By Kyle McEwen
(Editors note: This is the second in a series of articles dealing with problems facing communities outside of Warren County.)
Nearly a century after his death, the influence of Theodore Roosevelt remains alive in nearby Aledo, Illinois. At Aledo’s city council meeting last month, a project was proposed which would restore buildings of the Roosevelt Military Academy, a military school in northwest Aledo named after America’s 26th president.
The school existed within Aledo’s city limits from 1931 until 1973, enrolling 6,800 cadets from across the United States in its 42 year history. Despite its storied past, the City Council dealt with a possibly fatal future of the RMA. Representatives from the RMA’s alumni association, the Rough Riders, were on hand at the meeting with a proposal to commemorate one of Aledo’s storied landmarks. Tara Sipes, Mercer County historian and Rough Riders staff member, presented options to the council in hopes of garnering interest for the project.
“Re-use options are limitless. If people are willing to put the time, money and effort into the buildings, we could have a room or two or three dedicated to a museum for the RMA. We could have a banquet facility, meeting space, or another bed & breakfast style building. The buildings may need to be torn down; in that case it could become a park,” Sipes stated before a capacity crowd at the Aledo City Hall.
The city of Aledo was at one time home to a four-year educational institution, William & Vashti College.
By 1919 financial constraints had forced the school to shut its doors. Simultaneously, a military school in Kansas suffered a devastating fire, and sought out Aledo as a suitable destination for relocation. Thus, the Illinois Military School was established on the campus of the defunct William & Vashti College. During IMS’ first two years of existence, a large, Victorian style building was erected as a dormitory. Those who devoted funds to construction of the building ultimately lost their wealth in the Great Depression, forcing the Illinois Military School to close and file for bankruptcy. A group of administration members then pooled their funds to reopen the school as the Roosevelt Military Academy in 1931.
Many have speculated about where the Roosevelt moniker originated. “The name itself was inspired by Theodore Roosevelt and the principles and tenets with which he lived his life. The slogan of the school was ‘Builders of Men’; Teddy Roosevelt was about as manly as they come,” said Sipes. Aside from inspiration, the Roosevelts contributed physical beauty to Aledo’s landscape. Theodore’s wife Eleanor personally donated a tree from the Roosevelt estate in New York to commemorate Theodore’s 80th birthday, in 1938. The tree remains standing on the northwest part of town.
The Rough Riders Association brought to the meeting a scale model of a proposed statue which would accompany the aforementioned restorations. Standing fifteen feet tall, the proposed monument would be comprised of a black marble base, into which images of the RMA campus and one of Theodore Roosevelt’s most famous speeches, ‘The Man in the Arena’ would be engraved. The base would serve as support for a statue of Roosevelt, in full Rough Rider regalia on a bucking horse; San Juan Hill style. When asked about the state of the project going forward, Aledo mayor Bill Breeden replied, “The next thing the council will have to address will simply be the location of the statue. The rest of the project takes care of itself.”
A feasibility study will take place in the coming weeks to determine if the buildings on the RMA campus are salvageable. If not, a demolition plan will be implemented. Mayor Breeden remains optimistic about the future. “The cadets feel there should be a Rough Rider memorial somewhere in the town of Aledo, which there will be. Personally I think it’s exciting, a great project. The RMA was a big part of our history for a long time.” Breeden stated. Sipes was pleased with the reception the project received at the meeting, and had but one request. “We’re hoping to have the monument placed in a location of honor rather than tucked away in some obscure portion of the city,”
Monday, April 2, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
INFESTED TREES IN LEMONT
(editors note: This is the first in a series of reports dealing with problems facing communities outside of Warren County)
By Kelly Murphy
The village of Lemont,Illinois is a historic suburb of Chicago located on the Des Plains river.
The Lemont village board recently addressed a village ordinance which will authorize the removal of trees infested with emerald ash borer on both public and private owned property. As many as 30 to 50 trees could be removed
During the meeting, Brian Reaves, Mayor of Lemont, discussed the issue of the infestation with a local environmentalist. They addressed the concerns for the village parks but also how the Lemont residents may be affected by the removal.
Only two residents of the community attended the meeting..
Following roll call, Mayor Reaves, explained that emerald ash borer (EAB), is native beetle of Asia that feeds on the vascular tissues between the bark and sapwood on ash trees. This eating habit then interrupts the flow of nutrients and water required by the tree to survive.
Local resident, Kim Rachan, agreed with the board, that being aware of this issue is very important to address and record on the village board minutes.
