FATAL ACCIDENT TUESDAY ON OLD ROUTE 50 IN CLINTON COUNTY
Further details have become available on the fatal accident Tuesday morning on Old Route 50 in Clinton County. John Randy Ferguson was traveling westbound on Old Route 50, approximately one and one half miles east of Shattuc Road. According to the Illinois State Police John Clark, of rural Carlyle, was traveling eastbound on Old Route 50 when he attempted to pass a transport truck. Clark failed to see Ferguson in time and both swerved in an attempt to miss each other, but hit head on in a ditch next to the road. Weather conditions, during the accident, were described as a downpour by the Clinton County Corner.
John Ferguson was pronounced dead at the scene, and Clark was transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia and later released. Clark is facing the alleged charge of illegal lane usage. The Illinois State Police and the Sandoval Fire and EMS responded to the accident. Funeral arrangements for 54 year-old John Ferguson are being handled by the Garner Funeral home in Centralia.
CITY TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON POSSIBLE NEW LAKE
The Greenville City Council met Tuesday night and discussed holding a public meeting on the possibility of a new lake, or reservoir, in the county. It's likely that the meeting would be the last week of January and held at a larger facility than City Hall. More details on the meeting will be released in the next few days.
City council members also approved a contract with CSX for engineering work on the industrial park overpass. Reviews are required by CSX on all work that is done involving a railroad. The agreement includes a $15,000 retainer, to CSX, for the review work.
A TIF agreement and revolving loan were approved for the Econo Lodge. The TIF will be based on 7 years of tax increases, whereas, the loan will only be contingent upon a certain number of new employees being hired. Funding will be used for renovations in order for the hotel to maintain franchise affiliation with Econo Lodge.
FIRST BABY OF THE YEAR AT GREENVILLE REGIONAL HOSPITAL
The first baby born at Greenville Regional Hospital in 2008 is also the newest resident of Mulberry Grove. Morgan Alisa Hebenstreit, daughter of Nathan and Katherine Hebenstreit, of Mulberry Grove, was born Wednesday, January 2nd, at 9:28 PM. Morgan weighed 5 pounds - 11 ounces, and measured 18.5 inches in length. She joins big sisters Addison, age two, and Caitlin, age 4 and a half.
"We have used this facility three times." said Katherine Hebenstreit. "All our experiences have been so warm and filled with kindness. The OB staff always makes us feel so comfortable and at ease."
Continuing a tradition, Hospital Auxiliary President Nancy Machmer presented the parents with a $50.00 U.S. savings bond from the auxiliary, and as is customary, the New Year's Baby was also honored with a wide variety of gifts from individuals and businesses in the community. Anyone interested in participating in the 2009 New Year's Baby Recognition Program, call Ryan Mifflin at 664-1230, Ext. 3006.
