Marion County Poverty Rate Above 16-Percent

Marion County's Poverty Rate is above 16-percent, according to a new study from the U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. Census Bureau released Tuesday the 2010 Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for over 3,100 counties, and nearly 14,000 school districts, across the country.
Marion County's overall poverty rate is 16.5-percent, one of the highest rates in South-Central Illinois. The poverty level for children under 18-years-old is ten-percent more than the overall rate at 26.6-percent. The poverty rate for kids ages five-to-seventeen is at 24.8-percent. Medium household income in Marion County is estimated at $38,182.
The report also breaks down poverty levels for children ages five-to-seventeen based on school districts. The North Wamac School District had the highest poverty rate in the area with 40.2-percent. The Selmaville School District had the lowest poverty rate in the county with 12.1-percent. The following Marion County school districts and estimated poverty rates are listed below.

School Poverty Rate (Percentage) Patoka 16.9 South Central20.2 Sandoval27.2 Odin26.6 Salem Elementary32.4 Salem Comm. High School17.1 Centralia City Schools30.0 Centralia High School21.1 Central City Grade School20.7 Willow Grove Grade School33.3 Raccoon Grade School17.9 Kell Grade School22.9 Iuka Grade School21.3 North Wamac Grade School40.2 Selmaville Grade School12.1 The report also released poverty levels for other counties in South-Central Illinois.

Jefferson County had the highest poverty rate in South-Central Illinois at 17-percent. Fayette County has 15.8-percent, Clay County with 15.3-percent, Wayne County at 14.9-percent, and Clinton County at 8.4-percent. Washington County had the lowest poverty level in South-Central Illinois with 8.2-percent.

The SAIPE Report provides county and state estimates for the total number of people in poverty, the number of children under five-years-old in poverty (for states only), the number of children 5-to-17 in families in poverty for county and school districts, the number of children under 18 in poverty and median household income.   http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Marion County Police Beat for Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

Salem Police have arrested a 25-year-old Salem man for alleged criminal trespass to state supported property. Anthony Harden of North Howard Street was taken into custody when police were called to Marion County Housing Authority property in the 700 block of Senneff to a report of a domestic dispute. 24-year-old Connie Rose Meeks of Rasback Street in Centralia was arrested by Centralia Police for alleged domestic battery and on a Marion County ordinance violation warrant. A 26-year-old Central City man remains in custody in lieu of $150,000 bond after being arrested by sheriff's deputies on an outstanding felony warrant. The warrant charges Nathan McCormick of High Street with aggravated domestic battery. 33-year-old Ronald White of Hurst is being held in lieu of $25,000 bond on a warrant charging felony driving on a revoked license. 34-year-old Lori Ann McKenzie of Veterans Memorial Drive in Mt. Vernon was arrested on a failure to appear or pay warrant on a no insurance charge. Bond is set at $2,000. A 30-year-old Carlyle woman reported minor injuries in a car-deer accident on U.S. 50 a quarter mile west of Hoots Chapel Road in rural Odin. Jennifer Gansauer of Bellflower Road did not require hospital treatment. http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Four Injured In I-57 Wreck South of Salem

Four Indianapolis, Indiana residents were injured when they van was hit in the rear while traveling southbound on Interstate 57 three miles south of Salem late Monday night. State Police say 52-year-old Clifford Nourse was traveling at a reduced speed due to the heavy rain when the semi driven by 28-year-old Jereme Wayne Patton of Salem, Missouri hit him in the rear. After the collision, Nourse ran off the right side of the road and hit several small trees. Nourse along with three passengers, 45-year-old Moniquel Ackles, 52-year-old Sheila Cheatam, and 62-year-old Willard Cheatam, were all taken to Salem Township Hospital for treatment. Salem Fire Protection District personnel were called to the scene to assist ambulance personnel in loading the four victims into ambulances to be taken to the hospital. The wreck occurred at 11:08 Monday night. http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Council hears study concerning center

A feasibility study says the Mt. Vernon City Council should continue to look into an exhibition center.

Phase II of the study, conducted by Destination Development International, would further determine the economic feasibility and require a vote by the council to proceed.

"We can come to some determination with numbers in-house to help determine if we want to take a hard look at it," said City Manager Ron Neibert.

The study's bottom line assessment stated an active, well-run exhibition center would improve tourism numbers, add tax revenue, revitalize peripheral spending and attract visitors, who may later return to the city or even relocate to Mt. Vernon.

An exhibition center as a destination facility, according to the study, will typically host three types of events:  Flat floor trade shows, consumer events and civic events. For these purposes, the study recommended a 60,000-square-foot facility with additional space for storage, offices, restrooms and a catering kitchen. STudy organizers estimated local construction costs at an estimated $7.2 to $8.2 million, not including land, infrastructure and parking.

The study found "considerable regional market competition."

Mt. Vernon Tourism Director Bonnie Jerdon said in her overview of the report there is considerable interest in our area, "for these types of events. I think we're in a competitive position."

Jerdon also said for the facility to become successful and competitive, creative management of floor space would be imperative.

"We would need to be very flexible to make it successful," Jerdon said.

The study recommended the exploration of possible public/private partnerships to minimize capital costs for the city.

"We have received interest from some hotel owners for such a venture," said Jerdon.  http://bit.ly/sS1qia

Police seeking two individuals in Jefferson County

Jefferson County CrimeStoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrests of two individuals.

Darnell A. Maxie, 18, and Marventi D. Palmer, 25, are wanted on allegations of aggravated discharge of a firearm. Anyone who has seen either suspect, knows of their location or knows any information that would be helpful in locating either suspect is asked to call Jefferson County CrimeStoppers at

618-242-8477 or Mount Vernon Police Department at 618-242-2131 or

618-242-0215 immediately.  http://bit.ly/vOhSjA

Illinois Legislature Considers Bill Giving Unused Armories to Salem and Mt. Vernon

The Illinois legislature is considering a measure that would give the no longer used Salem Armory to the City of Salem and the Mt. Vernon Armory to the City of Mt. Vernon. State Representative John Cavaletto says the Amendment to a Senate bill has now passed the Illinois House and the Veterans Affairs Committee of the Senate and is headed to the Senate Floor. "It gives the quick claim deed to the Armory, to Salem, and to the same one in Mt. Vernon.
So now, the thing is that these are old buildings. They have asbestos in them, but they've turned them over to the city. They're going to turn them over to the city of Mt. Vernon and Salem and decide what to do with them when they gain them. So the property would be theirs", said Cavaletto.
State Senator John O. Jones says he's willing to support the bill, but hopes city officials know the liability they are taking on. "There's plans for that facility, and that's great. If there is, we want to help him pursue those plans. I know with the city of Mt. Vernon, I talked briefly to the mayor there. They're looking at possibly demolishing the thing in Mt. Vernon.
If they do, we're looking at 400-to-500-thousand dollars to do the demolition on that building and get it hauled off. So we need to be careful of what we get because it could be a bigger liability than we realize", said Jones. Salem Mayor John Raymer explains what the city would do if they obtained the Armory. "We don't have any plan to use that building, but we do think there are some people in town who would interested in purchasing that for a business location. If that's the case, we can get that on the tax rolls and bring some more jobs into town, and that's where we want to go", said Raymer.
Raymer realizes there is a zoning issue since the Armory is currently a special use in a residential zone. Salem Economic Development Director Tracey McDaneld says a visual inspection of the Salem Armory showed all asbestos encapsulated in insulation around pipes in the building.
However, she notes a full survey of the building has not been completed. The bill for the quick claim deed could be sent to the Governor's desk during this week's brief veto session or when lawmakers return to the Capitol in January.  http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Board expected to appoint new attorney

The Jefferson County Board is expected to appoint a new Jefferson County State's Attorney today.

On the agenda for tonight's meeting is to accept the resignation of current State's Attorney Nicole Villani and appoint the next.

Jefferson County Board Chairman Robert White declined to say who the Republican Party's candidate for appointment to the position of State's Attorney will be.

"I don't want it in the media before the board has a chance to meet (him or her) and talk," he said.

White said when he was notified of Villani's resignation, he notified the Democratic and Republican party chairs in Jefferson County for them to present a candidate.

"We hope whomever they choose is a quality person," he said. "You want to pick someone who can withstand the election fight."

He said the appointment process in Jefferson County is considerably less intense than at the federal level. While County Board members may question candidates, he said it is hard for county board members to make the judgment for a nominee, and that's why the respective parties are required to provide an appointee.

He added that whoever is appointed will have less than a year to make themselves known and campaign to be reelected. The appointee will face reelection Nov. 6, 2012.

Villani announced her resignation in early November after she was appointed as the resident circuit judge by the Illinois Supreme Court effective Jan. 1. Villani will replace Judge Terry Gamber, who served 19 years and announced his retirement in September.

Villani became the Jefferson County State's Attorney in July of last year after winning a lawsuit that challenged the results in the Nov. 4, 2008, election.

