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.

Macomb, IL – McDonough County has fired its Emergency Services and Disaster Agency Director. It's ESDA and Claims Committee told Steve Miller his last day will be Friday. Miller had no comment. Board Chairman Bob Harwick said the committee acted because of a divergence of opinions on what the office should be accomplishing and where it should be headed. Committee members had questioned Miller about his mileage ... and the number of meetings or training sessions he attended. Miller has been director for just under three years.

Macomb, IL – Illinois House Republicans are holding hearings around the state to gather input on ideas for lowering gas prices. One such hearing was held in Macomb. Representatives from the trucking, farming, and food industries participated. They explained how high gas prices are hurting their businesses. House lawmakers Rich Myers (R-Colchester) and Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) also heard from citizens such as Macomb resident Martha Klems, who suggested the nation needs to conserve, just as it did during the gas crisis of the 1970s.

Hamilton, IL – The Hamilton City Council has approved the first reading of a proposal to slow down traffic on a portion of Warsaw Road. Once approved, a one half mile stretch from US 136 to Windy Hills Road will have an enforced speed limit of 25 mph. Mayor Steve Woodruff says the number of large trucks using that road makes the speed limit necessary. The road is bordered by an asphalt plant and a rock quarry. Violators could face a fine of up to $500. The measure must be approved two more times.

Hamilton, IL – The Hamilton City Council has approved the first reading of a proposal to slow down traffic on a portion of Warsaw Road. Once approved, a one half mile stretch from US 136 to Windy Hills Road will have an enforced speed limit of 25 mph. Mayor Steve Woodruff says the number of large trucks using that road makes the speed limit necessary. The road is bordered by an asphalt plant and a rock quarry. Violators could face a fine of up to $500. The measure must be approved two more times.

Hamilton, IL – The Hamilton City Council has approved the first reading of a proposal to slow down traffic on a portion of Warsaw Road. Once approved, a one half mile stretch from US 136 to Windy Hills Road will have an enforced speed limit of 25 mph. Mayor Steve Woodruff says the number of large trucks using that road makes the speed limit necessary. The road is bordered by an asphalt plant and a rock quarry. Violators could face a fine of up to $500. The measure must be approved two more times.

Keokuk, IA – A budget-cutting measure impacting part of Lee County's workforce will remain in effect. The County Board of Supervisors has voted to continue to charge non-union workers for part of their health insurance premiums. These employees must contribute $25 a month towards a single policy, $50 towards a family plan. The move comes one week after the board overturned its decision to cut one hour from the workweek for union workers.

Macomb, IL – One of the keynote speakers at this year's "Dealing with Difference Institute" at WIU says America shares diversity issues with other countries. Benjamin Barber has been dealing with issues of diversity since the 1950s, when he attended school with children from around the world. Barber told the audience local conflicts have global implications. He says this is why he is working with Howard Dean start a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Sarajevo. Barber says helping Bosnia solve its problems prevents them from becoming the world's problems.

Rushville, IL – Rushville aldermen plan to send a letter to state leaders endorsing the opening of the unused prison near town. The state is investigating using it to house sexual offenders who have served their sentences, but who are considered too violent to be released. Mayor Ron Shepherd says the aldermen also plan to show up for public tours of the prison complex early next month to help answer questions. He says a public meeting last week allayed many fears that the prison would be a dangerous neighbor.

Macomb, IL – Some city workers in Macomb will be granted extra powers to deal with certain code violations. The three inspectors in the Building and Zoning office will have the authority to write tickets for offenses such as trash violations and cars parked on the sidewalk. Previously they could only issue warnings. The change was approved by the city council Monday night and could free up police officers to deal with other issues. Nonetheless, Community Development Coordinator Bob Mahrt says the inspectors will continue trying to resolve problems without writing tickets.