Pictured: Marla Blair/For the Star-Gazette ... A boring machine is inching its way across properties on Route 125 west of Bluff Springs as workers install water service line for Arenzville Rural Water Coop Phase I project. One hundred water meters (1/2 of the total) have been installed and are in use. Due to extreme weather conditions in Jan., excessive rain this summer, and shifting sand along their construction route, CM Contractors, of Lancaster, Mo., have asked for a one month extension to the end of Sept. Phase 2 will be discussed at ARWC’s Dec. meeting.

Beardstown Bucks promote ‘buy local’

By Marla Blair / For the Star-Gazette ... Through the cooperation of the Cass County Economic Development Commission, Beardstown Main Street and Chamber of Commerce, and the efforts and support of West Central Bank, Beardstown Savings s.b., and Beardstown First National Bank, a trial program has been launched to promote local businesses and commerce.

Buy Beardstown has been a campaign since December 2009, with counter-top and window signs reminding shoppers in Beardstown that they had made a good choice by patronizing local merchants and businesses. The campaign promoted spending $10 in town instead of taking the money out of town where tax revenue and profits benefitted other communities. Now the campaign has another feature-- Beardstown Bucks.

The certificates referred to as Beardstown Bucks are now available at face value in $5 denominations. Bucks may be purchased at West Central and First National Banks, Beardstown Savings and Loan and Beardstown Chamber of Commerce at face value. They are spendable only at participating businesses in Beardstown. (They are not redeemable for cash, but merchants can give change when necessary). The Bucks are legal tender and may also be deposited in a bank account as if they were cash.

Merchants and business owners may create in-house discounts or special deals to promote the use of Beardstown Bucks at their location. Businesses may insert their name in the “Pay to the order of” line and use them as gift certificates from their store or service center. With Christmas approaching, gift givers may want to consider giving the Bucks as stocking stuffers or in place of gift certificates. They are valid until April 1, 2011, when the pilot program ends.

The Beardstown Bucks campaign was designed to encourage shopping and spending in Beardstown, to support the local economy, local merchants and businesses. If the certificate program is successful, organizers have considered a county-wide plan. Merchants and business owners interested in posting signs to identify themselves as participating sites may contact the Beardstown Chamber of Commerce (323-3271) for details.

Common ordinance violations described

By Marla Blair / For the Star-Gazette ... Every town board in Cass County has dealt with ordinance violations stemming from property owners’ lack of grounds and/or building maintenance. Municipal responses range from reminders and notices stuck in a front door, to certified letters, to legal proceedings in court. The Village of Chandlerville has twelve sections within its nuisance ordinance, but seven sections detail specific offenses and pinpoint the exact issue considered dangerous, unhealthy or offensive.

Other communities’ ordinances state similar grievances. By listing the violations, offenders and their neighbors will know if something qualifies as a “nuisance.” Check with the city/village hall in your community if there are questions about nuisance ordinances.

Chandlerville’s nuisance ordinance (abbreviated), sections 6-12:

Sec. 6—Foul odors, filth, etc. – any business that creates offensive or foul odor; animals kept in filthy manner; animal carcasses, vegetable matter, cellars, stagnant water, property, substances which emit or cause foul, offensive, nauseous, noxious odor.

Sec. 7—Rubbish, dry grass, etc. – accumulation of refuse, oily rags, rubbish or other materials/substances that cause a fire hazard.

Sec. 8—Weeds –to cause or permit growth on property.

Sec. 9—Unsafe buildings, etc.—to cause or permit the existence of unsafe, dilapidated or otherwise insecure building or other structure which is or may become a menace to the safety of persons or property.

Sec. 10—Abandoned refrigerators, etc.—to cause or permit the existence or storage in any place accessible to children any abandoned or discarded refrigerator, or airtight appliance or container of any kind.

Sec. 11—Inoperable, abandoned motor vehicle and equipment—to allow or permit the existence or storage….of any junk, parts, machinery or equipment not in operable condition …for a period of at least six months.

Sec. 12—Scaffolding, ladders, etc.—to erect or use to cause or permit to be erected or used any insecure or unsafe scaffold or ladder whereby the safety of the persons working thereon or passing thereunder may be endangered.

Congressman Schock attends immigration forum

By Julie Bergschneider For the Star-Gazette ... Local residents shared stories of their immigration issues with Congressman Aaron Schock in a forum Sunday evening at St. Alexius Church, Beardstown. The forum was hosted by Faith Coalition for the Common Good.

Schock and the audience heard from a father whose wife and two young sons are living in Mexico, waiting to return to the United States. They also heard from a college student who spoke about the difficulty of undocumented students need to obtain employment once they have earned their degree. And finally an African immigrant spoke about the problems he has faced since coming to America.

Other topics for discussion were the railroad project in Springfield and the Dream Act. (Allows students educated in America and have attended or attend college, are fluent in English to obtain employment and to start the procedure to become a U.S. citizen.)

In his response, Schock told the audience he did not want them to leave the forum with residents thinking that the problems with immigration will be fixed with individual bills dealing with the issues separately. Schock said “I believe if we’re going to fix these problems, you’re going to see it happen when there is a comprehensive bill.”

Schock spoke with audience members following the forum one-on- one. Congressman Schock has held similar meetings throughout the district during the past month. Schock is running for re-election in Nov.

Restaurant owners answer to theft charges

By Marla Blair For the Star-Gazette ... Local restaurant owners arrested for retail theft on July 23 appeared before Circuit Court Judge Bob Hardwick in the Cass County courtroom on Aug. 23 to answer charges. Chui Quin Go and Yi Yun Lin listened to the charges and penalties and responded through their son, Michael, who translated Judge Hardwick’s information into the couple’s native Chinese dialect. Chui Quin and Yi Yun were each charged with six counts of retail theft stemming from incidents video-taped at the Beardstown Melon Market, South Route 67, on July 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23, 2010. The thefts were Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.

Judge Hardwick explained the charges, the possible penalties and asked each defendant whether or not they wanted to plead guilty or not guilty. The couple was allowed to spend time outside the courtroom as their son explained the details with material provided by the court. They returned after a short session and chose to plead guilty, accepting the fines and penalties assigned by the court.

Each defendant was ordered to pay $100 for each count (6), plus court costs, and ordered to share payment of restitution ($415.32) to the merchant. They were not given jail time or probation. Each defendant had posted $100 bond, which was acknowledged by the court and will be credited. Beardstown Melon Market is owned and operated by Bill and Michelle Unland. Outside the courthouse, Michelle stated the couple was aware of theft activity, but had to install surveillance equipment before they could provide proof. The first five nights were recorded and on the sixth night a Cass County Sheriff’s deputy monitored the video screens and verified the theft.

After the court appearance, Chui Quin and Yi Yun apologized to Bill Unland and asked his forgiveness for what they had done.