Staunton Chamber of Commerce
Patrick Heise chosen as Citizen of the Year
By Bill Napper

Freddy Brauer, chairman of Citizen of the year award, presents Patrick Heise with
the award with Chamber President Ray Duda.
STAUNTON - This year the Chamber of Commerce members here had a real challenge on their hands. “We had eight nominations for “Citizen of the Year,” said Chairman Freddy Brauer,” and each of those nominees were very qualified to be the Citizen of the Year,” he said. In the end, however only one person could be chosen. The members chose Patrick Heise, administrator at Community memorial Hospital. The announcement was made at the Chamber’s Christmas Party held at the Staunton Country Club. “It was a privilege to be honored.,” said Heise Brauer read from the nominating letter which noted that as CMH’s administrator, Heise had touched not only members of this community, but also those living around Staunton. “In these times when many small hospitals are having a difficult time staying open, CMH is prospering and offering more services than ever,” said Brauer.

Christmas Wishes

Children eagerly climbed up on Santa’s lap to tell him what they’d like to have for Christmas. The Chamber of Commerce held its “Snack with Santa” at the Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton on Saturday this year. The church was packed with children.

Snack with Santa - The Staunton Chamber of Commerce held its annual “Snack with Santa” event at the Zion Lutheran Church this year. It was a tremendous success. Hundreds of children streamed into the gym to talk with Santa and his helpers. They also played games, sang with a karoke machine, and had their photos e-mailed via a crew from Madison telephone Company.

Staunton City Council increases city taxes
By Emily Brackman
STAUNTON- The Staunton City Council met Monday evening at the public works building, first discussing items involving the Pearl Street Watermain Extension project. At the previous meeting, the council discussed the possibility of extending the watermain at Pearl street to the Garde property, and from the Garde property to Sky Hill Road. EMC manager Don Henderson recently spoke with Juneau representatives to get an estimate on the cost. The first phase of the project (from Pearl to Garde property) would be an estimated total of $4,000 and the second phase (from Garde property to Sky Hill) is estimated at $15,000. With the absence of utility committee chairman Bart Yakos, the council agreed to review the project at a utility committee meeting which will take place on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the public works building. In the street committee report, the council agreed to pay the invoice to McDonough-Whitlow for $1,135.39. The amount was due to the company for re-bidding the culvert project. In the public grounds report, the council agreed to award the termite treatment bid to Fair Deal. The council agreed on a ten year plan, costing $6,650 with a monthly checkup. In the judiciary committee report, chairman Reva Bowen held the second reading of ordinance 1227, the 2003-04 tax levy. The first reading of ordinance 1228 for the annexation of 511 S. Fairbanks was also held. In unfinished business, the council was reminded that the next city council meeting will take place on January 12 at 7 p.m. in the public works building. In new business, the council approved the schedule for 2004 city council meetings. There was no executive session, and the council adjourned at 7:13 p.m.

Illinois State Scholars Announced at
Staunton High School

The Staunton High School Class of 2004's award winners are: Fletcher Werner, (back row lt. to rt) Lukas Pirok, Kyle Carpenter, Christina Napper, (front lt. to rt) Antonino Cavataio, Ryan Ruschhaupt, and Zachary Bianco.

STAUNTON - The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has announced the names of this year's students honored as Illinois State Scholars. The Staunton High School Class of 2004's award winners are: Zachary Bianco, Kyle Carpenter, Antonino Cavataio, Christina Napper, Lukas Pirok, Ryan Ruschhaupt and Fletcher Werner. The State Scholar program recognizes Illinois high school students for outstanding academic achievement. The Commission is pleased to announce that seven Staunton High School seniors have been named Illinois State Scholars. "These students should be extremely proud of their accomplishments. The commission congratulates them and wishes them the best in their future endeavors," proclaimed Larry Matejka, ISAC's Executive Director. Students ranking in the top ten percent of the state's 136,198 high school graduating seniors have been named State Scholars. Rankings are based on a combination of ACT and/or SAT I test score results and class rank at the end of the junior year of high school unless the students achieved a score at or above the 95 percentile for Illinois students on one of the standardized tests. While the program does not provide a monetary award, the designation as a State Scholar can be listed on applications for college admission and scholarships.

Staunton Girls Play Tough

Annie Wieseman throws the ball inbounds during Staunton/Marquette Basketball Game on Saturday.
STAUNTON- Ashly Ries and Mallory Nathan tied for top scorers at 12 points each in Saturday night’s Varsity basketball game against Alton Marquette High School. The game was a rough one and the Bulldogs fought hard, but could not come up with the win. During the final four minutes, Marquette slowed the game down and stalled, thwarting Staunton’s effort for a comeback. The final score was 38 to 51, a loss for Staunton. The Junior Varsity also lost against Marquette with a score of 25 to 42. One girl on the Marquette team was a very talented shooter, making five 3-pointers during the game. Michele Kuba was lead scorer for the Bulldogs. The girl’s next home games will be on Thursday, December 11 against Litchfield and Monday, December 15 against Pana.

Christmas Tree

Jo Baracani buys a Christmas tree for her kitchen from Stacy Mayfield at Mayfield Brothers in Staunton. Baracani says the tree will be decorated with Christmas ornaments and cookies through the holiday season.

NEWS ROUNDUP

Live Nativity Scene Set at Zion Lutheran
STAUNTON - Drive or walk by the Zion Lutheran Church here to take part in the live nativity scenes Dec 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Listen to the carolers. Be sure to take a few moments to view the candle lighted church and reflect on the Christmas spirit.

Choir presenting Christmas musical in Alhambra
ALHAMBRA- The Choir from the Alhambra First Baptist Church will be presenting the Christmas Musical entitled "Come, Let Us Worship The King" arranged and orchestrated by Russell Mauldin, and created by Sue C. Smith and Russell Mauldin on Sun. evening, Dec. 14, beginning at 7 p.m. Pre-Concert music from 6:30-7 p.m. will be provided by the Highland St. Paul Brass Choir. "Come, Let Us Worship The King" is a reminder that long ago a King made His journey from heaven to earth. The Christmas carols that we sing remind us that although the world found it hard to imagine, the Savior, the Messiah, Christ the Lord came just as the Father had promised He would. The program combines several new songs with some traditional Christmas classics including "Joy To The World", "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", "Hallelujah Chorus" and others, as well as the traditional choir candlelight processional, to make this Christmas music experience both wonderful and unforgettable. There will be a time of informal fellowship following the musical.

New Addition at Country Treasures
MT. OLIVE- Country Treasures, at 112 East Main here is adding a new addition to the store, The Bead Shop Stop. Holiday hours are Fri. evenings from 6-8 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sun. from 1-4 p.m.