Tremont News
School Board Meeting on Monday, January 23, 2012
TIMELY NEWS! Dist 702 will hold a special School Board meeting this Monday January 23, 7:00pm will discuss significant program cuts at all three schools because of the budget deficit. Public is encouraged to attend.
Community Center Work Dates - YOU CAN HELP!
Work continues on the new Tremont Community Center, and we are now ready to prepare for the next phase -- demolition of the old Super Value Building. The preparation means "stripping" the building of copper and other metals that we can recycle. The work will consist of cutting copper pipe, conduit, tearing down suspended ceiling and other similar duties to "strip" the building. This process will do two things for us; create some revenue from recycling materials and also reduce our tear down cost. If you can help, it would be appreciated. Hopefully, the following info will help you in finding some time to come join us to complete this phase of the Village Block Project.
Dress: No heat, so dress warmly.
Tools: Step ladder, pry-bar, wire cutters, hammer.
Time: I will be at the building on the following dates and times. Any time you spend would be very helpful:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - Jan 18-21 from 8:30am to 2:00pm.
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday- Jan 23,25,and 28 from 8:30am to 2:00pm.
Please, feel free to forward this info to anyone you think might be interested in helping.
If you know you can help on a certain date, please let me know. If you are not sure, that's OK, just show up when you can.
If you have any questions, please contact Brock Butts at 309.925.3779
The “Tremont Village Center” project is well under way!
Through co-operation and collaboration between the Village of Tremont and Tremont Winning Communities, the newly remodeled Community Center is nearing the first stage of completion and is now available for use by the public.
The grocery store and liquor store building was donated to the village for the purpose of developing a new Community Center. Now, in order to help defray the conversion costs, the donor has pledged to contribute $1.00 for every $2.00 raised by the community. Estimated cost to complete the entire project is nearly $230,000. This generous pledge from the donor has prompted a one-time fund drive.
The next phase of the Tremont Village Center Project will be the demolition of the old grocery store, and the addition of new landscaping, parking lot, and a patio area. This project will also include the removal of electrical poles on the 200 block of South Sampson.
Please consider making a generous tax deductible contribution to the Tremont Winning Community Village Center Project Today!
Please make your Tax-deductible donations to:
Tremont Winning Communities, Inc.
P O Box 76
Tremont, IL 61568
Help The Tremont School District And Save Money
The Tremont Education Foundation has entered into a partnership with Constellation Energy. This agreement will allow Ameren electric customers to lock into lower prices with Constellation Energy, and earn each utility customer a $25.00 Prepaid VISA Card. Constellation Energy will then make a $25.00 donation to the Tremont Education Foundation for every utility customer who signs a 12-month or 24-month contract.
Sign-up is simple. Log onto home.constellation.com and enter your member promo code SupportTremont. You can also call 866.577.4700 to sign up by phone. Make sure you have your current electric bill nearby.
Due to recent deregulation of public utilities, you may have received other invitations from other companies. Ameren CILCO will continue to be your electricity supplier and they will continue to maintain the power lines. In fact, your bills will continue to come from Ameren, however the rate will be locked in at a lower rate that has been negotiated based on the entire Constellation customer base.
Customers of Cornbelt Electric are not eligible, however many other utilities throughout the United States are eligible. Go to home.constellation.com to check availability in your area. You can save energy costs, receive a $25.00 prepaid VISA card, and help the Tremont Education Foundation with each account you sign. Make sure you use the Promo Code SupportTremont.
Tremont Senior Socialites Meeting
The Tremont Senior Socialites organization does not meet in November, and the last meeting of the year is Thursday, December 1. We do not meet in the months of January, February, or March.
This organization is not just for Tremont people. If you enjoy good fellowship and wish to participate in a Pot Luck meal and hear good music, you are welcome to attend! This will be a very special meeting, so please feel free to attend, and bring guests!
Lighted Christmas trees will again be available this holiday season to local businesses, organizations, and families.
For $100 you can sponsor a 7-8 foot lighted tree which will be placed along the Tiber and remain lit from late November until early January. Your business, organization or family’s name will be displayed at your sponsored tree. 50 trees will be available.
Call Skip Berger at 925-3138 by November 4 to reserve your tree.
Sponsored by Tremont Winning Communities.
The Tremont Police Department would like to remind the citizens of Tremont that Burning of Grass and Leaves is Prohibited by law within the village limits.
Leaves can be dumped just south of the Tiber on the east side of Harris Street as before. THIS IS FOR LEAVES ONLY. Sticks, grass, and other refuse are not allowed to be dumped in the leaf pile.
On Wednesday, August 31, 2011, a group of local volunteers broke ground for the new Tremont Veterans Memorial in the Tremont Park. This project is being funded by Tremont Betterment Association, Tremont Commerce Association, Tremont Community Bank, and the sale of $100 granite bricks dedicated to veterans who have served in various branches of the armed services.
