The Scoop Newsletter

THIS NEWSLETTER IS A WORK OF LOVE BY A COMMITTEE OF FOLKS IN ASHLAND. THE NEXT ONE WILL BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH. IDEAS OR ITEMS FOR THE NEWSLETTER? DROP OFF OR CALL PRINTERS INK AT 217-476-3764,

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E-MAILED TO MATT HOBROCK, ASHLAND.SCOOP@SBCGLOBAL.NET.

DEADLINE WILL BE THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH’S NEWSLETTER.

YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED. OUR WEBSITE: http://ashlandscoop.tripod.com

April 2014 Volume 8 - Issue 4

BUYER NEEDS:

Buyer A: <$80,000, Athens or PORTA, w/ basement

Buyer B: <$160,000, >1ac, w/house

Buyer C: <$250,000, Deerfield Subdivision

Buyer D: <$115,000, 3BR w/ large garage, Ashland

Buyer F: <$350,000, >15ac, w/house, 45 min radius of Spfd

Buyer G: <$100,000, PORTA/Ashland/Pleasant Plains areas

Call if you would consider selling a home that meets the above criteria!

517 W. Mechanic Ashland

Reduced! $89,000

Great 4BR 2BA ranch with over 1600 sq.ft. on a corner lot offering many new up-dates. Totally remodeled kitchen with new tile flooring, cabinets, and countertops in `05. Roof, siding and exte-rior doors were replaced in `09. On demand water heater was installed in `07. Fenced back yard with nice outdoor area for relaxing on the deck or in the hot tub that stays. Original hard-wood floors in the living room with a new fireplace that was installed in `09. Seller is offering a home warranty.

Dawn Stremsterfer Realtor®, Broker Associate

Direct: 217-741-1865

2475 West Monroe Springfield, IL 62704

(cell) 217-741-1865

PROFESSIONALS

soldbydawns@gmail.com

For Sale by Owner $75,000

301 E. Topeka Ashland, IL

3 bed, 2 bath, great room.

All appliances stay. Large kitchen & dining area. Fenced yard,

3-car garage, and large shed. All on 3 lots. Can be seen after April 7th, 2014.

Call for an appointment. 217.971.4500

“HAPPY EASTER! JESUS IS RISEN!”

The Ashland Volunteer Fire Depart-ment would like to thank the community

for their support of the Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. We would also like

to thank Stribling Hog Farms for their do-nation of hags for the sausage and Pren-tice Farmers Elevator for their donation

of an IPAD Mini for the raffle. Overall, we able to add $5,000 to the new fire truck fund. Thanks again for your support!

Ashland City-Wide Yard Sale is April 19th

Ashland Community Days is June 26-29th

CHURCH DIRECTORY

BEREA CHRISTIAN CHURCH Minister Edward J.Moretto bereacc@casscomm.com www.bereachristianchurch.com

Sunday Christian Education Hour - 9:30 pm Sunday Worship - 10:30 am Wednesday Eve. Prayer Mtg. - 7:00 pm We’re Open On Sunday!! CHURCH OF CHRIST Minister Jimmy Coyle

Sunday School - 9:00 am Sunday Worship - 10:00 am FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Rev. David L. McHenry 476.3678 Sunday School - 9:30 am Sunday Worship - 10:30 am ASHLAND COMMUNITY ECUMENICAL BIBLE STUDY Tuesday Eve. Baptist Church Hall - 7 - 8:30 pm

ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH Father Chris Brey 476.8856

Ashland Sunday Mass - 9:00 am Beardstown Sunday Mass - 11:00 am Sunday (Spanish) - 12:30 pm Virginia Saturday - 5:00 pm UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Pam Hoffman 476.8858 www.ashlandunitedmethodist.com

Sunday Worship - 8:45 am Sunday School - 10:00 am NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH, s.b.c. Pastor Darin Peterson Ph. 217-675-2124 www.newbeginningschristianfellowship.net Sunday School for all ages @ 9:15-10:15 am Worship Service @ 10:30 am YOUTH4TRUTH - Monday evening @ 6:30 pm Saturday’s Men’s Prayer Breakfast @ 8:00 am

