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Area News

Arcola Kids in Development aims to increase daycare

By Dominik Stallings Arcola Kids in Development (AKID) is a new non-profit organization in Arcola. Their goal is to increase early childhood development and opportunities. Namely, increasing the number of licensed home daycares, establishing a birth-to-three program, and even a daycare and youth recreational center. The group’s executive director, Angie Gentry, said the organization is…

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Tuscola School Board- Reining in the spectators

By Dominik Stallings The Tuscola School Board discussed the first reading of the sportsmanship spectator code of conduct. If it passes next month, visitors asked to leave a sporting event may miss out on 50 percent of the rest of the season’s school events, including concerts, plays, and even graduation. Superintendent Gary Alexander said a…

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Tuscola City Council- New vehicles; change to TIF housing project

The Tuscola City Council updated its fleet of vehicles Monday with the purchase of three units. Approved was a 2024 Dodge Durango police car for $46,225 from Dan Pilson Auto Center, a 2024 Ford F350 4×4 truck for $50,027.76 from Ford of Tuscola, and a 2024 Ford F-450 4×4 truck for $53,113.76 from Ford of…

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Arthur Village Board- Ink deal with county animal control

By Ariana R. Cherry The Arthur Village Board voted to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Douglas County Animal Control at their March 18 meeting. Chief Michael Goodman stated that he had received a letter from Douglas County with the request. Arthur has been running its own animal control for some time. With the new…

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Douglas County Board- Approves new credit card policy

By Dominik Stallings The Douglas County Board approved a new credit card policy during the March 20 meeting. Fixed-term employees can apply for a credit card from their respective department heads. The five-page policy, accessible on the County’s website, details the usage of and regulations of a county-issued credit card. The cardholder must use the…

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Edwards wins coroner primary; turnout low

By Dominik Stallings According to unofficial results from Douglas County officials, only 19.6 percent of the 11,303 registered voters turned out for the March 19 primary election. County Clerk and Recorder Judi Pollock said voter turnout was very low during the March 20 County Board meeting. Other counties in Illinois are seeing similar numbers, ranging…

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Kneading the dough — Baking passion turns into a career

By Tony Hooker Growing up in Southern Illinois, some of Paige Bertrand’s fondest memories involve being in the kitchen, baking with her mother. Fast forward to today, and Paige has turned that love and passion into a career. “After many years of doing baking for fun, I decided to go to culinary school so I…

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Arcola School Board– Crowd presses Board to add soccer

By Dominik Stallings Over 20 Arcola High School students and parents attended the Wednesday, March 13, Arcola School Board meeting to show support for starting a high school soccer team. “We always wanted a team. I think all these kids here show that. I think any chance we can get, we’re all ears,” said Landen…

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Arcola City Council– No new liquor licenses at this time

By David Porter The police, ordinance and enforcement committee of the Arcola City Council decided Monday against setting rules for video gaming in the city. The reasoning was that the city already limits liquor licenses, and establishments that have gaming also must have a liquor licenses. Thus, the number of establishments for gaming is already…

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