Granite bricks are still available at REMAX Unlimited in downtown Tremont or by calling 309.925.3545.
A web site has been developed for the Memorial at www.TremontVeteransMemorial.com. This site will allow people to e-mail a complete biography of each veteran who has been honored at the memorial.
Dedication will take place on November 11, 2011 at 11:11am.
Tremont Fire Protection District Open House
The Tremont Fire Protection District invites you to attend their annual OPEN HOUSE. Sunday, October 9, 2011
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
View flyer
Townwide Garage Sales
The next Tremont Community Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, Sept 24, 2011. For more information, please contact Becky Burgess at 309.925.5387 or e-mail at tremontgaragesale1@yahoo.com.
2010 Turkey Festival Proceeds Distributed
On Tuesday, March 22, the Tremont Betterment Association met and distributed the proceeds of the 2010 Tremont Turkey Festival.
Distributions were as follows:
T.H.S. Alumni Association $ 300.00
Tremont District Library $ 1,500.00
Tremont First Robotics Team $ 2,000.00
Tremont Food Pantry $ 1,000.00
Tremont In Touch $ 4,000.00
Tremont Senior Nutrition Center $ 2,000.00
Tremont Park District (Lakes) $ 3,600.00
Tremont Triathlon Team $ 1,000.00
Tremont Rescue 702 $15,000.00
Tremont Swimming Pool $ 7,500.00
Tremont Youth Basketball $ 1,500.00
TUMC Child Care $ 1,200.00
Veterans' Memorial $16,545.00
Total Funds Distributed: $57,145.00
Each year, local groups are invited to apply for funds based on the proceeds of the Tremont Turkey Festival. Applications are reviewed and awarded primarily based on their contribution to the community, each groups help at the Tremont Turkey Festival, and the number of Tremont individuals who will benefit from the requested amount.
Tremont Betterment Association would like to thank everyone who helped make the 2010 Tremont Turkey Festival a success. We look forward to seeing you again in 2011.
Tremont Fire Department 2011 Calendars Available
Looking for a unique holiday gift? Tremont Fire Department 2011 Calendars are now available for sale. The calendar features photos of the department’s trucks and personnel along with a history of the department. All profits from the sales of the calendars are going to be donated to Tremont Rescue 702.
“Originally we were just taking some photos of the trucks and then we decided we should make a calendar from them. That idea snowballed into printing the calendars and selling them to the public,” said Steve Bechtel, Fire Department President, “ Because we are tax-supported and thus don’t need to raise money by other means, we decided to give the profits to Rescue 702.”
The calendars are available at the following locations:
Beecham’s Market
Dazzle Me Boutique
Mary Ann Vance REMAX Office
Miss Fancy Plants
Tremont Community Bank
Tremont First National Bank
Tremont Fitness / TAPD
Tremont Village Hall
Tremont Village Pharmacy
Tremont Community Center needs YOU!
In recent weeks, members of the Tremont Village Board and Tremont Winning Communities have begun work on the new Tremont Community Center on the 200 S Sampson Block. When complete, this facility will include a kitchen, two restrooms, and meeting space. The building will primarily be used for the Tremont Senior Meal Program, but will also be available for other uses.
In addition to the interior work, the exterior will undergo major updates. Metal siding has been removed and will be replaced by new siding and brick. New windows will also be installed. The large front facade will be removed and a new “hip” roof will drastically change the building.
The property and buildings were donated to the Village of Tremont in 2008 by Don Gunter. In addition to the donation of property, Mr. Gunter has also offered to donate the cost of materials for the exterior of the former video/liquor store.
YOU CAN HELP!!!
Tremont Winning Communities and the Village of Tremont are asking for help from the community. On Saturday, November 6th, the group is hoping to have at least 10 people who are willing to help remove the old shingles from the building. A new roof will be installed later in the week.
Please bring a few tools and come help with this community project.
Dazzle Me Boutique & Salon is Now Open
Dazzle Me Boutique & Salon is now open in downtown Tremont, next to the Post Office. A full service salon, with tanning, children's hair bows, purses and jewelry. Tremont Turk Gear is now available in all sizes, hoodies, t-shirts and gym clothes just in time for Homecoming. Running monthly specials, stop by to shop and be pampered!
Rescue 702 is looking for a Few Good Drivers
Tremont Rescue 702 is in need of some new ambulance drivers. Drivers do not require EMT training, however a Class “C” drivers license is required. Call Brad Huette (309.202.4530) or Dave Kaeb (309.925.5915) for more information.
EMT Basic Class – Tremont Rescue 702
Class begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evening, held at the Tremont Fire Station at 300 S. Sampson St. Class size is limited to 15 students. view more information >>
Tremont Turkey Festival Photos
We've updated our Tremont photos page with some new 2010 Tremont Turkey Festival photos sent in by a Tremont photographer, Lisa Herbst.
