BOND COUNTY EMS BENEFITS FROM AGREEMENT

The Bond County Board and Greenville Regional Hospital have an agreement through which ambulance service is provided to the county.  Greenville Regional Hospital provides the equipment and the County Board assists with tax money for expenses.  County Clerk Randy Reitz explained that this year the number of calls has been down and the costs are up.  Payments have been late or not made at all and the request was made of the Bond County Board for funds.  The amount requested to make up the difference was $30,739.00, which is the actual cost for offering ambulance service for 2008.  Reitz said that a few years ago, expenses became too much for individuals to offer the service.  Since the hospital is available and can cover some of the costs for the service, both entities benefit from the arrangement.

DON'T EAT THE PISTACHIOS

For now, people across America should avoid eating products containing pistachios.  The Food and Drug Administration says it's because of a possible salmonella outbreak, discovered in nuts roasted and distributed by a central California company.  The FDA says Setton Pistachio is recalling approximately one million pounds of pistachio products over the salmonella concerns.  The FDA says it needs to find the source of the contamination and major recalls are likely over the next few days because it's possible that many of the nuts have been repackaged.  Consumers are urged to hold onto any pistachio products while the investigation continues.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUILDING PROGRESS ON SCHEDULE

If you've taken a drive down South Fourth Street, you've seen the development for the Bond County Health Department Building is well under way. According to Maxine Barth of the Health Department, because of the ice and cold weather this winter, the completion date has been moved back to August 21st. She added she has been pleased with the progress that includes completion of the substructure and the installation of all windows and water, electric and telephone conduits in place.

NATIONAL ROAD ASSOCIATION TO MEET IN EFFINGHAM

The National Road Association of Illinois annual meeting will be tonight at 6:30 PM in the council chambers at Effingham City Hall.  Executive Director John Goldsmith said the meeting would include an overview of 2008 activities, a preview of events and plans for 2009, and conclude with the election of board members and officers.  A meal is planned, prior to the meeting, at 5:30 PM at Niemerg's Restaurant in Effingham.  This informal gathering allows members to visit and share about activities in their communities.  All National Road Association members and persons interested in joining the association are welcome.