“As a community member, I deserve the right to know why the village would want to cut down an infested tree that is on my private property,” Rachan said. “However, I am a little concerned with how the village will approach this situation, meaning, will I be charged a fee for the removal if a sick tree is located on my property? If so, how will I be reassured that the removal of my tree will be a way to quarrentine the virus and not just another village expense?”
Before adjourning , Mayor Reaves replied that the cost for the removal will be addressed in the next board meeting, following a private discussion with the executive board members.
Other topics that were discussed during this bi-monthly village board meeting, were voting locations for election day and the approval for two different real estate properties.
By Kelly Murphy
The village of Lemont,Illinois is a historic suburb of Chicago located on the Des Plains river.
The Lemont village board recently addressed a village ordinance which will authorize the removal of trees infested with emerald ash borer on both public and private owned property. As many as 30 to 50 trees could be removed
During the meeting, Brian Reaves, Mayor of Lemont, discussed the issue of the infestation with a local environmentalist. They addressed the concerns for the village parks but also how the Lemont residents may be affected by the removal.
Only two residents of the community attended the meeting..
Following roll call, Mayor Reaves, explained that emerald ash borer (EAB), is native beetle of Asia that feeds on the vascular tissues between the bark and sapwood on ash trees. This eating habit then interrupts the flow of nutrients and water required by the tree to survive.
Local resident, Kim Rachan, agreed with the board, that being aware of this issue is very important to address and record on the village board minutes.
“As a community member, I deserve the right to know why the village would want to cut down an infested tree that is on my private property,” Rachan said. “However, I am a little concerned with how the village will approach this situation, meaning, will I be charged a fee for the removal if a sick tree is located on my property? If so, how will I be reassured that the removal of my tree will be a way to quarrentine the virus and not just another village expense?”
Before adjourning , Mayor Reaves replied that the cost for the removal will be addressed in the next board meeting, following a private discussion with the executive board members.
Other topics that were discussed during this bi-monthly village board meeting, were voting locations for election day and the approval for two different real estate properties.
Monday, March 19, 2012
LATE START STIRS CONTROVERSY
By Eric Munoz
The Monmouth-Roseville school board has approved a controversial amendment to the school calendar that calls for a one hour late start every Wednesday. The proposition, which passed by a vote of 4-2, was brought to the board by the Goals Committee. It will allow an hour each Wednesday for “teacher collaboration”. The calendar change will take effect for a trial period, which will be the 2012-2013 school year.
The proposal was discussed for nearly an hour during Tuesday’s monthly school board meeting. A few board members were firmly against the amendment citing that “too much instructional time would be lost.” They also argued that the late start would cause problems with the bus routes, as well as with parents having to pay a day care service for the first hour. The board discussed ways they could amend the proposal, but found an early out once a week would interfere with sports practice. In the end they decided the late start was the most practical.
A few teachers from the district voiced their opinions, one saying “sometimes I never see some of my fellow colleagues during the day.” One administrator said that while collaboration does happen in the schools, during lunch and prep periods, it is normally between the same departments.
Another highlight from Tuesday’s meeting was the approval of website agreement and hosting plan. Superintendent Paul Wohelke brought the board to notice how the Monmouth-Roseville website was lacking in many ways, mainly in accessibility. The board agreed the district’s site was “far behind other schools sites”.
The FFA Alumni Association gave the board a $3,000 donation to build the new Ag room and weight room. The board also announced an architect had been approached in order to begin planning for the construction of the Ag room and weight room.
The Monmouth-Roseville school board has approved a controversial amendment to the school calendar that calls for a one hour late start every Wednesday. The proposition, which passed by a vote of 4-2, was brought to the board by the Goals Committee. It will allow an hour each Wednesday for “teacher collaboration”. The calendar change will take effect for a trial period, which will be the 2012-2013 school year.
The proposal was discussed for nearly an hour during Tuesday’s monthly school board meeting. A few board members were firmly against the amendment citing that “too much instructional time would be lost.” They also argued that the late start would cause problems with the bus routes, as well as with parents having to pay a day care service for the first hour. The board discussed ways they could amend the proposal, but found an early out once a week would interfere with sports practice. In the end they decided the late start was the most practical.
A few teachers from the district voiced their opinions, one saying “sometimes I never see some of my fellow colleagues during the day.” One administrator said that while collaboration does happen in the schools, during lunch and prep periods, it is normally between the same departments.
