WIU gets boost in state funding
Western Illinois University stands to receive a boost in state funding for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
State lawmakers approved an appropriation of $52.1 million in operating funds. Western is receiving $49.6 million in the current budget year.
Governor JB Pritzker must still sign the new budget.
In a letter to the campus community, WIU President Guiyou Huang said the new budget would also re-appropriates capital development funds for the Center for Performing Arts and the Science Building –both in Macomb -- and specifies capital funding for the Quad Cities Riverfront Campus Phase 3.
Postal service tip leads to Monmouth drug arrest
Following a tip from the U.S. Postal Service about suspicious packages going to a Monmouth address, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 500 block of South Second Street.
According to the Warren County State’s Attorney office, more than five thousand grams of cannabis were found in the home.
A loaded semiautomatic weapon was also seized, with the gun later determined to be stolen.
Dwight Washington, 24, is charged with armed violence, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm while ineligible, cannabis trafficking, and possession of cannabis with intent to distribute.
Port of Burlington stage could be torn out
The outdoor stage at the Port of Burlington is in need of repair – or removal.
Officials working on other riverfront redevelopment projects assessed the condition of the stage, which is currently only used for Steamboat Days.
Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager for public works, said the concrete is cracked and a memorial plaque is damaged.
The city council is leaning toward removal, rather than repair. The estimated cost of tearing out the stage and relocating an electrical transformer is $85,000.
Then the area could be redeveloped for other uses or for more parking, MacGregor said.
Galesburg to name interim city manager
The city council will vote Monday on a recommendation for Director of Public Works Wayne Carl to become interim city manager.
Carl has worked for the city since 2001. Current city manager Todd Thompson is leaving on May 16 for a position in Rock Island.
The search for a new city manager is expected to take several months. Council will also consider a proposal from GovHR for recruitment of candidates.
The public is invited to attend a reception for Thompson at 5 p.m. May 2 in city hall.
Fort Madison looking for cleanup volunteers
The Fort Madison Beautification Foundation is looking for volunteers to make the city more presentable to residents and visitors.
That will include removing litter and debris from parks and shorelines, sweeping sidewalks, and clearing weeds.
Volunteers should report to Central Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 23.
Tri States Public Radio produced this story. TSPR relies on financial support from our readers and listeners in order to provide coverage of the issues that matter to west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri. As someone who values the content created by TSPR's news department please consider making a financial contribution.