Benjamin J. Vining, 38, of Fairfield, IL passed away at 8:43 AM, Tuesday December 22, 2020. Born on December 22, 1982 in Fairfield, he was a 2001 graduate of Fairfield Community High School and held a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Eastern IL University. Ben worked as a correctional officer in Vienna, IL. He lived his life to the fullest with enthusiasm and never let any obstacle get him down. Ben was one of the strongest people you would ever meet and touched many lives. He lived for his daughter Rosalind. He loved the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals and betting on horse racing.
Left to cherish his memories are his daughter Rosalind Vining of Marion, IL, mother Darla (Bill) Bankston of Fairfield, sister Sara (Scott) Carlisle and nieces and nephews Jade, Gwen, Bella and Cannon of Fairfield, grandmother Darlene Bruce of Fairfield, and a wonderful close family who loved him very much. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Bill Bruce, and his uncle Bill
After 47 years in education, Cave Creek Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Debbi Burdick, will be retiring on December 31. Dr. Burdick has held the position of CCUSD Superintendent since 2008 and came to the district in 2004 as Associate Superintendent. During her career, she has been a teacher, principal, educational consultant and adjunct professor at both Grand Canyon and Arizona State Universities. Dr. Burdick graduated summa cum laude with a doctorate from ASU, two Masters Degrees from Eastern IL University and a Bachelors Degree from Western IL University. Dr. Burdick was a National Christa McAuliffe Fellow from the USDOE; received the AZ School Administrator’s Educational Doctoral Student of the Year for ASU and the Outstanding Senior in Education Award from Western IL University.