Beardstown Police Chief Martin Coad is shown with Beardstown’s three new police officers. The officers recently graduated from the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Academy in Decatur. Chief Coad said all three will begin their field training January 2. Out of the three, two of them are Beardstown’s first female officers.
A presentation of the 2023 levy was given by Superintendent Mekelle Neatherly. She discussed that for fiscal year 2025, the ISB will see less money coming in and the reimbursement rate for transportation cost was at 71 percent right now. The school district has four CD’s coming due, two in June and two in July. With little more discussion held and no public comment, the Truth in Taxation Hearing was adjourned and the regular board meeting started.
A new billboard at the end of Wall Street Extension has raised concern with a Beardstown alderman.
Chris Baer brought up the new billboard saying he thought it was unsightly. He said he wants Beardstown to create a billboard ordinance to address height, size and placement. Mayor Tim Harris said this billboard could be an asset and would also allow the city to place important information alerts, weather alerts, etc. free of charge. It also has been cleared by both the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The A-C Central School Board voted to accept a donation of furniture at last week’s board meeting. The furniture, valued in total at about $15,000, is from Registered Agents Solutions, Inc. It includes teachers’ desks, tables, filing cabinets, and L-shaped desks.
Outgoing Ashland Fire Protection District Chief Tylor Latham was presented with a resolution of appreciation by the fire district board. The presentation took place at the regular meeting of the board last week.
Andrew is the son of Vanessa Doellman. Andrew is described by his teachers as a fantastic student who always goes above and beyond to help others. He takes pride in everything he is involved in. Andrew is creative, organized, and has a positive attitude. He is a natural born leader and isn’t afraid to share ideas. Andrew is involved in many school clubs including Beta Club, STAR, and Student Council President to name a few.
Congratulations to Seniors Evan Bell (left) and Mia Brunk-Minor on being selected as the Virginia High School students of the month for November. Both of these young adults are great representatives of Virginia CUSD 64.
Illinois Valley Shrine Club and the Keystone Kops presentd a check for the Shriner Children’s Hospital in St. Louis in the amount of $15,000. Pictured holding the check is Jack Bell, Illinois Valley Shrine President, left and 2023 Ansar Shrine Potentate Jason Cutwright.
After 25 years, it is with mixed emotions that West Central Bank announces the retirement of Assistant Vice President Jennifer Carls, at our Beardstown location, at the end of the year. Jenny has been an integral part of our bank family and her willingness to go the extra mile and help wherever and whenever needed has demonstrated a commitment to excellence that we have come to depend on.
Public Safety, Environment & Housing Committee will hold a meeting at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27 at the Cass County Courthouse in Virginia. | The Animal Control Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27 at the Cass County Highway Department in Virginia.