Twin brothers receive Eagle Scout award
Adam and Neal Buck, 16, of Riverton, were recently advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout, scouting’s highest award.  Their parents
are David and Debra Buck of Riverton, and grandparents are Clarence and Carolyn Buck, Pat and Rose Scott and the late Ruth
Scott, all of El Paso. The boys are members of Troop 46, chartered to Riverton United Methodist Church and formerly of Troop 22,
San Angelo, Texas.
Adam has earned 31 merit badges and served in the positions of Assistant Patrol Leader, Den Chief (Service Award) and
Quartermaster. For his service project, Adam repainted all of the traffic lines, and in addition, he added four new spaces by
resealing and restriping the visitors’ parking lot at Camp Butler National Cemetery. They are Brotherhood members in the Order of
the Arrow, where they are active members of the Ceremonies Team. As officers for Illinek Lodge 132, Adam is the Vice Chief and
Neal is the secretary. They attended the 2005 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Va.
Neal has earned 32 merit badges and served in the positions of Senior Patrol Leader, Chaplain’s Aide, Quartermaster and Order of
the Arrow Troop Representative. For his service project, he extended and re-landscaped the main entrance to Camp Butler National
Cemetery. Adam and Neal are members of St. James Catholic Church and sophomores at Riverton High School, where they are
active in soccer, track, band, choir, scholastic bowl, Fencing Club, Math Team, Madrigals, Jazz Choir and the spring musical.
Mike, Dorothy, Justin and Ashley Allgaier
pose with the ARCA RE/MAX series trophy
Justin won in Toledo Sunday.
Lady Bullets whip Riverton for regional crown
By Byron Painter
Editor
The top-seeded Williamsville Lady Bullets volleyball team controlled the match with second-seeded Riverton from the start and
easily claimed a 25-14, 25-13 win over the Lady Hawks Saturday in the finals of the Class 2A Midwest Central Regional. (
more)
RMS girls fall to Pleasant Plains
The first halves Monday night for the Riverton Middle School girls basketball teams could easily be forgotten. Neither team dented
the scoreboard before halftime in losses to Pleasant Plains. The seventh graders lost 20-9 after trailing 12-0 at halftime. Alyssa
Koger scored seven points and Carlie Cuffle had the other two. In the nightcap, Riverton trailed 19-0 at intermission in a 32-12 loss.
Whitney Day, who got Riverton on the board just seconds into the third quarter, paced the Lady Hawks with six tallies, and Brianna
Fisher scored four.
Last week, the seventh graders pummeled Pana St. Pat’s 47-8.  Sam O’Connor paced the Lady Hawks with 12 points, two more
than Morgan Heckman. Lexy Crawford and Koger both had six and Cuffle five. The eighth graders lost 22-21.
RHS girls take fifth at Early Bird Review
After a pair of tough losses, the Riverton Lady Hawks girls basketball team rebounded to defeat Decatur St. Teresa 54-43 in the fifth
place game of the Riverton Early Bird Review. Emily Maulding made seven of 12 field goals on her way to a team-high 17 tallies.
Kate Blissett added 11, including 7-of-8 free throws, and Ashley Cantrall chipped in eight. Maulding (eight) and Kelly Smith
combined for 14 rebounds for Riverton, which shot 52 percent from the floor (18-for-34).
On Friday, Decatur Lutheran downed the Lady Hawks 37-26, breaking away from a 13-13 halftime tie. Smith had eight points, with
Maulding and Blissett each adding six. Smith finished with 10 rebounds, four more than Maulding. Riverton shot only 29 percent
(8-for-27) from the field.
Last Thursday, Mt. Zion edged past the Lady Hawks 40-37; Riverton managed only three points in the third quarter and could not
rally. Maulding totaled 13 points and seven rebounds, while Smith (six rebounds) and Shelby Cuffle both contributed six points.
Riverton opened the campaign last Wednesday with an easy 39-16 win over the Clinton Lady Maroons. Riverton led 11-4 after one
period and held the Lady Maroons scoreless from the 2:17 mark of the first quarter to the 5:01 mark of quarter No. 3. Clinton did not
reach double digits until 55 seconds into the final quarter. Sarah Green paced Riverton with 11 points. Maulding finished with eight
points and six rebounds, while Smith (five boards) and Blissett (four rebounds) both tallied six points.
