This “n” That
A
column dedicated to thought provoking non-essential
information
by
Rich StJohn
8-7-08
Did ya miss the 131st edition of Old Settlers?
If so, you missed a good one. Congrats go to the entire staff of OSA and the hard work they put in for us. Always hate to single someone out but Jason Musselman and his family put in a lot of extra effort and thought. Everything, at least on the surface, went smooth and was enjoyed by many.
Class of 19__?
As usual, there are many class reunions held during Old Settlers, along with the Toulon-LaFayette Alumni meeting. As I attended many of these events and attended the Wyoming Alumni in May as well, I couldn’t help doing a trip down memory lane. Seems to me that Stark County throughout the years has produced some very fine citizens. Maybe I am biased but it appears to me that we rank above any national average in having some fine people that contributed to society and our country’s welfare during their lives and many continue to do so, regardless of age. We should all be proud.
Almost made it!
We recently lost a good friend in Wayne ‘Dick’ Wilson. I met Dick in the summer of 1956 in high school, then we each went separate ways and reunited back here in 2006. Dick, or as known while in California as Wayne, was an all around good guy. Like many of us, he decided to spend his final years back home in Stark County. His grown children told me that they could not believe how happy their father was to be back. He always looked so forward to Old Settlers and meeting people that come back for the event. He was again looking forward to this year but try as he may it was not to be. We will miss Dick, or Wayne.
Time for a breather?
Most of the News staff, especially Amy Beaver, is finally getting a breather. Three (3) consecutive weekends of events does take it’s toll. Starting with the Wyoming Corn Boil thru the Stark County 4H and Jr. Fair and into Toulon’s Old Settlers is an ambitious schedule. A brief break and next is in Bradford with the Labor Day celebration and then it’s Stark County’s Fall Festival. This does not include the start of school and the fall sports schedule. Whew!
Donations?
Many good Stark Countians donate a great deal of time and money for various events and causes. The list is endless but I failed to mention a significant moment a few weeks back at the Corn Boil. Buzz Melton was emceeing a drawing for $500.00. He jokingly said ‘go ahead and pull my name out first’. Lo and behold it happened. Buzz and Tawny Hall’s ticket was drawn but they declined and another drawing was held. This was not only gracious but very generous as well.
Wanna visit China?
Starting Friday is the Olympics being held in China, mostly in Beijing. I imagine a great deal of coverage, probably as a fill-in will be about China and the Chinese people. It is interesting the ‘display’ atmosphere that will abound. Most industries will be shut down to reduce the smog and etc. I often wonder with the amount of money spent on these events when, or will, the payback occur? Let’s hope the USA athletes do well.
7-3-08
Do you like Tunes and Booms?
Thursday, (tonight for some) July 3, is the Wyoming fireworks display at Gary Johnson Field. A new addition this year is sound! Our very own Jason Musselman is providing a music theme to accompany the fine fireworks display. What kind of music? We don’t know because he is keeping it a secret. This will be a very welcome addition. Be there!
What’s next in the agriculture world?
I happened to see a bit on Fox News the other morning about dairy cows having their own water bed. This may not be news to those in the Ag world but to someone that left the farm in 1957, it is a big surprise. Apparently it pays off with increased milk production. Might ask Doug Murray about this.
What’s the future of ethanol?
With current corn prices above $7/bushel, can the ethanol plants survive? I was told that the max an ethanol plant could pay for corn was around $5/bushel. Does the high fuel prices make the additional price work? I read where some ethanol plants under construction are being put on hold. Stay tuned.
Are plans for Stark County E-911 in jeopardy, or maybe, Final Jeopardy?
Appears some legal language scuttled the latest promising plan. What is up next? As of this writing, The News is attempting to uncover information as to any new ideas coming forth.
Wanna hear a hip and somewhat novel band?
The Veggies are coming to The News Room Bistro on July 26, 2008. Tim Hickey, formerly of Bradford, now residing in Peoria, and Mark Rewerts, of Wyoming, who happens to be a VP @ State Bank of Toulon are members of this band. This loose knit band was formed a number of years ago when all lived in Decatur. The original idea was to just to get together and have fun but it caught on, to some degree, and they still remain together today. The bands plays mostly 70’s and 80’s type music and packed them in the last time they were here. They are very entertaining and have a great time as well.
Is Stark County closing down on the 4th?
Kinda seems so. Some restaurants and others are taking the 3-day Holiday weekend off. Deservingly so, I might add. Not much open the 4th as expected and some are closing Saturday as well.
HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL
4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!
-6-26-08-
How is Stark County being impacted with both floods and fuel costs?
We will all feel the impact of the floods. Farmers may be favorably impacted and consumers may be negatively impacted. Prices will rise, creating both the good and the bad. Fuel costs have, are, and will impact many facets of our life. Some we can control, others we will not. Change will be the common denominator.
Is the price of energy changing America?
We easily could be entering a new, and perhaps a radical, phase of economic change. Energy costs affect virtually everything we do or purchase. With costs escalating, new ideas, plans, and other considerations are getting a lot of scrutiny.
Are high energy costs here to stay?
