Dekalb County News Briefs

Chronicle Media

NATIONAL

GOP Ray LaHood rejects Trump

A prominent Illinois Republican is on the record saying he will not vote for Donald Trump if he is the GOP’s presidential candidate.

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a Peoria Republican who served in the cabinet of Democratic President Barack Obama, said he is disappointed in the turn of events for his party and in Trump’s stands on important issues, such as those involving Muslims and women.

LaHood served as a Republican member of the U.S. House and is father of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria.

Ray LaHood said time will tell whether he will vote for likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president. When in the U.S. House, he presided over the chamber when Hillary Clinton’s husband, then-President Bill Clinton, was impeached. The U.S. Senate later acquitted Bill Clinton of the charges voted on by the House.

COUNTY

4-H members take their stories to legislators

Carson Groezinger and Justene Jennings, DeKalb County 4-H members, helped to educate Illinois legislators about the importance of 4-H to area youth. She was one of 38 4-H members who visited the Capitol during 4-H Legislative Connection in April.

The youth had their work cut out for them. At the time the state was without a budget, so getting one-on-one time with the state’s lawmakers on the first day back from spring break was sometimes difficult. Armed with their youthful smiles and packs of green and white candies, the teams visited every one of the 178 elected legislators’ offices. 4-H members weren’t there to talk budgets; that’s the role of Extension Partners, a grassroots group tasked with advancing the work of University of Illinois Extension, 4-H’s parent organization. Instead, the youth told their personal stories of growth and how 4-H is impacting more than 200,000 youth across the state each year. The young people also shared their personal stories and hopes for future careers.

Youth received training prior to their visit, including tips from Lobbyist Pam Weber. 

The 4-H delegation was introduced in the House by Rep. Don Moffitt and in the Senate by Sen. Sam McCann. 

Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialists Debra Stocker and Pat McGlaughlin serve as advisors to the group. U of I Extension Associate Dean and Director George Czapar and 4-H Assistant Dean and Director Lisa Diaz accompanied the teens in their visits.

DeKalb 060116 Briefs PHOTOMALTA

What a day and more planned in Malta

Malta is revving up for its annual Malta Days, slated for June 3-5. Opening times are 5 p.m. June 3; 6:30 a.m. June 4; and 9 a.m. June 5.

Wristbands can be purchased before festivities begin for $15 through June 1 at Resource Bank, 201 St. Rt 38. They will cost $20 at the festival. The wristbands will be good for admission 5-10 p.m. June 3 and 12-6 p.m. June 5.

The fun will be held at 120 S. Third St., and will include:

  • Three-day carnival;
  • Zoo animals and pony rides 12-6 p.m. June 4; 
  • Pancake breakfast at the fire station 6:30-11 a.m. June 4. Door prizes and raffles will raise money for the Malta Fire Department;
  • 5K Run/Walk 9 a.m. June 4;
  • Car Show June 4;
  • Musical entertainment, the Darren Zancan Band June 3; The Ethan Bell Band and the Party Doctors, June 4;
  • Craft & Business Show, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 4; and
  • Malta Days Parade, 11 a.m. June 5.

For a complete schedule and more information, go to www.villageofmalta.net/malta-days-festival.

SYCAMORE

Public is invited to citywide sales

Bargain hunters will be beckoned to Sycamore’s City-Wide Garage Sales 8 a.m.-6 p.m. June 9-11.

The city estimates there will be as many as 100 sales across town. Any participants interested in joining the City-Wide Garage Sales can be added to the 2016 listing if they register by June 1. To receive a registration form, go to discoversycamore.com.

Session will teach how to build bird houses

Bird lovers can build their own bird houses Rustic Bird Houses at a Sycamore Park District session June 5.

Participants will use materials found in nature and will learn why birds prefer this organic construction method and how to be a good host to the birds in your yard. All materials will be provided. Participants will go on a short hike to collect items that inspire them.

The class will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Good Tymes Shelter, Sycamore Sports Complex, Airport Road and Rt. 64. Fee is $22 for resident; $27 for nonresidents. Ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Call (815) 895-4818 for more information.

–Dekalb County News Briefs–