Another highlight from Tuesday’s meeting was the approval of website agreement and hosting plan. Superintendent Paul Wohelke brought the board to notice how the Monmouth-Roseville website was lacking in many ways, mainly in accessibility. The board agreed the district’s site was “far behind other schools sites”.
The FFA Alumni Association gave the board a $3,000 donation to build the new Ag room and weight room. The board also announced an architect had been approached in order to begin planning for the construction of the Ag room and weight room.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Senator Durbin Bashes For-Profit Colleges
By Andrew Drea -
As the election season creeps up on America, students at Monmouth College were able to hear about issues that affect them and their families from one of the people who deals with them every day, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
Durbin, the Senate’s assistant majority leader, spoke on issues that affect students and other Americans, specifically problems with financial aid and for-profit institutions.
“I think most of them [for-profit institutions] are worthless,” said Durbin, before telling the story of a 26-year old woman who obtained a degree from a for-profit institution while racking up $90,000 in debt. When it came time to find a job, the woman was told she had a “worthless diploma.”
“She made a bad decision and we let it happen,” said Durbin.
Meanwhile, student loan debt has surpassed credit card debt in the United States as grants and scholarships are cut and education costs continue to skyrocket. For example, Durbin talked about his alma mater, Georgetown University Law Center and how it costs $50,000 a year to go there for a total of $150,000 for the three years of study.
“It’s scandalous, and I’ve told them so,” he said. “When the microphones are off, administrators will say, ‘We charge it, because people will pay it.’ Their students may never be lawyers, but there’s one thing they will be, and that’s far in debt.”
Durbin also spoke about social issues that are dominating the current presidential election, specifically the controversy of Catholic and other religious organizations providing insurance that covers birth control to their employees.
“My feel is that a lot of people, particularly women voters, are standing on the sidelines saying ‘You’ve got to be crazy.’”
The senator feels that these issues are pushing voters away from the Republican Party. Simultaneously, he sees same-sex marriage as an issue that will continue to be on the forefront of modern politics but will be settled within the lifetimes of current students.
“The younger generation can’t imagine why it’s even an issue,” said Durbin. “The older generation is more skeptical. In your lifetime, it will become more common than not. We’re moving in that direction, and it’s the right thing to do. Whether it will happen at the federal level is not as certain. You have to remember there’s a Supreme Court.”
After meeting with the class, Durbin held a media gathering in the lobby of Wallace Hall with student and local media. He then had a private meeting with President Mauri Ditzler.
Born in East St. Louis, Durbin obtained his J.D. from Georgetown in 1969. After that, Durbin worked for various state officials in Springfield and unsuccessfully ran for state senate and lieutenant governor. In 1982, Durbin ran for the House of Representatives in what was then Illinois’s 20th Congressional District. He defeated incumbent Paul Findley. While serving in the house, he sponsored a number of bills, including the bill which prohibited smoking on all domestic flights. In 1996, he ran for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Paul Simon, defeating current governor Pat Quinn for the Democratic nomination. In 2005, he became the Democratic whip and in 2007, became the assistant majority leader.
As the election season creeps up on America, students at Monmouth College were able to hear about issues that affect them and their families from one of the people who deals with them every day, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
Durbin, the Senate’s assistant majority leader, spoke on issues that affect students and other Americans, specifically problems with financial aid and for-profit institutions.
“I think most of them [for-profit institutions] are worthless,” said Durbin, before telling the story of a 26-year old woman who obtained a degree from a for-profit institution while racking up $90,000 in debt. When it came time to find a job, the woman was told she had a “worthless diploma.”
“She made a bad decision and we let it happen,” said Durbin.
Meanwhile, student loan debt has surpassed credit card debt in the United States as grants and scholarships are cut and education costs continue to skyrocket. For example, Durbin talked about his alma mater, Georgetown University Law Center and how it costs $50,000 a year to go there for a total of $150,000 for the three years of study.
“It’s scandalous, and I’ve told them so,” he said. “When the microphones are off, administrators will say, ‘We charge it, because people will pay it.’ Their students may never be lawyers, but there’s one thing they will be, and that’s far in debt.”
Durbin also spoke about social issues that are dominating the current presidential election, specifically the controversy of Catholic and other religious organizations providing insurance that covers birth control to their employees.
“My feel is that a lot of people, particularly women voters, are standing on the sidelines saying ‘You’ve got to be crazy.’”
