AUXILIARY GIFT SETS ANOTHER RECORD

The Greenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary presented their annual gift Tuesday night to Greenville Regional Hospital.  A check in the amount of $272,000 was given to the hospital for the purchase of a new adjustable breast biopsy chair and to help with the current laboratory and imaging service projects.  The amount of this year's record donation was $10,000 more than last year, and part of the 2006 three-year total pledge of $600,000 by the auxiliary. 

The Greenville Regional Hospital Auxiliary's installation of officers was also held Tuesday night.  Sharon Ahern was re-elected to treasurer.  Officers continuing to serve are Nancy Machmer, President; Mary Ann Willey, Immediate Past-President; Susan Sugg, First Vice-President; Kathy Farnsworth, Corresponding Secretary; and Pam Tompkins, Historian.

Sharon Ahern, Nancy Machmer, Morris "Buddy " Bond, Jim Hayes, Geri Moore, and Jerry Graber

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SEMI FIRE ON WISETOWN ROAD

The Keyesport Fire District was paged to a semi on fire Wednesday afternoon around 3PM.  Firefighters responded to a residence on Wisetown Road to find the semi tractor fully engulfed in the driveway.  According to Keyesport Fire Chief, evidence from the scene shows the fire may have originated from the rear of the engine.  The 1996 Volvo semi tractor was a total loss.  Firefighters were on scene for about an hour.

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CHECKS BEING STOLEN FROM MAILBOXES

The Madison County Sheriff's Department is trying to identify two people who are possibly stealing checks and alledgly using the money to buy items such as groceries.  The suspects are also believed to be stealing bank statements and boxes of checks from mailboxes.  With this information the suspects are using fraudulent identifications to match the names on the statements and withdraw money.

At least five people in the Greater St. Louis area have been identified as victims including cases in Madison and St. Clair counties.  It is believed that the identities were stolen from the victim's mailboxes.  The alleged suspects are described as a white female, medium build, brown hair and between 25 to 40 years of age; and a white male, thin build, between 5'10" and 6'01" tall, light colored hair with a goatee and ranging in age from the mid 20's to mid 30's.

If you have any information on the above activity or suspects, contact that Madison County Sheriff's Department anonymous tip line 296-3000.

NEW TRUCK STOP IN VANDALIA ANNOUNCED

After several months of planning, Vandalia recently announced the development of a new truck stop along Interstate 70 near exit 61. Vandalia Mayor Rick Gottman spoke to WGEL about the new facility.  The "Fast Stop Travel Center" will be located in between I-70 and Old Route 40.  It will offer several islands for diesel semis and several spots for general vehicles.  Inside the truck stop will offer a fast food restaurant and general store. 

Gottman believes it will be good for the community and will help to add to the businesses already in the area.  He commented that it will also be a safe net for truck drivers traveling the interstate, allowing them to park and rest.  For the community it's going to provide 30-40 full time jobs and income for the city.

Gottman said that the hope is to break ground in early March and have the project completed by early summer.  Vandalia Green Energy will be constructing the truck stop and South Central FS will be operating it.

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SPORTS