Well, yes and no. High costs will be with us for a long time. Depending on your definition of high. Yankee ingenuity and innovation will soften the blow to a degree but us old timers will remember the Good Ole Days. Prices may lower, but to an acceptable level?
What price is considered high?
Your perspective! What is high to one generation may be acceptable to another. If fuel prices fall by as much as a $1.00/gal, is this acceptable? If prices lower, will we revert back to our old ways and again do no future planning? We must remain diligent reducing dependence on foreign oil, or oil at all.
Are you truly a member of the ‘Majority’?
The ‘Silent Majority’, as to immediate needs for drilling and etc., is currently out shouting the environmental wackos. But this group is a patient and enduring one, that believes the economy is second to the environment and global warming. Wrecking our economy and even America is not even a prime consideration.
Should we remain concerned about the environment?
By all means! We have made great strides on environmental improvements and this should continue. However, this should be a balancing act to accommodate gradual lifestyle and economic changes. America can do both, but only with a government that realizes the entire picture.
Is the recent debate on 911 good for Stark County?
Probably to many, it is not fully understood. The issue is much too complex for this brief article. The News will be running a story(s) explaining the good, bad and ugly features, but overall it should be done. Cost and implementation are key!
-6-19-08-
Would you like to help?
The Stark County News strives to cover all events with a limited
staff. We are always looking for stories and/or pictures of
events in and around the county. Please feel free to submit
any information you might have. We appreciate any info you might
have. Call 286-4444, fax 286-5555, or email; editor@countyenews.com.
Are gasoline prices affecting your travel?
For many it is - but a good time can be had locally rather than
burn expensive fuel going elsewhere. Some exciting things are
happening locally that will more than fill the bill.
What events are coming up?
In about two weeks, is the 4th of July; Let Freedom Ring, June
27 in Bradford; Fireworks in Wyoming on 7/3 and Kewanee, 7/4.
Followed by the Wyoming Corn Boil on July 19, then two weeks
later is Old Settler’s on August 1, Bradford has a Labor
Day celebration, and obviously many other events in the interim.
So, there is plenty to do coming up. If you have an event, let
us know for publication, advertising and putting on our web
site calendar.
Speaking of events, have you visited The
Stark County Farmers Market in Wyoming?
This is a weekly event, held every Thursday at 3:30 until 6:30
pm. This year there are many more vendors and the activity is
growing. Again this is a local event and you can get some homegrown
products and homemade goodies, maybe even some good tomatoes.
This market is growing each year so your support is vital and
it’s within driving range.
Is the weather going to help Stark County
farmers?
We have been extremely lucky (so far) with the weather. Floods
and tornadoes have been on all four sides of us. Many crops
are either being planted late or re-planted thereby creating
unfavorable yields. If weather holds for the next three months,
we should expect decent yields and prices. Makes you really
feel sorry for our neighbors.
~
6-12-08 ~
Are we paying too much for fuel?
There obviously is plenty of blame to go around. But as you
trace each problem back, it always ends in Washington DC. As
pleaded here many times, where are the LEADERS to have a meaningful
energy policy, or even a plan? This spans party and presidential
leanings but an old congress that is worthless in this category.
We throw money at biofuels, wind and solar power, fuel efficiency,
foreign governments and the like but not a comprehensive or
definable goal.
Are biofuels the problem or solution?
Neither, The small amount of grain used for energy is not the
culprit for either food or energy prices. It may not be the
solution in its entirety either. It is but one of many options
but again without a total plan, it is just there. As a result
the future and its niche in the overall energy mess is uncertain.
As expected, ethanol is currently being blamed for food costs
and transportation cost. This is a readily available scapegoat
by some politicians and liberal press.
Are short-term solutions available?
We have a lot of energy both in oil, coal, and biofuels. Environmental
concerns certainly have a purpose and a place in any planning.
However, we as a nation should not be held hostage to the over
zealous ‘tree huggers’. There appears to be plenty
of domestic oil and coal for a period of time to absolve the
long term ‘fixes’ to evolve. But ridiculous maneuvering
prevents this. Today’s technology has certainly given
us the wherewithal to some assurances of not having environmental
mishaps.
Is this nation’s future at risk?
Appears to me that it is. We presently are pretty much in a
hostage situation with oil. What is next? Secondly, can we readily
absorb the immediate financial impact without jeopardizing our
economy and safety?
Should the government be investing in alternate transportation
methods?
Government intervention is always expensive, time consuming
and often at the will of political favoritism and whims. Tax
incentives to the public sector is much more efficient and expedient.
With gasoline headed to $5/gal and possibly upward, Yankee ingenuity
will step up to the plate via affordable and profitable solutions.
Is the Democrat primary election finally over?
Apparently so. I still don’t understand the Super Delegate
thing. Sounds to me like elections have little, or less, meaning.
When party officials control a candidate’s political life,
at least in part, they diminish the election results. What’s
Hillary’s game plan?
Is Stark County, Toulon in particular, sad, happy,
or simply relieved?
