Bank of Carbondale robbed; police on scene

CARBONDALE - The Bank of Carbondale was reportedly robbed at about 1
p.m. Monday.

Officers from the Carbondale Police Department were at the bank
facility, located at 216 E. Main Street, shortly after 1 p.m. in
response to the call.

Police on scene aren't commenting on what happened inside, other than to
say the facility was indeed robbed. An officer on the scene told The
Southern Illinoisan the department would be releasing more information
shortly.

Right now there is no word on whether the suspect or suspects involved
in the robbery are in custody. - http://goo.gl/EFoHf

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Faces 13.5% Budget Cut; Director Promises Parks Will Not Close

OTTAWA, Ill. (AP) - The director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says his agency faces budget cuts. The News-Tribune in LaSalle reportsthat DNR Director Marc Miller says Gov. Pat Quinn's proposed budget reduces his agency's spending by 13.5 percent. Miller says that's in addition to cuts in federal money, which are "sizeable." Miller calls the cuts a "responsible measure."

Miller says the agency will suspend publication of its "Illinois Outdoors" magazine. It also will cut programs at outdoors shows and fairs and stocking of private ponds. He does say that parks will "absolutely not" be closed. Miller spoke to media Saturday at the La Salle County Democratic Central Committee annual fundraiser. - http://goo.gl/CXBQz

FEMA Begins Assessment Damage in Southern Illinois

HARRISBURG, Ill. (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency is in southern Illinois to begin assessing tornado damage. FEMA spokeswoman Hanna Vick said Monday that the agency will conduct a preliminary damage assessment of homes and businesses in eight Illinois counties this week.

Next week, it will assess damage to public infrastructure. She says a state and local official will accompany the FEMA assessor as they drive around to survey the damage. The information will be turned over to Illinois officials to help support a request for a federal disaster declaration. Vick says the agency is looking at the magnitude and scope of the damage, uninsured losses and a community's ability to recover.

The agency will survey damage in Gallatin, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union and Williamson counties. - http://goo.gl/Aa9zi