MAJOR WINTER STORM HITS AREA
A major winter storm hit our area yesterday. At one point, snowfall was rated at more than an inch an hour. Outside the WGEL studio, more than five inches were measured before the snow changed to sleet. All three recording stations in Greenville had 5 inches of snow and 1/8 of an inch of ice. Interstate 70 westbound was shut down for a time due to an accident near mile marker 35. Bond County Deputies and Pocahontas-Old Ripley EMS and Firefighters assisted Illinois State Police at the scene of the accident on Interstate 70. A Bond County Deputy responded Thursday, at 5:53 p.m., to a single-vehicle non-injury accident, due to the slick roads, on Rt.143 at Rt. 127. Snowplow trucks have been working throughout the night to clear the roads. If you have any pictures you would like to share please send them to tom@wgel.com and include your name and where the picture was taken.
The storm began as sleet, then very heavy snow, then sleet again and ended with freezing rain. Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing today to around 36 in Bond County. Tune to WGEL Radio for the latest on closings and reschedulings. Mayor Alan Gaffner told WGEL that the city employees did a great job working in shifts to clean the roads for today, and Gaffner also said thank you to Greenville City Police and their hard work during the winter storm. The National Weather Service said the highest snow total recorded yesterday was in Hannibal Missouri with 13.5 inches of snow.
Scenes from around Litchfield
CELEBRITY JUDGE FOR 2013 CAR SHOW
The Greenville Chamber of Commerce announced the celebrity judge for this year’s car show. Chamber Executive Director John Goldsmith said
Donna Douglas, who played Ellie Mae Clampett on the Beverly Hillbillies in the 1960’s, will be this year’s celebrity judge at the Greenville Graffiti Car Show. She will sign autographs, be a celebrity judge for the car show, and participate in a question and answer session with fans at the end of the day. The car show is scheduled for Saturday, June 15, in downtown Greenville. For more information, call the Greenville Chamber of Commerce at 664-9272.
KASSIDY ALDERMAN HITS SIX MORE THREES
Lady Comet Kassidy Alderman hit six threes at the state three point competition Thursday night. Lady Hilltopper Kennah White advanced to the final four. Kassidy missed advancing by only two shots. The leader in Thursday’s round hit ten threes and the other top four made nine, eight, and eight respectively. Congratulations to Kassidy Alderman on a great run to state in the three point competition.
MULBERRY GROVE BOARD OF EDUCATION ADOPTS PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
The Mulberry Grove Board of Education meeting Tuesday began with a public hearing, at 6:45 p.m., concerning the summer school lunch opt-out and holiday waiver. Regional Superintendent of Schools Julie Wollerman presented information on the items for board consideration.
In the regular meeting at 7:00, Superintendent Mike Gauch reported the district received the first categorical state aid payment of the school year and general state aid payments are coming in on time. If no categorical state aid payment for transportation is received, the transportation fund will borrow again next month.
Elementary Principal Annette Hartlieb said students participated in the Valentines for Veterans Program again this year and PE Teacher Mr. Justin Joiner is sponsoring a “Jump Rope for Heart” event raising money for the American Heart Association.
High School Principal Ryan Bauer congratulated 7th Grade Basketball Coach Mike Gauch and his team on finishing 3rd in the state basketball tournament. Bauer said juniors will take a practice ACT test March 19 in preparation for the PSA-ACT test later this spring.
The board adopted the summer school lunch opt-out and holiday waiver proposals. Due to prohibitive costs, lunch will not be offered at summer school.
Superintendent Gauch said negotiations with the MGEA are progressing smoothly and one more meeting should complete the process.
The next meeting is Monday, March 18, at 7:00 p.m.