Smith poured in 28 points Monday as the Lady Hawks whipped Mt. Olive 46-34. Riverton led 13-5, 29-11 and 36-23 at the quarter
breaks. Green added six and Lauryn Fitzgerald and Maulding both tallied four markers.
Lady Hawks sweep Lady Indians
Whitney Day had 12 points and Chelsea Martinez added 10 as the host Riverton Middle School girls basketball team whipped
Pawnee 25-15 Thursday. Riverton outscored the Lady Indians 8-2 in the third and 7-3 in the fourth to break a 10-10 tie. The seventh
graders pulled out a 26-24 win after a game-winning bucket in the waning seconds by Carlie Cuffle, who finished with 16 points.
Alyssa Koger chipped in six points for the Lady Hawks, who trailed 10-6 at the half but pulled even at 16 by the end of the third period.
                                        ***
Last Wednesday, the seventh graders pulled away for a 33-22 win over Christ the King Riverton led 20-12 at the half but only 25-22
after three periods before blanking its opponent in the final stanza. Morgan Heckman tossed in 13 points, and Koger and Cuffle both
finished with seven. The eighth graders made only two field goals in a 31-9 defeat. Martinez led the way with five points.
                                        ***
Monday at Cantrall, the eighth graders lost 24-21 to Athens and misfired on 18 of 25 free throws. Day had nine points and Brianna
Fisher seven. The seventh graders lost 33-15; Cuffle and Koger both had four tallies.
                                        ***
Saturday at home vs. New Berlin, neither team emerged victorious. The seventh graders lost 22-10; Cuffle finished with six points.
The varsity lost 40-13; Day had all but two of the Lady Hawks’ tallies.
Riverton’s Evan Peterson fights with a
Lincoln player for possession of the ball last
Thursday.
214 IHSA schools register for inaugural Bass Fishing
tournament
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has announced that 214 schools will compete in the inaugural IHSA Bass Fishing State
Series during the spring of 2009. (
more)
RMS 8th graders lose heartbreaker to Athens
The host Riverton Middle School boys basketball team stormed back from a 15-point fourth quarter deficit to take the lead, but then
gave up the final three points of the game in a 37-35 heartbreaking loss against Athens Thursday night. (
more)
Mike Trader takes a charge against Gerad
Eskew of Tri-City.
Lady Hawks nip Athens
Sarah Green nailed three 3-pointers and had 17 points, and Kelly Smith had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds as
the Riverton Lady Hawks eked past Athens 40-38 Monday night. Emily Maulding had five points and nine boards, and Lauryn
Fitzgerald had the other two markers. Riverton led 23-15 at the half after a 16-8 run in the second period; the Lady Hawks led 31-23
heading after three.
Athens won the J-V game 25-23 in overtime despite 15 tallies from Ashley Cantrall.
Last Thursday, visiting Illini Central rallied for a 41-38 win after outscoring the Lady Hawks 10-3 in the last eight minutes. Riverton
led 28-27 at the half and 35-31 after 24 minutes. Kate Blissett had 12 points, including a 6-for-6 effort from the charity stripe, while
Smith had nine points and 11 rebounds. Maulding finished with nine points and nine rebounds. Riverton shot only 30 percent
(12-for-39) from the field. Riverton won the J-V game 32-30 as Cantrall and Lorna Hopper both had 10 points.
Snow days will not affect RHS seniors, graduation
The use of emergency snow/cold days will not affect high school graduation plans or senior finals.   Seniors will take their finals on
May 26 and 27. The final day of classes for all seniors will be May 27.  May 28 is reserved for the senior class trip. Graduation
practice (attendance required) will be May 29 beginning at 8:20 a.m.  Graduation will remain May 31, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Hawk
Center. Underclassmen finals will be moved to June 3 and 4.  The final day of school will be June 8.
