WIUM Local

The Core Project Chicago, an interdisciplinary arts company, is leading a week-long arts camp at the West Central Illinois Arts Center in Macomb. The camp is open to youth in grades 7-12. They group is known as the “Flying Squirrels.”

Grace Nessen-Gilligan lives in the Chicago suburbs. She is visiting a friend in Macomb and decided to take part.

She is preparing a script that combines elements from her own life and her talent playing the flute. She is also putting some of the skills she is learning to work in the script.

The murder trial of Keokuk resident Adam Pitman has concluded its second day.

Judge Cynthia Danielson is presiding over the case at the South Lee County Courthouse in Keokuk.

Pitman is accused of killing his mother, Rosa Pitman, in her home in the early morning hours of August 30, 2011.  He allegedly confessed to the crime after being pulled over for a traffic violation several hours later.

1st Degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

ADAM PITMAN

Hancock County will soon be in the market for a new ambulance coordinator. The Health and Miscellaneous Committee voted unanimously to give Perry Cameron until Tuesday, July 17th, to resign.

If  he does not, the full county board will vote that evening on whether to fire him.

Committee Chair Dan Asbury has been frustrated by a lack of progress in making improvements to the service.

He says, “I think we're hearing about lack of leadership and morale is bad and staffing is an issue. We just think it's time for a change.”

An award winning reporter and former long-time host of Morning Edition on Tri States Public Radio has passed away.  

Don Johnson was 69.

Johnson worked at the Macomb Journal when former News Director Bill Wheelhouse brought him to Tri States Public Radio. Wheelhouse has said he hired Johnson because he constantly scooped the competition.

Johnson was known for his easy-going ways and his mellow voice. He retired from Tri States Public Radio in January 2008 after 20 years on the air. Shortly thereafter he took a job at the e-waste recycling center in Macomb.

Colchester residents say they won't be able to afford sewer rates of $50 per month.  That's the maximum amount the city would have to charge if it has to finance the entire $4.2 million dollar cost of a sewer repair project that is being mandated by the federal EPA.

The city held a public hearing as part of the grant application process. The city is hoping to qualify for at least $1.1 million from the USDA's Rural Development program. The application must be completed by July 15th.