ESCAPEE CAPTURED IN KENTUCKY

A week after his escape from the Bond County Jail, 21-year-old Anthony S. White has been captured in Kentucky.  Bond County Sheriff Jeff Brown contacted WGEL early Saturday night to announce the capture of White.  Brown confirmed that authorities have believed for several days that White was in Kentucky.  White escaped from the Bond County Jail late on the night of June 24.  He fled from Greenville in a car allegedly stolen from the Helen Ferguson residence.  The car was recovered a few days later in Kentucky; however, investigators did not want to release that information until White was found.  WGEL will have more details on this story as they become available. 

CAR CRASH IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY LEAVES ONE DEAD

A crash in Montgomery County Thursday night left one person dead. According to Illinois State Police, 67-year-old Leroy Westika of Sheridan, Wyoming was traveling westbound on Nokomis Road approaching the Junction with Route 127.  According to the police report, Westika did not stop or slow for the posted stop sign and entered the intersection at highway speed, into the path of 30-year-old Michael Hostmeyer of Beckemeyer who was driving a tractor-trailer. Hostmeyer struck the left side of Westika's vehicle, causing him to spin off of the roadway. A passenger in Westika's vehicle, 42-year-old Martha Westika was fatally injured in the accident and pronounced dead by Montgomery County Coroner Rick Broaddus at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. Westika and a third passenger in his vehicle, 63-year-old Susie Westika were taken to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield with serious injuries.  Hostmeyer and a passenger in his vehicle were not injured.  No citations have been issued.

MOTEL AND RESTAURANT SALE CONFIRMED

The sale of the Best Western Motel and Ethan's Restaurant has been confirmed in Bond County court.  Judge Clarence W. Harrison oversaw the signing of the deed transfer from Midland States Bank to Amrish Patel.  The New Jersey man, who plans on moving to Greenville, was the high bidder at the June 22nd foreclosure sale of the property.  Judge Harrison stated that Friday's action allows anyone the opportunity to file an objection to the sale.  He added that normally any protest would have been voiced prior to now.  The motel and restaurant sold for $2.22 million.  Amrish Patel and his wife were in the courthouse as the final papers were signed.  Patel told WGEL that they would begin operation of the motel immediately. 

RAIN TOTALS FOR JUNE

The June rain totals for Greenville were 3.93-inches at The Greenville Wastewater Treatment Plant, 3.24-inches on 6th Street, and 2.56-inches at Route 140 and Idler Lane.  June was under the 10-year average of 4.49-inches.  Rain was measured on nine days.  The wettest June in the last 10 years came in 2000 with 8.81-inches.

 

SECRETARY OF STATE OFFICES CLOSED TUESDAY

All Secretary of State offices and facilities will be closed Tuesday, July 4 for Independence Day.  They will resume normal business hours on Wednesday, July 5.  You may visit the Secretary of State's website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com to change an address, register to be an organ donor or renew license plate stickers if you have received a renewal form by mail. 

JAYCEES HOSTING FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

The Greenville Jaycees and Kingsbury Park District are having a 4th of July Celebration at Patriot's Park on Tuesday. Shelli Hinkle said that some of the activities will include games starting at 5:00 p.m. and a dunking tank with hometown celebrities.

This is the 48th year the Jaycees have sponsored the 4th of July celebration and the event is free of charge, but donations will be accepted to help pay for the fireworks.

The Muny Band will begin performing at 6:00 p.m. and copies of the band's CD will be available for purchase. At 7:00 p.m. music will be provided by a disk jockey and fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m.

Pork burgers, lemon shake-ups, root beer floats, pretzels, and nachos and cheese will all be sold. Hinkle said that a lot of vendors including craft vendors will be at the park.  Be sure to bring your lawn chair on Tuesday and come out and enjoy the fireworks and everything else being offered.

WINNER OF BUSH AND NEXTEL NASCAR TICKETS

Congratulations to Ralph Effler of rural Greenville winner of the WGEL's Nascar Ticket Giveaway. Ralph won 4 tickets to the July 8th Busch Series, and 4 tickets to the Nextel Series on July 9th.