03-02-2012

 

DIVISION 58 LIGHT TOWER AT HARRISBURG

The Division 58 emergency light tower is in use in Harrisburg.  According to Mulberry Grove Fire Chief Dwight Volkmar, the light tower was deployed Wednesday to be used in the rescue and clean-up efforts following the early morning tornadoes that hit the town.  Volkmar said approximately 15-20 light towers are in use in Harrisburg from fire department divisions in Illinois.  Division 58 includes all fire departments in Bond County and the Mulberry Grove Department provides storage for the light tower.  This is the third time the tower has been used for a disaster and it will remain in Harrisburg as long as needed.  The tower is 25 feet tall with four lights powered by a generator.  The generator is also large enough to power not only the four lights but also other emergency equipment or buildings.

CAR FIRE IN POCAHONTAS

Pocahontas-Old Ripley Firefighters were dispatched Wednesday at 8:26 a.m. to a report of a car fire on Academy Street in Pocahontas.  According to Pocahontas-Old Ripley Fire Chief Kendall Brink, the fire was in a pickup truck and had been extinguished by the time firefighters arrived.  Firefighters were on the scene about 15 minutes.

ROBERT “ISH” SMITH RECOGNIZED BY IBAF

Dr. Robert “Ish” Smith, a Greenville resident, was recently recognized by the International Baseball Federation for his contributions to the sport.  Dr. Smith said the International Baseball Association governs the Olympics and all international baseball play.  The organization was holding its first congress in the USA since Dr. Smith was involved with their group.  Dr. Smith had been invited to attend the meeting and give a small presentation about the history of the organization during the time he was involved with it but he was unable to attend, and found out later when he received a large plaque in the mail they had intended to honor him at the meeting for his years of contribution to international baseball.  Dr. Smith said he was honored to receive the award.  Dr. Smith served as president of the International Baseball Association for 13 years and also was president of Greenville College.

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MCKAY NAPA AUTO PARTS AG DAYS

McKay Napa Auto Parts has been having their Ag Days celebrations in several stores in the area.  WGEL’s Mike Greenwood spoke with McKay Napa Auto Parts Vice President Earl Flack at one of the events. Flack told Greenwood they had another successful celebration and added Greenville back to the list this year. They currently have 18 stores. They have remodeled the Greenville store and doubled the space and inventory.  Flack said although they call them "Farm Days," the celebrations are really about customer appreciation.