News

Macomb, IL – The Student Government Association at W.I.U. would like a light installed near a bridge in Macomb, but the city council has turned down the proposal. The bridge in question is on Wigwam Hollow Road at the Lamoine River. The S.G.A. says the bridge is used a lot even though the area is quite dark at night. But city staff says lighting at the bridge is adequate given its rural location. After hearing the staff recommendation, aldermen unanimously rejected the request.

Keokuk, IA – A monument to 3 firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty nearly 6 years ago now stands in Keokuk's Rand Park. The monument honors Assistant Chief Dave McNally and firefighters Nate Tuck and Jason Bitting. On December 22, 1999, the trio lost their lives trying to save 3 children from a duplex fire. The 3 children also died in the fire.

You can hear reporter Jason Parrott's report on the dedication ceremony for the Keokuk Firefighter Memorial by clicking on the audio link above.

Macomb, IL – A recycling center for the western Illinois region has been collecting more than expected during its first month of operation. The Tri-County Resource and Waste Management council's new center collects only paint and electronic goods. Coordinator Chad Bratz says he expects no reduction in the amount handled because people are accumulators by nature. The center has shipped about 19 tons of electronic waste to Peoria for recycling or re-sale. It has also collected about 12 tons of paint that will be mixed into a neutral color for re-sale.

Keokuk, IA – Residents in Lee County elected mayors and city council members during the Municipal elections in Iowa. In Keokuk, Mayor Dave Gudgel earned two more years in office. Steve Ireland was also victorious in the race for the mayor's office in Fort Madison.

A complete listing of the winners in Lee County follows.

Keokuk
Mayor
66 % - Dave Gudgel
34 % - Gordon Blankenship

At Large
67% - Doug Matlick
33% - Jon Warren

Ward 1
Unopposed - Michael O'Connor

Ward 3
Unopposed - Mike Baum

Burlington, IA – Voters in Des Moines County chose three members for the Burlington City Council and also decided the fate of a public measure in West Burlington.
Current Burlington Mayor Mike Edwards topped the city council contest with 24% of the votes. He was followed by former mayor Tim Scott with 22%. The third and final seat available went to Garry Thomas with 19%. Others in the contest were Chuck Griffin with 15%, Richard Eckhardt with 11%, and incumbent Chris King with 9%.

Rushville – Schuyler County's appointed state's attorney will run for a full term on her own. Teena Griffin was appointed to the position in April when her predecessor became a circuit judge. Griffin says the major problems the county faces include domestic violence, drug use and underage drinking. She wants to partner with local groups to address those issues. Griffin was an assistant state's attorney in McLean County when she was named to the Schuyler post. Griffin is a graduate of Western Illinois University and the University of Illinois.