4-11-2012

PROTECT PLANTS FROM FREEZING TEMPERATURES WHICH MAY DAMAGE EARLY PLANTS AND BLOOMING TREES

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for early Thursday morning.  Temperatures are expected to dip into the low thirties and these freezing temperatures may damage or kill new plants and blossoms on trees.  The record high temperatures in March caused an early start to the growing season this year and early planting by area farmers.  According to the University of Illinois Extension, there are some precautions you may take to protect flowering trees and young plants.  Watering plants late in the evening hydrates plants and reduces possible damage from frost which draws out moisture forming ice crystals on the leaves.  Drought-stressed plants will suffer more damage than those well hydrated.  Mulch around plants helps hold ground heat preventing rapid cooling.  Covering plants with a frost cloth, sheets, blankets, or newspapers minimizes heat loss and helps prevent frost damage.  A light breeze often keeps frost from forming on plants.  Fans may be used to keep air moving.  Bring flowers inside if possible to keep them from freezing.  Cover small plants with plastic milk jugs or other containers and remove the containers first thing the next day.  Jugs of water along the plants will collect heat during sunny days and release that stored heat during the night to keep plants from freezing. 

MULBERRY GROVE VILLAGE BOARD APPROVES STREET OILING

At the recent Mulberry Grove Village Board meeting, the board approved the HMG street oiling program with the Illinois Department of Transportation.  Oiling and chipping of streets and patching will cost approximately $20,500.00. 

The next meeting is May 7, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

HIGHLAND HAS NEW FIRE CHIEF

The Highland Fire Department has a new Fire Chief.  We spoke with Rick Bloemker about his new position in the department. Rick told WGEL he has been with the Highland Fire Department for 31 years.  He was the Assistant Fire Chief for 17 years and for the last 14 months he has been acting as Interim Fire Chief.  A few weeks ago, Rick was appointed Fire Chief for the Highland Fire Department.  Rick said he is looking forward to his new position with a good department. One of his main goals for the future is to remain proactive.  They also plan to work on recruiting and maintaining strong numbers.

 

GREENVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT FOR MARCH 2012

A spike in criminal arrests in March has broken a down-trend for the year, according to the Greenville Police Department’s activity report.  Overall, the report shows crime against other persons has been down in 2012, compared to 2011, but 31 criminal arrests in March reversed that trend and there are currently 41 criminal arrests for this year. Traffic violations are up in the categories of uninsured motorist, license violations, and speeding.  Traffic violations total 97 in 2012, compared to 79 in 2011.

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EARLY WARM WEATHER MEANS EARLIER BAT ACTIVITY

With temperatures already in the 70s and 80s in Illinois, bats are becoming active, which means the possibility of exposure to rabies is increasing.  Bats are the primary carrier of rabies in Illinois and the Illinois Department of Public Health has already had one bat test positive for rabies and two people are undergoing treatment after coming into contact with that rabid bat.  You may help prevent the spread of rabies by being a responsible pet owner.  Keep all vaccinations up to date.  Seek immediate veterinary assistance if your pet is bitten by a wild animal or exposed to a bat.  Do not handle, feed, or intentionally attract wild animals, never adopt wild animals, and call the animal control agency about removing stray animals in your neighborhood.  For more information about bats and rabies, check the IDPH website.

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