THE SUMNER PRESS
Established in 1876

Lawrence County's Largest (Circulation) Weekly


Phone 618-936-2212


A large crowd attended the Homecoming at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital last Sunday to walk down memory lane. From l.: Flossie Price, Sarah Brian, Bobbie Eckiss, Maxine Green and Sue Phipps. All pictured, with the exception of Sarah Brian, are former employees at the hospital. The nurse’s hat on the table belongs to Flossie Price from 1955.




Sumner appreciates former Governor James Edgar
   In fitting tribute to former Governor James Edgar's 74th birthday anniversary, Mayor Larry Stoltz caused the flags to be flown on Christy Avenue last Thursday. As noted by His Excellency, “by choosing Sumner as the site of the Correctional Facility, Edgar did more to boost the area economy than all the governors before and after him combined." Well said.
   Lawrence County needs to remember its friends in high places, and to inspire them to remember us. The Sumner Press intends to remind both gubernatorial candidates. In the 102 days until election, of our area needs. We will seek commitments.
   Those observed hanging the flags were Danny Fiscus, Terry Fiscus, Rick Haines & James Perry. Thank you, gentlemen.
  
County Board sheds Responsibility of Lawrence Co. Memorial Hospital
   The Lawrence County Board met last week with board members unanimously passing a resolution separating the county from the hospital. The county has owned and been responsible for the operation of the hospital since it was built circa 1953. The hospital will now be leased to a not-for-profit corporation. The corporation will lease the building and equipment for $1 a year for 99-years. The county will still retain ownership.
   The board took these steps because the county cannot afford the $620,000 for the county’s share of hospital employee’s Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund contribution. Hospital employees pay 4.5 percent of their wages into the fund. The county’s share is 8.49 percent, but fluctuates and could go as high as 17 percent.
   There were several employees of the hospital at the meeting. At present there are 178 employees at the facility. Those employees with less than eight years employment at the hospital will be adversely affected. These employees will be able to roll over contributions to date into a plan provided by the leasing corporation. Those with over eight years will receive their retirement. IMRF representatives will be meeting with employees to discuss their options. There are seven employees who are within two years of the eight year requirement.
   The question of who will operate the county’s ambulance service was brought into question. Board Chairman Charles Gillespie said the Health Department is the lead candidate. The county also operates the Health Department.
   Jerry Pacholski, Lawrence County Disaster Assistance Grant Administrator, told the board the program in nearing its end and doesn’t think the federal help will continue any longer than past Sept. 30th. Pacholski reported he has brought a total of $635,000 into the county for flood relief.
   The following appointments were made: John Ingram to the Birds Drainage District for a three year term; Ann Emken to the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Committee; and Norman Mahrenholz to the Lawrence Consolidated Drainage District.
   The board approved the lists of election judges for the next two years.
   Lawrence Quick’s contract as wastewater operator was renewed for five more years with a three percent raise.
   Money from the contingency fund in the amount of $34,270.60 was transferred to cover the cost of making the hospital a 501©3 corporation.
   The board pledged $4,000 to the Southeastern Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau from taxes generated from local hotels.
   County claims were paid in the amount of $366,754.18, and highway claims of $198,241.06 were also ordered paid.
   The next board meeting will be held August 18th, at 5:30 p.m.
  
 
Price Reduced for Great Home
in Sumner

From $100,000 to $75,000
   (Click on property for more information)

  

   50l S. Christy, Sumner -- $75,000
  

   Lawrence County is 240 miles straight south of Chicago's Navy Pier, l35 miles east of St. Louis' Arch. Moderate climate, rare zero degrees in winter, equally rare summer days above 95 degrees. Ringed by community colleges in historic Vincennes (l0 miles from Lawrenceville), Robinson, Olney and Mt. Carmel, each 20 miles. Stable employment--Automobile Technologies (seat supplier for Toyota largest American factory, Princeton, IN., 40 miles) and Lawrence Correctional Center, Sumner, l0 miles from Lawrenceville, 2500 inmate capacity. Excellent medical facilities, largest number of skilled care beds per population in state. Low real estate taxes. Minimal crime. Red Hill State Park. Prize winning modern schools. Recreational boating on Embarras & Wabash rivers.



Rollerblading across America to give thanks
  Kenichi Yamashita, 62-years-old, was born in Tokyo, Japan after World War II. He is rollerblading across America to give thanks for his life in this country.
   He started his rollerblading trip on April 9th at Santa Monica, California. He crossed the Mojave Desert and the Great Divide. He will end his trip in Providence Town Cape Cod.
   Mr. Yamashita and his son took this same trip 10-years ago on bicycles.
   Mr. Yamashita said, “Never give up on your dream.” He said this trip was an easy way to express his gratitude by crossing the country to spread the message to “just be thankful!”
   His email address is kenyamashita@gmail.com. This facebook address in runanchoryamashita@facebook.com.
  
“Fun Day” in Sumner, Saturday
  The Sumner Booster Club invites everyone to visit “The Little Town with a Big Heart” and enjoy its Fun Day on Saturday.
   The day starts with a breakfast at the Sumner Attendance Center’s cafeteria. Serving starts at 7 a.m. and lasts till 9 a.m. Biscuits and gravy, pancakes and sausage links, coffee, milk and juice are on the menu for a free will donation.
   Starting at 2 p.m. in the cafeteria there will be Cake Bingo and a Silent Auction. The bingo will run till the cakes are gone. There will also be specialty cakes to bid on as well.
   Registration for a corn hole tournament starts at 3 p.m. at the Sumner School yard. The tournament will start at 4 p.m. Pairs will be by blind draw with a registration fee of $7.50 per person. The first place team will win $150, second place $100, and third place $50. For more information contact Larry at 618-943-9197 or Dave at 618-943-9807.
   Also beginning at 3:00 p.m. there will be a dunking booth, an inflatable for the kids’ fun, a kiddie corn hole tournament and water balloon games. Free snowcones will be provided.
   Starting around 6:30 or 7:00 Karaoke will be provided by Rae Hill on the Corner in uptown Sumner
   A movie, “The Blind Side” will be shown on the Corner at dusk. During the movie, refreshments may be purchased with all proceeds going to the upcoming Sumner Fall Festival.
   Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and have a good time!
  


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THE SUMNER PRESS is published weekly by Sumner Press Inc., P.O. Box 126 Sumner, Il 62466. Fax: 618-936-2858, Phone: 618-936-2212. Click here to email us

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