| The Sun-Times Archives Serving Williamsville and Sherman |
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Heidorn named WHS Student of the Month
Williamsville High School is pleased to announce that senior Will Heidorn has been selected as the May Student of the Month. Will was selected by
the senior class sponsors on the basis of academic performance, extracurricular participation and personal traits. Will receives a $100 savings
bond from the Williamsville State Bank and will also be eligible for Student of the Year.
Will is 21st in his class with a weighted GPA of 4.531. He is a High Honor Roll student, a member of the WHS chapter of the National Honor Society
and a member of the PSAE All Exceeds Team. He is a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 330 within the Boy Scouts of America and is a
member of the Boy Scouts’ honor society, the Order of the Arrow. As part of the Boy Scouts, Will served in the Lincoln Pilgrimage Honor Guard. At
WHS, Will is a member of the Chorus, Jazz Choir and Madrigals. He has competed at the IMEA District Choir and District Jazz Contests, as well as
receiving IMEA All State Honors for Chorus. He has also received Superior ratings for the IHSA State Music Contest. For his artistic endeavors, Will
is a member of the Art Club. This year, he participated in the New Berlin Art Show and received first, third and fifth place medals. Will also submitted
a winning design in the Bowl for Kids Sake’s Bowling Pin Contest. Will is very active in the Grace Lutheran Church. He is a Youth Representative at
the church. Will has assisted at the Grace Lutheran Food Pantry, volunteered at several Easter Breakfasts and participated in the New Orleans
Mission Trip. As a scout, he has helped distribute flyers and collect food for the annual Scouting for Food program. He also served as a Senior
Patrol Leader at the Abraham Lincoln Council’s Day Camp. For WHS, Will coordinated and designed two Madrigal backdrops. Will was accepted
into the LLCC Honors Program, where he will begin his quest for a degree in Architectural drafting.
Williamsville High School is pleased to announce that senior Will Heidorn has been selected as the May Student of the Month. Will was selected by
the senior class sponsors on the basis of academic performance, extracurricular participation and personal traits. Will receives a $100 savings
bond from the Williamsville State Bank and will also be eligible for Student of the Year.
Will is 21st in his class with a weighted GPA of 4.531. He is a High Honor Roll student, a member of the WHS chapter of the National Honor Society
and a member of the PSAE All Exceeds Team. He is a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 330 within the Boy Scouts of America and is a
member of the Boy Scouts’ honor society, the Order of the Arrow. As part of the Boy Scouts, Will served in the Lincoln Pilgrimage Honor Guard. At
WHS, Will is a member of the Chorus, Jazz Choir and Madrigals. He has competed at the IMEA District Choir and District Jazz Contests, as well as
receiving IMEA All State Honors for Chorus. He has also received Superior ratings for the IHSA State Music Contest. For his artistic endeavors, Will
is a member of the Art Club. This year, he participated in the New Berlin Art Show and received first, third and fifth place medals. Will also submitted
a winning design in the Bowl for Kids Sake’s Bowling Pin Contest. Will is very active in the Grace Lutheran Church. He is a Youth Representative at
the church. Will has assisted at the Grace Lutheran Food Pantry, volunteered at several Easter Breakfasts and participated in the New Orleans
Mission Trip. As a scout, he has helped distribute flyers and collect food for the annual Scouting for Food program. He also served as a Senior
Patrol Leader at the Abraham Lincoln Council’s Day Camp. For WHS, Will coordinated and designed two Madrigal backdrops. Will was accepted
into the LLCC Honors Program, where he will begin his quest for a degree in Architectural drafting.
Thompson commits to run at Greenville
Trevor Thompson, a 2009 Williamsville High School graduate, has announced his intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Greenville
College. The son of Kent and Diane Thompson, Trevor will compete in both cross country and track for the Panthers while pursuing a degree in
Communications. Trevor has had an accomplished athletic career, earning several honors in cross country, track and basketball during his four
years at WHS. He was captain of the cross country team, as well as the Most Valuable Runner in track and cross country. He won the 3200 in the
county meet and the Prairie State Conference meet, and he was voted the basketball team’s Best Defensive Player while receiving both Sangamo
Conference honorable mention honors and the WHS Sports Boosters Outstanding Sportsmanship/Teammate award. Trevor also excelled in the
classroom, as his resume includes high honor roll, National Honor Society, WHS September Student of the Month, Susan Cook House Student of
the Month, SAR recipient, McDonald’s Ray Kroc Achievement Award, U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar and Illinois State Scholar. While
participating in sports year-round, Trevor also has been active in student council, Youth and Government, yearbook staff, the drama program and is a
member of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Regiment.