New Construction

Remodeling

Gutters

Norm Bryant Enterprises

Distributor of Fine Quality Vacuums

Carpet Cleaning Furniture Car Interior

Cell (217) 741-3758 Phone: (217) 476-3508

608 W. Franklin Ashland, IL 62612

A-C CENTRAL SCHOOL CALENDAR

MARCH

14th - End of 3rd Quarter-Early Dismissal 1:45/1:50 (Elementary), 2:11 (MS/HS) 17th - 21st NO SCHOOL-Spring Break

APRIL

17th - Mid-Term for 4th Quarter 18th - 21st NO SCHOOL-Spring Break

25th - Early Dismissal 11:05/11:10 (Elementary), 11:30 (MS/HS)-SIP DAY

A-C Central High School music department is currently in re-hearsals to present the musical WILLY WONKA. The musi-cal will be presented on Saturday April 26 @ 7 PM and on Sunday April 27 @ 1 PM. Willy Wonka (Ty Kesselring) is a famous, eccentric, whimsical and occasionally sinister candy wizard who summons his Oompa-Loompa servants for an important announcement: he is planning to retire, and the time has come to choose his suc-cessor. Wonka introduces us to the impoverished Bucket fam-ily: Mr. And Mrs. Bucket (Parrish Smith and Nic Sinclair) and their child Charlie (Carrie Allen), and Charlie's four bedridden grandparents (Sabrena Reek, MacKenzie Stephens, Kyle Winkelman & Ryan Woodard). Charlie's Grandpa Joe assures Charlie that Charlie is destined to work for Mr. Wonka making candy, just as Joe himself did as a young man. Unfortunately, Wonka locks the gates of his factory forever. Mysteriously, however, Wonka's factory has continued to produce candy. But nobody ever goes in…and nobody ever comes out. Charlie and the Buckets learn that Wonka has announced a contest: five lucky children will receive a tour of his world-famous factory, and receive a lifetime supply of Wonka choco-late. Five Golden Tickets have been hidden among fifty million ordinary candy bars, and the finders of these tickets will win the tour and the chocolate. The first Ticket is found by Augustus Gloop (Quinn Allen), a gluttonous child from Frankfurt, Germany. The second Ticket is found in Sao Paulo, Brazil, by an extremely spoiled girl named Veruca Salt (Cerys Boston). Her wealthy father (Brian Koch), a macadamia nut magnate, had purchased hundreds of thousands of the candy bars and put his entire factory work-force to work searching for the ticket. The third Ticket is found in Snellville, Georgia by Violet Beauregard (Allyson Quick), an abrasive girl who is constantly chewing gum. The fourth Ticket is found in Television City, California by Mike Teavee (Adam Hoffman), a boy who seems more interested in television, video games and cell phones than touring Wonka's factory. As winter approaches, the Bucket’s situation is becoming in-creasingly desperate due to Mr. Bucket losing his job at the toothpaste factory. Charlie is helping the Candy Man (Alex Brue) pack his wares when he finds a silver dollar. Charlie unwraps the candy and discovers that he has found the last of Wonka's prizes. The tour of the famous factory and the ticket winners are privy to fabulous chambers and exotic rooms, each devoted to the creation of various sweets and treats. Wonkas tour tests each of the 5 children and the journey has many twists and turns. The show is based on the famous story by Ronald Dahl. Tickets are available from any cast member and also by call-ing the school office at 476-3313.

Kelly Donnan, Executive Assistant at West Central Bank, presented a framed drawing of the A-C Central main entrance to A-C Central Superintendent Tim Page. The drawing was one of many that West Central Bank con-tracted with David Alan Badger to prepare for the 2007 Ashland Sesquicentennial. West Central Bank had the drawings matted and framed by the Aloha Galleries and displayed the drawings for several years in the bank lobby. West Central Bank gave the drawings to the nu-merous businesses and churches that were drawn by Artist Badger and is pleased to provide the A-C Central rendering to the district for display at the school. Don-nan stated it is just a sample of the many contributions West Central Bank provides to the lo-cal school district and to the commu-nity it serves.

TWO STUDENTS RECOGNIZED BY IEPA

The Illinois Environmental Pro-

tection Agency selected two students from A-C Central Mid-dle School as Top 50 Winners in the Poetry/Prose Contest.

Maggie Merwin and JT Donnan were recognized for their Po-

etry/Prose. Students were hon-ored at a banquet on Saturday,

March 29th. Congratulations to all!!!

JT Donnan, Maggie Merwin

Gift Certificates available for

those Easter baskets!