Prior to serving as the Jefferson County State's Attorney, Villani was the assistant state's attorney in Franklin County from March 1996 to March 1998; the first assistant state's attorney in Jefferson County from March 1998 to August 2004; and in private practice with her husband, Hank Villani, from Aug. 2004 to July 2010.  http://bit.ly/vLPQZE

Salem Police Release Details On Friday Night Car-Motorcycle Accident

Salem Police have completed reports on a Friday night car-motorcycle accident that sent a 44-year-old Salem man to the hospital for treatment. Police report Troy Shults of South Washington was driving a motorcycle westbound on the 15-hundred block of West Main when the cycle was struck in the rear by a car.
The driver of the car, 59-year-old Dennis Williams of Isabella Street in Mt. Vernon, escaped injury. He was ticketed for driving under the influence, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for no insurance.
Police say Shults had signalled and changed from the passing to drivers lane to allow a vehicle leaving the Wendy's Restaurant parking lot to make a left turn onto West Main. Williams told police he didn't see the cycle in front of him in time to avoid the collision. Shults was taken to Salem Township Hospital for treatment of his injuries. The wreck occurred at 9:21 Friday night. http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Two Hurt in Walnut Hill Road Accident Sunday Night

Two Walnut Hill residents were taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia for treatment following a one car crash in the 32-hundred bock of Walnut Hill Road in rural Walnut Hill early Sunday night. Marion County Sheriff's Deputies say 74-year-old Everett Campbell of North Old Centralia Lane was westbound when his car ran off the south side of the road, over corrected, ran off the north side of the road, and overturned in a ditch striking a tree.
Both Campbell and a passenger,76-year-old Anne Campbell of the same address, were injured. Kell Firemen were called to the scene and helped remove the occupants of the vehicle prior to transport to the hospital for apparent minor injuries. The wreck occurred at 6:43 Sunday night. - http://goo.gl/C35cu

'Meat shoots' target of Swansea, Ill. village board

SWANSEA, Ill. - A southwestern Illinois town is considering a new law that could make it more difficult to have fundraisers known as "meat shoots."

The Belleville News-Democrat reports on meat shoot fundraisers in which attendees compete for steaks and other prizes by shooting at targets placed against bales of hay.

During one recent shoot at a local meeting hall, someone walking nearby the hall heard shotgun blasts and was startled. Now, the village wants civic groups holding the shoots to obtain liability insurance first.

The village board is drafting an ordinance and could vote on it next month.

An official at the meeting hall warns that requirement might end up costing the village money if groups decide to hold meat shoots elsewhere.  full story

Seven hospitalized in Chicago after grill used indoor

CHICAGO (AP) — Seven people were hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after someone used a charcoal grill inside a Chicago home for Thanksgiving.

The Chicago Tribune reports that ambulances were called to a home on Chicago's North Side before 11 p.m. Thursday. Twenty people reported symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Seven people were taken to area hospitals. The others were treated at the home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that charcoal should never be burned inside because it gives off carbon monoxide.  http://bit.ly/uORZ6W

Wednesday Marion County Court Report

A 29-year-old Centralia man has been sentenced to 240 days in jail as part of a guilty plea in Marion County Court to a domestic battery charge. William Eagan admitted to pushing Katie Herman against a wall and slapping and punching her. Eagan will also have to pay court costs. In addition, Eagan faces a 20 day county jail sentence for direct criminal contempt of court for outbursts that had occurred during a court appearance on November 17th. Three people face new drug charges in Marion County Court. Bond was set at $100,000 for 20-year-old Dustin Cody of South Pine in Centralia after he was charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. He's accused of delivering heroin to a Centralia Police confidential source in March of this year. 32-year-old Samuel Bass of Tulsa Street in Salem had bond set at $25,000 for unlawful possession of less than 15 grams of heroin. 30-year-old David Gibson of East 17th in Wamac had bond set at $5,000 for possession of drug paraphernalia. Four Centralia residents have been formally charged with failure to register as a sex offender following a check on sex offenders last week by the U.S. Marshall's office and Centralia Police. They are 24-year-old Matthew Stebbins of Brookside Avenue, 37-year-old Richard Warren of South Cherry, 48-year-old Kary Prather of South Pleasant, and 59-year-old Anita Schneider of East Broadway. All are accused of moving without notifying police of their new address within three days. A 27-year-old Salem man has been charged with domestic battery. Quinton Nix of North Miller is accused of biting Sarah Nibert on the arm. Bond was set at $7,500 and a public defender appointed to represent him. Bond was set at $5,000 for a 20-year-old Centralia man charged with escape. Tyler Wilkins of Linden Street is accused of failing to report to the Marion County Jail to begin serving a jail sentence. 40-year-old David Hopper of Case Street in Wamac has been charged with resisting a peace officer. He is accused of running from Wamac Police when they were trying to take him into custody on an outstanding warrant. Bond was set at $7,000.  http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Unemployment up slightly in Jefferson County

Unemployment in Jefferson County rose to 9 percent in October, up from 8.8 percent in September and down from 9.1 percent in August.
Jefferson County is still below the state unemployment rate, which was at 10.1 percent in October, according to information released Wednesday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The county was even with the national unemployment rate for the month at 9 percent.
"Historically, the unemployment rate tends to creep upward at this time of year as weather conditions limit work opportunities," information from IDES states. http://goo.gl/19b2T

Plane crashes into Arizona mountain; fires burning

An airplane crashed Wednesday evening into a rugged mountain east of Phoenix, creating a small wildfire that crews were unable to immediately reach, Arizona officials said.

The aircraft, possibly twin-engine, crashed around 6:30 p.m. in the Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction, said spokesman Elias Johnson of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

A man who said he witnessed the impact told CNN that a mushroom cloud of flames lit up the evening sky.

It's a six-hour hike to the site and crews were uncertain how many people were on the plane or its destination, Johnson told reporters. He indicated crews will be in a recovery operation.

A ranger dropped near the scene saw a tire from the plane that suggests it was not a commercial aircraft, he said.

"This is some of the toughest country you can experience," Johnson said. There were at least two debris fields. "That plane is all over the place up there."

Kevin Cunningham, 44, of Apache Junction, said he was talking on the phone from his back porch and saw the crash a few miles away.

"The flames lit up the mountain," said Cunningham, adding the plane appeared to be flying level before the crash. "I didn't see where it was in distress."

The photogenic peak is popular with hikers and horseback riders, the resident said.

"Somebody didn't know the mountain was there or they had false readings," Cunningham speculated.

CNN's Phil Gast contributed to this report.

Read full article at http://goo.gl/iEAje

Marion County Police Beat for Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

A 27-year-old Kinmundy man was taken to the Marion County Jail after being arrested for alleged domestic battery. Quinton Nix of West First Street was arrested by sheriff's deputies.

A 26-year-old New Baden woman is being held in lieu of $15,000 bond on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for alleged domestic battery.

Kristine Randall of East Hanover was transferred from the Clinton County Jail.

27-year-old Devon Hidlebaugh of North Elm in Centralia was arrested by Centralia Police on an outstanding Coles County warrant.

35-year-old Chad Wolfe of Chicago was arrested for alleged driving under the influence of drugs after his car came to rest in a ditch after running off the Kinoka Road west of Interstate 57. Wolfe was given a notice to appear in court.  http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Mt. Vernon Projects Making Progress

Infrastructure projects on the west side of town are moving forward, with two expected to go out for bid in January.

"On the Veterans Memorial Drive and Davidson project, we expect to receive the permit Dec. 1," City Manager Ron Neibert said. "We spoke to them last week, and they said it would be to us by Dec. 1."

The city has been waiting on permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for construction of the extensions of South Davidson and Veterans Memorial Drive, which will allow for traffic from the new interchange to travel behind Wal-Mart and up to South Davidson. South Davidson now ends between Wal-Mart and Kohl's Department Store.

"I'm hoping to have the request at the second (city council) meeting in December or the first one in January to authorize us to go out for bid on the project," Neibert said.

In addition, sewer and water lines for the Veterans Memorial Drive/Davidson extension are expected to be ready for construction as well, with design engineering complete.

"Again, I hope that in January or February to be able to go out for bid," Neibert said.

Construction work is also expected within the next few weeks on the Times Square Mall water tower. CB & I of Plainfield was chosen to construct the new tower in July, with a bid of $989,300 — well below the estimated $1.2 million for the project.

"They are still working on some issues with the shop drawings and foundation," Neibert explained. "We hope to have those issues rectified next week and they should begin the actual construction shortly thereafter."

Work is still underway by the city to obtain right-of-way for the widening project on South 34th Street, and Neibert said he is beginning to look to the Comprehensive Plan for the next projects to present to the council.

"We're looking, trying to decide which ones identified in the plan to implement next," Neibert said. "We want to keep projects going in cycles, and it's almost time to start the next projects going."  http://bit.ly/tmFEds

Salem High School Open, With Precautions, Following Bomb Threat

Salem Community High School is open Wednesday following a bomb threat found at the school Tuesday afternoon. Superintendent Brad Detering says the school put it's emergency response plans into effect. "We were notified of a potential bomb threat that was written ona wall at 2:50 Tuesday afternoon. We secured the area and contacted law enforcement immediately.Secretary of State was contacted and bomb sniffing dogs were dispatched. Tuesday evening all buildings were swept and found to be clean. At that point in time the buildings were cleared for occupancy by law enforcement," said Detering. Detering says entrance to the school this morning is limited through doors 1, 11 and 16. "This morning we are taking safety precautions in terms as students come in we are taking a look in backpacks and duffel bags. We understand that they have them at home andneed to bring them back and that certainly is not aproblem. Once students are check in for the morning, it's back to educating kids," explainedDetering. Detering says police were assisting with checking students into the building. The district requested that students leave backpacks or duffle bags at home if at all possible. Detering says the safety of the students is the top priority in the school district and they are satisfied that every possible step has been taken to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. He notes they have a plan in place to respond to hazards and threats and that plan was followed. Detering says Salem Police are currently investigating who may have been responsible for the bomb threat.  http://bit.ly/tenSb0

President Obama Pardons Former Alton Woman for Selling Cocaine

Alton, IL -- A former Alton woman who was convicted and sentenced in 2001 for selling cocaine is being released. Eugenia Jennings has been pardoned by President Barack Obama. She was sentenced to 22 years in jail ten years ago in the Southern District of Illinois, but the president signed an order allowing her to go free next month. A Washington law firm and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin appealed on her behalf. They claim Jennings was selling drugs to support her family and at one point traded drugs for clothing. Those supporting her release told a Congressional panel that she was the victim of a disparity in sentencing between those who sell crack cocaine and those who sell the powder form. Jennings was sentenced for selling 13-point nine grams of crack cocaine to a police informant. She will still have eight years of supervised release.  http://goo.gl/w6Ax9

Veterans Affairs moves Harrisburg office

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) has moved its Saline County Veterans Service Office to a new location in Harrisburg.

