Thursday April 27, 2017 Vol. 5, No. 9 Hot news tip? Want to advertise? Call (309) 741-9790
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Tired of traffic on Route 116? Get used to it By BILL KNIGHT
FARMINGTON – If you’re commuting from Farmington to Peoria and the traffic seems to be getting heavier than usual, it’s not your imagination. It is heavier. And it probably will be until road work is completed in November. For The Weekly Post
Elmwood CUSD 322 school board members had the ceremonial groundbreaking Monday afternoon for an ongoing addition and renovation of the school. Photo by Amy Davis.
At 6 a.m. Friday, The Weekly Post observed eastbound vehicles traveling the 14.3 miles on Illinois Route 116 between Farmington and the Farmington Road “Y” with Plank Road between Hanna City and Bellevue, and counted 223 cars, trucks, buses and semi-tractor trailer rigs. Again, that was at 6 a.m. Since Friday construction hadn’t yet started that early on the Illinois De-
partment of Transportation’s project on the east side of Hanna City, the congestion probably stemmed from commuters trying to beat the stopand-go traffic resulting from flaggers and temporary lane closures. IDOT’s road work there began late last month, but in recent days workers have stepped up the pace, with heavy equipment attending to ditches, trimContinued on Page 2
MASONS BUILDING RENOVATED
Elmwood board breaks ground, OK’s contracts By BILL KNIGHT
ELMWOOD – The Board of Education on Monday stabilized the next few years by approving two bid packages for Phase II contractors, including alternate improvements; voting yes on a design process for the next expansion; and approving contracts with its teachers union and superintendent. Bids for Phase II construction recommended by River City Construction and the Board’s Building Inside Committee were unani• Local townmously approved, totaling ships are prepar- $6,018,779.20, which ining budgets for cludes a contingency fund 2017-18. of $286,608.53. This apPage 8. proach permitted substantial savings allowing the $7,010,775.29 project to plan for once-optional enhancements such as efficient LED lighting in halls and replacing classroom closet doors, according to Building Committeeman Val Ramirez. “Saving about half a million dollars lets us put those [features] back in,” Ramirez said. In related action, the Board OK’d $10,000 in For The Weekly Post
Continued on Page 9
Princeville’s Lodge #360 of the Masons held an open house Saturday to unveil their remodeled location one-half mile east of town in a former bar/restaurant. Members donated time and money to the renovation. Lodge master Dennis Stoecker said there are plans to add a larger meeting room. Photos by Collin Fairfield.
Princeville Masons move into new home By JEFF LAMPE and COLLIN FAIRFIELD
PRINCEVILLE – After eight years of renovations and meeting elsewhere, Princeville Masonic Lodge #360 A.F. and A.M. has a new home. The Princeville Masons held an open house Saturday to unveil their remodeled lodge, located at 9420 W. Route 90, just east of town. The Masons purchased the former bar/restaurant in 2009 and have spent several years donating time For The Weekly Post
and labor to restore the building that in previous incarnations has had such colorful names as The Bloody Bucket, Streetcar, The Hill, Roxy 400 Club, Hilltop Tap and DT’s. According to lodge master Dennis Stoecker, the only labor that was
paid for during the renovation was for electrical work and for the installation of carpet. “We’ve done quite a bit on it and it turned out pretty good,” Stoecker said. “Everybody seems to be happy with the meeting room.” The building also has a small kitchen (cabinets are still to go up) and handicapped-accessible bathrooms. Stoecker said the main meeting room will be available to rent for small parties. Stoecker said there are already Continued on Page 2