10-07-2008

 

WOOD RIVER MAN KILLS HIS FATHER

 

A Madison County man was charged with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery Sunday night, October 5.  The Madison County Sheriff's Office received a call just after 10:00 PM Sunday to respond to a residence in Bethalto.  The caller was 33 year-old James Lane, of Wood River. Lane said he had killed his father.  When deputies arrived,  Lane's father, 63 year-old James Lane, of Bethalto, was inside the home. Lane's son had allegedly used a splitting maul to strike him on the head causing his death. Lane's mother was also in the home and was struck with the maul. She was treated at a local hospital and released. Lane was transported to the Madison County jail where he was held pending formal charges.      

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ILLINOIS GAMBLING REVENUES A BUST

 

New numbers show that Illinois' casinos have seen a sharp drop in revenues during the last year.  According to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, casino revenues dropped more than $100 million, from $685 million to $564 million, during fiscal year 2008.  Reasons for the drop in revenue are thought to be from one or two causes. The loss could be traced to a tight economy or could be attributed to the statewide smoking ban that went into effect in January.  Illinois has seen a larger drop than states which do not have a smoking ban.

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NAMES ADDED TO MEMORIAL

 

Two names were added to the memorial stone, at the Veterans Memorial, of those killed in action while serving in Vietnam. Lance Corporal Roy L. Baldwin, of Greenville and a graduate of Hillsboro High School, was killed while serving on May 12^th, 1969. Corporal Gary G. Zellar, from the New Douglas area, graduated from Highland High School. Cpl Zeller was killed while driving a fuel tanker for a transportation unit on April 2^nd, 1971. 

 

FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

 

The Illinois District 18 Police responded to a two-motorcycle accident just before 7:30 Sunday night.  47 year-old Mark Ward, of Cottage Hills, was westbound, on his Harley, on Illinois 16 in Schram City, when he went wide on a left hand curve. His bike exited the roadway to the right and slid along the guardrail, then overturned leaving Ward lying in the westbound driving lane.   44 year-old Mark and passenger 44 year-old Rhonda Rench, of Hillsboro, came upon the accident and veered right to attempt to avoid Ward lying in the roadway. Rench's motorcycle collided with Ward inflicting severe head injury and forcing Rhonda to be ejected from the bike. She fell to the pavement and sustained severe head injury. Mark Ward was pronounced dead at the scene by the Montgomery County Coroner's office.  Both drivers were believed to have been drinking and no one was wearing a helmet. Rench was cited for alleged driving under the influence and alleged illegal handlebars on a motorcycle.          

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FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

 

Fire Prevention Week starts this week. Greenville Fire Chief Bill Johnston gave us some helpful tips to keep you and your family safe. Make sure your furnace is running properly and have it checked before winter gets here.  Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and reports show that most fires start in the kitchen. Be extra careful while cooking and never leave pots on the stove unattended.  Another helpful hint is to have an escape planned out with your family, in case of a fire.

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TUNE INTO WGEL FOR

Nickelodeon’s backyard friends, the Backyardigans come to life for their brand new live show “The Tale of the Mighty Knights” at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis on Saturday Oct 11 at 5pm. 

 

WGEL Radio has your chance to win pars of tickets on WED Oct 8^th. If you’re the correct caller we ask for we’ll be sending you to the show at the Fox.

 

You’ll be singing, dancing and laughing along with the show. The Backyardigans LIVE in St. Louis Saturday Oct 11, and WGEL has you’re chance to win tickets Wed Oct 8^th .