The new location is housed in the Illinois Department of Employment Security offices located at 320 East Raymond.

IDVA's new office will continue to be staffed by Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Lisa McBride, who can be reached at (618) 253-2005. The fax number is (618) 253-6106. VSO office hours will be maintained from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Harrisburg Veterans' Service Office is part of a statewide network that serves about 1.2 million veterans by increasing awareness of available state and federal benefits. Offices are staffed by VSOs who provide accurate, up-to-date information, answer questions, assist with paperwork and filing of claims for federal, state and local benefits completely free of charge.  http://bit.ly/rrqYsG

Jefferson County Justice Center breaks $3M

More than $3 million has been collected by the Jefferson County Justice Center for housing prisoners this budget year.

The jail has also collected $184,285 in local funds this budget year, bringing the total funds collected to more than $3.3 million, according to information from Jefferson County Sheriff Roger Mulch's monthly report.

According to information from the county's budgetary status report, the Sheriff's Department budget is at 116.3 percent for income with 11 months of the year completed, and is at 95.3 percent in expenses.

The Jail budget is at 28.7 percent of its estimated income, said Suzy Tattoo, Jefferson County executive assistant, while its expenses are at 89.5 percent.

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement budget is at 111.2 percent of its budgeted expenses, but is also at 134.8 percent of its budgeted income.

The monthly average of housing income is about $283,000, and the total monthly average is about $300,000, according to information provided by the sheriff's office.

The JCJC is waiting for more than $585,000 from various agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, ICE and Cook County, information states.

For housing and medical services, the JCJC has billed more than $2.9 million, and has received $3.1 million, including late payments, information states.

October saw the facility's third-highest number of detainees at 638, with 347 of those being out-of-county. The average daily population for October was 78 in-county prisoners and 144 from outside Jefferson County, the sheriff's report states.

The jail population on Oct. 16 was 88 ICE detainees, 18 U.S. Marshals detainees and 74 local prisoners for a total of 180.

The total detainees booked through the budget year is 6,522, with 4,134 of those from outside Jefferson County.

October saw 24 citations, 55 arrests and 44 traffic accidents conducted by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office deputies. Deputies have issued a total of 620 citations, made 720 arrests and responded to 406 traffic accidents.

From Sept. 17 to Oct. 15, the sheriff's office spent more than $11,000 on 14 part-time personnel, including deputies, corrections officers, nursing personnel, dispatchers and commissary workers. The total part-time personnel expenditure for the budget year is $169,093, http://bit.ly/vqSJ49

East St. Louis Records 25th Killing This Year; Topping Number Of Homicides In 2010

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (AP) - Illinois State Police are helping authorities in East St. Louis investigate the shooting death of a man who's become the city's 25th killing this year.
The Belleville News-Democrat reports that 31-year-old Timothy Jones of Swansea was shot multiple times Friday night as he sat inside his pickup truck. He died later at a hospital. There's no word on any arrests or charges in the killing, which brings the city's total of homicides this year past the 24 recorded last year.
The violence has caught the attention of the region's top federal prosecutor. During a recent speech in Belleville, U.S. Attorney Steven Wigginton said "it's the 10 percent of thugs in East St. Louis that make life miserable for the 90 percent of good people who are stuck there."  http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Clinton County man accused of squeezing baby, breaking bones

ST. ROSE - Justin L. Rode of St. Rose has been accused of pulling the arms and legs and squeezing the ribs of a 5-month-old infant, causing multiple bone fractures.

Rode, 24, was charged with felony reckless conduct in an indictment handed up on Nov. 10. Clinton County State's Attorney John Hudspeth said the baby was recovering and was in the care of a relative.

Kendall Marlowe, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Children and Famly Services, said the department was investigating the allegations but had had no previous contact with Rode. Marlowe said the 5-month-old child and another child had been placed in the care of a relative.

Following the charge against Rode in Clinton County, prosecutors in Bond County moved to revoke a 24-month probation sentence he received last year after pleading guilty of aggravated domestic battery and violation of an order of protection.

Rode, of the 17000 block of St. Rose Road, was free on bail pending further court proceedings in the two counties.  http://goo.gl/VBsrO

Marion County Police Beat for Monday, November 21st, 2011

25-year-old Amanda Marcum of South Pine in Centralia was arrested for alleged domestic battery to Jason Coleman at their home on Sunday. Marcum was taken to the Marion County Jail. 40-year-old David Hopper of South Hester in Centralia was arrested by Wamac Police on an outstanding warrant and resisting arrest following a foot chase. Police say Hopper ran after police attempted to stop a car in which he was a passenger at Tenth and Locust. The original warrant was for failure to appear or pay on a criminal damage to property charge, with bond set at $7,000. The resisting arrest charge was added after Hopper allegedly fled on foot. 21-year-old Donnie Ray Hemmings of South Locust of Centralia remains in jail after being picked up by Centralia Police on an outstanding Washington County warrant. Two people were arrested for alleged driving on a revoked or suspended license. 35-year-old Robert Winkler of Nancy Lane in Salem and 26-year-old Michael Tolliver of East Canton Road in Texico both posted $150 bond and were released.

Read full article at  http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Cyber Attack From Russia On Central Illinois Water Pumping Station Under Investigation

(Springfield, IL) -- A cyber attack is suspected in the failure of a central Illinois water pumping station. The incident occurred on November 8th according to a report from the Illinois Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center. The report indicates access to a water utility computer network was obtained using credentials stolen from a company that produces industrial system control software. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are both looking into the matter that has much wider implications. If someone can damage a water pump by accessing its controls via the Internet, those same people could, theoretically, bring down entire power grids, stop the flow of goods and services and damage industrial systems worldwide. There have been media reports the affected pump was in the Illinois capital city of Springfield. City officials claim that information is bogus but wouldn't say where the pump was actually located. Weiss, the software company, says it's still not clear whether other networks were also hacked and passwords possibly stolen during the breach of its servers. It has determined the network was hacked from a computer located in Russia.

Read full article at http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Both Salem and Centralia Police Make Drug Arrests

Both Salem and Centralia Police made arrests in drug cases on Sunday. A 30-year-old Centralia man who allegedly made three earlier sales of heroin to a Centralia Police confidential source has been arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail for alleged unlawful delivery of a controlled substance. Dustin Cody of South Pine was taken into custody at his home. Salem Police arrested a 32-year-old Salem man on a possession of controlled substance charge and on an outstanding Marion County warrant after investigating a driving complaint. Police report they stopped Samuel Bass of Tulsa Avenue outside his car because they knew he was wanted on an outstanding warrant. They allegedly found 1.3-grams of heroin hidden inside a cigarette package in his possession along with drug paraphernalia. The warrant was for failure to appear on a possession of controlled substance charge. Bond on the warrant was set at $25,000.

Read full article at http://bit.ly/tenSb0

Marion County Police Beat for Saturday, November 19th, 2011

  Centralia Police arrested two Centralia men when breaking up a fight Thursday night in the 400 block of North Walnut Street. 20-year-old Blake Cook of North Hickory and 18-year-old Zuhdija Omerovic of North Poplar were both taken to the Marion County Jail for alleged disorderly conduct. Police report the initial call indicated there had been gunfire, but that was never confirmed and no weapon was found. Two others were arrested by the Marion County Sheriff's Department on petitions to revoke their probation. 21-year-old Christopher Keech of Hillcrest Drive in Salem and 25-year-old Devon Jones of East Sixth in Centralia were both taken to the Marion County Jail. 32-year-old Kenneth Asencio of South Brookside in Centralia was taken to the Marion County Jail on an outstanding failure to appear or pay warrant. Bond was set at $2,500. 29-year-old Jamie Charlton of North Broadway in Salem was arrested by Salem Police on Thursday for alleged driving on a suspended license. 19-year-old Brittany Stephens of East Clark in Salem turned herself in on an outstanding Marion County Small Claims warrant. She was released after posting $300 bond. Salem Police are investigating the theft of three lawn mowers from the Frank Haislar property in the 800 block of East Lyford in Salem. Haislar reported the theft occurred about three weeks ago.  
Read Full Story

Marion County State's Attorney Takes Action On Arrest Of Several For Theft of Scrap Metal

Marion County State's Attorney Matt Wilzbach says taking metal is a crime unless it is clearly trash or abandoned. His comments come following the arrests of several people in the past few weeks for the theft of metal items. 25-year-old Patrick Shipley of Selmaville Road in Salem was formally charged in court Friday with misdemeanor theft of aluminum windows, hubcaps and other scrap metal items from Leon Rothe of U.S. 50 in rural Iuka. Shipley had reportedly taken the items to a salvage yard to sell. Bond was set at $5,000. A public defender was appointed to represent Shipley. Meanwhile, Centralia Police have also filed an arrest complaint Shipley for the alleged theft of a number of steel beams from behind Reading Signs on North Poplar in Centralia. An employee of the company discovered that Shipley had allegedly sold some of the beam to a salvage yard when questioning employees if they had purchased any of the beams. Sheriff's officials arrested 24-year-old Jeffrey Skibinski of East 15th Street in Centralia for alleged misdemeanor theft after he reportedly was found picking up metal from woods near the location of a former school house on Possum Trot Road in Alma. Skibinski was released on $150 bond pending a final decision on charges by the State's Attorney. The State's Attorney's office has elected not to pursue theft charges against three Centralia residents arrested earlier this week for allegedly taking metal from a roll off dumpster in the 300 block of South Elm. Centralia Police say 42-year-old Kevin Berry, 29-year-old Carrie Jo Berry, and 48-year-old Tamara Thomas, all of South Maple Street, had put the metal back when stopped by police and had indicated they thought the metal had been thrown away.  - http://goo.gl/r4nUM

AIDS Walk, candlelight vigil planned

CARBONDALE - The Southern Illinois AIDS Walk and Candlelight Vigil will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, coinciding with World AIDS Day, at the SIU Student Health Center,374 Grand Ave.
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The world needs more toilets

The world needs more toilets:

It does not make for pleasant dinner conversation. But we have a global sanitation crisis. More than 40% of the world's population does not have access to a toilet. These 2.6 billion people, most living in low- and middle-income countries in Asia and Africa, face the daily challenge of finding a bush, train track or empty lot where they can urinate and defecate in relative privacy.

