COLLEGE CALLS FOR BOYCOTT OF GOSSIP SITE
By Kerri Yost
"Boycott, boycott, boycott,” says Jacquelyn Condon, vice president for student life and dean of students at Monmouth College. Condon is referring to the gossip site collegeacb.com which is being criticized by students and faculty alike on college campuses around the country. “We are outraged about this site and are calling for a boycott of it.”
Collegeacb was created and is run by 19-year-old Peter Frank who attends Wesleyan University in Middleton, Conn. He created the site after the college gossip site Juicycampus.com shut down. Condon recommends that everyone stop visiting the site because “This guy is making money off of garbage,” and he makes money off of every visit people make.
Some actions the college is taking to deal with this problem include complaining to the FCC, senators, and congressmen. “We are deeply concerned and are filing formal complaints,” explains Condon. The College has limited options when it comes to situations like this since the site can’t just be shut down, and also because the people who are posting vicious and vile comments are anonymous.
Condon encourages anyone who has firsthand knowledge of a student being involved in inappropriate postings on this site to notify the Office of Residential Life to fill out an incident report. A hearing will be held for anyone found to be involved and Condon assures, “there will be sanctions against them for doing this.”
Brittany Forney, sophomore at Monmouth College, is hurt and disgusted by comments made about her on the website. Although she feels that the college is doing all it can, Forney is taking matters into her own hands. “My dad has gone to an attorney to see what rights I have in this situation.”
This situation comes in wake of other occurrences of cyber bullying such as that which occurred in Massachusetts causing the suicide of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince. “This isn’t a light situation,” say Forney. “People retaliate in different ways when they’re getting made fun of.”
Forney offers advice to other victims saying, “It’s hard to say don’t worry about it. You just have to know who you are.” Although Forney thinks what the perpetrators did was sad and hurtful she says, “All I would like is an apology. That’s all I care to get.”
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
LATE SPORTS SCORES
TRACK
MONMOUTH, Ill. – One of Monmouth College’s oldest outdoor track and field records fell last weekend as the Fighting Scots competed at the 25-team Washington University Invitational in St. Louis where the women placed first and the men second.
Senior Dan Higgins eclipsed the school’s javelin record – set by his coach, Roger Haynes in 1982 – with a toss of 208’7. The mark bested the previous record by nearly three feet and won the event by more than 30’. Higgins effort also automatically qualified him for the NCAA Outdoor Championships where his throw ranks as the third-best in the country. Sean Wells placed eighth in the javelin at 159’8.
Gloria Lehr picked up three firsts for the women, including a win in the javelin. Her throw of 127’2 was a personal-best and les than a foot from the provisional mark. Heather Hull and Amanda Streeter finished 6-7 with marks of 109’0 and 102’7, respectively.
SOFTBALL
March 31, 2010
Game 1
Monmouth College 16
Illinois College 0.
Game 2
Monmouth College 9
Illinois College 4
BASEBALL
March 30, 2010
Game 1
Monmouth 13 (6-11), Loras 11
March 28, 2010
Game 1
Monmouth 5, Milwaukee School of Engineering 2
Game 2
Monmouth 7 (5-11), Milwaukee School of Engineering 2
March 26, 2010
Buena Vista 10, Monmouth 6 (3-11)
The Scots couldn't overcome five errors and nine walks in a 10-6 setback to Buena Vista. BVU scored seven runs over the first three innings, but Monmouth refused to surrender, scoring a pair of runs in the fifth to go with Terry Davis' solo homer in the second to trim the deficit to 7-3. Two more runs in the eighth and one in the ninth wasn't quite enough as Robbie Hinkle was saddled with the loss. Davis led the Monmouth offense with three hits and two RBIs.
SOFTBALL
Game 1
Monmouth 8, Robert Morris 3
Game 2
Monmouth 4 (4-9), Robert Morris 3
The Scots went about the double-header sweep from opposite ends of the spectrum in a 8-3, 4-3 twinbill win over Robert Morris. Monmouth used a six-run third in the opener to support the four-hit pitching of Kelsey Williams. After Val Stier drew a leadoff walk, Courtney Bennett and Daphne Beal singled to put the wheels in motion. Four more hits in the inning, including a double by Lauren Bergstresser set up a double steal as Bergstresser raced home with the fifth run of the inning before Brittany Forney drove in Brooke Twohill with a base hit. Monmouth's big inning in the nightcap came in the bottom of the seventh. The Eagles jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first and led 3-2 in the seventh. With two out, Bergstresser reached on an error and Beal singled to center. Both advanced when the ball was mishandled, bringing Morgan Seiler to the plate with the winning run at second and two out. Seiler ended the game with a double into left center. Megan Butler got the win in relief of Charlotte Hoffmann.
MONMOUTH, Ill. – One of Monmouth College’s oldest outdoor track and field records fell last weekend as the Fighting Scots competed at the 25-team Washington University Invitational in St. Louis where the women placed first and the men second.
Senior Dan Higgins eclipsed the school’s javelin record – set by his coach, Roger Haynes in 1982 – with a toss of 208’7. The mark bested the previous record by nearly three feet and won the event by more than 30’. Higgins effort also automatically qualified him for the NCAA Outdoor Championships where his throw ranks as the third-best in the country. Sean Wells placed eighth in the javelin at 159’8.
