Investigation into Alleged Sexual Assault Lands Benton Man in Jail

BENTON – A Benton man was arrested after Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies Thursday afternoon initiated an investigation of an alleged sexual assault in rural Benton. Forty-nine-year-old Lester R. Carter is lodged in the Franklin County Jail for aggravated criminal sexual assault and unlawful production of five to 20 cannabis plants. Sheriff Don Jones says these

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Route 13/Wolf Creek Road Interchange Opens to Traffic

CRAINVILLE – IDOT says the new Wolf Creek overpass, including exit and entrance ramps from Route 13 in Crainville is now open. It opened at 7 this morning. Also starting today, a small section of Samuel Road, adjacent to Route 13 will be closed to traffic. This closure affects access to Samuel Road on the

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Report of Shots Fired in Carbondale Sunday Night

CARBONDALE – Carbondale Police responded to a report of shots fired in the 500 block of South Graham Street just before 8 last night. Officers responded to the area, where it was determined that those living in the home had been in an argument with acquaintances. During the course of the argument, several people brandished

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Runaway Youth Commit Auto Thefts in Jefferson County

MT. VERNON – The sheriff’s office in Jefferson County says two runaway youth from the Southern Thirty Adolescent Center allegedly stole several cars in the city and the county Wednesday evening.  Reports indicate that after leaving the facility shortly after 8 p.m., the youth were reportedly looking into homes and vehicles near the facility according

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TIF Agreement Approved for New Dollar General in West Frankfort

WEST FRANKFORT – A new Dollar General will be coming to West Frankfort sometime next year.  The West Frankfort City Council Tuesday night voted unanimously to provide Glenwood Equities LLC with tax increment financing so it can bring Dollar General to the city. The TIF agreement will not exceed $150,000 over six years. Glenwood will

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Carbondale Man Pleads Guilty to Delivery of Controlled Substance

MURPHYSBORO – A Carbondale man pled guilty in Jackson County Court Tuesday to one count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance – a Class 2 felony. Jackson County State’s Attorney Michael Carr says 34-year-old Kenneth W. Neal unlawfully delivered a substance containing heroin and fentanyl to a confidential source working under the direction of

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Severin Reacts to Rauner Calling Special Session on Budget Impasse

SPRINGFIELD – One day after House and Senate Republicans unveiled a compromise balanced budget plan to end the budget impasse, Governor Bruce Rauner Thursday called lawmakers back to Springfield for a 10-day special session from Wednesday, June 21 through the June 30 fiscal year deadline. Republican State Representative Dave Severin of Benton says when legislators

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