WIUM Local

Last month Macomb Park Commissioners said they would not fill the vacant seat on the board. This month they agreed to appoint someone to that seat.

The new commissioner is Rachel Lester, who learned of the opening from a story in the McDonough County Voice. Lester is the Resident Services Manager for the Housing Authority of McDonough County.

Lester said her work is one reason why she applied for the park board seat.

The president of the Macomb School Board has resigned that position. 

Dr. Dan Colvin will remain on the board. Robert Shouse will serve as president pro tem.

The board will select a new president as well as elect new officers at the July meeting

Interviews for the general manager position at Tri States Public Radio on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus will be held June 22, June 26 and June 28.  Current General Manager Dorie Vallillo will retire June 30.

Candidates include Sharon Faust, director of development, Tri States Public Radio; Jonathan Ahl, former news director at Iowa Public Radio (Des Moines); and Mike Savage, director and general manager of WKCC in Kankakee (IL).

Operation “Saddle-Up” has roped in eight more alleged meth makers and distributors. They bring the total for the operation to 50 indictments in a bit more than a year.

McDonough County Sheriff Rick VanBrooker says that tally is “huge” for a rural area.

VanBrooker says the case illustrates the need for teamwork by law enforcement agencies.

Monmouth allowed the use of video gaming for “amusement purposes” only. That did not include gambling although the ordinance was difficult to enforce.

The discussion was prompted by changes to state law that will allow video gaming this year. The proceeds will help pay for capital improvements.

City Administrator Eric Hanson says the city council discussed keeping the ban in place.

The West Central Illinois Arts Center in Macomb is trying something a little different. Instead of asking artists to display works, it asked collectors to share a favorite piece.

The show, which opens Friday, June 22, is called “A Few Of Our Favorite Things.” An opening reception will be held 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm on June 22.  The reception is free and open to the public.

Artist Fred Jones, who helped put together the show, said those who contributed pieces were also asked to write a short blurb about the art work.