BETWEEN 4-5 INCHES OF SNOW ON THE GROUND IN GREENVILLE….AND IT’S STILL FALLING
There were four to five inches of snow on the ground in Greenville as of 6:00 a.m. today and it is still falling. Four inches of snow fell at the sewer plant, five inches at 6th Street and five inches at Idler Lane and Route 140. Checks at the Bond County Sheriff's Office and Greenville Police Station early this morning showed only one non-injury snow related accident on Interstate 70. Road crews were out most of the night working to clear roads before most people had to leave for work this morning. Blowing snow is making that job harder and drifting snow will be a problem later today and tonight. The snow has caused multiple closings and dozens of accidents across the entire Metro East and into St. Louis. A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6:00 p.m. today, with another 1-2 inches of snow possible today. Snow totals to the west of Bond County are higher with reports from the National Weather Service of 8-9 inches in parts of the Metro East and St. Louis area. The Illinois State Police were advising this morning that Interstates are snow packed but passable, and the speed limit on some Interstates has been officially lowered for today. Give yourself extra time if you need to travel today and tune into WGEL Radio 101.7FM for the latest local closings, cancellations, and weather reports.
LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO MULTIPLE FIRE CALLS
Bond County Deputies, Greenville Firefighters, and Bond County EMS responded to the scene of an accident Wednesday, at 10:41 p.m. on Interstate 70 at the 39 mile marker in the westbound lanes. A semi truck had flipped over on the shoulder allegedly due to the snow covered road. No injuries were reported.
Shoal Creek Firefighters were dispatched Wednesday, at 4:45 p.m. to a report of a Bobcat skid loader on fire on Lark Road east of the Red Ball Trail.
The Bond County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible identity theft.
The Sheriff’s Office received a report of criminal damage at a residence on Oak Street in Keyesport, and a Bond County Deputy worked a non-injury accident near the fire department.
MISS ILLINOIS COUNTY FAIR CROWNED
The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs crowned Jackie Driscoll of Henry County the 2011 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Sunday evening at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. Jackie is 20 years old and attends Monmouth College where she is majoring in History for Secondary Education. Ms. Driscoll, of Cambridge, is the daughter of Mike and Laurie Driscoll and Jamie and Gene Lang.
As Illinois County Fair Queen, Driscoll will reign over the 2011 Illinois State Fair and the DuQuoin State Fair.
A total of 66 contestants participated in the 52nd annual IAAF Pageant. Bond County was well represented by Allison Grissom, and Allison was the walking mate of the state winner.
SHIMKUS KICKS OFF “VALENTINES FOR HEROES” PROGRAM
Congressman John Shimkus is kicking off his “Valentines for Heroes” program collecting valentines annually for distribution to veterans and those currently serving in the military. Valentines will be accepted at Shimkus’ offices between now and the first week of February and will be distributed before or on Valentine’s Day. Valentines should not be addressed to a specific person and should not include identifying information about you. Please do not put valentines in individual envelopes, as they will all be opened to screen for appropriateness and please do not include blank valentines. Send valentines to: 240 Regency Center, Collinsville, IL 62234.
