Single Copy Cost 50¢ Volume 148 No. 15
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Wednesday, December 9, 2015
State drops the ball; IVCC picks it up Student MAP grants covered by IVCC during budget impasse By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
OGLESBY — With Springfield politicians unable to pass a state budget, funding for many programs throughout the state has yet to be received. IVCC students relying on grants through the Monetary Award Program (MAP) in order to further their education have been among the many residents affected by the ongoing impasse. IVCC has stepped up where the state has failed, though, and has been ensuring its students can continue their work toward the future. In August, the college covered approximately $300,000 in state MAP grants for the fall semester and later announced it will also be covering them this spring. In a press release IVCC Board Chair Melissa Olivero said, “Although I am sad to see the lives and education of so many
students disrupted by the budget impasse, I am proud of the message IVCC has conveyed to our constituents in leading by example. These students have made a commitment to us and we are making a commitment to them. We will do everything in our power to help them stay in school and achieve their career dreams.” Many community colleges within Illinois are still undecided or choosing not to cover the grants in the spring because they aren’t in the financial position to do so. IVCC has stated through a press release covering the grants could cost up to $600,000. “IVCC will continue to do everything we can to keep our doors open to the students who need us most. Students choose IVCC because of its affordable tuition, quality instruction, convenience and readily available financial aid. We intend to maintain these pillars,” said Olivero.
Fran Brolley of IVCC Community Relations said covering the grants ensures approximately 300 students each semester will get the financial aid they need. “Students can enjoy the holiday season knowing their financial aid for spring is secure,” said Brolley. Student trustee Austin Burnette said in an excerpt from a letter submitted to the board, “In my discussions with student trustees across the state, I have seen much anger at the disruption in MAP grant funds. These funds are essential to countless students. At a time when nearly all public bodies of higher education remain undecided on this matter, IVCC has the opportunity to set the tone, to be a model and a leader. We have the opportunity to make a difference and stand up for our students, and I trust we will do the right thing, especially with (IVCC president) Dr. Corcoran’s initiative on this issue.” When asked if there was any concern within IVCC the
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Frustrated in Granville McCoy Street project postponed until May 1 By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
GRANVILLE — On the evening of Dec. 1, the Granville Village Board was informed by Chamlin & Associates’ Mike Richetta that the asphalt work on McCoy Street, a project approved in July and expected to take approximately three days at a cost of $39,000, would be delayed until at least May 1, 2016, because a flag man from the railroad hadn’t been scheduled. Richetta showed the board a thick stack of emails he’d amassed from the contractor and railroad since Oct. 13 in an attempt to move the job to completion before seasonal weather delayed the job until next spring. In order to do the work, a flag man from the Norfolk Southern railroad must be present. The responsibility of securing the right of way and flag man falls on the contractor, Universal Asphalt and Excavating Inc. of LaSalle. The contractor’s insurance for the work expired on Oct. 15. It was renewed on Nov. 20 and will be in effect for a year. Richetta recommended postponing the job until May 1 and informing the contractor that as of May 1, the village will begin billing working days rather than re-bidding the job to another contractor.
Granville Page 3 Vol. 148 No. 15 One Section - 16 Pages
© The Putnam County Record
PCR photo/Dave Cook
A small town Christmas Granville families were charmed this past weekend when Santa and Grace, the deer, were welcomed into the village hall for a friendly holiday visit. After excitedly sharing their Christmas lists with Santa, children were able to visit with Grace, do arts and crafts, eat cookies and get balloons.
A farewell from Frank Mautino
Leaving the Illinois House and moving into the Illinois Auditor General’s seat Editor’s note: Illinois State Rep. Frank Mautino has served the 76th District, which encompasses Bureau, Putnam, LaSalle and Livingston counties, since Oct. 21, 1991. Getting ready to step into his new position of Illinois Auditor General, Mautino’s last day on the House floor was Wednesday, Dec. 2. He will be sworn into his new office on Monday, Dec. 7, and will assume his new
responsibilities at the first of the year. Following is Mautino’s official goodbye, penned by Mautino to thank many for their support throughout the years. As I am about to begin a new phase of public service as the Auditor General of Illinois, I want to thank the people of LaSalle, Livingston, Bureau, and Putnam counties for their long-time support. As a leg-
islator, I worked hard to honor their trust in me and to fulfill my duties with dignity, honesty and goodwill toward members of both parties in both chambers and toward the citizens of my district. Over the years I have seen the economy rise and fall, then rise again. I’ve listened to the people, agencies and businesses make their cases for funding and policies that would benefit them in some way. Occasionally, the issues were at
Mautino Page 3
Frank Mautino
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