Amity Nail Spa

116 N. Yates

Ashland, IL

217-415-0558

Lana J. Pfaffe,

Nail Technician

400 E. Buchanan St. P.O. Box 467 Ashland, IL 62612-0467

PH. 217.476.3325 FX. 217.476.3342

A Full Service Bank 220 N. Yates - Ashland Office: 1-866-225-8126

Garrett Savage - Bob Savage

Ron Ahlers - Salesman cell: (217)691-9631

**GIVE US A CALL**

Illini

LLC Propane

108 W. Editor Street Ashland, IL 62612

217.476.3354

Jeffrey A. Donnan - Kay Handy Ora Lee Campbell - Kristen Arthalony

A SUBSIDIARY OF THE WEST CENTRAL BANK E-mail: wcins@casscomm.com

Other Locations:

116 State Street Beardstown, IL 62618

217.323.3018 Debbie Jones

815 W. Clinton Rushville, IL 62681

217.322.6230 Kala Peacock

3600 West Wabash Springfield, IL 62704

217-726-9885 Stacey M. Hester

1-800-252-1799

ADVENTURE CLUB

May 3, 2014 “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Mo $115 per person

$57.50 deposit when you sign up;

final payment is due April 18th, 2014.

Email us: RPAFARMERS@CASSCOMM.COM

Richland 3090 Richland Elev. Rd.

Pleasant Plains, IL 62677

217.626.1551

Ashland 220 North Niagara Ashland, IL 62612

217.476.3318

Pleasant Plains 300 N. Washington Pleasant Plains, IL

62677

217.626.1331

RPA Farmers Co-op

ASHLAND VFW POST 3546… Meets monthly at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Firehouse. AMERICAN LEGION POST 498... Meets monthly at 7:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Firehouse.

111 North Hardin Ashland, IL 62612 (217)476-3547

Office Hours by Appointment Monday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Smith Chiropractic Clinic

Dr. Kathie G. Smith

Thank You... We would like to thank everyone who said a prayer, sent a card, or brought food during Nancy’s illness and after her passing. We also appreciate all of the donations made in her honor. You all touched our hearts in so many ways and we will always be grateful. A special thanks to all that came to our home and helped in any way. Thank you to our Church family for their support and for fixing the dinner after the funeral service. - The family of Nancy Heather

Phone: (217)476-3595

115 W. Freemont St. PO Box 136

Ashland, IL 62612

We Do It All In Just 1 Call!

Jim - Todd - Travis

Plumbing - Heating Air Conditioning Backhoe - Trenching

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

1 - Eloise Quinley

1 - Rick Edwards

3 - Marilyn (Fulton)

Holmes

4 - Kristen (Aggertt) Parr

4 - Donna Farmer

4 - Adam Blair

5 - Carolyn (Heather) McDonald

9 - Dick Gutmann

10 - Jake Taapken

13 - June Foreman (90th)

13 - Bill Blair

15 - Don Parsons

20 - Jeanne Fulton

20 - Brandon Eskew

20 - Jane (Elliott) Speck

20 - Ethan Mayes 22 - Patrick Sapp

25 - Norman Bryant

26 - Amy Christison

26 - Brayden Pettit 30 - Carroll Houston

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

5 - Jeff & Beth Cosner

6 - Harold & Marge Showalter

7 - Don & Pat Daniels

7 - Bill & Kay Handy

8 - Dan & Alice Kern

8 - Ron & Dawn Hoagland

20 - JR & Kathie Blair

I just wanted to thank everybody who helped Cub Scout Pack 125 and Boy Scout Troop 125 by donat-ing food items for our annual "Scouting for Food" drive. The items we collected were delivered to the Cass County Food Pantry on Saturday (March 22). The next day, I stopped in the Food Pantry for a visit while everyone was helping pack the food-boxes. I would like to compliment all those junior high and high school students (and adults) who took a couple hours out of their day to be a blessing to others. Thank you. -Dan Cuba

The Village will be selling rock during the month of April. The cost is $33.00 per 1 ½ tons. Rock must be paid for prior to delivery. The building formerly known as “Extra Innings” was purchased by Donnie Gorbett and he is in the process of rehabilitating it and will then be offering it for lease. If you are interested in leasing the building, please call Mr. Gorbett at 217-306-6929.

