McTaggart follows Strong, change at the ARC…. Senator Hutchinson visits Pembroke….. “Gone with the Wind” inspires 4th Annual Sugar Creek Sing Auction….. Expo Ag in Watseka…..
A sunny weekend in Illiana, high today near 36, Sunday high near 32.
– Post-season Boys B-Ball Regional championships, WGFA’s Tom Conn has scores and more on River Valley Metro Sports Saturday –
* A new era begins at the ARC (pronounced like Noah’s Arc) of Iroquois County. Christine McTaggart of Watseka is the new Executive Director of the organization that’s been led– for the last 40 years — by Lou Ellen Strong. March 1st, McTaggart assumes responsibility for day to day operations while Mrs. Strong steps aside. Strong had served the ARC as its director since 1971.
The ARC IS and HAS BEEN one of Iroquois County’s most-consistent employers, providing support for 155 children and adults with developmental disabilities. And through Lou Ellen Strong’s leadership, the community’s grown, gaining a better understanding of the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. In fact, today’s ARC clients are more a part of the community, interacting thru the Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA).
McTaggart has been working side-by-side with Lou Strong to ensure a smooth transition in leadership. McTaggart is a Milford native, the ARC’s Director of Finance and Information Systems for the past eight years. She’s also served on the Nursing Rate Task Force with the Illinois Department of Human Services and with a software company providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Lou Strong says “McTaggart’s leadership skills will provide stability for the ARC.”
* * Cutting edge innovations in the field of agriculture will be on display in Watseka today. Watseka Theatre owner Chuck Gomez is promoting “Expo-Ag,” featuring a wide-array of exhibitors and vendors with solid ties to the industry that fuels the Iroquois County economy. Gomez calls “Expo-Ag” the largest event of its kind ever to be organized IN and FOR Watseka. And he says it’ll grow each and every year. Gomez praises the help he’s received from the Watseka administration… > :23 {exciting day} News # 9
The Watseka Theatre, already a city attraction–thanks to Gomez and partner Debra Liddell–has linked ag-related businesses and organizations through technology and the arts. FFA chapters from Cissna Park and Watseka have also been tapped to provide manpower for the event. And the businesses sponsoring and exhibiting, Gomez says, have already made the Expo a success. The event runs from 9 am ’til 5 pm.
* Senator Toi (Toy) Hutchinson will be at a “meet and greet” session for area residents TODAY at Hopkins Park Village Hall. Mayor Sam Payton announced the session will be held 10 a.m. to noon and is open to the general public. Hutchinson was appointed to complete the two-years remaining in the Illinois Senate term of new U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson.
* The voting registration deadline for the April 7th election is nearing. Iroquois County Clerk Mark Henrichs has issued public notice that March 10th is that deadline for the upcoming Consolidated Election. Handicapped and elderly may also contact the County Clerk’s office if they would like to vote at their polling place, but cannot physically do so. Election Judges will assist voters who have properly applied for “Curbside Voting”.
* March 1 through 7 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois.
Severe weather in the form of tornados, deadly lightning, flash floods, damaging winds, and destructive hail strike Illinois each spring, summer and fall, sometimes with incredible violence. The National Weather Service urges you to develop a safety plan for use at your home,
workplace, school, vehicle, and for outdoor activities. Be aware of severe weather safety rules. Planning ahead and knowing what to do might save your life. For more information visit the Illinois Emergency Management Agency web site at http://www.state.il.us/iema/.
“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA
