New Wesclin school district superintendent Dave Daum is on the job, generally familiarizing himself with the district. He coordinated his first school board meeting here Monday night (see related story).

While Daum says it's "too early to even begin to evaluate" any new initiatives or programs he might want to implement, he has been warmly received and impressed with the educational environment in the district. "I'm still learning the people and the processes," he said. "The people I've met so far have been very nice to me and the discussions are about providing better educational opportunities for students.

"Wesclin has a good reputation as far as its educational program and as a district in general," Daum said. "The kids perform well and are expected to perform well. That's what attracted me to the job."

Daum arrives at Wesclin after a year as superintendent at Carbondale Elementary District 95. He is familar with the terrain. He grew up in Centralia and continues to live there with his wife Denise, who works for the Community Resource Center. They will celebrate their 33rd anniversary on August 15.

Daum began his educational career in Central City schools near Centralia, teaching a variety of subjects and becoming an assistant principal during his 12 years there.

He spent another 12 years as superintendent at Rome, north of Mt. Vernon, a K-8 district that feeds Mt. Vernon, Centralia, and Woodlawn high schools.

Daum was superintendent at Centralia from 2002 to 2006, arriving shortly after voter passage of a building referendum. He oversaw the construction of the new high school there.

Daum's overarching educational philosophy is one in which schools, parents, and students all accept their responsibilities in the process. "The discussion in our state and across the nation needs to change to one of personal responsibility for families and the expectations they have for their children. That's the sense I get at Wesclin and that's a great blessing."

Daum said that while schools can and must play an important role in children's development, all participants in the process must be involved. "We need a different dialogue," Daum said. "It seems like all the blame and all the responsibility for bringing up children falls on the schools, and that's incorrect. Certainly we have a role to play, but schools are ofen expected to fix things they don't have the ability to fix, things that have got to come from home."

Like most educators, Daum doesn't support the cumbersome federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law that directly ties funding to standardized tests. "I believe NCLB has had some value for those school districts with absolutely no sense of direction," Daum said, "and certainly there's nothing wrong with wanting kids to achieve, but there's a disconnect between education and how it's being measured. As long as I've been in education, we've always used standardized tests to measure student achievement. NCLB is so focused on test scores, we lose sight of the fact that there's a total educational experience that kids have that the test has little to do with."

In his first year as Wesclin superintendent, Daum will oversee the implementation of a new special education program designed to strengthen the district's performance in that area, following an evaluation and a list of recommendations from a consultant brought in last school year.

Another challenge for the new superintendent is one that is familiar to administrators across the state, the uncertainty of funding from the state of Illinois. Governor Rod Blagojevich and state legislators continue to wrangle over the state's budget, with education as one of the key issues, while schools try to plan for the approaching academic year. "We'll be conservative in our approach," said Daum, "because there may be some delays in receiving state aid payments. We not banking on an increase in state funding, but if there is one, it would be helpful."

Trenton maintenance crews will oil and chip streets in town on Tuesday, July 24 and Friday, July 27, according to acting street and alley superintendent Tom Peppenhorst.

Peppenhorst said on Monday that signs will be posted in the next few days identifying streets that will be oiled. Tuesday's schedule will include mostly the oil-and-chip streets in the northwest quadrant of town.

"We'll do the streets that have already been milled first," Peppenhorst said, "but we want residents who live on those streets to know we'll be starting at 7 a.m., so if they want to get out of their driveways, they need to do that before we start."

Trenton's city council continues to discuss the reinstatement of compensatory time as a benefit for city workers.

At the council's regular weekly work session on Monday, mayor Bob Koentz sought to allay concerns over the amount of comp time that can be accumulated and the paperwork requirements.

The council had generally agreed a couple of months ago to restore compensatory time on the conditions that it be awarded on a one-to-one ratio rather than the time-and-a-half that must be paid for overtime, and that workers would be able to accrue a maximum of 40 hours per year.

A couple of weeks ago, city attorney Kristi Vetri told the council that comp time awarded in exchange for overtime hours must be paid at time and a half, and cannot be rescinded if a worker doesn't use all 40 hours in a given year.

Koentz said if the council moves forward with the plan, the city will pay time-and-a-half in compensatory pay, but will not allow employees to carry comp hours from one year to the next. "At the end of the year, they'll be paid for whatever hours they have left," Koentz said.