“We are excited about Trevor’s decision to come to Greenville,” said Greenville cross country and track coach Brian Patton. “He will contribute in
more ways than one. “It has been said, ‘Past performance is the best predictor of future behavior.’ I believe that to be true and look forward to Trevor’
s future in our program because his past has been very successful.”
Greenville is an NCAA Division III school that competes in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic (SLIAC) Conference. Their men’s cross country team
has won the conference championship 11 of the past 12 years.
Trevor Thompson, a 2009 Williamsville High School graduate, has announced his intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Greenville
College. The son of Kent and Diane Thompson, Trevor will compete in both cross country and track for the Panthers while pursuing a degree in
Communications. Trevor has had an accomplished athletic career, earning several honors in cross country, track and basketball during his four
years at WHS. He was captain of the cross country team, as well as the Most Valuable Runner in track and cross country. He won the 3200 in the
county meet and the Prairie State Conference meet, and he was voted the basketball team’s Best Defensive Player while receiving both Sangamo
Conference honorable mention honors and the WHS Sports Boosters Outstanding Sportsmanship/Teammate award. Trevor also excelled in the
classroom, as his resume includes high honor roll, National Honor Society, WHS September Student of the Month, Susan Cook House Student of
the Month, SAR recipient, McDonald’s Ray Kroc Achievement Award, U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar and Illinois State Scholar. While
participating in sports year-round, Trevor also has been active in student council, Youth and Government, yearbook staff, the drama program and is a
member of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Regiment.
“We are excited about Trevor’s decision to come to Greenville,” said Greenville cross country and track coach Brian Patton. “He will contribute in
more ways than one. “It has been said, ‘Past performance is the best predictor of future behavior.’ I believe that to be true and look forward to Trevor’
s future in our program because his past has been very successful.”
Greenville is an NCAA Division III school that competes in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic (SLIAC) Conference. Their men’s cross country team
has won the conference championship 11 of the past 12 years.
Sherman board purchases compact excavator
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Sherman Village Board Tuesday night unanimously approved the purchase of a new compact excavator for the public works department. (more)
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Sherman Village Board Tuesday night unanimously approved the purchase of a new compact excavator for the public works department. (more)
NICK CONSTANT
WHS grad Constant joins school board
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Williamsville School Board at a short special meeting last Thursday approved several coaches and new
teachers and also appointed a new board member. (more)
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Williamsville School Board at a short special meeting last Thursday approved several coaches and new
teachers and also appointed a new board member. (more)
More Web site features presented at W’ville village
board meeting
By Linda Hughes
Williamsville Trustee Valerie Patterson presented more features of the new village Web site at Monday’s board
meeting. She presented Village Forum guidelines, saying that all topics would need village board approval. (more)
board meeting
By Linda Hughes
Williamsville Trustee Valerie Patterson presented more features of the new village Web site at Monday’s board
meeting. She presented Village Forum guidelines, saying that all topics would need village board approval. (more)
WHS Award and Scholarship winners
Below is a list of awards and scholarships earned by Williamsville High School seniors, as provided by the school. (more)
Below is a list of awards and scholarships earned by Williamsville High School seniors, as provided by the school. (more)
Village of Sherman to purchase new utility truck
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Village of Sherman Public Works Department now has a utility truck at its disposal. (more)
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Village of Sherman Public Works Department now has a utility truck at its disposal. (more)
School board approves amended budget
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Williamsville School Board on Monday night approved an amended budget for the current fiscal year. (more)
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Williamsville School Board on Monday night approved an amended budget for the current fiscal year. (more)
Benedictine University at Springfield Spring
2009 Dean’s List
Benedictine University at Springfield has announced its 2009 Spring Semester Dean’s List. The
following local students were among those honored.
Dawson: Laura Humphrey and Andrea Kraus
Riverton: Allison Bertolino, Nancy Betz, Ashley Cameron, Gina Collebrusco, Sarah Cox, Melissa
Febus, Lyndsie Herman, Michael Lavin, Kellie Negangard, Leane Pryer, Lyndsey Stone, Nicole
Stone and Caleb Young
Sherman: Laikyn Cheffy, Mikaela Fawns, Corey Fitzpatrick, Jessica Friday, Christina Giacomini,
Rachel Glisson, Travis Harmony, Megan Hinds, Spenser Morrissey, Rachel Rossi, Kathryn
Scheffler, AyAnna Sortor and Jared Washko
Williamsville: Dana Anderson, Brittany Casson, Kelsie Harbin and Sumar Sloman
2009 Dean’s List
Benedictine University at Springfield has announced its 2009 Spring Semester Dean’s List. The
following local students were among those honored.
