B.U.G (Bring Up Grades) is a Tuscola Kiwanis program that gives students attending East Prairie School a goal of improving their grades. East Prairie School and the Tuscola Kiwanis Club work together to support this program. The following students are being recognized as B.U.G. winners for improving their grades from the 1st nine-week grading period…
By Tony Hooker Tax Increment Financing, better known as TIF districts, have been helping communities create economic growth for many years. The city of Villa Grove recently renewed its commitment to this development tool, and Moran Economic Development was there to assist. I recently caught up with two of Moran’s associates, Emily Calderon and Jake…
By Gabriella Agius The Camargo Township District Library utilized money donated in Memoriam of Dr. Bill Jones to fund a Charlie Cart: a food education program for kids. When Dr. Bill Jones passed away, his family chose to donate a large amount of his memorial fund to the Camargo Township District Library. Dr. Jones served…
By Dominik Stallings Tuscola has several economic developments in sight for 2023, including new construction, remodeling of older buildings and possible road projects. City Administrator Drew Hoel said the city and the Council are working on several projects. The public works building will receive an addition which includes an improved firing range for the police…
By Dominik Stallings Tuscola received a $74,900 bid for the demolition of the “Castle Mall” property. The low bid came from Ezell Excavation, which operates in Villa Grove. Before any demotion work can begin, the title transfer from the previous owners, Daniel and Sara Escalera must come through. City Administrator Drew Hoel recommended that the…
By David Porter The Tuscola School Board set a special meeting for 6 p.m. Feb. 13 to vote on whether to proceed with video boards costing about $400,000 or a scoreboard only for the football field at a cost of $67,000 plus installation. Wade Wilcox has led a Board effort to secure sponsorships for the…
By Dominik Stallings Villa Grove schools needs approximately $1.2 million to fully fund window replacements for the school and the gym. Currently, the school has $540,000 available in funds from ESSER money, which is federal money that enables schools to provide safe school operations and academic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The exact scope for…
By Doris Elmore The Village of Atwood has had two tragedies of young people recently, Karen Fennessy on December 23, 2022 and Eian Urban on January 20, 2023. The loss of these residents, one 20 years old and one 19, is upsetting to everyone. Whether you knew them or not, it is difficult to…
By Tony Hooker For 2002 Villa Grove High School graduate David Piercy, it’s been a circuitous route to success in his hometown. From working on job sites with his dad, Duane, to starting his own company in Colorado before moving it back home, the trek hasn’t always been an easy one. I recently caught up…
By Dominik Stallings Mary Ann Elder didn’t think she was going to work as a full-time paraprofessional when she received her associate’s degree in photography, or even when she became a mother. Her passion for education and helping others lead her to become a paraprofessional. After 22 years of working in the field, 17 of…