Additionally, comp time will not be available during disasters, road-oiling, or other major projects. "All leave is subject to supervisory approval anyway," Koentz said.

The additional paperwork "won't be a problem," according to Koentz. Department supervisors will submit comp time statistics with their normal payroll reports.

The council will likely vote on the matter at its next regular meeting, Tuesday, August 7.

Other matters to be taken up at the August meeting include an ordinance confirming the city's enforcement of an Illinois law that all roofing contractors must be state-licensed, and a revision to the city's refuse collection rate schedule. Prices for trash, recycling, and yardwaste pick-up have not changed, but the city is eliminating pick-up for rural customers, who must now independently contract with a trash hauler to dispose of their waste.

Councilwoman Margaret Conley asked for and received permission to contact economic development consultant Gene Norber of the St. Louis firm Economic Development Resources (EDR) to arrange a meeting with herself and mayor Koentz to discuss the possibility of a new tax increment financing (TIF) district.

Some New Baden fourth and fifth graders will go to class together next year, after the Wesclin school board on Monday advised new district superintendent Dave Daum to move forward with plans for a combined classroom at St. George Elementary in New Baden.

Based on last year's enrollment plus some accounting for migration in and out of the Wesclin district, administrators expect grade populations of 58 and 59 in New Baden's fourth and fifth grades.

The plan represents the district's effort to ameliorate crowded classrooms in both grades while dealing with limitations like a lack of available space and the financial burden of hiring an additional teacher.

Several parents with students in those grades attended Monday night's school board meeting with questions about how the plan will be implemented, many of which can't be answered until the plan begins to unfold.

Jeanette Schorfheide, a former guidance counselor in the district who now works in the Lebanon school district and whose husband, Randy, was elected to the Wesclin board in April, spoke for the group.

Among other questions, Schorfheide asked if there are special qualifications for the teacher in the classroom, how the curricula will mesh, and whether an aide will be available to assist students with the inevitable self-learning.

"They're all good questions," said Daum, "but I can't really answer of them. I can only speak from my own experience at the elementary level. There are usually two curricula taught with separate instruction. I think it's important to realize that the teacher has the judgement and the flexibility to adapt to changing situations. There is so much that the teacher can provide in the way of instructional techniques that it's difficult at this point to say how the mechanics will work. The key is to get the right kids and the right teacher in the classroom."

If the idea of combining two grade levels into one classroom sounds slightly experimental, it isn't entirely so. The idea has been used in other school districts in the past.

"There's a lot of research that suggests it can be very positive," said board member John Fridley.

Board member Sandy Padak, who works in the Triad school district, said the concept has been used there to mitigate crowding. "My past experience with it has been that some curricula are combined and there is also some overlapping subject matter," Padak said. "A lot of it in my mind comes down to the teacher. If you have a good teacher, they can do it."

The district plans to have about 18 students in the combined classroom, leaving 24 to 25 students in the remaining classes at both fourth and fifth grade.

Surveys were sent to parents in the past month, asking for volunteers to participate. Daum said the parents of 14 students have agreed to the concept, while a few more are undecided and nearly 50 students' parents have not yet responded.

"There's a lot to consider, and I don't want to try to sell this, but there's a lot of good things that could come out of it," Daum said. "It has worked in the past, but will it always work? I don't know."

Daum said the district would consider a classroom aide only if necessary. "I think we havve to let if unfold a little bit," he said. "If that's the only way to make it successful, then that's probably what we would do, but I think it's too early to make that judgement yet. I know there are a lot of unknowns, but there always are. I think the answers will come with time."

Padak said the combined classroom is the best available solution for the crowding problem. "With these numbers, many districts wouldn't even consider adding another section at either grade," she said. "My district won't even consider splitting classes until there are at least 35 students per class. With the space we have available, this is the best option I see."

The board approved the appointment of current St. George fourth grade teacher Daryl Brokering as the teacher for the combined class.

- 1907 -

Born to Chas. Tragesser and wife a daughter Tuesday and a son to Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Steinmetz, Jr. on Monday.

From an acre of broken ground not adapted for cultivation but which is covered with vines, Seefeldt Bros., near Sugar Creek, picked 100 gallons of dewberries which netted $30.

After suffering from tuberculosis for a number of years, Emil Harpstrite succumbed to the ravages of the disease Friday.

Dancing experts say the two step keeps young men from proposing, while the dreamy waltz makes the fellow want her to be his own forever. After this when a girl saves all her waltzes for one boy it ought not be necessary for him to watch for any further hints.

