LPHS to explain bond proposal this week

If you agree, disagree or are undecided about a plan to raise taxes for renovations and additions to L-P High School, let your opinion known to the decision makers this Wednesday evening and Saturday morning.

You can hear the pitch for a $67 million tax referendum, take a tour of the school and give your feedback.  The bond measure would address replacing an outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, accessibility for persons with disabilities, auditorium and stage improvements, school safety and security and construction of a Math/ Science wing.

L-P School Board President Tony Sparks says nothing is set in stone without public input.  The school board is likely to decide for sure in August if they’ll ask voters in November to say yes to raising taxes.

Times of those meetings are 6pm Wednesday and 10am Saturday.

 

Energy company plans Tuesday rally/trip

Will you take the trip to Springfield Tuesday to urge lawmakers to pass, what’s called The Next Generation Energy Plan?  Exelon is hoping you will. In their latest release, the company is rallying supporters at 8am Tuesday at 3 sites: Braidwood, Dresden and at the LaSalle County Brookfield Township facility. Buses will leave at 8:30.

Exelon believes passing the legislation by May 31 will help save the state’s at-risk nuclear plants like Clinton and the Quad Cities. If passed,  the company claims it will save and create  jobs , jumpstart solar energy and provide $1 billion dollars in low-income programs. The company claims community leaders, nuclear plant employees, business owners, environmentalists and clean energy advocates are Springfield bound Tuesday.   .

Homeless man looking for 2nd attorney

A homeless man may soon have 2 attorneys for the 2 sets of charges he now faces. Cody Smith appeared Friday before a judge because he allegedly plotted to have 3 witnesses to a sexual assault he allegedly committed killed. During the proceedings, a doctor’s evaluation was presented to the court  that said Smith was fit to be tried for his alleged sexual assault of a child.

Regarding the 3 counts of murder-for-hire, Smith’s attorney, Joe Navarro, told the judge Smith wanted to delay his arraignment by 2 weeks. This was so Smith could get separate representation on the murder-for-hire charges. If convicted, Smith is looking at possibly more than 100 years in prison which would have to be served because the nature of the crimes does not allow time off for good behavior.

 

Joplin Tornado anniversary remembered

 

Residents of Joplin, Missouri remember this day all too well. On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado tracked directly through their town killing 158 people and over 1000 were hurt. The twister became the deadliest storm in the U.S. in over 60 years and the 7^th deadliest on record.  The Weather Service says well-built homes and buildings were completely destroyed for many blocks and 15,000 vehicles were destroyed or crushed beyond recognition.

One month from now, will be the 1 year anniversary of the Woodhaven tornado – a storm the retirement community is – to this day – still cleaning up from.

 

 

 

June 3rd drawing helps Bureau County Red Cross

Do you live in Bureau County?  Would you spend $10 to help your Red Cross chapter? The $10 gives you a chance to win $500 at a drawing June 3 at the Kompany in downtown Princeton. It’s an “After Hours” get-together with appetizers, beer, wine tasting and the raffle at 6:30pm.

The Red Cross is selling only 400 tickets. If you’d like to purchase 1, call the Red Cross office at 879-2231.

6 in 10 dementia victims wander away

Do all dementia victims wander? The Alzheimers Association says 6 of 10 will.

In the disease’s early stages, the dementia victim becomes disoriented or confused. Warnings signs are returning late from an outing,  trying to fulfill past obligations,  unable to find a bathroom or bedroom or acting as if doing a chore or hobby, but getting nothing done.

To prevent wandering, it’s suggested you provide routine for the dementia person,  reassure them if they feel lost, camouflaging doors and door knobs,  providing supervision and keeping car keys out of sight,  If the loved one becomes lost, families and caregivers help themselves by keeping an emergency list of helpers, keeping a photo of the loved one,  ask neighbors to keep an eye out if the family member is alone and having the loved one wear ID jewelry.