ONE PERSON KILLED IN ACCIDENT ON MILLERSBURG RD
A Greenville woman was killed earlier this morning in a single vehicle accident on Millersburg Road. Coroner Alan Young told WGEL that 32-year-old Jeannie Wirtz was northbound when she left the roadway. The Bond County Sheriff's Department, the Greenville Fire Protection District, and Bond County EMS were dispatched around 1:20am to the accident scene where the vehicle had struck a utility pole and tree. WGEL has been told that the impact brought the utility lines down. Wirtz was thrown from her SUV and declared dead at the scene. The accident occurred in the yard of a home along Millersburg Road.
TIPS COMING IN BUT NO SOLID LEADS ON HIT AND RUN
Bond County Sheriff Jeff Brown confirmed to WGEL that his department has received at least ten tips concerning a fatal hit and run accident New Year’s Eve on Panama Avenue. Brown says unfortunately all of those tips were discounted following extensive investigation. Richard Starkey of rural Sorento died from the injuries he received when he was struck by a small passenger car while walking along Panama Avenue. One eyewitness said the car may have been red in color while another witness was unsure.
Based on a passenger mirror recovered at the scene, deputies believed the car involved may have been a Mazda MX6. However, Sheriff Brown told WGEL that they recently learned that the mirror may have come from a Nissan or similar foreign-made car.
The Sheriff is encouraging anyone with information on this fatal hit and run accident to please call his department at 664-2151. The Secretary of State’s Office along with the Montgomery and Macoupin County sheriff’s departments have assisted in the investigation. There is a reward for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the accident. Sheriff Brown indicated that several people have offered to donate money towards the reward.
NEW YEARS BABY WELCOMED AT GREENVILLE REGIONAL
Greenville Regional Hospital welcomed the first baby of 2007 on January 4. Daniel Patrick Frailey was born at 11:42 PM, weighed 7lbs, 6 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. He is the son of John and Ann Frailey of Fillmore. John is a teacher at the Vandalia Correctional Center and Ann is a homemaker. Daniel joins six brothers and sisters, who were all born at the Greenville Regional Hospital Family Birth Center. Anne received prenatal care from local physicians, Dr. Tricia Warner and Dr. Ramon G. Lopez. Dr. Timothy Bilash performed the delivery.
As is customary, the New Year's baby was honored with a wide variety of gifts from the community. Continuing a tradition, Greenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary President, Nancy Machmer presented the parents with a $50 U.S. savings bond. The Family Birth Center supplied multiple baby items and supplies. Several area businesses donated other items to the infant. Those interested in participating in the 2008 New Year's Baby Recognition Program at Greenville Regional Hospital should contact Coordinator of Marketing and Public Relations Ryan Mifflin at 618-664-1230 ext. 3006.