The senator feels that these issues are pushing voters away from the Republican Party. Simultaneously, he sees same-sex marriage as an issue that will continue to be on the forefront of modern politics but will be settled within the lifetimes of current students.
“The younger generation can’t imagine why it’s even an issue,” said Durbin. “The older generation is more skeptical. In your lifetime, it will become more common than not. We’re moving in that direction, and it’s the right thing to do. Whether it will happen at the federal level is not as certain. You have to remember there’s a Supreme Court.”
After meeting with the class, Durbin held a media gathering in the lobby of Wallace Hall with student and local media. He then had a private meeting with President Mauri Ditzler.
Born in East St. Louis, Durbin obtained his J.D. from Georgetown in 1969. After that, Durbin worked for various state officials in Springfield and unsuccessfully ran for state senate and lieutenant governor. In 1982, Durbin ran for the House of Representatives in what was then Illinois’s 20th Congressional District. He defeated incumbent Paul Findley. While serving in the house, he sponsored a number of bills, including the bill which prohibited smoking on all domestic flights. In 1996, he ran for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Paul Simon, defeating current governor Pat Quinn for the Democratic nomination. In 2005, he became the Democratic whip and in 2007, became the assistant majority leader.
Friday, February 24, 2012
THUNDER, LIGHTNING AND THE ECONOMY
By Michelle Hutchison
At the annual Rotary Economic Forecast meeting this week, thunder and lightning were used as metaphors for the economic conditions in our country. Ken McMillan, Professor of Political Economy and Commerce at Monmouth College, compared thunder and lightning with the economy; no one knows what could come next. So what in our economy created this weather mixture? The slow response to the recession, lasting effects from September 11, 2001, the unrest currently happening in countries such as Egypt and Iran, the Occupy Wall Street movement, and Japanese beetles were all small pieces to the puzzle that make up our current economy.
McMillan, who has spoken at this event before, also discussed how we as a country and Illinois as a state needs to learn something from Greece “Right now, we have more people in the cart than we have horses to pull” a position Greece knows all too much about.
McMillan said it is still unknown if and when we will have an upturn in our economy. However, he claimed that some numbers will probably be up before November given that we are in an election year. “Blame both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue” McMillan argued but also added that the common citizen’s limited knowledge of political workings added a “wild card” into the mix that has created our country’s current economic state. Citizens also need become aware that inflation is occurring all around us, McMillan warned to be observant the next time you walk down the aisles of County Market here in town and be conscious of the rising prices of staples such as coffee and eggs.
The Economic Forecast meetings, which have been an annual feature of the Rotary’s calendar for over 10 years now, have been organized by Rotarians Mr. Whiteman and Mr. Chapin since the meeting’s start.
About 40 Rotarians and three guests were in attendance for the meeting held at the Monmouth Country Club at noon on Monday February 20th. Rotarians congratulated Monmouth College’s win over Knox the previous weekend in athletics and recognition of the Monmouth College Courier staff for a multitude of awards they received at the Illinois Press Association convention held in Chicago. They also welcomed Jeff Whitsitt, superintended for the United School District, as a new member of Rotary.
At the annual Rotary Economic Forecast meeting this week, thunder and lightning were used as metaphors for the economic conditions in our country. Ken McMillan, Professor of Political Economy and Commerce at Monmouth College, compared thunder and lightning with the economy; no one knows what could come next. So what in our economy created this weather mixture? The slow response to the recession, lasting effects from September 11, 2001, the unrest currently happening in countries such as Egypt and Iran, the Occupy Wall Street movement, and Japanese beetles were all small pieces to the puzzle that make up our current economy.
McMillan, who has spoken at this event before, also discussed how we as a country and Illinois as a state needs to learn something from Greece “Right now, we have more people in the cart than we have horses to pull” a position Greece knows all too much about.
McMillan said it is still unknown if and when we will have an upturn in our economy. However, he claimed that some numbers will probably be up before November given that we are in an election year. “Blame both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue” McMillan argued but also added that the common citizen’s limited knowledge of political workings added a “wild card” into the mix that has created our country’s current economic state. Citizens also need become aware that inflation is occurring all around us, McMillan warned to be observant the next time you walk down the aisles of County Market here in town and be conscious of the rising prices of staples such as coffee and eggs.
The Economic Forecast meetings, which have been an annual feature of the Rotary’s calendar for over 10 years now, have been organized by Rotarians Mr. Whiteman and Mr. Chapin since the meeting’s start.
