BIG NEWS FOR HIGHLAND
There is big news from Highland today. St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland has received approval of the concept for a new hospital. Randy Schorfhiede said, “We gained approval to start planning for a new facility in Highland. We are in the early stages of planning and are looking at what type of services and programs we want so we can remain here for another 131 years. We want to make sure we get it done right the first time so when we do get our final idea of what the new hospital will be, we will start with details planned and we can share them with the community at that time.” Highland City Manager Mark Latham commented on the economic impact the new hospital will have. Latham said, “It’s the best news since 2005, while I have been here. This is a huge economic development project for the city. It will provide jobs and secure future healthcare here for the residents.” According to Schorfhiede, the deal is approximately 85 to 90 percent guaranteed with just one more executive approval remaining. It’s too early for a time table of construction, location, or rendering of the new hospital but all that will come in time.
ASSISTANCE SOUGHT IN THE DEATH OF A POLICE OFFICER
The Illinois State Police is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of the death of a Cowden Police Officer. According to a press release from ISP, they are trying to locate the driver of a red Dodge full-size pickup truck which was involved in a police chase which resulted in the death of the officer. The chase started after the suspect allegedly stole approximately $100.00 worth of diesel fuel in Staunton, around 6:40 p.m. Monday. The male suspect is described as short and stocky with dark or olive colored skin and dark hair. The diesel pickup the suspect was driving is described as having a raised chassis, oversized wheels, and no license plates. The Cowden officer apparently lost control of his vehicle while chasing the suspect on Illinois Route 128, one mile south of Route 40 in Effingham County. The officer was pronounced dead at Greenville Regional Hospital. If you have any information, contact the Illinois State police at 217-347-2711.
The above photo is that of the actual Dodge pick-up truck involved in the August 10th police chase. The Illinois State Police requests anyone having information on the vehicle to call District 12 Headquarters at 217.347.2711
BLOOD DRIVE AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The First Presbyterian Church in Greenville sponsored an American Red Cross blood drive Wednesday. Twenty-six persons registered and twenty-five units were collected. Ken Bryant received a six-gallon pin and Amanda Lane a blood drop pin as a first-time donor.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING
The Greenville Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Greenville Municipal Building. On the Agenda is a request for a zoning variance at 421 East Main Street. This request is for an addition to the east side of the house, ten feet from the street-side property line.
