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Virginia board discusses early graduation

Virginia School Board discussed the possibility of early graduation for its students at its meeting Monday night.

This matter was brought up at the previous board meeting by a parent and placed on the agenda for this month for discussion. Some of the issues the members discussed were attending prom and the senior trip, filing an application with the school board notifying them of the student’s desire to graduate early, having the student present the application to the board in person, and what time frame would this need to happen in.

Ashland, IL

Water/sewer rate hikes proposed

Expected water and sewer rate hikes for Ashland were proposed at last week’s meeting of the village board. The plan outlined followed a water/sewer committee study of the village rate structure. Trustee Nathan Grieme presented the rate plan on behalf of the committee which also includes Trustees Nancy Kyrouac and David Wilken. Grieme said the average village customer will see an increase of about $10 on their combined water/sewer bill.

Trophy

Star-Gazette wins numerous awards

Once again, the Cass County Star-Gazette walked away with numerous awards from the Illinois Press Association’s (IPA) Annual Newspaper Contest. The IPA awards ceremony was held in Springfield on June 6. Manager Jaime Chapman attended the event.

The Star-Gazette once again won the Sam Zito Award of Excellence for Advertising Achievement. This is a traveling trophy and the second year in a row the newspaper has won it. They also won a trophy for Advertising Excellence.

To add to the trophies, the staff received six-first place awards, eight-second place awards, eight-third place awards and six-fourth place awards.

Kason Osborne stands on the back of Beardstown Fire Truck at C.O.N.N.E.C.T's Meet the Machines Night in Art Zeeck Park, June 14.

C.O.N.N.E.C.T’s Meet the Machines

Kason Osborne stands on the back of Beardstown Fire Truck at C.O.N.N.E.C.T's Meet the Machines Night in Art Zeeck Park, June 14.

Yards of the Month

Beardstown C.O.N.N.E.C.T would like to congratulate The Tingley Family,  and The Paul Family for being selected as June Yards of the Month. Your dedication to creating beautiful outdoor spaces is truely inspiring. Keep up the amazing work and continue to spread joy and beauty within our community. Pictured above, right, the Tingley home and yard and right, the Paul home and yard.

Lance Bogner named to the Graceland University Dean’s List 

The honor roll lists for Graceland University’s 2024 spring term have been announced, and Lance Bogner of Arenzville, has been named to the dean’s list.

Graceland University students with a GPA between 3.25 and 3.64 are named to the dean’s list. Congratulations, Lance! Graceland commends you on your academic success.

Periodical cicadas will be emerging across much of Illinois in 2024.

Expert tips for caring for trees and plants after cicadas leave

The 17-year cicadas are past their peak in the Chicago area and will conclude their life cycle by the end of June, according to The Morton Arboretum scientists. The next step, they say, is to take advantage of their carcases and exoskeletons to help trees and plants thrive.

PORTA Volleyball Camp

Seventy-eight girls from the area attended the PORTA Jr. High Volleyball Camp. With the help of Carly Breedlove, Lexi Miller, and Cassie Bennett and thanks to camp coordinators Courtney Bedtka, Dawn Kelton, and Carrie Jo Donnan it was another successful event.

he’s safe in a cloud of dust.

Beardstown Little League Baseball recap

In Little League Baseball action from Monday, June 3, from across the river it was Nichols/Rushville defeating the JAM Ink Tigers 10 to 4. For the Tigers Ayden Sullivan pitched 3.2 innings giving up one run on three walks with ten strikeouts.  Alain Mwimbi went 1 for 2 with two RBIs and Quinn Richards collected a hit at the plate.

Bits and pieces

Bits & Pieces – Cicadas as an ice cream topping?

I think it’s safe to say that most places in our county have been pretty much cicada free. At least I haven’t heard many complaints. Now, Jacksonville, that’s another story.

I’m not sure why we don’t seem to have any and I’m not going to make any guesses, but I’m really glad we’re not experiencing what some communities are experiencing. 

This week I received a press release that said add cicadas to your favorite list of ice cream toppings. Excuse me! Not on my ice cream!