What could $2,500 do to help rural communities in Illinois? Whether it will support a local agricultural youth group, or purchase new equipment for a school, Illinois farmers have the opportunity to win $2,500 for their community. The awards are available through Monsanto Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM program, a program now being offered in 1,201 counties across 38 states.
The foot of Luke Boucher lifted the Golden Eagles to a 31-28 victory over the Annawan-Wethersfield Titans Friday night. Boucher's field goal with 3.4 seconds remaining on the clock was a game winner.
The State Farm Youth Advisory Board is accepting applications for board members to administer a unique grant program that empowers youth to take an active role in their education through service-learning.
The Mercer County School Board will meet tonight, Aug. 11, at Apollo Elementary School in Aledo at 7 p.m. Prior to the board meeting there will be building tour at 6:30 p.m.
Governor Pat Quinn today visited a teacher supply store in Chicago to encourage shoppers to take advantage of the state’s first-ever back-to-school sales tax holiday. He reminded teachers who support their classes by buying supplies (out of their own pocket) that they will receive a 5 percent discount during the 10-day period. The sales tax holiday started Friday, Aug. 6 and continues through Sunday, Aug. 15.
State aid reduction will cost Mercer County School District #404 $557,000.
The Aledo McDonald’s restaurant, owned and operated by Michael Luna and located near the intersection of 3rd Street & 15th Avenue, will be running a school supply drive on Saturday, July 31 where anyone may donate unused school supplies that will benefit schools within the Mercer County CUSD 404.
On Friday Aug. 20 , the ‘Pinta and the ‘Nina’ will open in Burlington. The ships will be docked at Oneida landing, at the foot of Bridge St., until their departure early Monday morning Aug. 30.
Students in Mercer County School District No. 404 will begin the 2010-11 school year with a half-day attendance on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. Classes will be dismissed as follows: High School 11:30 a.m.; Junior High School 11:40 a.m..; Intermediate School 11:30 a.m.; New Boston Elementary 11:35 a.m.; and Apollo School at 11:45 a.m.
Grants and low cost federal loans and loan guarantees are available to help faith-based and non-profits organizations serve their rural communities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has 14 programs that can help them through the Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships program. The agency’s Community Facilities and Housing Programs can help these organizations, as well as public entities, develop essential community facilities and affordable rental housing in rural towns of up to 20,000 residents.
John Deere’s homes in Moline, Illinois, burst into bloom for Blossoms at Butterworth on Sunday, June 27 from 12-5 p.m. at 1105-8th Street. Visitors can enjoy the splendor of Butterworth Center’s impressive gardens, guided tours of the two homes, refreshments, and exciting activities from the 1800’s. Admission is free. For more information, 309-765-7971 or www.butterworthcenter.com
The Mercer County School board will discuss the grading scale for the upcoming school year at its June 30 meeting. The meeting is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. The last meeting the board held about the grading scale packed the music room at the Intermediate School building.
The Illinois State Fair is offering fairgoers an opportunity to enjoy all the thrills of the carnival midway at a great price. Fairgoers wanting to experience the excitement of unlimited carnival rides can purchase a Mega Pass for a discounted price of $50.
The Mercer County Board of Education will met Wednesday, June 16 at the district office at 1002 SW 6th Street in Aledo.
Children’s Cancer Connection will host their twenty-third Oncology Camp in Boone, Iowa where Alli Adams of Aledo, will attend from June 13th through the 20th. This will be Alli’s second year attending Heart Connection Camp.
Through a corporate gift of $250,000 from John Deere, SAE International announces its new "John Deere/SAE International AWIM Learn Twice Initiative."
A new exhibit takes features animatronic dinosaurs in Prehistoric Playground at the Family Museum, 2700 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf, Iowa. With over a dozen interactive dinosaur themed activities, children of all ages will discover the wonder and amazement of this engaging traveling exhibit (May 22-Sept. 5). Admission: $6. Hours: Mon. and Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 12 noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 563-344-4106 or visit www.familymuseum.org
What better way to savor the joys of summer than Blossoms at Butterworth? Scheduled for Sunday, June 27, the classic seasonal celebration is a perennial favorite for Quad Cities residents. Held at the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House in Moline, the afternoon event offers traditional summer fun for all age groups in a nostalgic garden setting. With the exception of food concessions, all activities and entertainment are free.
Throughout central Illinois and beyond, visitors can explore the 215 wayside exhibits in 52 communities that form the "Looking for Lincoln Story Trail." The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition has a brand new guide to make it easier to find each and every exhibit and has recently upgraded its website at www.LookingForLincoln.com complete with a downloadable brochure, a map, and a full set of GPS coordinates.
Registrations are still being accepted for Summer Days Camps offered by University of Illinois Extension, Rock Island County. There are over 20 camps to choose from and they are open to everyone. Half-fee tuition waivers are available. Unless otherwise noted, camps meet at Rock Island County Extension, 321 West 2nd Ave., Milan, IL. To register call (309) 756-9978 Ext 10 or www.extension.uiuc.edu/rockisland
