Lost jobs, fewer hours: Community appreciates free gas - LaSalle News Tribune

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Local businesses help 250-300 people on Friday

Larry Taylor of La Salle was one of nearly 300 people helped Friday with free gas for his vehicle.

He’s not working right now after being laid off during the coronavirus pandemic.

He’s been waiting for six weeks to receive unemployment funds.

In an effort to help amidst this pandemic, John's Service and Sales of Oglesby and Tieman Builders of La Salle provided free gasoline to the community 9-10 a.m. Friday.

John's employees pumped gas at Beck’s in Oglesby, and Tieman’s employees pumped gas at Beck’s in La Salle.

Linda Rindal of La Salle stopped by for gas and said she’s had fewer hours at work due to the pandemic.

Dan Wilmot of Peru stopped, too. He works as an EMT for 10/33 Ambulance in Spring Valley. 

“I’ve known these guys for a long time,” he said about some of the Tieman Builders workers pumping gas. “This is a great thing to see.”

“I’m very thankful I still have a job,” Wilmot said.

“I can’t find a job,” said Dale Hall of La Salle, who’s currently not working. He said he’s going to try to get disability benefits. “This is a good thing going on,” he said about the free gas.

“They decided as community businesses it was their duty to give back to the community and help those who've been affected,” said Bob Tieman, about Nathan Senica with John’s and Bob Tieman’s father, Dean Tieman. 

Bob Tieman was pumping gas Friday and said benefits they normally do, such as free dinner at church, haven’t been happening since the pandemic concerns started.

“There’s no telling how long this is going to affect everybody,” Bob Tieman said. 

Tieman Builders owner Dean Tieman of La Salle was handing out gift cards for Save A Lot and Hy-Vee to people as well. 

“I hope this helps them out in a little way,” said Tieman. 

He said Nathan Senica with John’s came up with the idea, and they decided to team up to give back.

Dean Tieman said “we’re grateful” to be able to continue working through this. 

Sam Senica with John's Service and Sales was pumping gas and said they’ve had customers support them for 58 years, and they want to give back to the community.

While pumping gas, he said people had been mentioning what they’ve been going through.

“Mostly people need an extra hand,” he said. “They’ve been very appreciative."

Senica said the Good Book tells us to love neighbors as ourselves, and that’s what they were trying to do. 

Bill Smith of Princeton, president of Beck Oil Co. (headquartered in Princeton), said they appreciate being part of the project with the two other businesses and they’re thankful for the great turnout. 

He said the free event gave away almost 1,500 gallons in Oglesby and La Salle had almost 1,800 gallons. 

Sophia Cingle and husband Martin Cingle, owner of Lil’ MAD Cafe Gourmet Shop in La Salle, stopped by for gas. 

They plan to reopen the cafe June 2. The business's soups continue to sell at Hy-Vee. The cafe opened in December at the La Salle location. 

Terry Barr of Peru came to the Beck’s and said, “I really appreciate it.”

He said he got laid off from driving for North Central Area Transit due to the pandemic, but he said he’ll be able to drive again when things go back to normal. He said he’s not worried about finances though because he does have a pension.

“‘I’m sure a lot of people are struggling,” he said.

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Lost jobs, fewer hours: Community appreciates free gas - LaSalle News Tribune
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