CLOTHES DRYER BLAMED FOR CARLINVILLE EXPLOSION

A clothes dryer is being blamed for the August house explosion in Carlinville that killed three people.  A coroner's jury heard that testimony earlier this week.  Investigators believe the dryer ignited built-up natural gas that had leaked into the basement, causing the explosion that killed 15-year-old Coady Hatlen, 55-year-old Sherry Hatlen, and 9-year-old Michael Albracht.  The explosion also damaged fifteen neighboring houses.  Family of the three people killed have filed lawsuits against AmerenIP and a Carlinville heating and air conditioning business.  The state fire marshal's office is still working on their final report.

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MAYOR PROCLAIMS SEPTEMBER AS "SAVE A LIFE MONTH"

Greenville Mayor Alan Gaffner has signed a proclamation designating September as "Save A Life Month."  This honor recognizes the Save A Life Foundation for its mission to train people on the basic First Aid skills.  This training begins with school children and continues through adult age.  "Save A Life Month" stresses the importance for everyone to know CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver, and how to use an AED…all of which are critical for preserving life prior to EMS arrival. 

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SEMI ROLLS OVER ON I-70

A Granite City truck driver suffered minor injuries Thursday morning when his semi rolled over onto its side.  The accident happened around 6:20am when the westbound driver swerved to avoid a vehicle in front of him that had hit its brakes.  Smithboro First Responders were called to the scene but the driver was already out of the rig when they arrived.  He was taken by ambulance to Greenville Regional Hospital as a precaution.  Smithboro Fire Chief, Dale Deverick, told WGEL there was some concern that the semi might have been hauling dangerous chemicals; however, the truck contained cleaning fluid in plastic jugs. 

ANHYDROUS AMMONIA SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM

Governor Rod Blagojevich announced a new grant program to help Illinois agricultural fertilizer dealers protect their product from thieves.  The $1.6 million initiative will provide grants that will enable facilities to install locks on anhydrous ammonia tanks, purchase video surveillance cameras, or blend approved additives into their anhydrous ammonia to render it useless for the production of methamphetamine.  Blagojevich said this is one more tool in the state's arsenal to combat the spread of a very dangerous drug.  The theft of anhydrous ammonia has affected nearly every fertilizer dealer in the state, many who have suffered losses in the thousands of dollars.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will administer the program and award grants beginning this fall.  The grants will reimburse facilities for up to two-thirds of the cost of their security improvements.  The first round of grants will target 21 counties in west central Illinois including Montgomery County.  A second round of grants will be handed out in the spring.  The deadline to apply for a grant is Oct. 2nd for fall grants and Feb 1st for spring grants.  For more information call the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ag Products Inspection at 217-782-3817 or visit www.agr.state.il.us.

JUVENILES ADMIT TO DAMAGING OLD SCHOOL

Mulberry Grove Police Chief Bob Sutton is reporting that three juvenile boys have admitted to damaging the old Mulberry Grove school.  The owner of the building reported on August 21 that seventeen windows were broken.  According to Sutton, no charges will be filed as the boys have agreed to pay for the damage and write letters of apology to the owner. 

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MONDAY (9/4) SPORTS

HS BASEBALL
The Mulberry Grove Aces lost 15-0 to T-town on Thursday.  The Aces were held to one hit, a single by Mitchell Lewis

HS SOCCER
The Comets lost 2-1 to T-town on Thursday.  Greenville’s goal was scored by Lance Ward on an assist from Ryan Mulholland.  Dillon Heitzig recorded seven saves in goal

Comet's Soccer tied St. Anthony 1 to 1 on Saturday. Greenville's goal was scored by Ryan Mulholland assisted by Adam Stroud. Dillon Heitzig had 6 saves in goal.

HS VOLLEYBALL
The Varsity Lady Comets lost 25-19, 25-23 to Marquette on Thursday.  Crystal Clanton and Alyssa File each had 6 service points.  Katy Gilmore and Heather Alford had 6 kills a piece.  The JV Lady Comets won 25-16, 25-13.  The freshman Lady Comets earned a 25-10, 25-20 win.

JAN NEVINGER LABOR DAY GOLF TOURNAMENT

After two days of competition players in the Jan Nevinger Labor Day Golf Tournament at the Greenville Country Club will be divided into five flights. Leading the Championship flight into today's final round are past Champions Scott Moore and Mike Chaney at two under par 142. Also at 142 Scott Teague. Tim Gerrig of Alhambra after posting a 69 on Saturday shot a 74 Sunday for a one under par total of 143. Two local Golfers Jason Knight of Greenville and Jim Odle of Litchfield are three back at 145. It should be an exciting finish and spectators are welcome today as some of the areas best golfers compete in this years Labor Day Classic at the Greenville Country Club.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

In Football Action over the weekend the Greenville Comets defeated Gillespie 48 to 12 and the Highland Bulldogs lost to Marion 28 to 7.