Tri-Cities Little Leaguers finish fourth

The Tri-Cities Little League 12-year-olds made it to the state championships for the second time in two years, but unfortunately their run ended with a fourth-place finish.

Earlier in the month, the 12-year-olds took out the sectional title to qualify for state.

The 12-year-olds competed against reigning state champs, Moline, but fell 13-6 and then lost 8-2 to the Clear Ridge Team. Last year's team finished third in the state and was the first team in more than a decade to make it to the state championship level.

Team Manager Mark Johnson said although the team had hoped to match or better last year's result, the team had a good time on its way to Burbank.

"The boys enjoyedt he experience and fought hard to get there," said Johnson, who has been coaching the team for about five years. "There are 212 Little League teams in the state of Illinois and they finished fourth. That is quite an accomplishment."

The 12-year-old All Star Team members are:

Riley Alvarado

Jeffrey Anders

John Barr

Zach Bellizzi

Aidan Johnson

Jeremy Monnie

Ben Prigge

Tim Randl

Adam Schutt

Kyle Trousil

Jacob Witecha

Avery Woodbury

Hampshire vets: The Hampshire Ladies Veterans of Foreign War Post 8043 is accepting applications for new members.

For information on eligibility requirements, please call Arlene at (847) 683-3443. At the post's last meeting two new members - Renee Eling and Allison Widmayer - were accepted. The next meeting of the post is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 9 at the Hampshire Township Building.

• The Hampshire Veterans of Post 8043's annual "Vets 700" program is under way.

The program provides a scholarship at Hampshire High School and Central High School, you activities and community service. The veterans will have a booth available at the Burlington Fall Fest and would appreciate any donations.