Riverton Elementary School last Friday was
the site for a Jump Rope for Heart
fundraising activity for the American Heart
Association. Up to Friday and also
throughout the day, money was raised for the
AHA, and each class had almost an hour to
play games and learn heart-healthy
information. In the photo, Mackenzie The
passes the limbo test. Overall, almost $9800
was raised, over $1500 more than last year.
Village Board discusses possible stimulus projects, hears
about PD grants
All trustees were present for the March 2 meeting of the Riverton Village Board.  There were also approximately 12 people in the
audience.  The minutes from the Feb. 16 meeting and bills were motioned for a vote by Pat Faires and seconded by Jack Rader.  
These were approved 6-0. (
more)
Riverton PD conducts tobacco checks; all three
businesses do not sell to minors        
The Riverton Police conducted some compliance checks Feb. 25 on three local tobacco retailers.  The businesses checked
were the Riverton Fast Stop, Riverton’s Party Store and the Kent’s IGA Foodliner. In all of these checks, the clerk asked the
minors for identification before selling our minors tobacco products.  None of these businesses sold to our underage minors.
This was the second round of checks made following the receipt of the State grant money from the Illinois Liquor Commission
last year.  So far, these three retailers have complied with the State Law and refused the sale of tobacco to the underage minors
during both compliance checks. All three clerks at these businesses were awarded a lapel pin for asking for the identification.  
Also, a congratulatory letter will be sent to the management of each business.  “I am very pleased that our local businesses are
complying with the State Law and making it more difficult for the youth to illegally purchase cigarettes,” said Riverton Police Chief
Dave Smith.
Anna Moore named RHS January Student of the Month
Riverton High School is pleased to announce that senior Anna Moore has been named January 2009 Student of the Month. Anna,
daughter of Jim and Debbie Moore, was chosen by the staff and faculty of RHS based on attendance, academics, effort, conduct,
cooperation, dependability, leadership, school involvement and service to others. Anna will receive a $25 INB VISA Gift Card from
Illinois National Bank and will be eligible for 2008-2009 Student of the Year honors at graduation. Anna’s activities include vice
president for SADD, four years softball, four-year member of Hawk Pride, Senior Hawk Pride representative and football stats for two
years. Some of Anna’s accomplishments include helping support two Compassion International kids and interpreting at
Southtower Community Church.  Anna plans on taking EMS classes at LLCC for two years before finishing her education at
MacMurray College. She may also major in Sign Language Interpreting.
School board accepts resignations
The Riverton School Board met Monday, March 9 to consider an agenda containing, among other items, staff resignations and
various bids for purchases. (
more)
Riverton “Meet the Candidates Night” March 30
On March 30, from 7-9 p.m., the Riverton Village Library Board of Trustees is sponsoring a “Meet the Candidates” Night.  Candidates are running for the village board of trustees,
village mayor and the school board.  The forum will take place in the community room of the Riverton Village Municipal Center.  All candidates have been invited to attend.  Jim
Leach of radio station WMAY will be the moderator.  First on the schedule will be the school board candidates. Three people are running for village mayor: Jeb Brown, Tom Rader
and Bob Todd.  Seven people are running for three trustee positions for the village board: James Cleaver Sr., Pat Faires, Gary Holladay, Rich Pottier, Tina Raycraft, Chris Wieland
and Ralph Willoughby.  Seven people are running for three school board positions: Kim Baskett, Pam Cuffle, Brad Garcia, Ann Holladay, Scott McClure, Dirk McCormick and Larry
Patterson. The purpose of this forum is to inform and acquaint the voters with candidates running for offices in the April 7 election.  For further information, call the Riverton Village
Library at 629-6353.
The top fundraisers by class at Riverton
Elementary School for Jump Rope for Heart
were front row, Hunter Williams ($240,
kindergarten) and J.D Raycraft ($180, first
grade). Back row: Reanna Baskett ($200,
second grade),  Victoria Kolanowski ($140,
fourth grade) and Seth Cline ($265, third
grade).
