A Salem factory with a toxic chemical spill that sent a plumb of chemicals into the air over the west side of Salem that forced the closure of West Main Street and the evacuation of a number of west side businesses was the scenario for a drill for emergency service agencies Friday. The drill included use of the region's mobile command and communications vehicles. Salem Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Terry Mulvany says a drill is required every two years for the agency to keep its accreditation. "It gets everybody together number one. We had officials from the City of Salem and Marion County. We had the Regional Illinois EMA coordinator for Marion County here to assist me. It's just a time we work together, we call in state agencies to assist, the Mt. Vernon Fire Department haz mat team was here, the Robinson ITEC folks were hear with their trailer.We brought in people from outside Marion County area for this exercise to assist us," Mulvany said. Mulvany says it was an excellent drill and like all those before in his 32 years he learned something new. The agencies will sit down later to review how they did and look for ways to improve. Salem Fire Chief Roger Mann says they have a lot more resources as a result of the inflow of federal grants since 9-11. "We have a haz mat team in Centralia. We have a haz mat team in Mt. Vernon. They work together. They have both been credentialed with the state. They are credentialed to go anywhere in the state, or actually any where in the country where they might be needed," Mann explained."Through those grants people way above us in the federal government have decided to put this money down and filter it in different ways for people to pickup. We're really blessed." Mann says the mobile command vehicle can replace damaged facilities and the mobile communications vehicle, complete with its own radio tower, can replace damaged communications equipment and put all of those involved in handling an incident on a special frequency away from other traffic. He was impressed with the enthusiasm of the public safety agencies in attendance. Salem Police Sergeant Susan Miller, who also helped put together the drill, was also appreciative of all those who gave their time to prepare for an emergency situation. sFNDs
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Mt. Vernon Trick-or-treating hours announced
Princesses, superheroes and maybe a Transformer or two will soon be heading into neighborhoods in search of candy.
Each village and town in Jefferson County has slightly different dates and times for Halloween trick-or-treating.
The city of Mt. Vernon will hold its trick-or-treat hours on Halloween, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The village of Bonnie has not set a specific time for trick-or-treating at this time, according to personnel at the Bonnie Village Hall.
Bluford has no set trick-or-treating hours, but always holds trick-or-treating on Halloween night, according to personnel at the Bluford Village Hall.
The Village of Dix will hold its Halloween trick-or-treating hours at the same time as the city of Mt. Vernon — 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. Those who wish to participate in handing out candy are asked to have their porch lights on.
The village of Ina will also have trick-or-treating from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31.
Woodlawn’s trick-or-treating time will be on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Information about trick-or-treat times and dates for the villages of Belle Rive, Walnut Hill and Waltonville, as well as the city of Nason, was not immediately available.
In addition to going door-to-door, at least one community church plans to hold a trunk-or-treat, where people will decorate their trunks and costumed youngsters can go trunk-to-trunk instead of door-to-door.
First Methodist Church in downtown Mt. Vernon will hold its annual trunk-or-treat from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, in the parking lot adjacent to the church and City Hall.
Church members will decorate their trunks and provide the candy, and the community is welcome to attend, said church personnel. CwUg9
Marion County Police Beat for Saturday, October 15th, 2011
Two people remain in the Marion County Jail following Friday arrests.17-year-old Donald DeClue Junior of South Wabash in Centralia was arrested by State Police for driving under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia. 26-year-old David Shuler of North Walnut in Centralia is being held in lieu of $5,000 bond for failure to appear in court or pay on a burglary conviction. 20-year-old Timothy Bryan of Racetrack Road in Centralia posted $100 bond and was released after being arrested by Centralia Police for alleged domestic battery and resisting arrest. 22-year-old Nathan Foltz of Frazier Street in Centralia posted $100 after being arrested by State Police for alleged driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cannabis. 23-year-old Brendan Heffron of North Sycamore in Centralia posted $300 bond andwas released on an outstanding warrant for driving under the influence and a new charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. The Marion County Sheriff's Department has several burglaries and thefts under investigation. Michael Dirkner of North Beech Street in Centralia reported his shed broken into and several items missing. Vernon Quandt of Quandt Road reported a 20 foot long flat bed trailer was stolen from a barn on his farm. Quandt reported a boat that was on the trailer was pushed off. Thomas Greenwood of Loy Road in Kinmundy reported several car parts and tools were stolen from his yard. The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating something being thrown off the Nation Road overpass on Interstate 57 late Friday night. It damaged a semi driven by 30-year-old Jesus Mendez of Bolingbrook. However, he was not injured. 6icMq