The Village Board has approved a new sewer service rate of $16 per month for up to 10,000 gallons per month... read more >>
Tremont Family Named March of Dimes 2010 Ambassador Family
The Rennie family from Tremont was selected as this year's Peoria March of Dimes Ambassador Family... read more >>
Thank You to Veterans and Soldiers
Tremont Grade School Students Say Thank You to Veterans and Soldiers
In honor of Veterans Day November 11, over 150 Tremont Grade School students have created drawings, letters and posters thanking Veterans and those currently serving in the Military. Students learned about the sacrifices made by local Tremont residents when they accepted the call to military duty. This activity was especially meaningful because TGS students personally know neighbors, family and friends who have served. Nearly all of those now in the military or recently discharged had attended Tremont Grade School. You can read the students’ messages at http://tremont.il.schoolwebpages.com/Veterans.
During the past several months, many local Tremont businesses have been advertising on WMBD Channel 31. This is the result of a special program put together by WMBD and Tremont Winning Communities.
“We feel that Tremont is still one of the best-kept secrets in Central Illinois” said Dr. Brock Butts, president of Tremont Winning Communities. “It’s time to make Central Illinois aware that Tremont would be a great place to raise a family, or to bring a new business. This video project allows us to show off some of the things that Tremont residents have taken for granted for so many years.” The project also allows Tremont area businesses to spotlight their business with a theme that carries into the 30 minute video.
The project was initiated by Tremont Winning Communities, but also received funding assistance from the Tremont Commerce Association, Tremont School District, and Tremont Betterment Association. According to Don Beard, Superintendent of Tremont School District, “In order to maintain optimal services for our students, we need to maintain a district enrollment of 1000 to 1200 students. We feel this project is a good investment, that will ultimately bring more families to Tremont, thus increasing our student population and tax base.”
FIRST, formerly the Kiwanis Club of Tremont, is pleased to announce a new aluminum recycling center has been installed at city park near the restrooms by the small shelter. Under the direction of Tremont High School teacher, Mr. Vedder, the shop class renovated a former ATM machine donated by Dr. Darren Camden to create the new recycling center. Don DuBois of Village Autobody donated his time to paint the recycling center in order to match the restroom facility at City Park.
All proceeds from the recycled aluminum will be donated to the Tremont Pool. Every piece of aluminum you save will help offset the expenditures of building and operating our community pool. Aluminum cans should be bagged and dropped into the recycling center. Already over $1500 has been donated to the Tremont Area Park District in support of the community pool. FIRST would like to thank Mr. Vedder and his class, Donny DuBois and Dr. Darren Camden for their donations to this project. If you should have any questions please call 925-5540.
We would like to thank the all of the businesses and individuals that helped make the Tiber Creek Project possible with their generous donations of time. In addition, we want to thank the hundreds of people that donated cash or volunteered to rake dirt, pick up rocks, and plant grass seed. The community spirit and enthusiasm for this project was exceptional!
More information here and be sure to visit the Winning Communities page to view some recent photos.
Tremont Winning Communities Board of Directors
Brock Butts, President
Tremont Education Foundation Awards Grants
The Tremont Education Foundation recently awarded $11,500 in grants to District # 702 teachers for the 2008-09 school year. The TEF received fourteen requests totaling over $ 43,000 which is an all-time record. The amount awarded each year is based on the amount of interest income earned the previous year. No principal funds are used as part of these grants. The grant requests funded for 2008-09 are as follows:
- SMART Board Interactive Whiteboards to Enhance Diverse Student Learning Abilities to Julie Watkins, middle school special education teacher.
- Mobile Laptop/Projector Cart to Susan Bishop, Tremont Grade School Technology teacher.
- Exploring Math with Geometer’s Sketchpad to Kathy King, high school mathematics teacher.
- SMART Board to Nichole Roller, high school art teacher.
- Mathematics Manipulatives to Heather Rice, middle school mathematics teacher.
- Adobe Dreamweaver Program to Amber Eve, high school technology teacher.
- Motivational Productions Media Program to Jeremy Garrett, middle school principal.
- The Tremont Education Foundation has awarded over $200,000 since 1993 in support of Tremont Schools.
The Tremont horseshoe courts are open to all area residents. The Tremont Horseshoe League will begin play on May 6th at 6:30 p.m. and will play every Tuesday night. For more information, please call Don Fawer at 925-5398.
Tremont Winning Communities Published as Bankers Notes Magazine Cover Story
January, 2008
Jim Dittoe said, “Working with the people of Tremont has been one of the most pleasurable experience in my professional career. The leadership has been outstanding, particularly Jim Shafer of The First National Bank in Tremont and Rick Jameson of Tremont Savings Bank. They have put into action what they stated in the Winning Communities process. They are an example of ideas that work!”
View the published article.