Washington County

Comments sought on Indian Creek cleanup

The public is invited to comment on the cleanup proposal for Indian Creek at one of two public sessions. The Superfund cleanup sites include Potosi, Richwoods and Old Mines sites.

The proposed cleanup is referred to as a Remedial Action Plan. It is available at the Washington County Public Library at 235 E. High Street in Potosi and at the Richwoods R-VII Elementary School Library.

The first meeting is from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Trojan Intermediate School Gym, 367 Intermediate Drive, Potosi. The second is from 6-8 p.m. the following day in the Art Room at Richwoods R-7 Elementary School, 10788 State Highway A.

All members of the public are welcome to attend. People may come and go any time between 6 and 8 as the format is informal.

EPA and MDNR will share information and answer questions about the proposal. They are inviting the public to review the public record and provide comments.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, comments may be submitted in writing until Nov. 14, 2006. The comments should be sent to Stephanie Doolan, EPA Region 7 ARTD/RCAP, 901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101 or e-mail to doolan.stephanie@epa.gov.

For further questions, contact Shawntell Martin Office of External Programs, US EPA Region 7, 901 N. Fifth Street, Kansas City, KS 66101 or call toll free 1-800-223-0425.

Ste. Genevieve

City to sell buildings

The City of Ste. Genevieve has put plans in place to sell the two buildings that the fire department previously used as the city’s fire station. The city will seeking bids for the purchase of the two buildings.

The Ste. Genevieve Volunteer Fire Department is currently completing its move to its new home on Pine Drive. The department’s vehicles and equipment have been relocated to the new site.

A dedication for the new fire station is planned for November.

County asks for more money

The Ste. Genevieve County Commission has sent a letter to Governor Matt Blunt asking for more money for jailing state prisoners. According to the commission, several years ago budget-cutting measures in Jefferson City led to a reduction in the amount paid by the state.

The state reportedly paid $22.50 per day per prisoner, while currently the state pays $20 per day.

Madison County

Senator honors fire department

Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, helped celebrate the 80 anniversary of the Fredericktown Fire Department at a chili cook-off by presenting a resolution.

The resolution acknowledged the department’s contributions to the public and another resolution honored Fire Chief Darryl Asher’s 35 years of service.

Crowell said, &#8220It is my pleasure to take part in this event to recognize the fire department for its success and to honor Chief Asher for reaching the milestone of a well-deserved retirement. For eight decades, citizens of the Fredericktown community have volunteered their time and efforts to protect their neighbors from fires and other disasters.”

Battle of Fredericktown

The 145th anniversary of the Battle of Fredericktown will be marked at 2 p.m. today on South Main Street at the marker next to the cemetery.

Iron County

Emerson tours hospital

U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson toured the new Iron County Hospital currently under construction in Pilot Knob on Oct. 11.

Emerson told Iron County Presiding Commissioner Terry Nichols that she was very impressed with the facility. She also said that Congress is working to get more critical access hospital built around the country.

At 2 p.m. Nov. 12 there will be an open house at the new Iron County Hospital.

Rangers give tour

Rangers Vergal Harp and Judy Plunkett from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services of Puxico recently conducted a tour of the satellite refuge, Pilot Knob Mountain. They offer two tours a year – one in the fall and one in the spring.

In 1987, 40 acres of Pilot Knob Mountain was designated a closed-satellite refuge which preserves and protects the endangered Indiana bats and other wildlife.

According to Harp, one-half of the Indiana Myotis bat population lives atop the mountain which ideal for winter roosting.

A decrease in the bat population has been attributed to the loss of river banks, pesticides and human disturbance.