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OPINION: County residents need to speak up on marijuana issue: Page A4 NEWS: Gov. Pritzker signs bill honoring Jonny Wade: Page A2
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JERSEY COUNTY
JERSEYVILLE, IL 62052
INSIDE NEWS Local NWTF Chapter volunteers to host a youth event. See page A2 Jersey 4-H volunteer honored for service. See page A3
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
Isringhausen Family Reunion. See page A8
SCHOOL St. Francis Holy Ghost announces Shining Knights. See pages A7
SPORTS Spring Sports preview. See pages B6-7
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TOP STORIES ONLINE Aug. 2 - Sept. 4 1. State phasing in $40k minimum for teacher pay 2. Jerseyville OK's minor subdivision 3. Congressman Davis supports new "Red Flag" law for gun owners
County Board discusses future of marijuana in Jersey County By KRIS SCHEFFEL Jersey County Journal The legalization of marijuana has sparked concerns among some citizens about the potential ramifications here in Jersey County. During a meeting last week with the County Board, these concerns were at the forefront with members discussing the law’s rollout in the coming year. County Chairman Donald Little showed concern about the ability of the county to enforce the laws passed by the state. The law, as it currently stands in Illinois, limits the use of marijuana in public areas and around individuals under 21, the age limit set for recreational use. Additionally, a decision may
be reached by the county to restrict the locations of marijuana dispensaries and growing farms around facilities such as schools and daycares. In order to do so, the county will have to contend with completing legislation which permits the legality of medical marijuana in these same schools. Sheriff Mike Ringhausen said the presence of marijuana is already an issue within the county by citing a case in which high schoolers were being provided the drug via a dealer outside the county. Based on his experience with such cases, he concluded the issue will only grow worse once the new year rolls around. However, board member Scott Tonsor pushed back against this notion by making
a comparison to alcohol laws after prohibition, asking Ringhausen if “in five years we will have better control over (marijuana) so that the black market no longer exists.”
“The board can only regulate the dispensaries, not the people using it.”
Donald Little County Chairman Joyce Morrison, Fieldon resident, emphasized her personal research on the matter, pointing to Colorado as an example of what could happen
© 2019
(See, MARIJUANA, A2)
Buzz Body Shop to close By KRIS SCHEFFEL Jersey County Journal After over fifty years of business, Buzz Body Shop is closing its doors. Owners Tim and Rick Smith have operated the shop after purchasing the business, along with their brother John, thirty years ago in 1989. A family business, the auto body shop has a long history in Jerseyville having first opened its doors along IL-109 in 1962 under the ownership of Buzz Davis. Current part-owner and son of Davis, Rick Smith, recalls the early days of the business when it operated
Kris Scheffel/Jersey County Journal
CHATTIN’
IT
UP
Good friends share stories over coffee at Fran and Marilyn’s; a tradition kept alive every Tuesday for over twenty years. Front, left to right: Dale and Esther Foiles. Middle, left to right: Cece Weiner and Mitcheal Holder. Back, left to right: Paul Weiner and Steve Holder.
(See, BODY SHOP, A2)
Cases of bats rabies found in Madison County Officials urge caution across area
Court . . . . . . . . . . none Editorial . . . . . . . . . .A4 News . . . . .A2-3, A6-7, B2 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . A5 Our Town. . . . . . . . . .B3 Public Notice . . . . . . .B4 School . . . . . . . . . . . .A7
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Currently, only licensed medical marijuana dispensaries will be permitted to begin selling the drug for recreational use on January 1. However, Jerseyville, Fieldon, Grafton, and Brighton will need to come to a decision by mid2020. Grafton has spoken in favor of allowing these facilities during a recent meeting with plans to draft an ordinance pertaining to it. With continued changes to the law at the state level, the county is postponing discussions related to marijuana’s legalization until a decision is made in 2020. However, the board is looking to discuss potential expungement of prior offenses
By KRIS SCHEFFEL Jersey County Journal Bridge repairs will lead to road restrictions on US-67 next week. The Illinois Department of Transportation has issued a notice regarding the restriction of US-67. Both directions will be restricted to one lane beginning on Sept. 9 in order to conduct repairs on the Clark Bridge. The work is slated to be completed by mid-November. Drivers are asked to mindful of potential delays and are asked to find alternative routes during this period. IDOT reminds drivers to be alert, slow down, stay off of phones, and obey all construction signage when passing through the work zone.
