ILLINOIS CRIME RATE INDEX DECLINES FOR FIFTH YEAR
According to the Illinois State Police, the Illinois statewide crime rate index fell .3% in 2008. Law enforcement data shows a total of 712 fewer crimes in 2008 than in 2007. The crime rate index showed an increase in Chicago, Cook County and Suburban Cook County while the rest of the state, including the Chicago collar counties, urban and rural counties, all showed a decline in the crime rate, with the rate in rural counties down 4%.
H1N1 VACCINATION CLINICS CONTINUE IN BOND COUNTY
H1N1 vaccination clinics continue in Bond County area schools. WGEL spoke with Bond County Health Department Director Maxine Barth about future clinics that are planned. Barth said there will be two H1N1 clinics at the Mulberry Grove Unit 1 School. The first will be for elementary school students November 3, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. and on the 5th for Jr. and Sr. high school students, also from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Barth said that clinics held so far at Unit 2 schools have gone well but no final numbers on how many students were vaccinated are yet available since the clinics continued through Thursday. So far the Bond County Health Department has not received any more seasonal flu vaccine.
TRICK-OR-TREAT EVENT IN VANDALIA CANCELED
Due to the recent increase of flu in the community, Vandalia Rehabilitation and Health Care Center will not be holding their annual safe trick-or-treat event this year.
GREENVILLE FCI HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE
The Greenville Federal Correctional Institution recently sponsored an American Red Cross blood drive for their employees. Nineteen persons registered with thirteen units collected. Karen Landolt received a seven-gallon pin.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1
This Sunday marks the end of daylight savings time for this year as we return to standard time. Be sure to turn your clocks back one hour before going to sleep Saturday night. The official time for the change is 2:00 a.m. Sunday but if you don't plan to be awake at that hour, just change your clocks before going to bed. If you have trouble remembering which way to change your clock, just remember the old adage, "spring forward and fall back." Don't forget, turn your clocks back one hour Saturday night. This is also a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
NEW I-57/64 INTERCHANGE OPEN IN MOUNT VERNON
A new interchange at the junction of Interstates 57 / 64 and Veterans Memorial Drive in Mount Vernon opened this week. The $15 million project greatly enhances access, safety and mobility for motorists traveling to and through the area. Governor Quinn said, "The interchange will ease congestion and improve access to the interstate." Construction began October 31, 2007 and the project was completed eight months ahead of schedule.
