GREENE PRAIRIE PRESS
75¢
-81( – Vol. 151, No. 26 – &DUUROOWRQ ,OOLQRLV
INSIDE NEWS
Parade recognizes those important figures in life. See page A9
LOCALS
McCaherty and Craigmiles engaged. See page A3
SCHOOL North Greene receives CARES money. See page A4
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Some area fireworks still a go for launch By JARAD JARMON Greene Prairie Press It appears many of the major summertime events people look forward to each year are getting canceled one by one because of COVID-19, or more specifically, COVID-19 related guidelines. One area though that has been less impacted by this virus is that of the Fourth of July festivities — namely the fireworks. Certainly, some area fireworks celebrations have been canceled. The firework shows and associated events in Greenfield, White Hall, Fieldon, Alton, Godfrey and Brighton are among others that will not be happening this year. But, others are still a-go for launch, such as the that of the Grafton and Jerseyville fireworks. In Grafton, Mayor Rick Eberlin has been adamant the fireworks will happen July 2.
“I have been receiving a lot of light up with fireworks at dusk, July inquires in regard to fireworks,� Rick 2. This year, the roughly half-an-hour Eberlin said. “We still plan on going worth of fireworks will be launched west of the ball diamond near canal forward with July 2.� Eberlin believes the guidelines can street. The mayor noted there is plenty of space still be adhered around the to without hav- “I think this town needs area to accoming to cancel the modate those event, pointing it. I think that the region coming to see to years past. the fireworks. Oftentimes, he needs it, and I don’t see Eberlin said said, people are anything that would stop you will be watching from able to see the their cars or the us from going forward.� fireworks from beds of their various spots trucks. Rick Eberlin in town. This “I don’t see Grafton Mayor will be the first a real issue year fireworks with this, so we are going forward,� Eberlin said. “I will be greeted by one of the largest think this town needs it. I think that American Flags on the Mississippi the region needs it, and I don’t see River. anything that would stop us from going Just two days later, another fireforward.� works display will be put on, this time The Grafton Riverfront sky will in Jerseyville.
The Jerseyville Parks and Recreation Department made the announcement that there would be fireworks, as is the case annually, at the Jersey County Fairgrounds on the north end of the city. More specifically, the fireworks will launch at dark on the Fourth of July near the American Legion at 300 Veterans Memorial Parkway. In accordance with the current State of Illinois guidelines, the parks and recreation department is recommending all social distancing and wearing of masks be observed based on the current parameters as of July 4. The department also recommends families remain either in their car or truck bed, or sit in chairs immediately around their vehicle when watching the fireworks display to ensure social distancing guidelines are met. “We are happy to be offering fireworks amid current events, and hope everyone enjoys the display,� department officials stated on social media.
Carrollton replaces main line into high school building By CARMEN ENSINGER Greene Prairie Press
I
ts hard to believe with all the upgrades that have been done over the past couple years at Carrollton High School that there was still a wire over 70-years-old in the building. The issue was addressed in a recent school board meeting. “Originally, there were copper lines encased in lead that were coming into the building,� Carrollton Superintendent Mark Halwachs said. “They don’t do lines like that anymore, and about seven years ago, one of them caught fire. They changed that out, but for some reason they never did get to the second one.� Last summer when the building was being air conditioned, the old wiring was noticed, but for some reason it was not replaced. Therefore, the line was changed out over the break. The CARES Act was also addressed. Carrollton will be receiving approximately $104,000 from the CARES
Act, better known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which was passed by Congress back in March. Halwachs said the Carrollton district plans on using some of this money to pay for transportation costs for delivering meals the last two months of school plus buy cleaning supplies as well as purchase more Chromebooks – enough to enable each students in the school to have their own Chromebook. Halwachs said he hopes the year will start out normally. “I am hoping we are back to school full-time in August, but we are still waiting on guidance from the state,� he said. “Our students and staff need to be back in the classroom.� The school board approved Monday night for coaches and athletes to begin strength and cardiovascular training. “All of the training will be done outside on the football field and in the parking lot with social distancing maintained during the training,� Halwachs said. “I do not want the kids or the coaches in the building yet.�
Carmen Ensinger/Greene Prairie Press
Humbled and grateful Linda Pohlman holds a sign that says it all – humbled and grateful – during the parade at the White Hall Nursing and Rehab Center. The parade was held in conjunction with Father’s Day with dozens of vehicles decorated with well wishes to the residents. More photos from the parade can be found on A9.
North Greene amends budget
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Submitted photo
Sweets, treats and produce, oh my! These three young ladies provided some sweet treats at the White Hall Farmer’s Market last Thursday. They sold out long before the Farmer’s Market was over. Left to right: Maice Clanton, Lana Schutz and Bridget Schutz.
By CARMEN ENSINGER Greene Prairie Press According to North Greene Superintendent Mark Scott, the budget amendment being made in the district is not a pleasant picture, but not that bad, all things considered. The matter was addressed in a recent board meeting. “I think, like everybody said, we would like to just move on,� Scott said. “The budget is not gloom and doom, but it’s not crimson and clover either.� The problem stems from the fact that the state is behind on the mandated categoricals. “We were supposed to get four payments in transportation, and so far they have only made three,� Scott said. “That fourth payment will not come in before July 1, which is the beginning of the next fiscal year.� Scott said the state is also behind on special education-mandated categoricals. “Some of that money will eventually come,� Scott said. “Next year, we might get two of the four payments. The comptroller releases it. They can say it’s a flat rate, but it’s not.� One piece of good news for the district is that the district saw a decrease in its health insurance premiums through Prairie State Insurance Cooperative. On the other hand, however, the district saw a 26 percent increase in workman’s compensation premiums. Scott said all districts are taking a hit on workman’s comp premiums. The district is getting ready to move into Stage 2 of strength training. During Stage 1, all exercise and strength training is being done outside. Speed and agility training is being done (See, BUDGET, A2)