Gloria Lehr picked up three firsts for the women, including a win in the javelin. Her throw of 127’2 was a personal-best and les than a foot from the provisional mark. Heather Hull and Amanda Streeter finished 6-7 with marks of 109’0 and 102’7, respectively.
SOFTBALL
March 31, 2010
Game 1
Monmouth College 16
Illinois College 0.
Game 2
Monmouth College 9
Illinois College 4
BASEBALL
March 30, 2010
Game 1
Monmouth 13 (6-11), Loras 11
March 28, 2010
Game 1
Monmouth 5, Milwaukee School of Engineering 2
Game 2
Monmouth 7 (5-11), Milwaukee School of Engineering 2
March 26, 2010
Buena Vista 10, Monmouth 6 (3-11)
The Scots couldn't overcome five errors and nine walks in a 10-6 setback to Buena Vista. BVU scored seven runs over the first three innings, but Monmouth refused to surrender, scoring a pair of runs in the fifth to go with Terry Davis' solo homer in the second to trim the deficit to 7-3. Two more runs in the eighth and one in the ninth wasn't quite enough as Robbie Hinkle was saddled with the loss. Davis led the Monmouth offense with three hits and two RBIs.
SOFTBALL
Game 1
Monmouth 8, Robert Morris 3
Game 2
Monmouth 4 (4-9), Robert Morris 3
The Scots went about the double-header sweep from opposite ends of the spectrum in a 8-3, 4-3 twinbill win over Robert Morris. Monmouth used a six-run third in the opener to support the four-hit pitching of Kelsey Williams. After Val Stier drew a leadoff walk, Courtney Bennett and Daphne Beal singled to put the wheels in motion. Four more hits in the inning, including a double by Lauren Bergstresser set up a double steal as Bergstresser raced home with the fifth run of the inning before Brittany Forney drove in Brooke Twohill with a base hit. Monmouth's big inning in the nightcap came in the bottom of the seventh. The Eagles jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first and led 3-2 in the seventh. With two out, Bergstresser reached on an error and Beal singled to center. Both advanced when the ball was mishandled, bringing Morgan Seiler to the plate with the winning run at second and two out. Seiler ended the game with a double into left center. Megan Butler got the win in relief of Charlotte Hoffmann.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
GUTTER GOSSIP
THE LATEST IN DIGITAL GOSSIP
By Meghan Calvagna
Whispers could be heard around Monmouth College this week regarding the new “gutter gossip” site that is capturing the attention of students at colleges across the country: collegeacb.com. The site is intended for students to write about school activities and recent events. However the site has turned into an all out bashing war. Everyone from students to teachers have been included in this electronic burn book.
Sarah Wintersteen, a junior at Monmouth College, was surprised and angry to find her name on the blog. “I think it is inappropriate. If you have something to say to someone say it to their face not online behind a computer screen.” The posting on the blog referred to her weight and other mean spirited topics. “Call me names all you want but don’t poke fun at my weight,” Sarah said. “I don’t want to eat in front of people anymore, wondering if they really think that about me.”
The official name for the site is College Anonymous Confession Board, or the ACB. The site claims that “It is quickly becoming the central hub of college campuses around the country, giving students the freedom to voice their opinions and ask questions about any facet of college life.”
One blogger described the site as “a more technological version of bathroom stalls, and the sides of bridges.”
But not everyone is using the site for negative and filthy comments. Others have risen above this, finding a sense of humor about the site.
“We are going to start creating new and better stories about ourselves,” says Melissa Krage, with chuckles and agreeing nods coming from friends around her. “I just love to hear that my life is so good that people need to write about it” commented Josh Van Swol. “I’m going to write about myself all the time.”
Whatever the reason for this site’s hate mentality, it is quite apparent that the majority of students around Monmouth College are utterly disgusted by the blog, calling it a high school approach to the latest trend in digital gossip.
XOXO
Gossip Girl
By Meghan Calvagna
Whispers could be heard around Monmouth College this week regarding the new “gutter gossip” site that is capturing the attention of students at colleges across the country: collegeacb.com. The site is intended for students to write about school activities and recent events. However the site has turned into an all out bashing war. Everyone from students to teachers have been included in this electronic burn book.
Sarah Wintersteen, a junior at Monmouth College, was surprised and angry to find her name on the blog. “I think it is inappropriate. If you have something to say to someone say it to their face not online behind a computer screen.” The posting on the blog referred to her weight and other mean spirited topics. “Call me names all you want but don’t poke fun at my weight,” Sarah said. “I don’t want to eat in front of people anymore, wondering if they really think that about me.”
The official name for the site is College Anonymous Confession Board, or the ACB. The site claims that “It is quickly becoming the central hub of college campuses around the country, giving students the freedom to voice their opinions and ask questions about any facet of college life.”
One blogger described the site as “a more technological version of bathroom stalls, and the sides of bridges.”
But not everyone is using the site for negative and filthy comments. Others have risen above this, finding a sense of humor about the site.
“We are going to start creating new and better stories about ourselves,” says Melissa Krage, with chuckles and agreeing nods coming from friends around her. “I just love to hear that my life is so good that people need to write about it” commented Josh Van Swol. “I’m going to write about myself all the time.”
Whatever the reason for this site’s hate mentality, it is quite apparent that the majority of students around Monmouth College are utterly disgusted by the blog, calling it a high school approach to the latest trend in digital gossip.
