DAIRY QUEEN TO CLOSE FOR TWO WEEKS FOR REMODELING

A local restaurant will be getting a new look with the New Year. Allen Spainhour, owner and operator of Dairy Queen in Greenville said that the day after Christmas they will start remodeling the dining room.  This includes new floors, countertop, lighting and more retro DQ pictures.

Dairy Queen will close at 2PM on Christmas Eve and remain closed for two weeks.  At that time, they will open the drive-thru only, and continue that way for another couple of weeks.  The target date for the dining room to open again is January 19, 2007.  Spainhour commented that he knows it will be an inconvenience to some people, but believes they will be pleasantly surprised when they see the finished product.

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GREENVILLE COLLEGE RECEIVES 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS LEAD GIFT

Greenville College is one step closer to its dream of a new chapel/auditorium large enough to accommodate its growing student body. A $1.5 million lead gift was received in December from one of the children of the late Edwin A. and Bessie Andrews, who served in the Free Methodist ministry in the early decades of the past century. Preliminary planning has begun for a new chapel/auditorium with seating for over 1,500 people, but it could be more than two years before construction begins.

The cost of the project is unknown, but will be significantly more than $1.5 million. The college wants to raise the entire amount needed in cash and pledges before breaking ground. The intent of the gift is to honor the memory and legacy of Rev. Edwin and Bessie Andrews. The location of the new chapel would be west of the Whitlock Music Center on the same block. The project will also include an atrium or lobby area that will connect the Music Center with the new chapel. Preliminary plans include a basement space below the atrium that could be the new home of the Black Room where student bands perform concerts for small audiences.

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BELL RINGERS NEEDED THIS SATURDAY

Salvation Army Bell Ringers are still needed for the organization's efforts locally.  Wayne Pierce told WGEL that individuals or groups are needed to man the red kettles this Saturday.  The latest numbers are still short of the $17,500 goal.  This is the last weekend for the Salvation Army to collect donations. To volunteer, call Reverend Pierce.

NEW SEX OFFENDER DISCLOSURE BILL TAKES EFFECT JANUARY 1

Legislation sponsored by Representative Kurt Granberg that helps Illinois residents better monitor convicted sex offenders will take effect on January 1.  The bill requires the statewide sex offender database to now include information on which county the sex offender was convicted in, all license plate numbers registered in the offender's name, and any distinguishing marks located on that person's body.  The online registry can be accessed through the Illinois State Police website.  Under the new law, school personnel are required to notify parents during school registration or parent-teacher conferences that information regarding sex offenders is available to the public.

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MOTORISTS REMINDED OF SCOTT'S LAW

Illinois State Police Director Larry G. Trent and the Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Timothy W. Martin remind motorists of Scott's Law, designed to protect emergency response personnel and highway workers from errant drivers who pose a risk to public servants.  There has been in increase in the number of ISP officers being injured as well as the death of an IDOT worker this spring. 

Scott's Law was enacted in 2002 in memory of Lt. Scott Gillen, of the Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver on the Dan Ryan Expressway while assisting at a crash scene.  The law requires motorists to yield to moving emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles, display oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights.  It also requires drivers to change lanes (if safe to do so) or reduce speed to proceed with caution when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights.

Motorists who are in violation of Scott's Law commit a business offense punishable by a fine or not more than $10,000.  If in violation under the influence of drugs of alcohol, additional consequences can be incurred to the aggravated circumstances of the offense.

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SECRETARY OF STATE OFFICES TO BE CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

All Secretary of State offices and facilities will be closed today (Friday), Saturday, December 23 and Monday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday.  They will reopen Tuesday, December 26.

Additionally, the same offices will be closed Saturday, December 30 and Monday, January 1 for the New Year's holiday.  They will reopen Tuesday, January 2.

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GREENVILLE LIBRARY HOLIDAY CLOSURES

The Greenville Public Library has announced the days it will be closed this month in observance of the holidays.  The library will close Saturday December 23 and Monday December 25 in observance of Christmas.  They will also be closed Saturday December 30 and Monday January 1 for New Year’s.