The story line is a whodunit, howdunit. When famous actress Primavera Donna throws a party and winds up dead, it is up to the guests to figure out who, how and why the hired help is so annoying. Shades of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Ten Little Indians.
Cast members are: Aaron Hahn, Rachel Schmillen, Danny Longman, Kayla Block, Eric Kapraun, Jodi Lindley, Kesha Block, Wade Seggerman and Staci Hovey.
Woodford County Sheriff Bill Meyers is being investigated for misuse of a
credit card belonging to the sheriff's department. Meyers is accused of using
the credit card for cash advances. Some of the cash was obtained at Peoria strip
clubs in amounts up to $735.
Woodford County State's Attorney Mike Stroh indicated that the accusations are being
investigated but did not say when the review would be finished. The county board
will have to wait to see if the state's attorney office determines that there will be
criminal charges before any action can be taken.
The County board had earlier questioned Meyers about $5000 in cash advances. The
advances were made under new equipment but the equipment was not specified.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Meyers has been unavailable for comment even though he was scheduled
to be back in office this past Monday after a week's vacation. Presently, nobody seems
to know of his whereabouts. Reports are that the credit card advances could be much higher
than what is already known.
The Praireland Community Center Committee donated $858 to the Community Action
Fund to help build a replacement for the bandstand that was torn down in the Westside
Park 5 years ago. The Prairie Community Center Committee was the original committee to
develop a plan for a community center for Minonk. It has been disbanded and has been superceded
by the Millenium Committee.
The primary donors of the money from the committee were Earl Anderson and William Herman, Sr.
The Community Action Fund was established 13 years ago by Dave Uphoff and Clara Fewell to accumulate
funds to replace the bandstand in the park. The current plan is to use the funds to help build
a pavilion in the Westside Park.
November 11
A Veteran's Day ceremony was held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 12, at the Fieldcrest
High School gymnasium. The Fieldcrest student body was at the ceremony along with the public
at large. Local Minonk veterans were seated together as a group next to the podium.
The American Legion color guard performed at the ceremony. A three gun salute was performed
and taps were played at the end of the ceremony. Melvin Matter, local American Legion Commander,
gave a speech and the local veterans of each military branch were asked to stand while
the Fieldcrest Band played patriotic tunes.
The city council approved an agreement that will allow a Dollar General Store
to be built in downtown Minonk. The new building will be built at the south end of
the North Chestnut Street parking lot. The 60 X 120 foot building will face the west
and front the berm of the parking lot.
According to City Administrator Trent Smith the new store is expected to create 4 full-time jobs and 6 part-time jobs. Plans are to
start construction as soon as possible and be completed by next spring. The company is
planning to provide a press release later.
November 18
Woodford County Sheriff Bill Meyers has resigned as sheriff. County Board Chairman
Tom Janssen received a letter of resignation on Monday. No reason was given for the
resignation. Meyers has been under investigation for alleged misuse of sheriff's department credit
cards. So far questions have been raised about $28,000 in charges, many which include ATM withdrawls
at strip joints in Peoria.
Janssen said he expects the board will accept Meyer's resignation. Chief Deputy Ernie Bigelow will be
Meyers' successor until the Woodford County Board appoints a replacement. The board
must name a replacement within 60 days of Myers' resignation. The appointed sheriff will serve
until the expiration of Meyers' term in the fall of 2002.
Meyers has disappeared from public view when the credit card allegations became public. He reportedly
was in BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal last week for an undisclosed condition. His present
whereabouts is unknown.
Next month