Dawson: Laura Humphrey and Andrea Kraus
Riverton: Allison Bertolino, Nancy Betz, Ashley Cameron, Gina Collebrusco, Sarah Cox, Melissa
Febus, Lyndsie Herman, Michael Lavin, Kellie Negangard, Leane Pryer, Lyndsey Stone, Nicole
Stone and Caleb Young
Sherman: Laikyn Cheffy, Mikaela Fawns, Corey Fitzpatrick, Jessica Friday, Christina Giacomini,
Rachel Glisson, Travis Harmony, Megan Hinds, Spenser Morrissey, Rachel Rossi, Kathryn
Scheffler, AyAnna Sortor and Jared Washko
Williamsville: Dana Anderson, Brittany Casson, Kelsie Harbin and Sumar Sloman
Williamsville village board approves bid for Main Street overlay
project
By Linda Hughes
The Williamsville Village Board agreed Monday to approve a pay request from Preferred Tank & Tower for $$11,763 for water tower work. (more)
project
By Linda Hughes
The Williamsville Village Board agreed Monday to approve a pay request from Preferred Tank & Tower for $$11,763 for water tower work. (more)
The Karate School of Williamsville puts on a
demonstration at the annual 4th of July
celebration (Linda Hughes photo).
demonstration at the annual 4th of July
celebration (Linda Hughes photo).
Starwalt academic all-conference at Millikin
Millikin University, in conjunction with the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), announces its Jack Swartz Award Recipients and the
CCIW Academic All-Conference team for Spring 2009. Williamsville High School graduate Bridgette Starwalt was named to the Academic All-
Conference team. Each season the CCIW and Millikin also select an Academic All-Conference Team. To be recognized, the student-athlete must
be enrolled as a full-time student; must have earned a letter during the 2009 season; and must carry at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point
average. Millikin senior softball player Kristina Bechtold (Westfield, Ind., H.S.) and baseball player James Hafer (Wheaton North H.S.) were selected
as recipients of the Jack Swartz Award.
To be considered as a Swartz Award winner, student-athletes must carry at least a 3.50 grade point average and must have earn a letter in a their
varsity sport. Bechtold, an Accounting and Finance double major, was a four-year letter winner in softball as a pitcher. She served as team captain
in both her junior and senior seasons. This year marks the third time she has been named to the CCIW Academic All-Conference Team. She was
named to the CCIW All-Conference Second Team as a freshman.
Hafer, an Accounting and Spanish double major, earned four varsity letters in baseball as an infielder. The Big Blue’s starting third baseball in
2009, Hafer was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Baseball First Team in District 5.
Millikin University, in conjunction with the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), announces its Jack Swartz Award Recipients and the
CCIW Academic All-Conference team for Spring 2009. Williamsville High School graduate Bridgette Starwalt was named to the Academic All-
Conference team. Each season the CCIW and Millikin also select an Academic All-Conference Team. To be recognized, the student-athlete must
be enrolled as a full-time student; must have earned a letter during the 2009 season; and must carry at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point
average. Millikin senior softball player Kristina Bechtold (Westfield, Ind., H.S.) and baseball player James Hafer (Wheaton North H.S.) were selected
as recipients of the Jack Swartz Award.
To be considered as a Swartz Award winner, student-athletes must carry at least a 3.50 grade point average and must have earn a letter in a their
varsity sport. Bechtold, an Accounting and Finance double major, was a four-year letter winner in softball as a pitcher. She served as team captain
in both her junior and senior seasons. This year marks the third time she has been named to the CCIW Academic All-Conference Team. She was
named to the CCIW All-Conference Second Team as a freshman.
Hafer, an Accounting and Spanish double major, earned four varsity letters in baseball as an infielder. The Big Blue’s starting third baseball in
2009, Hafer was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Baseball First Team in District 5.
Bullets win two of
three at Plains
Invite
The host Williamsville Bullets baseball
team scored the final 10 runs of the game
and defeated Riverton 12-2 in five innings
last Wednesday. (more)
three at Plains
Invite
The host Williamsville Bullets baseball
team scored the final 10 runs of the game
and defeated Riverton 12-2 in five innings
last Wednesday. (more)
Lady Bullets coast to Maroa Invite crown
Jenna Hansen was 4-for-4 with seven RBI and a pair of homers, and the Williamsville Lady
Bullets softball team drilled Nokomis 15-2 in five innings last Wednesday. (more)
Jenna Hansen was 4-for-4 with seven RBI and a pair of homers, and the Williamsville Lady
Bullets softball team drilled Nokomis 15-2 in five innings last Wednesday. (more)
Bullets whip Mt. Olive, Auburn
The Williamsville Bullets picked up two wins Monday in Auburn, downing Mt. Olive 17-4 in five innings and then besting the hosts 5-2 in eight
innings. Against Mt. Olive, WHS scored three in the first and third around an 11-run second inning. Brandon Donnelly (three runs, RBI), Payton
Jeffers (three runs, three RBI), Travis Combs (two runs, three RBI) and Brock Kamrath (two runs, RBI) all had two hits for the Bullets. Nick
Kamrath (run, RBI) and Nick Roscetti (two runs, two RBI) both contributed one hit. Derek Borjon walked twice and scored twice, and Alex Smith
and Jonny Cain both crossed the plate once. Austin Lamkey tossed a scoreless first inning, and Ryan Balder finished up.
