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Local
driver killed in train accident
By Bill Napper
MT. OLIVE - Family and acquaintances are mourning
the loss of someone who was very special in the lives
of many friends. A local driver was killed here Friday
when crossing a train track at the Tall Timber Road crossing
in Mt. Olive Township, just off Rt. 66. Steven Michael
Tomso, 22 of Mt. Olive died at 10:12 p.m. The accident
is under investigation. The crossing is marked with the
standard white wooden crosses, but there are no flashing
lights or bells.
On Sunday afternoon several friends stopped
by a marker that shows the spot where his vehicle was
hit by a train. Several teens stopped by to remember their
friend.
“I just can’t believe it,” said one friend.
He quickly walked away to hide his pain. Tomso was a 1999
graduate of Mt. Olive High School and was employed by
Fritz Distributing in Bethalto. Memorials may be made
to the Mt. Olive library or the Mt. Olive Academic Foundation.
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Soldier
returns home after fighting terrorism in Iraq
By Chris Smith
Ryan Ray and his fiancee wave
good-bye to the convoy that escorted him home Friday
afternoon. |
STAUNTON - A local resident who serves his
community in the volunteer fire department here as well
as his country in the war on terrorism in Iraq was welcomed
home Friday. Specialist Ryan Ray of the National Guard
was welcomed home with a huge convoy of vehicles from
the fire department, ambulance service, city and county
police. Ray who is attached to the 233 MP Company was
all smiles as he was met on the edge at town near I-55
by family, friends and fellow volunteers. He was escorted
down Main Street to his home where neighbors and friends
were waiting to greet him. His yard was peppered with
signs welcoming him home. Ryan, who has been in Iraq for
11 months, was overwhelmed by this show of support. He
is on a 15 day leave. But before he returns to complete
his tour of duty, he had another important mission to
complete. He was married Sunday to his hometown sweetheart,
Jameie Mertz.
read the KWIK KONNECTION Newspaper
for the full story!!
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Bradford
National Bank To Acquire
First Bank In Marine
Employees will soon move to a new facility just
down the street. |
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Officials at the Bradford National
Bank of Greenville have announced the signing of
a Branch Purchase and Assumption Agreement providing
for the sale of First Bank's branch office located
in Marine to the Bradford National Bank.
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Bradford makes contribution Bill Piece, left, president
of the Highland Community Foundation accepts a $1,000
contribution from Bradford National Bank. The presentation
was made by branch manager Janet Renko. Bradford
National Bank, a real community bank, supports many
organizations in Greenville, Highland, and Marine.
For more information visit www.BradfordBank.com.
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Greenville- The Bradford National Bank of Greenville President
Frank Joy and First Bank President and Chief Executive Officer
Terrance M. McCarthy has announced the signing of a Branch
Purchase and Assumption Agreement providing for the sale
of First Bank's branch office located in Marine to The Bradford
National Bank of Greenville. Bradford National Bank currently
operates four bank offices in Greenville, Highland and Marine,
Illinois. In the transaction, Bradford National Bank will
assume approximately $15.6 million in deposits and $1.3
million in loans from First Bank. Additionally, Bradford
National Bank will purchase the First Bank building located
at 102 North Duncan Street in Marine and will move its existing
Marine bank to the new facility. President Joy said, "We
are very pleased to have reached an agreement to purchase
the Marine branch of First Bank. This investment underscores
our continuing commitment to the Marine area. We believe
the purchase will be beneficial to the community and look
forward to extending our services to all the residents of
Marine." McCarthy stated, "Divesting of our Marine office
was a difficult decision for First Bank. Considering the
long-term direction of First Bank, we concluded that a sale
of the Marine office is in the best interests of First Bank,
our affected employees and the Marine, Illinois community."
First Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks in
the country with more that $7 billion in assets and over
150 locations in Missouri, Illinois, California and Texas.
First Bank will continue to operate the Marine branch office
in the ordinary course of business prior to the closing
of the transaction, which is expected to occur during the
second quarter of 2004, subject to the receipt of regulatory
approvals. The facility being purchased from First Bank
contains 3,700 square feet and was completely remodeled
in 1999. The building features a large vestibule, lobby
with fireplace, teller stations, an office and conference
room, vault with safe deposit boxes, drive up lane and drive
up ATM. The west end of the building includes a large community
meeting room. Bradford National Bank was founded in 1867
and received its national charter in 1910. In September
1998, Bradford National Bank opened its first branch outside
of Bond County when the Marine Banking Center was opened.
In October 2002, Bradford National Bank opened a second
Madison County branch in Highland. Today, Bradford National
Bank continues to grow in the tradition started 137 years
ago with assets over $190 million and four full service
locations.Bradford National Bank and First Bank are both
FDIC insured institutions.
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VFW
1241 renovates kitchen at Post Home
New Kitchen- Photo by Bill Napper- A few of the VFW
volunteers take a moment for a photo Friday evening
in their newly renovated kitchen.
