Greenville Illinois News WGEL Daily

7-14-2008

STORMS SPAWN POSSIBLE FUNNEL CLOUD

tornado7_11_08

POSSIBLE FUNNEL CLOUD

Picture taken on Old Route 140 near Hagarstown

by Michelle Marshall of Vandalia

Starting around 6PM Friday night, Bond and surrounding counties were hit by a series of severe thunderstorms and one tornado warning. The storms spawned heavy rains and high winds. A WGEL listener sent a picture of a possible funnel cloud that appears to be on the ground between Greenville and Mulberry Grove.

We checked with both Bond County and Montgomery County Saturday morning. The only damage reported so far was power lines down in Pocahontas and Donnellson.

MORE DETAILS ON THE LIVINGSTON BANK ROBBERY

brobber7_11_08

SUSPECT PHOTO RELEASED BY THE MADISON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

More details have become available on the Livingston bank robbery. Last Thursday afternoon at approximately 3PM, an unknown male suspect entered the First National Bank of Livingston located on Park Street in Livingston. The man was carrying a handgun and wearing what has been described as a latex Halloween type mask with hair attached to the mask. The subject fled on foot from the bank and a witness may have seen the suspect get into an older model, light blue four door vehicle and travel northbound. According to the FBI, around $6,000 was stolen. A description of the suspect as a white or hispanic male, 5'8" to 5'10" tall, 170-190 pounds, wearing a blue T-shirt, mask, work boots and blue jeans.

20 Police officers responded to the initial call from the bank, including Madison County Sheriff's deputies, the Livingston Police, Staunton Police, Hamel Police and FBI. An initial search of the area and canvassing of nearby neighborhoods has resulted in several leads, but no arrests. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 217-522-9675 or the Madison County Sheriff's department tip line at 618-296-3000.

FATAL BAILING ACCIDENT

A Carlyle man is dead following a bailing accident Friday afternoon. According to the Clinton County Coroner's Office, shortly after 5PM Friday, the Clinton County Sheriff's Department received a call about a bailing accident. Wheatfield firefighters responded and found Craig Huels unresponsive, inside a round bailing machine. He was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Breese where he was pronounced dead around 6PM. Craig Huels and his father Alvin, were working together at the time. According to Phillip Moss, of the Coroner's Office, both men were experienced with the machine.

POCAHONTAS-OLD RIPLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT TO RECEIVE GRANT MONEY

The Pocahontas-Old Ripley Fire Department is one of 54 fire departments across Illinois to receive a share of nearly $1 million in Small Equipment Grant money. The money is to be used to purchase protective clothing, tools, and other equipment to enhance fire protection efforts. "Local fire departments need the right equipment to protect the communities they serve." said Governor Blagojevich. The Pocahontas-Old Ripley Fire Department will receive $7,002.

SHIMKUS SALUTES HIGHLAND EAGLE SCOUT

Derrick Gregg, of Highland, was recognized recently by Congressman John Shimkus for his Eagle Scout badge project achievement. Gregg raised $88,000.00 to construct a helipad in Highland. The helipad is fully heated and has radio controlled lighting. Shimkus entered a statement in the permanent Congressional Record, congratulating Derrick for his efforts and achievement.

CONSERVATION ACREAGE RELEASED FOR GRAZING DUE TO FLOODING

The USDA has approved a measure of disaster relief for livestock farmers in 48 flood-ravaged Illinois counties. The relief comes in the form of allowing acreage, enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, to be used for livestock grazing. The acres must be in counties designated as either primary or contiguous federal disaster areas. Landowners must also obtain the permission of their county Farm Service Agency office for the set-aside acreage to be released. Madison County is on the list of counties included in the release.

TIPS ON RECOVERING FINANCIALLY FROM A DISASTER

Floods and fires are enormous emotional and financial drains on victims. Here are some tips on regaining financial balance in the days immediately following a disaster.

* Avoid making major financial decisions

* If your home is uninhabitable, contact the Red Cross, your county office of emergency management or other local disaster relief organization to guide you to shelters and temporary housing

* If you need cash, contact the Red Cross or the Federal Emergency Management Agency

* If you are unable to pay bills, contact your creditors and ask for more time

* And consider seeking the assistance of a professional financial advisor.

A guide entitled "Disaster Recovery: A Guide to Financial Issues" is available from your local Red Cross.

sybert

FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT

Greenville Police are investigating the theft of a hundred and fifty dollars worth of CD's stolen from a car on College Avenue.

County officers worked a two vehicle non-injury accident Saturday evening around 10:30 at the intersection of US Route 40 and Millersburg Road.

The Greenville Fire Department responded to a car fire on Hastings Cemetery Avenue. Mike Kendall of Greenville heard a loud pop and noticed smoke coming from under the hood of his vehicle. Firefighters extinguished the fire and estimated $1,500 in damages.

OBITUARIES

RUTH E. FOEHNER

Ruth E. Foehner, age 76 of Millersburg, passed away Saturday July 12^th at her home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, at 11Am, at the Meridith Funeral Home in Highland. Friends may call Tuesday from 5-8pm, and Wednesday from 8-11am, at the funeral home. Internment will follow in Jamestown Cemetery.

THE WGEL SECRET WORD IS GIVEN MONDAY THRU FRIDAY IN THE 11AM, NOON, 1 & 2PM HOURS. WRITE IT DOWN AND WHEN WE CALL, YOU COULD WIN $50.

Do you subscribe to the WGEL Daily? If not sign up now for free daily News!

Wgel.com | Community Calendar | Daily Archive