XOXO
Gossip Girl
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
ROSEVILLE SPEAKS
SIMMERING ANGER CONTINUES IN ROSEVILLE
By Ashley Lutz and Meghan Calvagna
The closing of the Roseville elementary school gets personal for most people who live there.
Sarah Johnson, who has a 6-year-old nephew who attends Roseville Elementary School, is particularly upset. Her nephew will now have to take the bus ride to a Monmouth school, which could be up to be a half hour ride. “He walks to school every day. It’s about a four minute walk. Now he has to ride the bus and he does not understand why.” The young boy is confused about why he has to go to a new school, and does not look forward to the change. Johnson says this will be a big difference in their lives. She also says that she will miss seeing the students walking to school and coming into the gas station where she works to pick up doughnuts. Johnson blames the economy for the school problems in Warren County. “If it was not for the economy right now we would not be in this situation.
“It’s a sad day in Roseville” says another resident. Jeremy Wise is the parent of a third grader in the district. He blames the school board for the situation “They made a very uneducated decision,” he declared. “They had a recommendation on Friday and a vote on Tuesday. An educated decision needs time. We didn’t get into this problem overnight and we are not getting out of it overnight.”
Another resident, who asked not to be identified said “It seemed as if there was a large vocal audience at the school board meeting giving their opinions on the closure, but the school board didn’t seem to listen. They would have been better to close the High School and leave the little kids local. The community would have taken better to that.”
The Monmouth-Roseville School Board is made up of 7 members appointed by both Monmouth and Roseville residents. Monmouth members include David Reid Clark, Mary Kelly, and Brad Larson. Roseville members are Mark Colclasure, Lynn Shimmin, and Russ Jensen.
By Ashley Lutz and Meghan Calvagna
The closing of the Roseville elementary school gets personal for most people who live there.
Sarah Johnson, who has a 6-year-old nephew who attends Roseville Elementary School, is particularly upset. Her nephew will now have to take the bus ride to a Monmouth school, which could be up to be a half hour ride. “He walks to school every day. It’s about a four minute walk. Now he has to ride the bus and he does not understand why.” The young boy is confused about why he has to go to a new school, and does not look forward to the change. Johnson says this will be a big difference in their lives. She also says that she will miss seeing the students walking to school and coming into the gas station where she works to pick up doughnuts. Johnson blames the economy for the school problems in Warren County. “If it was not for the economy right now we would not be in this situation.
“It’s a sad day in Roseville” says another resident. Jeremy Wise is the parent of a third grader in the district. He blames the school board for the situation “They made a very uneducated decision,” he declared. “They had a recommendation on Friday and a vote on Tuesday. An educated decision needs time. We didn’t get into this problem overnight and we are not getting out of it overnight.”
Another resident, who asked not to be identified said “It seemed as if there was a large vocal audience at the school board meeting giving their opinions on the closure, but the school board didn’t seem to listen. They would have been better to close the High School and leave the little kids local. The community would have taken better to that.”
The Monmouth-Roseville School Board is made up of 7 members appointed by both Monmouth and Roseville residents. Monmouth members include David Reid Clark, Mary Kelly, and Brad Larson. Roseville members are Mark Colclasure, Lynn Shimmin, and Russ Jensen.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
STUDENT ROAST BEGINS
LOCALLY BREWED JOE
By Kerri Yost
Statistics verify that Americans love and need their coffee. The United States is the leading consumer of coffee in the world. That’s why a group of students and professors at Monmouth College have been working together to create a good tasting organic coffee. Coffee beans grown in Bolivia are being shipped here monthly where they are then roasted in the Haldeman-Thiessen Science Building on campus. Roasting it locally allows for a fresher coffee that lasts longer.
Brad Sturgeon, professor of chemistry, is heading this coffee project which also includes several students as well as Professor Brian Baugh, Professor Keith Williams, and Professor Logan Mayfield. This group has conducted many experiments with the goal to create the best tasting coffee they can. They believe, along with others who have tasted it, they have achieved that.
Meaghan Gritzenbach, senior education major at Monmouth College, feels that this group’s coffee is superior to others. “This coffee has a fresher taste than others I have tried and I like that it’s made right here on campus.”
Sturgeon plans to start selling the coffee in Scots Market in the Stockdale building on the Monmouth campus as soon as the group gets approval from a health inspector for their standard operating procedures as well as for their product labeling and packaging. “If we can start selling it three weeks from today, that’d be good.” Sturgeon also plans to expand throughout campus by partnering with Aramark to sell coffee in other campus locations such as the Underground, the cafeteria, as well as the library.
Bringing the coffee to the community is another goal of the coffee project. “The business students involved will start to solicit for community businesses. We hope to go to them with samples of our coffee to get their interest in purchasing it for their business,” explains Sturgeon.
Sturgeon has plans for the future of the project as well. “In 2-3 years, I would like to take students on an alternative spring break to Bolivia to learn about coffee, free trade and the quality of the worker’s lifestyle.” Because it is a science project, he would also like to study the nature of coffee and how people choose what they do by experimenting with different types.
Although profits are expected from this project, Sturgeon explains that they‘re not in this for the money, but for the social concept. “Coffee just brings people together.”