Elsewhere in this edition is considerable coverage of the apparent
suicide of Curt Thompson. Opening old wounds always brings out
some emotions. Hopefully this will bring some closure to this
terrible tragedy. It is interesting to note that Curt’s
wife, Virginia passed away just days before, while his attorney
died last year. Time will take away immediate memories but this
saga will live in history for a long time.
Like Frog legs?
I understand that this Friday, frog legs will be on a menu in
Stark County. Check our ads!
Happy Fathers Day to all dads!
~
6-5-08 ~
What does Stark County
need?
Growth, not just for growth’s sake, but to maintain and
improve our local services, tax base, etc. We do not want to
destroy our wonderful lifestyle. But our continual downturn
in population is of grave concern.
What assets do we have to expand on for growth?
One of our biggest assets is our lifestyle and small community
attributes, less traffic, less pollution, low crime, local services,
great schools, and others. When I moved back here, I noticed
that the population had become much older. When asking what
the medium age is; the answer was OLD! Why I asked? Many retirees
move back not only for the memories but as a desirable place
to live.
What are some ideas for stopping our population erosion?
I have an idea that might be considered. Is it not possible
to ‘brand’ Stark County as a haven for seniors?
We have Courtyard Estates in Bradford, Toulon Rehabilitation
& Health Care and Sunshine Village in Toulon along with
two pharmacies, two ambulance services, Regional Family Health
and Stark County Physical Therapy & Rehab in Wyoming, Aunt
Martha’s Great River Health Care in Toulon and close proximity
to both the new Kewanee hospital and the three hospitals in
Peoria. The list goes on and on. But a lot of infrastructure
is fundamentally in place
.
Why not expand on this by offering our community as a location
and destination for seniors?
The Stark County Economic Development people are working hard
to bring economic activity to our county. Presently this group,
in conjunction with a senior housing task force, is working
with some people to bring Senior living here. Traditionally
these groups do not work with communities of less than 5,000
people, so the entire county becomes our community. Although
this is looking favorable, it is a long way from fruition, if
at all.
Is this worth the effort?
Yes, in my opinion. Seniors bring in a somewhat controllable
environment. Housing and the medical services needed are fundamentally
in place with some tweaking to accommodate. Seniors bring with
them the need for local goods and services. The housing, coupled
with other needs bring in property and sales taxes. Employment
is another consideration with specialized care bringing some
possible high paying jobs as well. What they do not bring is
costs such as school age children, crime, and other expenses
on our tax base.
How can this be accomplished?
It will take a community effort! Planning on a countywide basis
with all cities, towns, villages, and county support and cooperation.
The Stark County Economic Development people need both support
on planning and possibly some financial support. So providing
a ‘game plan’ with a progress chart of successes
and activities to analyze newly discovered needs and/or requirements.
Surveys and assessments need to be run as to our economic, political,
and physical strengths and weaknesses. Overall this is a minor
inconvenience and cost as to most preliminary data is at hand
while the end result is very worthwhile.
But this is only my idea. What’s yours?
Summer here?
This Thursday, June 5, begins The Stark County Farmers’
Market in downtown Wyoming. The hours are 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. Get
some home grown and homemade goodies!
By Rich St John
Did you get to see “Branson
on the Road” Show?
You may have missed a great show in Kewanee last Saturday night
for an important organization. The Stark County Education Foundation
sponsored the show. It was a great show for a great cause and
you really got your money’s worth. Where can you see a
quality show for only $18, be close to home, and help a great
organization? Rumors have it that there may be another next
year. We hope so.
Does Stark County need an ‘After School’ program?
This Thursday night, tonight if you get the paper by mail, is
a meeting in The State Bank of Toulon basement to discuss this
idea. Doug Hampton in conjunction with The Illinois Coalition
for Communities Services is heading this up for discussion and
possible methods. If you have any feelings for this program,
please be there!
Is summer finally here?
The calendar states June 21 officially as the date summer begins.
Graduations, school dismissed for the summer, and Memorial Day
unofficially is summer to most of us. What happened to Spring?
Will the gasoline prices change our summer habits?
Most likely it will. As stated before, this could bode well
for our local merchants. Many people indicate that they now
really evaluate their trips, even locally. Filling the gas tank
at roughly $50 - $85 per fill, driving is no longer taken for
granted. Returning to shopping locally may greatly add to our
local economies and growth. The ‘cause and effect’
theory may prove to be an upside to this perceived ruination
belief.
Is shopping on the Internet being more popular and more efficient?
Tim Colgan was telling about selling a couple of large implements
to people in extreme S. Illinois and Canada, via Internet. Seems
they were looking for something specific and the Internet lead
them to Kelly Sauder Rupiper in Lacon. Finding your needs and
then acting w/o a mile driven is becoming the norm.
Are you using the Internet? (Time for a commercial)
www.countyenews.com is being used more and more. Our yearly
calendar is very popular and if you have an event make sure
it’s get to us so we can put in on the calendar. The easiest
and simplest method to know what is occurring and when it is;
just log on to our website. While there you might browse our
advertisers for the latest.
What does Memorial Day mean to you?
Other than a 3-day holiday, this is a time to remember our veterans
and loved ones. Many memorials are being held around the county.
Let us remember the reason.
HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE MEMORIAL DAY
