Local News

2012 Primary Holds Biggest Local Implications In Recent Memory

Today's primary election may be one of the bigger primaries in recent memory in DeWitt County. With County Board seats all up for re-election, two school districts with referendum questions and the ambulance referendum, DeWitt County voters certainly have a lot to consider this as they vote.

The biggest and most talked about referendum is the ambulance situation. With the Dr. John Warner Hospital's announcement late last year to cease providing ambulance service at the end of 2012, the decision was made to have the DeWitt County Board propose a tax levy towards an ambulance service. At a County Board meeting in December, DeWitt County Board Chair Melonie Tilley says the question posed to voters will seek a levy not to exceed point-25-percent of a property's Equalized Assessed Valuation, or EAV.

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The Clinton Board of Education in December approved moving forward with a referendum to issue bonds in the amount $16.7 million. Superintendent of Clinton Schools Dr. Jeff Holmes explains the question on the referendum includes not only issuing the bonds, but also bringing down the other elementary buildings, making necessary improvements to the high school facility, and placing money into the school's education fund to make up for lack of funds coming from the state.

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The Blue Ridge School district has a referendum of their own. They are looking to pass for additions to their Mansfield Jr. High and eliminate the grade school. Superintendent of the Blue Ridge District Susan Wilson explains the Board of Education will be seeking the approval of the voters to approve bonds of up to $6.7 million for the project, which will ultimately cost a little over $8-million.

[audio:blueridgereferendum1.mp3] [/audio]

Polling hours are 6 am to 7 pm and there are 19 locations around the County for voters to go. To find out your polling location you can contact the DeWitt County Clerk's office at 935-7780.

Be sure to tune into 92.3 FM WHOW tonight as we'll bring you results as they come in beginning at 8 pm. Coverage will be streamed live on dewittdailynews.com by clicking on the Clinton Maroons Sports icon.

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