In The Tri States
Published March 31, 2012 at 7:43 AM CDT
A look back at the top stories and features from the Tri States Public Radio news department from March 2012.
The proposed consolidation of the Abingdon, Avon, and Bushnell-Prairie City School Districts was soundly rejected during the March 20 Illinois primaries. More than 80% of B-PC voters cast ballots against the idea and it was rejected by more than 74% in Abingdon. Only voters in Avon approved it. The week after the election, reporter Jim Lenz took a look at what might be next for those school districts.
The Illinois Green Party held its state convention in Macomb during the first weekend of March. News Director Rich Egger found the party will need to attract a lot more followers if it hopes to make an impact.
Reporter Jason Parrott told us about the career of Fort Madison Mayor Steve Ireland, who passed away on March 20.
Also during March, Macomb aldermen approved four new ordinances designed to prevent large outdoor parties from getting out of control, a former Hamilton Board of Education member was found guilty of sexually abusing a minor, and a northeast Missouri man was sentenced to life in prison for a murder in southeast Iowa.
Rich Egger talked to progressive education advocate Amy Valens. She came to Macomb during March for a screening of the film August to June, which documents her final year as a teacher.
In The Tri States Abingdon School DistrictAvon School DistrictBushnell-Prairie City School DistrictAmy ValensIllinois Green Party