8-27-2009

RAMPART RANGE

 

Rampart Range is open in Pocahontas. WGEL spoke with co-owner Mark Owensby about the new shooting range. Owensby said they started this project two years ago because he found there was a need. Rampart Range opened this week with a 7500 square foot range, 10 point, 25 yards. He explained that it is a state-of-the-art range with an air filtering system and a retail gun shop with accessories. They offer training seminars and firearm classes for men, women and youth. He added that they hope to start a youth rifle league this winter. For more information, you can go to their website at www.rampartrangeinc.com.

 

VANDALIA HAS NEW MESSAGEING SERVICE

 

The Vandalia Police Department is using a free service that allows them to send information directly to residents cell phones or computers. According to Police Chief Larry Eason, the city has an account with NIXLE to create a safety web page. Residents who sign up, may receive text messages when a serious safety issue occurs such as a tornado or a missing child. This service is free to the city and to people who sign up. The only possible cost to a citizen is if they are charged by their service provider to receive a text message. To sign up, go to web site www.nixle.com and follow the directions.

MULBERRY GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADDS RESCUE TRUCK TO FLEET

 

The Mulberry Grove Fire Department has recently acquired a rescue truck, which was added to the fleet the first of May.  The truck is a 1987 model purchased from the Naperville Fire Department.  According to Fire Chief Dwight Volkmar, when the old step-van, used for an equipment truck, needed major repairs, it was decided to purchase this truck.  The larger vehicle has room for all the department's rescue equipment along with extrication and cribbing equipment that formerly was carried on another truck.  There is a large walk-in door at the back and room inside for six firefighters to ride safely in seats with seatbelts.  A total of eight firefighters may ride in the truck.   Additional storage space inside holds air packs, radios, flashlights, first responder medical bags, and other miscellaneous equipment.  Volkmar said it is a huge advantage to have all rescue equipment in one vehicle.  He said the truck has already gone on approximately six mutual aid calls and a couple of accident calls.  The Mulberry Grove Firemen's Association purchased the new rescue truck with funds from the annual homecoming and other fund raising activities.

 

HOUSE BLESSING IN POCAHONTAS

 

According to Dave Trover, Habitat for Humanity has scheduled a house blessing in Pocahontas, Thursday at 6:00 p.m., at 104 Stewart Street. Earlier that day, the keys to the house will be turned over to Howard and Stephanie Haller who put 400 hours of sweat equity into the project. They will buy the home from Habitat for Humanity with an interest-free loan.