As a reminder to those that leave houses empty for part of the year, please don’t turn your heat off if you leave your water on. We do recommend that you have your water turned off if possible. If you are in possession of a stray dog, please call the county sheriff’s office (217/452-7718) and ask them to contact Jim Birdsell. If you see a street light out, call the Village office (217/476-3317) and we will contact Ameren CIPS for repair.

Water Sewer

First 1,000 gallons $27.50 $10.45 Per 1,000 gallons after first 1,000 $14.75 $ 4.40 EPA Testing Fee $ 1.05 Minimum monthly charge $39.00

E-mail: Ashland@casscomm.com Facebook: Village of Ashland

Village of Ashland Board Members & Staff:

Terry Blakeman, Mayor Jim Birdsell, Chief of Police Ron Cave, Public Works Director Phyllis Sutphin, Village Treasurer Vanessa Doellman, Village Clerk Kitty Mau, Deputy Clerk

Kelly Sutphin-Gutmann, Trustee Fadra Birdsell, Trustee Stan Fulton, Trustee Greg Pettit, Trustee Frank Wallace, Trustee

Dave Troxell, Trustee

SATURDAY

LOVE FEAST

FOOD KITCHEN

The Ashland Church of Christ has opened a Food Kitchen for ANYONE IN NEED, including the elderly, on each and every Saturday @ 12:00 Noon in the church basement. DINE-IN OR CARRY-OUTS available! Deliveries made to Ashland residents. Reservations SHOULD be made by Wednesday before the Saturday meal so enough food is

prepared. Call 217-248-5665 or 217-691-8163. Donations from area businesses and individuals would be greatly appreciated as well as

volunteers.

LOVE FEAST - a service dedicated to Christian Love and to strengthen the bonds and

spirit of harmony, goodwill and congeniality.

Kaitlin Throgmorton named Student of the Month at A-C Central Congratulations to Kaitlin Throgmorton for being selected Student of the Month for February at A-C Central High School.

Miss Throgmorton is the daughter of Krista and Ken Throgmorton of Ashland. Kaitlin is a leader both in and out of the classroom as evi-denced by her involvement in various school activities. She is a member of the High Honor Roll, FFA, STAR, Project 2000, National Honor Society and Spanish Club. She has also been a member of the Volleyball team for all four years. Away from school Kaitlin is employed at Sonic in Spring-field. After graduating from A-C Central, Miss Throgmorton plans on attending Eastern Illinois University. She plans on studying Family and Consumer Sciences with a goal of becoming a Dietician. Congratulations to Kaitlin Throgmorton on this significant honor!

William L. "Bill" Hager 1919 - 2014

SHERMAN, IL - William L. "Bill" Hager, 95, for-merly of Tallula, passed away Monday, March 3,

2014, at Villa Health Care East in Sherman. Bill was born Feb. 8, 1919, in Springfield, the son

of Karl and Gladys (Carls) Hager. Bill proudly served our country in the Army during WWII. After

serving he married Marguerite Hillen on March 16, 1946.

Bill farmed in the Tallula area for many years. Outside of farming Bill stayed active as a longtime member of Tallula Christian Church, The

Menard County Road Commission Zoning Board, the Tallula School Board, and a lifelong member of the American Legion and VFW. Bill en-

joyed camping, fishing, and playing cards. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Marguerite; his children, Gary

(Marlene) Hager of Springfield and Rita (Ren) Moore of Sherman; his grandchildren: Nikki (Jason) Burgar of Springfield, Jared (Evita) Moore of

Peoria, and Darren Moore of Sherman; his great-grandchildren: Luke and Skylar Burgar of Springfield, and Savannah, Connor and Aidan Moore of

Peoria; his brother, Robert (Yvonne) Hager of Ashland; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding Bill in death were his brothers, Richard Hager and Eugene Hager; and his sisters: Alberta Fox, Dorothy Loeffler and Lucille Hodges.

A funeral service officiated by the Rev. Kathy Sweet with assistance from the Rev. Ken Burgard was held Friday, March 7, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at

Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E Andrew Rd., Sherman, IL 62684. . Burial was at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Those who wish may leave memorials in Bill's name to the Alzheimer's Association of America.

