Macomb, IL – The end-of-the-year holiday season is supposed to be a time of good cheer, and a program in western Illinois is working to make sure children from needy families share in that happiness. Project Santa provides toys, clothes, and food. It helped 350 children last year and Western Illinois Regional Council Executive Director Suzan Nash expects to at least match that number this year. Nash says WIRC coordinates its efforts with other agencies to make sure there is no duplication. Contributions can be made by contacting the Western Illinois Regional Council.

Macomb, IL – A training session for community leaders is being held to encourage construction of more housing for seniors in western Illinois. Jolene Willis of the Western Illinois Economic Development Partnership says training will include outlines of the types of senior housing available, as well as some of the different funding mechanisms that can be used. Surveys have shown a shortage of housing that's appropriate for seniors in the region. Some is too old and needs major renovation. Other housing may be much larger than an individual or couple needs. The sessions will be Dec.

Keokuk, IA – Keokuk's new police chief is proposing a restructuring of the department. Chief Tom Crew has asked the city council to eliminate the rank of assistant chief and create the post of administrative captain. He says officers at or eligible for the rank of captain would be eligible for promotion to second in command. Crew says the testing for assistant chief would also be eliminated, allowing the chief to pick the administrative captain. There are currently 4 captains within the department and 1 officer eligible for a promotion to that rank.

Macomb, IL – McDonough County residents are being asked to share their thoughts on what's needed for public transportation. Currently there are four providers: Barry's Taxi Service, Bridgeway, Go West Transit, and the McDonough County Red Cross. There is now a move underway to develop a coordinated system, and Western Illinois Regional Council Transit Director Gary Zeigler says the survey results will help with that effort.

Fort Madison, IA – Lee County is still searching for its next treasurer. Current treasurer Mary Hoenig has announced that she will retire at the end of the year. Since her term in office does not expire until January of 2007, a replacement will have to be found. Supervisor Larry Kruse says the board cannot appoint someone to that post until after Hoenig leaves office December 31st. The board has extended its deadline for accepting resumes for the treasurer's position. So far, the county has received 5 resumes. Interviews will be kept private.

Bushnell, IL – A health care firm plans to open at least 30 units of senior assisted living apartments in Bushnell. Mayor Steve Russell says Petersen Healthcare plans to begin construction by next fall. The units could be open in 2007. Russell says several studies showed that one of the town's biggest needs was housing that would let retired seniors stay in town. The building will be in the northeast part of Bushnell with its back fence adjoining the elementary school. Russell says he'd like to see the seniors and the students working together on projects.

Macomb, IL – McDonough County's health department and the Western Illinois Council are cooperating on a survey that could help a rural water supply get started. The survey is to bolster an application by the fledgling West Prairie Rural Water Cooperative for $400,000 in state construction funds. Shannon Duncan of the council says residents in the area south and west of Colchester have already complained of inadequate flow from their wells. She says the health department will have samples checked for evidence of bacteria or nitrate pollution in the wells.

Macomb, IL – Macomb aldermen have agreed to stiffen the penalty for fighting, though support for the change was not unanimous. First Ward Alderman Charles Gilbert voted against the plan, which will increase the minimum fine from $25 to $250. Gilbert says an increase is warranted, but believes this hike is excessive. The new penalty will go on the books within the next two weeks. The city believes it will serve as a deterrent. Police say there has been an increase in fighting since the beginning of the school year. Police also say the fights have been more serious.

Macomb, IL – A dual-admission agreement is now in effect between WIU and Morton Community College students. It will provide an academic advisor to Morton students who want to receive their bachelor's at Western. The advisor will monitor a student's progress at both schools. WIU spokesman John Maguire says the agreement addresses a growing concern in the state regarding transfer students. This is the 28th admissions agreement between WIU and schools in Illinois and Iowa.