Magnum Steel Works holds groundbreaking

A groundbreaking ceremony for a planned $13 million Magnum Steel Works expansion Friday afternoon was a celebration for the economy of the city and region. On another level, it was also a celebration of dedicated entrepreneurs building a company from the ground up.

A fabrication company which began in 2005 as a three person operation with little means of production now boasts 40 employees. With an expansion of its 33,000 square-feet facility to a 128,000 square-feet facility, the company expects to expand its workforce to 150 in four years.

President and CEO of MSW Jim Czerwinski said the company started with himself, wife Angela and brother John.

"When we started out we thought we would keep it small and go on vacations when we wanted to," Czerwinski smiled. "We started with a couple employees then went to five and it grew like crazy. We didn't have any state-of-the-art equipment. We literally had nothing to start out with."

Before long, MSW's "nothing" grew into a 33,000 square-feet building.

"I looked at the building and I thought we would never fill it," Czerwinski said. "In a few years we were full. Everything has worked perfect for us. With this new building and state-of-the-art equipment there shouldn't be anything we can't handle."

Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley was present at the event and spoke of the company's importance to the city and region.

"This expansion shows Magnum Steel Works faith in the community, its businesses and workforce," said Chesley. "The groundbreaking was a perfect setting with the machines working in back. It's pleasing to see a local man succeed in business in Mt. Vernon."

State Sen. John O. Jones (R-Mt. Vernon) called it a "great day for Mt. Vernon and the region."

"Expanding in Mt. Vernon like this will help the entire region," said Jones. "I'd like to thank Jim, his wife and John. We need people to have the opportunity to work. Jim and his family are helping provide that."

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will provide MSW with Economic Development for a Growing Economy tax credit, which are based on job creation and training grants. The state's business investment package is valued at approximately $540,000 over 10 years and is contingent on the company meeting its investment and job numbers.

"The expansion of Magnum Steel Works is a great example of the investment and job creation potential of the coal industry in southern Illinois," said Mary Ellen Bechtel, executive director of the Jefferson County Development Corporation. "We certainly appreciate the support for the project from the state of Illinois and the city of Mt. Vernon in keeping this expansion in Illinois and, especially, in our regional economy."

Czerwinski said the company specializes in fabrication, machining, mig welding, waterjet cutting and rebuild services of coal mining equipment, including Joy Global. MSW also works with Continental Tire The Americas on all equipment repair work. - http://goo.gl/bo4K9

SIUC awards scholarships to local students

CARBONDALE - SIU recently announced the recipients of academic scholarships for freshmen for the 2012 fall semester. Each scholarship is valued at $14,000.

They include Ariana Blesi of Buckner, daughter of Marian and Moses Duenos, planning to study English; Sidney Dawn Brothers of Carterville, daughter of Bob and Amy Brothers, pre-physical therapy; Blake Jerrells, also of Carterville, son of Aaron and Heather Jerrells, general studies; Cody Lowrance of Herrin, son of Donna and Neal Lowrance, engineering; Steven Michael Blair of Makanda, son of Michael and Karla Blair, electrical and computer engineering; Haley Nichols, Tanner Oetjen, Rachel Brady and Jacob White, all of Murphysboro; Nichols is the daughter of Dave and Joan Nichols, paralegal studies; Oetjen is the son of Craig and Jill Mueller of Murphysboro and Terry and Vicki Oetjen of De Soto, civil engineering; Brady is the daughter of Rick and Lynn Brady, music education; White is the son of April and Kenisha Ray, civil engineering; and Macy McCurdy of Marion, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Jo McCurdy, general studies.

Read full article at - http://goo.gl/PoqCi

Cedarhurst hosts Got Talent show

More than 150 came to Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Saturday to see nine-year-old singer Julia Futch of Marion win the first Cedarhurst's Got Talent show.

Futch received a majority of the votes from three judges and 20 tables, besting second-place pianist and composer Terry McAlexander of Mt. Vernon, who played an original piece. Mt. Vernon Township High School students Bethany Brown, Kendall Kaskie, Michaela Lamczyk and Brady Bodine won third place for their skit, "Barbie and Ken Break Up."

Futch, who sang "Pia Jesu," won $300 for being voted best of eight acts in the fundraiser, which benefits 2012 Cedarhurst programs.

"We ended up selling 160 tickets, which is great for our first year," said Cedarhurst Director of Development Hillary Settle. "We hope to increase that in the future."

Settle said the event's other facets were successful as well: a surf and turf dinner provided by Cindi's Catering, as well as a silent auction including watercolors, etchings, photography, ceramics and gift baskets that raised more than $4,000.

"We had a wide variety of items," Settle said. "A lot of local businesses contributed."

While a final fundraising total has yet to be determined, Settle said she was thrilled by the proceeds of the auction and ticket sales, as well as the show itself.

"It was a really successful evening. There was a lot of positive feedback. People are already asking me about next year," she said. "We hope to have the same quality of food, as many or more items for the silent auction and a lot of talent to showcase from the Southern Illinois area."

Read full article at - http://goo.gl/eWy4u

Mining equipment company announces expansion

MT. VERNON - A growing coal mining equipment manufacturer is investing more than $13 million in the next four years to expand its Mount Vernon facility.

Magnum Steel Works, Inc. plans to nearly quadruple in size, creating and retaining 52 jobs over two years via the company's initial $4 million investment. Officials said they will invest an additional $9 million over the following three years, for a total expansion that is expected to create and retain more than 150 jobs.

Magnum Steel Works will increase the size of its facility from 33,000 square feet to 128,000 square feet, allowing it to meet the market demands of the coal industry in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. The company anticipates that sales will increase by 20 percent within two years.

"We are excited to continue to expand and grow our business in southern Illinois, where we've found a talented pool of workers and an ideal location to meet our market demands," said Jim Czerwinski, president and CEO of Magnum Steel Works, Inc. "I'd like to thank the state and our local partners for helping us enter into the next phase of our business."

Illinois' Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will provide the company with a tax credit, based on job creation and job training grants. The state's business investment package is valued at approximately $540,000 over 10 years and is contingent on the company meeting its investment and job numbers.

Since business began in 2005, Magnum Steel Works has grown from five employees to 40. The company specializes in fabrication, machining, mig welding, waterjet cutting and rebuild services of coal mining equipment and also works with Continental Tire on all equipment repair work.

Read full article at - http://goo.gl/F13IE

Illinois' Unemployment Rate Rises to 10.1 Percent

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois' unemployment rate went up slightly in October even as the state added 30,000 more jobs. Officials said Friday that the unemployment rate in Illinois is 10.1-percent, above the national rate of 9 percent. Though the state added jobs in several industries, state unemployment went up because more job-seekers are re-entering the workforce. Unemployment figures are calculated using the number of jobless people who are actively seeking work. The professional and business services industry added the most jobs last month, with 10,600. Jay Rowell, the director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, says the new numbers are encouraging.

Read full article at - http://goo.gl/fgdnH

Firearm Deer Hunting Season Begins Friday In Illinois

The first weekend of the state's most popular hunting season runs Friday morning through Sunday evening. Illinois Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Stacey Solano says hunters need to remember to report their harvest by 10:00pm on the day they take the deer. "You can either do that through the DNR website, or by phoning in at 1-866-IL-CHECK. For hunters in Boone, DeKalb, Grundy, Jo Daviess, Kane, La Salle, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties, they need to bring their deer to mandatory check stations by 8:00pm on the day they harvest", said Solano. Solano says conservation police will use airplane details as well as their regular patrols to check for an illegal hunting activity. Poachers were recently caught in Northern Illinois illegally taking trophy deer.

Read full article at - http://goo.gl/dXm4L

Metro-East Man Ordered to Spend 38 Years In Prison For Role In Death of 4-Year-Old

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) - A southwestern Illinois man has been ordered to spend 38 years in prison for his role in the fatal beating of his girlfriend's 4-year-old son. Thirty-four-year-old Sean Starwalt was sentenced Thursday in Madison County, where he pleaded guilty in September to first-degree murder. Authorities say Starwalt hit Jeremiah Bradford in the head, chest and abdomen in South Roxana in September 2010. The boy's mother, 35-year-old Patricia Cage, also is charged with first-degree murder. Authorities contend Cage failed to protect her son from the abuse and didn't seek medical attention for his injuries until it was too late. Cage has pleaded not guilty and remains jailed in Edwardsville, awaiting trial.

Read full article at - http://goo.gl/PqryB

Illinois' Skyrocketing Pension Costs Expected To Go Much Higher

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois' skyrocketing pension costs will go up even more than expected next year. The Chicago Tribune reports that retirement system analysts first thought the state would have to budget $422 million more for pensions next year. After more study, the analysts now predict the state will have to spend almost $1 billion more. While state leaders say the new figure is more accurate, that means rising pension costs will likely eat up all of the $1 billion increase in income the state is expecting. After years of state government skimping on pension contributions, the projected shortfall in all of the state's pension funds for public workers is $85 billion.

Read full article at - http://goo.gl/7qZJW

Attorney general warns senior citizens about scams

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says senior citizens should be on the lookout for con artists who target older people.

She warns that consumer scams increase during tough economic times and may involve debt settlement traps, fake check cashing scams, risky reverse mortgages and health care fraud.

She says it's difficult to undo the damage once people have sent money or given out personal financial information.