A-C CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR PARTICIPANTS

Eight A-C Central Middle School students took five projects to the Re-gional Science Fair held at LLCC on Saturday, March 22nd. Grace

Sinclair and Lexi Carlock won the Mosely Consumer Science Award for one of the top four Outstanding Achievement in Consumer Science

projects and a First place rating. Cheyenne Kesselring won the Broad-com Masters for one of the top ten Middle School projects at the Re-

gional Science Fair and an Outstanding rating. Ally Simmons, Destinee Jones and Hannah Ratliff, and Emma Kesselring and Izeyar Lincoln

won Outstanding ratings.

Five projects qualified for the State Science Fair: Grace Sinclair and Lexi Carlock, Cheyenne Kesselring, Ally Simmons, Hannah Ratliff and Destinee Jones, and Emma Kesselring and Izeyar Lincoln. They will be

traveling to Northern Illinois on Saturday, May 3rd to compete.

Congratulations to all participants!!! The Middle School Science Teacher is Dena Leinberger.

Front: Hannah Ratliff, Destinee Jones, Ally Simmons

Back: Grace Sinclair, Izeyar Lincoln, Emma Kesselring, Cheyenne Kesselring, Lexi Carlock

Paula Marie Stahlberg, 64, of Ashland, passed away at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center.

Paula was born June 22, 1949 in Springfield, the daughter of Andrew Edward and Pauline Bernice Guthrie Yuskanich. She married Dennis Stahlberg on June 17, 1972 in Springfield.

Paula attended Little Flower Grade School and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. She then attended and graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Paula was employed by Horace Mann as a graphic de-

signer for 24 years and the last 10 years was employed by the Illinois Banker’s Association as a graphic designer. She enjoyed her grandchildren as well as shopping, cooking, floral design, home decorating, antiques, and the Arts.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her hus-band, Dennis Stahlberg of Ashland; her daughter, Heather Smith of Spring-field; two grandchildren, Anna Marie and Julia Leigh Smith; two siblings, Michael (wife, Ramona) Yuskanich of Springfield and Gregory (wife, Cindy) Yuskanich of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; one niece, Brooke Yuskanich; two nephews, Andrew and Zachery Yuskanich; and many cousins.

Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to cere-monies. Memorial Gathering: Family met friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2014 at First United Methodist Church, 2941 South Koke Mill Rd., Spring-field with Rev. Dr. Bob Swickard officiating. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 675 East Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703 or Springfield Art Association, 700 North 4th St., Springfield, IL 62702.

Gardner Construction Co.

2878 Panther Grove Road Ashland, IL 62612

Cell: 217-341-3415 Leave Message 217-476-8135

Remodel Kitchen & Baths Replace Roof & Room Additions

Thank you to the Ashland and Chandlerville Communities. Your interest, support and

participation in the consolida-tion vote was appreciated.

Your friends at A-C First.

Prentice Farmers Elevator

2303 Elevator Avenue Ashland, IL 62612

217.476.3516 or 1.800.255.8659 prenticeev@casscomm.com

prenticeelevator.com

James R. Blakeman, Manager

4 locations to serve you: Prentice, Philadelphia, Strawns Crossing, and Tallula.

Dealers in Grain, Seed and Kent Feeds.

Attention Ashland High School Alumni

Mark your calendars! The annual

alumni banquet will be held on Saturday, May 25. Watch your

mail (or email) for your invitation. We hope to see you there!

PLEASE JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER

Again this year, the Cass County Food Pantry is participating in the Feinstein Challenge to increase awareness of hunger in our midst and to raise funds for the purchase of food for those who require as-sistance in providing this basic need. This is the 17th year that Alan Shawn Feinstein has done this for food pantries across the United States. The Cass County Food Pantry is presently serving over 360 families each month. Your support will help us receive a share of one million dollars which Alan Shawn Feinstein will divide among anti-hunger agencies nationwide. Donations can include cash, checks, food items, and pledges received between March 1st and April 30th. Please mail or bring your donations to: Cass County Food Pantry, 210 S. Main Street, Virginia, IL 62691. Collections canisters will be located at Casey’s and Allen’s Market. You may also contact our coordina-tor, Joanne Anderson, at 217-452-7497 or 217-473-5638 if you wish to have your food items picked up.