In the Auburn game, Brock Kamrath belted a three-run dinger in the eighth to provide the winning margin.
Adrian Brown walked and Nick Kamrath was safe on an error before the homer. Donnelly singled and scored on a wild pitch in the first, and Ryan
Casson homered in the second. Auburn managed single tallies in the second and fifth against Donnelly, who fanned five in his complete-game
five-hitter. Combs had two hits, and Matt Osman chipped in one.
Last Wednesday, WHS lost at state-ranked Chillicothe Illinois Valley Central 5-1 as the hosts pulled away late. Donnelly, Combs, Osman, Borjon
and Casson had the hits for the Bullets. Lamkey gave up three earned runs in five innings of work, fanning four.
The Bullets scored three times in the seventh to eke out a 10-7 win over Illini Central. The Bullets trailed 6-1 after three innings before storming
back. Lamkey got the win with three scoreless innings on the mound. Casson, Nick Kamrath (RBI), Derek Borjon (RBI) and Donnelly all had two
hits. Brown, Combs and Donnelly had doubles.
The Williamsville Bullets picked up two wins Monday in Auburn, downing Mt. Olive 17-4 in five innings and then besting the hosts 5-2 in eight
innings. Against Mt. Olive, WHS scored three in the first and third around an 11-run second inning. Brandon Donnelly (three runs, RBI), Payton
Jeffers (three runs, three RBI), Travis Combs (two runs, three RBI) and Brock Kamrath (two runs, RBI) all had two hits for the Bullets. Nick
Kamrath (run, RBI) and Nick Roscetti (two runs, two RBI) both contributed one hit. Derek Borjon walked twice and scored twice, and Alex Smith
and Jonny Cain both crossed the plate once. Austin Lamkey tossed a scoreless first inning, and Ryan Balder finished up.
In the Auburn game, Brock Kamrath belted a three-run dinger in the eighth to provide the winning margin.
Adrian Brown walked and Nick Kamrath was safe on an error before the homer. Donnelly singled and scored on a wild pitch in the first, and Ryan
Casson homered in the second. Auburn managed single tallies in the second and fifth against Donnelly, who fanned five in his complete-game
five-hitter. Combs had two hits, and Matt Osman chipped in one.
Last Wednesday, WHS lost at state-ranked Chillicothe Illinois Valley Central 5-1 as the hosts pulled away late. Donnelly, Combs, Osman, Borjon
and Casson had the hits for the Bullets. Lamkey gave up three earned runs in five innings of work, fanning four.
The Bullets scored three times in the seventh to eke out a 10-7 win over Illini Central. The Bullets trailed 6-1 after three innings before storming
back. Lamkey got the win with three scoreless innings on the mound. Casson, Nick Kamrath (RBI), Derek Borjon (RBI) and Donnelly all had two
hits. Brown, Combs and Donnelly had doubles.
Sangamo Conference all-conference
teams announced
Four Williamsville Lady Bullets earned unanimous first-team All-Conference honors, according
to Sangamo Conference softball coaches. The sectional finalists were represented by Jenna
Hansen, Jillian Hills, Cora Jeffers and Sarah Hibbs. Also on the first team were Pleasant Plains
teammates Kelsie Dearing and Marissa Jenkins, Athens’ Haley Bock, Amanda Sponsler of
Buffalo Tri-City, PORTA’s Jordan Durrett and Chelsea Minor and Auburn’s Sydney Coleman and
Stephanie Angelo. All but the latter three listed were unanimous choices. Second teamers
included Tri-City Lady Tornado Stephanie Watkins, Auburn’s Mackenzie Carter and Emily
Anderson, Plains’ Maddie Braasch and Savannah Little, Riverton’s Brooke Kulek, Katie
Standish and Michelle Green, Athens’ Katie Hedge, Williamsville’s Kathryn Spenn and Lauren
Hollinshead, Rochester’s Katie Kestner and Abby Stybr and PORTA’s Laura Francis and Sara
Reichart. Earning honorable mention were Auburn’s Brooke Balster, PORTA teammates
Jessica Toft and Sam Schappaugh and Auburn’s Katie Howard and Andie Butler. On the boys
side, Rochester had four first-teamers in Michael Fitzgerald, Brock Harding, Brett Jackson and
Blake Gand. Supersectional qualifier Pleasant Plains had three first-teamers: Devin Moore, Will
Frey and Kyle Forsythe. Brandon Donnelly and Travis Combs from Williamsville also made first
team, as did Illini Central’s Sam Means, Auburn’s Danny Carrigan and PORTA’s Trey Irwin and
Dominic Ozella. Austin Lamkey and Ryan Casson of Williamsville were second teamers, as
were Plains’ Dan Reiser, T.J. Albers and Cale George, Athens’ Derrik Augenstein, Rochester’s
Seth Warren, Alex Ramsey and Sam Jakaitis, Illini Central’s Brett Montgomery, PORTA’s Steve
Kuhn and Andrew McCurdy and Auburn’s Eric Cerve and Michael Bates. The Bullets’ Derek
Borjon, Athens’ Scot Carter, Mt. Pulaski’s Seth Diebert, PORTA’s George Tibbs, Rochester’s
Jarod Pellman, Illini Central’s Jared Daugherty and Plains’ Kyle Dobbe and Chris Barnes
earned honorable mention.
