Thursday February 23, 2017 Vol. 4, No. 50
The Weekly Post
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Brimfield, Farmington board candidates profiled By BILL KNIGHT
In preparation for the upcoming elections, we are providing information on contested races. Here are brief candidate profiles from two of those races. BRIMFIELD Board of Education Brent Graham, 48: My wife Deb and I have lived in the District for 22 years. We have four children who’ve all attended Brimfield schools. I’ve worked at Rumbold & Kuhn for 27 years as a grain merchandiser. I’ve always been satisfied with the education my three older children received at Brimfield, but now having a child with special needs, I have a greater appreciation. I’ve witnessed the dedication that faculty and administration have in helping my son. This For The Weekly Post
prompted me to want to ensure this District provides for all of our students’ needs and to manage our resources responsibly. Dan Heinz, 42: I am seeking reelection for the Brimfield District 309 Board of Education. I believe that this is the best District, with the best staff, and the best families. It is my desire that the kids of this District are given every possible opportunity to succeed in life. I would be truly grateful to continue to serve this district. I am thankful for this opportunity and for your support. Shirley Kellstadt: I’m a lifelong resident of the Brimfield area. My late husband, four sons, six grandchildren and I all graduated from Brimfield High
School. My main considerations are an excellent education for students, spending taxpayers’ money wisely, and having the best staff available. I would like to see the public more informed about what is going on. I served on the Board for many years before [becoming] cafeteria manager for 25 years. My main concern is that children and parent know that the people in charge really care about them. Monte Kenney, 45: My wife Melissa and our three children have lived in the District for over 13 years. I’ve worked at Kress Corporation as IT Manager for 21 years [and I’m] involved in the community as director of Brimfield JFL and a board member for KHawks baseball
ANOTHER TREK FOR MR. TROUTMAN
Students aiding Troutman raise funds
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Water system draws a crowd in Farmington By BILL KNIGHT
FARMINGTON – The City Council doesn’t plan to take action on selling the city’s water system until March 20, but about 40 people on Monday crowded the Council’s chambers to ask questions about the idea. Mayor Kent Kowal shared a comparison sheet showing a revised offer from Illinois American Water and details from the other offer from Aqua Illinois and from what the City faces Inside should the Council choose • Some still to proceed as owner-operahave questions tor of the system. about Brimfield’s Illinois American, a Bol- High School. ingbrook division of Amer- Page 10. ican Water, headquartered in New Jersey, raised its offer from between $3,150,000 and $3,450,000, depending on an appraisal, to $3,750,000, depending on three independent appraisals. “Some of these figures may change depending on [Illinois American’s] exploring a water line from Peoria,” Kowal said. Both the Kankakee-based Aqua Illinois – which previously proposed a $3,750,000 purchase price – and Illinois American would hold water rates to $23.40 per month for 4,500 galFor The Weekly Post
By BILL KNIGHT
PRINCEVILLE – It takes a village to raise a child, it’s said, but last Thursday, it seemed that it may take children to help raise $200,000. Youngsters are at the core of Dean Troutman’s newest adventure, a 1,200-mile walk to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Troutman, 86, is driving a car donated by Enterprise Rental Car to visit family in Texas, from where he will start an epic journey back to Illinois on Tuesday. This will be the longest of his three fund-raising walks. In 2015, he raised tens of thousands of dollars in a 700-mile trek through southern and central Illinois for the park that bears his name, in
and Brimfield Athletic boosters. I bring a level head, open mind and a common-sense approach. I bring no hidden agenda and a willingness to listen to anyone. The Board needs to get back to the basics and make unbiased decisions and policies for the betterment of the school. Phil Molleck, 55: I’m a longtime resident of [the] District, graduate of Brimfield schools, and electrical contractor. I believe there are areas that need improvement, [such as] better communication between staff and board. Teachers and other staff should have an advocate who will listen to concerns without [the] fear of retribution. I’ve spent years on construction sites and have experience in managing budgets
For The Weekly Post
Princeville High School students are helping organize stops and raising money for Dean Troutman’s latest fund-raising walk for St. Jude’s, which will span 80 days and cover 1,200 miles. Photo by Collin Fairfield.
honor of his late wife Peggy. And in 2016, he walked 600 miles to Memphis, Tenn., where St. Jude accepted thousands of dollars he raised for the charity. “I’ve lived my life,” Troutman says, surrounded by well-wishers and hundreds of students mingling over drinks and treats. “I’ve had a little bout with cancer but nothing like these kids. They have their whole life ahead of them.” Troutman says he realized he needed help, too, and Princeville
schools responded. School staff, the tech department and about 20 students, including a foods class, the FFA and Anne Krolicki’s mass communications class, all dressed in royal blue tshirts, last week helped at an earlymorning Community Coffee and school assembly. A student band and its drums punctuated the air in Princeville’s gym, at 8:10 a.m. Before the 8:25 dismissal, students gave Troutman a Continued on Page 2
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