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Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Riding the school bus ... Bad bus behavior discussed at PC School Board meeting By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
GRANVILLE — While stating most Putnam County students are well-mannered, Superintendent Carl Carlson discussed what he said were “pockets of bad behavior” in the district’s school buses. “After nine weeks, we should know what the rules are; we should know how to sit in our seat, be quiet and to be respectful to the bus driver ... appreciate the ride,” Carlson said of student bus behavior
during the Putnam County School Board meeting on Oct. 17. Saying he’d spoken with the bus company and viewed tapes to see examples of the behavior in question, Carlson has met with the district’s administrative team. During their monthly meeting, it was decided the district will be re-visiting the expectations of student behavior on the bus. “We’re going to address the consequences right then and not wait until this becomes more of an issue,” Carlson said. Carlson added he’s evaluating a pro-
posal from the bus company, Johannes Bus, which could possibly save the district money by changing the pre-kindergarten bus routing to be more efficient. In other board news: • During the state funding update, it was shown the district is owed a total of $214,005.04 from the state — $108,397.08 for transportation; $105,541.24 for special education and $66.72 for the Illinois Free Lunch program. The district has not yet received any funding from the state for the Early Childhood program.
“This takes us back to the typical $200,000 or more in delayed payments from the state that we’ve seen during the last few years,” Carlson said. • Carlson said he’ll soon be meeting with a representative from First Midstate to discuss the district’s options in regards to the potential bond repayment issues created by the county’s mistake of assessing the tax levy in one year rather than over five years.
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Promoting the county, and Illinois Valley
Putnam pride
IVAC presents 6-month review to Hennepin Village By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
their friends. The more we can put this in their heads, the safer we hope they are,” he said. The students were told if they were trapped and saw a firefighter to not be scared, but to call out to them loudly so they can be found.
HENNEPIN — The assets of Putnam County and the Illinois Valley have much to offer investors and both the Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois (EDNCI) and the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (IVAC) have been busy promoting them. IVAC Executive Director Joni Hunt presented a review of IVAC’s last six months to the Hennepin Village board on Oct. 19, saying, “Our No. 1 prerogative is to bring jobs to the Illinois Valley.” Describing how IVAC and the EDNCI work together, Hunt said Ivan Baker, CEO of the EDNCI, draws from the national stage, and then IVAC works to develop those prospects at the local level. Hunt also said IVAC is in the second round of talks with a heavy industrial manufacturer interested in Hennepin’s steel mill site. If chosen, it will provide the area with more than 600 jobs. The manufacturer, however, needs the option of rail transport, so Hunt said she’d been in discussions with four short-line rail companies in the hopes of being able to meet the company’s needs and successfully re-energize the long defunct site.
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Promoting Page 2
PCR photo/Dave Cook
The students of Putnam County High School are currently celebrating their Spirit Week; Monday was “Animal Day” PCHS, as pictured here. The annual Sadie Hawkins dance will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29.
Hennepin Fire Department visits PC Elementary By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
HENNEPIN — Waking to a fire in your home is one of the most Vol. 149 No. 9 One Section - 16 Pages
© The Putnam County Record
Escaping to safety frightening things which can occur; it’s unexpected, potentially deadly and disorienting, even for adults. To help children escape from this possible waking nightmare, members of the Hennepin Fire Department recently visited the Putnam County Elementary School during Fire Prevention Week.
Fire prevention officer Quentin Buffington spoke with students on Oct. 12 about the simple things they can do to be prepared and safe. Students first saw a firefighter in full protective gear and received an explanation of the various pieces of his equipment. “We teach them firefighters are
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“Experience Matters”
PC State’s Attorney
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