teams announced
Four Williamsville Lady Bullets earned unanimous first-team All-Conference honors, according
to Sangamo Conference softball coaches. The sectional finalists were represented by Jenna
Hansen, Jillian Hills, Cora Jeffers and Sarah Hibbs. Also on the first team were Pleasant Plains
teammates Kelsie Dearing and Marissa Jenkins, Athens’ Haley Bock, Amanda Sponsler of
Buffalo Tri-City, PORTA’s Jordan Durrett and Chelsea Minor and Auburn’s Sydney Coleman and
Stephanie Angelo. All but the latter three listed were unanimous choices. Second teamers
included Tri-City Lady Tornado Stephanie Watkins, Auburn’s Mackenzie Carter and Emily
Anderson, Plains’ Maddie Braasch and Savannah Little, Riverton’s Brooke Kulek, Katie
Standish and Michelle Green, Athens’ Katie Hedge, Williamsville’s Kathryn Spenn and Lauren
Hollinshead, Rochester’s Katie Kestner and Abby Stybr and PORTA’s Laura Francis and Sara
Reichart. Earning honorable mention were Auburn’s Brooke Balster, PORTA teammates
Jessica Toft and Sam Schappaugh and Auburn’s Katie Howard and Andie Butler. On the boys
side, Rochester had four first-teamers in Michael Fitzgerald, Brock Harding, Brett Jackson and
Blake Gand. Supersectional qualifier Pleasant Plains had three first-teamers: Devin Moore, Will
Frey and Kyle Forsythe. Brandon Donnelly and Travis Combs from Williamsville also made first
team, as did Illini Central’s Sam Means, Auburn’s Danny Carrigan and PORTA’s Trey Irwin and
Dominic Ozella. Austin Lamkey and Ryan Casson of Williamsville were second teamers, as
were Plains’ Dan Reiser, T.J. Albers and Cale George, Athens’ Derrik Augenstein, Rochester’s
Seth Warren, Alex Ramsey and Sam Jakaitis, Illini Central’s Brett Montgomery, PORTA’s Steve
Kuhn and Andrew McCurdy and Auburn’s Eric Cerve and Michael Bates. The Bullets’ Derek
Borjon, Athens’ Scot Carter, Mt. Pulaski’s Seth Diebert, PORTA’s George Tibbs, Rochester’s
Jarod Pellman, Illini Central’s Jared Daugherty and Plains’ Kyle Dobbe and Chris Barnes
earned honorable mention.
The Purple team recently took first place in
the Williamsville Summer League end-of-the-
season tournament in Williamsville. The
team was coached by John O’Conner, Troy
Higginbotham, Brent Moore and Brian
Franklin. Team members include (not in
photo order): Chase Clayton, Landon Cosby,
Brandon Franklin, Dawson Higginbotham,
Alex LeVeque, Max May, Hayden Moore, Bryce
Newton, Scott O’Conner and Hunter Watts
(not all players were available for this
photograph).
the Williamsville Summer League end-of-the-
season tournament in Williamsville. The
team was coached by John O’Conner, Troy
Higginbotham, Brent Moore and Brian
Franklin. Team members include (not in
photo order): Chase Clayton, Landon Cosby,
Brandon Franklin, Dawson Higginbotham,
Alex LeVeque, Max May, Hayden Moore, Bryce
Newton, Scott O’Conner and Hunter Watts
(not all players were available for this
photograph).
