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Economic Development Initiatives Gain Momentum in Casey
Casey’s economic development efforts are expanding with multiple new programs and partnerships designed to boost the city’s growth prospects, Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced during Monday’s council meeting. Daughhetee reported enthusiasm following his attendance at the Rural Community and Economic Development conference, where he gathered ideas for implementation in Casey. The director said he…
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Founder’s Day Parade Planned: A Founder’s Day Parade is being organized for May 10th following a request by Patty Richards during the public forum. A resolution authorizing the parade will be presented at the next council meeting. Utility Work Continues: The electrical department worked from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. responding to a power outage,…
Read MoreCasey-Westfield Board Holds Hearing on $4.5 Million Safety Bond Issue
The Casey-Westfield School Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention and safety improvements, while also approving 4% administrative salary increases and addressing state funding concerns during Monday’s meeting. Casey resident Cody Heer spoke during the public hearing, expressing concerns about property tax burdens in Illinois, which he…
Read MoreCasey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service
Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic, artistic, and community service activities, according to administrator reports presented during Monday’s board meeting. Monroe Elementary students celebrated multiple milestones, including the 100th day of school on February 3rd with a special parade and themed activities. The school’s Kids Heart Challenge proved remarkably successful, with students raising $14,665.05,…
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Bond Issue Under Review: The $4.5 million fire prevention and safety bond proposal remains under consideration following public hearing input about property tax concerns and district bonding capacity. State Funding Shortfall Expected: Governor Pritzker’s proposed education budget falls $140 million short of maintaining current reimbursement levels to districts, according to Illinois State Board of Education…
Read MoreCasey Moves Forward with Utility Rate Study as Resident Questions City Processes
The City of Casey took the next step toward addressing its utility rate issues during Monday’s council meeting, while a resident raised concerns about city transparency and bidding processes. Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs reported that information for the water and sewer rate study is ready to be submitted to the Illinois Rural Water Association (IRWA)…
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Utility Rate Study Advances: Water and sewer rate study information is ready for submission to the Illinois Rural Water Association for professional review, moving the city closer to addressing identified financial losses in utility operations. Committee Meetings Planned: Alderman Hanley announced intentions to schedule a City Hall/Public Safety committee meeting soon, while the Downtown Improvement…
Read MoreCasey-Westfield Schools Earn Perfect Financial Rating, Approve Major Purchases
The Casey-Westfield School District received the highest possible financial profile rating and a clean audit for fiscal year 2024, while also approving significant equipment purchases and personnel changes during Monday’s board meeting. Heather Beard of Kemper CPA Group presented the district’s annual financial report, announcing that Casey-Westfield earned a perfect 4.0/4.0 financial profile score from…
Read MoreCasey-Westfield Schools Focus on Student Activities and Community Engagement
Casey-Westfield schools are emphasizing hands-on learning and community connections through diverse programs spanning elementary through high school levels, according to administrator reports presented during Monday’s board meeting. Elementary students at Monroe School engaged in creative competitions and educational experiences, with Mrs. Roseberry’s class winning the Christmas door decorating contest featuring Snoopy’s doghouse and Charlie Brown’s…
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Waiver Renewal Approved: The board authorized renewal of the full-day School Improvement waiver, allowing continued use of four full professional development days instead of six half-days, based on staff and community preference. Musical Productions Planned: Rehearsals are underway for “Annie Jr.” with performances scheduled for the last weekend in February, while the choir prepares music…
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