News

Macomb, IL – McDonough County has until the end of next month to pick the handicapped-accessible voting machines it plans to use. County Clerk Florine Miller says the machines must be in use by the March primaries. However, the state has only certified one machine so far, and Miller believes it's slow and cumbersome to use. She plans to look into other possible machines in the hope that one of them might be approved before the end of next month. A state grant is expected to pay the estimated $5,000 cost of each machine. The county is required to have one for each precinct.

Macomb, IL – The McDonough County NAACP believes it's making some progress with the City of Macomb now that the group and the city have agreed to start holding regular meetings. Chapter President Gregg Huston will organize the first one. He will likely be joined by a couple aldermen, the mayor, and the city administrator. In addition, the city spent an hour addressing the NAACP's concerns Monday night. The city told Huston its officers have participated in three diversity training sessions in the past nine months.

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk City Council will soon discuss a major restructuring of the police department. The department currently operates three, eight-hours shifts, but Chief R. L. Dobson would like to switch to a pair of 12-hours shifts. He thinks that will put more officers on the street while also giving them a little more time away from the job. He says the final details are being worked out. The 12-hour shifts would be tried for one year to determine whether the change is successful. The council is expected to discuss the idea during an upcoming workshop.

Good Hope, IL – For decades, the Conservation Expo in Illinois has offered farmers, engineers, and the general public a chance to learn about land improvement practices and equipment. But instead of bringing people to a convention center or lecture hall, the expo is held in the field to provide a first-hand look at what's being done. 14 conservation practices were demonstrated at Conservation Expo 2005, which was held on the farm of Jerry and Leslie Lewis near Good Hope.

Macomb, IL – Reflecting on 50 years of life inspired one area artist to document his achievements in an unconventional way. WIU Associate Professor of Art Bruce Walters viewed the event as an opportunity to reflect on the significant accomplishments of his life. He created the art piece in book form: "One Hundred Things I Have Done in 50 Years." He hopes the work will convey his enthusiasm for each new day. Part of the piece was displayed in last year's WIU Faculty Art Show. The complete exhibit is on display through next month at the Midcoast Fine Arts Gallery in LeClaire, IA.

Nauvoo, IL – Nauvoo's City Council and Chamber of Commerce are working together to revise guidelines for transient businesses. Chamber President David Miller says his organization originally asked for the business regulations. However, he says the city has been having problems getting some of the merchants to renew. He says the chamber believes some guidelines are necessary. Miller says a committee is researching how other towns in the region deal with the problem. The chamber plans to have recommendations to the aldermen by next month.

Hamilton, IL – Three Hancock County school districts have selected consultants to prepare a reorganization feasibility study. Former superintendents and consultants Lynn Hartweger and Bob Rogers will prepare the study which will outline various ways the districts could merge, including consolidation or convergence. Hamilton superintendent Steve Breckon says Rogers and Hartweger have done such studies previously. A state grant is expecated to cover the cost of the study. It's to be completed by March of next year.

Carthage, IL – Hancock County's Board Chairman will appoint a special committee this week. The group will make recommendations on how to keep ambulance service available in the county. The county holds the license for ambulance opeerations in Warsaw, LaHarpe, Carthage and the Augusta-Bowen area. Board member Ken Nudd says the county might have to go to a paid service to circumvent problems with the smaller number of volunteers able to take the training or make runs. The special committee is to make its recommendation to the full county board by November.

Monouth, IL – Two Warren County agencies will sponsor a tour of wind power sites later this month. The Western Illinois Economic Development Partnership and Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau are organizing the Aug. 24 trip. They're inviting county board members, zoning board members, and interested citizens to tour the Mendota Hills Wind Farm. A stop is also planned at Bureau Valley High School, where a wind turbine is already operating. Jolene Willis of the economic development partnership says one wind farm is already being planned for northern Warren County, and others are likely.

Versailles, IL – Residents of a west-central Illinois town should find out before the end of next month whether they'll continue to have cable television service. Versailles village board trustee David Hoelscher says Cass Cable TV asked for a new franchise from the village. The old one expired more than 4 1/2 years ago, though cable tv service did continue. However, Hoelscher says the city is giving the company 30 days to come to a franchise agreement or it will tell the company to cease operations in the town. The village asked for a five percent franchise fee.