Macomb, IL – McDonough County's Budget Committee is polishing a final draft of the budget for the fiscal year beginning Dec. 1. It shows general fund income of about $3.8 million against spending of about $4 million. The county's auditor says income has been relatively flat, with the dropping value of farmland offsetting increases in residential assessed valuation. Board Chairman Bob Harwick says the county has not yet begun to see income expected from the landfill expansion. In addition, the county is trying to pay off loans made to the general fund from other funds.

Keokuk, IA – There are many candidates seeking office in the upcoming city elections throughout Southeast Iowa. One race is for a seat on the Keokuk City Council representing the 5th Ward. The 5th ward stretches from Main Street to Grand Avenue, between 15th street and Boulevard. The candidates hoping to represent that part of Keokuk are newcomers Justin Tuck and Tracy Grisham. The 5th ward seat has been vacant for more than 6 months.

You can hear Jason Parrott's preview of the race in Keokuk's 5th ward by clicking on the audio link above.

Macomb, IL – McDonough County plans to levy money for the Public Building Commission for the coming year's budget. Board Chairman Bob Harwick says the county has traditionally abated about $276,000 of that levy, making up the difference with money from the Public Safety Sales Tax. However, the county's auditor John Lehman says unless the county levies the additional money, it could end the coming fiscal year with only enough of a balance to cover a few days of operations.

Fort Madison, IA – There are many candidates seeking office in the upcoming city elections throughout Southeast Iowa. One race is for a seat on the Fort Madison City Council representing the 2nd Ward. The 2nd ward stretches from around 10th street to 18th street, from the riverfront to Avenue "A". The candidates hoping to represent that part of Fort Madison are incumbant Ron Brown and newcomer Chris Greenwald.

You can hear Jason Parrott's preview of the race in Fort Madison's 2nd ward by clicking on the audio link above.

Macomb, IL – Macomb aldermen used Monday night's committee meeting to once again discuss a proposed increase in the minimum fine for fighting from $25 to $250. There appears to be enough support to approve the plan, which will get a first reading at the November 7 meeting. Aldermen could give final approval on the 21st. Mayor Mick Wisslead says if the new ordinance is approved on schedule, it could be on the books by the first part of December.

Rushville, IL – The Schuyler-Industry school district's attorney wants a detachment petition invalidated. The regional school trustees approved the transfer of 15 students to the Macomb district from Industry schools. However, attorney Doug Griffin says the petition did not mention the Schuyler-Industry district which was being formed. He says this makes the petition invalid ... and is asking that it be dropped. A circuit court judge told the regional trustees to review their approval. They were getting ready to schedule a meeting to do that.

Keokuk, IA – There are many candidates seeking office in the upcoming city elections throughout Southeast Iowa. One race is for a seat on the Keokuk City Council representing the 7th Ward. The 7th ward includes the northern portion of the city, to the east of Main Street. Two candidates filed paperwork to represent the residents living there. They are incumbant Susan Dunek and former council member John Jobe.

You can hear Jason Parrott's preview of the race in Keokuk's 7th ward by clicking on the audio link above.