Four Dutch educators returned to their homes last weekend after an activity-filled two weeks exploring Illinois Valley Community College where they sampled local flavor that embraced birthday celebrations and Halloween treats.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development representatives toured one of IVCC’s emerging distance learning classrooms Oct. 25 and Illinois State Director Pam Monetti presented a recognition of the $899,855 grant that will launch opportunities for area high school students.

The period for filing nomination petitions for the April 1 Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustee election begins Nov. 12.