Fall
Inside!
November 17, 2016 75¢
Est. Buchanan County Review 1892
Council hears debt update, approves well house improvements
4-H’ers recognized at awards night
By Steven C. Smith
By Christine Dale, Assistant Editor
Independence City Council met in regular session Monday night with Mayor Davis presiding and all council present. Maggie Burger, Speer Financial, updated the council on TIF obligations and projections in preparation to meet a December 2016 deadline for submission for re-imbursement. General obligation debt is an even $10,000,000. The city is at 55.91% of debt capacity. Burger explained that it is advisable to retain 20% of debt capacity for contingency reserve needs leaving the remaining capacity at $3,943,188 (24.09%). Story continues on page 4.
The annual Buchanan County 4-H Awards Night Banquet, held Nov. 12 at the Rowley Community Center, was a success. There were about 180 4-H’ers, families and volunteers present. Story continues on page 5. Pictured, above: Keeley Kehrli with Historian award. Clover Kids recognized for their project records. (Christine Dale Photos)
Supervisors review snow removal bid
Survey results announced
The Buchanan County Board of Supervisors met Nov. 7 with Don Shonka, Chairman in the Chair, and Ellen Gaffney and Gary Gissel present. The board voted to have courthouse flags at half-staff for three days to honor the police officers killed in the line of duty in Des Moines and Urbandale. Story continues on page 4.
Parking, wellness discussed at school board meeting By Christine Dale, Assistant Editor
Parking and the staff wellness program were two topics discussed at the Nov. 9 East Buchanan School Board meeting. Board member Brian Crawford stated he is frequently asked about district plans to improve parking, in addition to options to make it easier for senior citizens and those quickly dropping off or picking up kids during the school day. Story continues on page 4.
Winthrop qualifies for grant funds
Winthrop City Council met in regular session Nov. 9. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) surveys are complete and showed the percentage of persons below the low- to moderate-income figure in Winthrop is at 51.54%. This means Winthrop qualifies to submit for CDBG grant funds in the amount of $300,000 for sewer plant upgrades. The mayor and council appreciates the time residents took to respond to surveys as the information will be a valuable tool for future grants and plans. Story continues on page 25.
Celebrate Christmas at the Depot
The annual Buchanan County Tourism fundraiser, Christmas at the Depot, has been a holiday highlight for young and old for many years. This year, the event will be Saturdays (noon to 8 PM) and Sundays (noon to 5 PM) until 3 PM Sunday, Dec. 4. There will be 77 small decorated Christmas trees and specialty holiday items for bid. The highest bidder at 3 PM on Dec. 4 will receive that item. Profits go to 2017 Depot projects. Although viewing the display is free, the event is also a fundraiser for the Independence Area Food Pantry and visitors are asked to donate cash or food upon admission. Christmas at the Depot is held at the Illinois Central RR Depot, 1111 5th Ave. NE (Hwy. 150) in Independence.
Pictured, below: Larry and Janice Kaberle admire the trees. At right: THE NEWS tree includes a newspaper subscription. Below left: These beautiful items were submitted by the Independence Garden Club and Roberta Hinman and Pat Stavely. (Donna Jensen Photos)
Copyright 2016 www.thebuchanancountynews.com Follow us at: Facebook.com @TheNews-BuchananCountyReview