Briefs: Two hospitalized after Route 4 crash; Rec League adds date for umpire clinic

<b>Two hospitalized after Route 4 crash</b>

Two Southern Illinois men were hospitalized after a crash Saturday, April 2, on State Route 4 near Randolph County Line Road.

According to the Randolph County Sheriff's Department, William Mertens, 73, of Marissa, and Charles Dachsteiner, 47, of Coulterville were both driving southbound on State Route 4 around 6 p.m.

Mertens, driving a 2006 Nissan Frontier pickup, pulled over at the intersection of Route 4 and Randolph County Line Road. Mertens then attempted to make a U-turn, entering the southbound lane and the path of Dachsteiner's 2003 Ford F350 truck, which struck the Nissan on the driver's side.

Mertens was transported to Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis and ticketed with making an improper U-turn. Dachsteiner was taken to Sparta Community Hospital and ticketed for operating a vehicle with a canceled or expired registration.

<b>Rec League adds date for umpire clinic</b>

Due to a conflict with prom, Chester Rec League is adding an extra umpire clinic from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 16, at Cohen Complex Field No. 2. This clinic scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9, will go ahead as scheduled.

Matt McCoy will lead the clinics for aspiring umpires ages 12 and older. Those who complete the training will get a T-shirt, rule book and indicator, and will be registered with the city as an umpire. The cost is $35.

Registration is required for the April 16 clinic by Wednesday, April 13. To register, call (618) 826-1430. Leave your name, date of birth, phone number and whether you are interested in baseball, softball or both. For more information, call (618) 826-1430 or email chesterrecreation@chesterill.com.

<b>Hike Piney Creek Ravine April 9</b>

The River-to-River Trail Society will hold a guided hike Saturday, April 9, at Piney Creek Ravine Natural Area, on the border between Jackson and Randolph Counties. The hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of about five miles, and is of moderate difficulty. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are strongly recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. Hikers should meet at 10 a.m. at the intersection of state routes 4 and 151, in Ava. For information or directions, call (708) 471-7500.