IL

Mayor Seeks Water Meter for Fire Department

James Lenz — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:19:02 +0000

Colchester Mayor Danny Bice would like to get a clearer picture of the city's water consumption.

One step he would like to take is to install a water meter at the Colchester Fire protection District building.

He says, “We're just putting in there so we'll have data so we can put it on every month, you know. We're not charging for it. But it's just something so we can account for the water that we're buying.”

New Illini West High School Site Chosen

James Lenz — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:47:07 +0000

The Illini West School Board spent a year evaluating potential sites for a new high school. It chose a location next door. It is just east of the current high school's parking lot.

The 40-acre site is farmland that is currently covered by tall, green and brown corn plants.

Those who were hoping for a central location will be disappointed.

But Superintendent Kim Schilson says such a location would come with some expensive problems to solve.

Carthage Starts Water Conservation

James Lenz — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:28:07 +0000

Carthage is being pro-active by encouraging water conservation by a combination of mandatory and voluntary measures.

Businesses are required to stop watering their lawns.

Second-ward Alderman Gary Smith says the city is concerned since the level at the city's lake has fallen by five feet recently.

He expects businesses will honor the ban. Smith says, “We've had good luck in the past and I think we'll probably not have any problem this time.”Businesses that ignore the order could be subject to fines.

Hunziker Storage Building Gets Reprieve

James Lenz — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 20:31:43 +0000

A storage building owned by Chad Hunziker will be spared destruction. The Macomb City Council removed it from a list of buildings slated for demolition.

Alderman-at-large Don Wynn says Hunziker has made a lot of improvements to the building.

He says, “I went out and looked at that building. And it's, from the outside of it, it's pretty secure. I mean, it's got a new roof on it (It) does have some problems.”

Fifth-ward Alderman Dave Dorsett says the progress must continue.

Residents Vent at Public Meeting

James Lenz — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:05:51 +0000

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.

City to Hold Public Hearing on Sewer Rates

James Lenz — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:55:25 +0000

Residents of Colchester will get a chance to make their voices heard on sewer rate increases. The public hearing is Monday, July 9th, at 7 p.m. in city hall.

They face sewer rates of between $40 and $50 per month to pay for repairs to the city's sanitary sewer system. The hikes are needed to bring the city into compliance with federal EPA regulations.

Mayor Danny Bice hopes for a large turnout at the hearing.

Hot Days in Store for Carthage Celebration

Jim Lenz — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:47:59 +0000

Carthage will take some extra measures to make sure festivities this week don't become “too hot.”

The city is expecting larger than usual crowds for the Independence Day celebration. This year the city is also marking the 175th anniversary of its founding.

Temperatures will peak in the 90s for the rest of the week.

Carol Carr is a member of the celebration committee. It will provide sites where people can escape the heat.

City Turns to Aeration to Solve Water Woes

James Lenz — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:19:22 +0000

Carthage is trying a new solution to a persistent problem last year-water discoloration. The city's drinking water was never unsafe, just unsavory. It was frequently a dull green. The city liberally applied chemicals to the water with little effect.

Second-ward Alderman Gary Smith says the three aerators will bubble air through the lake. The action will thoroughly mix the layers of water and reduce algae formation.

He says, “This is kind of an ongoing process. It might take a year to get the lake rehabilitated.”

City and Union Continue to Disagree on New Position

James Lenz — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:12:14 +0000

A proposed administrative position in the Beardstown Police Department remains in limbo.

The item was not on the last city council agenda. The city's Fire, Police and Ambulance Committee will try to find a resolution.

The city council and police union agree on the need for a second shift supervisor. The parties disagree on the standing of the position.

The city considers the position administrative and, hence, non-union. The police union wants the position covered under its contract with the city.

Monmouth Lifts Ban on Video Gambling

James Lenz — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:12:02 +0000

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.