Final Grade Occupancy Permit process discussed at length by
Sherman Village Board
By Byron Painter
Editor
About half of the 70-minute Sherman Village Board meeting Tuesday night dealt with the village’s plan to have an updated Final Grade and
Occupancy Permit. (more)
Sherman Village Board
By Byron Painter
Editor
About half of the 70-minute Sherman Village Board meeting Tuesday night dealt with the village’s plan to have an updated Final Grade and
Occupancy Permit. (more)
Retired Sherman teacher dies in accident
Retired Sherman Elementary teacher Sharon Miller was killed in an accident in San Diego over the weekend. She was in California with her
husband Gary, a WHS science teacher who is a member of the National Education Association Board of Directors.
Miller, 60, and another female passenger were riding in a pedicab Saturday around noon when the driver started swerving, according to San Diego
police. Miller struck her head on the pavement after slipping out of the pedicab. She was diagnosed with a head injury at a local hospital and was
later declared brain dead.
She started as a substitute teacher in Williamsville in 1978, and in 1982, became a first grade teacher. She retired in 2005.
The Millers have two daughters, Missy and Alison, and a granddaughter, Katelyn, who was born just five weeks ago.
The accident remains under investigation; there was an arrest Tuesday. Williamsville Superintendent David Root said she will be greatly missed.
“It’s a terrible loss for our school community,” he said. “She’s always been a friend of the district, and her family has been dedicated to the
Williamsville-Sherman area for years.
“She touched countless lives of the children of our community and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She always gave so much of herself
to others and she will live on through those whose she impacted as a great teacher. Our hearts are so heavy with grief and our thoughts and prayers
are with her family during this difficult time.” (From July 9, 2009 edition)
Retired Sherman Elementary teacher Sharon Miller was killed in an accident in San Diego over the weekend. She was in California with her
husband Gary, a WHS science teacher who is a member of the National Education Association Board of Directors.
Miller, 60, and another female passenger were riding in a pedicab Saturday around noon when the driver started swerving, according to San Diego
police. Miller struck her head on the pavement after slipping out of the pedicab. She was diagnosed with a head injury at a local hospital and was
later declared brain dead.
She started as a substitute teacher in Williamsville in 1978, and in 1982, became a first grade teacher. She retired in 2005.
The Millers have two daughters, Missy and Alison, and a granddaughter, Katelyn, who was born just five weeks ago.
The accident remains under investigation; there was an arrest Tuesday. Williamsville Superintendent David Root said she will be greatly missed.
“It’s a terrible loss for our school community,” he said. “She’s always been a friend of the district, and her family has been dedicated to the
Williamsville-Sherman area for years.
“She touched countless lives of the children of our community and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She always gave so much of herself
to others and she will live on through those whose she impacted as a great teacher. Our hearts are so heavy with grief and our thoughts and prayers
are with her family during this difficult time.” (From July 9, 2009 edition)
Sherman Elementary School Registration July 29
Kindergarten through Fifth grade students at Sherman Elementary School will have the opportunity to register for the 2009-2010 school year July 29
from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Students new to the district should also register on this day. New students and kindergarteners will need to bring the following:
proof of residency, copy of county issued birth certificate, current physical, vision exam and dental exam. Registration will be held in the school gym.
Fees are $140 per student. There will be additional costs ($1 to $6) at specific grade levels to pay for other supplies that are only available at the
school. We also ask that you pay the yearly milk break fee of $52 per student at registration. If you are not able to register your child(ren) on July 29,
you may register any day after Aug. 11 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday. We ask that all students be registered by Aug. 18. Students will
have the opportunity to meet their teachers and tour the building Aug. 24 at “Meet the Teacher Night” from 6-7:30 p.m.
Kindergarten through Fifth grade students at Sherman Elementary School will have the opportunity to register for the 2009-2010 school year July 29
from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Students new to the district should also register on this day. New students and kindergarteners will need to bring the following:
proof of residency, copy of county issued birth certificate, current physical, vision exam and dental exam. Registration will be held in the school gym.
Fees are $140 per student. There will be additional costs ($1 to $6) at specific grade levels to pay for other supplies that are only available at the
school. We also ask that you pay the yearly milk break fee of $52 per student at registration. If you are not able to register your child(ren) on July 29,
you may register any day after Aug. 11 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday. We ask that all students be registered by Aug. 18. Students will
have the opportunity to meet their teachers and tour the building Aug. 24 at “Meet the Teacher Night” from 6-7:30 p.m.