Madigan has been speaking to seniors as part of her Silver Beat program.

It helps train seniors to become experts at stopping scams. - http://goo.gl/aZao4

Illinois State Police Announce Possible Travel Delays due to Upcoming Protest

The Illinois State Police is urging drivers to proceed with caution when commuting between St. Louis and the Metro East. A protest is planned for Thursday afternoon. Protesters are expected to express their First Amendment rights, and the protest could carry over onto the Martin Luther King Bridge. Officers will maintain a zero tolerance policy for any obstructions on roadways, ramps, or any other distractions that impede or disrupt vehicular traffic and safe driving. Law enforcement officials say appropriate enforcement action will be taken and protesters can face fines and civil liability resulting in damage, accidents or injuries.  - http://goo.gl/pgknz

Marion County Police Beat for Thursday, November 17th, 2011

A 19-year-old Centralia man faces drug charges after a small container that allegedly contained cocaine was found in his possession while he was being booked into jail on an outstanding failure to appear in court warrant. Marion County Sheriff's Deputies say they arrested Nathaniel Hegwood of South Maple at the probation department. He reportedly told them he did not have drugs or any illegal items in his possession. However, during the booking process, correctional officers found the container in one of his pants pocket. The original warrant was for failing to appear or pay fines on an illegal consumption of liquor by a minor conviction. 21-year-old David Jarnagin of South Locust in Centralia was arrested for driving on a suspended license. 25-year-old Garrick Goostree of South Jefferson in Salem posted$300 bond after being arrested by sheriff's deputies for failure to appear in court on a speeding charge.  - http://goo.gl/plvsK

Centralia Correctional Center Inmate Charged With Trying To Arrange Murders From Jail Cell

An inmate at the Centralia Correctional Center has been charged with soliciting the murder of a DuPage County judge and an assistant state's attorney. DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin told the Beacon News that 53-year-old Gordon Vanderark solicited the murder of two DuPage County officials and two other private citizens. The former Wheaton man has been in the Centralia Correctional Center for the past year. Vanderark was sentenced by Judge Blanche Fawell on December 20th of last year to 16 years in prison for a Class X felony aggravated DUI charge. Berlin told the newspaper that between December of last year and Tuesday of this week Vanderark solicited a hitman to kill Fawell and Assistant State's Attorney Audrey Anderson from his jail cell. Vanderark is also accused of soliciting the murder of his ex-wife and an acquaintance. Berlin said Vanderark had agreed to pay the hitman $70,000 and had already paid a $2,000 advance. Vanderark is scheduled to appear in DuPage County Court on the charges December 12th.  - http://goo.gl/ntSkK

U.S. Marshalls Join Centralia Police on Sex Offenders Sweep

The U.S. Marshall's office joined Centralia Police Wednesday in a check on registered sex offenders to determine if they were living at their registered address. Two people were taken into custody during the sweep. 35-year-old Winslow Martin of North Sycamore in Centralia was arrested for not residing at the home Centralia Police had on record. 61-year-old Jerry Dale Williams of North James in Centralia is being held in the Marion County Jail for alleged possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of stolen property. Police were allowed inside Williams' home to look for him after another occupant indicated he was not present. A shot gun, that police determined had been stolen in Jefferson County, was found in Williams' bedroom. He returned home during the process and was taken into custody.  - http://goo.gl/yKOed

Police Beat for November 15th, 2011

A 17-year-old Iuka man has been arrested for alleged aggravated domestic battery. Eric Durham of Thomas Street is accused of choking a female juvenile outside of Salem Community High School Monday morning. Centralia Police have arrested three people for theft of scrap metal from a roll off dumpster in the 300 block of South Elm. 42-year-old Kevin Berry of South Maple was taken to the Marion County Jail on the theft charge as well as for an alleged domestic battery that occurred on October 31st. The two others arrested for the alleged theft, 29-year-old Carrie Jo Berry of South Maple and 48-year-old Tamara Thomas of South Maple, both were released on bond. The three told police they were scavenging dumpsters and thought the metal had been thrown away. The three apologized and put the metal back, but the property owner still wanted to press charges. 37-year-old Michael Sampson of North Walnut in Centralia was arrested by Centralia Police for alleged domestic battery for striking Pamela Sheppard. Two others remain in jail on outstanding warrants. 30-year-old Marc Ryan Snyder of South Pruyn in Salem was arrested by the Probation Office and 21-year-old Afton Codi Foster of Woodlawn Mobile Home Park in Centralia was taken into custody by Centralia Police.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=30002

No Injuries Reported When Amtrak Train Hits Disabled Car In Odin

No one was injured when an Amtrak train crashed into a disabled car on the Merritt Street crossing in Odin early Tuesday morning. The driver of the car, Adam Jourdan of Sandoval, saw the train coming and was able to get out of the vehicle. Odin Fire Chief Greg Smith says both Jourdan and all 150 aboard the train escaped injury. "What we can get from the driver, we believed he ran off the crossing grade, that caused him to blow his passenger front tire. Naturally he wasn't able to back up or go forward either way and was stuck there. He was trying to call 911 when he noticed the train was approaching and exited his vehicle. He was not injured and no one else was injured," Smith said. Smith says the train had just left Centralia and was northbound to Chicago when the crash occurred at 4:25 Tuesday morning. The train was delayed about an hour and a half, but was then allowed to continue on its trip. Odin Firemen provided emergency lighting for police handling the wreck.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29997

Local Police and Firefighters Rescue Man from Salem Water Tower

Local police and firefighters helped rescue a man from one of the Salem water towers Monday morning. Salem Police, Salem Fire, and ambulance personnel responded to a call about a man who had apparently climbed up the east water tower off of East Main Street around 11:10 Monday morning. Salem Police Chief Ron Campo says the victim had climbed up there on his own sometime Sunday evening. "He got the attention of a truck driver in the lot. So we were faced with how do we make contact with him. It was so windy that we couldn't make any contact with him. So two of my officers volunteered to put on harnesses and take the extension ladder from the fire truck up as high as it would go, and it still left them about 100 feet to go, and with harnesses and firemen, they climbed up there and made contact with the subject, and at that point they were able to determine that he was scared, and he wasn't going to come down", said Campo. Campo says they called in the Centralia Fire Department to help them get him down. The victim was harnessed down by the Centralia Technical Rescue Team around 2:30pm. The Centralia TRT are experts at high altitude rescue. He says the reason the victim climbed up the tower was because the victim was despondent, and threatened to commit suicide. The victim was taken to Salem Township Hospital for evaluation. The name of the victim is not being released. - http://goo.gl/DmKBO

Carlyle Lake Temporary Closes Dam East Boat Ramp

Carlyle Lake - The Carlyle Lake Project will be closing the Dam East Recreation Area and Boat Ramp to the general public from Friday, November 18th at 8:00 a.m. through Sunday, November 20th at 3:00 p.m. The area will be utilized by the U.S. Army 739th Engineer Company to perform training exercises. All other boat ramps remain open for launching. For more information about Carlyle Lake, contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484 or email at carlylelake@usace.army.mil.   - http://goo.gl/E0Nqz

Marion Prison on Lockdown After Fights

MARION, Ill. (AP) - A federal prison in southern Illinois is on lockdown after weekend fights left about a dozen inmates with minor injuries. The Carbondale Southern Illinoisan reports that no workers at the U.S. Penitentiary in Marion were injured in the series of flare-ups Sunday afternoon in the prison's recreation yard. The prison will remain on lockdown until the investigation is complete. It isn't clear how many inmates actually took part in the fights or what their injuries were.  - http://goo.gl/6YnkN

38-Year-Old Mt. Vernon Killed When Truck Crashes Northeast of Waltonville

A 38-year-old Mt. Vernon man has died in a single vehicle wreck in Jefferson County. Coroner Eddie Joe Marks says Brian Piper was pronounced dead at Crossroads Hospital in Mt. Vernon at 3:25 Sunday morning. He reports Piper appeared to be in the process of making a turn from Vermont Road onto Davis Road near McClelland School north east of Waltonville when his truck went out of control. Marks says the truck appears to have hit a culvert, veered off the other side of the road, hit the roadside ditch and overturned. Piper, who was not wearing a seatbelt, struck the windshield. Marks says Piper died from blunt force trauma to the head. The coroner thinks sleep deprivation may have been part of the reason for the wreck. Marks reports Piper apparently hadn't slept in 50 hours and had been out duck hunting. The wreck was first reported to police at 2:35 Sunday morning.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29968

Police Beat For Monday, November 14th, 2011

A 54-year-old Centralia man is being held in the Marion County Jail for alleged aggravated battery, driving under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident and driving on a suspended license. Centralia Police say Cecil Pearce of Robinet Street was arrested shortly after midnight Monday morningwhen they responded to a report of a fight in the one-thousand block of Wright Drive. Pearce had allegedly gotten into an altercation with Douglas Griggs III of Wright Drive when Griggs tried to stop Pearce from leaving the scene of an accident. Police eventually determined Pearce had allegedly struck three parked vehicles on Wright Drive and Saddler Place. A 29-year-old Centralia woman is being held for alleged possession of a controlled substance and on an outstanding Marion County misdemeanor warrant. Sabrina Hoercher of Broadway was allegedly found in possession of three narcotic pills without a prescription after being arrested on the warrant charging failure to appear or pay on a misdemeanor theft warrant. Bond on the warrant is set at $10,000. Three others remain in custody on outstanding warrants. 38-year-old James Brown of Bruce Court in Centralia is being held in lieu of $5,000 bond on a Marion County DUI warrant. 38-year-old Todd Hughes of Patterson in Centralia remains in jail in lieu of $5,000 bond on an outstanding ordinance violation warrant for possession of cannabis. 27-year-old Sara Phillips of Illinois Street in Alma remains in custody on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant following her arrest by Alma Police. A 39-year-old Salem woman has been arrested for alleged battery. Lena Mosher of South Lincoln Street is accused of striking Melissa Gonzales of East Lyford in Salem when Gonzales went to a home on West Poplar Street in Odin to pickup her child. Mosher later posted $150 bond and was released from the Marion County Jail. 30-year-old Jaime Crawford of Stafford, Missouri posted $350-bond and was released on an outstanding Marion County traffic warrant.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29967

