GREENVILLE CITY COUNCIL REVIEWS SIGN ORDINANCE
At their recent meeting, the Greenville City Council reviewed a draft Sign Ordinance from the Plan Commission. Kenny Hampton said as the ordinance was written, current non-conforming signs could stay non-conforming indefinitely as long as they were well maintained. Hampton said he feels the purpose of the sign ordinance is to bring signs into compliance and non-conforming signs ought to, at some point, come into compliance. Discussion related to forcing someone to tear down or reconstruct a sign that is non-compliant but otherwise sound and a financial investment.
Willey proposed changes that would require permitting when maintenance was done which would allow the city to work with the sign owner to bring it into compliance when the cost to maintain the sign approached the cost to bring it into compliance. The motion was defeated 3-2.
The council returned the ordinance to the Plan Commission requesting them to address issues with non-conforming signs and to bring recommendations back to the council.
EDWARDSVILLE MAN FOUND DEAD BEHIND HIGH SCHOOL
According to Madison County Coroner, Stephen P. Nonn, Robert L. Buchwald, age 58, of Edwardsville, was found dead Wednesday, December 12, in an Edwardsville School District van behind Edwardsville High School. Buchwald was a maintenance department employee. According to Nonn, an autopsy found no definitive cause of death. They are still awaiting the completion of routine toxicology tests. No evidence of injury, foul play, or criminal activity was discovered. At this time, the death appears to be due to natural causes. The Edwardsville Police Department is still investigating.
HOLIDAY DECORATION CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winners have been announced for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Residential Holiday Decoration Contest. First place winners are John and Anna Piper of 905 Vine Street. Barb Nolan of 919 South Fifth Street won second place. Third place winners are Stan and Darlene Breuchaud of 1503 Killarney Drive. There were thirteen entries and displays were judged on workmanship, originality, use of color, neatness, and holiday spirit. The winners received cash prizes and gift certificates from local businesses.
BOND COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS
The Bond County Fair Board met this week, electing three new board members: Craig Woker, Jerry Nelson and Dave Freeman. Randy Ostrom, Jerry Mollett and Kevin Devore were elected directors. Craig Woker was elected President, Gerald Ammann Vice President. Judy Debatin Secretary, and Cathy Hanke Treasurer.
The committee reported attendance at last year’s fair was down slightly from the previous year. With the first rain in many weeks falling on opening day, the hot temperatures, and the shortened schedule, members were satisfied with the numbers, and expect this year’s fair to do better.