Williamsville village board debates role in July 4 celebration
By Linda Hughes
A discussion took place Monday over whether or not the Williamsville Community Foundation should assume more responsibility for the July 4
Celebration. (more)
By Linda Hughes
A discussion took place Monday over whether or not the Williamsville Community Foundation should assume more responsibility for the July 4
Celebration. (more)
Tentative budget outlook has school district in the black for 2009-
10 fiscal year
By Byron Painter
Editor
Williamsville Superintendent Dave Root at Monday’s regular school board meeting went over last year’s budget and presented a tentative view at
this fiscal year’s numbers. (more)
10 fiscal year
By Byron Painter
Editor
Williamsville Superintendent Dave Root at Monday’s regular school board meeting went over last year’s budget and presented a tentative view at
this fiscal year’s numbers. (more)
School board tables individual sports participation contract
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Williamsville School Board on Monday tabled approval of an Individual Sports Participation Contract after some concerns about its wording were
raised. (more)
By Byron Painter
Editor
The Williamsville School Board on Monday tabled approval of an Individual Sports Participation Contract after some concerns about its wording were
raised. (more)
Grinder pump problems in Sherman discussed at board meeting
By Byron Painter
Editor
Much of the Monday Sherman Village Board meeting dealt with grinder pump issues in Birch Lakes Subdivision. (more)
By Byron Painter
Editor
Much of the Monday Sherman Village Board meeting dealt with grinder pump issues in Birch Lakes Subdivision. (more)
Sherman Village Board nears completion of Final Grade and
Occupancy Permit process
By Byron Painter
Editor
If a person wants to build a house in Sherman in the foreseeable future, there will be more stringent requirements and it will also cost more
money. (more)
Occupancy Permit process
By Byron Painter
Editor
If a person wants to build a house in Sherman in the foreseeable future, there will be more stringent requirements and it will also cost more
money. (more)
Revenues way down, water rates going up in W’ville
By Byron Painter
Editor
Williamsville Mayor Tom Yokley presented some sobering numbers to the village board Monday night, as revenues are down significantly. (more)
By Byron Painter
Editor
Williamsville Mayor Tom Yokley presented some sobering numbers to the village board Monday night, as revenues are down significantly. (more)
Williamsville board amends Burning Ban Ordinance
By Linda Hughes
The Williamsville Village Board amended the Burning Ban Ordinance Monday to allow leaf burning on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and to
extend the burning period to Dec. 15 in the fall and to May 20 in the spring. (more)
By Linda Hughes
The Williamsville Village Board amended the Burning Ban Ordinance Monday to allow leaf burning on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and to
extend the burning period to Dec. 15 in the fall and to May 20 in the spring. (more)
Sherman’s Schultz participates in IC internship
Thanks to an innovative partnership between Illinois College and the State of Illinois, Andrea Schultz is completing an internship this summer that
will provide the sophomore from Sherman with valuable on-the-job experience she can apply toward her future career. Schultz, a graduate of
Williamsville High School, is among a group of 23 participants in the Illinois College Explorers Program for 2009. Each of the students has been
given the opportunity to apply what they have learned so far in the classroom to the workplace. Schultz has been assigned to the interpretive staff
at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg.
Earlier this year the Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded a $29,944 Cooperative Work Study Grant to Illinois College. That sum has been
matched by the college and a select number of participating employers in order to underwrite paid internships this summer for each IC Explorer
according to Susie Drake, director of career services, at the liberal arts college in Jacksonville. Internship sites included under the partnership
include Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Illinois State Museum, Southern
Illinois University School of Medicine/Jacksonville Developmental Center, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Rammelkamp Bradney law
offices, Barton W. Stone Home, Woodlawn Farm and the offices of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This is the seventh year Illinois
College has partnered with the Illinois Board of Higher Education on the program. In addition to being paid for their internship, IC Explorers
receive the option of free summer living accommodations on and academic credit toward graduation. More importantly, the college recognizes the
value of the students’ experiences working in the community and developing responsibilities needed to succeed outside an academic
environment. According to Drake, the internships also provide a network of local contacts within the students’ chosen field, thus enhancing
employment options after graduation.
Thanks to an innovative partnership between Illinois College and the State of Illinois, Andrea Schultz is completing an internship this summer that
will provide the sophomore from Sherman with valuable on-the-job experience she can apply toward her future career. Schultz, a graduate of
Williamsville High School, is among a group of 23 participants in the Illinois College Explorers Program for 2009. Each of the students has been
given the opportunity to apply what they have learned so far in the classroom to the workplace. Schultz has been assigned to the interpretive staff
at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg.
