Balancing, Rotating, Patches, Plugs and all tire repairs plus Small Implement Farm Tires Now accepting all major credit cards!
24 Hour Service LIC. #058-111758
Eastend Towing
SM-PR1597792
9126 HENNEPINFLORID RD Hennepin, IL 61327
Now Offering Higher Speeds!
SM-PR1585483
FOR ALL YOUR TOWING & RECOVERING NEEDS
Owner Mark Nieslawski
LOOK FOR THE MAN IN THE ORANGE & WHITE VAN
Tonica Telephone Co. Toncom Long Distance
(815) 228-7925
815-442-9901 • www.tonicacom.net
• Any Size Tile Installation • Tile Repair • Culvert Installation • GPS Mapping
www.grassersplumbingheating.com State ID No 58-100249
SM-PR1584437
Mon-Fri 8AM - 5PM
JODY TALIANI Owner
202 W Harper Ave PO Box 326
ROUTE
PH:
71
815-339-9181 815-399-9182
SM-PR1584439
AUTO BODY
route71autobody@frontier.com Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles
Towing Available
FOLEY MOTORS
Full Service Store
Inc.
Sales & Service
Aaron
Rt. 29, Henry, IL 309-364-4711 www.foleymotorsinc.com
309-238-8626
SM-PR1585471
Auto Body Specialists Truck Toppers & Accessories
GLYNN’S DEMOLITION DEMOLITION & EXCAVATING Raejean Glynn, Owner Terry Glynn, Owner
815-878-8948 Free Estimates Fully Insured SM-PR1585476
Granville, IL • 815-339-2345
Mon-Wed & Fri 9-5 • Thurs 9-2 • Sat by Appointment
815-882-2111
PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.
Colton
309-238-8627
SM-PR1585479
We Have A Great Selection Of Floor Coverings To Meet Your Every Need!
404 W. Main St. McNabb
FAX:
Colton & Aaron Poignant
GRANVILLE
Turn to us for your plumbing needs.
Granville, IL 61326
C & A FARM DRAINAGE
FLOOR & WALL
trusted installers. Licensed and insured. We are the READER’S CHOICE for #1 PLUMBER!
107 East Harrison St. • Granville, IL www.kettmanheating.com • 815-339-6124
SM-PR1585490
Where We Always Keep You ou
HEATING & PLUMBING, INC.
Interstate Battery Sales
815-339-4108 815-481-2639
116 South 2nd St. Standard, IL 61363
SM-PR1584435
Licensed-Bonded-Insured
Sieg Tire & Tube Repair Shop
SM-PR1598416
The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 30, 2018
| CLASSIFIEDS
Marketplace
“You bend ‘em, we mend ‘em” Mike Supan Jr. Linda Supan Michele Straughn
9286 East Power Plant Rd. Hennepin, IL 61327 Fax 815-925-7475 gngdemolition@yahoo.com
325 North 25th Rd, Route 251 South of Peru
815-224-1506
SM-PR1585474
SM-PR1585473
EMERGENCY: 815-252-0032
A3 ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES RIGHT HERE!
Call 815-875-4461
RED CARPET SERVICE
COMPLETE CAR AND TRUCK CARE 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE Rt. 89, McNabb, IL • Jack Bima, Owner
Plumbing • Heating • Electrical 24 Hrs. Service • 815-442-3415
SM-PR1584434
JACK’S GAS & SERVICE 882-2191 Monday-Saturday 882-2250 Evenings & Sundays SM-PR1584433
AL CIONI FORD INC.
504 S. McCoy Granville, IL 815-339-2511
No baloney with Al Cioni!
HIRE CLOSER. HIRE HAPPIER. Why look far and wide for the best local talent? Just visit IllinoisCareers.com. Offering thousands of career. candidate profiles, Illinois’ most comprehensive online job boards attract the most qualified local job seekers in a wide variety of industries and skill sets. Look to IllinoisCareers.com for employees who live close to the place your business calls home.
XXXXXXX is a partner IllinoisCareers.com. Bureau County Republican is a of partner of IllinoisCareers.com.
• Friday, November 30, 2018
Always FREE Estimates
Our Customers
SM-PR1584432
Since 1919
For the World’s Best People
CLASSIFIEDS | The Tonica News / tonicanews.com
Business Directory Marketplace
11
Demand the Best
The Tonica News / tonicanews.com • Friday, November 30, 2018
12
Tell Your Physician You Want
Only at Liberty Village
bounce back rehab, recovery, return home
SM-PR1596855
State-of-the-Art Therapy Equipment Medicare, Medicare Replacement, Private Insurance Suites with Private Bath/Shower Peru 815-224-2200 • www.simplythefinest.net • Princeton 815-875-6600 Not-For-Profit -Providers
Fall Cleaning
SERVICE
Special for Your PC or Laptop
ON-SITE - IN HOUSE - AND REMOTE • Perform manufacturer’s hardware diagnostics tests • Scan and clean up any spyware/malware or virus infections (excludes non-removable items) • Update Windows system, Adobe reader, Java, Flash, browsers
• Optimize for maximum performance • Clean computer fans and heat sinks to ensure they are clean. • Clean exterior so system “looks like new” • 30-day guarantee on all work performed
LARGEST IN STOCK SELECTION in the Illinois Valley area • Laptops • Desktops • Tablets • Monitors Printers • All In Ones • Accessories
6500
$
SALES CP+CARE
SUPPORT
A Connecting Point Exclusive A Total Managed Service
Focus On Your Business… We’ll Handle The Technology! Call Any Of Our Support Consultants To Get Started We also offer: • Various “Cloud” Services • DR\Security Solutions • Web Design and Hosting • Remote Backup Options Jeff Borelli President
Tom Hancock Vice President
John Riva Corporate Consultant
Nathan Blauvelt Corporate Consultant
SM-PR1597370
When You Think Computers, Think
Downtown Peru • 800-352-7018 • 1622 Fourth Street • Just West of the Post Office