CORDOVA—Last week, Illinois heard a tale with a locally familiar ring. Governor Pat Quinn has given out more raises to members of his staff than he has staff members. He did this while the chasm in Illinois’ budget gaped to $13 billion, our unfunded pension liability ballooned past the $60 billion mark, and our worst-in-the-nation bond rating slid into a slot between Iceland and Iraq.
QUAD CITIES—Did you know, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, if you add up the number of unpaid hours of care provided by every friend or family member to a senior loved one in the state of Illinois, the cost equals $5,057,840,312 per year?
ORION—A teacher from C.R. Hanna Elementary School asks school board members to check in with reassigned teachers and find out how things are going this fall.
CAMBRIDGE—In the Henry County primary election, three candidates ran to be the Republican party candidate for sheriff. It was a very hotly contested race with all candidates campaigning hard to win the election.
ORION—I had known Dick Stiles for over 38 years and he had been a very special friend of mine for over 36 of them. We started playing on an adult soccer league when we were both just in middle school.
ANDOVER—A big contrats to the many people who brought to fruition the wonderful 175th Andover celebration. The mayor, the village board members, the Tourism Committee and the many, many invested citizens did a wonderful job of planning and then working to make the weekend the great event it was in our small village.
ORION—We are submitting this letter to the Orion school district community to ask that you support at important program at C.R. Hanna Elementary School. This letter concerns the impact of the cuts made to the physical education department at C.R. Hanna.
CAMBRIDGE—Great news! Most exciting goings-on at the final board meeting before the fair. Harness racing will be held as planned on Thursday afternoon, June 24. Last-minute developments have made it possible to continue as usual. A big thanks to Rick for all his extra negotiations with the state, and to the Northern Colt Association for their tireless efforts to make this happen. Hooray!
CAMBRIDGE—We are now down to the wire and everything is fitting together for a super-fun-filled week from Tuesday, June 22, through Sunday, June 27, of Henry County Fair activities.
CAMBRIDGE—I’m so busy, no time to stay put. Only two weeks until fair week. Where did time go? Heard the other day that the editor of the Chronicle, Mindy, is bringing her three “mousers” to the fair! That’s not “fair.” Just a little reminder from us little guys … no pets on the fairgounds. Thanks, I feel better already! I think Mindy is teasing me. Thanks to Jean and Denny Downing, Karen Hutchinson and Danielle Brown for the props and help decorating the old art hall for the Barn Dance for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. It’s going to be a “barn buster.”
ORION—I know when cuts are coming everyone is going to stand up for what they believe is the best sport/activity/club. No one wants to see the cuts made to anything, and we all want to hold onto all of our favorite activities. But journalism—the printing of the school paper and yearbook
—cannot be lost.
ORION—This past Sunday, many deserving students celebrated the culmination of years of hard work by participating in Orion High School's commencement ceremony. One young lady, however, was not permitted to participate because of an oversight on the part of the school system. The young lady I refer to is Lauren Shook of Osco.
CAMBRIDGE—Only a few weeks until the fair. Entries close at 5 p.m. Monday, June 7. Antiques will be exhibited in the Art Hall. The entries list was mistakenly left out of the fairbook so it is on the Web site. Or call superintendents Cheryl at 507-1464 or Terry at 945-8362. Susan Wells, Battle of the Bands organizer, needs more bands. Work days to help paint the inside of the old art hall for bingo and the barn dances will begin this weekend. Bring a paint brush.
CAMBRIDGE— Got a letter from Arizona and they want to send a donation, so here’s the scoop. Donations may be sent to the Henry County Fair Association, P.O. Box 105, Cambridge IL 61238. Our web-site is www.henrycountyfairillinois.com. Getting some requests for Battle of the Bands. If interested call Susan Wells at (217) 502-2409. I’m gettin’ real good at those drums so watch out—I’ve already entered.
CAMBRIDGE—The Art-Exhibition Hall has plenty of extra room for lots of new people to show their talents and a great chance to win money at the 2010 Henry County Fair. If you enter just one item you can receive a discounted exhibitors ticket and that gets you into the fair all week.
ORION—Participation in band and choir provide a basis for lifelong learning and enjoyment. Many of our students have gone on to participate in music in college and beyond. We have a number of OHS graduates who have professional music careers or have gone on to teach music at different levels.
CAMBRIDGE—This year’s election for sheriff is one of the most important races on the ballot. We the voters have the opportunity to vote and change the failed policies and management within the Sheriff’s Office. Three months have passed since the primary election, narrowing our choices for Henry County Sheriff.
ORION—As if the budget woes weren’t enough for Orion schools, the district is also faced with a superintendent who shows no respect for or comprehension of the profession. David Deets is paraphrased in the Orion Gazette (16 April 2010, p.1) as saying “he was not sure he would recommend young people go into education.”
ORION—Students learn cooperation, respect for others, and the value of hard work and practice while participating in band and choir. Band and choir are also an important component of building school spirit and pride in our school.
ORION—While we realize that district budget cuts and program changes are necessary at this time, we urge the school board and administration to carefully consider the impact of significant reductions in the fine arts programs.
