MISS ILLINOIS VISITS BOND COUNTY

A 22-year old nursing student from Batavia was the special guest at Friday's 8th grade Teen Leadership Conference in Greenville. What makes this college student special is her title…Miss Illinois. Lauren Allen was our state's representative in the Miss America pageant and during her reign as Miss Illinois has made numerous appearances at schools. Friday's conference involved 8th graders from Greenville, Pocahontas, Sorento, and Mulberry Grove.

Lauren Allen won a local title which made her eligible to enter the Miss Illinois program which she eventually won. WGEL asked Lauren why she chose to pursue the Miss Illinois crown. She conceded that the scholarship money for college was the reason she began entering pageants when she was 18.

She told WGEL that when her reign is complete, she'll return to Indiana State University to complete her degree and then seek a masters in pediatric nursing. Lauren's program involved making smart choices and recognizing the lures used by sexual predators. She is part of a statewide educational effort known as "Child Lures Prevention." Following her talk on how to avoid predators, Lauren showcased her gymnastics talents for the kids. She explained that this was the first time she has ever been asked to share her routine at one of her appearances.

The other speakers on Friday included Sgt. Major Joe Dagley on "Team Building," Mark Ferguson of SAFE on "Sexual Harassment," State Trooper Paul Merrifield on "Choices," Keith Kinder on "Dating Smarts," and a high school panel on "Surviving High School."

SPRING CLEANUP WEEK THIS WEEK

The City of Greenville and Doty Sanitation are conducting spring clean up week this week. WGEL spoke with David Doty of Doty Sanitation who told WGEL that items they will pick up will be large items like couches, chairs, and furniture items. You can also place appliances out, which the City of Greenville will pickup. Some of the items that will not be accepted are concrete, bricks, large amounts of construction debris, batteries, landscape waste, oil, paint, and tires. If you want to get rid of anything place your items with your trash, in bags or boxes by the curb, and they will be picked up during your regular trash pick up days.

BURGLARIES IN OLD RIPLEY AND RENO

The Bond County Sheriff's Department is investigating burglaries in Old Ripley and Reno. Sam Barnhart told deputies that a shed he owns on Jefferson Street in Old Ripley was broken into and an antique 1950s era Schwinn bicycle was stolen. Lindsey Krummel of Reno reported that her home was forcibly entered and several items were stolen including computer equipment and games and a CD player.

BOND MADISON PHASE IV WATER UNDERWAY

Work has begun in Bond County on Phase IV waterlines for the Bond/Madison Water Company. Sandy Kuhn, manager of the water company, told WGEL that the phase will provide water to customers west of Greenville and in the northern part of Bond County including Woburn and others on the north and east sides of Governor Bond Lake. Kuhn also told WGEL that the lines to the north and around the lake will serve approximately 200 customers. The waterline mains are projected to be in the ground in three months and they hope to be done with the main lines and hooking up some of the service in the fall. Kuhn said that the Bond/Madison Water Company received a loan of $2 million for Phase IV and this will include 35 miles of waterline. The company currently provides water for eight villages and also brings water to rural areas of Bond and Madison Counties.

WOMAN INJURED IN ROUTE 127 ACCIDENT

A Mt. Vernon woman was injured Monday night in a rollover accident on Route 127 near Wisetown Road in southern Bond County. Deputies say 67-year-old Janice Hale was southbound when she lost control of her small car, which rolled into a field. Hale was taken by ambulance to Greenville Regional Hospital for treatment.

TUESDAY SPORTS

HS SOCCER
The Lady Comets earned their first win of the season on Friday 3-2 over East Alton Wood River in a penalty kick shootout. Goals were scored in regulation by Rachel Zahniser and Jamie Hoag. Randalyn Bingham had an assist. Penalty kick goal scorers were Kelsey Spainhour, Randalyn Bingham, and Rachel Zahniser. Deirdhre Jett had 9 saves. The Lady Comets lost on Saturday 4-0 to Olney and were defeated by Highland 3-1 on Monday. Greenville's goal in that game was by Kelsey Spainhour on an assist by Jamie Hoag.

HS TRACK
The Comet Relays were held Friday and the boys placed 2nd with 88 points behind Nashville's 102. First place finishers for Greenville were the 800 Medley, the 400 Varsity, and 800 Relay. Nashville set a new Comet Relay record in the High Jump with a 12'4.

The Lady Comets finished 5th with 52 points. Nashville won the girls event with 118 points. Greenville had 2nd place finishes in the Long Jump, 400 Freshman/Sophomore Relay, and the 800.

JR HIGH TRACK
The 8th grade and 7th grade Bluejays and Lady Bluejays all finished 2nd at Altamont. At Monday's Hillsboro Invitational, the 8th grade boys were 3rd, 7th grade boys 5th, 8th grade girls 3rd and the 7th grade girls 4th. First place finishers for Greenville on Monday were Seth Ferguson, Hurdles; Todd Eaton, High Jump; Mallory Smith, High Jump; Shanice Rice, High Jump and 200; and the 8th grade girls 4 x 100 team of Kay Koonce, Joni Hoag, Amber Laurent, and Shanice Rice.

HS BASEBALL

The Varsity Comets posted an 11-7 win over Hillsboro. The JV Comets were 12-0 winners over Hillsboro. Scott Eaton got the victory as he allowed two hits and struck out 8. Comets batters were hit by pitches seven times in the game. Josh Tebbe had a triple and 2 RBI, Erik Fohne had two hits and 2 RBI, and Jay Haberer had 3 RBI.