Village officials held a recreation/pool building pre-construction meeting Nov. 1 and have since reported demolition is now underway. Village Trustee Gerry Bambrick said the Service Bureau inspected the Recreation Center Oct. 29 and was "very impressed" with its safety. The village held an informational meeting back in September regarding the proposed recreation/pool building project, which has been in the works for approximately six years, to obtain residential feedback. Although some residents were bothered by the lack of a public referendum, the village board opted to go forward with the much-needed renovations. FULL STORY

In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the posting of "God Bless America" signs in public school buildings has become somewhat of a controversy. Some believe it's an opportunity to unite in patriotism while others firmly say it's an obvious violation of church vs. state. Expanding on that belief, some further feel that religion and patriotism should not be intermixed. FULL STORY