Construction Season at 207-U
By Andrea Arens
The June 17 board meeting started off with a presentation from Bear Construction on the multiple projects in the district. From Blue Devil Drive to remodeling administration offices at Connor Shaw, Bear was updating progress on all. The biggest project was the tear out and repaving of Blue Devil Drive, which is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks.
The board went on to approve several other expenses unanimously, such as lodging fees for conferences and new staircase railings at the high school for $47,209.
A new therapy dog program also unanimously was approved. The handlers are employees of the district and recently had their pets complete programs to become therapy dogs. The new therapy dog program would provide a $750 annual budget for reimbursement of dog care items utilized on district property, such as crate, grooming care, bed, water bowl, etc. The district also will maintain insurance covering the therapy dog’s activities while on district property. The staff member will remain the owner of the dog and be responsible for certification and coordination of activities.
The 207-U Board also unanimously approved a teacher mentoring program called The Blueprint Program. In the program, veteran teachers will receive a stipend to mentor new teachers in a “pathway to a successful start as a Blue Devil.” Building mentors would receive $500, department/grade level mentors would receive $750 to mentor one teacher and $1,000 to mentor more than one teacher.
The student council sponsor at the high school will receive a generous boost to their stipend thanks to a unanimous vote of the board. The stipend was listed in the contract as $3,500 but will receive a $1,500 increase to $5,000.
Working cash funds were abated as well with $1,000,000 moved to capital projects and $19,124.33 from Working Cash Bonds Series 2020 moved to the Education Fund.
An agreement with Nania Energy Advisors for a Distributed Generation Energy Services Agreement to provide consulting services regarding solar on-site distributed generation energy installation was tabled by Board President Tara Robinson. Robinson suggested the agreement be voted upon at the same meeting the solar panel plan was voted on so as not to be stuck with the $10,000 fee Nania charges if the client does not move forward with the solar project.
Kankakee Area Career Center’s Students of the fourth quarter were Kadyn Holetzky for Cosmetology and Andrew Morales for Medical Terminology.
Junior High Student of the Month was seventh grader MaKayla Kraft.
Illinois News
National News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Classifieds
Area News
Bourbonnais Public Library Hosting Pitbull Playtime
Spread the loveThe Bourbonnais Public Library is partnering with local animal rescue organizations for a drop-in program on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. – noon. Enjoy a day of wagging tails, endless smiles, and puppy games with adorable pitbulls from Kankakee County Animal Control, Kankakee County Humane Foundation, and It’s A Pittie Rescue. All…
Peotone Library News
Spread the loveThe library will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day! No July Friends of the Library meeting. Next meeting is August 13. Youth Services July 6: Sensory Playtime, Saturday, at 10:30 a.m., ages zero/five. July 8: Jim Gill LIVE in Concert, Monday, from 6 – 7 p.m. Registration required. July…
Illinois Rural Health to Hold 35th Educational Conference
Spread the loveThe Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) will host its 35th annual Educational Conference July 31 – August 1, at the I-Hotel in Champaign. The conference is an opportunity for rural healthcare administrators and clinicians to advance their professional skills, while networking and learning best practices from their counterparts throughout the state. Online registration…
Riverside Expands Lung Care with Breakthrough Technologies
Spread the loveRiverside Healthcare knows receiving a lung cancer or lung disease diagnosis can be scary and even overwhelming, which is why Riverside is proud to revolutionize lung care by now offering the Zephyr valve and Ion robot for lung patients. “We are excited to be the first health system in the community to offer…
Farmers Markets Updates
Spread the loveThis week at the Local Farmers Markets: Beecher – Saturday, July 13 and 27 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 540 Oak Park Avenue; Peotone – Market in the Park, Tuesday, July 9 and 23, from 4-8 p.m., Peotone Park; Crete – Mondays, from 4-8 p.m., at Main and Exchange, held in…
More Than 200 Flags Retired in Ceremonial Burning
Spread the loveBy Karen Haave More than 200 worn American flags were retired last week in a reverent ceremonial burning conducted by the Peotone American Legion and Scout Troop 315. According to the United States Department of Defense, a U.S. flag is retired when the fabric symbol is beyond repair. Although it is not illegal…
KCC, Community to Celebrate Independence Day!
Spread the loveThe tradition of celebrating Independence Day with live music followed by fireworks will continue Thursday, July 4, along the south banks of the Kankakee River. The event includes three live music performances. Kankakee Community College gates open at 4:30 p.m., and admission is $20 per carload. All proceeds benefit the Kankakee Valley Symphony…
Construction Season at 207-U
Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens The June 17 board meeting started off with a presentation from Bear Construction on the multiple projects in the district. From Blue Devil Drive to remodeling administration offices at Connor Shaw, Bear was updating progress on all. The biggest project was the tear out and repaving of Blue Devil Drive,…
‘Echoes Across the Tracks’ Book Signing and Cocktail Hour
Spread the loveStep aboard the historic City of New Orleans train for an unforgettable evening of literature, history, and elegance, as recently published author David Moravec hosts a book signing and cocktail hour for his acclaimed novel, “Echoes Across the Tracks.” This unique event, presented in partnership with Visit Kankakee County and the Kankakee County…
Peotone Police Blotter: June 14 – 17
Spread the loveOn June 14, Peotone Police and Fire were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident involving a flipped vehicle, at N. Harlem Avenue and Hauert Street. The single occupant of the overturned vehicle was transported to the hospital by Manhattan FPD. Officers spoke with both drivers and completed an accident report. Each driver received…
Weekly Farmers Markets
Spread the loveThis week at the local Farmers Markets: Beecher – Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 540 Oak Park Avenue; Peotone – Market in the Park, Tuesday, July 9, from 4-8 p.m., Peotone Park; Crete – Mondays, from 4-8 p.m., at Main and Exchange, held in conjunction with Classic Car…
Peotone Library News
Spread the loveThe library will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day, but digital e-resources are available 24/7. Summer Reading Program registration began Monday, June 3, for all ages, with the Kids/Teens program running through July, while Adults continues through August. Interested in the Homebound Delivery Program? Contact the Adult Services Department for…
Kankakee Kulivators Present Annual Garden Tour, Artisan Faire
Spread the loveKankakee Kultivators will present their annual Garden Tour and Artisan Faire, “Back to Our Roots,” on Thursday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets invite garden buffs to stroll through and explore seven private gardens, with a midday break for box lunches provided by Honey Baked Ham. The following talented, generous…
Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care Offers Treatment to ALS Patients, Families
Spread the loveProgram sees 2,400 percent census increase during past seven years. June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month, and the ALS Association estimates the number of people living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in the United States to be more than 30,000. This number fluctuates daily because every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed…
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Spread the loveHelping Hands Food Pantry will be open to all area residents (including senior citizens and adults both with or without children, who reside within the boundaries of the Peotone School District and are in need of food assistance) on Wednesdays, July 3 and 17, from 1 to 5:30 p.m., at the Community Presbyterian…