Salem Area Emergency Providers Complete Drill To Test Their Preparedness

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

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

New Evidence Found In Jared Hanna's Disappearance; New Search Set For Saturday

The Clinton County Sheriff's Department plans a new search for a missing Jerseyville man after new evidence was found this week. Chief Deputy Mark Etter says personal items belonging to 28-year-old Jared Hanna were discovered along Crooked Creek southwest of the Jolliff Bridge Road north of West McCord Street on the northwest side of Centralia. He reports the items were reported to the sheriff's department on Monday and later confirmed as belonging to Hanna by family members. Etter says several groups and cadaver dogs will join efforts on Saturday to search the area in hopes of coming up with more evidence about Hanna's disappearance on July third. He reports the department has adequate manpower and no additional volunteers are needed. Hanna's truck was found abandoned out of gas on the Jolliff Bridge Road about 2.5 miles northwest of Centralia. - http://goo.gl/LIHAC

Illinois Man Accused of Exposing Others to HIV

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (AP) - A man infected with HIV, who claims Illinois and Missouri residency, has been charged with intentionally infecting other people. Patrick Wayne Gregory is charged with criminal transmission of HIV for knowing he is infected and not informing the person of the danger. Three counts of the same charge have been filed in St. Louis for acts Gregory committed between March 2010 and last month. Under Illinois and Missouri laws, victims do not have to become infected with the virus in order for charges to be filed. The 26-year-old Gregory, who was arrested in Collinsville, Is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond in the Madison County Jail. Assistant Police Chief Thomas Coppotelli said the charges are rarely filed. However, he says what Gregory was passing on is "a silent killer." - http://goo.gl/V0u8K

Harvest Fest parade lineup announced

The parade lineup for Saturday's Southern Illinois Harvest Festival has been announced.

According to parade organizer Bonnie Jerdon, some entries may be missing from the lineup announced.

"With the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, I'm afraid some entries may not have gotten to us in the mail," Jerdon said. "If anyone isn't in this lineup and they sent in an entry, give us a call. It's not too late to be included."

Anyone whose parade entry is not included in the parade lineup should contact Jerdon at 242-3151.

The parade route will be from Seventh Street down Main Street to 10th Street, go down 10th Street to Broadway, then back down to Seventh Street. The parade begins at 2 p.m., and entries should line up at noon.

Those lining up on the south side of Main Street between Seventh and Eighth streets are:

Elks Lodge 819 with the 30 by 40 foot American flag

Mt. Vernon Police Chief Chris Mendenall

Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley

Jefferson County Sheriff Roger Mulch

Mt. Vernon Fire Department Chief Jim Brown

Jefferson County Fire Protection District

Those lining up on the south side of Main Street between Sixth and Seventh streets are:

Mt. Vernon Township High School Marching Rams band

Southern Illinois Harvest Festival queens

Mister Spooky's Haunted Attraction

Amvets and Auxiliary Post 4

Those lining up on the north side of Main Street between Seventh and Eighth street are:

Heartland Young Marines

Rick's Towing

Fifth Third Bank

Shriners Widgets

Jefferson County Shrine Krazy Klowns

Those lining up on the north side of Main Street between Sixth and Seventh Street are:

Citizens for Sen. Dave Leuchtefeld

Circuit Clerk John Scott

State's Attorney Nicole Villani

Regional Superintendent of Schools Ron Daniels

County Treasurer Dan Knox

Jefferson County for Ron Paul

Those lining up on the east side of Seventh Street between Broadway and Main streets are:

Senior Saint Joyce Bardo

Senior Saint Sharon Bradford

Senior Saint Zack Greenwell

Senior Saint Hazel Heckler

Those lining up on the west side of Seventh Street between Broadway and Main streets are:

Senior Saint John Hicks

Senior Saint Dick Jones

Senior Saint Virgie Moore

Senior Saints Jean and Pat Rettig

Senior Saint Nancy Sodders

Those lining up on the east side of Seventh Street between Jordan and Broadway streets are:

Wayne City Marching Indians Grade and High School Band

Academy of Music and Dance (Affton Walden)

Southern Illinois Hope Pageant and Creative Modeling

Jefferson County Crime Stoppers

Community First Bank

Those lining up in the alley behind the Armory are:

JC Jets Inc.

VFW Post 9233

Pizza Pro

Those lining upon the south side of Jordan Street between Sixth and Seventh streets are:

Jefferson County 4-H

Mt. Vernon Health Care

Kunce Computers Inc.