INDEX
JOURNAL
in Illinois. She and Ringhausen both expressed concern that by allowing marijuana in the municipalities, the county could face an increase in both emergency room visits and DUIs. The choices available to the county are limited with regard to the new laws. Little said the county “has to follow the rules as far as the Act goes.” “The board can only regulate the dispensaries, not the people using it,” he said. On the board’s upcoming decision, “We can either opt-in or opt-out,” he said. Each municipality will have a say regarding the presence of recreational marijuana facilities, such as dispensaries and farms, within their borders.
US 67 traffic to be reduced to one lane
5. Downown Country Christmas planning is starting up
JERSEY COUNTY
VOL. 17, NO. 36 - 75¢
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
4. Southwestern board issued bond for school buses
OBITUARIES: FESSLER, HIRST, MCCOY, SAURWEIN.
JOURNAL
Submitted Photo
Students from Ashley Hermens’ Kindergarten class viewed student works for this weekend’s Art in the Park.
12th annual Art in the Park to take place this weekend By KRIS SCHEFFEL Jersey County Journal Grafton is once again coming together to celebrate local artists and businesses during the annual Art in the Park festivities. The event, which will be taking place in Grove Memorial Park on Sept. 7 and 8, will showcase 30 artists with a wide variety of mediums including pottery, basket weaving, painting and more. This is the 12th year of Art in the Park with preparations well underway for the weekend’s events. Mary Lillesve, the organizer of Art in the Park, said she looks forward to the weekend noting that “Saturday is going to be a beautiful day.” The events, which include live music, demonstrations, and artists booths, are
family-friendly and bring together not only members of the Grafton community, but also the entire county. Beginning on Saturday at 10 a.m., music groups, such as the Jersey Community High School Choir, will be performing live under the pavilion. Live artist demonstrations will be held by basket weaver Janice Booker and potter Susan Elmendorf at 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday respectively. Elmendorf, Lillesve notes of prior years, welcomes audience members to try their hand at pottery. The demonstration, however, is not the only hands-on event available to visitors. The Grafton United Methodist Church will be hosting a free children’s tent for (See, ART, A2)
By JARAD JARMON Jersey County Journal Two cases of rabies in bats have been confirmed by officials in Madison County this past week. The first in Godfrey and the second in Edwardsville. Animal Control in both Madison and Jersey counties have warned residents of the potential dangers posed by the local bat population. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), 17 bats this year have tested positive for rabies across the state. The department is warning residents to beware of potentially rabid bats and other animals, particularly as bats become more active. The migratory pattern of bats in the area poses a risk to residents in Jersey County. Animal Control Chief Jeff Wilson stating that despite receiving only a few calls a year for bats, it does not negate the population of bats in the area. “I am sure we have bats around,” he said. Madison County Animal Control Officer Becky Becker warns residents to get their pets vaccinated for rabies and to call both animal control and the Health Department if a bat
is found inside. “9 out of 10 times, you won’t know that you’ve been bit,” Becker further noted. People can receive preventative treatment if they are exposed to an animal infected with rabies, IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah said. Shah affirms the warning of Animal Control officials, adding that residents should make sure their homes have “no openings where bats can come in.” While the number of bats submitted for rabies testing has ranged from 1,300 to 1,700 each year over the past five years, the number testing positive for rabies is typically around three percent. More bats are typically submitted for testing in August and September. The only way rabies can be diagnosed in a bat is by laboratory testing. Signs that a bat or other animal could have rabies are a general appearance of sickness or a change in the animal’s normal behavior. However, one can’t tell just by looking at a bat if it has rabies. Only in instances when a person or pet has been exposed to a bat will the bat need to be tested for rabies. (See, RABES, A2)