Riverton board discusses changing utility due dates
The Riverton Village Board held its second meeting of the month March 16. All trustees were present.  The minutes from the March 2 meeting and bills were approved 6-0. (more)
Riverton-area “Child Advocacy Day” April 18
The Riverton Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4361 has joined with the Riverton-Lavely Masonic Lodge 786 and the Riverton Fire
Department and EMS in hosting a “Child Advocacy Day” April 18 from noon-5 p.m. at the Riverton Firehouse, 710 Riverton Rd.,
Riverton.  The Riverton-Lavely Masonic Lodge has scheduled a Child Identification Program that will be available throughout the
event.  This will give the parents a complete child identification package that can be taken home or carried with the family on
vacation.  In addition, other activities throughout the event will include:  bike and pedestrian safety, fire safety, boat safety, DARE,
helmet safety, child safety seats, safe events and activities in the Riverton area for children, poison and medicine safety, and much
more.  Their will be several organizations with informational displays at the firehouse that day.   The Riverton Jr. Eagles will be
hosting an ice cream eating contest at 2 p.m. that will be free and open to the first 24 kids that sign up that day.  Each child attending
will receive a goody bag filled with items from local businesses.  Children and families in the Riverton area are encouraged to
attend.
Donations needed for new fountain and lights at Veterans
Park
After years of enjoyment, the Veterans Park at Third and Lincoln needs the public’s help with a new fountain and light. Veterans Park
is the site of many gazebo weddings, Veterans Day Memorial and annual ceremony, the annual children’s fishing derby, duck
feeding, elementary school flower planting, sunflower garden, walks and daily fishing by young and old.  The fountain also serves
environmentally by helping with the needed aeration for upkeep and for the fish and duck wildlife.  The fountain is in disrepair and
donations are needed for its replacement and a new light.  Total donations needed are $2500. Donations can be made payable to
the Village of Riverton marked “fountain” on the envelope or on your check.  Group collections by organizations, classrooms,
churches or non-profit agencies are highly encouraged and welcome.  Mail your donation to 1200 E. Riverton Road, Riverton, IL,
62561.  If you have any questions, please call Gayla Mueller at 622-1834.
Debowey awarded Governor’s Scholarship to attend
Southeast Missouri State
David L. Debowey of Riverton is among an elite group of outstanding high school seniors who have been awarded Governor’s
Scholarships, the most prestigious academic honor awarded to beginning freshmen who have been accepted by Southeast
Missouri State University for the 2009-2010 academic year. Out-of-state residents qualify for the Governor’s Scholarship if they are
valedictorian of their high school class after six semesters and have achieved either an ACT composite score of 31 or SAT score of
1360; or if they have been recognized as a National Merit or Achievement Finalist. The Governor’s Scholarship program at
Southeast was announced in 1986 by former Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft. The Governor’s Scholarship covers incidental fees,
general fees and textbook rental for up to 32 credit hours per academic year at Southeast, in addition to a room and board package.
This scholarship is renewable for three additional academic years after initial award year, for a maximum of four consecutive
academic years.  To renew the recipient must maintain a 3.5 cumulative grade point average in courses taken at Southeast and
complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work per academic year at Southeast.   Southeast summer hours, taken in the
same academic year, may be used to meet renewal criteria.
Debowey will be a 2009 graduate of Riverton High School.  He is the son of Darrell and Candace Debowey of Riverton.
Riverton candidates state their case at packed forum
The Riverton Village Library Board of Trustees hosted a very well attended “Meet the Candidates Night” on March 30 in the Riverton Municipal Building. (more)
As part of Fine Arts Week at Riverton
Elementary School, last Thursday the
students were treated to a juggler. Above,
many students laugh hysterically after the
juggler dropped something.
Todd wins Riverton mayoral race
Bob Todd will be the new Riverton mayor.  With all the precincts counted, Todd finished with 312 votes, ahead of Jeb Brown’s 277 and Tom Rader’s 264. (more)
Village board hears updates on Riverfest, water plant
The Riverton Village Board met April 6 at 7 p.m.  All trustees were present.  The bills and minutes from the last meeting were approved 6-0.  People on the agenda included Tim
Raycraft, with the Riverfest Committee. (
more)
School board approves new literacy audit, discusses lunch prices
The Riverton School Board met April 13 to consider an agenda of many staff and financial items.  All board members were present, and the minutes of the March 9 regular and
closed session meetings were approved 7-0.  There were no questions on the revenue, expenditure or treasurer’s report, and these too were approved 7-0. (
more)
Riverton Elementary School had its open
house last Thursday. Above, Mrs. Patrick’s
kindergarten class performs for the audience
during its Kindergarten Zoo performance.
