TSPR Local

The Carthage city council has changed its position on gambling.

Aldermen have overturned a century-old ban on gambling to allow video poker machines. The state now allows these machines.

Mayor Jim Nightingale says the owner of a bar, the Wood Inn, asked for the change.

He says, “We're really not promoting gambling. Right now there's video poker machines in most of the bards and clubs that are licensed by Illinois. But they're supposed to be for amusement only.”

This summer's combination of high temperatures and little precipitation has impacted just about every type of farmer. Nonetheless, some are finding ways to get by.

John Curtis, owner and operator of Barefoot Gardens, said he's dug a deeper well to come up with enough water for his crops. However, he's also had to contend with a problem pump.

“Sometimes I have water, sometimes I don't. When I don't, it really shows quickly,” Curtis said.

He had to conserve water until he deepened the well.

The McDonough County Board has approved the use of part of its bonding authority to fund several projects at Wesley Village in Macomb.

The county will not bear any liability for the bonds.

Wesley Village can use up to $6.5 million of that authority. CEO Shelly Ward says the nursing home plans to use about $1.3 million on four projects. About $4.8 million will refinance existing debt.

Ward says the facility has limited seating for events. The biggest construction project will remedy that with a new 250 seat community center.

Carthage's water conservation measures have not stabilized the level of the city's lake reservoir.

Second Ward Alderman Gary Smith says the measures have reduced water consumption since they were enacted last month.

He says, “Before it (got) to be critical, we started saving, trying to have conservation. It's been real good. The usage is down significantly.”

The city banned businesses watering their lawns. The city also asked residents to voluntarily reduce their water consumption. Smith says consumption has been cut from 250,000 gallons per day to 210,000.

Students at Keokuk High School will get a few extra days of summer vacation.

The school board has agreed to move the first day of school for high schools students from August 30 to September 4.

The delay will give crews additional time to work on the renovations to the high school.

The first day of school will remain August 30 for elementary and middle school students.

High school students will make up the lost days by attending classes on days previously designated for parent/teacher conferences.