News

Nauvoo, IL – Opponents to a proposed zoning change in Nauvoo say they want a comprehensive plan for the town. Aldermen are considering an ordinance designed to allow a blue cheese factory in the southeast part of the city. Sam Candito says those opposing the zoning amendment are not against constructing the factory. He says they believe it should be in an area appropriate for manufacturing. Candito says the ordinance as proposed would permit manufacturing in all commercial areas of the town. This could include the main street, where businesses are backed by homes.

Keokuk, IA – A proposed mental health community center in Lee County has hit a road block. The Lee County Board of Supervisors has tabled a proposal to develop a facility that would be open 20 hours a week in Fort Madison. The board started accepting proposals for such a center about 8 months ago. Supervisor Bob Woodruff says too much time has passed and the board needs to re-evaluate the county's need for the center. He says the board should wait until March to discuss the center, so the supervisors can focus on crafting the county's budget at the start of the new year.

Macomb, IL – Macomb aldermen have agreed to start levying a tax to pay the city's share of building the public safety center. But support for the plan was not unanimous. The vote was 5-2 to levy for half of the tax. Dennis Moon and Tim Lobdell opposed the proposal. Lobdell says it's a violation of public trust to collect a tax that previous city council members had promised to abate. Supporters say the city is struggling financially and needs to consider all revenue sources. Both sides agree this does not solve the city's revenue problems. The levy will generate nearly $70,000.

Warsaw, IL – The Warsaw School District's property tax levy for next year will remain steady, compared to the current year. Superintendent Kim Schilson says the total levy for the 2006-2007 school year will be about $915,000. A property tax levy is the maximum amount a district can bring in from property taxes. Schilson says next year's levy is about the same as the current levy, if not just slightly higher. She says the school board considered increasing the amount levied for its tort immunity fund, but chose not to because of the potential impact on taxes.

Nauvoo, IL – By a narrow margin, Nauvoo's city council has approved the first reading of a zoning ordinance change. The alteration could allow construction of a cheese making plant near the Baxter Winery. Mayor John McCarty cast the deciding vote after the aldermen split on the issue. McCarty says the zoning change would regulate food processing, and would not apply to other manufacturing. Any other such use would also have to receive a special use permit from the city. McCarty says more than 100 nearby residents signed a petition opposing the change.

Macomb, IL – Illinois National Guard troops based in Macomb returned to western Illinois after spending the past year in Iraq running convoy security and other security patrols. They arrived home in time for the holidays, though the hour of their return was not exactly ideal. The troops arrived at the Macomb Armory shortly before 3:00 a.m. Sunday. Despite the pre-dawn hour, hundreds of people packed the building's gymnasium to greet the soldiers. Two members of the unit received the Purple Heart during the brief homecoming ceremony.

Keokuk, IA – More than 14 months ago, the 224th Engineer Battalion was mobilized as part of the global fight against terrorism. The nearly 500 members of the Fairfield-based unit are now back home with their families after spending the past year in Iraq. The troops were welcomed home during ceremonies held throughout southeast Iowa Saturday. In Keokuk, Wright Fieldhouse was filled with family members, friends, and supporters. Mayor Dave Gudgel said the community will do its best to remember the work done by the soldiers.

Macomb, IL – A new summer camp for high school students will emphasize both leadership and the global nature of modern business. The week-long session is sponsored by the Western Illinois Center for Entrepreneurship. Director Siddiq Shah says it will include features of other leadership camps, including communication, team-building and problem solving. However, he says one full day will be devoted to global business and resources. The week-long camp will include business, academic and political guest speakers.