Earlier this year the Illinois Board of Higher Education awarded a $29,944 Cooperative Work Study Grant to Illinois College. That sum has been
matched by the college and a select number of participating employers in order to underwrite paid internships this summer for each IC Explorer
according to Susie Drake, director of career services, at the liberal arts college in Jacksonville. Internship sites included under the partnership
include Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Illinois State Museum, Southern
Illinois University School of Medicine/Jacksonville Developmental Center, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Rammelkamp Bradney law
offices, Barton W. Stone Home, Woodlawn Farm and the offices of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This is the seventh year Illinois
College has partnered with the Illinois Board of Higher Education on the program. In addition to being paid for their internship, IC Explorers
receive the option of free summer living accommodations on and academic credit toward graduation. More importantly, the college recognizes the
value of the students’ experiences working in the community and developing responsibilities needed to succeed outside an academic
environment. According to Drake, the internships also provide a network of local contacts within the students’ chosen field, thus enhancing
employment options after graduation.
Sherman Board officially approves Final
Grade Ordinance
By Byron Painter
Editor
After being discussed at length at the last board meeting, the Sherman Village Board Tuesday
night officially approved the Final Grade and Occupancy Permit process, adding a $500 fee and
tougher requirements before a Final Certificate of Occupancy is issued. The vote was 7-0, with all
trustees and Mayor Trevor Clatfelter voicing their unanimous approval. The board also voted 5-0
(Trustee Brian Long had to leave early, and Clatfelter did not voice an official vote) to approve the
amended changes to the covenant of Timberline Estates. The common ground has been
transferred to the homeowners’ association; it is currently owned by the developer, according to
Clatfelter. Trustees also voted (5-0) a prompt pay bill ordinance, allowing the clerk to pay bills
more promptly instead of waiting for official board approval at a second monthly meeting; this will
help avoid incurring late fees while “making us more efficient and saving us money,” said
Clatfelter. There were two new building permits, bringing in about $800. The meeting adjourned
at 7:25 p.m., almost 90 minutes after it began. (From Aug. 20, 2009 edition)
Grade Ordinance
By Byron Painter
Editor
After being discussed at length at the last board meeting, the Sherman Village Board Tuesday
night officially approved the Final Grade and Occupancy Permit process, adding a $500 fee and
tougher requirements before a Final Certificate of Occupancy is issued. The vote was 7-0, with all
trustees and Mayor Trevor Clatfelter voicing their unanimous approval. The board also voted 5-0
(Trustee Brian Long had to leave early, and Clatfelter did not voice an official vote) to approve the
amended changes to the covenant of Timberline Estates. The common ground has been
transferred to the homeowners’ association; it is currently owned by the developer, according to
Clatfelter. Trustees also voted (5-0) a prompt pay bill ordinance, allowing the clerk to pay bills
more promptly instead of waiting for official board approval at a second monthly meeting; this will
help avoid incurring late fees while “making us more efficient and saving us money,” said
Clatfelter. There were two new building permits, bringing in about $800. The meeting adjourned
at 7:25 p.m., almost 90 minutes after it began. (From Aug. 20, 2009 edition)
Governor signs Sherman TIF extension
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn made many people in the Sherman and Williamsville areas happy last
week. He signed legislation to extend the life of the original tax increment financing (TIF) district in
Sherman. Mayor Trevor Clatfelter said the extension will raise an estimated $4 million for the
school district over the next dozen years. The Sherman Village Board earlier this year declared a
surplus on TIF money, so half of the TIF district’s proceeds will be distributed among local taxing
bodies, including the school district. The TIF district was in its 23rd and final year.
“I am very pleased with what this will mean for the children in our school district, the school district,
the Village of Sherman and all of the other taxing bodies in our area,” said Clatfelter.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn made many people in the Sherman and Williamsville areas happy last
week. He signed legislation to extend the life of the original tax increment financing (TIF) district in
Sherman. Mayor Trevor Clatfelter said the extension will raise an estimated $4 million for the
school district over the next dozen years. The Sherman Village Board earlier this year declared a
surplus on TIF money, so half of the TIF district’s proceeds will be distributed among local taxing
bodies, including the school district. The TIF district was in its 23rd and final year.
“I am very pleased with what this will mean for the children in our school district, the school district,
the Village of Sherman and all of the other taxing bodies in our area,” said Clatfelter.
The WJH eighth grade Beta Club students
sponsored a Gum Day in an effort to raise
money for the eight WJHS students who lost
their homes in the tornado. In the first few
hours, students raised over $700. Students
paid two dollars for the privilege of chewing
gum all day. Overall, the total raised was
$1255.07, In the photo, Izzie Butterfield, Emily
Capranica and Rachel Rhodes are counting
money.
sponsored a Gum Day in an effort to raise
money for the eight WJHS students who lost
their homes in the tornado. In the first few
hours, students raised over $700. Students
paid two dollars for the privilege of chewing
gum all day. Overall, the total raised was
$1255.07, In the photo, Izzie Butterfield, Emily
Capranica and Rachel Rhodes are counting
money.