RESIDENTS NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR TORNADOES

Residents are being warned to be prepared for bad weather during tornado season. Sometimes tornadoes can come with little warning, even though meteorologists can often spot the signs of outbreaks before they happen. There are several things you can do to help be prepared if a tornado hits your area. During a tornado, move into a central location of the building you are in that is surrounded by interior walls like a hall or closet and do not open windows. Hiding under a heavy worktable or under a set of stairs will help protect you from crumbling walls, chimneys, and debris.

If you live in a mobile home park ask the manager of the park where you should go in the event of a tornado. Some mobile home parks may have a designated shelter.  Also make sure that you have a disaster supplies kit that contains a first aid kit, battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, non-perishable food, shoes and gloves.  Signs that a tornado is coming can include the sky turning a greenish or greenish-black color; a strange quiet that occurs within or shortly after the thunderstorm; and clouds moving fast, especially in a rotating pattern.  Tornadoes have been known to make the sound of a railroad train or a jet. You can also pick up dirt, rocks, or leaves and drop them out of your hand.  If they make a rotation pattern on the way to the ground, that is also another sign that a tornado could be coming. Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, not just during tornado season.

NATIONAL ROAD MEETING IN GREENVILLE

The National Road Association of Illinois is meeting tonight at 6:30pm in Greenville at the Bradford Room.  One of the topics will be the informational kiosks that will be featured in participating towns along the National Road corridor.  Earlier this month, the association elected its slate of officers for the year.  Serving as president is Mary Truitt, representing Fayette County.  Board members from Bond County are George Gobberdiehl and John Coleman.  The annual National Road Festival is June 17th, which coincides with Dairy Day in Greenville.  Anyone interested in the National Road is welcome to attend tonight’s meeting. 

 

BUYING STAMPS GO TO GOOD CAUSE

The next time you buy a stamp you can also help out a good cause.  The United States Postal Service has come out with a Breast Cancer Awareness stamp, which is the first United States Postage Stamp in history to have its net proceeds above the cost of postage earmarked for a research organization. Smithboro Post Office Post Master Karen Creek said that the stamp has been available since 1998 and since then it has raised $48.6 million towards research.

It is a first-class stamp worth 45 cents with the remaining six-cents going towards research.

Money that is raised from the stamp will help to find a cure for breast cancer.  If you have any questions about the stamp you can call Karen Creek at 664-2095.  You can go to any post office to purchase the stamp and help out a good cause.

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GREENVILLE REGIONAL HOSPITAL AUXILIARY BOOK FAIR COMING SOON

The 23rd annual Greenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary Book Fair will be held June 15 through June 17 in the Greenville First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on South Second Street.  The book fair will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. June 15, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. June 16 and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. June 17.  On June 15 adults and children over the age of 12 will be charged an "early-bird" admission fee of $5.00 prior to 5:30pm; adults and children over the age of 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. will be $3.00; children ages five to 12 will be charged 50 cents from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. There will be no admission charge on June 16 or June 17. 

The majority of books sold at the event will be about 60 cents.  Children 12 and under will receive a coupon for two free children's books.  Special promotions will allow shoppers to purchase books at a discount.  On June 17, books will be reduced 50% from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A "closeout special" between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. will allow shoppers to fill a grocery bag with books for $3.00.  After 3:00 non-profit organizations may obtain books free of charge. If you have books or items to be picked up, in addition to people wishing to work at the book fair, should contact Jack Chism at 664-2797 or Greenville Regional Hospital Director of Legislative Affairs and Volunteer Services Alan Gaffner at 664-1230 ext. 3222. On June 15, the Muny Band will hold a concert at 7:00 p.m. on the parking lot of the church.

 

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COURTHOUSE CLOSES TUESDAY

The Bond County Courthouse closed Tuesday after some electric circuits blew. Bond County Sheriff Jeff Brown told WGEL that one of the employees at the courthouse saw sparks from where the wires come from the outside to the inside of the courthouse and heard a loud bang.

Z&Z Electric and Ameren Illinois Power were contacted to isolate and repair the problem.Crews replaced a transformer in the alley north of the courthouse and power was restored around 3:00pm, but the courthouse did not reopen until 8:00 a.m. today.  

OBITUARIES

No New Local Obituaries

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THE WGEL HAYRIDE

COUNTRY CLASSICS EACH WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHT FROM 7 UNTIL 10PM.

REQUEST LINES OPEN..... CALL 618-664-3300.....