8-28-2007

GREENVILLE COLLEGE ANNOUNCES STRUCTURAL EVAUATION OF HOGUE HALL 

 

What's in store for Hogue Hall at Greenville College? Recently, the college's President Jim Mannoia, announced their response to recent concerns about the structural safety of the historical building. It was found, during remodeling this summer, that cracks were present in one of the main timbers that support the internal walls in the east wing of the four-story building. The college was not sure how long the problem had existed, but reinforcing the timber was referred to a firm specializing in restoration of old buildings.  

 

This past week, the initial report indicated serious concerns about the whole building. They expect to have an inspection report within in a week and another from a second engineer in the near future. In the mean time, employees have been relocated, plans have been drafted for a long-term solution and bids on temporary buildings have been sought. A task force was also created to concentrate on the issue.

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POCAHONTAS-OLD RIPLEY FIRE DISTRICT RECEIVES OPERATIONS AND SAFETY GRANT

 

Congressman John Shimkus recently announced Fire Grant funding, through the United State Department of Homeland Security, for one local fire department. The Pocahontas-Old Ripley Fire Protection District will receive $33,521 for operations and safety. The funds can be used for training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to fire stations and facilities. 

 

Shimkus adds that these grants help the first responders be able to meet the needs of their community and he applauds the departments for their successful applications. The other two fire departments receiving the same grant are the Elizabethtown Fire Department and the Cowden Fire Protection District.

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FIRE CALLS THIS PAST WEEKEND

 

Greenville Firemen answered two fire calls this weekend. The first came at 10:43 AM Saturday, to a location on the Red Ball Trail. A passer by reported the fire, which turned out to be the owner burning a brush pile. He had neglected to call the dispatcher to let them know of his intentions. Firemen were only on the scene for about 10 minutes. 

 

Firemen were called again at 6:37 PM Saturday, to a report of smoke coming from the 3rd floor of Janssen Hall, on the Greenville College Campus. Upon investigation, it was found that a fan motor of an air conditioning unit on the 3rd floor was malfunctioning, causing smoke, which set off the alarm. Firemen quickly took care of the problem. They were on the scene for about half an hour.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY TO OFFER PROGRAM AT GREENVILLE REGIONAL

 

The American Cancer Society will offer its "Look Good…Feel Better" program to residents in Greenville on October 1st.  Guided by volunteer cosmetologists, female cancer patients who participate in this class, will learn how to use make-up and skincare techniques to overcome the appearance-related effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

 

The class runs from 10am-12PM, and will be held at the Community Room at Greenville Regional Hospital.  To register, or for more information, call the hospital's coordinator Lisa Ketchum, R.N. at 664-1230, ext. 3555.

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METRO EAST ADDS OVER 1,300 JOBS IN THE PAST YEAR

 

The Illinois Section of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area shows a boost in employment, by 1,300 jobs, from July 2006 to July 2007. In Bond County, the unemployment rate was 5.0%, down from 5.1% one year ago, while Clinton County stayed the same at 4.7%. Madison County, however, climbed in unemployment with 5.3% currently, compared to 5.1% last July.

 

Payroll boosts were recorded in Educational and Health Services, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, and Local Government.  New jobs were reported in Financial Activities, Wholesale Trade, Durable Goods Manufacturing and Retail Trade.

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SMITHBORO REQUESTING NO OPEN BURNING

 

With the temperatures climbing again and the small amount of rain received on Friday, the Village of Smithboro is requesting that residents refrain from open burning during these drought conditions.

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TUNE INTO WGEL FOR

THE WHEEL OF MEAT

Every Friday, WGEL will spin the wheel of meat for one lucky listener. At 7:15 each Friday morning we will randomly pick a name from our Friday Cash Call Registration Book, and that listener will have 9 minutes to call us here at WGEL. After those nine minutes if that person has not called, we will open up the WGEL phone lines and give everyone a chance to play. If you want to get registered in our Friday cash call book, just visit any WGEL live remote and sign up. You can also stop in at the radio station to sign up.

THE WHEEL OF MEAT….. FRIDAY MORNINGS …..YOUR CHANCE TO SPIN AND WIN