- 1917 -

The first ten names drawn for army service from Trenton are: Thaddeus Poos, Val Bee, Oscar Hanselmann, G.W. Louden Jr., Val Ritzheimer, Oscar Koentz, Arnold Gilberson, Walter Emig, Wm. Quitmeyer and Fred Bayer. The first to be examined from Aviston are: Frank Brand, Joe Litteken, A.B. Lager, A.H. Lueke, Bernard Venhaus, Frank Wolters and Anton Rolves.

While playing mumble peg with other children, Lola Peter was struck in the right eye when the knife slipped from her hand.

Lawrence Miller died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Jacob Specht, on July 22.

- 1927 -

Mrs. Fred Rohling was fatally injured when her car was struck by a train at Aviston Friday.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Philip Emig on Monday, July 18.

Sebastian Husdmann passed away on July 11 following an appendectomy. He was 45 years of age.

The funeral of Mrs. Esther Coats, nee Hull, was held in Trenton Thursday afternoon. She was fatally injured in an auto accident in Missouri.

- 1937 -

Miss Gladys Bleisch underwent an appendectomy Wednesday at Highland.

Seeking appointment for the unexpired year as Breese postmaster of the term of John H. Knies, deceased, are his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Knies, and three Breese Democratic precinct committeemen, Wm. Fischer, Henry Bruening and E. R. Haag.

Anthony Bitter, former resident of Aviston, died in St. Louis last Wednesday.

Philip Heer of near Summerfield died Saturday as a result of a paralytic stroke suffered while threshing. He was 61 years of age.

- 1947 -

John Seewald, 94, formerly of Summerfield, died last Saturday as a result of a paralytic stroke in East St. Louis as he was making a bus trip to visit his cousin in Evanston.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. U.L. Boulanger on Friday and a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Korte also on Friday.

Henry B. Brefeld, 67, widely known retired businessman of Beckemeyer died Tuesday, at the Breese Hospital.

Terence Henry was elected commander of the Stahl Post American Legion Post. He succeeds Louis Mannhard.

- 1957 -

The Annual Clinton County Black & White Show and the Junior Show will be held at the Trenton VFW Park this weekend.

Frank Novak pitched Trenton to a 4 to 2 victory over Carlyle in 13 innings and also hit a home run.

Mrs. Henry Ratermann, 83, of New Baden, died July 17 at St. Mary's Hospital, Centralia.

Mr. and Mrs. Norcliffe Meyer and family have moved to San Antonio.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lehrer of Aviston on July 17.

- 1967 -

Mrs. Earl Boggy, 61, Summerfield, died July 13 from an apparent heart attack.

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Cary (Mary Herstein) at Carbondale on July 14.

Henry B. Lengerman died July 18 seven days after his 81st birthday.

The gross of the 1967 Homecoming was $11,234.69.

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Haselhorst and five members of their family were injured Saturday in a two-car accident east of Lebanon. A car skidded into the path of their vehicle.

Miss Diane Graul and Stephen Smith were married Saturday in St. John United Church of Christ.

Mrs. Anna Johnson, 76, of Albers, mother of Martin Johnson, died last Tuesday.

- 1977 -

Jim Ranz was named a State FFA Degree winner at the convention held at the University of Illinois.

John Zacharski, 81, father of Mrs. Rita Schwaegel, died in Belleville, Sunday.

Bill Fritch of Breese has purchased and assumed complete operation of Arnie's TV in Aviston.

It rained on the parade at the Homecoming.

Qualifiers for the State Jaycee Sports Jamboree at Champaign were: Vicky Rakers, Eric Welz, James Jansen, Craig Welz and Brian Kunz.

Leo Venhaus died unexpectedly at his home in Breese July 11 at the age of 70.

- 1987 -

Chris Brefeld of Trenton has advanced along with his team, the St. Louis Huskies, to the National AAU basketball finals in Syracuse, New York.

Pete Schumacher of Trenton was installed as the state treasurer for the Illinois Knights of Columbus Saturday, July 18. Schumacher is a member of Fr. G.H. Netemeyer K of C Council 2932 in Trenton.

Milton Luginbuhl of Trenton won a $1000 U.S. Savings Bond in Loveland's Trucks and Bucks giveaway.

