Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series focusing on the events in and around Bureau County in 2012.
Aug. 2: There’s more water problems in Spring Valley, as the city’s back-up well is showing signs of bacteria. The area drought may be worsening the situation, according to city engineer Jack Kusek. The well isn’t used on a regular basis, but the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency still requires the water to be bacteria-free, he says. The city will continue to work on getting clean samples from the back-up well.
Aug. 4: The bad news for Bureau County farmers is the drought continues. The good news is at least Bureau County has now joined the ranks of those counties designated eligible for federal drought assistance. Gov. Pat Quinn announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 98 of 102 Illinois counties, including Bureau, as disaster areas. The designation means federal disaster assistance is now available to help farmers in drought-stricken areas.
Aug. 7: The Bureau/Putnam County Health Department is awarded a $74,388 grant from the “We Choose Health” program sponsored by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The grant money is expected to be used to promote healthy eating and active living programs in area schools, to promote work site wellness through policy developments, and to work to support further policies to limit smoking in outdoor spaces such as parks and campuses.
Aug. 9: The Princeton City Council continues to discuss the best way to market Princeton’s logistic center/commercial park. The Chicago-based firm of Lee & Associates of Illinois is currently handling the marketing of the 133-acre logistics center, which is listed at $40,000 per acre. Commissioner Joel Quiram says the price is too high. City Manager Jeff Clawson says he has formed an economic team to look at marketing and other economic issues.
Aug. 11: Discussion continues on the clean-up of DePue’s Superfund site with DePue Mayor Eric Bryant saying the responsible parties are irresponsible. ExxonMobil and CBS have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as the two companies responsible for the clean-up.