By Kerri Yost
Statistics verify that Americans love and need their coffee. The United States is the leading consumer of coffee in the world. That’s why a group of students and professors at Monmouth College have been working together to create a good tasting organic coffee. Coffee beans grown in Bolivia are being shipped here monthly where they are then roasted in the Haldeman-Thiessen Science Building on campus. Roasting it locally allows for a fresher coffee that lasts longer.
Brad Sturgeon, professor of chemistry, is heading this coffee project which also includes several students as well as Professor Brian Baugh, Professor Keith Williams, and Professor Logan Mayfield. This group has conducted many experiments with the goal to create the best tasting coffee they can. They believe, along with others who have tasted it, they have achieved that.
Meaghan Gritzenbach, senior education major at Monmouth College, feels that this group’s coffee is superior to others. “This coffee has a fresher taste than others I have tried and I like that it’s made right here on campus.”
Sturgeon plans to start selling the coffee in Scots Market in the Stockdale building on the Monmouth campus as soon as the group gets approval from a health inspector for their standard operating procedures as well as for their product labeling and packaging. “If we can start selling it three weeks from today, that’d be good.” Sturgeon also plans to expand throughout campus by partnering with Aramark to sell coffee in other campus locations such as the Underground, the cafeteria, as well as the library.
Bringing the coffee to the community is another goal of the coffee project. “The business students involved will start to solicit for community businesses. We hope to go to them with samples of our coffee to get their interest in purchasing it for their business,” explains Sturgeon.
Sturgeon has plans for the future of the project as well. “In 2-3 years, I would like to take students on an alternative spring break to Bolivia to learn about coffee, free trade and the quality of the worker’s lifestyle.” Because it is a science project, he would also like to study the nature of coffee and how people choose what they do by experimenting with different types.
Although profits are expected from this project, Sturgeon explains that they‘re not in this for the money, but for the social concept. “Coffee just brings people together.”
Sunday, March 21, 2010
STRONG DEMAND FOR FISH DURING LENT
LENTEN DINING IN MONMOUTH
(MONMOUTH) The tradition of eating fish on Friday nights during Lent is still going strong in Warren County. A variety of restaurants continue to offer Lenten menus in the region. Although the variety is not great (it’s mostly catfish) several restaurants are known for the local dish.
The Knights of Columbus Fish Fry runs from February 19th until April 2nd, 2010 from 5:30 to 7pm. The price is $9 for adults and $6 for children. Knights of Columbus member Al McGuire of Monmouth, has been attending the Fish Fry for 19 years. "All members usually help out by serving fish in lines, it's the best fish in town."
The American Legion offers a catfish dinner for $9.25 year round on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 5pm. Norman and Wendy Pinney of Monmouth, are regular visitors of the American Legion. “We’ve been coming here for years. It’s the best catfish in town.” The Maple City Family Restaurant also runs a special year round on Walleye, Bluegill and Catfish for $7.80.
On Fridays in Roseville, the B & C Hometown Café offers a whole catfish with a salad bar and baked potato for $8.20. This dish is also run year round. In addition to the whole catfish, the B & C Hometown Café also offers a Fish Sandwich that can be ordered off the menu at anytime.
Also during Lent, each week a different church in Monmouth sponsors a worship service at the Strom Center from 7:15-7:45am on Fridays. Breakfast is offered before the service and is on a first come first serve basis
(MONMOUTH) The tradition of eating fish on Friday nights during Lent is still going strong in Warren County. A variety of restaurants continue to offer Lenten menus in the region. Although the variety is not great (it’s mostly catfish) several restaurants are known for the local dish.
The Knights of Columbus Fish Fry runs from February 19th until April 2nd, 2010 from 5:30 to 7pm. The price is $9 for adults and $6 for children. Knights of Columbus member Al McGuire of Monmouth, has been attending the Fish Fry for 19 years. "All members usually help out by serving fish in lines, it's the best fish in town."
The American Legion offers a catfish dinner for $9.25 year round on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 5pm. Norman and Wendy Pinney of Monmouth, are regular visitors of the American Legion. “We’ve been coming here for years. It’s the best catfish in town.” The Maple City Family Restaurant also runs a special year round on Walleye, Bluegill and Catfish for $7.80.
On Fridays in Roseville, the B & C Hometown Café offers a whole catfish with a salad bar and baked potato for $8.20. This dish is also run year round. In addition to the whole catfish, the B & C Hometown Café also offers a Fish Sandwich that can be ordered off the menu at anytime.
Also during Lent, each week a different church in Monmouth sponsors a worship service at the Strom Center from 7:15-7:45am on Fridays. Breakfast is offered before the service and is on a first come first serve basis
Friday, March 19, 2010
NEW YARD WASTE PICKUP APPROVED
By Michelle Nutting
(MONMOUTH) Monmouth residents will now have the benefit of a regularly scheduled yard waste pick up service. City Council passed a one-year, $12,500 contract with Maple City Recycling to provide the service.
The yard waste pickups will follow the regular trash pickup schedule. Residents are advised to place yard waste in biodegradable bags. “We support any activity that can beautify the city” said City Administrator Eric Hanson.
Other city council actions:
The city has granted the 1st Street Armoury a lease for another year. The city owns the building which is the current home of Starting Point.
The city approved an agreement with Farmland Foods for a 10 year service to provide water and wastewater services to the plant. Mayor Rod Davies said “This is important for Farmland and for the City of Monmouth.”
