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independent@htc.net |
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If it happens in Monroe County, it's news to us! |
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E-Newsletter - August 31,
2007 New Red Bud Police Chief Resigns Five Days Into Term: Although Donal McKinney was sworn in as the new police chief for Red Bud on Aug. 23, he resigned from that position on Aug. 28, according to Mayor Ken Mueller. Since taking office earlier this year, Mueller experienced much frustration with city aldermen when they would not confirm his appointment of McKinney. The mayor said Tuesday that McKinney resigned because the six aldermen and two advisors were making it too difficult for him and his family to endure, and he couldn’t work under the situation. McKinney has decided to move back to Chester. “Things weren’t working out. Things were getting to be more and more of a problem, so I went ahead and left,” said McKinney. (Information submitted by the North County News.) Republicans Gather At Liefer’s Lake: County Commissioner Terry Liefer and his wife, Justine, invited Monroe County Republican precinct committeemen on Wednesday evening to their clubhouse and lake off of Ames Road. Everyone enjoyed hamburgers, bratwursts and all the sides. “There was really good German potato salad and corn on the cob,” said Bill Reheis.
Blagojevich Signs Electric Rate Relief
Bill Into Law Senate Bill 1592 will provide $1 billion in total financial relief to electric consumers statewide. AmerenIP, which serves customers in parts of Monroe County, will refund money or apply rebates to bills, depending on account status. The rebates will cut the overall rate increases that took effect Jan. 2, 2007, by about 40 percent, or a minimum of $100, according to information released by Ameren. Customers with all-electric households will receive higher rebates. Over the next two years, rate increases will continue to be offset by additional credits applied to bills, although none as large as the first. Now that Blagojevich has signed the bill, customers should begin to see the rebates in about a month, according to Ameren. “I applaud the governor for finally signing the utility rate relief package into law,” said State Rep. Dan Reitz, who co-sponsored the bill. “This package provides reliable energy at reasonable rates to the utility customers of Southern Illinois who have been living with skyrocketing electricity bills over the last eight months.”  The Gibault High School Golf team won the Monroe County Tournament Thursday at Annbriar for the first time ever, with a score of 152. They defeated teams from Valmeyer, Columbia and Waterloo. Spencer Harrison was the medalist, with a tournament-tying score of two-under par. Celebrating their victory are, left to right, Johnny Mullett, Adam Touchette, Spencer Harrison, Coach Scott Ruppel, Jeff Harrison, Steven Souchek and Marty Kovarik. The Waterloo VFW will be closed Friday, August 31, in honor of Labor Day. Millstadt Homecoming This Weekend: The annual Millstadt Homecoming is Saturday, Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 2. There will be rides, games, food stands, beverages and bingo both nights. Saturday’s parade is at 5 p.m., followed by rock band Aftershock on the main stage. Sunday’s parade starts at 4 p.m., with Saloonatics that evening on the main stage. The Immaculate Conception Church’s Parish Picnic is Monday, September 3 from 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. Chicken dinners start at 11 a.m. Quilt bingo is played from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Musical entertainment is provided from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Monroe Actors Stage Company has announced it will produce “The Flood” to open its 2007-2008 season. This will be the first production of “The Flood” outside New York City. “The Flood” is a musical inspired by the Flood of 1993 and is based on interviews with local residents. “This show presents an extraordinary opportunity for us, as an artistic group, and for the community as it pays tribute to the courage and spirit that is our Midwestern heritage,” said John Campbell, MASC board of directors president and director of “The Flood.” Performances will be Sept. 6 through 9, and Sept. 13 through 16, 2007. Plans are well underway for the 2008 Monroe County Relay For Life. It will take place Friday, September 7, through Saturday, September 8, at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. Friday’s events include a survivor dinner at 5:30 p.m., with opening ceremonies taking place at 7 p.m. The relay around the fairgrounds will begin at 7:30 p.m., and continue through Saturday morning at 6 a.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Bud Light Brigade and Steve “Elvis” Davis. There will be food stands and numerous other activities throughout the night. For additional information, visit the Relay’s website: www.acsevents.org/relay/il/monroe. The third annual Melvin J. Fisher Memorial Hills and Hollows Half Marathon and 5K Run / Walk is Saturday, September 22. The event begins at 8 a.m., at the Valmeyer Emergency Services Building. Proceeds will benefit the Valmeyer Active Firemen Association and BackStoppers. New this year, all Monroe County police, fire and EMS departments that register and provide volunteers will receive a donation to their department. “The purpose of this event is to promote fire safety, raise funds for firefighter training classes and support, via BackStoppers, families of firemen or police officers that have lost their life in line of duty,” said Marvin Fisher, race director and brother of the late Melvin. Before he died from cancer several years ago, Melvin’s last public activity was coaching young firefighters at the Dupo Firemen’s Muster. “Melvin was proud to be known as a fireman and for stepping forward when needed,” said Marvin Fisher. “We look forward to the continued success of this event in his memory.” The half marathon course is the only one in Southern Illinois certified through the USATF. Awards will be presented to the male and female winners of the 5K run and walk. Half marathon runners will be presented awards in age categories, as well as the overall top finishers. The first 300 registered participants will receive a t-shirt and medal. A traveling trophy will be awarded to the first emergency services personnel who completes the half marathon course and the 5K run and walk. Entry forms are available on the website www.hillsandhollows.org. Those wishing to volunteer for the event can contact Marvin Fisher at hikingmcdosher@hotmail.com. Businesses or individuals wishing to donate items or help sponsor the event can do so by contacting a Valmeyer firefighter or first responder or going to the event’s website. For additional information, send correspondence to Hills and Hollows RRCA, P.O. Box 222, Valmeyer, IL, 62295. Marvin Fisher can be reached by phone at 402-598-9178. Humane Society of Monroe County’s Pet of the Week:  Sid is a young man who was rescued from animal control. He is a 25-pound beagle mix who would love to have a family to call his own. This pup loves attention, does great with kids, dogs and cats. Sid is also doing well on his house training. He will need a fenced yard, and appears to be a natural at keeping yards free from squirrels and rabbits. To adopt Sid call 282-PETS. The society’s next adoption event is at PetsMart on Lemay Ferry this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives:
Calendar of Events
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