1-25-2011

ILLINOIS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STILL DROPPING

According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the Illinois unemployment rate fell three tenths of a percent in December 2010 to 9.3 percent.  The last time the state rate was below 9.3 percent was March 2009.  IDES Director Maureen O’Donnell said, “Preliminary data shows Illinois will close 2010 with a growing economy, which has not occurred since 2007.  It is encouraging that for nine consecutive months, Illinois has recorded a drop in the unemployment rate even as more people have entered the job market.”  In December, Illinois had 46,300 more jobs than in December 2009, the fourth consecutive monthly year-over-year increase.

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MISSING SHELBY COUNTY MAN IS FOUND DEAD AT VANDALIA RESIDENCE

A missing Shelby County man was found dead at a Vandalia residence Saturday.  According to Sgt. Ray of the Vandalia Police, officers found the body of 33 year-old James Mundy shortly after 8:00 p.m. Saturday at a home in the 1900 block of Arrow Drive in Vandalia.  According to Fayette County Coroner Bruce Bowen, Mundy had been dead for approximately four days when his body was found.  William Cyrus, age 30, and Sally Cyrus, age 55, residents of the home, were arrested at the time of the discovery of Mundy’s body.  Both are charged with alleged obstruction of justice and alleged manufacture of methamphetamine.   According to Sgt. Ray, police had responded to the home twice before to try and make contact with Mundy and had allegedly been told he was not there.  Meth manufacturing equipment was allegedly found in the basement. 

Mundy’s body was taken to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham for autopsy.  The autopsy was performed Monday and revealed no trauma to Mundy’s body.  The cause of death is pending toxicology test results.  Final results will determine if more charges will be filed in the case.  Sally and William Cyrus remain in jail.  The death is under investigation by Vandalia Police and the Fayette County Coroner.   

 

 

A FINE BUT COLD FEATHERED FRIEND

The Eagle has landed right on Red Ball Trail.  This eagle was spotted perched on a tree just off the Red Ball Trail Sunday afternoon. 

 

 

Thank you Pat Kious for the Picture

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CARLYLE LAKE FISHING PROSPECTS GOOD FOR 2011

With spring just around the corner, it is time to begin thinking about the big fish you will catch this year in Carlyle Lake.  The Fisheries Division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has results from the annual 2010 fall survey which indicates fishing prospects are good for the upcoming season.  Freshwater fish in Carlyle Lake include largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, sauger, and bluegill.  For more information, call the Carlyle Lake Project Office at 618-594-2484.

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