By Michelle Nutting
(MONMOUTH) Monmouth residents will now have the benefit of a regularly scheduled yard waste pick up service. City Council passed a one-year, $12,500 contract with Maple City Recycling to provide the service.
The yard waste pickups will follow the regular trash pickup schedule. Residents are advised to place yard waste in biodegradable bags. “We support any activity that can beautify the city” said City Administrator Eric Hanson.
Other city council actions:
The city has granted the 1st Street Armoury a lease for another year. The city owns the building which is the current home of Starting Point.
The city approved an agreement with Farmland Foods for a 10 year service to provide water and wastewater services to the plant. Mayor Rod Davies said “This is important for Farmland and for the City of Monmouth.”
Thursday, March 18, 2010
LATE BASEBALL SCORES
Monmouth 12 (2-7), Robert Morris 3
Monmouth got its home season off to a good start with a 12-3 win over Robert Morris-Springfield. Junior hurler Corey Gruber kept the Eagles in check over eight innings to notch his first collegiate win. He struck out seven and scattered six hits. Tom Shaver and Caleb Ruyle drove in Terry Davis and Chaz Baggio with the game's first runs in the second inning and the Fighting Scots never looked back. Monmouth put the game away with a six-run seventh when Davis and Ruyle drove in two runs each. Shaver finished his four-hit day with three RBIs and Ruyle knocked in four runs.
Monmouth got its home season off to a good start with a 12-3 win over Robert Morris-Springfield. Junior hurler Corey Gruber kept the Eagles in check over eight innings to notch his first collegiate win. He struck out seven and scattered six hits. Tom Shaver and Caleb Ruyle drove in Terry Davis and Chaz Baggio with the game's first runs in the second inning and the Fighting Scots never looked back. Monmouth put the game away with a six-run seventh when Davis and Ruyle drove in two runs each. Shaver finished his four-hit day with three RBIs and Ruyle knocked in four runs.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
THE POLITICS OF MAPPING VOTING DISTRICTS
A PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE
By Lucas Pauley
MONMOUTH — After three decades, many Illinois citizens are questioning the way the state's voting districts are drawn. For 30 years, the legislators of Illinois have been able to draw the district lines, but supporters for the Illinois Fair Map Amendment have suggested a system that would involve a group of non-legislators drawing the lines.
The issue affects everyone in Illinois and that is something Brad McMillan, director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Studies at Bradley University, expressed when he spoke as a guest lecturer at Monmouth College last month.“If nothing changes, politicians go into a closed room in secret and create safe Republican and Democratic districts,” McMillan said.
He also pointed out that under the current system, if legislators cannot come to an agreement on a redrawn district, then a name of one of the competing candidates is pulled out of a hat and whichever party wins gets to redraw the map.
Two local organizations have been circulating petitions in support of the Illinois Fair Map Amendment. The Warren County Republican Committee has passed around petitions and collected about 100 signatures. Warren County Republican Chairman Andrew Youngquist is one of the leaders behind the local movement. “It’s time to take the politics out of redistricting and for people to pick the politicians, not for the politicians to pick the people,” Youngquist said. With many other states moving to a system where a group of unbiased, non-legislators draw the district lines, Youngquist said Illinois can do a lot to repair its image to the rest of the United States by making a change.
“It’s just one more brick on the load. When you have a governor who is set to go on trial and a reality show, a former governor in prison, a senate seat apparently put up for sale, this is just one more opportunity to clean the stables,” Youngquist said.
The other local organization promoting the Illinois Fair Map Amendment is the Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau. Manager Carol Ricketts said they have also been circulating petitions and have some at their offices as well. “This is not a fair way for drawing the districts,” she said. “With an unbiased party, the incumbents won’t be so assured of winning.” State Rep. Rich Myers, R-Colchester, is a supporter of the Illinois Fair Map Amendment.
"I support the effort and the proposal to at least redraw the district boundaries in a method not as political," Myers said. "It's nice to see such a mix of supporters, like various league of women organizations and farm bureaus, it's very interesting."
Myers' only disappointment is that the amendment does not apply to congressional districts. While State Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, agreed reform is needed, he said the Illinois Fair Map Amendment does not address all the problems, and could possibly make things worse. Sullivan noted how the Illinois Fair Map Amendment proposes a two-thirds vote to pass their redrawn map, and that the only way this will happen is if the incumbents are safe in their own districts. "This proposal does more than the current law does to protect the incumbents," Sullivan said.
He also spoke about the 17th Congressional district and how the Illinois Fair Map Amendment does nothing to address it. "The 17th district is possibly the most gerrymandered district in the state, and maybe even the country, and the people behind the Illinois Fair Map Amendment use it as a reason for reform, but the amendment does nothing to address this, and I think that is being disengenous," Sullivan said. "People believe, and I believe, we need some sort of reform but the Fair Map Amendment does not take the politics out of the process. The amendment is touted as a bipartasism reform effort, but it is anything but that. It is a Republican drawn form."
In order to make the change, the citizens need to collect 500,000 signatures in Illinois by April 1, then the issue will go on the November ballot. If passed, the amendment applies to redistricting beginning in 2011 for the election of members of the General Assembly beginning in 2012.For more information on the citizen’s movement, visit www.ilfairmap.com.
