Thursday May 25, 2017 Vol. 5, No. 13
The Weekly Post
Hot news tip? Want to advertise? Call (309) 741-9790
****************ECRWSS*****
PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Elmwood, Illinois Permit No. 13
FREE!
Carrier Route Presort RURAL BOXHOLDER LOCAL P.O. BOXHOLDER
“We Cover The News of West-Central Illinois With A Passion” Serving the fine communities of Brimfield, Dahinda, Douglas, Duncan, Edwards, Elmore, Elmwood, Farmington, Kickapoo, Laura, Monica, Oak Hill, Princeville, Williamsfield and Yates City
Compliments of Our Fine Advertisers!
Newspapers’ message to Springfield: Unacceptable
That sad state of affairs in Illinois politics prompted the editorial board at the Springfield State Journal-Register to print the following editorial seeking action. We have joined more than 65 other Illinois newspapers in printing similar editorials. uuu Unacceptable. That one word perfectly sums up the pain, dysfunction and instability Capitol politicians have inflicted on Illinois by their failure to provide a permanent balanced state budget for two years. As the state’s credit ratings have been repeatedly downgraded, as residents sought greener pastures elsewhere, as
community colleges and universities have been gutted, as businesses closed up shop and as social service agencies turned away the most vulnerable residents … elected officials have failed to do their job and show political courage to make the necessary painful decisions. Who they blame is determined by whether a D or R follows their name. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner is to blame. No, it’s Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. Don’t forget the decades of politicians who made terrible financial decisions based on what would get them re-elected, not what was fiscally prudent.
Cell tower plan nixed for school
The finger-pointing has gone on for far too long. The state’s fiscal problems have created a crisis throughout Illinois – except in the state Capitol. Maybe the dome deflects the misery that permeates the rest of Illinois. But it can no longer shield elected officials from accepting the blame each member of the House and Senate, and the governor, bears for the atrocious state of the state. The stack of unpaid bills tops $14 billion. The 2016 fiscal year ended last June with a budgetary deficit of $9.6 billion; we shudder to think of what it will be at the end of next month. The five state-
funded pension systems are short about $130 billion. Each new financial report paints an even bleaker picture. Every sign of progress has been marred by partisan politics. A budget was approved Tuesday by the Senate – with no Republican support. Even if the House concurs, Rauner likely will veto a measure only supported by Democrats. A bipartisan compromise is needed. The lack of a budget has not directly inconvenienced most residents, so it has been easy to ignore. But the impasse affects us all. In order for the state to pay off unpaid bills, shore up the pension systems and eliminate its deficit, it would Continued on Page 2
Princeville eyes sewer overhaul
1955 BEL AIR
By TERRY TOWERY
By BILL KNIGHT
BRIMFIELD – A proposal by U.S. Cellular to place a 250-feettall cell tower near Brimfield High School on school property has been withdrawn, the Brimfield School Board heard Wednesday. Julie Shebek of American Land Acquisition on behalf of U. S. Cellular informed Brimfield Superintendent Robert Richardson recently that the tower likely cannot be constructed on school property due to potential complex zoning issues. The Village Board had heard Shebek’s proposal at its regular meeting earlier this month and while not voting on the issue, indicated that current village zoning ordinances would have to be changed to accommodate the tower. No structure taller than the 175-feet-tall water tower is al-
PRINCEVILLE – The Village may have to replace a major part of its sewer system, after hearing from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, according to Village President Jeff Troutman. Public Works SuInside perinten• Disease-resistant, dent Chad Knock Out Gardner at roses the Village make life Board’s easier for rose growers. May 16 Page 13 meeting reported that the IEPA is asking Princeville to conduct a feasibility study on the sewer system in the next few months, but there’s no exact timetable, Troutman said. “IEPA’s been easy to work with,” Troutman said. “They just
For The Weekly Post
Continued on Page 8
For The Weekly Post
Jerry Huffman poses with the 1955 Chevy Bel Air he restored – one of several older vehicles he has brought back to life. Photo by Bill Knight.
Collector reminisces about cars By BILL KNIGHT
FARMINGTON – Asked how he came to collect vintage Chevrolets, Jerry Huffman smiles and shrugs and says, “I don’t know. It kinda gets in your blood, I guess.” Looking over Chevelles, a Camaro, Chevy II SuperFor The Weekly Post
sport and more, a visitor thinks Huffman’s heart must pump oil and gas as much as blood. Huffman, 79, adds that one of his Supersports “isn’t done. I’m waiting for the rest of it.” But a fine, two-door hardtop 1955 Chevy Bel Air
looks like it’s ready to cruise Fort Street on some sultry summer night. Showing off his cars like they’re his kids, Huffman flashes a little pride in his handiwork – and the skills he built up over the decades. “I’ve been collecting cars Continued on Page 8
Continued on Page 7