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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
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Keeping cool in hot times Heat advisory issued for the Illinois Valley By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — Monday’s high temperatures and humidity caused a National Weather Service two-day heat advisory for the Illinois Valley.
The advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. today, Tuesday. Temperatures were to climb into the 90s with dew points in the 70s, which had meteorologists talking about heat indices of 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. With the hot, humid
weather comes the concerns of health risks for many — especially seniors citizens, young children and pets. People are reminded to stay hydrated, keep out of the heat as much as possible and check on elderly neighbors to make sure they are staying cool. Denise Ihrig, director of the Bureau County Senior Center, said the senior
center facility is a cooling center for anyone looking to get out of the weather. The center provides cool air conditioning and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday. The senior center is also loaning out extra fans to those in need. The last thing anybody wants to do in this heat is run the stove or oven. The senior center provides
lunch at noon Monday through Friday to anyone wishing to stop by. Those planning to attend are asked to call ahead the day before by 10 a.m., so that cooks have plenty of time to prepare. Many area schools announced early dismissals and canceled afterschool activities on Monday because of the high heat index.
Packed grandstand for Beach Boys, Demo Derby
School addition project 99 percent complete
By Donna Barker dbarker@bcrnews.com
Fair Page 4 Year 168 No. 102 One Section - 20 Pages
98213 00012 1 7 © Bureau County Republican
Heat Page 4
SVE prepares for grand opening
County fair deemed a success
PRINCETON — The 159th Bureau County Fair was a success, in spite of the occasional rain and the hot, humid weather. This year’s Bureau County Fair, which ended Sunday, was one of the best ever, according to Bureau County Fair Board spokesperson Tracy Brenneman. On Monday, Brenneman said attendance was very good for all the grandstand shows. Though there was the challenge of dodging downbursts of rain and battling heat indexes reaching into the 100-degree range, the only outdoor event that was cancelled, part-way through, was the horse speed show Saturday morning, he said. One of the highlights of the fair was the Thursday evening Beach Boys concert, which was packed. Sunday evening’s Demolition Derby had more than 90 entries, and the grandstands and bleachers on the infield were also packed. As far as the number of fine arts and livestock/ animal entries, some of those numbers were up, while others were down, Brenneman said. Attendance at the Sunday community morning worship service appeared down a bit, no doubt due to the hot and humid weather, he added.
Princeton Elementary District Superintendent Tim Smith said when schools were opened up in the morning, the air inside was very oppressive, and the humidity condensation on the floors, windows and railings were a big safety concern. When deciding on whether to dismiss school
By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
BCR photo/Mike Vaughn
The many faces of the Bureau County Fair Aidan Rossler (foreground) and brother Carter Rossler, both of Malden, took some time away from the rides and the animals at the 159th Bureau County Fair to have their faces painted. The fair offered events and surprises for children of all ages — from the very young to the very old. See more fair photos on Page 2.
SPRING VALLEY — Teachers, students and administration are revving up for Thursday’s grand opening of the new John F. Kennedy School addition. The school board last week discussed final touches and details for the event, which is expected to be attended by Gov. Pat. Quinn and Rep. Frank Mautino. The event will kick off at 6 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at the front doors near the entrance off Strong Avenue, following by a flag presentation by the Boy Scouts. Teachers will be giving tours of both the new addition and old portion of the school. “There are neat things to show off on both sides,” Superintendent Jim Hermes said. “We’ve done a lot of new things to the old side too. It’s going to be really nice.” Hermes confirmed the event is open to the entire community. He said this will not be a “meet the teachers” type of event, but rather a reunion to show off what they have been working on throughout the past year. The event is open to anyone wishing to attend — community members, parents, students, former and current staff, future students, etc.
SVE Page 4