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Hello!- Photo by Bill Napper- Alfie Anderson is a
mainstay at the VFW. With his friendly smile, he gladly
collects the money for the meals. |
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Join
the Chamber of Commerce
The Staunton Chamber of Commerce would like to invite
all area residents/business persons to join the Chamber
for 2004. Many exciting new ideas and projects are underway.
The Chamber is in the process of having new Staunton Brochures
produced. All members who paid dues for the year 2003
will have a free ad in the new brochure. All members of
the Chamber are listed in the chamber's website and links
can be added under your listing to take the consumer directly
to your site. The Chamber, in conjunction with the City,
and the Staunton fire department are working on erecting
a stage at the City park. The Chamber is also involved
in helping to bring the new bike trail to town and assisting
with the Duda Garden Project, along with assisting with
the Staunton Clock Project. The 2003 year brought a very
successful Snack with Santa with approximately 500 children
being served; new Welcome to Staunton signs were erected;
the circus came to town; and new street banners were put
up. We also participate in the firemen's celebration by
providing workers for bingo and sponsoring the Miss Staunton
contest and Little Miss and Mister. A new annual event
began with the City wide yard sales and sidewalk sales
that was very successful. Each year the Chamber sponsors
the Tour deDonut Bicycle Race and the Car Show. The Chamber
had 70 members in 2003. Dues for the 2004 year are now
due in the amount of $70. Each paid member receives a
plaque, monthly newsletter, and an opportunity to be involved
in the many exciting projects that the Chamber participates
in. To join you local chamber, please send $70 to: Chamber
of Commerce, P.O. Box 248, Staunton, IL. 62088.
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Senior citizens
real estate tax deferral forms available in Macoupin County
Treasure's office
What is the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral?
The Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Act (320
ILCS 30/1 et seq.) allows qualified senior citizens to
elect to defer all of the property taxes and special assessments
on their principal residences. The principal residence
is the homestead portion of the property and is the only
portion of the property for which you can apply for deferral
of taxes. The property taxes and special assessments do
not become due until after the death of the property owner
or when the real estate is sold or no longer qualifies.
A lien is placed on the property and interest is assessed
at six percent simple interest rate per year. This application
applies to taxes that will be paid in 2004.
Who is eligible? To qualify for the tax deferral you
must - be 65 years of age or older by June 1, 2004, -
have a total household income of no more than $40,000,
- have lived in the property or other qualifying property
for at least the last three years, - own the property,
or share joint ownership with your spouse, or be the sole
beneficiary, or you and your spouse be the sole beneficiaries
of a land trust, and - have no unpaid property taxes and
special assessments on the property. What is included
in household income? You must include items that are considered
income for 2003 federal income tax purposes.
Examples are: - alimony received - annuity benefits -
Black Lung benefits - business income - capital gains
- cash assistance from Human Services and other governmental
cash public assistance -cash winnings from such sources
as raffles and lotteries - Civil Service benefits - damages
awarded in a lawsuit for nonphysical injury or sickness
- dividends - farm income - interest - interest received
on life insurance policies - lump sum Social Security
payments - miscellaneous income, such as from rummage
sales, recycling aluminum, or baby sitting- monthly insurance
benefits - pension and IRA benefits (federally taxable
portion only) - qualified long term care insurance contract
payments (federally taxable portion only)- Railroad Retirement
benefits (including Medicare deductions) - rental income-
SeniorCare rebate (only if you took an itemized deduction
for health insurance in the prior year)- Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) benefits- unemployment compensation
- veterans' benefits (federally taxable portion only)
- wages, salaries, and tips from work - Workers' Compensation
Act income- Workers' Occupational Diseases Act income
read the KWIK KONNECTION Newspaper
for the full story!!
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Never
feed your dog scraps of any kind
Provided by
Dr. James Pastrovich
at Animal Medical Center of Litchfield.
PANCREATITIS IN DOGS
The pancreas is a vital organ found in the right side
of the abdomen. It has two functions: 1.To produce digestive
enzymes. 2.To produce hormones such as insulin. When the
pancreas becomes inflamed, the disorder is called pancreatitis.
Dogs that have bouts of acute pancreatitis may have recurring
bouts of the acute disease, known as chronic relapsing
pancreatitis. The inflammation of the pancreas allows
digestive enzymes to spill into the abdominal cavity resulting
in secondary damage to the liver bile ducts, gall bladder
and intestines. Most cases of pancreatitis can be linked
to ingestion of an extremely fatty meal. Under normal
conditions digestive enzymes are activated when they reach
the small intestine. With pancreatitis, those enzymes
are activated in the pancreas resulting in digestion of
the pancreas itself. The symptoms seen with acute pancreatitis
typically include nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain,
and diarrhea. If the attack is severe, acute shock, depression
and death may occur. Laboratory testing including blood
levels of the digestive enzymes, radiographs and ultrasound
may be necessary to reach a diagnosis. In some cases of
pancreatitis, all of the tests may be normal and a diagnosis
will depend on clinical signs only. Treatment of acute
pancreatitis usually involves hospitalization, administering
intravenous fluids, analgesics for pain, medications for
shock and resting the pancreas by withholding food and
water. Even extensive treatments may not save those with
severe cases.= To help prevent your dog from getting pancreatitis,
never feed scraps of any kind, especially meat scraps.
