UNIT 2 SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES MONEY FROM STATE

The Unit 2 Board of Education met Monday night at the Greenville High School Media Center.  Superintendent Jeff Strieker and Assistant Superintendent Eric Frankford informed the board that more money had arrived from the state of Illinois.  On Monday, that latest state general aid check arrived, in the amount of $310,000.  That check is the 4^th quarter general aid check from 2009.  The check puts the district in much better shape than they were in December.  However, the state still owes the district around $839,000.  The board approved the re-bidding of the Sorento School roof project.  With the recent heavy rains, more deficiencies in the roof were discovered and combining the new work with the work already out for bids will hopefully save the district money.  The work includes replacing part of the roof, putting a slant in the roof that will keep water from pooling on the roof as it does now in some areas, and moving some electrical to allow for the work to be done.   

ILLINOIS OFFICIALS PRAISE FORD PLAN TO INVEST MILLIONS IN CHICAGO

Ford Motor Company and Illinois officials have announced almost 1200 new jobs will be coming to Chicago.  Ford plans to invest almost 400 million dollars in building a new version of the Ford Explorer.  Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says almost all those hired will come from current United Auto Workers Union members.  Governor Pat Quinn says the jobs are possible thanks to a new tax credit for companies that invest in Illinois.  The Chicago plant already builds the new Taurus and the Lincoln MKS.  The Explorer is currently produced in Kentucky and is still a key part of Ford's vehicle line-up. 

CENTRALIA MAN PLEADS GUILTY

A Centralia man, who attacked another inmate while he was in the Clinton County Jail, pled guilty January 15 to a charge of aggravated battery. According to Clinton County State's Attorney John Hudspeth, Travis Maxfield, age 23, of Centralia, was in the Clinton County Jail when he attacked another inmate last November, breaking that inmate's eye-socket. Maxfield was also charged with criminal intimadation but that charged was dropped in the plea agreement. Maxfield's sentencing is set for Thursday, February 25. He faces u bn p to ten years in prison.

ONLINE HAITI DONATION SCAMS

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan warns you to be wary before you open your wallet to help the earthquake victims in Haiti. During many nationwide or worldwide catastrophes, there are always unscrupulous people who want to cash in by playing on people's sympathies of wanting to help monetarily. Do not send your money to an organization until you confirm that they are legitimate. You can check out websites by contacting the Illinois Attorney General’s office.