10-14-2010

OCTOBER GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

 

At Tuesday night’s October Greenville City Council meeting the council passed a new Youth Tobacco Sales Enforcement Ordinance, that will make it not just against the law for anyone under the age of 18 to buy tobacco products, but unlawful to be in possession of those products. The ordinance also requires anyone selling tobacco products in the city to purchase an annual $100 license. Police Chief, Lou Lorton, told the council that the ordinance will allow the city to keep any fines generated by violations. Tobacco retailers can be fined up to a thousand dollars for repeat violations.

 

The council postponed any action on an ordinance to prohibit the use of Jake brakes by large trucks until members have had a chance to research the pros and cons.

 

Much progress is being made on local infrastructure projects including the overpass over Route 40 into the industrial park, and the 4^th street project. Dave Willey said "It's beginning to look a great deal like a bridge and the approaches need concrete to make a street a vehicle can drive on, but they are looking really good. 4th Street will hopefully be open by early next week and stripping needs to be done before that. The finish layer of asphalt is on the street, it is very smooth and It is considerably wider then it was, and it really looks good." 

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GREENVILLE REGIONAL HOSPITAL 50^TH ANNIVERSARY KICK-OFF

 

Greenville Regional Hospital will kick off their 50^th anniversary celebration Sunday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m. You are invited to attend the ceremony that will feature individuals associated with the formation of the hospital, as well as representatives of the hospital’s governing board, administration, and medical staff. The celebration will provide an opportunity to reflect upon the history and accomplishments of the health care organization.  Cake, ice cream, and punch will be served following the program. This celebration will serve as the kick-off of a year-long observance of the organization’s 50^th anniversary.

FORMER KPD EMPLOYEE PLEADS GUILTY IN BOND COUNTY COURT

 

In June charges were filed in Bond County Court against Jennifer Bourgeois for theft over $10,000.  At the time of the theft Bourgeois was an employee of the Kingsbury Park District and the theft was of district money. Wednesday morning Bourgeois entered an open plea of guilty to the charge, a Class 1 Felony.  An open plea means that no negotiated plea or sentencing agreement was in place.  The sentencing for the theft is left up to the judge in the case.  The crime contains a wide array of possible sentences ranging from 4-15 years in a state prison, 180 days in county jail or no jail time and up to four years of probation.  A fine of up to $25,000 could be in place as well as restitution to the KPD.  A sentencing hearing is set for December 1^st at 1PM at the Bond County Courthouse. 

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ILLINOIS FARMERS TACKLE COMPACTED SOILS

 

This fall, Illinois farmers will have the chance to address compacted soils as most fields will be dry enough to allow tillage that helps alleviate compaction.  This was not the case in 2009 when soils were wet at harvest time.  According to U of I Extension Agronomist, Everson Nafziger, deep tillage can’t fully restore soil to its pre-compacted state, but it can make space for air to enter the soil to increase pore space.  The basic tillage equipment used to reduce compaction is a “deep ripper,” capable of ripping the compacted soil to a depth of twelve to eighteen inches.  For best results, soils must be dry enough to shatter well, breaking up the soil and leaving some of the crop residue on the surface to help reduce soil erosion.