RASH OF BURGLARIES CONTINUE

City police are trying to break a string of car burglaries in recent weeks.  Officers fielded four reports Sunday of items being stolen from cars in the southwestern part of town.

Ava Stiff of Alice Street told police that a digital thermometer, blood pressure cup, and cellphone were stolen from her car early last week.  

Daniel Baumhoegger reported the theft of a wallet and purse from a vehicle parked at his residence on Washington and 4th Streets.  The purse and wallet were later recovered nearby.  A digital camera was stolen from the purse.

Amy Parent and Thomas Koontz had items stolen from their vehicles which were parked along an alley.  Change was taken from Parent and clothing from Koontz. 

Greenville officers are also looking into a residential burglary on Harris Avenue where several items were taken.  Police found signs of forced entry. 

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THREE INJURED IN COLLISION

A driver and two of her passengers were injured Saturday afternoon in an accident at the intersection of 6th and Willard Streets in Greenville.  34-year-old Ava A. Stiff of Greenville was eastbound when she was struck by a southbound vehicle driven by 16-year-old Cecily M. Kampwerth of Greenville.  Kampwerth told police that she slid on loose rocks when attempting to stop at the intersection and hit the other car.  Stiff and two of her passengers, 7-year-old Nakayla Eldridge and 6-year-old Deerica Eldridge were taken to Greenville Regional Hospital for treatment of injuries. 

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BOND COUNTY FAIR BOARD MEETING

The Bond County Fair Board met this week and the nominating committee presented their nominations for the five directors whose terms expire this year. They are Jerry Nelson, Randy Ostrom, Jerry McCray, Dave Freeman and Craig Woker. These people are now serving on the Board of Directors and the election will be held at the annual meeting Tuesday, December 12 at the Community Building at the Fairgrounds. Two new members, David Casey and Jeremy Reeves, were added to the membership list.

It was reported that the Demolition Derby, held in October, showed a profit for the fair.

Most of the meeting was spent discussing possible improvements at the fairgrounds including painting some of the barn roofs, addition of dirt to the Pulling Track, a new railing for the front porch of the Community Building and the purchase of some portable bleachers.  Final decision will be made later.

Bond County Fair Board members hope for a good attendance at the annual meeting Tuesday, December 12 at the Community Building.

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MARCOOT AND THIEMS NAMED OUTSTANDING 4H MEMBERS

Brooke Marcoot and Rachel Thiems have been named Outstanding 4-H Member award winners for Bond County.  They were among those honored Saturday night during the Achievement Night Program held at the Greenville First Presbyterian Church.  Marcoot is an eleven-year member who centered her attention in promoting dairy and the Jersey industry.  Thiems is a seven-year member of the Bond County program who exhibited food projects, crops, and rabbits.  She was also selected for the 2006 Allison Langham 4-H Memorial Scholarship.

Amy Tompkins and Nick Pruitt were recipients of the “I Dare You” awards sponsored by the American Youth Foundation.  These are given to young people who achieve their highest potential and influence others through leadership abilities.

Jerry Mollett and Carol Lingley were chosen for Alumni awards.  A Friend of 4-H award was bestowed upon the Bond County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Thirty-four first-year 4-H members were recognized and named First Year Outstanding 4-H Member was Molly Thompson.  Sixteen five-year 4-H members were acknowledged along with two ten-year and two eleven-year members.  Amanda Zerkel was honored as a twelve year 4-H member.  Project award winners were announced at the ceremony.

FAMILY READING NIGHT

Family Reading Night is Thursday, November 16, with the theme of “Celebrate Reading Family Style.” Mulberry Grove Elementary School is inviting parents to the school library from 7:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, 11/14 to read a book with their kids. Refreshments will be served in the cafeteria and there will be a book fair in the library from 7:00-9:00pm. Family Reading Night was originally designed to urge families to stay home and read together, but now many literacy projects plan celebrations to bring families together.

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EXPERTS REMIND HUNTERS TO BE SAFE THIS SEASON

With the hunting season in full swing, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding hunters to be safe this season.  Officials are encouraging those interested in hunting to follow all state hunting laws and complete one of the department's free hunting safety courses. Sam Flood, Acting Director of IDNR, said most hunting accidents can be prevented if hunters act smart and responsibly. 

Last year in Illinois, there were 31 hunting-related accidents, two being fatal.  Of those, 15 were Class A accidents involving the discharge of a hunting device.  The last 16 are the number one cause of hunting-related accidents in Illinois; reports of hunters being injured by either falling out of a tree stand or climbing a tree to get into or out of a tree stand.  Even though the stands offer certain advantages, they can be dangerous if not used properly.  Safety experts remind hunters they should always use a full body safety harness when installing or using a tree stand and they use a haul line to raise an unloaded firearm or bow into a stand.

VETO SESSIONS HELD AT ALTERNATE SITES

Ongoing renovations in the state capitol are forcing the General Assembly to alternate locations for the fall veto session.  House members will return to their roots and convene at the Old State Capitol, while the Senate will meet in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.  The veto session runs from November 14th through the 16th and again November 28th through the 30th.  Of the 353 bills that were sent to the governor this spring, only 11 bills were vetoed. 