Winds Blow Fires Northwest of Salem And Kell Out Of Control

Salem Firemen say four to five acres of woods burned in a fire Sunday afternoon on the Allen Dyson property at 5564 Woodard School Road northwest of Salem. The fire started from a leaf fire that got out of control due to the strong winds. Fire officials say no buildings were threatened and there were no injuries. The fire call came in at three Sunday afternoon, with firemen remaining on the scene for about an hour. Kell Firemen handled a leaf fire on Saturday. The blaze on the Billy Finn property at 923 Johnson Road in Kell spread from a trash fire. No property damage was reported. The fire call came in at 9:16 Saturday evening.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29963

Three Shot Sunday Morning Near University of Illinois Campus

URBANA, Ill. (AP) - Three people have been shot at a party near the University of Illinois campus. University spokeswoman Robin Kaler says the shootings occurred around 3:30 a.m. Sunday at a house just across the street from the campus health center and a student dorm. It's along a strip that includes some of the school's Greek organizations. Kaler says university officials believe one of the victims is a student. She did not have information about the severity of the injuries. Kaler says Urbana police are looking for a single suspect who was at a large party. She had no further information. Urbana police did not immediately provide any information about the shootings.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29962

Police Beat for Sunday, November 13

A 24-year-old Centralia man is in the Marion County Jail on an alleged aggravated battery charge. Centralia Police arrested Jeremy Ledell Shered of East Kell Street on that charge, as well as alleged intimidation of a witness. He remains in the jail. Centralia Police arrested another man on an alleged battery charge. 19-year-old Donnie Ray Randolph of North Walnut in Centralia was charged with alleged battery with physical contact and also on a Marion County warrant. He remains in the jail. Two people involved in a domestic dispute succeeded in getting each other arrested. 23-year-old Kristi Lynn Meisel of Selmaville Road in Salem requested a sheriff's deputy come to ask her boyfriend to leave. When a deputy arrived, her boyfriend, 24-year-old Darrian Montez Williams, Jr. of Hickory Ridge Court in Centralia brought a drug pipe out of the bathroom that he claimed belonged to Meisel. Reports say Meisel then told the deputy that Williams had already taken his drug pipe in a shoe box out to his car. A vehicle search produced the second pipe. Both Meisel and Williams were charged with alleged possession of drug paraphernalia. They each posted $150 and were released. A 31-year-old rural Kell woman has been arrested for alleged domstic battery. Christie Hamburg of Old Salem Road was arrested by Marion County Sheriff's Deputies after allegedly striking her boyfriend Jason Hoffman at his parents home along on old Salem Road. 38-year-old Bryan Ray Rainwater of Cormick Street in Centralia was arrested by Central City Police on a Marion County warrant. He remains in the Marion County Jail.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29960

Caterpillar Plans Expansion

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - Caterpillar Inc. says it will spent $640 million to upgrade plants in East Peoria and Decatur, creating 300 new jobs. A company spokesman tells the (Peoria) Journal Star that Caterpillar will make more tractors in East Peoria and more trucks in Decatur. Friday's announcement comes two months after Caterpillar said it would spend $200 million to modernize part of its East Peoria plant. The company also said Friday that it would seek to buy a Chinese maker of mining machinery for as much as $886 million. That deal needs the approval of China's Ministry of Commerce and other regulators.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29957

Caterpillar To Upgrade Plants in East Peoria and Decatur, Creating 300 New Jobs

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - Caterpillar Inc. says it will spent $640 million to upgrade plants in East Peoria and Decatur, creating 300 new jobs. A company spokesman tells the (Peoria) Journal Starthat Caterpillar will make more tractors in East Peoria and more trucks in Decatur. Friday's announcement comes two months after Caterpillar said it would spend $200 million to modernize part of its East Peoria plant. The company also said Friday that it would seek to buy a Chinese maker of mining machinery for as much as $886 million. That deal needs the approval of China's Ministry of Commerce and other regulators.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29953

Home on Shattuc Road Damaged By Fire

Centralia Fire Protection District Chief Greg Earle says a fire at the Bob Grote home in the 2700 block of Shattuc Road Friday afternoon was confined to two rooms. The fire started behind the dryer in the utility room, but the exact cause of the blaze has not been determined. Earle says firemen were able to knock down the fire quickly, but the entire home sustained smoke and water damage. The Grote family was out of the home by the time firemen arrived. There were no injuries. Sandoval Firemen were called for mutual aide assistance. Firemen were on the scene for about two hours. Earle says a new roof was being put on the home, but the construction work did not have anything to do with the fire. The home is located south of the Centralia Correctional Center.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29952

Both Centralia City and Centralia Fire Protection Districts Battle House Fires

Centralia City Firemen say they were able to confine a fire in a vacant home at 223 South Maplelate Friday afternoon to two second floor rooms and a portion of the attic. Two extra shifts of firemen were called in and the fire was quickly knocked down. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is deemed suspicious because there was no power to the home. The ownership of the home was not immediately determined. While the fire was confined, there was smoke and heat damage throughout the home. Firemen were on the scene for about two hours. There were no injuries. A short time earlier, Centralia Fire Protection District Firemen were called to a house fire in the 2700 block of Shattuc Road just south of the Centralia Correctional Center. All occupants reportedly got out safely and the fire was knocked down quickly. No other details, including the owner of the home, was immediately available.  - http://goo.gl/bkroU

Gunshots reported a few blocks from White House

Shots were reported fired Friday night between the White House and the Washington Monument, setting off a flurry of law enforcement activity, a U.S. Park Police spokesman said.  http://goo.gl/e32Po

Most Government Offices, Schools, and Financial Institutions Closed; Veterans Day Programs Set in Centralia and Patoka

Most local, state, and federal offices are closed Friday for Veterans Day. That includes Salem and Centralia City Halls, area courthouses, and drivers license facilities. However, trash pickup will be on the regular Friday schedule. Most schools and financial institutions are also closed. There will be no home mail delivery.

A Veterans Day program is scheduled for 10:30 Friday morning at the Centralia VFW Hall. A Veterans Day Dinner and program will be held Friday night at the Patoka American Legion Hall. Dinner begins at six pm. The program follows at seven. All members and families are invited to attend.

The observance of Veterans Day started 93 years ago when World War One officially ended with a treaty. The actual fighting ended seven months earlier when an "armistice" between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It became a legal holiday in 1938 but wasn't recognized as "veterans" day until 1954. Most local, state, and federal offices are closed today.  http://goo.gl/cTsA1

Illinois Lawmakers OK Deal on Unemployment Insurance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Legislation approved Thursday is supposed to save hundreds of millions of dollars for Illinois businesses and government. The bill involves unemployment insurance. Right now, Illinois is paying out so much in unemployment benefits that it has to borrow money from the federal government. That means paying interest, and it triggers higher rates for Illinois businesses. So officials plan to borrow money at low rates and use that to pay the federal government. They say that will save Illinois about $240 million over the next few years. It should also save businesses about $400 million and let many pay lower rates to the unemployment system. Governor Pat Quinn backs the legislation. The Illinois Retail Merchants Association says it will help businesses grow.  - http://goo.gl/Trjow

Area artists in spotlight

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts will spotlight southern Illinois performing artists at the first "Cedarhurst's Got Talent" event Saturday.
"Cedarhurst has a focus on regional artists of all kinds, but we generally showcase visual arts," said Hillary Settle, director of development for Cedarhurst. "This is an opportunity to emphasize performing arts talent in our region and raise money for our 2012 programs."
The evening will start at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction before dinner from Cindi's Catering at 6:30. The talent show portion will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature eight acts from Mt. Vernon and the surrounding area.

Read full article at http://register-news.com/local/x899727823/Area-artists-in-spotlight

Community Thanksgiving dinner set for locals

For the 14th year, Central Christian Church will hold a community Thanksgiving dinner for more than a thousand local residents.

Anyone may attend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and donations are accepted but not required.
Preparations for the meal begin at least two days in advance, with breaking bread for the turkey stuffing and preparing sweet potato casserole, said Randy Sells, Central Christian Church pastor.

Read full article at http://register-news.com/local/x185144738/Community-Thanksgiving-dinner-set-for-locals

Salem Woman Wanted for Hit and Run in Kell

The Marion County Sheriff's Department is looking for a 23-year-old Salem woman who fled from the scene of a hit and run accident Wednesday afternoon. Danielle Hills reportedly was northbound on the Old Salem Road in rural Kell when she sideswiped a car driven by 66-year-old Charles Mills of Old Salem Road who had run off the side of the road to try and avoid the crash. Neither driver was hurt. Deputies say Hills is wanted for leaving the scene of an accident and driving on a revoked license. Meanwhile, the owner of the van Hills was driving, James Russell of Green Road in Iuka, said the vehicle was taken without permission. The Marion County canine was called out to assist in locating Hills. Anyone with information on Hills whereabouts is asked to contact the sheriff's department or Marion County Crime Stoppers toll-free and anonymously at 1-800-499-8835.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29917

Centralia Man Found Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity On Stalking Charge

A 50-year-old Centralia man has been found not guilty by reason of insanity for stalking a Centralia woman in June. Judge Sherrie Tungate ruled at the close of the bench trial that the prosecution had proven Tom Arnold guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, but said the defense had proven that Arnold was guilty by reason of insanity. The defense presented a report from Clinical Psychologist Dr. Daniel Cuneo. His testimony was not countered by an expert witness by the prosecution. Arnold will now be sent to the State Department of Human Services for an evaluation and treatment. He'll be brought back to court on December 13th for a status hearing. Arnold had been found not guilty by reason of insanity before for stalking the same woman, but had been released after undergoing treatment for the maximum time allowed for that class of crime. Arnold was charged with driving past the victim's home on three days in June, starring at her, writing multiple letters and sending flowers causing the victim to suffer significant mental suffering, anxiety or alarm.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29910

Vacant Sandoval Home Destroyed By Fire; Arson Suspected

Sandoval Firemen say arson is believed to be the cause of a fire that heavily damaged a vacant home at 207 North Broadway in Sandoval early this morning. Assistant Chief Chad Parsons says heavy fire was coming from the rear of the home when they arrived on the scene at four Thursday morning. The roof burned off the structure, but the walls remain standing. The Odin Fire Department was called for mutual aide assistance. Firemen were on the scene for about five hours. Parsons says there were no utilities on in the home. There were reports of several young people seen running from the area of the home shortly before the fire was discovered, but they have not been identified and firemen are uncertain if they were involved with the fire. No word yet on who owned the home. There were no injuries.

