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.

Keokuk, IA – A group of Keokuk residents are working to develop a cultural district within the city. The district would extend through much of the city's northeast side, including the Riverfront, Grand Avenue, and Main Street. The working committee has applied for state certification, which could lead to expanded cultural opportunities for Keokuk. Committee member, Kevin Kuckelman, says the primary purpose of the district is to enhance the lives of Keokuk residents. Kuckelman owns the building that houses Tri-States Public Radio's Southeast Iowa Bureau.

Canton, MO – A portion of a NE Missouri highway has been named in honor of a group of Canton High School students. The stretch of U-S Highway 61 from LaGrange to Canton will now be known as S.M.A.R.T. Memorial Highway. S.M.A.R.T., which stands for Students of Missouri Assisting Rural and Urban Transportation, is a group that formed in 2000 after a Canton High School student was killed on the 2-lane highway. The organization has been working for years to make the road 4-lane through Lewis and Clark counties. S.M.A.R.T.