ARREST MADE IN MARINE SHOOTING
Madison County Deputies have arrested a man for allegedly firing a shot at a man at a Marine business. As reported earlier on WGEL, on Tuesday the owner of Goodall Sports Services in Marine reported that he was working on a motorcycle in the garage of the business. The customer who was in the garage at the time said he felt something hit his pant leg and then heard a loud bang. The man then realized that he had been shot at and a bullet went through his pant leg but did not hit his body. The bullet did strike a battery cover inside the garage causing the loud noise.
25-year old Travis S. Cavaness of Marine was charged Thursday in Madison County Circuit Court with alleged Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm and Residential Burglary. Detectives were able to identify Cavaness as a suspect during the investigation as a result of doing a neighborhood canvass. As a result, detectives located a home that had been burglarized the previous night, but not yet reported to police. While speaking to the homeowner it was learned that a gun was taken during the burglary. Bond for Cavaness has been set at $150,000.
PANAMA'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER
Panama's Centennial Celebration is being planned for October 6th-8th. Panama's Mayor, Joe McCario, said the weekend kicks off with the opening ceremonies at 5 PM on Friday with rides, food and entertainment from the Uptown String Band from 9 PM to 1 AM. On Saturday, October 7th there will be a kiddie parade at 10:00 a.m. followed by a talent show and karaoke by M & M Karaoke. The main parade is at 4 PM. A spaghetti dinner will be offered in the evening with the Swamp Daddies performing from 9 PM to 1 AM. There will be a Coal Miner's Memorial Rededication at 10 AM Sunday morning at the Union Cemetery with a complimentary meal to follow featuring a centennial cake. Pastor Dave of the Methodist Church will conduct the closing ceremony at 2 PM.
Many speakers have been lined up for Sunday's events including Senator Deanna Demuzio, Gary Butler from District 12, and Bill Hobeck with the State of Illinois' Coal Development. The theme for the big parade this year is "Memories". Anyone interested in entering the parade should please contact Joe McCario at 217-537-3232.
MULBERRY POLICE OFFICER ENCOURAGES USE OF E-MAIL
Mulberry Grove Police Chief, Robert Sutton, is encouraging residents to utilize the village’s special e-mail address to report any criminal activity they see. At Monday’s village board meeting, Sutton said that anyone who e-mails a tip will remain anonymous. The e-mail address is MGPD700@yahoo.com. Sutton added that Mulberry residents can also send their information through the mail or leave him a phone message at either the village hall or the Bond County Sheriff’s Department. However, any emergency should be reported immediately to 9-1-1 or the Sheriff’s Department.
In his monthly report, Sutton said Mulberry Grove Police conducted 18 traffic stops in September with 3 citations written and 19 warnings issued. Warnings were also issued for 7 ordinance violations. Officers work with the Mulberry Grove board in monitoring violations like abandoned cars and tall weeds.
AFHM RAIL DIVISION PREPARING FOR FESTIVAL
The American Farm Heritage Museum’s Outhouse and Fall Festival is October 14th and members of the AFHM Rail Division are hoping to have more track laid for the event. Members are having a work day this Saturday at the site from 10am until 3pm. They are looking for volunteer helpers to assist with ballasting track, moving tie plates and spikes, and laying 90 pound rail for the crossing. Another work session is scheduled for Tuesday the 10th. Once completed, the miniature passenger service will give visitors a scenic trip around the museum grounds. If you’d like more information about the AFHM Rail Division and how you can help, contact David Kessinger.
NEW FIRE GRANT AVAILABLE
The state has unveiled a new grant program to help fire departments purchase new, much needed equipment. The program will make $1 million in grants available to local fire departments during Fiscal Year 2007.
Under the "Small Equipment Grant Program," fire departments, fire protection districts, and township fire departments can apply for grants of up to $26,000 for purchasing small equipment, such as turnout coats, firefighting tools, and extrication equipment. Larger items, such as fire trucks and other vehicles, are not eligible.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal will accept applications until March 15, 2007. A committee appointed by the State Fire Marshal will review applications on the basis of equipment and financial needs of each department.
