Mt. Vernon City Schools D-80 scholarship applications available

MT. VERNON - The Mount Vernon City Schools Foundation has announced applications for its annual $1500 District 80 Scholarship is now available.  Eligible students are those graduating this year from Mt. Vernon Township High School who will attend a college or other post high school educational institution.  Applicants must be children or grandchildren of current or retired District 80 employees or school board members. 

The annual District 80 Scholarship is funded by a gift from Dr. Kevin and Cheryl Settle.  The criteria include principles about which they were passionate. Criteria are scholarship, participation in school activities, community involvement, attendance, and loyalty. 

Applications may be picked up at the MVTHS guidance office or at the D80 office. More information may be obtained by calling Mount Vernon City Schools Foundation representative Connie Knowles at 244-8080.  The deadline for returning applications is April 1, 2012. Applicatyions should be submitted to Mount Vernon City Schools Foundation, 2710 N. Street, Mt. Vernon, IL  62864.  full story

Glen Carbon meeting will focus on heroin epidemic

GLEN CARBON - Law enforcement officials will meet with members of the Drug Free Coalitions of Madison County in Glen Carbon on Thursday to address the escalating problem of heroin use.

The "heroin summit" is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Glen Carbon Police Department, 149 North Main Street. The public is welcome to attend.

Panel participants are expected to include Madison County State's Attorney Tom Gibbons, U.S. Attorney Steve Wigginton, Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn, Madison County Sheriff Bob Hertz and representatives of Chestnut Health Systems.  full story

Benton speech team sending 13 students to Peoria for competition

The Benton Consolidated High School speech team is heading to the Illinois High School Association State Tournament this weekend in Peoria after qualifying 13 students in five events at Saturday’s sectional meet in Benton.

The Performance in the Round cast of “Pinocchio: The Commedia” won the sectional championship plaque, and the team of Tyler Koski and Emma Webster won the sectional title in Dramatic Duet Acting.

Also qualifying for state in second place was Koski in Special Occasion Speaking.
Third-place qualifiers were Alison Blair in informative speaking and Courtney Knight in Original Comedy.

The cast of the Performance in the Round included Hunter Foltz, Lane Wellen, Caleb Abbott, Andrew Lampley, Kayla Krapf, Kennedy Allen, Hannah Auten and Amelia Richey.

Emeri Farnam will also travel to state in the alternate position in Oratorical Declamation.  full story

Business Groups Want Quick Decision on Health Care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is joining other business groups in calling for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule soon in a dispute over the national health care law. Fifteen business groups filed a brief with the court arguing the lawsuit should be decided quickly.

They argue that continued uncertainty over the Affordable Care Act will mean "a costly and harmful burden on the nation's employers." Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley says the group isn't taking a position on the merits of the law, often called "Obamacare." Instead, they're just saying there's legal authority and a strong need for the court to decide soon. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for late March.  full story

Clothes dryer fire prevention tips

MT. VERNON - Residential appliance fires result in an estimated 9,600 fires annually and $211 million in property loss, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System.

Clothes dryers are one of the appliances in residences that can cause fires, but those fires can be prevented with a few steps, said Mt. Vernon Fire Department Lt. Donnie Hayes.

“There’s always a risk with the buildup of lint in the drum and the amount of heat in relation to the heating elements of those dryers,” Hayes said. “You should make sure the lint traps are cleaned after every use.”

In addition, Hayes said manufacturers recommend to clean the lint trap over the sink with soap and water once a month, especially if dryer sheets are being used as opposed to liquid fabric softener.

“The dryer sheets leave a film, and if the air is not able to transfer, there’s a heat build up around that trap,” he said.

Hayes also said dryer owners should make sure any other vents on the dryer are not blocked by lint or other obstructions.

“You want to take the vent pipe down and make sure it’s all nice and clear,” he said. “You can vacuum it so you know the air will flow in the vent.”  full story