1 Front Volume 142 No. 1
Friday, December 11, 2015
Single Copy Cost 50¢
State drops ball; IVCC picks it up Student MAP grants covered by college during budget impasse By Dave Cook
dcook@tonicanews.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.
A Frank farewell Mautino leaves Illinois House, moves into 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 was 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 good-bye, penned by Mautino to thank many for their support throughout the years.
Vol. 142 No. 1 One Section - 8 Pages
© The Tonica News
Warm and damp November was a record-setter
A
s 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 legislator, I worked hard to honor their trust in me and to fulfill my duties with dignity, honesty and goodwill toward members of Frank Mautino 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 odds, and I would work out compromises that were painful but necessary for the common good. Every step of the way, I kept in mind where I came from and was always aware the decisions
IVCC Page 3
Tonica News photo/Terri Simon
Judge Eugene P. Daugherity (left) swears in former Illinois State Rep. Frank Mautino, as he takes his oath of office as Illinois Auditor General. The swearing in took place at the LaSalle County Courthouse, as a standing room only crowd watched the proceedings. Mautino will assume his new position at the first of the year. I made on the floor of the House of Representatives would impact the lives of millions of Illinois citizens — including my own children and future grandchildren. My legislative career has been focused on fiscal issues, economic development, education, labor and health care. My work with the Revenue Committee, the Appropriations Committee and the Legislative Audit Commission provided me the opportunity to develop a profound understanding of state budget management and inter-agency operations.
Working cooperatively with local elected officials and agencies, I was able to help to reopen the Vermillion River and the Sheridan Correctional Center. By working together we were able to create more opportunities for our area, including industrial parks in Ottawa, Spring Valley and Mendota. In addition, I was able to direct project funding for many road and bridge projects, sewer repair and expansion projects, and public safety initiatives. Cultivating those important bipartisan relationships has served my district well.
One of my greatest satisfactions was being able to help secure funding to build, repair and upgrade all of the schools in LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties, as well as secure supplemental funding for the IVCC Tech Center, the Student Life Center, and the Truck Driver Training Center. I’m also proud to have played an integral part in expanding the LaSalle Veterans Home, creating the Center for Independent Living, and building the Starved Rock Visitors Center.
Farewell Page 2
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois experienced its third wettest and 10th warmest November on record, according to Illinois State Climatologist Jim Angel, Illinois State Water Survey, University of Illinois. The statewide precipitation total was 5.60 inches, 2.13 inches above average and the third wettest November on record. In first place was 1985 with 9.05 inches, and in second place was 1992 with 6.51 inches. The largest reported precipitation total for November was reported in Rock Island with 8.39 inches. This was followed closely by Sparta with 8.09 inches. Precipitation includes both rainfall and the water content of snowfall. Most of the November snowfall came from a winter storm before Thanksgiving, which left a band of heavy snow stretching from the High Plains through Michigan. Typical amounts in northern Illinois for November were in the 6- to 12-inch range. The statewide average temperature was 46.0 degrees, 3.5 degrees above average and the 10th warmest November on record. The spread between the highest and lowest temperature reported for the month was 80 degrees, an impressive range.
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