BLACK & WHITE COPIES - 10 CENTS EACH COLOR COPIES - 30 CENTS EACH

GARDEN TILLING

Most Gardens $30.00

Jeff Sims

217-899-4097

A-C Central Middle School Math-A-Thon Sets a Record! Raises over $2,800

The middle school students at A-C Central (grades 5-8) have set a new record by raising over $2,800 for the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospi-tal in Memphis, Tennessee. This is the largest amount the school has ever raised! This hospital treats children with cancer and other catastrophic dis-eases, regardless of financial need, and conducts research to find cures. There were 53 students participating this year. Over the last 15 years, A-C Central has raised over $23,500 for this great cause. The following students raised $125 or more: Brady Reed, Tray Bradley, Addie Boston, Gray Thompson, Frankie Boston, Sydney Wallbaum, and Abigail Van-denbergh. They will each receive a large prize, a certificate, a t-shirt, and a backpack. The following students raised $75 up to $125: Ellen Force, Brock Pettit, Eliza-beth Beuhler, Austin Eskew, Olivia Reid, Claire Greer, Rita Eilers, Maggie Merwin, Marshall English, Lydia Newell, Bailey Wallbaum, Kaitlin Adkins, Sky-lar Arthalony, and Shelby Donaldson. They will receive a certificate, a t-shirt, and a backpack. The following students raised $35 up to $75: Julianna Allen, Aryssa Birch, Hannah Ratliff, Wyatt Mahoney, Destinee Jones, Davee Smith, Alexis Reid, Grace Sinclair, Tanner Stephens, Brice Dirks, Daisy Morales, McKenzie Winch, and Grace Danner. They will receive a certificate and a t-shirt. These students raised less than $35: Brayden Pettit, Logan Cuba, Kyia Privia, Cheyanne Carter, Alex Carter, Cade Privia, Bryce Eilers, Bailey Eilers, Chris-topher Nicholas, Lexi Carlock, Abigail Critchelow, Gabe Carlock, Jaelyn Eilers, Cheyenne Kesselring, Kaileigh Rash, Rileigh Rennecker, Nataley Minor, Alex Watkins, and Mackenzie Rash. They will receive a certificate. All students who participated receive extra credit in math and have Casey’s pizza for lunch at school.

Thanks to everyone who has made a contribution. You are truly making a

difference in the lives of children around the world.

MISS ASHLAND & JR MISS ASHLAND

SUMMER DAYS PAGEANT

JUNE 26, 2014

The Miss Pageant is open to Girls who will be

Freshmen in the Fall of 2014 up to age 19

Jr. Miss is for Girls who will be in 7th or 8th

grade in the Fall of 2014

Must live in A-C Central School District

If you are interested in competing please call

or text Missy Eskew at 652-6127 by May 15th

Prairie Skies Library District

Prairie Skies Public Library, Ashland location, is having a program showing the Use Of and How To download “E-Books” and “Android” devices, (no apple products). Plan to at-tend on April 16, 2014 from 9:00am - 10:00am. Please bring your tablets and E-readers.

Mr. Ron Serpico from the Illinois Secretary of State Office, Springfield, Illinois, will inform us of the new changes to Illinois Rules of the Road 2014. Plan to attend the Prairie Skies

Public Library in Ashland on May 14, 2014 from 9:00am - 10:30am

What’s Love Got to do with it? By Jimmy Coyle (Ashland Church of Christ)

When I was growing up Tina Turner had a hit song with the words “What’s Love Got to do with it?” I know I am showing my age a bit. In the day in age we live in, that is a good question that we who call ourselves Christians need to ask ourselves. We live in a society today that seems to either support church, or is against it. It seems that there are a good number of people who are against church because of their experience with it. Many people today grew up in a church, had some sort of “bad experience” or “bad run-in” with someone within the church walls and that was all it took to keep them from every come back. I grew up in the church. I grew up in a Christian church in south-central Indiana. I can’t say that every experience I had growing up was a wonderful experience. I went to a Bible College in Cincinnati, and cannot say that every moment was a wonderful experi-ence. After over fourteen years of being in the ministry I can also tell you that not every moment of my time in the church has been wonderful. I have some of the best, fondest memories from being in church. But I also have some of the saddest, most hurtful memo-ries as well. That is where Tina Turner’s song comes to play. So, when it comes to the church, “What’s Love Got to do with it?” The answer is everything. You see it starts with God. Deuteronomy 6:5 says we are to “Love the LORD your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your strength.” Everything about our faith is about making sure we love God with every aspect of who we are. Why should we love God? John, one of Jesus’ dis-ciples, answered that question in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Je-sus, God’s son also told us, who are believers, that these were the two greatest command-ments. Mark 12:29 through 31 says, “The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” So what does all of this have to do with you and me? Simply this! If you are a Chris-tian then you are the church. The church isn’t a building. You and I are the church if Jesus is our Lord and Savior. That means we are called by God to do three things. We are to make sure that we are doing everything to Love God with every aspect of our lives. We are to love people who aren’t followers, by serving. The third is that we are to love one an-other (fellow Christians). This is the hardest for many of us. We are to love our fellow be-lievers unconditionally! We have to love one another as God loves us! That means any-one and everyone no matter what their struggle is to worship God and be loved by fellow believers. This is hard, since many of us like to create hierarchies of sin. But God said all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. So maybe we should especially focus then on two things! As the body of Christ, we should focus as a church body to first, “Love God.” Then second, as a body of Christ, we should “Love One another.” That doesn’t mean we have to love the sin that was committed by a person. That also doesn’t mean we should limit where a person can worship God be-cause of their sin, or the sin of a family member. We should welcome people in our doors if they want to learn about Jesus, and if they want to learn about how to grow closer to Him. So go out! The Love God and Love one Another!

