1-4-2008

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING

 

According to George Shaw, with the County Zoning Office, 2007 was a big year for new home construction and remodeling in Bond County.  The largest and most expensive new homes reached $500,000.  The County issued 175 building or remodeling permits in 2007.  And the total value added to the county in residential home construction and remodeling during the fiscal year of 2007 was $19,123,000.  That total is just for the County and does NOT include construction and remodeling inside the City of Greenville. 

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POWER OUTAGE SAFETY TIPS

 

Ice from winter storms can cause widespread power outages, and the damages could take several days to repair. Follow a few tips to stay safe and warm. 

 

- If you must go outside, stay away from downed or hanging power lines, warn others to stay away, and be aware that limbs and other debris may be hiding electrical hazards.

 

- Stay inside and dress in warm, layered clothing.

 

- Close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels underneath doors to keep the heat inside, and cover windows at night.

 

- When using alternative heat sources, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards, and be sure to properly ventilate.

 

- Eat so your body will create its own heat and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

 

- Turn off electrical appliances and unplug major equipment including computers and televisions.

 

- If you use a standby generator, make sure it has a transfer safety switch or that the power is cut off at the breaker box, before operating it. And always keep a generator outside in a dry, protected area away from windows or air intakes.

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GREENVILLE FIREMEN RESPOND TO CALL

 

Greenville firemen were called at 7:38 Wednesday morning to a carbon monoxide alarm sounding at a residence on Willow Street. Upon arrival, firemen checked the residence with their meters and found no trace of carbon monoxide present. They were on scene for about 15 minutes.

MADIGAN SUES THREE MORTGAGE RESCUE COMPANIES

 

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed three lawsuits against mortgage rescue companies for allegedly violating the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Illinois Mortgage Rescue Fraud Act. Suits have been brought against Homeowners’ Assistance Association, Lender’s Foreclosure Relief, Inc. and United Home Savers, LLP for allegedly falsely promising to help consumers save their homes after falling behind on their mortgage payments. Madigan has asked the court to order all three companies to stop all deceptive business practices and to pay restitution to defrauded homeowners.

 

Including the three new filings, Madigan has sued a total of 11 mortgage rescue companies. Madigan’s office has also compiled a guide entitled “Predatory Home Loans: A Guide to Prevention and Rescue Resources". To obtain this free guide, that lists many of the HUD-approved counseling agencies, call the Consumer Fraud Hotline at 800-386-5438.

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POLICE DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE SAFETY GRANTS

 

Four area police departments will be receiving safety grant funds through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP).  The Centralia, Marine, and New Baden Departments will each receive $11,794 for Incident Commanders Radio Interface equipment.  The Effingham Department will receive $12,919.94 for Incident Commanders Radio Interface equipment.

 

Congressman John Shimkus said, "These funds help make our first responders more prepared.  Recipients made quality applications for this equipment and should be congratulated for providing advanced services to their communities."

 

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TUNE INTO WGEL FOR

 

The Longhorn World Championship Rodeo is coming to the Family Arena in St. Charles and WGEL has several family packs of certificates good for 4 tickets to the Sunday January 13^th 3PM Rodeo. Friday January 11^th tune in for your chance to be the correct caller and answer the WGEL Rodeo trivia question and you could be one of our winners. No purchase necessary, you must be at least 18 years old to win, employees of WGEL, The Family Arena and their immediate family members are not eligible, one winner per household please and all decisions of the judges final.

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