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NewsFriday, August 17, 2007 11:10 AM CDT
Traveling circus will make stop in Lexington
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LEXINGTON -- The Jaycees' homecoming carnival was canceled this year, but Culpepper and Merriweather Circus will bring lions, tigers and clowns to Keller Park on Aug. 22.

Part of the proceeds benefit the Taste of Country Fair committee, which is sponsoring the circus.

"Traveling circuses, like carnivals, have been around for so many years but they are dying," said Taste chairman Kelly McBride. "They want to put new life in circuses, and we thought this would be a great opportunity to provide entertainment that is cheaper than a carnival."

Culpepper and Merriweather has been featured on National Geographic's Explorer, Entertainment Tonight and the Nickelodeon Channel's Nick News program.

The circus presentation includes a review of the animals, how the performers care for them and a history of the American circus. The circus features Skeeter, a graduate of the Ringling Clown College, and two families with performers ranging from age 6 to 17.

"They are small but they still have a lot of entertaining to offer," said McBride.

Payroll changes -- The Fairbury City Council unanimously approved a proposal to have the same payday for all city employees beginning in September. A one-time short paycheck will be issued to align the city departments to have a Friday payday. The council will evaluate establishing direct deposit, and approved granting employees the option of receiving time and a half for working on holidays or taking another day off. The board also approved a $450 bid to clean city offices and rooms.

Tax levy -- The Forrest Village Board approved a tax levy of $114,400, which is a 5 percent increase over 2006. The board also approved $13,500 for cleaning ditches, $1,258.30 for running tile in the Palen addition, and $3,500 for clearing some trees and brush. The board learned a representative of Invenergy Co. will attend the September meeting to present information on wind farms.

Garbage contract -- The Chatsworth Town Council approved a five-year garbage contract with Central Illinois Disposal and Recycling. The $61,392 contract increases by $600 annually and includes yearly landfill increases. The board also proposed developing an intergovernmental agreement with the Chatsworth Township for maintenance of 300 North Road and 500 North Road, and approved a $27,659 insurance proposal with Gerdes-McMillian Insurance Co.




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What: Culpepper & Merriweather Circus

When: 5 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22; tent raising and free tour at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Keller Park, Lexington

Cost: Advance, $8 for adults, $6 for children; day-of, $11 and $7. Tickets are available at Lexington Finer Foods, Heartland Bank, Filling Stations and Lexington Public Library.

Info: Call (309) 365-2095, visit www.cmcircus.com or call (866) BIGTOP6.

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Reader comments on this story - 6 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Brice wrote on Aug 18, 2007 8:00 AM:

" STOP THE BASHING OF THE GOV!!!! Face the real issue here and that is the traveling act of animal cruelty. "

Gary wrote on Aug 18, 2007 6:15 AM:

" Rod will fly down on a satureday so we can pay a little extra,and he will get a make over so he will look good for the circus. "

reader wrote on Aug 17, 2007 6:23 PM:

" The big question on everyones mind has to be, will the governor and Illinois politicians be there to perform in person? "

Hogie wrote on Aug 17, 2007 12:33 PM:

" Does that mean all the bozos in Sprinfield will be there too? "

Darn! wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:55 AM:

" I saw the headline for this article and immediately thought our gov and emil jones were coming to Lexington. "

J O wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:46 AM:

" Ya mean Blogo's comin' to town? "

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