Village board hears about Prairie Hawk Development, Riverfest and new water
treatment plant capacity
The Riverton Village Board held its second monthly meeting on April 20, which began at 7:16 p.m. Prior to it, there was an administrative committee meeting in progress to
discuss the Washington Street sewer project with Petersburg Plumbing and Heating, the contractor, whose representatives were present. (
more)
Village board bids farewell to mayor
The Riverton Village Board met May 4 to consider an agenda that included, among other items, swearing in new trustees and bidding veteran mayor Joe Rusciolelli goodbye.
(
more)
Riverton's Durham wins photography award     
The Illinois Association of Skills USA held its 45th annual Leadership and Skills Conference in Springfield on April 23-25. (more)
On May 2, the Riverton seventh and eighth
grade middle school band traveled to Virden
Middle School to participate in the 2009 IESA
Band Organizational contest. The band
performed extremely well, earning a first
place rating. This is the sixth year in a row
that the Riverton Middle School Band has
achieved this award. Congratulations on your
musical achievements and for representing
Riverton with pride! Pictured are: First row,
from left: Dalton Williams, Erin Buck, Kelsey
Burge and Jezmyn Thorpe. Second row: Katy
Anderson, Ashley Yeager and Fischer Reed.
Third row: Brandon Kietzman, Matt Lesones,
Lexi Thompson and Tayler Myers. Fourth row:
April Duff, Alex Lesones, Melanie Clark,
Shaun Kerr, Bryce Trader, Drake Miller, Scott
Pantier, Evan Shaw and Band Director Vince
Camille. Not pictured: Kelly Wright, Ryan
Fischer and Cody Ruebling.
Utility bill due dates to change to 17th of month
The Riverton Village Board, the first under the direction of Mayor Bob Todd, met May 18 at 7 p.m.  The bills and minutes were approved for payment. (more)
School board hears request to form junior high dance team
The Riverton School Board met May 11 at 6 p.m.  It approved the regular and closed session minutes of the April 13 meeting, as well as the regular and closed session minutes of
the April 27 meeting, both 7-0.  The treasurer’s, revenue and expenditure reports were also approved 7-0. (
more)
RMS "Meet Your Teacher" Night July 30
Mark your calendars for a chance to meet your child’s teachers.  On July 30 from 6-7:30, the Riverton Middle School will be hosting Meet Your Teacher Night.  You will have the
opportunity to: Fifth grade parents will meet with Mr. Lamkey and the fifth grade teachers at 6 in the gym to relieve stress about the new building and to review building expectations.
Sixth, seventh and eighth grade parents will have the opportunity to meet with Mr. Lamkey in the gym at 7 p.m. to review building expectations. Bring your calendar to sign up for
Parent/Teacher Conferences. Become an active participant in your students’ learning, sign up for Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). RMS would love to meet all parents: Come
introduce yourself, see your student’s desk/classroom(s), and get some of your questions answered. Let’s start the year off right.  The Riverton Middle School Staff looks forward to
meeting you.
Waldrop named April Student of Month at RHS
Riverton High School is pleased to announce that senior Jessica Waldrop has been named April 2009 Student of the Month.
Jessica, daughter of Shane and Silvia Waldrop, was chosen by the staff and faculty of RHS based on attendance, academics, effort, conduct, cooperation, dependability,
leadership, school involvement and service to others. Jessica will receive a $25 INB VISA Gift Card from Illinois National Bank and will be eligible for 2008-2009 Student of the
Year honors at graduation. Jessica’s activities include soccer, Hawk Pride, TADAA, Key club, SADD and Art club. Some of Jessica’s high school accomplishments include student
of the month winner (sponsored by another local bank), speech and statistics awards and the President’s Education award. Jessica plans on attending UIS to major in
Communications. She would like to study at UIS for two years, then move on to a larger university to finish her schooling.