DEADLOCK ON RAISING HORSEPOWER LIMITS ON GOVERNOR BOND LAKE

The Governor Bond Lake Committee held their regular meeting last night and after much conversation pro and con about raising horsepower limit's for boats on the lake, the committee deadlocked 2 to 2 on the issue, so no recommendation will go to the city council. They did have a unanimous vote to restrict boat lengths to 28 feet for pontoon boats and 22 feet for all other boats except tournament ski boats that are restricted by class. There will be a grandfather exception for any longer boat already permitted on the lake. In response to Kite Tubes they moved to support the city ordinance prohibiting craft that leave the surface of the lake. Kite Tubes would be permitted as long as they stay on the lake

$3000 RAISED AT WASHER TOURNAMENT

Sunday's Washer Tournament and Barbecue at the Greenville VFW raised $3,000 for a 13-year-old Madison County boy.  As reported last week on WGEL, Sugg Racing and Help-U-Sell have joined together to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation's effort to grant the boy's dream of taking his family to Disney World.  Twenty-six teams competed in the tournament with the duo of Dale Shelby and Randy Vinyard emerging as the winners. 

Organizer Cathy Sugg told WGEL that they have a goal of $5,000 and other fundraisers are in the works.  She said that they would have the money by December 9 when it will be presented to 13-year-old Austin.  Sugg indicated that the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois has expressed its appreciation for those involved in Sunday's Washer Tournament.

HARRISBURG MAN SENTENCED IN MINE SAFETY CASE

A Harrisburg man has been sentenced to three years in prison for lying to authorities investigating the death of a coal miner.  29-year-old Lester R. Erb III was sentenced in federal court in Benton after previously being convicted by a jury on two counts of making false statements to the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

This case arises out of the April 2003 death of a coal miner who was buried under 15 tons of coal after his company-owned truck’s brakes failed and the vehicle rolled over.  An investigation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration discovered numerous mechanical and other problems with the truck including black electrical tape had been used to cover a hole in the brake air line.

Erb made false statements to authorities regarding their investigation, including the condition of the truck.

 POLICE STILL INVESTGATING FATAL ACCIDENT

Illinois State Police are continuing their investigations into a fatal accident that occurred over the weekend in St. Clair County.  Officials are looking into reasons why a Smithton man, the driver of the SUV, crossed the centerline striking head-on a van driven by Gary Ohern of rural Pocahontas.  The impact took the lives of all five passengers in Ohren's van and the driver of the SUV

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE 2006

Mark Drone, Regional Superintendent of Schools, has announced a professional development workshop for more than 900 educators in the Bond, Fayette, and Effingham County area. The Professional Development Conference 2006 will be held Friday, October 6 at Vandalia Junior High School.  The day’s events will begin at 7:30am with various vendors as well as health screenings conducted by the Fayette County Health Department.

The first session of presentations will begin at 8:30am.  Attendees will choose from several sessions for the day ranging in length from one hour to four hours. The day will conclude at 1:15pm. More than 60 different sessions will be offered to attendees.

Educators from the region’s public and private schools are invited to attend and can call the Regional Office for more information at 618-283-5011.

BOTULISM REPORTED FROM CARROT JUICE 

The State of Illinois is warning consumers about a possible cause of deadly botulism. Doctor Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director issued a warning on Saturday about botulism being linked to a certain brand of carrot juice.  The warning comes after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported a fourth case of botulism was linked to Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice. The FDA is warning consumers not to drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice, 450 ml and 1 liter plastic bottles with "BEST IF USED BY" dates of November 11, 2006 or earlier. Consumers should discard this product.  There are no reports yet of anyone in Illinois becoming ill with botulism after drinking the product; however, there have been four cases nationwide.

SPORTS

TUESDAY SPORTS (10/3)

HS FOOTBALL
The state football rankings have come out and the Greenville Comets are now #8 in Class 3A.  The Hillsboro Hilltoppers are #4 and Mater Dei #7 in Class 4A.

HS GOLF
The Lady Comets placed 4th in B flight at the Edwardsville Tournament on Saturday.  Greenville shot a 526 led by Chelsi Braye and Katie Bohle who each had 101’s. 

The Comets finished 3rd in B flight at the Edwardsville Tourney with a 326.  Scott Eaton had a 77 for Greenville including an Eagle on hole #8.  Eaton had 9 pars on the day. 

HS VOLLEYBALL
At the St. Elmo Freshman/Sophomore Tournament on Saturday, the Lady Comets earned wins over Cowden-Herrick, St. Elmo, and Flora to capture 1st place.  Hannah Groves and Monique Williams were named to the All Tourney Team.

JR HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL
The Pocahontas Lady Indians Varsity squad lost 24-12 to Bunker Hill last Thursday.  Beth Rakers led with 3 points.  The Lady Indians JV team won 34-13 over Bunker Hill.  Claire Bost had 12 points for Pocahontas.