Off The Record

We hear the Paxton Chamber of Commerce elected a new president at its annual meeting last week. The president elect works for a local government entity. That entity doesn't pay full dues to the Chamber of Commerce. Obviously the Chamber doesn't require its officials to have experience running a for profit, tax paying business. We wish the new chamber president good luck in the coming year.

We see on Judici.com the new Chamber President has another DUI. He was arrested only blocks from home. Are there work permits for 2^nd DUI offenses? His day in court is on St. Patrick's Day. Will he be wearing of the orange instead of wearing of the green? Oh, no blow, no go for 12 months. Oh, the humanity!!

Word has it there was an administrative resignation at the PBL High School Friday. We wonder if there were any others?

What is up with the filthy trashy eye sore that is Prairie City Trailer Park? Why doesn't the owner clean it up? Trash strewn everywhere is not the way to greet travelers from I-57. What a first impression of our fair town!

We see the gazebo in the new Majestic Park is coming along nicely. The builders have difficult weather conditions to contend with. We commend their efforts. It will be a nice addition to the park when completed.

In light of these tuff economic times, we reflect upon the salaries paid to our local school system's administrators. Take note: the salaries currently available on line are from the 2008-2009 school year. When will the current year's salaries be made available on line? Just what does a director of curriculum and assessment and instruction do? Does the union or does the state come up with those academic job titles?

Back in the day, the PHS system had more students and there were no assistant principals. PHS and BL teachers were able to perform their jobs without assistants. Isn't it amazing! PHS and BL graduates have become successful, productive taxpayers even without the benefits of having a director of curriculum, assessment and instruction or assistant principals.