SOME TOP NEWS STORIES ON WGFA for Thursday, May 22, 2008 >

GAS PRICES top the $4 mark…..Farm Bill reaction, House overrides President, Senate expected to follow suit….. Dotty Lagesse, Athena winner….. Principal Miller headed to Grant Park….. IV Cellular scholarship winners…..

Illiana Weather— Mostly sunny, high near 71.

–AREA NEWS available online at wgfaradio.com –

• The much-feared $4-per-gallon threshold reached the local area. Gas prices here are now over the $4 mark and experts fear it’s just climbing higher each day. Many area stations are now listing regular unleaded at $4.09.
• Memorial Day services are planned in area communities. American Legion and VFW Posts have respective events on their calendars. Details on WGFA News.
• The Iroquois County Law Enforcement Association is hosting the “Father/Son, Mother-Daughter .22 caliber Rimfire Rifle Shoot Saturday at the Iroquois County fairgrounds at Crescent City. The shooting program begins at 9 am.
• The Watseka Model Yacht Club conducts the 3rd annual Watseka One-Meter Regatta Saturday. The sailing competition begins at 10:15 am at Lakeview Park in Watseka.
• The Village of Wellington is flushing fire hydrants beginning Tuesday, May 27th at 9 am. Local residents may experience some rusty water for a few days, but the water is safe for household use.
• The Executive Director of Hospice of Kankakee Valley is being recognized as this year’s Athena Award winner. Dotty Lagesse was honored Wednesday at Olivet Nazarene University’s Chalfant Hall. The Athena Award recognizes “personal and professional achievement” among women. Lagesse has helped guide Hospice of Kankakee Valley from two employees and a $55,00 budget to 60 staff members, 100 volunteers and an annual budget of $4.5 million.
• Some area high school students are among the winners of scholastic scholarships. Illinois Valley Cellular has announced the scholastic winners, 13 of them from over 200 candidates nominated by 35 high schools within the territory covered by IV Cellular. Local winners include: Ashley Henson of Iroquois West, Kevin Zebarth of GCMS, and John Patrick Block of Tri-Point. Each of the winners win a $1,000 scholarship.
• Congressman Tim Johnson is applauding passage of the Farm Bill. Johnson voted for an override of President Bush’s veto of the $290 billion farm bill. The House vote was 316-108. The Senate is expected to consider the bill today. Johnson said the legislation maintains a strong safety net imposing important reforms and allowing rural areas to flourish.

“Your Illiana News Source” — 94.1 FM, WGFA