By Lucas Pauley
MONMOUTH — After three decades, many Illinois citizens are questioning the way the state's voting districts are drawn. For 30 years, the legislators of Illinois have been able to draw the district lines, but supporters for the Illinois Fair Map Amendment have suggested a system that would involve a group of non-legislators drawing the lines.
The issue affects everyone in Illinois and that is something Brad McMillan, director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Studies at Bradley University, expressed when he spoke as a guest lecturer at Monmouth College last month.“If nothing changes, politicians go into a closed room in secret and create safe Republican and Democratic districts,” McMillan said.
He also pointed out that under the current system, if legislators cannot come to an agreement on a redrawn district, then a name of one of the competing candidates is pulled out of a hat and whichever party wins gets to redraw the map.
Two local organizations have been circulating petitions in support of the Illinois Fair Map Amendment. The Warren County Republican Committee has passed around petitions and collected about 100 signatures. Warren County Republican Chairman Andrew Youngquist is one of the leaders behind the local movement. “It’s time to take the politics out of redistricting and for people to pick the politicians, not for the politicians to pick the people,” Youngquist said. With many other states moving to a system where a group of unbiased, non-legislators draw the district lines, Youngquist said Illinois can do a lot to repair its image to the rest of the United States by making a change.
“It’s just one more brick on the load. When you have a governor who is set to go on trial and a reality show, a former governor in prison, a senate seat apparently put up for sale, this is just one more opportunity to clean the stables,” Youngquist said.
The other local organization promoting the Illinois Fair Map Amendment is the Warren-Henderson Farm Bureau. Manager Carol Ricketts said they have also been circulating petitions and have some at their offices as well. “This is not a fair way for drawing the districts,” she said. “With an unbiased party, the incumbents won’t be so assured of winning.” State Rep. Rich Myers, R-Colchester, is a supporter of the Illinois Fair Map Amendment.
"I support the effort and the proposal to at least redraw the district boundaries in a method not as political," Myers said. "It's nice to see such a mix of supporters, like various league of women organizations and farm bureaus, it's very interesting."
Myers' only disappointment is that the amendment does not apply to congressional districts. While State Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, agreed reform is needed, he said the Illinois Fair Map Amendment does not address all the problems, and could possibly make things worse. Sullivan noted how the Illinois Fair Map Amendment proposes a two-thirds vote to pass their redrawn map, and that the only way this will happen is if the incumbents are safe in their own districts. "This proposal does more than the current law does to protect the incumbents," Sullivan said.
He also spoke about the 17th Congressional district and how the Illinois Fair Map Amendment does nothing to address it. "The 17th district is possibly the most gerrymandered district in the state, and maybe even the country, and the people behind the Illinois Fair Map Amendment use it as a reason for reform, but the amendment does nothing to address this, and I think that is being disengenous," Sullivan said. "People believe, and I believe, we need some sort of reform but the Fair Map Amendment does not take the politics out of the process. The amendment is touted as a bipartasism reform effort, but it is anything but that. It is a Republican drawn form."
In order to make the change, the citizens need to collect 500,000 signatures in Illinois by April 1, then the issue will go on the November ballot. If passed, the amendment applies to redistricting beginning in 2011 for the election of members of the General Assembly beginning in 2012.For more information on the citizen’s movement, visit www.ilfairmap.com.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
WASTEWATER AND MORE
NEW EFFLUENCE IS CLOSE AT HAND
By Maureen Soso
(MONMOUTH) Monmouth‘s wastewater treatment plant is bringing a change that most residents will never see. Construction on the city’s new economically efficient wastewater treatment plant is coming to an end this month, leaving behind very little evidence of the previous 100 year old decaying system. Thanks to a State Assistance Grant awarded through the EPA, the waste in Monmouth will soon be taking a different route.
After new regulations passed by the EPA made the previous wastewater treatment plant out of date, reconstruction finally became necessary in 2006. “We had to decide how to invest the money,” says Public Works Director, Andy Jackson. The city faced two options: retrofit the current plant or create an entirely new plant. The city chose the later. The ground breaking took place in October of 2008 and has been underway since.
The EPA has set a completion date for the plant’s construction, but can the city meet the March 27th deadline? Bill Hart, the plant superintendent, gives reaching the deadline an 80-90% chance if the weather holds out. “This 40 degree weather is helping us out, getting all the ice melted out of the pipes,” says Hart. Failure to meet completion by the EPA’s deadline could result in a fine for the new plant, Hart says, “If we’re not done by the end of the month we’ve got to write the EPA and plead our case” Receiving a 90 day extension won’t be anything new; the city received one last December from conflicts due to weather.
Once the plant is completed, the changes for the people of Monmouth won’t be something they can taste or see. According to Jackson, the drinking water will look and taste exactly the same as it does now. The new wastewater treatment plant is located a mile and half out of town, out of sight for most residents.
By Maureen Soso
(MONMOUTH) Monmouth‘s wastewater treatment plant is bringing a change that most residents will never see. Construction on the city’s new economically efficient wastewater treatment plant is coming to an end this month, leaving behind very little evidence of the previous 100 year old decaying system. Thanks to a State Assistance Grant awarded through the EPA, the waste in Monmouth will soon be taking a different route.