First United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat

Those lining up on the south side of Jordan Street between Seventh and Eighth streets are:

Girl Scouts

Residential Living Center

Peoples National Bank

King City Theater Company

Jefferson County Relay for Life

Those lining up on the east side of Seventh Street between Casey Avenue and Jordan Street are:

Salem South Baptist Chainsaw Crew

Salem South Baptist Search and Rescue

Centre Stage Dance Studio

Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School

WVYN Radio

Those lining up on the south side of Casey Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets are:

Dale's Harley Davidson

ABATE Southern Illinois Chapter

Little Caesars Pizza - http://goo.gl/iIwgv

Odin Man Arrested For Inhumane Care and Cruel Treatment Of Animals; 17 Dogs Seized

A 57-year-old rural Odin man has been arrested on an outstanding Marion County warrant for inhumane care of animals and cruel treatment of animals. Hank Henson of Delmar Avenue in the Royal Lakes area was taken into custody at his home Thursday morning after efforts to get him to give up all but five of his 17 dogs on Wednesday failed. Bond for Henson on the two misdemeanor charges was set at $50,000 by Judge Michael McHaney. Sheriff Jerry Devore says Veterinarian Dr. A.J. Sprague and Animal Control Officer Bobby Patton Juniornegotiated with Henson for two hours before talks ended and a report was sent to the State's Attorney's office that resulted in the arrest warrant being issued. If Henson is able to post bond, one of the conditions is he is not allowed to have any animals. Sprague and Patton began removing the dogs from Henson's home following his arrest. Devore says the investigation into Henson began in September following complaints from neighbors about the poor condition of some of the dogs, reports of some dogs dying in fights between them and the remains being eaten by other dogs. The sheriff reports Henson had been given until October third to get the dogs vaccinated, a deadline that was not met. In an effort to work out a compromise with Henson on Wednesday, Dr. Sprague had offered to spay, neuter and vaccinate the five dogs that Henson would have been allowed to keep at no cost. However, the offer was rejected. - http://goo.gl/ux5zw

Police Beat for Thursday, October 13th, 2011

A 25-year-old Salem man has been arrested by Salem Police for alleged felony theft. Jacob Dellinger of South College is accused of stealing wire from the CSX Railroad in the 500 block of West Songer. Police report a witness allegedly watched Dellinger load the wire into his vehicle. The vehicle was later spotted at Dellinger's home, where he was taken into custody. Police say the stolen wire, valued at over $500, was recovered. Dellinger is being held in the Marion County Jail pending a first court appearance. Salem Police arrested 33-year-old Gerardo Hernandez-Cruz of Salem for alleged disorderly conduct and on an immigration hold. Police report Hernandez-Cruz was standing in the one-thousand block of West Whitaker trying to a stop a woman who was leaving her driveway. When she returned, Hernandez-Cruz was standing in her driveway. She was able to pull in her garage and close the door. Hernandez-Cruz then allegedly began banging on the door. Police were called at that point and Hernandez-Cruz was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. 29-year-old Julie McPhail of South Lincoln in Centralia remains in jail after being arrested by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies for driving on a suspended license. Two others remain in jail on outstanding warrants. 20-year-old Cameron Jones of Jolliff Bridge Road in Centralia was arrested by Centralia Police on an outstanding felony warrant. 30-year-old Justin Heern of North James in Centralia was arrested by Centralia Police on an outstanding traffic warrant. Two others posted bond on outstanding warrants and were released. 20-year-old Audrea Shanafelt of Nancy Lane in Salem turned herself in on a warrant for failure to appear for possession of cannabis. She was released on $200 bond. 44-year-old Denise Dulaney of South Boles in Alma posted $600 bond on a Fayette County small claims case and was released. - http://goo.gl/0A9dP

New Winery Opens in Centralia Friday

A new winery officially opens for business on Raccoon Lake on the east side of Centralia Friday. The Roundhouse Wine Company at 1938 Dogwood Lane is owned by Jerry and Sheila Kapes. Sheila Kapes is excited about getting the three-quarter of a million dollar facility open. "We've been working towards this for ten years in an amateur way and since 2005 as a serious business venture," Kapes explained. Kapes says the Wine Company occupies a total of 12 acres. "We have three buildings. We have a tasting room and gift shop where we retail the wine. There's also enough room in there to seat about 60 people indoors and another 40 or so outdoors. We have our actual winery, ourproduction facility, where we willmake the wine. We also have an event pavilion we call The Trestle. It is for wedding receptionsand other parties. We can accommodate 200 indoors and a couple hundred more on our outdoor patios," Kapes said. Kapes says they currently have a half-acre of grape vines, which they plan to expand to two acres. For now, Roundhouse will buy only Illinois grown grapes from others. They will also feature wine from other wineries on the Heartland River Wine Trail. The winery will be open year round from 10 am to 6 pm seven days a week. Dogwood Lane is located east of Central City just off of Green Street Road. - http://goo.gl/hVrBm

Mt. Vernon Motorcyclist Receives Minor Injuries When Crashing Into Car

A 74-year-old Mt. Vernon man received apparent minor injuries when his motorcycle crashed into the rear of a car stopped to make a left turn from Wells By Pass onto Veterans Drive just outside of Mt. Vernon Wednesday afternoon. State Police say Donald Hefner was taken to Crossroads Hospital in Mt. Vernon for treatment. He was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. The driver of the car, 31-year-old Erica Robison of Mt. Vernon, and two passengers in her vehicle escaped injury. - http://goo.gl/QN2Y7