According to State Senator Frank Watson, in addition to the veto legislation, a number of other issues have been mentioned for possible consideration.  These include the expiration of the state's 10-year electric rate freeze, a statewide public smoking ban, and Governor Blagojevich's proposal to raise the minimum wage.

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BOND COUNTY HEALTH BOARD PREVIEW

The Bond County Board of Health will meet Monday, November 13 at 6:30PM at the Health Department.  New business on the agenda includes employee pay raises, employee Christmas gifts, health insurance, and the Hospice/Home Health billing software.  Board members will also discuss the Christmas luncheon and the administrative evaluation due in January.

LISTEN TO WGEL FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN CIRCUS TICKETS

The animals, the clowns, the highwire acts…all part of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus fun.  Your friends at WGEL and Twin Oaks Golf Club are giving you the chance to win a Family Fun Pack of four tickets for the circus November 16th at the Scott Trade Center in St. Louis.  Tune in WGEL Tuesday between 10am and 2pm for your chance to win.  Be caller #7 when you hear Carl the Lion Tamer open the ticket window and you’ll win four tickets for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus courtesy of WGEL and Twin Oaks Golf Club.  You must be 18 or older and may only win once.  Only one winner per family.  Employees of WGEL, Twin Oaks Golf Club, and their immediate family members are not eligible.

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SPORTS

The Greenville High School fall sports awards were handed out Tuesday night. 

For boys golf:

Scott Eaton, Lowest Stroke Average and Fewest Putts Average, Jordan Wright, Fairways and Greens, Tyler Neese, Most Improved and All-Conference, Adam Simmonds, Most Improved

For girls golf:

Katie Bohle, Lowest Stroke Average and All-Conference, Stephanie Hoffmeier, Lowest Stroke Average, Kirstie Childerson, Lowest Putts Average, Chelsi Braye, Fairways and Greens, Elise Mills, Most Improved

For boys soccer:

Ryan Mulholland, MVP, Trevor Suess, Hustle Award and Rookie of the Year, Alex Hack, Most Improved 

For tennis:

Valerie Ellsworth, Most Improved, Vanessa Daniken, 110% Award, Brittany Paradee, Spirit Award, Avery Cole, MVP

For volleyball:

Jessica Miller and Tracy Miller, MVPs, Katy Gilmore, Offense Award, Jessica Miller, Defense Award, Jill Alderman, Most Improved, Crystal Clanton, Unsung Hero, Hannah Elliott, Sparkplug Award

For cheerleaders:

Alicia Lohman, MVP, Liz Todd, Most Spirit, Sarah Sarginson, Best Jumper, Lauren Brewer, Comet Award

The football Comets will honor their award winners at the conclusion of the season.

MONDAY SPORTS (11-13)

HS FOOTBALL
The Greenville Comets post-season journey ended Saturday with a 30-8 loss to the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats in Class 3A Elite 8 football playoffs.  Josh Hulvey, who had 131 yards rushing, scored for Greenville and Ethan Willman caught the 2-point conversion.  The Comets end the season with a 10-2 record.

In other playoff scores:

Class 1A, Mt. Olive over Jacksonville Routt 18-12

Class 4A, Mater Dei defeats Newton 17-14 and Mascoutah is a 28-27 winner over Mt. Carmel.  The two teams will meet this weekend.

HS VOLLEYBALL
Congratulations to the Breese Central Lady Cougars who finished 2nd in the state.  They lost in the state finals to Hartsburg Emden 25-21, 22-25, 23-25.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
The GC Panthers lost their regular season finale 17-14 to the Washington University Bears.  GC was winning 14-10 in the 4th quarter but Wash U came from behind to post the victory.  Cody Griffith and Reese Christopher scored TDs for the Panthers who end the regular season with a 6-4 record. 

JR HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL
The Pocahontas Indians are now 7-3 after their 26-16 win over St. Paul last week.  Kelsey Kniepmann had 10 points and Beth Rakers and Amber Hunsell had 6 each. 

The 8th grade Lady Bluejays edged Triad 18-14 on Friday.  Kayla Gray had 9 points and 11 rebounds.  The 7th graders lost to Triad 22-11.

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OBITUARIES

JIMMIE EUGENE CRAIG

Jimmie Eugene Craig, age 67 of Vandalia and formerly of Mulberry Grove, passed away Sunday at St. Anthony's Hospital in Effingham.  Funeral arrangements for 67-year-old Jimmie Eugene Craig are pending at Donnell-Weigand Funeral Home. 

JEAN MARIE COATS

Jean Marie Coats, age 69 of Mulberry Grove, passed away Friday (Nov 10) at Barnes Jewish Hospital.  Funeral services for 69-year-old Jean Marie Coats will be held Tuesday at 11am at Young Funeral Home in Mulberry Grove.  Interment at Bethlehem Cemetery.  Friends may call tonight from 5-8PM at the funeral home.  Memorials to the American Cancer Society. 

RAYMOND METZGER

Raymond E. Metzger, age 68 of Greenville, passed away Saturday (Nov. 11) at his residence.  Funeral services for 68-year-old Raymond E. Metzger will be Tuesday at noon at the May Funeral Home.  Visitation is Tuesday from 11am until service time at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the family

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