News

Keokuk, IA – One of Iowa's Gubernatorial candidates says campaign contributions have too large an impact on state government. State Representative Ed Fallon says big money has become the driving force in developing state policy. The Democrat from Des Moines says state lawmakers are too focused on offering payback for wealthy contributors. Fallon says the first thing he would do if elected would be to follow the lead of other states and institute a statewide clean election law. He says the state also needs to focus more on helping small businesses and to become energy independant.

Bath, IL – A contest at Bath, on the Illinois River, is trying to eliminate the Asian Carp from the river. It's also trying to raise awareness of what villagers see as a major problem on the chute that links the town with the main channel. Organizer Betty DeFord says the fish leap into the air whenever a large boat passes over. Often, they'll land in a boat. Sometimes they even hit people who are on a boat. There are occasional injuries. DeFord says the problem has become much worse in the past few years, but no one seems to have a solution yet. Her contest removed more than 1,200 fish.

Galesburg, IL – Art in Knox County can be found in schools, post offices, and libraries. Now it can also be found on the Internet. Artist Paulette Thenhouse worked with the Galesburg Civic Art Center to create the site. She wanted to draw attention to art works people see every day. Thenhouse says locally produced art can be found in towns throughout the county. "Public Art in Knox County - A Century of Murals and Sculptures" can be found on the web at www.galesburgarts.org/publicart

Macomb, IL – McDonough County squad cars will be getting laptop computers by the end of the year. Board Chairman Bob Harwick says the computers will let deputies download information from the statewide Law Enforcement Agencies Data System without having to radio the dispatch center. It will also let them talk keyboard - to - keyboard to any other law enforcement person who also is on the computer network. Chairman Bob Harwick says the software subscription will cost the county about $4,000 per year. The county boarrowed about $14,000 to get the system started.

October 27, 2005 – Rich Egger speaks with Macomb City Administrator Mike Hays and Community and Economic Development Educator Kathie Brown of the University of Illinois Extension about the Community Charrette that will be held November 4-5.

West Burlington, IA – Southeastern Community College has its new president. Dr. Beverly Simone says she accepted the offer to serve as SCC's president because the college seemed to be the best fit for her. Simone signed a 3-year contract that includes a base pay of $130,000 plus benefits. She most recently served as the Director of Academic and Quality at the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates. After narrowing the field of 26 candidates down to 2, SCC's Board of Trustees offered the job to Simone several weeks ago.

LaGrange, IL – The Corps of Engineers is seeking public input on a new 40-year plan for maintaining the Illinois River navigation channel. Biologist Nicole McVay says the long-term plan is being developed so conservation agencies can coordinate with Corp activities. McVay says one of the things the Corps wants comments on is what it should do with material dredged from the river. In some places it's used to replace contaminated topsoil. Sand from the river can be used as construction fill. The hearings on the Corps plan will be Nov. 9 at 2 and 6 p.m.