About 40 Rotarians and three guests were in attendance for the meeting held at the Monmouth Country Club at noon on Monday February 20th. Rotarians congratulated Monmouth College’s win over Knox the previous weekend in athletics and recognition of the Monmouth College Courier staff for a multitude of awards they received at the Illinois Press Association convention held in Chicago. They also welcomed Jeff Whitsitt, superintended for the United School District, as a new member of Rotary.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Bustos Campaigns in Warren County
By Ryan Bronaugh
Cheri Bustos is running for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 17th Congressional District. If she wins the primary in March - which she is expected to do - she will run against incumbent Bobby Schilling(R) in November. Bustos brought her message and campaign to Warren County last week.
The Bustos campaign started to take off last fall when she proved to be one the leading fund-raisers following second quarter campaign earning reports. In October, Rep. Mike Boland (D) dropped out of the race. In December State Rep. Dave Koehler of Peoria announced he too was dropping out. Her fourth quarter earnings came within $1,000.00 of Schilling. In an interview with WQAD, Schilling’s campaign manager, and son, Terry Schilling, appeared slightly startled by the reports when he acknowledged Bustos’ campaign momentum, but said “We are focused on our own campaign right now.”
As part of what her campaign deemed a “listening” tour, Bustos met with Henderson County Sheriff Mark Lumbeck (D), before coming to campus to do a live radio interview. She was then interviewed by the Daily Review Atlas, before she returned to the campus for a private meeting with MC President, Dr. Mauri Ditzler. Bustos also took time for one-on-one introductions with, and to deliver her campaign message to, some of the college’s faculty.
Bustos’ longtime friend and campaign advisor, Robin Johnson said, “We are still, very much, focused on the primary elections and working like we are behind.”
Craig Watson, professor of English at Monmouth College, had the opportunity to meet with Cheri Bustos and listen to her message. “She spoke well, her pitch was good and she had a good, straight, plain message for her campaign … I was impressed,” said Watson.
Cheri Bustos is running for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 17th Congressional District. If she wins the primary in March - which she is expected to do - she will run against incumbent Bobby Schilling(R) in November. Bustos brought her message and campaign to Warren County last week.
The Bustos campaign started to take off last fall when she proved to be one the leading fund-raisers following second quarter campaign earning reports. In October, Rep. Mike Boland (D) dropped out of the race. In December State Rep. Dave Koehler of Peoria announced he too was dropping out. Her fourth quarter earnings came within $1,000.00 of Schilling. In an interview with WQAD, Schilling’s campaign manager, and son, Terry Schilling, appeared slightly startled by the reports when he acknowledged Bustos’ campaign momentum, but said “We are focused on our own campaign right now.”
As part of what her campaign deemed a “listening” tour, Bustos met with Henderson County Sheriff Mark Lumbeck (D), before coming to campus to do a live radio interview. She was then interviewed by the Daily Review Atlas, before she returned to the campus for a private meeting with MC President, Dr. Mauri Ditzler. Bustos also took time for one-on-one introductions with, and to deliver her campaign message to, some of the college’s faculty.
Bustos’ longtime friend and campaign advisor, Robin Johnson said, “We are still, very much, focused on the primary elections and working like we are behind.”
Craig Watson, professor of English at Monmouth College, had the opportunity to meet with Cheri Bustos and listen to her message. “She spoke well, her pitch was good and she had a good, straight, plain message for her campaign … I was impressed,” said Watson.
Friday, January 6, 2012
NATIVITY INCIDENT NEARS CLOSURE
The Monmouth College Courier has learned that negotiations are nearing completion in the controversial case involving the removal of images of the baby Jesus and other nativity figures from the Monmouth public square last month.
A source at the State’s Attorney office has confirmed that the five Monmouth College students arrested for stealing the figures have been told that in lieu of filing criminal charges, the State’s Attorney has recommended that the students enter the County Diversion Program which involves working in community service projects for a specified period of time. If the students accept the offer, no criminal charges will be filed.
The nativity figures were removed from the town square and placed in the yard of the residence of the college president on the night of December 12th. The figures were later returned to the town square undamaged.
A source at the State’s Attorney office has confirmed that the five Monmouth College students arrested for stealing the figures have been told that in lieu of filing criminal charges, the State’s Attorney has recommended that the students enter the County Diversion Program which involves working in community service projects for a specified period of time. If the students accept the offer, no criminal charges will be filed.
The nativity figures were removed from the town square and placed in the yard of the residence of the college president on the night of December 12th. The figures were later returned to the town square undamaged.
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