(Litchfield)--One person was seriously injured in a go cart accident Sunday evening north of Litchfield. According to Illinois State Police, a go cart driven by 33 year old Richard Wilson of Litchfield was northbound on Palmer Trail, approaching the 13th Avenue intersection. Wilson did not stop at the intersection, and struck a guardrail where he became pinned.

He was airlifted by ARCH Helicopter to St. Louis University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Wilson was cited with DUI, driving while revoked, improper operation of an off road vehicle, disobeying a stop sign, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and no valid registration.

(Hillsboro)--The Montgomery County Health Department has scheduled its influenza clinics for this year. Clinics will be held this Friday and Saturday at various locations in the county.

Friday Clinics

On Friday, October 1st, clinics will be held at the Waggoner-Pittman Township Building from 9 until 9:30. From 9 until 10 at the Farmersville KC Hall, Panama Senior Center, Irving Century House, Witt Lioness Building, and Fillmore Senior Center. Clinics have also been scheduled for 10:30 until noon at the Nokomis Park House, Coffeen Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, and the Community in Faith Church in Raymond. The final clinic for Friday October 1st has been scheduled from 2 until 6pm at the Litchfield Community Center.

Saturday Clinics

A clinic in Hillsboro has been scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd from 9am until 1pm at the Hillsboro High School. Vaccinations are for individuals 19 and older, and cost thirty dollars. For more information you are asked to contact the Montgomery County Health Department.

(Hillsboro)--Montgomery County Clerk and Recorder Sandy Leitheiser announced that Thursday was the first day to vote absentee for the November General Election. Under Illinois Law the only qualifications for the no excuse absentee voting is to be an eligible registered voter. Individuals wishing to vote absentee may contact the Clerk and Recorder's Office and request a ballot be mailed to their address; or they can go to the Clerk and Recorder's Office and vote in person.

The November's General Election will consist of electing state, federal, county, and judicial officers. The election will also ask questions on a proposed amendment to the 1970 Illinois Constitution, and a proposed county schools facility occupation tax. Voters in Farmersville will also be asked a proposition to raise the occupation tax by one percent. Anyone seeking more information is asked to contact the Clerk and Recorder's Office.

(Springfield)-- A 28 year old Texas man was arrested Wednesday morning in connection with the largest cannabis seizure in Illinois State Police District 9 history. According to Illinois State Police, a truck driven by 28 year old Jose Hernandez was stopped near Springfield. The initial stop was for improper lane usage, and to conduct a carrier safety inspection.

During the search, over thirty six hundred pounds of cannabis was located. Hernandez was taken to Sangamon County jail pending charges. The cannabis seized reportedly had a street value of over three and a half million dollars.

(Raymond)--A consolidation feasibility study for the Panhandle School District was approved during Monday's Panhandle Board of Education meeting. The Board approved in a five to one vote the study taht would consolidate the Panhandle, Morrisonville, and Pawnee School Districts. Board member Dean Butler the only no vote.

County Sales Tax Funds

The Panhandle Board of Education also approved plans on how funds would be used if the county sales tax referendum passes in November. The Board approved in a four to two vote to use funds for school facility purposes. The board also approved to apply at least fifty percent of the funds received towards bond payments, resulting in tax relief. Board members Greg Nimmo and Rick Bormida voting no.

Three Macoupin County residents face serious drug charges following their arrest Thursday near Mt. Olive.

According to the Macoupin County Sheriff Don Albrecht, 36 year old William R. Werner and his wife, 34 year old Allison M. Werner of Mt. Olive were each charged with two Class X felonies Aggravated Unlawful Participation in Methamphetamine Production and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine more than 400 grams but less than 900 grams. Both individuals were also charged with Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Materials and Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with the Intent to Deliver, more than 30 grams but not more than 500 grams. In addition, William Werner was charged with Misdemeanor Domestic Battery.

The third individual arrested and charge was 31 year old Michael A. Satterlee of Wilsonville. He was charged with one Class X Felony Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, more than 400grams but less that 900 grams.

The Werners' bond was set at $150,000 each and Satterlee's bond was set at $50,000.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the arrests and charges stem from a 911 call concerning a domestic dispute in the 150 block of Oak Creek Trail near White City.

Deputies responded to the address and were assisted by Mt. Olive police. While investigating the matter a male subject, later identified as William Werner, fled the scene on foot.

During a search of the property for Werner, deputies located evidence of Methamphetamine production and a large quanity of Cannabis was recovered.

The Sheriff's Office proceeded to call for assistance from the Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team and following further investigation the three individuals were taken into custody.

A Wilsonville man was seriously injured in a two vehicle accident Wednesday morning west of Wilsonville.

According to information released by the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office, 46 year old Jeanea Trimm of Bunker Hill was eatbound on Rt.138 when she attempted to turn onto Whitfield Road at 10:18am. As Trimm was starting to turn, 53 year old Mike Halteman attempted to pass her Plymouth and his Harley Davidison motorcycle broadsided the car.

Halteman was flown by ARCH helicopter to St. John's Hospital in Springfield for treatment of serious injuries.

Trim was not injured.

