03-03-2009

 

MAN SHOT IN RURAL GREENVILLE

 

43 year-old Richard T. Lohman, of Greenville, is being held at the Bond County Jail after being arrested for alleged criminal trespass to a residence in rural Greenville, Friday night around 8:40 PM.  During the incident that led to the charge, the homeowner shot Lohman.  According to the Bond County Sheriff's Department, Mitchell Crouch shot Lohman, after he allegedly entered Crouch’s residence, after being told to leave the property.  Lohman was shot in the upper torso. He was taken to Greenville Regional Hospital and transferred to another hospital in St. Louis.  He was arrested by Bond County deputies, after being released from the hospital, and is being held at the Bond County Jail.  According to the sheriff’s department, no charges are expected against the shooter and homeowner Mitchell Crouch.     

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STATE HONORS VETS KILLED IN GULF WAR OPERATIONS

 

The state of Illinois, in recognition of the 18^th anniversary of the cease-fire of the Persian Gulf War also known as Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, announced that Saturday, February 28^th was Desert Storm Remembrance Day. The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs held a memorial service at the Howlett Building Hall of Flags in Springfield, for the 14 Illinois service members who lost their lives during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Governor Pat Quinn issued a proclamation thanking the fallen service members for making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

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FRAUDULENT MORTGAGE LOAN SCHEME SHUT DOWN

 

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) recently shut down a scheme that involved nearly $2 million in fraudulently obtained loans.  The IDFPR charged that Pablo E. Pabon of Chicago, was allegedly a key participant in at least two mortgage fraud conspiracies.  If you are a homeowner already in foreclosure or behind in payments, be wary of mortgage scams.  Read everything before signing and get all "promises" in writing.  Be wary if a foreclosure "rescuer" or mortgage "broker" discourages you from contacting the mortgage company, or an attorney.  Never sign a contract under pressure and never sign away ownership of property.  It is a good idea to ask a trusted family member, licensed attorney, or financial professional to review paperwork before signing.  If you suspect mortgage fraud, call the IDFPR homeowner hotline at 877-793-3470.

MULBERRY GROVE HIGH SCHOOL HONORS STATE SCHOLARS

 

Four students from Mulberry Grove High School have been named 2009 Illinois State Scholars. They are Jennifer Cayo, Tyler Koontz, Heather Richardson and Shelby Woodward. To become an Illinois State Scholar, students must rank in the top ten percent of high school seniors in the state, based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. Though there is no monetary award, they will get a paid online subscription to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

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STATE COMMUNTY COLLEGE'S ENROLLMENT SETS A RECORD

 

Student enrollment for community colleges throughout the state set a record this year. Almost 203,000 students have enrolled full-time at community colleges in Illinois for this spring, breaking the record set in 2004. Guy Alongi, chairman of the Illinois Community College Board, says "The severe economic crisis and the loss of jobs drives people to our doors." These numbers reflect full-time students who are taking at least 15 hours per semester and not part-time students.