5-05-2006




 

CITY COUNCIL WORKING ON BUDGET

There was some lively conversation concerning the upcoming City Budget at a special City Council meeting last night. Mayor Alan Gaffner and City Manager Dave Willey expressed a difference of opinion about the need to purchase two new police squad cars in the 06/07 budget. Gaffner said it would be easy savings if the City only bought one replacement car this year. Willey pointed out that for the last two years the decision had been made to forgo buying any new police vehicles and for public safety it was a priority for the department to have a reliable fleet of squad cars. Also on the subject of the budget City Manager Willey suggested that the City should figure in depreciation in all of its accounts to get an accurate financial picture. And it looks like the Council could be facing a decision as to whether or not to raise water and sewer rates. Dave Willey also talked about the timetable for the Wolf Industrial Park overpass. Planning will take up the coming year with construction in the 07/08 fiscal year and completion in 08/09. And more code enforcement could mean more legal fees for next year's budget according to the City Manager. The Council will continue to deal with the upcoming budget at this month's regular meeting next Tuesday night.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

The Bond County Ministerial Alliance presented the National Day of Prayer on Thursday on the Bond County Courthouse Lawn. First Baptist Church Pastor Matt Larson presented the opening of the program and said that prayer is a powerful gift and tool that we can use. Bond County Circuit Court Judge John Knight shared a prayer for our nation and our nation's leaders. During his prayer, Knight said at a time when many in the world lack basic necessities we enjoy great abundance and at a time when many in the world suffer oppression we enjoy great freedom. Knight gave thanks for the opportunities we are offered.

Also during his prayer Knight prayed for the leaders of our country including President Bush, members of Congress and the Supreme Court and for our state and local officials.

Other prayers that were given included those for our military troops, families, elderly and disabled, and the youth of our country.





IPA REGIONAL GROUP CONDUCTS AWARDS PROGRAM

The Illinois Principals Association, Kaskaskia Region, hosted its 10th annual Friends, Members, and Secretaries Recognition Banquet April 26th in Hillsboro. The Kaskaskia Region includes Bond, Clinton, Fayette, Macoupin, Marion, and Montgomery counties.

Local award winners included:

Wendy Porter, Unit 2 High School, National Association of Secondary School Principals Assistant Principal of the Year

Sandy Nevinger, Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Lifetouch Partners in Education Award

Mike Suess, Unit 2 School Board president, Kaskaskia Region Outstanding Board of Education Member

Don Dillon, IPA Field Service Director, Illinois Principals Association Herman Graves Award


BCHS HOPING TO SOMEDAY CONSTRUCT SHELTER

Like many organizations, the Bond County Humane Society has many dreams for the future but a shortage of funds and manpower. The organization has several fundraisers planned for the year including their 3rd annual rummage sale this Saturday from 8 until 11am at the Greenville First United Methodist Church. Perhaps the group's biggest event is Paws In the Park which, according to BCHS member Rachel Hunsdorfer is September 16th. The day includes a variety of activities and contests for dogs and their owners. Micro-chipping of dogs and cats will also be available for only $15 during Paws in the Park. Hunsdorfer talked to WGEL about the society's greatest need, which is more volunteers. She added that county desperately needs an animal shelter, which the humane society could apply for grant funding for construction. Hunsdorfer said they can not seek a grant for the cost of obtaining land. She indicated the project would require two to five acres and must be zoned agricultural.

For more information about the Bond County Humane Society call 664-4068.

 


GREENVILLE COLLEGE DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE HONORED

The Associated Colleges of Illinois or ACI honored Greenville College alumnus and Director of Residence Life, Pedro Valentin as a 2006 Alumni Shining Example during ACI's 54th Annual Meeting. The ACI selected this year's honorees as Shining Examples of those who overcame significant barriers to achieve college success. Director of Alumni Relations Alex Schmidt told WGEL that Valentin fit this criteria because he grew up in the Humble Park area of Chicago from a lower-middle class family and did not allow obstacles to get in his way. Schmidt said that Pedro is of Puerto Rican descent and was the first person in his family to graduate from college. Pedro was nominated by his alma mater and is a 1996 graduate of Greenville College.

 






FRIDAY SPORTS

HS BASEBALL
The Comets were 15-0 winners over Altamont. Scott Eaton threw a one-hitter and struck out 6. Scott Lurkins and Phil VonderHaar each had 4 RBI. The Varsity Comets are now 15-7 on the season.

The Aces won 4-2 over Ramsey. James Lynch got the victory. Josh Elam had two hits and scored two runs. Lynch and Chris LaMacchia each had triples.





OBITUARIES

No Local Area Obituaries

WEATHER

Saturday: Cloudy-----High 68------Low 46

Sunday: Partly Cloudy with Showers-----High 68-----Low 45

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Join us this Sunday for WGEL's Public Affairs Program. Our guest this week is James Stever, Victim Witness Coordinator for the Bond County State's Attorney's office. Stever will be discussing National Crime Victims Week and crime victims rights. That's Public Affairs this Sunday following our Noon Bond County Area News here on WGEL.

Colgate Country Showdown Tonight

Greenville VFW Hall

Tickets avaliable at the Door

Show Starts at 7pm

Doors Open at 6:30

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