Posted November 5th, 2003 - View Other Stories

Staunton voters will vote now at
Crystal Ballroom
STAUNTON - By now the voters here have received their new voter registration cards. Your polling places have been changed. Everyone will now vote at the Crystal Ballroom. If you have not received a new card and are currently registered to vote, you will need to call the Macoupin County Clerk at 217-854-3214.

Staunton looking for Citizen of Year
STAUNTON- The Staunton Chamber of Commerce is still searching for the Staunton Citizen of the Year, and they need your help in finding this individual. The Staunton Chamber of Commerce is looking for individuals who make a difference and make Staunton a better place to live. They are looking for individuals that stand out, or stay behind the scene. All nominations should include the applicants name, address and phone number; as well as the reason why he/she should be Staunton's Citizen of the year. Please mail all nominations to 220 East Main Street, Staunton IL 62088 no later than Nov. 17.

VOTE Committee wants
suggestions, assistance
The VOTE (Voice Opinions on Taxes and Education) Committee is a group of residents, taxpayers, and parents that want the community's voice heard. We feel that the communities involved in the Livingston School District's dissolution/annexation should have a voice and should make the decision about where our children attend school. Our goal is to bring this issue to the voters on the March 16th ballot. Your help is greatly needed. If you would like to help or make a donation toward our "Right to Choose" effort, please contact us at: VOTE Committee, P.O. Box 371, Livingston, IL 62058. Our website address is: www.votecommittee.com. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments you may contact either Rita Zeller, Chairman, at 637-2083 or Sara Schlemer, Vice Chairman, at 637-2137. Thank you to everyone who has already given his or her time, effort, and donation to help us obtain our goal! VOTE Committee

Mt. Olive Library Grand Opening

David Thomas (President of the Library Board of Trustees) and the library staff gathers at the entrance for a photo.

A large crowd of people showed their support and pleasure of the new Mt. Olive Public Library at the Grand Opening on Sunday, November 2. The ceremony held some distinguished guests, including David Thomas (President of the Library Board of Trustees), Rev. Dan Barbey, Mayor Tom Spears, Nancy Ortciger (representing Jesse White, Secretary of State/State Librarian, State Representative Gary Hannig, Charm Ruhnke (Lewis & Clark Library System), and Janice Thimsen, Mt. Olive Librarian. The Mt. Olive Boy Scouts and V.F.W. Post 5790 Color Guard raised the flag and the Mt. Olive High School Band performed the national anthem. In January 2002, Mt. Olive Public Library was one of 26 public libraries to receive a $250,000 library construction grant. This grant was used to help finance a new 4,200 square foot public library. Fundraisers, donations,

The ribbon is cut at the Grand Opening of the new Mount Olive Public Library Sunday. State Representative Gary Hannig, a Mt. Olive High School graduate said, “This is a great day for Mt. Olive and I’m proud to be a part of it.” Mayor Tom Spears, thanked the many people who helped bring the construction of the Public Library project a reality.

volunteers and plenty of hard work were utilized to make the library a reality. Ground breaking ceremonies took place in August 2002 and then in September 2003 the move to the new library was completed. The library is an attractive building which contains a children’s collection/reading area and an adult section as well, including a very interesting history room containing old newspaper clippings and memorabilia of past events. Computers with internet access and a meeting room also are available to library patrons. The City of Mt. Olive responded in a positive way by supporting the efforts of the library, city and state government, and the library system. Their support conveys the message that information is a valuable asset.

St. Michael's Honor Roll
STAUNTON- St. Michael's School announces its Honor Roll for the first nine week period: Grade 5: Courtney Darrah, Ashley Foster, Brett Kinder Grade 6: Nicole Staub, Eldon Reid, Caroline Cavallo Grade 7: Holly Klausing and Missy Graves Grade 8: Courtney Birk, Paige Buffington, Sarah Claytor,*- Stephanie Darrah, Lizzy Fillback, Mindy Graves, Alex Johnson, Megan Lockhart, Brad Staub, Nora Walkington, Amanda Wall, Zack Wisnasky. All A's,*.

St. Paul's Lock in Dance Set
STAUNTON- A youth dance will be held Fri., Nov. 7 from 7-9:30 p.m. It will be held at St. Paul's at 225 S Laurel St. There will be a D.J. It is for Junior High Students only.

City clean up puts fresh look on community

Residents brought pick up truck loads full of unwanted materials.

LaMoine Sullivan helps keep track of the refuse.

Staunton - Homes here throughout the city are a little cleaner, thanks to the fall clean up sponsored by the City of Staunton with Enviro waste Systems. The weather was very cooperative and crews were on hand to help people as they brought their unwanted items to the City garage to “dump” the material into huge waiting “roll-offs” provided by Enviro Waste.

City employees work side by side with Enviro Waste during the clean up.

Masonic Dinner Well Attended

Sunday Dinner	Photo by Bill Napper
The Masonic turkey dinner held Sunday afternoon was a popular place to get a good meal and in the process help a local organization continue its charitable work as well.

STAUNTON - The Staunton Youth Council helped make the Masonic Dinner a success when the kids volunteered to help with the annual meal. The Staunton High School students helped in the kitchen, across the street at the VFW where carry out meals were served as well as cleaning up and setting up tables. “These kids are really doing a good job,” said one member, who went on to say that their help was very appreciated.

Local Students Selected For
IMEA District Festival

Junior high school selectees included: (in random order) Anna Jennings- 7 grade- flute, Cindy Gregory- 8 grade- flute, Katie Hitz- 8 grade- flute, Paige Buffington- 8 grade- flute, Anna Kroeger- 7 grade- trumpet, Eric Yarnick- 7 grade- trumpet, Angela Meade- 8 grade- trumpet, Ryan Pirok- 8 grade- trumpet, Benjamin Coan- 8 grade- euphonium, and Lindsay Paur- 8 grade- choir.

Ashley Braden- senior-choir, Brendan Clark- sophomore- trombone, Jayson Loots- sophomore- trombone, and Tina Napper-senior-trumpet take a moment after the IMEA concert, Saturday.

STAUNTON- Fourteen students from the Staunton area participated in the Illinois Music Educator's District IV Festival on Saturday, Nov. 1. The festival was held on the campus of Western Illinois University in Macomb and included full morning and partial afternoon of rehearsals culminating in two separate concerts in the mid to late afternoon. The students were selected to participate in this festival by process of audition. The auditions were held in Beardstown on Oct. 13. Students chosen for the district festival are seventh grade through twelfth grade and must meet strict audition criteria. Junior high school selectees included: Anna Jennings- 7th grade- flute, Cindy Gregory- 8th grade- flute, Katie Hitz- 8th grade- flute, Paige Buffington- 8th grade- flute, Anna Kroeger- 7th grade- trumpet, Eric Yarnick- 7th grade- trumpet, Angela Meade- 8th grade- trumpet, Ryan Pirok- 8th grade- trumpet, Benjamin Coan- 8th grade- euphonium, and Lindsay Paur- 8th grade- choir. High School Selectees include: Brendan Clark- sophomore- trombone, Jayson Loots- sophomore- trombone, Tina Napper- senior- trumpet, and Ashley Braden- senior-choir. School officials congratulated the students on their selection. They added that it is a tremendous honor to be a part of this festival. “Their hard work and talent is appreciated, and they will represent Staunton well at the IMEA District IV Festival.”

Hunter Safety Course

Instructor Kent Crammer talks about firearms, ammunition, safety and hunting regulations at the Hunter Safety Course held last weekend at Staunton School Library. He stressed the importance of studying and learning about gun safety to about 15 adults and 30 children/youths.