6-17-2011

 

POCAHONTAS GIRL STARTS LEMONADE STAND FOR JOPLIN VICTIMS

Abby Weiss, an 8 year-old from Pocahontas, daughter of Jeffery and October Weiss, wants to have a lemonade stand, but not for herself. She wants to donate the money to the victims of the tornado in Joplin, Missouri.  WGEL spoke with October Weiss about how Abby came up with the idea. Weiss said Abby got into trouble and was sent to her room and when she came out she said “Mommy, I want to start a lemonade stand and send the money to the families of Joplin. They have lost everything and I have so much.  I think I need to help them.” The stand will be on the Square in Pocahontas June 18. A second lemonade stand will be set up July 9 at Funderburk’s in Pocahontas.  The stands will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

FIRST MOSQUITOES TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold announced a mosquito sample collected in Tazewell County has been confirmed as the first positive West Nile virus test results in Illinois this year. Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois began May 1 and includes laboratory tests on mosquitoes, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds as well as sick horses and humans with West Nile-like disease symptoms. The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.  Additional information about West Nile virus may be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s web site.

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BOND COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH TO MEET

The Bond County Board of Health is scheduled to meet Monday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m.  The agenda includes a review of May activities and financial reports, board members resignations and reappointments, the 2010 audit, West Nile virus and flu vaccine updates, and a closed session.

AMATEUR RADIO FIELD DAY COMING SOON

The Okaw Valley Amateur Radio Club Annual Field Day exercise is Saturday and Sunday, June 25-26 at Patriot’s Park, Lake Pavilion.  The event begins at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, ending at noon Sunday.  Ham radio operators will be on the air during the 23 hours talking with other Hams around the world.  Only emergency power is used during field day as this is a simulation of an emergency situation.  Special operators will be on hand to assist school age Hams and their parents in making contacts.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be available at no cost and there will be a potluck supper at 6:00 p.m.  For more information or to reserve your spot, call John at 664-0219.

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GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL MAKES TWO APPOINTMENTS

The Greenville City Council made two appointments at Tuesday’s meeting.  David Royer was appointed to be the City Representative on the Greenville Airport Authority and Rena Ward was appointed to a vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Mayor Alan Gaffner nominated Royer and Ward for the positions and the council unanimously approved the nominations.

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FARM HERITAGE TRAIN

It was a big day last Saturday at the American Farm Heritage Museum just South of Greenville. Volunteers and friends of the railroad helped hammer down the ceremonial gold spikes that finished the one mile track that circles the museum grounds

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