Jane Cryder, daughter of Mrs. Bernice and the late Dave Cryder of Trenton, was married to Jeffery Martin of Chandler, Arizona during 4 p.m. ceremonies at West Gate Baptist Church July 11.

-1997-

J.D. Brandmeyer teaches his Damiansville grade school class the Filipino "ABC's."

Sherry Lynn Strubhart and Scott Charles McDonald announce their engagement. They plan an October wedding.

Viola C. Jansen, 90, of Albers, died July 14, 2007 at Fireside House of Centralia. She was born June 24, 1917 in Kelso, Missouri, daughter of Louis and Regina, nee Blattel, Hahn, and they both preceded her in death. She married Lawrence H. Jansen on April 28, 1953 in Albers, and he died February 8, 1997. Nieces and nephews survive. Interment St. Bernard Cemetery.

For complete obituary and condolences: hempenfuneralhome.com

Leland E. "Lee" Johnson, 78, of Breese, died Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese. He was born July 29, 1928 in Carlyle, son of Dosker and Hattie, nee Brown, Johnson, and they both preceded him in death. He married Dorothy Maue on April 16, 1951 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese, and she survives at home. Other relatives and friends also survive. Interment St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemetery.

For full obituary and condolences: mossfuneralhome.com

Leona C. Kalmer, 93, of Aviston, died Tuesday, July 10, 2007, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville. She was born December 20, 1913 in Aviston, daughter of Frank and Catherine, nee Brueggemann, Strubhart, and they both preceded her in death. She married Alphonse Kalmer on November 13, 1935 in Aviston and he died September 12, 1993. Surviving are three sons, Jerome (Rose) Kalmer of Damiansville, Ralph (Virginia) Kalmer of Harrisonville, Missouri, and Leonard (special friend Barb Alexander) Kalmer of Aviston; a daughter, Patricia Harpstrite of New Baden; 15 grandchildren, Stephen (Barb) Kalmer, Susan (Clay) Lynch, Michael (special friend Michelle) Kalmer, Mark (Dee) Kalmer, Christopher (special friend Dee) Kalmer, Aaron Kalmer, Julie (Kurt) Huelsmann, Jennifer Kalmer, Brian (Sandi) Harpstrite, Diane (Don) Weseman, Thomas (Renee) Harpstrite, Janice Harpstrite, Teresa (Mike) Wernsman, Kevin (Jennifer) Harpstrite, and Beth Harpstrite; two step grandchildren, Ryan Alexander and Michelle Alexander; 19 great grandchildren, Danielle Kalmer, Christopher Kalmer, Calvin Kalmer, Nicholas Harpstrite, Erin Harpstrite, Christopher Harpstrite, Nicole Harpstrite, Grace Huelsmann, Emily Schulte, Justin Clark, Brianna Clark, Katlyn Harpstrite, Abbigale Large, Amber Kalmer, Katie Kalmer, Blake Kalmer, Julia Kalmer, Alexa Creal, and Colin Kalmer; five step great grandchildren, Kevin Lynch, Rebecca Lynch, Tanner Mueller, Keane Adolph, and Ariel Adolph; two sisters, Sister Marcella Strubhart of St. Louis, and Veronica Siders and special friend Cornelius Van Langen of Buhl, MN; five sisters-in-law, Idella Strubhart of Riviera, Texas, Laura Strubhart of Shiner, Texas, Mary Strubhart of Aviston, Stella Stukenberg of Aviston, and Henrietta Kalmer of New Baden. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Joseph Strubhart, Aloys Strubhart, Lawrence Strubhart, and Anthony Strubhart; one sister, Mary Lindner; three grandchildren, Kevin Kalmer, Keith Kalmer, and Richard Kalmer; brothers- and sisters-in-law Francis Siders, Anita Strubhart, Carl Lindner, Simon Stukenberg, Hubert Kalmer, Henry and Genevive Kalmer, Leo and Marian Kalmer, William Kalmer, Marie and Bernard Korte, Agnes and Emil Becherer, and Edwin Kalmer in infancy. Mrs. Kalmer was a homemaker. She was a member of the St. Francis Parish and Altar Sodality, Daughters of Isabella Precious Blood Circle 718, the Clinton County Farm Bureau and the New Baden Senior Citizens. The funeral was Friday from St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston, the Rev. Dan Friedman officiating. Interment St. Francis Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Francis Parish Building Fund and will be received through Hempen Funeral Home.

Condolences to hempenfuneralhome.com