Jason Yaekel of Dupo is recovering from injuries sustained Sunday in a motorcycle accident on Route 158.

Yaekel, 23, was driving his 2001 Harley Davidson FLS westbound on Route 158 when he lost control of the motorcycle near the intersection of Bohleysville Road. Both Yaekel and the bike came to rest in a ditch along the highway. He was transported by Arch helicopter to Barnes – Jewish Medical Center in St. Louis.

 

Colin Simmons of Chester avoided serious injury this morning at 6:15 a.m. during a rollover accident this morning outside of Hecker.

Simmons, 19, was driving his 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on Route 159 when he lost control of the vehicle near the intersection of Club Congress Road. The vehicle rolled several times before landing on its roof in the front yard of a residence along Route 159. Simmons was able to exit the vehicle on his own, but was transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville for minor injuries.

“He was wearing his seatbelt and that helped him avoid any serious injuries,” said Hecker Fire Chief Ralph Eckart.

 

Attorney Alan Pirtle of Columbia was elected last week as the president of the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association. He succeeds John Giannulis of Rock Island, who has retired after heading the association for more than 20 years. The association consists of the 102 Democratic Party county chairmen in the state. This is the first time that a county chairman from southern Illinois has been selected to head the group.

As president, Pirtle will train the county chairmen promoting the election of Democratic candidates throughout the state. He will also help raise funds for Democratic state and federal candidates.

Pirtle will remain the chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Party. He will also continue working full-time as an attorney. The association is planning to hire a staff to handle the day-day responsibilities.

“My election to this post is not a testament to me personally, but a testament to the many fine Democrats in Monroe County and all of you who have supported our past efforts over the years,” said Pirtle. “Without your support, I’m sure I would never have been elected to this position.”

 

Shirley Huch of Columbia is moving her Inspirations Greeting Cards and Gifts store to Branson, Mo. The store had been in St. Louis Union Station for the past nine years. There was also a store in downtown Columbia a few years ago. The location of the new store is 202 Branson Landing.

“When you’re in Branson this summer, be sure to drop by for a visit,” said Huch.

 

Mark Vogt of Columbia will be the branch manager of the soon-to-be open First National Bank of St. Louis facility in Columbia. It will be located off of Route 3 in the building formerly home to Butler Supply. Mark is the son of Carl and Lil Vogt of rural Waterloo.