News

Macomb, IL – A weekend bowling tournament to benefit the Big Brothers / Big Sisters of McDonough County brought out hundreds of bowlers. Program Coordinator Brian Todd says more than 13-hours of sponsored bowling raised more than $23,000 for the program. He says that is about what was raised during last year's bowling fundraiser. Todd says while the annual bowling event is the group's biggest fundraiser, it does not bring in enough to cover the organization's expenses for a full year. A "Texas Hold-Em" night is planned for November.

Macomb, IL – Some farm land is being removed from the expanded enterprise zone being proposed for McDonough County. Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation Director Kim Pierce says the decision is not a surprise. She says the state Department of Agriculture generally tries to protect farm land where possible. Pierce does not believe the change will effect economic development. The application to the state asks to extend thke life of the current enterprise zone by ten years and add parts of Bushnell and Colchester. The state will decide whether to approve the expansion.

Macomb, IL – Western's president is pledging to find the money for salary equity -- sooner rather than later. The school has been trying for years to bring its workers' pay in-line with what's paid at similar sized state universities. During the annual Founders' Day Celebration on Friday, President Al Goldfarb told employees the issue will be a top priority. Goldfarb said he wants to get it done within the next two years. Goldfarb said the university also faces a number of other challenges.

Oquawka, IL – Henderson County will hold its annual Heritage Trail Days on Saturday and Sunday. Events will be held throughout the county. One such event is an hour-long skit called "Aunt Dinah's Quilting Party." Narrator Sally Day says it's about Quaker women who made quilts that were displayed to relay messages to those on the underground railroad. Day says no one thought these women would be doing anything to help escaped slaves. That made it easier for them to accomplish their mission.

Macomb, IL – WIU Communication Professor Nathan Miczo spent the last year researching humor and its links to one's sense of security. He outlined some of his findings in the 13th annual Thompson lecture on the campus. He became curious about laughter while doing research as an undergraduate. His research shows there is a high correlation between a person's ability to be creative and a person's ability and willingness to play.

Hamilton, IL – The Hamilton School Board has approved the district's budget for the current fiscal year. Hamilton's total spending plan is about $4,850,000 for the fiscal year that began in July. About 75% of that is the educational fund, which pays for teacher salaries and day-to-day operations within the district. Superintendent Steve Breckon says for the first time in years, that fund is projected to end the year in the black. He says that is due to the voters shifting part of the property tax rate to the educational fund.

Macomb, IL – One of the Republicans running for Congress in west-central Illinois says morals and values will matter in his campaign. Jim Mowen says he is pro-life and will vote accordingly on any questions that come before him if he's elected to serve. However, Mowen hedged when asked if he would vote in favor of a bill that bans abortions, even in cases involving rape or incest. Mowen says the country needs to work toward making abortions rare, but adds there also needs to be understanding.

Mt. Sterling, IL – A survey of Brown County residents has identified eight issues they'd like to work on. The University of Illinois polling identified issues including schools, economic development, social services and community services. Carrie Edgar of the U of I Extension Service says residents formed task groups to come up with ways to tackle the problems. She says funding might be available from the Tracy Family Foundation, which sponsored the survey. The United Way and other groups could also help with funding for some projects.

September 22, 2005 – Kevin Kuckelman, Sandy Seabold, and Tom Seabold join Jason Parrott to talk about the proposed cultural district for Keokuk.

Macomb, IL – The Macomb School District will use its savings to cover another shortfall in the education fund. The fund is used to pay salaries and benefits. It accounts for most of the district's spending. This is the fourth time in five years that it's been in the red. Superintendent Fran Karanovich says despite the $643,000 deficit, there will be no cuts to programs or services. She points out enrollment dropped by nearly 200, so some vacated teaching positions did not need to be filled.