Chief Justice Kilbride announces appointment to fill 10th Judicial Circuit vacancy

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Last Updated on Thursday, 04 April 2013 15:20

Written by Administrator

Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride announced on Friday that the Illinois Supreme Court has appoint-ed Thomas Keith to fill a judicial vacancy for the Stark County Resident Circuit Court Judge in the 10th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Keith brings an uncommonly rich and diverse background to the judiciary. He began law school when he was in his forties. Prior to law school, he worked as a journeyman electrician and as a grain and livestock farmer on his family’s stead in Stark County. Since 1994, he has served as an assistant U.S. Attorney. Most of his service has been with the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Central District of Illinois in Peoria, but he also served in Washington, D.C. as national coordinator for cybercrime for the Department of Justice.
“Mr. Keith brings to the bench a vast wealth of experiences, not just as a lawyer, but as a farmer, an electrician and an active community volunteer,” said Chief Justice Kilbride who recommended his nomination to the Illinois Supreme Court. “He has a strong legal resume, with extensive federal trial and appellate experience.

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Bradford obtains tech items through grant

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Last Updated on Thursday, 28 March 2013 20:22

Written by Doug Hampton

During the March meeting, Bradford Superintendent Dr. Ellin Lotspeich reported to the School Board that she was able to obtain 24 more iPads, four Smart Boards and four Apple TV set ups through the No Child Left Behind Grant.  
The board recognized the eighth grade girls’ basketball team during the meeting.  They were conference champions.
 State of the District  On April 23 Lotspeich will hold a State of the District meeting in the junior high school gym.  The event will start at 6 pm and cover financial status, common core information and facility projections for the district.
Lotspeich reported that the process of putting together the district calendar for next year has been started.  She met with a teacher committee to get their input.  She also said that new volunteer guidelines have been developed for those working with students.  

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Safety measures implemented at Stark Co. Schools

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Last Updated on Thursday, 28 March 2013 16:04

Written by Doug Hampton

The March Stark County School Board meeting started with a Waiver Hearing for Holidays.  The hearing was held to accept testimony regarding its intent to seek authority under the school code to hold school on certain holidays, if and when it deems appropriate.  No testimony was presented during the hearing.  Later in the meeting, the board voted to access the authority outlined in school code regarding authorization for attendance on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Casimir Pulaski Day, Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day.
 The new school board will be seated at the regular May meeting after discussion regarding the April 9 election.  Canvassing of votes from the election may not take place until 21 days after the election.

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County board will wait to make deputy hiring decision

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Last Updated on Sunday, 24 March 2013 17:20

Written by Jason Musselman

The Stark County Board will wait to make a decision on whether to fill an open full-time position in the police department,
or lessen the blow to the budget and keep the position unfilled.

In the March county board meeting last Tuesday, Sheriff Jimmie Dison said that Bob Taylor recently retired as a deputy,
leaving an open spot. Dison projects his salary budget may be $33,000 or more over with a new hire, but still $3,600 over without.

Dison was asked if he could get along without filling the position and he responded “no”, but added he would do as the board wishes. Dison states problems stem from having to cover calls for Toulon and Bradford when they don’t have town officers on duty. Because of that, Dison prefers to have two deputies on at all times, utilizing a combination of his four part-time officers and four full-time officers. 

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Clean up days scheduled in April for Wyoming

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Last Updated on Sunday, 24 March 2013 17:17

Written by Doug Hampton

The Wyoming City Council voted to move two certificates of deposit that are maturing at the State Bank of Toulon to the State Bank of Speer. The interest rates obtained by the city treasurer from area banks showed that they had the
better interest rate. 

Stark County Economic Development Partnership director Denny Rewerts reminded the council that the Morel Mushroom
Festival will be held over two days this year. He verified that Thomas Park is reserved. The second annual Fast Pitch competition will be held in April. Rewerts explained that registrants with ideas for new businesses or improving existing businesses are eligible to register for the event. A final draft of the Downtown Beautification Incentive Program was approved by the council. The program will reimburse business property owners with the TIF District one half of the cost of projects up to $3000.

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