GFPD HONORS ORIGINAL TRUSTEES

The Greenville Fire Protection District honored its original board of trustees Saturday night during the annual banquet.  The Greenville district was organized in 1976 under the guidance of board members David Wade, Bob Alexander, and Dick Haas. Alexander’s widow, Joyce, and Wade were honored at the dinner meeting.  Haas was unable to attend. 

Other special recognitions included 15-year pins for Jeff Benson and Chad Sexton and a watch for Carl Sutton’s 30 years on the GFPD.  Rookie of the Year honors went to Tom Bray.  Two firefighters, Matt Roadman and Scott Epperson, were each given a “Medal of Valor” for their efforts in rescuing a man from a trailer fire last year. 

Chief Bill Johnston thanked the spouses for their understanding in allowing the firefighters to do what they need to do.  He also acknowledged the efforts of the truck committee in developing the specs for the new pumper/tanker.  Johnston said this truck will be utilized by the department far into the future.

Johnston said the department’s 2007 plans include researching the purchase of a new brush fire truck, increased grant writing, and the possible addition of a generator at the firehouse enabling it to be a public shelter.  The chief also commented on the new carbon monoxide detector law and the anticipated increase of calls it could create for the Greenville Fire Protection District. 

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NEARLY 200,000 DEER HARVESTED IN ILLINOIS IN 2006-2007 SEASON

The 2006-2007 Illinois deer seasons have concluded with hunters taking a preliminary total of 197,287 deer.  Hunters participating in the late-winter antlerless-only deer season last weekend took in just over 9,000 deer in the 67 counties open for the season.  This total was up from 5,128 last year.  Archery hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary statewide total of 65,170 deer during archery season, which began October 1st and concluded January 11th.  During the Illinois Firearm Deer Season, November 17-19 and December 8-10, hunters took in over 115,000 deer.  The preliminary harvest from the Youth Firearm Deer Season was just under 1,100 deer.

The preliminary totals in Bond County were 21 deer during the archery season and 97 during the late winter harvest.  For Clinton County it was 495 archery deer and 36 for the late harvest.  In Fayette County hunters brought in 853 during archery season and 245 for the late winter harvest.  Madison County had archery deer totals of 1,194 and late season totals of 87.  And Montgomery County reported 711 archery deer and 119 late winter harvest.

UNUSUAL CHARGES APPEAR ON PHONE BILLS FOR DECEMBER

Residents in Pocahontas might want to double-check their phone bills for the month of December.  Bond County State's Attorney Investigator Jim Stever told WGEL that his office has received between 20 and 30 phone calls regarding an extra charge on residents phone bills.  Stever said the charge is only showing up on Frontier bills.  It's possible to have between a $20 to $21 charge for services from either ILD Teleservices or Media One Services.  Stever believes this type of online company bills a subscriber through their phone number when they sign up for service. However, people are reporting that they are not signed up for these services and most do not have Internet connections to do so. 

Stever advises people who notice these type of false charges, to first call the company and explain that you did not sign up for this service and you would like a refund.  If the company offers only a partial refund or no refund at all, then call Frontier and work it out with them.  If that still doesn't work, Stever said the next step is the Citizen's Utility Board and then the Illinois Commerce Commission.  For more information, you can contact Jim Stever at the Bond County State's Attorney Office.

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FREHSMAN ORIENTATION TONIGHT

The Unit #2 School District Freshman Orientation for 8th grade students and parents is tonight at 6pm in the Greenville High School gymnasium. Registration materials will be handed out to parents and students and curriculum changes will be discussed will affect the Class of 2011. Information will also be given on selecting classes, extra-curricular activities, and athletics. Parents and students can take a self-guided tour of the school. Teachers and counselors will be available to answer questions.

HUMANE SOCIETY RELEASES REPORT ON 2006 ACTIVITIES

The Bond County Humane Society is reporting 92 dog and puppy and 69 cat and kitten adoptions in 2006.  Additionally, five dogs were successfully reunited with their owners while one dog was given to the Golden Retriever Rescue program.  The low cost spay and neuter program coordinated by the Bond County Humane Society resulted in that service being provided to 50 cats and 53 dogs.

The society held its first meeting of the New Year earlier this month and focused on fund raising for 2007.  A spaghetti dinner is scheduled for February 16 at the Greenville VFW Hall.  WGEL will have more details as they date gets closer.  Many other fundraisers are being planned including a rummage sale, bake sale, barbecue, and the annual Paws In The Park in September and the Halloween Party in October. 

The Bond County Humane Society meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:30pm in the Free Methodist Gateway Center.  New members are welcome and for details call 664-4068.