News

Rushville, IL – A special Rushville committee will evaluate requests by householders to opt-out of the city-mandated trash pickup program. In an advisory referendum last spring, residents approved mandatory pickup. Street committee chairwoman Karen Diseron says the idea is to eliminate backyard burning barrels and make the town cleaner. However, she says some elderly people who generate little trash want to escape the requirement. She says some residents who spend several winter months out of town also do not like the monthly bill.

Fort Madison, IA – Lee County Residents had their first opportunity to weigh in on the future of the Lee County Economic Development Group. About 20 residents attended the Board of Supervisors' first public economic development forum. Vice-Chairman George Morgan says the turn-out was good and the input was productive. After a slow start to the forum, about a dozen residents voiced questions, concerns, and ideas. One called on the county to buy the old Wabash building near Fort Madison and move the county offices there.

Macomb, IL – This is International Education Week. A number of activities will be held on the W.I.U. campus, including a performance by a music group made up of faculty members from different parts of the world. The Julstrom String Quartet was founded in 2000. It's named in honor of Clifford Julstrom, who was a string teacher and former chair of Western's music department. Two original members of the quartet are still with the group. They are cellist Moises Molina, who grew up in Honduras, and violinist Elizabeth Aquila, who hails from Minnesota.

Macomb, IL – The Illinois Veterinary Emergency Response Team is briefing members from across the state on how to handle an outbreak of animal diseases. Dr. Karen Blakely of Macomb says this year topics included an update on the progress of Avian Flu around the world. Blakely says the FBI also included its prognosis on agri-terrorism. Sessions also included monitoring for animal disease. Dr. Blakely says the group is trying to increase preparedness at county and city levels, working with emergency service and disaster agency members.

LaHarpe, IL – A Hancock County Committee of Ten is polishing its presentation for a convergence hearing at the end of this month. The LaHarpe, Dallas City and Carthage school boards want to form a single high school district with elementary schools for each town. Committee of Ten member Pat Dietrich says financial pressure and the need for a stronger high school curriculum are driving the efforts. The committee plans to polish its presentations at a special meeting Nov. 28 in Dallas City. The Regional Board of School Trustees has scheduled a hearing on the convergence Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m.

Mount Pleasant, IA – State and local leaders will meet in Southeast Iowa, next week, to work on a plan to jump-start the region's economy. On several occasions during the past year, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack has called on Southeast Iowa leaders to hold an economic development summit. Now, the forum, "Southeast Iowa Futures : A Call to Action" has been scheduled for next Friday at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant.

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk City Council may have to find the money to replace the heating system at the police department. Assistant Police Chief Tom Crew says a recent boiler inspection showed the current system needs to be either upgraded or replaced. He says the department has been told it cannot fire up the unit, which has been in use for about 19 years, until one of the two options takes place. Crew has recieved one quote to repair the system, about $2500, and one quote to replace the system, about $7500.

Lewistown, IL – The union representing about 40 Fulton County workers plans to file another unfair labor practices charge against the county. AFSCME Regional Director Tom McLaughlin says the county provided incorrect figures on the cost of health insurance for the workers, then removed a previously-agreed-on pay increase from the table. The two sides have had two sessions with a federal mediator. The workers include those from the Sheriff's support staff, courthouse workers and the animal control division. They have been working under terms of a contract that expired Dec.