After new regulations passed by the EPA made the previous wastewater treatment plant out of date, reconstruction finally became necessary in 2006. “We had to decide how to invest the money,” says Public Works Director, Andy Jackson. The city faced two options: retrofit the current plant or create an entirely new plant. The city chose the later. The ground breaking took place in October of 2008 and has been underway since.
The EPA has set a completion date for the plant’s construction, but can the city meet the March 27th deadline? Bill Hart, the plant superintendent, gives reaching the deadline an 80-90% chance if the weather holds out. “This 40 degree weather is helping us out, getting all the ice melted out of the pipes,” says Hart. Failure to meet completion by the EPA’s deadline could result in a fine for the new plant, Hart says, “If we’re not done by the end of the month we’ve got to write the EPA and plead our case” Receiving a 90 day extension won’t be anything new; the city received one last December from conflicts due to weather.
Once the plant is completed, the changes for the people of Monmouth won’t be something they can taste or see. According to Jackson, the drinking water will look and taste exactly the same as it does now. The new wastewater treatment plant is located a mile and half out of town, out of sight for most residents.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
NO COMMON GROUND
MONMOUTH AND ROSEVILLE AT ODDS OVER SCHOOL CUTS
By: Emily Friedrich
(Monmouth, Ill.) You could cut the tension with a knife at last night’s public forum, as the community pressed the Monmouth-Roseville School Board for answers surrounding the district’s budget deficit.
Parents, residents and students in the packed auditorium voiced their disappointment and frustration in the situation. Board member Mary Kelly explained, “Nothings in stone right now, so don’t assume we’ve made a decision.”
But the atmosphere quickly turned sour as many Monmouth and Roseville residents found themselves in disagreement over a proposal to close Willits and Roseville Elementary Schools. Roseville mother Lori Metcalf said, “Our kids are going to get lost. If that does happen we will pull our children out of the district and put them in a private school. We don’t want our kids falling through the cracks.”
Superintendent Paul Woehlke reassured the crowd that no foreclosures are definite until the amount of state aide cuts become available.
Deficit Reduction Committee Chairperson Tim Tibbetts, questioned the school board’s opinion on the possibility of pursuing consolidation with nearby United School District in the future. Half of the board said they would be willing to talk with United School District and believe consolidation is the right direction for surrounding communities.
Area resident Chris Fleming moved to the district six years ago from Indiana where he said many regional school districts have consolidated. “We came from a district that was a county wide school, very successful. Yes, there’s added busing, but the kids education was better.”
Added busing evoked more reaction from Roseville residents. Among the most outspoken was High School senior Kelsey Ault. “That’s all that we’ve got going for us. It was the only solid thing. Well, we’ve seen just about everything else go out of Roseville, we don’t want to see something else leave.”
Lincoln Elementary school counselor Ginger Murray tried to put the situation in perspective for both communities. “Our kids all come together in Junior High and High School. We all benefit from success from all the schools. When you live in a small rural district, you live in a bubble. You live in a very wonderful community, but I also know change is hard, but keep in mind everyone is invested in our kid’s future.”
Woehlke expressed his gratitude for public input and all perspectives will be rightfully considered, but ultimately the Board has to, “Act on the best information we have available.” Board member Lynn Shimmin strongly advised the community to contact local legislators. Another parent agreed, “You need to get a hold of legislators and let them know you’re not happy with the way our children are being funded.”
Loud cheers and applause followed after Shimmin said, “If they’re going to cut anything, let’s not let it be education.”
Woehlke will make his final recommendation to the school board at a meeting on Friday. Before the meeting concluded, every board member thanked the crowed for its participation. "I don't care what anybody says, we have a good district," said board member Brad Larson.
By: Emily Friedrich
(Monmouth, Ill.) You could cut the tension with a knife at last night’s public forum, as the community pressed the Monmouth-Roseville School Board for answers surrounding the district’s budget deficit.
Parents, residents and students in the packed auditorium voiced their disappointment and frustration in the situation. Board member Mary Kelly explained, “Nothings in stone right now, so don’t assume we’ve made a decision.”
But the atmosphere quickly turned sour as many Monmouth and Roseville residents found themselves in disagreement over a proposal to close Willits and Roseville Elementary Schools. Roseville mother Lori Metcalf said, “Our kids are going to get lost. If that does happen we will pull our children out of the district and put them in a private school. We don’t want our kids falling through the cracks.”
Superintendent Paul Woehlke reassured the crowd that no foreclosures are definite until the amount of state aide cuts become available.
Deficit Reduction Committee Chairperson Tim Tibbetts, questioned the school board’s opinion on the possibility of pursuing consolidation with nearby United School District in the future. Half of the board said they would be willing to talk with United School District and believe consolidation is the right direction for surrounding communities.
Area resident Chris Fleming moved to the district six years ago from Indiana where he said many regional school districts have consolidated. “We came from a district that was a county wide school, very successful. Yes, there’s added busing, but the kids education was better.”
Added busing evoked more reaction from Roseville residents. Among the most outspoken was High School senior Kelsey Ault. “That’s all that we’ve got going for us. It was the only solid thing. Well, we’ve seen just about everything else go out of Roseville, we don’t want to see something else leave.”
Lincoln Elementary school counselor Ginger Murray tried to put the situation in perspective for both communities. “Our kids all come together in Junior High and High School. We all benefit from success from all the schools. When you live in a small rural district, you live in a bubble. You live in a very wonderful community, but I also know change is hard, but keep in mind everyone is invested in our kid’s future.”
