Dust storm blamed for deadly accident
A wind-whipped dust storm Wednesday caused a crash that killed a Chatham man, according to Illinois State Police.
The Sangamon County coroner’s office said James P. Brunson, 53, died at the scene of the accident.
Brunson was going east on Interstate 72 near New Berlin about 4 p.m. when blowing dust and dirt caused reduced visibility, police said. His car collided with the rear of a semitrailer being driven by Bradley A. Renier, 33, of LaGrange, Missouri, and was struck by a car being driven by Barbara A. Pfeffer, 63, of Herrin.
Pfeffer was treated for minor injuries.
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Morgan County
Sheriff
ARRESTS, CITATIONS
• Jennifer L. Scott, 40, of 26 Labor Drive was booked into the Morgan County Jail at 10:38 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of criminal damage to property.
• Kimberly D. Carlin, 23, of 102 Locust St., Meredosia, was booked into the Morgan County Jail at 10:50 a.m. Thursday on a charge of driving while license is suspended.
Jacksonville Police
ACCIDENTS
• A child was injured about 4:30 p.m. Thursday in a two-vehicle accident at Sandusky Road and West Walnut Street.
The unidentified child was taken to Passavant Area Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said Doreen L. Stampf, 60, of Jacksonville was driving south on Sandusky Road when her vehicle and an eastbound vehicle being driven by Christina B. Rogers, 33, of Jacksonville collided.
Stampf was cited for failing to yield at a stop intersection.
ARRESTS, CITATIONS
• Issac G. Rosenberg, 20, of Branson, Missouri, was arrested about 1:30 p.m. Thursday on charges of criminal trespass to land and retail theft.
FIRES
• A woman was injured Thursday in a kitchen fire at Bogie’s Cafe at 1904 W. Morton Ave.
The unidentified woman, who worked at the restaurant, was taken to Passavant Area Hospital for treatment of burns, according to Bogie’s Cafe owner Brad Fellhauer.
Jacksonville firefighters were called to the restaurant about 6:30 p.m.
“When we arrived at the scene, we found all the customers and employees were outside, and they informed us that the fire was in the kitchen,” acting Fire Department Lt. Dan Klendworth said. “Upon entering the building, we didn’t see any smoke or fire. We immediately turned off the gas and proceeded to the kitchen to investigate the fire. The building’s extinguishing system had discharged at some point and the fire was essentially out.”
Klendworth said the fire began when a restaurant employee knocked over an empty stainless steel pan, which turned on a natural gas line. “The gas line was adjacent to an operational stove, and the restaurant worker received burns while attempting to turn off the gas line,” Klendworth said. “Once she was unsuccessful in turning off the gas line, another employee helped everyone get out of the building.”
He added that there was no damage to the restaurant.
“Whether a fire begins in your business or home, it’s important to remember to call 911 immediately and don’t try to extinguish a fire that may already be out of control,” Klendworth said.
Two Ameren employees came to the restaurant and made sure that the natural gas line and electricity were operable, Klendworth said.
Firefighters were on the scene for about 90 minutes.
South Jacksonville Police
ARRESTS, CITATIONS
• Zerell R. Stone, 31, of 925 N. East St. was booked into the Morgan County Jail at 12:11 p.m. Thursday on a charge of retail theft.
Compiled by Nick Draper, David C.L. Bauer and Greg Olson
