5-5-2010

BOND COUNTY BOARD DROPS EXTRA PENSION PROGRAM FOR COUNTY ELECTED OFFICALS

 

The next time a new county-wide elected official takes office in Bond County, their pension will be the same as other county employees.  The county board meet Tuesday morning and passed a resolution pulling Bond County out of the Elected County Officals (ECO) program.  While the new rules won’t affect any currently servicing elected official, the next time a new official takes office he or she will not receive the extra pension contributions that had been given in the past.  This was done as a money savings to tax payers, but some concern was voiced that it may be harder to find qualified people to run for these positions with less compensation.  Persons are to be elected for the offices of Sheriff, County Clerk, and County Treasurer in November.  Only one of those offices is contested with Democrat Katie Weiss and Republican Jack Langel running for County Treasurer.  The board also set the pay scale for these three offices.  It includes a $1,200 raise per year for the first two years of the four year term and then a pay freeze for the last two years.  It was a concern of the board that the elected officals’ salaries in the county are not all the same and it was hoped that this pay raise and freeze would bring them closer in line. 

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EARLY MORNING POWER OUTAGE HIT LOCAL AREA

 

It was a squirrel that caused the early morning power outage in Bond County.  The outage started around 3:49AM, and affected much of the northern part of Greenville, rural areas north of Greenville, and rural areas south toward Keyesport.  According to Ameren IP around 1,543 customers in Bond County were without power until 6AM this morning.  The squirrel got into the Rural Greenville Substation. 

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STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE

 

The National Association of Letter Carriers and the United States Postal Service will be collecting non-perishable food items such as canned meats and fish, canned soup, juice, pasta, etc., Saturday, May 8 to help families in need in our community.  You may help by placing your food donation at your mailbox this coming Saturday, before your letter carrier arrives.  It will be taken to the Post Office and then delivered to local food banks and pantries.  Please do not include items that have expired or are in glass containers.

RECIPES FOR FIRE SAFETY AROUND THE GRILL

 

As we move into the peak season for outdoor cooking, the Illinois State Fire Marshal reminds you of barbeque fire safety.  Gas grills are now used about one and a half times more often than charcoal grills, but they account for five times as many fires.  The leading cause of gas grill fires is a leak or break in the hoses.  Use a light soap and water solution to check for gas leaks.  If you should smell gas at any time while cooking, get away from the grill immediately and call the fire department.  The leading cause of charcoal grill fires is a flammable material too close to the grill.  Here are some grilling safety guidelines.  Always use grills in outdoor areas, at least ten feet from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves.  Maintain at least a three-foot “kid-free" zone around your grill and use long handled grilling tools.  Remove grease build-up and never leave the grill unattended. 

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GED CLASS TO BE OFFERED AT GREENVILLE EDUCATION CENTER

 

Kaskaskia College will offer a free GED class at the Greenville Education Center, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., beginning May 20.  To register for this class, call 545-3115.