ELECTRIC RATE RELIEF ANNOUNCED MONDAY
After months of questions and concerns, Illinois residents should soon get rebate checks or refund credits from Ameren and ComEd. "All electric" customers across the state are in line for a pot of money under the newly announced, electric rate relief, billion-dollar agreement. In the settlement with Ameren and ComEd, Metro East Senator, James Clayborne, says lawmakers should okay the details soon, and people can expect to see something by September.
The average check or credit will be about $100, but some "all electric" customers could see a $1,200 refund. Attorney General Lisa Madigan says the "all electric" discount will be continued for a little while, and then slowly phased out to give people a chance to move or change their appliances. The announcement was made Monday as House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President Emil Jones, and Attorney General Lisa Madigan flew to cities like Marion and Cahokia reporting on rate relief for customers. Lawmakers still have to vote on the package, and no one really knows when that will be.
TRAVELING VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL HEADING THROUGH BOND COUNTY TONIGHT
The Veteran's Organizations in Bond County will be bringing the Vietnam Veteran's Traveling Memorial Wall to Greenville during the Bond County Fair in 2008. The same wall will be traveling through Bond County tonight, Tuesday, July 24th, on it’s way to Troy, IL. Residents are invited to participate in a show of local support, by lining the I-70 Exit 45 overpass and waving American Flags. The hope is to have residents from Mulberry Grove and Pocahontas do the same on their bridges.
The Vietnam Veteran's Traveling Memorial Wall will be leaving Effingham tonight around 5PM, with an escort of around 1000 motorcycles. Koonce asks that those who are interested in participating, show up at the I-70 Exit 45 overpass no later than 5:30PM to get everyone organized and in place. If you have any questions, you can contact Koonce at 664-1976.
FOOD RECALL EXPANDED FROM LAST WEEK DUE TO POSSIBLE BOTULISM
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that Castleberry's Food Company has voluntarily expanded it's food recall from last week due to a possible bacteria in several food products that can cause botulism. The original recall affected 10 products with best by dates from April 30, 2009 through May 22, 2009. The expanded recall now includes around 80 types of chili sauce, chili with beans, stew, corned beef hash, gravy and canned pet food. The FDA is advising consumers to not use these products and dispose of them by double bagging the food and container in plastic bags.
Last week, two confirmed cases of botulism and two potential cases were reported to the FDA, involving individuals who ate Hot Dog Chili Sauce products. No new cases have been reported since July 18th. Botulism has several symptoms including weakness, dizziness, double-vision, trouble speaking or swallowing and can cause death.
Locally, the listed products are not carried at the Capri IGA in Greenville. For a complete list of recalled food items and their brand names, visit www.CastleBerrys.com.
