Please Pass the Salt

Its that time of year again when the snow falls and the roads become covered in ice.  Macomb always seems to struggle at properly getting roads, parking lots, and sidewalks cleared and salted.  This can cause people to get injuries that might be  avoidable if they were taken care of properly.  

Last Macomb did not have enough salt for the winter which is part of the reason that the roads were not properly cleared.  This year might be worse due to the fact that the whole state of Illinois is finding its self in a shortage.  There is not a shortage because the material is not there, it's because of how the state did biding for salt purchase.   The price for salt has tripled in price since last year.  There were three bids one at $60 one at $90 and one $140.  The state closed biding on the $60 and $90 dollar bids before they should have so most of the state had to pay $140 per ton.  Places in the suburbs could not afford the normal amount of salt they use in a winter.   So if you they cannot afford it how will Macomb?

When trying to contact Macomb on the situation no one really wanted to talk about the subject.  Now that we have had our first snow the public has a better idea of how they are going to handle the situation.  They are saving the salt and using sand for right now.  By using sand it doesn't get rid of the snow and ice but it does allow some type of traction.  It is not just sand it is also mixed to other things that help break down some of the salt.  Joseph V. Jedlovec who is in charge of the roads for Winfield Township explained that "The sand has been mixed with calcium chloride in the past but this year the sand is being mixed with beet juice."  

cltohesline

The clothesline project was started to give a visual to the violence going on in this country. The Western Illinois Regional Counsil Community Action Agency started participating in 1996. their goal was to bring attention to violence against women.

there are six different color t-shirts that mean different types of violnce. a few examples are; white is for women who have died of violence, yellow is for women who have been battered or assaulted, orange is for women who have been reaped or sexually assaulted.

Radio story
Illinois is trying to keep up with all of the new drivers licence technology. The state is starting to phase out old drivers licences and replace them with new better ones. Police officers and other law enforcement officials have to go through some training on how to understand the new licences. They are given books to help them better understand the changes.
The new licences have to two pictures, a big one in the upper left corner and one in the lower right corner. All the improvements that are being made a for security purposes. These changes are also being made to try and cut down on the production of fake licences. Only time will tell what kind of impact the new drivers licences will have in the state of Illinois.

Web story
Illinois is changing their drivers licences in order to keep up with new technology. the state is phasing out older driver licences and replacing them with new ones. the old ones have a matted surface and are easier to replicate.
The new licences have updated security features. they have two pictures on them. a big one in the upper left corner and a smaller one in the bottom right. They are also made of a different surface. these features were chosen to try and cut down on the production of fake ID’s.
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Changes

Illinois is changing their drivers licences in order to keep up with new technology. the state is phasing out older driver licences and replacing them with new ones. the old ones have a matted surface and are easier to replicate.

The new licences have updated security features. they have two pictures on them. a big one in the upper left corner and a smaller one in the bottom right. they are also made of a different surface. these features were chosen to try and cut down on the production of fake IDs.

St. Baldricks

On April 20th 2008 people across Macomb will be shaving their heads to raise money for children with cancer. so far Western Illinois University has raised $1.406.00. There are many groups that are involved in this event. there is a group of police officers, different members of the greek system, and some of the resident halls.

Western Illinois University added another club this semester. They have added a recycling club. This club comes along at the just the right time, with the rest of the country worrying about the environment why not western.

Tara Gallagher who started the club because the house she lived in need another recycling bin and the city would not give them one. she has a few goals that she want to accomplish. Her first and most important goal is to spread the awareness on campus about recycling and why it is so important.

Isn't it Bazaar

Western is having its 35th international Bazaar the weekend of February 29. It cost $5 for public and $4 for students with ids. it will showcase the culture of different countries.

They will have food, music, and dance. On march 1st you will be able to learn some dances. Josh Huff who has never left the country before feels "its neat that we do this, it gives me the chance to see a little taste of different cultures that I am not used to and myabe it will give me an idea of where i would like to travel someday."

Every Little Bit Helps

The Western I.S.R.A.A. (Illinois State Resident Assistant) is collecting pop can tops to help raise money for the Ronald McDonald house charities. they have drop of spots in the dorms. the have spots at the front desks and other locations in the buildings.

R.A. Lindsay HIggins says "its a simple way that we can give a little bit to help those in need". Residents in the hall are also doing their part to help out. Whitney Beck who drinks at least one can of pop a day says "I drink a lot of pop so if my pop tops can help a little bit then im happy".

So remember next you are drinking a can of pop you pop top can help someone in need.

Western to Offer a Self Defense Class

the Office of Public Saftey on the campus of Western Illinois University is offer a self defense class to help female students feel more safe. the classes start Feb. 11th and last 6-9 p.m. This class meets four times. it is a 12 hour course which cost $20.

Some female students think that this is a really good idea. Feshman Ashley Shugar said "this class is a good thing, it will will make me feel a little bit safer when im out at night".

this course is designed for women only. it will be opened for students to sign up first and then to the public. You can register at the Office of Public Saftey.

What is There to do in Macomb

People say that Macomb can be boring but if you look around there is plenty to do. A good place to look is the Park District. They have many types of programs.

They have a pottery class that teaches different technques often used in pottery. it is a good class for beginners. most people find pottery relaxing, just what some students need after a long day of classes.

They also offer a sign language class. this would be a good class to take if you wanted to learn sign language but do not want it to effect your GPA like the class offered at Western Illinois University.

They also offer programs on eating on the run, first aid and CPR certification. The next Park District meeting is on Feb. 19th 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

If champions are made in the off season, then Western Illinois women's soccer team is well on their way to getting another championship ring. The team has been working hard in the off season in preperation for their 2008 fall season. Their schedule includes wieghts and conditioning followed by scrimmaging. Not only do they dedicate time on the field but they also maintained a team gpa of 3.51 for the fall 2007 semester.

the team is joined by two new comers Jenna Schonert and Jennie Green. Jenna Schonert is a freshman from Racine, Wisconsin. Jennie Green is a sophmore from Palatine Illinois. these new comers will be joined by many more in the fall and become part of a great soccer program.