7-15-2008

TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL COAL RIGHTS, DECISION TO BE MADE TONIGHT

 

The Bond County Board will meet tonight in the Bond County Courthouse at 7:30. The meeting may showcase the board making one of the most important decisions of the year.  That's whether or not to sell the coal rights of Bond County to Colt Coal Company.  The proposal would replace the current lease agreement the county has with Colt Coal.  The purchase proposal price is 4.5 Millions Dollars with $500,000 to be paid at closing and eight annual payments of $500,000 with 6 percent interest.  The deal also pays the county 1% overriding royalties on the coal.  The purchase would include all land in the lease agreement and many acres that were disclaimed earlier, in total nearly 750 acres.  The purchase of coal rights does not guarantee a mine will be built, nor does the continue of the lease agreement mean a mine will not be built.  At the last board meeting it was said a board vote would be made at tonights meeting regarding the proposal. 

 

The Board will also hear information about the possibility of using a portion of sales tax to fund schools in Bond County.  The idea is not to replace entirely the funding schools receive from property tax, but to augment that funding with a portion of the sales tax.  If that were to happen in Bond County, it's possible that a change could be made to the property tax rates.  While some counties in Illinois have started to find funds for schools this way, this will be the first presentation of this idea to the Bond County Board.  Turn to WGEL Radio for full post meeting coverage. 

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BLOOD DRIVE AT ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH

 

Last Tuesday, St. Nicholas Church sponsored an American Red Cross blood drive.  Thirty-one persons volunteered to donate with twenty-five units being collected.  A one-gallon pin was presented to Emily Rakers.

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DISTRICT 11 FATALITY FREE

 

The Fourth of July weekend was fatality free for Illinois State Police District 11, covering Madison, St. Clair, Bond, Clinton and Monroe Counties. This holiday weekend’s total number of fatalities statewide is at its lowest since 2005 at 14.  Troopers from District 11 issued 450 citations over the weekend, including 11 DUIs, 158 seat belt/child restraint citations, and assisted 93 motorists. District 11 Commander Captain, Jerry Culp, stated “We salute our motoring public, our media contacts, and out brother officers that made the effort to keep everyone safe.” 

 

REVIEW REQUESTED ON IDOC FAILURE TO ACT ON PONTIAC CORRECTIONAL CENTER

 

Three Illinois senators are officially requesting the Illinois Attorney General's legal opinion to help set a clear process when an administration threatens to shutter a state facility.  The Department of Corrections failed to file a statutorily obligated recommendation, for the closure of Pontiac Correctional Center, by the deadline of July 2^nd.  The senators are concerned that employees of Pontiac Correctional Center, the corrections system statewide, and Central Illinois residents are receiving mixed signals from the Administration. Senator Frank Watson, one of the three senators, said, "Having experienced several announced closures in 2004, and the subsequent passage of the State Facilities Closure Act, we want to make sure the Administration is following the letter of the law."

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LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS

 

June 22-28 is Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and as part of the new "Teach Learn Care" TLC campaign, Safe Electricity encourages you to be aware of the dangers of lightning and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes.  To avoid injury from lightning while at home:

 

*  Turn off and unplug appliances well before a storm arrives

 

*  Stay away from electrical outlets and appliances during storms

 

*  Turn off your air conditioner to protect the compressor

 

*  Avoid contact with water and water systems

 

*  Basements are typically safe places during storms, but stay away from   walls that might contain metal rebar

 

*  And remember to take care of your pets if they are outside.

 

More information on lightning safety can be found at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

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TUNE INTO WGEL FOR

The NASCAR Nationwide Series Race is coming to the Gateway International Raceway, Saturday July 19th, and WGEL, Lutz Plumbing, and Auto Pro are giving you the chance to win several party packs of 4 tickets to the race.

 

Listen in on Tues and Wed July 15^th and 16^th, whenever you hear us open up the NASCAR ticket window be one of the first 5 callers and you’ll be registered to win. We’ll announce our winners on Thursday July 17 during the morning show in the 7am hour.

 

The cars and stars of the NASCAR Nationwide Series come back to St. Louis.  Come be a part of NASCAR history as Carl Edwards will be defending his series title and plans to capture his second Gateway International Raceway Win!

 

This WGEL ticket giveaway is brought to you by Lutz Plumbing in Greenville “They Do It Right The First Time” and by Auto Pro in Greenville “Friendly Full Service All The Time”.