Would you like to advertise in our newsletter? Call 476.3764 or

stop by Printers Ink at 112 N. Yates.

Cost of ads per issue.

1/8 page - $15 1/4 page - $30 1/2 page - $40

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE - MAILED TO YOU

FOR ONLY $25 PER YEAR.

CASS COUNTY SOLO ENSEMBLE CONTEST RESULTS

Congratulations go out to the members of the A-C Central Junior High Band that participated in the Cass County Solo Ensemble Contest. This event was held on Wednesday evening March 26 at A-C Central Junior High. Students prepared a solo selection that was performed with an accompanist for a judge. Students were also required to perform basic skills such as scales and rudiments.

The results are as follows:

Congrats to all students that participated! A special thanks goes out to the accompanist, Cindy Bobbitt and Leighann Allen

for giving up your time and talents in helping these wonderful students achieve these outstanding ratings!

Would you like to win $5000 and other cash prizes? The Pleasant Plains Community Club Annual Dinner/Raffle will be held on

Saturday, April 5 at the KC Hall in New Berlin. Tickets are $100 and includes

prime rib dinner for 2, drinks and entertainment and a chance to win $5000

(based on 200 tickets sold).

There will also be a silent auction! Call Teri at 217 891-6243 for a ticket.

Pleasant Plains Annual Village Garage Sales

Saturday, April 19 8am – 1pm

Pleasant Plains Annual Spring Card Party on Wednesday, April 23 at 6 pm. Bring your favorite card game or board game along with your friends for a fun evening. Call Martha

at 626-1898 for table reservations.

Pleasant Plains News

Aryssa Birch – flute solo – I Brock Pettit – set solo – I

Izyer Lincoln – flute solo – I Hannah Ratliff – flute solo – I

Emma Kesselring – flute solo – I Alex Carter – multiple percussion solo – I

Christopher Nicholas – percussion solo – I Reliegh Rennecker – trumpet solo – I Abigail Critchelow – trumpet solo – I

Bryce Eilers – trumpet solo – I Andrew Gleason – trumpet solo – I

Blake Marr – trumpet solo – II Grace Sinclair – trumpet solo – I

Jules Allen – French horn solo – II Kaleigh Rash – trumpet solo – I Jaelyn Eilers – alto sax solo – I

Gray Thompson – alto sax solo – I Taylor Jones – alto sax solo – I

Maggie Merwin – trumpet solo – I Logan Cuba – tenor sax solo – II

Allie Simmons – flute solo – I

Sarah DeGroot – flute solo – I

Lindsey Kennedy – flute solo – I Allison Roberts – flute solo – I Emma Stone – flute solo – I

Abby Vandenbergh – flute solo – I Destinee Jones – flute solo – I

Cheyenne Kesselring – flute solo – I Lace Sweet – flute solo – I Lexi Carlock – flute solo – I

JT Donnan – trombone solo – I Alex Trissel – trombone solo – I

Hannah Carlock – trombone solo – I Cheyenne Carter – clarinet solo – I Skyler ARtholony – clarinet solo – I

Nate Dirks – clarinet solo – I Shawnee Kays – clarinet solo – I Gabe Carlock – trumpet solo – I Brit Kennedy – clarinet solo – I Addie Boston – oboe solo – I Kyia Privia – trumpet solo – I