BOND COUNTY AND VANDALIA SCHOOL GO "BEYOND THE CALL"

AT&T of Illinois recently announced that two schools have earned special recognition for making a difference and improving the quality of life in Bond and Fayette counties. Bond County Community Unit #2 and Vandalia Community Unit #203 were both recipients of the "AT&T Illinois Beyond the Call Community Awards" on Friday.

Nominated by Senator Frank Watson each school district received a plaque and $1,000 check presented by AT&T Illinois Regional Vice President Marc Blakeman and AT&T Director of External Affairs Vince Apruzzese. Representing the schools were Bond County Unit 2 Superintendent Melanie Allyn and Vandalia Unit 203 Superintendent Rich Well.

Watson commented that each of the schools are cornerstones of their communities and "They do important work and they have earned a reputation for doing it well". For Bond County, the money will go towards the district Smart Boards. In Vandalia, the money will be used for their school district mapping program.

NEW ASSOCIATE JUDGE FOR BOND AND MADISON COUNTIES

The 3rd Judicial Circuit Court Judges recently elected, by a majority vote, a new Associate Judge. Keith Jensen, of Edwardsville, will be sworn into office today with his first day on the bench being Friday, May 18th. Judge John Knight says that Jensen has extensive experience in trial practices, particularly major criminal cases. Jensen spent many years as an Assistant State's Attorney in Madison County and assisted in several of the major criminal cases in Bond County. He has worked for the Illinois Attorney General's Office and most recently was General Council for the Illinois State Police.

Jensen will spend two days a week in Bond County during June and then move to three days a week beginning in July. The 3rd Judicial Circuit is comprised of Bond and Madison counties. And they recently announced another Associate Judge vacancy due to the retirement of Judge Lewis E. Mallot at the end of June.

BOND COUNTY 911 BOARD MAY MEETING

The Emergency Telephone Systems Board met Thursday morning for their regular monthly meeting. It was decided that members of area law enforcement, EMS, fire departments and others will meet at the Greenville Firehouse Tuesday, May 15th with officials from Motorola™ to discuss inter-operable radio communications systems for Bond County.

Other items discussed by the 911 board included the developing of reminders to area residents who don't have their address visible at their residence. If a deputy responds to a home, and there is no address visible, these "door hangers" can be placed on the door explaining the importance of having a visible numerical address. The next 911 Board meeting is Thursday, June 14th.

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FCA CAMP FOR KIDS TO BE HELD IN JUNE

The All South Illinois Fellowship of Christian Athletes has set the dates for their All Sports Camp to be held at the Greenville Junior High next month. Dr. Bob "Ish" Smith says their looking forward to the 4th annual FCA Camp. Each morning will begin with a short devotional followed by sports instruction from local coaches. After lunch, campers will participate in huddle groups lead by a high school Christian athlete. The rest of the afternoon will be spent in recreational sports competition.

The three-day camp will run June 25th through the 27th and is for kids who will be in grades 5 through 8 during the upcoming school year. Each day will begin at 8am and end at 3PM and include a free breakfast and lunch. Each camper will be able to choose two sports to receive instruction on. For boys the choices are football, soccer, basketball, track and field and baseball. For girls they can choose from basketball, volleyball, softball, track and field and cheerleading. To learn more call the FCA office at 664-1747.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES AND GRADUATION FOR UNIT 2

This year's Class of 2007 has just a few days of school left. And during that time, annual activities are planned for the Senior Class. The Unit 2 High School annual Academic Awards Night, sponsored by the Parent Community Club, is Thursday, May 17 at 7:30PM at the Greenville First Christian Church.

The annual Baccalaureate service is the Wednesday at 7:30PM at the Church as well. Graduation for Unit 2 High School is Saturday May 19th at 7PM.

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UNIT 1 GRADUATION CEREMONIES

The Unit 1 8th Grade Graduation ceremony will be held this Thursday, May 17th at 1PM. The Unit 1 High School Graduation will be this Saturday afternoon at 1PM. Both ceremonies will take place at the school.