Colchester, IL – A water cooperative in western Illinois has about half of the pipeline easements needed to begin its service. West Prairie Rural Water Coperative Secretary James Taylor says the easements are required before state and federal agencies will release loans and grants. Taylor says the co-op is trying for a one-million dollar grat from the USDA's Rural Development agency. It's also seeking a $700,000 loan from the agency, along with a $400,000 Illinois Community Development Assistance Program loan.

Macomb, IL – Macomb wants to put another traffic light intersection on its busy east side, but the project has encountered a stop sign. The low bid is 28% higher than what the city estimated. Mayor Mick Wisslead says city staff and engineers will spend this week reviewing options. They could include rebidding the project, which calls creating for a traffic light intersection on Route 136 where Burger King and Wal-Mart are located. Wisslead hopes a recommendation will be ready for aldermen next week.

Carthage, IL – Hancock County's new economic development educator is refining the tools he'll be able to use. Charles Bair says the State of Illinois is not allowing new enterprize zones at this time. However, the Tax Increment Financing, or TIF District, does offer possibilities. Bair says planners would have to show that the district is needed to bring business to a depressed area. However, he says with the current Hancock County economy, it should be possible for parts of several municipalities in the county to quallify for the TIF Districts.

Macomb, IL – The Hancock-McDonough Regional Board of School Trustees will clarify its stance on transferring students from the Industry school district to Macomb. Regional Superintendent Bob Baumann says the Schuyler-Industry school board appealed the decision. The judge hearing the case says the board might have improperly compared the Industry aned Macomb districts ... instead of Macomb and the new Schuyler Industry district. Baumann says the Tuesday evening hearing should not take long, nor is any new evidence expected.

Macomb, IL – Apparel that sports Western Illinois University's name can be found in stores all around Macomb. However, it's getting tougher to find Western wear with the "Made in the U.S.A." label. That's because fewer and fewer garment factories are located in the United States. Although consumers cannot do much about the country of origin, activists say they can make sure their clothing is not made in a sweatshop. Reporter Amanda Wallace explored the issue by talking to consumers, activists, and managers at some local stores.

West Burlington, IA – Southeastern Community College has been searching for a new president for months. The Board of Trustees has now made its decision. The board voted unanimously on Monday night to offer the position to Dr. Beverly Simone of Madison, WI. Simone most recently served as the Director of Academics and Quality at the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates. SCC Trustee Jeff Heland believes Simone has the qualities needed to be the next president of the southeast Iowa school.

Macomb, IL – The Annual Department of Art Faculty Exhibition at Western Illinois University features oil paintings, ceramics, and pieces made in a wide range of other mediums. 18 artists are represented in the show, which can be seen at the University Art Gallery. It will remain on display until October 20. Public Radio's Abraxas Thomas and Marc Nelson viewed the exhibit and found many of the pieces are technically well-done. But they also believe something is missing from the show. Listen to their review by clicking on the audio button above.

Macomb, IL – A business leader stressed the need to adapt to change in a lecture at WIU. Troy Rice gave the Ferguson Lecture for the College of Business and Technology. He began work with Home Depot 15 years ago as an associate manager. Now he heads the North American division. Rice says listening to the customer and remaining flexible are needed for business success. He also suggested that most business failures are attributable to a lack of character, citing examples such as Enron.

Nauvoo, IL – A group of volunteers has restored a rest stop and picnic spot south of Nauvoo. The group pulled brush and cleaned out the seven waterfalls at the state-owned David's Chamber along Route 96. Volunteer Doug Knowles said the site is supposed to have been named for David Smith, son of the LDS prophet, who used it for relaxation and thinking after his father was killed in Carthage. Knowles says the effort will lead to a Friends of Nauvoo group, which will work on other similar projects.

Lee County, IA – Two Lee County leaders will be stepping down within the next 15 months.