Woehlke expressed his gratitude for public input and all perspectives will be rightfully considered, but ultimately the Board has to, “Act on the best information we have available.” Board member Lynn Shimmin strongly advised the community to contact local legislators. Another parent agreed, “You need to get a hold of legislators and let them know you’re not happy with the way our children are being funded.”
Loud cheers and applause followed after Shimmin said, “If they’re going to cut anything, let’s not let it be education.”
Woehlke will make his final recommendation to the school board at a meeting on Friday. Before the meeting concluded, every board member thanked the crowed for its participation. "I don't care what anybody says, we have a good district," said board member Brad Larson.
FACING DEPRESSION HEAD ON
By: Cassie Hart
Twelve million people worldwide suffer from depression according to the World Health Organization. This is one of the reasons that depression, addiction, self injury and suicide are the topics that a group calling itself To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) addresses.
The group visited Monmouth College campus recently. This is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.
TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.
Jamie Tworkowsi, founder of TWLOHA, proclaims that, “this was an evening where we got to talk about things that people tend not to talk about. We get to touch depression, addiction, self injury and suicide.” TWLOHA began as a simple attempt to tell the story of a friend in need of treatment, and soon became an internet phenomenon and global movement. ”More than anything we try to point to hope, to help and to the need of community. So, I think that if we could say any one thing to people it is hope that they are not alone.” This is the idea that he is spreading around the world.
Tworkowski talked to MC students and members of the community telling his journey of where he is today, and what we can do as individuals to help. The biggest challenge that he gave to the audience was “the more we talk about these problems, the more people we can reach.”
This organization has helped over 150 thousand individuals in 100 different countries. One member of the audience, Cody Rodgers, MC sophomore declared that this was an important evening for herbecause he learned “if you truly want to help it’s not always about helping them face to face but it is about helping them in other ways.”
By: Cassie Hart
Twelve million people worldwide suffer from depression according to the World Health Organization. This is one of the reasons that depression, addiction, self injury and suicide are the topics that a group calling itself To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) addresses.
The group visited Monmouth College campus recently. This is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.
TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.
Jamie Tworkowsi, founder of TWLOHA, proclaims that, “this was an evening where we got to talk about things that people tend not to talk about. We get to touch depression, addiction, self injury and suicide.” TWLOHA began as a simple attempt to tell the story of a friend in need of treatment, and soon became an internet phenomenon and global movement. ”More than anything we try to point to hope, to help and to the need of community. So, I think that if we could say any one thing to people it is hope that they are not alone.” This is the idea that he is spreading around the world.
Tworkowski talked to MC students and members of the community telling his journey of where he is today, and what we can do as individuals to help. The biggest challenge that he gave to the audience was “the more we talk about these problems, the more people we can reach.”
This organization has helped over 150 thousand individuals in 100 different countries. One member of the audience, Cody Rodgers, MC sophomore declared that this was an important evening for herbecause he learned “if you truly want to help it’s not always about helping them face to face but it is about helping them in other ways.”
TAX INCREASE PASSES WITH A WHISPER
By Ashley Lutz
(MONMOUTH) The City Council voted unanimously this week in favor of raising the sales tax by one percent without questions or debate.
The vote was actually on two ordinances combined into one. In addition to the sales tax, the Council voted to eliminate the vehicle sticker tax. City manager, Eric Hanson, told the Warren County Newswire that the bill will take affect in either July or January. Once this is finalized, residents will not have to buy vehicle stickers, including students at Monmouth College.
A majority of the public appeared to be in favor of the bill. There seemed to be little controversy surrounding the ordinance, and fewer than a half dozen people attended the city council meeting. According to an online poll conducted by the Review Atlas, sixty six percent approve of eliminating the city sticker. Matt Hutton Editor of the Atlas believes, “The majority of the public agree with the Council action. The school districts might be the only ones against it because the schools are likely to ask for a county wide sales increase.
The meeting also had a representative from Ameren Illinois Utilities who informed the council that residents now are able to pick and choose what electric company provides their electricity. The quick overview of the service included looking at the different companies and comparing them. He encouraged everyone to find more information on the subject by visiting illinoispowerswitch.com.
By Ashley Lutz
(MONMOUTH) The City Council voted unanimously this week in favor of raising the sales tax by one percent without questions or debate.
The vote was actually on two ordinances combined into one. In addition to the sales tax, the Council voted to eliminate the vehicle sticker tax. City manager, Eric Hanson, told the Warren County Newswire that the bill will take affect in either July or January. Once this is finalized, residents will not have to buy vehicle stickers, including students at Monmouth College.
A majority of the public appeared to be in favor of the bill. There seemed to be little controversy surrounding the ordinance, and fewer than a half dozen people attended the city council meeting. According to an online poll conducted by the Review Atlas, sixty six percent approve of eliminating the city sticker. Matt Hutton Editor of the Atlas believes, “The majority of the public agree with the Council action. The school districts might be the only ones against it because the schools are likely to ask for a county wide sales increase.
The meeting also had a representative from Ameren Illinois Utilities who informed the council that residents now are able to pick and choose what electric company provides their electricity. The quick overview of the service included looking at the different companies and comparing them. He encouraged everyone to find more information on the subject by visiting illinoispowerswitch.com.
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