GENESEO—In his February 20 letter to the editor, Bill Preston explained his reasons for opposing a quarter percent increase in the county sales tax to fund repairs to the Henry County courthouse. Mr. Preston is sincere in his opposition, but he is in error concerning many of the facts.

CAMBRIDGE—Recently, the Henry County Board approved a referendum to be placed on the ballot for the April election. The referendum is to increase the sales tax by 1/4 of 1 percent ($.25 for every $100 spent). The revenue generated from this sales tax increase will be put in a restricted fund to pay for restoration and maintenance on the Henry County Courthouse located in Cambridge.

 

CAMBRIDGE—At the January 2009 board meeting, the Henry County Board approved a referendum to increase the sales tax by 1/4 of 1 percent to pay for the Henry County Courthouse repairs. There was only one negative vote regarding this referendum — that vote was mine.

GENESEO—The Henry County Economic Development Partnership (HCEDP) had its third quarterly mayors and village presidents’ meeting on Jan. 29 with representatives from all of the county’s communities meeting to discuss economic development strategy and common issues, needs and goals. I feel it is time to share with the public some of our progress and the information discussed.

CAMBRIDGE—Despite the cold and snow, Cambridge schools have been burning with activity! There are a number of things that have developed since the last newsletter.  

EAST MOLINE—Recently there was a rating system for nursing homes in our area. My mother was a resident at Hillcrest Home for three-and-a-half years. She passed away Dec. 19 at the age of 101.

Considering the fact that the courthouse is in need of $2.7 million in repairs, it just seems logical to use the funds from the “restricted funds” account to immediately start making necessary repairs to the courthouse rather than proceed with a parking lot project. The “restricted funds” account is designed to be used for repairs and improvements the board deems necessary.

CAMBRIDGE—I would like to wish everyone a happy holiday and a happy new year. As we enter the second half of the school year, it is a time for us all to regroup and focus on a productive second semester. 
 

BLOOMINGTON—As we at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) bring to a close our fall activity seasons and begin to embark upon our winter activities, we would like to remind everyone about the importance of sportsmanship by all who participate and/or attend interscholastic contests.

CAMBRIDGE— Once again as the holidays approach, many of us are eager to share glad tidings with the brave men and women of our military. You may receive an email asking you to send a card or perhaps even a package. While these efforts are appreciated, you should be sure to follow the following guidelines to make sure your efforts reach their intended destination: Walter Reed will not be accepting items addressed to “Any Service Member” or “Any Wounded Soldier.” These items will be returned to sender.

 

ORION—Thank you to Henry County District 1 voters! I would like to take this opportunity to thank those District 1 Henry County voters who voted for members of our Democratic team in this past election that enabled us to pick up an additional seat on the Henry County Board. 

 

LYNN CENTER—Over the past two months a series of paid political ads has regularly appeared in the local media criticizing the work of the current Henry County Board. The Henry County Republican Central Committee (HCRCC) is responsible for these paid ads.
 

CAMBRIDGE—3…..2…..1….Blastoff to the moon! We will be walking to the moon this year. We have information for the public on the school Web site and sheets to keep track of how much you have been exercising.  
 

CAMBRIDGE— Wow! The first quarter is over and we are well on our way into the second quarter. I would like to thank everyone who helps to make Cambridge Schools such a great place for kids—the Cambridge School Board, administrators, teachers, staff, and last of all, you, the parents. 

 

CAMBRIDGE—Pack the shuttle and space suits, Cambridge Elementary School is launching a mission to the moon!  Our shuttle will be powered by our two feet and the healthy foods we will eat. It is our goal for students to walk the 238,700 mile trip to the moon.