Has Bradford overpaid for police protection?

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Last Updated on Thursday, 04 April 2013 15:26

Written by John A. Ballentine

The News asked former Bradford Police Chief Dawn Dove for a statement a few weeks ago in regards to her resignation as police chief and received the following response from Ms. Dove, which explains her decision:

Mr. Ballentine,
In December of 2012, it was brought to my attention that there may be issues concerning the validity of payroll time sheets for the police department. Due to my position as Chief of Police, I understood that it was my obligation to investigate this matter. I obtained the relevant documentation in an effort to either disprove or substantiate these allegations. I personally reviewed all of the time sheet records and found numerous areas of concern.
On 01/11/13, I contacted the Village President, Adam Wilson, and requested a police committee meeting to address personnel issues with the Police Department and to forward a formal complaint requesting unbiased review.

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Heavy trash date set for Bradford

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Last Updated on Thursday, 04 April 2013 15:23

Written by John A. Ballentine

In an abbreviated April 1 monthly village board meeting, the trustees approved the heavy trash pick-up days this year for April 22-26. Contact Village Hall 309-897-2071 for items not allowed to be placed out for pick-up on those days.
Supervisor of Maintenance James Chadwick requested of the board to change the maintenance department’s work hours to 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. and includes a 20 minute paid lunch break. Presently, the department works 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a one hour lunch break. The request was granted on a one month trial basis.
The board approved a liquor license for the June 1st Rescue Squad hog roast this year to be held at the same location as last year.
Also, liquor license renewals for Casey’s, Jd’z, My Place, and Rescue Squad were discussed. President Adam Wilson, who is the liquor commissioner, requested that these establishments provide a copy of their State license and dram shop insurance policy.

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New trash hauler begins in LaFayette

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Last Updated on Thursday, 04 April 2013 15:21

Written by John A. Ballentine

Bouchez Trash Hauling, of Victoria, began April 2 in the Village of LaFayette, replacing Murphy’s for weekly trash pick-up. The decision of the village board months ago to change companies was made as a cost saving measure.
As part of the new contract with Bouchez, there will now be a free spring clean-up. The board chose May 17 as this year’s date. Check with village officials for items that cannot be accepted for pick-up.
The board will be publishing an ad for mowing bids of village property in local newspapers, soon. Specifics will be within the published ad description.
The village board members would encourage everyone registered to vote to do so this Tuesday, April 9th. There are a number of village board positions on the ballot, such as president and trustees, plus the library. 

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Chief Justice Kilbride announces appointment to fill 10th Judicial Circuit vacancy

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Last Updated on Thursday, 04 April 2013 15:20

Written by Administrator

Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride announced on Friday that the Illinois Supreme Court has appoint-ed Thomas Keith to fill a judicial vacancy for the Stark County Resident Circuit Court Judge in the 10th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Keith brings an uncommonly rich and diverse background to the judiciary. He began law school when he was in his forties. Prior to law school, he worked as a journeyman electrician and as a grain and livestock farmer on his family’s stead in Stark County. Since 1994, he has served as an assistant U.S. Attorney. Most of his service has been with the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Central District of Illinois in Peoria, but he also served in Washington, D.C. as national coordinator for cybercrime for the Department of Justice.
“Mr. Keith brings to the bench a vast wealth of experiences, not just as a lawyer, but as a farmer, an electrician and an active community volunteer,” said Chief Justice Kilbride who recommended his nomination to the Illinois Supreme Court. “He has a strong legal resume, with extensive federal trial and appellate experience.

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Bradford obtains tech items through grant

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Last Updated on Thursday, 28 March 2013 20:22

Written by Doug Hampton

During the March meeting, Bradford Superintendent Dr. Ellin Lotspeich reported to the School Board that she was able to obtain 24 more iPads, four Smart Boards and four Apple TV set ups through the No Child Left Behind Grant.  
The board recognized the eighth grade girls’ basketball team during the meeting.  They were conference champions.
 State of the District  On April 23 Lotspeich will hold a State of the District meeting in the junior high school gym.  The event will start at 6 pm and cover financial status, common core information and facility projections for the district.
Lotspeich reported that the process of putting together the district calendar for next year has been started.  She met with a teacher committee to get their input.  She also said that new volunteer guidelines have been developed for those working with students.  

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