Tickets were issued to Trimm for driving on a revoked license and operating a vehicle with suspended registration and Halteman was issued a ticket for improper passing.

A Jerseyville man sustained serious injuries in a single vehicle crash this morning in Jersey county.

According to Illinois State Police, 26 year old Adam Gardner was northbound on Il Rt 3, just south of Il Rt 109, when his 1999 GMC pickup crossed over the southbound lane, hit a culvert and then struck a bus parked in a private drive at 1:02am.

Gardner was transported by ambulance to Jersey Community Hospital and then was airlifted by ARCH helicopter to St. Louis University Hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

(Pocahontas)--One person was killed in a two vehicle accident Monday evening on Route 40 in Pocahontas. According to Illinois State Police, a vehicle driven by 25 year old Jennifer Nance of Greenville was westbound on Route 40. A tow truck driven by 32 year old Ronald Neer, also of Greenville, was eastbound. Reportedly, the two vehicles collided as Nance was attempting to make a turn.

Nance was taken to Greenville Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

(Edwardsville)--Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has reported its largest enrollment ever. The university says over fourteen thousand students are enrolled in classes this fall, a one percent increase from last year. The university says the freshman class size is also a record at over two thousand students, up from nineteen hundred students last year.

This is the third year in a row of overall enrollment growth for the university, rising thirteen percent from 2007. In addition, transfers to SIUE rose eight percent, and applications to the university rose ten percent.

University officials says the enrollment may be up because the tuition did not increase this year. However, officials say financial aid requests have risen ten percent.

(Vandalia)--A 15 year boy accused of killing two of his neighbors in Fayette County has been appointed a new attorney. Clifford Baker is charged with shooting 60 year old John Mahon and 53 year old Debra Tish to death on August 4th.

During a court appearance Wednesday, a judge assigned the case to Springfield based attorney Monroe McWards. The judge also ordered Baker to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Baker is due back in court next month.

(Vandalia)--A 15 year boy accused of killing two of his neighbors in Fayette County has been appointed a new attorney. Clifford Baker is charged with shooting 60 year old John Mahon and 53 year old Debra Tish to death on August 4th.

During a court appearance Wednesday, a judge assigned the case to Springfield based attorney Monroe McWards. The judge also ordered Baker to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Baker is due back in court next month.

(Litchfield)--Schutt Sports, Inc. announced that Schutt and certain of its affiliates have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Federal Court in Delaware. According to Robert Erb, President and CEO of Schutt Sports, management and board of directors determined that the Chapter 11 process would provide the best long term solution for our customers, suppliers, and employees.

Currently the company is exploring options to maintain long term health, including selling some or all of the businesses or raising additional equity. Schutt recently received a proposal for a plan of reorganization funded by a group of investors. Under the reorganization, Riddell, Inc., whose lawsuit prompted the Chapter 11 filing, would not be given the opportunity to invest in the proposed right offering.

Schutt has obtained a debtor in possession financing facility of thrity four million dollars, which will allow the company to continue normal operations.

Schutt will also pursue an appeal of a recent judgement entered against the company in favor of Riddell, Inc. during the process.

(Hillsboro)--Congressman John Shimkus recently announced that Montgomery County will be receiving an over three hundred and forty thousand dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The grant will be used to implement an adult drug court. According to Shimkus, the court will be able to assist nonviolent offenders from both Montgomery and Christian County to successfully rehabilitate from drug and alcohol abuse.

The grant funding comes from the Department of Justice's Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program. The program provides financial and technical assistance to develop and implement drug treatment courts that integrates substance abuse treatments, mandatory drug testing, sanctions, incentives, and transitional services in a supervised court setting.

(Alhambra)--A Staunton man was killed after he was hit Sunday morning by a combine near Alhambra. According to Madison County officials, 50 year old Herbert "Herbie" Braundmeier of Staunton walked behind the combine when it's operator put it in reverse. Brandmeier was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident remains under investigation.

(Litchfield)--A long discussion regarding the City of Litchfield providing trash pickup for residents took place during the Litchfield City Council meeting Thursday night. According to Litchfield Police Chief BJ Wilkinson, the project will help keep trash pick up on a consistent basis in the city. Wilkinson says Allied Waste expressed interest in the project. Under the discussion, the pick up service would be added to the persons water bill, and would be provided to every residential resident in the city.

After a ten minute demonstration, the City Council approved to establish a committee consisting of City Clerk Denise Lueker, and Aldermen Harold Ellinger, Pat Timmons, Bill Dees, Bob Ostendorf, and Alderwoman Marilyn Sisson to explore the service.

Litchfield Mayor Tom Jones also asked City Administrator Andie Ritchie to send the project out for bids to compare rates.

Bills Pulled

Bills for an upcoming Illinois Municipal League Conference in Chicago were pulled when the City Council considered paying bills. Alderman Harold Ellinger pulled the bills on the conference. According to Ellinger, the City Council pulled any trips to Chicago during the budget hearings. However, several Aldermen expressed confusion on if the exclusion only meant City Council members, or all city employees.

West Side Fire Station Extension

The City Council also approved an extension of the West Side Fire Station by ARCH Helicopter. Final consideration will take place during Tuesday nights City Council meeting.