“PRSRT STD.” US Postage Paid No. 486 SHAW MEDIA
Single Copy Cost 50¢ Volume 148 No. 17
POSTAL PATRON LOCAL R.R. BOXHOLDER CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Taxes and trucks
Village seeks to replace 30-year-old truck By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
HENNEPIN — During the Hennepin Village Board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16, the board approved a tax levy ordinance. This levy will raise taxes 5 percent, minimum, according to village president Kevin Coleman. This will increase revenue by an estimated $4,020 over the year. It was figured by using an average value of $100,000 for the approximately 300 homes in Hennepin, which works out to an increase of roughly $15 per home, according to Coleman.
Putnam County deputy Josh Randall shared information about Henry’s electronic miles per hour sign and the benefits Hennepin could obtain by having one within the village. According to Randall, the signs not only help promote safer driving, but also track information regarding traffic patterns. Maintained by the public works department, Randall believed the signs cost between $2,000 to $4,000. The board discussed the need to replace the village’s 30-year-old International dump truck. Purchasing a used truck was discussed, but concerns were raised that doing so would result in acquiring someone else’s problem truck. It was agreed to continue to research purchasing a new
truck. “I know we brought this up last month, but suddenly the truck is a problem now; we need to be a little bit more proactive with our equipment moving forward and have a plan in place. We can’t just all of a sudden, in a budget year, say we’re going to spend $160,000 on a new truck,” said board member Quentin Buffington. “I think for four years I’ve brought up that we’ve needed a new truck. I don’t know how much more proactive I can get,” said Coleman. The board discussed altering the frequency of lawn services from Spring Green within the village parks. The board also approved a donation of $100 each to Freedom House and the Voluntary Action Center.
Santa tells all
Extension highlights The University of Illinois Extension shares focus of programs with Putnam County Board
An interview with the big guy from the North Pole
By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
HENNEPIN — The Putnam County Board meeting held Monday, Dec. 14, consisted largely of representatives from the University of Illinois Extension office sharing the focus and impact of the office’s programs. Despite the difficulties in Springfield and the inability to find a way to move the governmental process forward, the Extension programs within the local area were a success. However, Jill Guynn, county director for the local Extension office, shared concerns about the future of their own budget. “As of July, our funding has been suspended along with many others because of the state budget. We’re operating on our emergency line right now and, as everyone is, are looking forward to having the state budget resolved and being able to get back to normal operations,” said Guynn. Susan Glassman, nutrition and wellness educator, discussed the success of the series of three programs held at the Putnam County Community Center in Standard which educated residents about healthy eating. She also shared statistics about the percentages of residents who have diabetes and heart disease.
County Page 3 Vol. 148 No. 17 Two Sections - 28 Pages
© The Putnam County Record
Editor’s note: Even though Santa Claus was busy preparing for his journey on Christmas Eve to visit girls and boys throughout the world, the Jolly Old Elf Himself, took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for your hometown newspaper. The questions in bold were the ones asked by the newspaper, and Santa’s answers follow. Is there really a Santa Claus? Of course! Depending on the place or time, I may take on different appearances, but be assured that I am as real as the sun in the sky or the rain that falls from it. More important than my mortal appearance is my spirit. The spirit of Christmas and Santa should live in us all throughout the year and around the world. Though I may not be physically present, you must believe that my spirit never, ever leaves. But yes, certainly, there is a Santa Claus. Why does Santa wear red? The quick answer is visPCR photo/Becky Kramer ibility. Red is a color that Busy with his duties at the North Pole, Santa Claus paused briefly to grant an interview with your hometown
newspaper.
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