Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years
Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years
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During a special Staunton Board of Education meeting held on Monday, March 7, Interim Superintendent Michael Kelly reported that the Illinois Association of School Boards, the firm conducting the search for a new superintendent, had sent out a survey for staff, parents and the public. It was also decided that Kelly will host an event for the public to offer suggestions on the search at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, at the unit library. The members of the school board realize that the selection of a new superintendent is probably the most...
by Kelly Costa The first reading of an ordinance updating the City of Staunton zoning map took place at the city council meeting held Monday night. The map shows the existing zoning uses, divisions, restrictions, regulations and classifications. Upon adoption of the ordinance, it will be considered the city's official zoning map and will be made part of the city's Zoning Code. The ordinance will be voted on during the next regular meeting of the city council on Monday, March 28. Other business included a letter from Vicki Renner requesting...
Congratulations to students (L to R) Alivia Taylor, Avielle Spudich, and Brookelyn Jeffreys for being awarded the Illinois Principals Association Student Recognition Award. The students are pictured with Staunton administrators Nancy Werden and Brett Allen....
The residents of Staunton have proven yet again how caring and generous they can be. In February, there were multiple special events to generate donations and/or funds for the Staunton Helping Hands Center. Donations like these help keep the shelves stocked with non-perishables, hygiene items, and fresh fruit and vegetables. A list of February donors is published on page 2 in this week's paper....
A popular science teacher at Riverton High School in Sangamon County was found unresponsive by a school official at the high school Saturday morning. David Dressel, 51, was pronounced dead at 11:05 a.m. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday, and his death is under investigation. Dressel, who taught chemistry and physics, was at the high school to supervise Saturday school. Riverton school officials commented that he was a positive presence in the high school and for the entire community. He was in his fourth year of teaching there. Dressel's...
Two students were selected by the Staunton High School staff as the students of the month for February. The students who were honored are sophomore Claire Baima (left) and freshman Gianna Bianco. Students are nominated based on criteria such as outstanding grades, good attendance, character, leadership, integrity and/or community involvement/service. Congratulations to the winners....
SHS seniors pursuing careers in either the medical or engineering fields are invited to apply for one of two possible Academic Merit Scholarships for an amount up to $3,000 but no less than $500. Seniors planning to attend an accredited technology/vocational school or program are invited to apply for the Technology Scholarship for an amount up to $1,000 but no less than $500. These annual scholarships are funded by an anonymous Staunton High School alumnus. Students should contact the high school guidance counselor for an application form....
The Land of Lincoln Honor Flights are cleared for take-off.After being grounded for two years due to COVID restrictions and related health concerns, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight (LLHF) has announced that current conditions allow them to resume flights to honor veterans. They have planned five flights for 2022 on June 14, July 19, Aug. 30, Sept. 27 and Nov. 1. The mission of Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is to show gratitude for our World War II, Korean era and Vietnam era veterans by taking them – free of charge – from Springfield to Was...
The Staunton Helping Hands Center would like to thank the donors that contributed in February: Staunton Volunteer Fire Department, Rich Fiori, Terry & Tiffany Aragon, Cash Out Gaming, Merry Callovini, Susan Miller, Kathleen Benda, Lynn Neuhaus, Norma Sherman, St. Michael's Church, Zion Lutheran Church, Concord Baptist Church (Carlinville), First United Methodist Church and Net Community Church. Memorials received: In loving memory of Donald Ivey by Patty Ondes and in loving memory of Loralee Sciranko by Russell Furniture Store. The Helping...
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits are being extended until July 31, 2022. The previous extension was set to end on March 31, 2022. As a result, expired driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits will remain valid until July 31, 2022, so customers do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities, especially during inclement weather. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits. White’s off...
Lincoln Land Association of Bird Banders is looking for new volunteers to assist with their bird banding operations. A volunteer orientation session will be offered on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Trutter Center on the Lincoln Land Community College Campus in Springfield. LLABB is a group of dedicated and licensed banders and trained volunteers who love birds and want to further the science of our native birds. While the actual banding of birds for scientific data requires a USGS...
Students from the area were named to the Blackburn College Dean's List for the fall 2021 semester. Students named to the Dean's list must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. Bunker Hill - Josephine Manar Gillespie - Mallory Beechler, Riley Sandretto, Rayanne Thompson Mt. Olive - Elizabeth Ivey, Alexander Jasper Staunton - Cody Newcomb...
Tiny seeds provide challenges for gardeners trying to evenly space lettuce, onion, carrot, and herb seeds. Pelleted seeds are coated with a biodegradable material and easier to hold and plant. The colorful coating also protects the seed, improving germination rates. Pre-treated seeds may be exposed to water, then dried before being coated which also aids in germination. Pelleted seeds are only viable for one year, says Mary Fisher, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. Illinois Extension will help gardeners understand the...