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Illinois' October Home Foreclosures Up 9.7%

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois home foreclosure activity rose 9.7 percent in October compared to the previous month. A report released Thursday by RealtyTrac shows Illinois with 12,522 foreclosure filings last month. Filings include default notices, auction-sale notices and bank repossessions. The filings represent one in every 423 housing units in the state. That rate is 26.2 percent lower than in October of last year and seventh-highest nationally. RealtyTrac says the increase in many states likely is due to lenders resolving paperwork processing problems that had delayed many foreclosures. But it says new state court rulings and laws create uncertainty that threatens to delay a real estate recovery. Nevada continued to have the nation's highest foreclosure rate. Other states with foreclosure rates higher than Illinois are Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia and Michigan.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29907

Jones Says Governor Quinn Eyeing Centralia Murray Center for Possible Closure

State Senator John O. Jones says Governor Pat Quinn is now threatening to close the Murray Center in Centralia. He says the governor is sensing that his plan to close seven state facilities may be failing, so he might rethink his plan, and propose another round of closures. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has not finished work on Quinn's plan that affects the Chester Mental Health Center and Illinois Youth Center at Murphysboro. Legislators have called into question the Governor's rationale for closing the facilities that were picked, without having already a long-term plan in place. Jones said he is going to resurrect a 2008 legislative plan, which called for a Facilities Closure Panel to be formed. The plan stalled out when legislative majorities refused to allow the bill to be called for a vote in the Senate. Senator Jones said that anytime a closure is announced, or even mentioned, it can alarm a community, but the Senator urged everyone in Clinton County to react with caution and remain vigilant. The proposed legislation would be similar to the 95th General Assembly's House Bill 1235 Senate Amendments.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29905

Illinois House OKs Alternative Pay for School Chiefs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois House approved a plan to pay regional school superintendents after Governor Pat Quinn erased funding for their salaries last summer. 　 The House voted 74-36 Wednesday to use local property tax funds to pay superintendents and their assistants in 44 regional education offices. It would pay them for just one year. The measure sponsored by Democratic Rep. Frank Mautino of Spring Valley also creates a commission to determine the best way to continue the duties of regional superintendents. They conduct school safety checks, run programs for truant and troubled children and more. Quinn said the state couldn't afford the $11 million to pay them and cut it in the current budget. Most superintendents have been working five months without pay.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29903

Illinois House Targets Loophole on Teachers' Pensions

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois lawmakers are trying to close a loophole that let two lobbyists qualify for retirement benefits as teachers after spending a single day in the classroom. The measure passed the House on Wednesday and now goes to the state Senate. It targets two lobbyists for the Illinois Federation of Teachers. They spent one day as substitutes, which allowed them to qualify for the teachers' pension system. Democratic Rep. Jack franks of Marengo calls it "depressing" that he needed to sponsor legislation to remove them from the pension system. His bill passed 112-0.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29900

Illinois Corn Forecasted Lower Than Expected, Soybean Unchanged

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is forecasting Illinois corn yields at 156 bushels per acre, decreased by three bushels from October. The USDA estimates total production for the state to reach 1.95 billion bushels, down slightly from a year ago. Corn harvest was 89-percent completed by October 30th, and down from 98-percent last year. The USDA forecasts soybean yields at 46 bushels per acres, unchanged from October. They estimate total production for the state to reach 407.1 million bushels, down 13-percent from a year ago. Soybean harvest was 94-percent completed as of October 30th, and down from 99-percent last year. 　 Corn production nationally is forecasted at 12.3 billion bushels, down one-percent from October, and down one-percent from a year ago. Corn yields are expected to average 146.7 bushels per acre, down 1.4-bushels from October and down 6.1-bushels from a year ago. Soybean production nationally is forecasted at 3.05 billion bushels, down slightly from October, and down nine-percent from last year. Soybean yields are expected to average 41.3 bushels per acre, down 0.2-bushel from October, and down 2.2-bushels from last year.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29899

Dix Man Injured in Oil Field Accident Tuesday

Jefferson Rural Firefighters say a Dix man was injured in an oil field accident on Tuesday. Firemen were called to help James Grasherr after his arm got caught in an oil well pump off North Village Lane east of Texico. Fire officials say Grasherr was initially taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon and then transferred to a St. Louis Hospital.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29889

SIU-E Students Staging Occupy Rally Wednesday

Edwardsville, IL -- Students at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville are staging an "Occupy" rally today at 10 a.m. Organizer Harry Zollars says there are four main issues being addressed, including the state of American politics, the affordability and disparities within higher education, and the state of healthcare in America. Zollars says the goal is to bring more than just awareness to the issues. He wants students to find reasonable solutions to the problems. A solutions panel will be held in the Goshen Lounge immediately following the rally.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29890

Police Beat for Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Both Salem Police and Marion County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating burglaries. Salem Police received a complaint from Barbara Ball of East Bennett that her home had been entered both Sunday and Monday. A very small amount of cash was reported stolen. The Marion County Sheriff's Department is investigating a complaint from Chris Metcalf about a burglary to a barn on River Road in Iuka. A four wheeler was taken. A 24-year-old Mt. Vernon man has been arrested on an outstanding felony failure to pay or appear warrant. John Ferguson of Perkins Street is being held in the Marion County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bond. 35-year-old Jennifer Odell of Marshall Creek Road in Odin posted $150 bond after being arrested for driving on a suspended license.

Read full article at http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=29883

First Ever Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Planned For One Wednesday Afternoon

(Springfield, IL) -- The first ever test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System is planned forWednesday afternoon. At 1 p.m., all radio and TV broadcasters, cable TV, video providers, and satellite media will sound the alert. If you're watching TV, don't be alarmed because the system may not inform you that it's just a test. That's because there are limitations in the system. The system is designed to allow the President to address the nation across all media platforms in the event of a national emergency. Parts of the same system are used on a regular basis to pass on severe weather warning. The purpose of the test is to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system and identify incremental improvements that can be made.   - http://goo.gl/pQr4g

Illinois House Committee Passes Pension Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois House committee has approved a measure to change pension costs and benefits for state employees. The bill heads to the full House where its fate is uncertain. It would create three different "tiers" of pension benefits and costs. One of those is a 401k-style "defined contribution" plan. Supporters say the state needs to change its pension plans because it can't afford them. Unions strongly disagree with the changes being proposed. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees executive director Henry Bayer says the bill is asking workers to pay more. Language in the Illinois Constitution also bars reducing retirement benefits for current employees. House Republican leader Tom Cross, a sponsor, criticized the unions for not offering an alternative while acknowledging the state has a pension problem. - http://goo.gl/ZyKgd

Illinois House Panel OKs New Plan to Expand Gambling

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois House committee has approved a new, smaller gambling plan that backers hope can survive a threatened veto by Governor Pat Quinn. It passed 8-2. Democratic Rep. Lou Lang says the measure could be changed even more before a vote by the full House. Lawmakers approved a major gambling expansion during the spring legislative session. But they never bothered sending the bill to Quinn out of fear that he would veto it. The Democratic governor has a number of concerns, particularly the idea of allowing slot machines at horseracing tracks.The new proposal would still allow slots at racetracks but not at Chicago airports. It also lowers the amount of growth allowed for existing casinos. It would allow five new casinos, including one in downtown Chicago.  - http://goo.gl/Ab2FE

SIU-C Union Considers Latest Offer

CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) - The SIUC Faculty Association's bargaining team is considering the administration's latest offer in an effort to end a five-day-old strike at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. WSIU Radio reports that negotiators spent about 27 hours at the bargaining table. Afterward, the university presented the union with an offer that includes a 4 percent pay increase over the life of the contract and no furlough days for the 2012 fiscal year. SIUC Chancellor Rita Cheng says the university's bargaining team is ready to return to negotiations if the Faculty Association is ready to finalize an agreement and end the strike. Faculty Association spokesman Dave Johnson says they're giving SIU's offer serious consideration. He says the package does cover all of the issues in dispute but large differences remain.   - http://goo.gl/igP2u

Salem City Manager Thomas Christie Takes Settlement Agreement From City, Will Resign November 30th

Salem City Manager Thomas Christie has taken a settlement offer from the city council and will resign on November 30th. In addition to the three months severance pay included in his contract, Christie will receive an additional three months of pay for agreeing to release all claims against the city. After the council accepted the agreement without debate, City Attorney Mike Jones outlined the terms. "He will withdraw his pending claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and release all claims under federal and state law he may have against the city. In exchange, the city has agreed to pay the city manager a severance package consisting of his salary and benefits through May 31st, 2012," said Jones. Christie will also be paid for half of his accumulated sick leave, amounting to about another month of salary. Like other city employees, he'll also be paid for unused vacation time. As a result of those payments, Christie will continue to receive a pay check from the city through September first. Christie estimated the value of the settlement above the terms of termination in his contract about about $30,000. Christie says the previously undisclosed EEO complaint is a retaliation claim. He indicated the claim came in the aftermath of an EEO complaint filed by Economic Development Director Tracey McDaneld that is still pending. Christie confirms he has applied for other jobs as city manager, but says he hasn't decided if he will pursue that avenue or retire. As part of the agreement, both sides agreed not to make disparaging remarks against the other. Raymer says after the council decided they wanted to make a change in the city manager's position more than a month ago, the attorney's worked out the details of the actual agreement.   - http://goo.gl/gW2ae

