BOND COUNTY BOARD TALKS LAWYER BILLS
At Tuesday night’s Bond County Board meeting one of the major topics for discussion was the bill submitted by Attorney Thomas Long for serving as special state’s attorney during the redistricting map lawsuit brought against the County and County Clerk Randy Reitz by Ron Shevlin. That lawsuit was decided in the county’s favor but that decision is being appealed by Shevlin. The board discussed the $45,791.00 bill presented by Long to the county for his services. Board member Joe Whalen had a list of problems and questions about the bill including paying for associates that worked on the case, paying for two lawyers to come to the county on one occasion when only one lawyer was needed, and the hourly rate for Long which comes to $220.00 per hour. Willeford and DeVore also had problems with the bill including the hourly rate and being billed for discussions between Long and his associates about the lawsuit. Board member Frank Lucco said he thought the county should not pay any of Long’s bill since no contract is in place and no rate was ever agreed upon by the board. Despite Judge Metz’s ruling that the redistricting map passed by the county board is valid, Shevlin is continuing his lawsuit with an appeal which will cost the county more in lawyer fees. Chairman Willeford said he will make a list of questions and concerns about Long’s bill and present them to the lawyer. It is possible the amount may be lowered by the time the county board meets again Tuesday, April 17. In other news from Tuesday night’s meeting, Dr. Stowe presented the annual rabies report for Bond County and said the county was free from rabies for another year. Just over 1800 dogs were vaccinated for either one or three year periods and the animal control officer impounded 159 dogs, of which 70 were returned to their owners, 14 were adopted and 71 were euthanised.
SPECIAL UNIT 2 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
The Bond County Community Unit 2 Board of Education had a special meeting recently to discuss district goals. Discussion topics included developing budgets and the inclusion of critical thinking in the curriculum. These matters will be presented at the next meeting. The board accepted resignations from high school tennis coach Katherine Swarm and Industrial Arts teacher Ryan Dinkelman.
NATIONAL ROAD VISITOR’S GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
The Historic National Road is spotlighted in a new visitor’s guide. The 36-page, full-color guide features the history of the National Road and spotlights museums, attractions, diners and lodging along the scenic byway. The booklet will be available in numerous locations, including the National Road Welcome Center and Museum in Marshall, IL and the National Road Interpretive Center in Vandalia.
Known as the “road that built the nation,” the National Road was created by President Thomas Jefferson in 1806.
