News

Macomb, IL – Organizers of the Macomb Charrette now have an idea of what the community would like for the West Jackson Street corridor. The corridor stretches from Johnson Street to the future location of the Macomb bypass. Those who attended the two-day Charrette indicated they would like a grocery store on the west side of town, more parks, and plenty of sidewalks. The community planning project was organized by the University of Illinois extension. It will now review the information and compile it into a report for the city.

Havana, IL – Havana schools are applying for a feasibility study grant to investigate whether wind power could help cut utility bills. Superintendent Suellen Girard says the district investigated the possibility a few years ago, but the numbers did not show the idea was feasible. Now she says it's becoming easier to sell power back to the utilities and a wind turbine might work out. She says two faculty members are very interested in the project and science students would be involved with the data collection and analysis. Girard hopes to learn whether she'll get the grant this spring.

Macomb, IL – Western Illinois University's president is earning more praise from members of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the board agreed to extend Al Goldfarb's rolling three-year contract. During their quarterly meeting in November, several trustees lauded Goldfarb for his dynamic leadership and Chairman Michael Houston said Goldfarb has done an outstanding job for the university. Trustees awarded Goldfarb with a 3.5% pay raise, retroactive to July 1. That brings his annual pay to $232,875. Goldfarb appreciates the praise but says there is still more work to do.

Macomb, IL – Western Illinois University's president is earning more praise from members of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the board agreed to extend Al Goldfarb's rolling three-year contract. During their quarterly meeting in November, several trustees lauded Goldfarb for his dynamic leadership and Chairman Michael Houston said Goldfarb has done an outstanding job for the university. Trustees awarded Goldfarb with a 3.5% pay raise, retroactive to July 1. That brings his annual pay to $232,875. Goldfarb appreciates the praise but says there is still more work to do.

Keokuk, IA – There are many candidates seeking office in the upcoming city elections throughout Southeast Iowa. One race is for an at large seat on the Keokuk City Council. Newcomer Jon Warren and former council member Doug Matlick are running for the at-large seat. The alderman at large represents the entire city, not just one ward.

You can hear Jason Parrott's preview of the race for an at-large seat on the Keokuk City Council by clicking on the audio link above.

Macomb, IL – An open space on the Western Illinois University campus has been transformed into a space filled with American flags. The display came to life over the course of a 34-hour vigil held to honor the soldiers and citizens who've died as a result of the war in Iraq. The name of each American soldier killed was read during the vigil. A small American flag was then placed in the ground and a minute of silence was observed. By the end of the vigil, more than 2,000 flags filled the campus commons area behind Stipes Hall. Graduate student Jason Reitz organized the vigil.

Aledo, IL – A businessman and sports agent is trying for the Republican nomination for the 17th District Congressional Seat. Brian Gilliland says restoring the district's economy should be one of the top priorities of the district's Representative. He also believes a Congressman must work closely with state legislators and business groups to help retain local businesses. Gilliland believes he's not in either extreme wing of the Republican Party, so his campaign should appeal to some of the Democratic voters.

Rushville, IL – The Schuyler-Industry school board has approved the first reading of a code of conduct for spectators at all activities. Superintendent Matt Plater says the goal is to focus attention on those taking part in competition and to eliminate distractions from the audience. Plater says under current regulations, referees can order those causing a disturbance to leave. The new code could bar people from attending a game or contest for 30 days. It would need to be approved by the school board one more time to become effective.