SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT SENDS ONE TO HOSPITAL

Bond County Deputies worked an accident with injuries Friday, at 10:15 p.m., on Route 40 east of Pocahontas. According to the accident report, Sarah R. Bailey, age 18, of Pocahontas was driving a Buick LaSabre on U.S. Route 40 when she saw emergency lights of Bond County Deputies working another accident on Route 40. Bailey touched her brakes, causing her vehicle to spin around, striking the front driver’s side on the guardrail, spin backwards, and finally strike the rear driver’s side on the guardrail. The road was coated with black ice. Pocahontas-Old Ripley EMS took Bailey to Greenville Regional Hospital. Two passenger in the vehicle were not injured.

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UNIT 2 COULD RECEIVE LESS FUNDING FROM THE STATE

The Illinois State Board of Education’s Finance Division recently suggested public school districts in Illinois prepare for a reduction in general state aid funding for the 2014 fiscal year.  This could be a potential reduction for Unit 2 of approximately $980,000.00 and would require several difficult cuts.  Superintendent Jeff Strieker said he believes the Board of Education is seriously looking at potential cuts and they have several options.  Everyone including the board, administration, faculty, staff, and parents, hope for the least amount of cuts. Hopefully the final word on 2014 funding will come soon so the board may act on any required cuts and still provide the best education possible. Governor Pat Quinn's Illinois State Budget Address is schedule for Wednesday, March 6.

THIRD HIGHLAND EXIT IS NOT APPROVED BY FEDS

When considering new interstate access ramps, the Department of Transportation must show the proposed interchange would improve the operation and safety of the interstate.  The proposal for a third exit at Route 160 on Interstate 70 has, at least for now, been denied.  Highland City Manager Mark Latham said IDOT will continue to monitor traffic flow on Troxler onto Rt. 143 and Walnut Street.  They have funding to get some right-hand turn lanes at that intersection sometime next year.  Latham added they are getting ready to build their second quadrant, which will bring a lot of the traffic off Poplar Street and send it to Troxler in front of the new hospital. 

ILLINOIS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK

Illinois Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 4-8.  Warning Coordination Meteorologist Jim Kramper, at the National Weather Service Office in St. Louis, said every year many states have a Severe Weather Awareness Week to remind people that spring and summer are when we are likely to see potentially hazardous weather.  Thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, torrential downpours, large hail, lighting, and possibly tornados.  Jim said just a little preparation can save a lot of trouble down the road. 

MARCOOT DAIRY HOSTS CHOCOLATE AND CHEESE TASTING TOURS

Every Friday in March, Marcoot Jersey Creamery invites you to experience their Chocolate and Cheese Tasting Tours.  Tour Director Laura Wall said they are really excited to offer this type of tour as cheese and chocolate complement each other very well.  The tasting tours will be at Marcoot Jersey Creamery, beginning at 10:00 a.m.  During the tour, you may try six artisan cheeses from the Marcoot Creamery and six truffles from The Sweetest Things in Greenville.  The cost is $5.00 per person and space is limited so please RSVP by calling 664-1110.

TRENTON EXPANSION CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

The Trenton Expansion Campaign Steering Committee met recently at the Trenton Education Center.  Fundraising efforts continue for the expansion project which will increase the Trenton Center from 3,800 square feet to approximately 16,000 square feet.  Kaskaskia College expects to begin accepting bids for the expansion soon and hopes to have the newly expanded center ready for classes by spring 2014.  For more information, call 545-3069.