USPS Announces 2011 Holiday Mail-By Dates

The United States Postal Services announced today the suggested mail-by dates to make sure packages, cards, and letters reach their destinations before the Holidays begin. Mail delivered within the U.S., and mail sent overseas should occur by December 15th for Parcel Post, December 19th for DNDC Drop Ship, December 20th for First Class Mail, December 21st for Priority Mail, and December 22nd for Express Mail and DDU Drop Ship. If you are wanting to mail to Canada, you should mail by December 9th for First Class Mail, December 12th for Priority Mail International, and December 16th for Express Mail International. If you are wanting to mail to Mexico, you should mail by December 9th for First Class Mail and Priority Mail International, and December 15th for Express Mail International. The last day to ship to Afghanistan is December 19th, and Iraq is December 16th. If you have questions or concerns, please visit your local post office, or visit www.usps.com for more information.  - http://goo.gl/HfHlY

Delivery program for local seniors

C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library Director Bill Pixley makes deliveries. Over the course of the last year-and-a-half Pixley has started a delivery program which involves visiting local seniors, taking their respective media requests then bringing those items the following week.

The director said he previously organized a similar program while he was employed at a library in Calvert City. He has been employed at C.E. Brehm Library for nearly three years.

Pixley loaded up his van at the library Friday morning then drove to Rome Meadows Senior Living Facility in Dix. Rome Meadows is the only facility outside of Mt. Vernon that he currently visits. Upon arrival, Pixley passed out individualized requests for media items he delivered such as DVDs, books and magazines to residents at the facility.

"Many of the residents can't get around very well and a trip to the library is difficult," Pixley said. "Many of general ideas of what they would like and others are very specific. I just try to bring stuff and figure out what they want."

When he began taking and filling requests last year, Pixley said he would visit three or four locations such as adult day cares, senior living centers and assisted living facilities.

"I started out with three or four and gradually worked up to 10 locations," he said. "There are still a few more I need to include but need more staff to do so. I go somewhere every day and Janeta Sutton makes trips to four locations on Wednesdays."

The challenge for Pixley is to keep acquiring fresh media to bring to his more  active participants.

"Some authors have 30 or 40 books but some can go through a couple a week so it doesn't take long to get through a list," Pixley explained. "When I run out of a particular area or focus I try and find something else for them to read or watch if they're more into movies."

Pixley added Jefferson County residents, other than Grand Prairie, can register for a library card at no cost. Registration must be completed in person. Two forms of identification are required. One form of ID must have current address and photo.

In his visits, Pixley provides a list of available movies, in DVD format, which can be checked out. He also takes individual inquiries on other forms of media. Pixley said many of the books he can access for residents are donated to the library.

"Some of those books are in our library or at other places and some of them are used as items for our program."   - http://goo.gl/COVRy

Former Longtime Mt. Vernon Mayor Dies

The longest serving Mayor in the history of Mt. Vernon has died at the age of 81. Rolland Lewis passed away at his home Saturday morning at the age of 81. Lewis was first elected as Mayor in 1969 and completed two four year terms. After eight years out of office, Lewis returned for three more terms as Mayor before being defeated in 1997 by Mark Terry. Lewis was Mayor when General Tire announced it was locating in Mt. Vernon and was in office as many major construction projects were completed in the city, including Times Square Mall, the Veterans Memorial Park swimming pool, the Rolland Lewis Community building, two city fire stations and the expansion of Broadway from two to five lanes. Lewis also founded and served as the first President of the Southern Illinois Mayor's Association in 1990. Funeral services for Rolland Lewis are incomplete at the Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.   6BT4x

Marion County Police Beat for Sunday, November 6

An Indiana couple was taken to the Marion County Jail on several charges Saturday after arrests by Illinois State Police. 20-year-old Larry Duane Stevens of East Brown Street in Mecca, Indiana was arrested for alleged possession of 2.5 grams of cannabis and unlawful use of a weapon. 25-year-old Tammra Jo Stevens-Androusky was arrested for alleged driving under the influence of drugs and driving on a suspended license. Larry was released on $150 bond, Tammra was released on $300. Marion County Sheriff's deputies arrested a20-year-old Sandoval manon charges of alleged illegal consumption of alcohol. Dustin James Walls of North Orange Street in Sandoval was released on $150 bond.  dF6DB

JCHS holds Chocolate Fest as fundraiser

Chocolate in all its glorious forms is the centerpiece of the Jefferson County Historical Society's newest fundraiser.

Brownies, cake, candy, cookies, pie and other confections will be judged and sampled at the first JCHS Chocolate Festival Dec. 8 at the Mt. Vernon Elks Lodge.

The day will begin with a check-in for registered entries from 7 to 9 a.m. for judging from 9:30 to 10:45. Chocolate recipes submitted before Dec. 1 will be considered for each of the six categories and a $250 overall grand prize.

Winners will be announced at 11, after which attendees will be able to pay $5 and sample as many as desserts as they wish.

"Hopefully this will make money for the historical village so we can keep doing high quality programs," she said.

"I think it's going to be a fun event to be with people in the holiday spirit," she said. "Who doesn't love chocolate?"

For more information or to enter a recipe in the festival, contact Jamie Wheeler of the Jefferson County Historical Society at 246-0033, www.jchs.mvn.net or 1411 N. 27th St. Entry forms are also available at City Hall, the Mt. Vernon Tourism Department and www.mtvernon.com.     http://goo.gl/NyWW8

UMCH to offer new service

 A new service and an expanded one at a new location are broadening the reach of United Methodist Children's Home this fall.

"(Helping Hands) Home Improvement is an opportunity for our YouthBuild graduates while they're looking for full-time employment to continue to hone their skills and earn some income," said Kay Zibby, vice president of operations for UMCH. "I think of it as a bridge for these young adults in the community."

Residents of Jefferson and surrounding counties can now hire Helping Hands employees, usually former YouthBuild members, for construction projects of all kinds. Zibby said the service has, since its formation in late summer, helped construct an office building in Pinckneyville, built several garage additions and repaired a roof in Centralia.

"We've been doing some of this all along. It's really a formalizing of what's come out of YouthBuild," she said. "There are a lot of projects in the works."

Zibby said residents who hire Helping Hands will get a free estimate, fair price and quality work as well as helping troubled young adults, many of whom have families to support.

Zibby said no specific expansions of Community Connections have been finalized for the new location, the seventh opened by UMCH, but the extra breathing room could lead to big things.

"It gives our therapists a better environment to give this service to the community," she said. "We'll be able to expand similar types of services."   http://goo.gl/TF2ZE

Jefferson County / Mt. Vernon Daily Record - Nov. 5, 2011

Mt. Vernon Police Dept. Arrests

  Laura Kristian Joyce, 26, of the 600 block of Oak Street, was arrested at 11:29 p.m. Thursday on a charge of sale or delivery of drug paraphernalia.
  Terri D. Repp, 37, of Dowell, was arrested at 4:31 a.m. Friday on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Bond was set at $3,000.
   Byron M. Wyatt, 29, of Evansville, Ind., was arrested at 10:36 a.m. Thursday on an in-state warrant.

Thefts

   A garden arch was reported stolen in the 1100 block of Oakland Avenue at 12:29 p.m. Friday.A resident of the 900 block of South 23rd Street said at 11:16 a.m. Friday his home was burglarized.
   Residential burglary was reported in the 4200 block of Lincolnshire Drive at 11:01 a.m. Friday.
   A woman told police at 8:02 p.m. Thursday the hubcaps were stolen from her vehicle while it was parked at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital.
   Prescription medication was reported stolen in the 600 block of Oak Street at 3:37 p.m. Thursday.

Incidents

   An American Cab driver told police at noon Friday a man was jumped by three other men outside a liquor store in the 300 block of South 12th Street. A witness said the suspects left in a silver vehicle but he couldn't get close enough to see the plates. The witness gave the victim's identity to the police.
  A woman told police at 11:33 a.m. Friday two of her tires were slashed while her vehicle was parked in the 2400 block of Perkins Avenue.
   Local authorities responded to an Illinois State Police broadcast at 9:18 p.m. Thursday that a red vehicle with Kentucky plates involved in a possible kidnapping was spotted at Shell on Potomac Boulevard. A witness said she was approached in the bathroom by a woman who claimed she was driving the vehicle against her will with stolen items in the back. The vehicle was not located.
   A two-vehicle accident was reported in the 4500 block of Broadway Street at 6:22 p.m. Thursday. According to an MVPD report, Crystal D. Wagner, 60, of Nason, was waiting at the stop sign in front of Wal-Mart to turn onto Broadway when her vehicle was rear-ended. Joseph F. Sunberg, 68, of Wayne City, said he was watching traffic on Broadway and failed to see Wagner. Wagner and a passenger refused medical assistance at the scene but said they would check into St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital for stiffness in the back and neck.

Jefferson Co. Sheriff's Office Thefts

  A resident of the 1200 block of North Ninth Street reported at 11:19 a.m. Friday her prescription medication was stolen.Theft was reported in the 200 block of Park Street in Woodlawn at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Incidents

  A one-vehicle accident was reported in the 18600 block of North Tolle Lane at 7:09 p.m. Thursday. Blake R. Miller, of the 16500 block of North Illinois Highway 37, told deputies he was injured when his car rolled over.   http://goo.gl/Px65n