The Gillespie Public Library is hosting their annual quilt show during the month of April. The library welcomes all quilts to be displayed for viewing. Please drop off quilts during the week of March 28 to 31. Viewing will be available during the entire month of April. If you have any questions, call the library at 217-839-3614....
Bank of Hillsboro Alhambra Branch Manager Jeanne Reckman will retire after 25 years with the branch at the end of the year. Julie Jett, head teller at the Alhambra branch, has stepped up to branch manager in preparation for Reckman's retirement. "My time at the Alhambra branch has been phenomenal. I love our customers and there is no greater reward than seeing someone young and helping them to build their accounts," said Reckman. Reckman grew up in Alhambra and started at Bank of Hillsboro in...
Kassidy is the daughter of Missy Bruhn and Troy Abernathy. While in high school, Kassidy was a member of the cheer team for four years, where she was named captain her junior and senior years. She was a member of the band for all four years, serving as drum major her senior year. Kassidy's future plans include attending Illinois State University to study Psychology....
Ty is the son of Sean and Angie Abernathy. During his tenure at S.H.S, Ty participated in football for three years. He was on the honor roll for four years. His future plans are to attend Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville to study history....
Jaci is the daughter of Lewie Anderson and Kim and Nathen Barto. During her years at Staunton High School, Jaci was a member of cross country, track, and yearbook club. Her final year of high school she enjoyed participating in FFA. Over the course of high school, Jaci was on the honor roll all four years. In her spare time she enjoyed playing with her animals, hanging out with her friends and spending time with her family. Upon graduation she plans to attend a community college for her...
We know your circumstances may change after you apply – or become eligible – for benefits. If you, or a family member, receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), certain life changes could increase your benefit amount. As part of our Potential Entitlement initiative, we want to help you identify where you might qualify for a higher benefit. For example, you may be entitled to higher benefits based on your own earnings record or someone else’s record. Some of the life changes that could possibly increase your benefits inclu...
Greg is the son of Keith and Colleen Baker. He has been on the honor roll all four years of high school and earned an academic letter in his sophomore year. Greg has participated in Nerd Club all four years of high school. His favorite high school memory is when he got into the semi-finals in a Super Smash Bros. tournament at Nerd Club. The class Greg enjoyed the most was Life Skills because he enjoyed learning how to cook. Greg also ran the 5K at least three times. Outside of school, Greg enjoy...
Grace is the daughter of Jason and Melissa Bandy. While in high school, Grace was in dance all four years, being named captain her junior and senior years. She was a member of the band from fifth grade to her senior year, playing the flute. She actively participated in cheer for three years of high school, as well as her junior high years. As a freshman, she was on the soccer team, participated in the homecoming play, and also performed in the spring musical "Alice in Wonderland." Grace was a member of the color guard team her senior year,...
The Immanuel United Church of Christ in Hamel will hold their Chicken Dinner this Sunday, March 20. Serving will be from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the church located 1 1/2 miles south of Hamel at 5838 Staunton Road. The chicken dinner will be drive-thru, carry-out only, and all dinners are $11 each. The menu includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, slaw and applesauce. In addition to the dinner, they will also be selling tickets for a raffle where they will be awarding two separate prizes, a quilt and a...
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly told a state violence prevention task force last week that expressway shootings, gun trafficking, trooper staffing levels and officer wellness are some of the biggest challenges facing the agency. According to the ISP expressway shootings dashboard, in 2021 there were 310 reported expressway shootings in Illinois, 273 of which were reported in Cook County. Capitol News Illinois reported earlier this week on Kelly’s suggestions for addressing expressway shootings, including expanding an automated l...
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced last week that flashing yellow arrow traffic signals will be installed in the coming months along U.S. 67 from Illinois 140/Broadway Connector in Alton to U.S. 67 and Illinois 111/267 Lars Hoffman Crossing in Godfrey, improving safety and traffic flow along a major commercial thoroughfare. The first flashing yellow arrow signal was recently activated at the Walmart entrance on Godfrey Road and U.S. 67. Installation of all 12 planned flashing yellow arrow signals is expected to be complete in...
Persons are considered innocent until proven guilty. In criminal actions, the person has been charged by a law enforcement agency but is entitled to a hearing or trial to argue his innocence. Marriage Licenses Grace M. Garner, Mt. Olive; Rafael Ayuzo Sandoval, Mt. Olive Brian Eugene Northcutt, Jamestown, TN; Teena Kay Addison, Bunker Hill Divorces Kendra Nicole Wallace, Medora; Austin Keith Williams, Winchester Emily L. Wilson, Virden; Billie J. Wilson, Farmersville Andrew Lee DeMartini, Livingston; Reese Abigail Marshall, Gillespie Derrick...