2-27-2007

A BROKEN COUPLER BLAMED FOR ST. JACOB TRAIN ACCIDENT

The cause has been determined for a train derailment last June near St. Jacob that led to the evacuation of several residents.  The Federal Railroad Administration recently released the results of its investigation that blames the failure of a cross key retainer, which allowed the coupler to fall off one of the cars.  The coupler hit the tracks and derailed one axle of that car.  Twenty-one cars in the eastbound train jumped the track including seven that contained hazardous materials like ammonium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide.  The spill led to the evacuation of thirty-five residents within a half-mile radius.  The evacuation lasted around twenty-five hours; however, there were no injuries.  The price tag on the damages has been pegged at $664,000. 

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GRANITE CITY WOMAN STILL MISSING

The Illinois State Police are still asking for any information that may help their search for a missing Granite City woman.  Investigators say 34-year-old Melissa Kampmann was last heard from when she called her husband Thursday morning and told him she had a flat tire along westbound I-270 near mile marker 8.  When her husband arrived, Kampmann's van was there, but she wasn't.  Melissa Kampmann is described as white, 5-foot-7, 180 pounds, brown hair, and green eyes.  Anyone with any information on this missing person case should contact the Illinois State Police in Collinsville. 

Photo of Melissa Kampmann

HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY MENINGITIS CASE NOT CONTAGIOUS

Highland school district parents were happy to hear on Friday that the elementary school student diagnosed with meningitis has the viral, or non-contagious form.  Highland Superintendent Marvin Warner confirmed to WGEL that those in contact with the student are not in danger.  Parents of Highland students were notified of the meningitis case last Thursday.  Additionally, it was learned on Friday that a Highland Middle School student has developed a case of the mumps.

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WATSON HOSTS MEETING ON U OF I BROWNSTOWN FACILITY

For nearly 70 years, the University of Illinois’ agriculture test plot near Brownstown has been providing a service to the Ag industry and State Senator Frank Watson wants to keep it that way.  Watson met Friday at his Capitol office with the U of I Provost and Dean of Agriculture.  Both told Senator Watson that a decision on Brownstown would not be made until after the budgetary process.  Watson says he understands the university’s concern about continued budget cuts to the university system. 

A University of Illinois task force recommended closing the Brownstown Crop Sciences Facility as part of a reorganization of its Field Research and Education Centers around the state.  Watson said that if the school chooses to close its Brownstown facility the 120 acres it manages would revert back to the Fayette County Farm Bureau, because of a long-held agreement.