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By JEFF LAMPEFor The Weekly PostELMWOOD – The Elmwood School Board on Monday celebrated good report cards – for its schools.The latest Illinois State Report Cards recognized Elmwood High School as exemplary, an award given to the state’s top 10% of schools. The junior high and elementary school were rated as commendable, the second-highest distinction. “We would like to recognize and celebrate the outstanding dedication of our high school staff,” Board President Jessica Reyling said. “This recognition reflects the countless hours your spend supporting students, collaborating with colleagues and fostering a learning environment where every student can thrive.” Monday’s meeting included…

By NICK VLAHOSFor The Weekly Post ALEDO – The official-misconduct case against the former Williamsfield school superintendent will continue, but not for another couple of months. Mercer County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Durbin rejected arguments from defense attorneys and ruled probable cause exists to proceed with the prosecution of Tim Farquer. The Mercer County School District superintendent is accused of accessing student health records inappropriately. “I would remind that this is a preliminary hearing, and the burden (of proof) is as low as it can go,” Durbin said Nov. 14 in court. “I will find for probable cause, and that Mr….

James Record to take reins Dec. 17 By MOLLY RICHESONFor The Weekly Post YATES CITY – Yates City will have a new chief of police effective Dec. 17. James Record will be sworn in at the Village Board meeting next month. Record was present at the Nov. 12 meeting and gave a brief introduction. Record is married with three children and a newborn grandchild. He grew up around Farmington and is currently a lead business process specialist for Caterpillar Inc. His experience includes being a full-time police officer in Farmington, a DARE officer, a service officer, chief of police in London…

District 224 EAV to increase 11.2% By CAROL TOWNSENDFor The Prairie News GALVA – The closure of one of Galva’s tax increment finance districts will result in an influx of money for the school district. The board on Monday approved a tentative Fiscal Year 2025 tax levy that shows an 11.2% increase and will trigger a Truth in Taxation hearing on Dec. 15 at 6:55 p.m. Superintendent Joe Becker said all of that increase is due to an increase in equalized assessed value of property in the school district. Most notable is an influx of $8 million in EAV due to…

By JEFF LAMPEFor The Prairie News The face of law enforcement in Stark County changed dramatically on Nov. 10. Wyoming Police Chief James Tiller announced his immediate retirement on Nov. 10 and Stark County Sheriff Steve Sloan announced his planned retirement at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Stark County Board.Tiller is moving to West Virginia and his retirement was effective last week. Wyoming is advertising for a replacement, according to Mayor Jim Mercer. “I talked to the county and we’ve got it covered three days a week and the county will cover the rest of the week until I get…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Incidents & AccidentsStark County10-19 – A 16-year-old Wyoming teen was involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident at the intersection of 600N and 200E.10-20 – Eric P. Rose, 43, Dahinda, ticketed for speeding 73 mph in a 55 zone.10-20 – A possible blackmail was reported by a Wyoming resident in the 700 block of N. Galena Ave.10-21 – Robert C. Boatman Jr., 41, Toulon, was arrested for aggravated battery to a peace officer.10-22 – Larry G. Anderson, 73, Bradford, was cited for driving without a valid registration…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.Police reports • PRINCEVILLE – At least one vehicle was burgled and stolen in a Princeville incident that remains under investigation, apparently. The incident was reported about 7 a.m. Oct. 12 in the 300 block of S. Walnut Ave., according to a Peoria County Sheriff’s Office report that was redacted almost completely. Two victims were listed, one from Laura and another from Princeville. Another apparent vehicle burglary and theft was reported about 2½ hours later along Illinois Route 8 east of Oak Hill, according to another redacated…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.Police reports• FARMINGTON – A tree-trimming dispute outside a local residence resulted in a Farmington man threatening to shoot a city worker, according to authorities.William S. Balagna, 75, received a notice to appear in Fulton County Circuit Court in Lewistown following the incident around 9 a.m. Oct. 2 in the 500 block of E. Fulton St., according to a Farmington police report.A 23-year-old city public-works employee was attempting to trim trees that were hanging over the sidewalk when Balagna told him to stop. According to the victim,…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Galva ReportOfficer dispatched:10-27 – to speak to a resident in the 300 block of NW 1st Ave. who reported their cat had ran away the previous day. The cat returned home.10-27 – After a traffic stop in the 800 block of W. Division St., Laura McNeeley, 63, Galesburg, was cited for operating a vehicle when registration suspended for mandatory insurance.10-27 – to Galva City Hall to speak to a walk-in complainant about a neighbor dispute. .10-27 – to the 100 block of NW 7th Ave. for…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Galva ReportOfficer dispatched:10-20 – to meet with a resident at the Galva Police Department to discuss a civil stalking/no-contact order.10-20 – to stop a vehicle in the 300 block of SE 2nd St. The suspect vehicle fled and disobeyed several stop signs before coming to a stop in the 400 block of SW 1st Ave. After resisting officers, the driver was taken into custody. As a result, Richard Ortiz, 30, Galva, was arrested for aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude the police, felony driving while license…