Also, avoid treats with a high fat content such as pigs’
ears. Your dog will stay a lot healthier on a good quality
dry dog food diet.
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Staunton’s
Monday night council meeting
Council appointed Craig Kelly as ward 2 alderman
By Emily Brackman
STAUNTON- The Staunton city council met Monday evening
at the public works building, here. After calling to order,
the council appointed Craig Kelly as ward 2 alderman.
In the utility committee report, the council agreed to
pay the Juneau invoice for $8,995.62 for the Timberview
Lift station construction inspection. Also, the council
agreed to pay the $915 invoice to Juneau for the design
of the Main Street railroad crossing. To L&L Excavating,
the council agreed to pay the payment of $27,683.96 for
the lift station and force main. EMC manager Don Henderson
notified the council that phase two of the Timberview
subdivision has been accepted by the utility committee
and that the IEPA has also accepted the phase two water
and sewer systems. During the meeting the council also
gave their acceptance of phase two and agreed to allow
mayor Mike Arnold to sign the water and sewer permits
once they were received. The council then agreed to give
permission to Arnold to officially accept the plans and
permits for Canadian Crossing. Also in utilities, the
council agreed to pay the $4,000 fee to Juneau to design
a plan for the water main extension to the Garde property.
In the street committee report, the council agreed to
pay the $1,530 invoice to KLB Contractors for sidewalk
retainage. In the civic improvement committee report,
the council reviewed a letter received from the Historic
Preservation Commission for Staunton regarding a Local
Landmark Community status. The status will allow the city
to apply for "grants and participate in other programs
for restoration, preservation and local landmark designations
of properties in the City of Staunton." The council will
continue to review the Local Landmark Community status
and will discuss it at the next meeting. The council also
appointed Shirley Heidbrink as a member of the Preservation
Commission. Also in civic improvement, city clerk Marilyn
Herbeck gave the council an update on the Hiking, Biking
and Pedestrian Trail Grant Application. The deadline for
the grant is January 29 and a required public hearing
will be held at the next city council meeting to gain
approval for the resolution and certification statements.
In public grounds, the council agreed to pay an invoice
to Fair Deal Pest Control for $4,900. The invoice is for
a 10 year contract with Fair Deal. In the judiciary committee
report, the council agreed to pass resolution #2004-01,
in which the council will call on the Federal Communications
Commission and U.S. senators and congressman to obtain
information on why cellular phone service is so poor the
Staunton area. Also in the judiciary report, the second
reading of ordinance #1228, the annexation of 511 S. Fairbanks.
The first reading of ordinance #1229, the annexation of
Vogelsang property was then held. The council then agreed
to the pre-annexation agreement from James and Karen Rettig,
2703 Shady Pine Rd. In new business, the council agreed
to appoint Nelson Grman to the Staunton Tourism Committee.
The council adjourned into executive session at 7:35 p.m.
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News
Roundup
Crystal Ballroom to host bridal show
STAUNTON - The Crystal Ballroom will be sponsoring the
16th Annual Crystal Ballroom Bridal Show on Jan. 18. Doors
will open at 12 p.m and the fashion show will start at
2 p.m. The show will feature fashion from “Main Street
Bridal Boutique” of Carlinville. Admission is free and
door prizes will be awarded.
Zion Lutheran to hold Trivia
Night
STAUNTON - Zion Lutheran School will host a trivia night
on Saturday January 24, at Staunton Country Club. Teams
of up to 8 persons. Cost is $10 per person. Doors Open
at 6:30 and Trivia Begins at 7:30 pm. 1st, 2nd and 3rd
place prizes awarded. Silent Auction begins at 6:30 and
door prizes will be awarded. Sponsored by Zion Lutheran
School PTL. For more details contact Diana Yakos 635-8749
and Susan Cisler 637-8962.
VOTE dinner set
Livingston - The VOTE Committee would like to extend an
invitation to all to join them at Townsend’s Restaurant
located at 418 Livingston Avenue on Sunday, January 18.
They will be hosting a Chicken/Ham Dinner with all the
fixing’s from 11a.m. to 6 p. m. Prices are $7 for adults,
$5 for children ages 4-12, and children 3 and under are
free. All proceeds will go toward the ongoing legal fees.
Pie contest set
STAUNTON - Heritage Manor will be having a pie contest
on Friday, Jan. 23 at 2:30 p.m. There will only be one
winner for the best tasting pie. Please call Leslie at
(618)635- 5577 to enter your favorite pie.
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