01-06-2012

 

HIGHLAND-PIERRON FIREFIGHERS CALLED TO GARAGE ATTIC FIRE

Highland-Pierron Firefighters responded Thursday, at 4:46 a.m., to a report of a fire in the attic of a garage at a residence on Buckeye Road south of Highland.  According to Fire Chief Steve Plocher, upon arrival, firefighters found smoke in the garage and investigated the attic.  They found a small fire reportedly caused by faulty wiring.  Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and cleared smoke from the home.  Minor damage was limited to the ceiling area of the garage.  No injuries were reported and firefighters were on the scene about 45 minutes.

WOMEN AND INFANTS CENTER TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE

The newly renovated Women and Infants Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese will be having an open house from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 8.  The project included new services and amenities, upgraded mechanical details, and gave the building a more contemporary look.  Everyone is welcome to join the Women and Infants Center staff for tours, refreshments, giveaways, and prizes.  For more information, call 526-5464.

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SEVERAL NEW LAWS GO INTO EFFECT AT NEW YEAR

Several new laws took effect in Illinois with the coming of 2012
One of the new laws expands the list of required DNA testing to those arrested or convicted of certain crimes including first-degree murder, home invasion, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual assault. Another new law states that the natural mother, father or spouse of an Illinois veteran, who was killed in the line of duty, is entitled to admission to Illinois veterans homes if there is room. Beginning with the New Year, Illinois Identification Cards or Illinois Disabled Person Identification Cards can be issued without photographs if the applicant has a religious objection to being photographed. And those who are claimants for unemployment insurance will be included in the lists used to create jury selection pools effective with the New Year.

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21ST ANNUAL HIGHLAND BASKETBALL SHOOTOUT

The 21st Annual Basketball Shootout begins Saturday, January 7 at Highland High School.  The first official game is at 1:00 p.m. with Highland playing O’Fallon.  There are five games scheduled with teams coming from Cahokia, Champaign, and Kirkwood, Missouri.  For more information, contact the school at 654-7131.

PARK DISTRICT INTENDS TO SELL BONDS

The Kingsbury Park District Board of Park Commissioners announced its intent to sell $425,000.00 of general obligation bonds.  According to the public notice from the park district, the bonds will be used for the payment of land condemned or purchased for parks, for the building, maintaining, improving, and protecting of the same and the existing land and facilities of the district and for the payment of expenses.  The Kingsbury Park District scheduled a public hearing on the sale of the bonds at the Greenville Municipal Building, January 9, 2012. 

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MULBERRY GROVE VILLAGE BOARD JANUARY MEETING

The Mulberry Grove Village Board met Tuesday night due to the New Year Holiday with all members present.  The board approved the December minutes and passed a motion to pay bills. 
Mayor Doug Enloe reported the code enforcement officer is addressing the problem of several derelict houses.  Some houses are slated for demolition. The board is still considering reinstating the position of animal control officer to address the problem of dogs running loose.  Board members approved installation of a street light at Market and Fifth Streets. The next meeting is February 6, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.