04-15-2009

CARLYLE MAN SENTENCED FOR BANKRUPTCY

 

According to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, a Carlyle man will spend years behind bars.  61 year-old Joseph Diekemper was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release.  Diekemper was also ordered to pay $400 in special assessments. 

 

November 26, 2008, Diekemper entered pleas of guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bankruptcy Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, making a false statement to the United States Department of Agriculture Commodity Credit Corporation, and Perjury. 

 

U.S. Attorney Courtney Cox emphasized "The United States Attorney's Office takes the issue of bankruptcy fraud seriously and will prosecute those who violate the laws to the fullest extent."

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUILDING ON SCHEDULE

 

The development of the new Bond County Health Department building is on schedule.  At the most recent Health Board meeting, John Carpenter of Korte Construction reviewed the progress.  The exterior is 98 percent complete.  The building is completely enclosed.  The interior drywall is in place and ductwork is underway.  The walls are 95 percent framed.  The parking lot pavement paint and the flagpole are the final exterior projects.  The safety inspector commented that this is one of the best job sites he has seen. 

 

Carpenter also informed the board that all wood was purchased locally from R.P Lumber and the roofing was done by Joiner Sheetmetal and Roofing.  Because this is a government-funded project, all construction must be bid out.  The lowest bidder was awarded all projects. The tentative completion date  is July 28.

 

In new business, five candidates were interviewed for the dentist position that will be in the new Health Department.  This position will be filled soon.

 

In other business, Anna Oestreich from the Senior Center is aggressively pursuing funding for the Bond County Transit building. The $1.8 million project could possibly be funded by the stimulus package. 

The Senior Center has been making plans to lease land near the Health Board building and from the Health Board.  Oestreich informed the board that a quarter of a million dollars has been raised so far for the funding of the Senior Center building.

STAUNTON HIGH SCHOOL LOCK DOWN

 

Staunton High School is on Lock down for the entire week.  School is in session, but students are only allowed to enter and exit certain doors, which are guarded by police.  Staunton High School students will not be allowed to go off campus for lunch as usual.  The lock down is due to a threat written on a bathroom stall. Although the threat is very vague, the school and police are taking this threat seriously.

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RAILROAD CROSSING CLOSING IN VILLAGE OF SMITHBORO

 

The Smithboro Village Board held their April meeting recently. The board regretfully accepted the resignation of Dale Sarginson as the Village Maintenance Position. This became effective in February.

 

Lora Kennedy announced that the railroad had informed her that they would close the railroad crossing at north Main Street one day between Thursday April 16 and Tuesday April 21. The board plans to post the day as soon as it is known.

 

Mayor Moore reminded residents that June 4 is Spring Clean-up day for the Village. Items that cannot be put out for trash include: batteries, landscape clippings, oil, paint, tires and heavy construction materials.

 

May 4 will be the swearing in of the new Village of Smithboro officers.