Local News – Page 3 – WQRL Radio 106.3 FM

Severin Says Hurried Process and Lack of Details Lead to No Vote on Police and Fire Pension Reform

SPRINGFIELD – Citing a rushed process and a lack of actuarial details, State Representative Dave Severin cast a no vote on a proposal by Governor JB Pritzker to combine the assets of downstate and suburban police and firefighter pension funds during the final week of the 2019 Veto Session. “The proponents of the legislation argue

Severin Supports ‘First Step’ Ethics Reforms, Calls for Action on Tougher Package

15November

SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) says despite small movements in the right direction, he left the 2019 Veto Session feeling unsatisfied on the issue of ethics reform. A sponsor of several measures aimed at cleaning up government corruption, Severin says he voted in favor of two bills brought forward at the eleventh-hour by

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Report – Friday, November 15

15November

MT. VERNON – On Friday, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests to Withers Broadcasting and Dana Communications News. Forty-five-year-old Ernest Griffin of Mt. Vernon was arrested Thursday for battery, domestic battery, and harassing a witness. Forty-seven-year-old Owen Hemmer of Mt. Vernon was arrested by Mt. Vernon Police Thursday for domestic battery and

Two Sought in Wednesday Night Home Invasion in Carbondale

15November

CARBONDALE – Carbondale Police are looking for two suspects who were allegedly involved in a home invasion in the 900 block of East Park Street Wednesday night. Police say around 5:30 p.m., two suspects entered the home with one of the suspects displaying a handgun and demanding money. The suspects stole property and then fled

Benton to Set Aside Part of WWTP Debt Reduction Funds for Sewer Infrastructure

14November

BENTON – The Benton City Council passed a resolution dealing with the sewer surcharge and a resolution restricting funds for the wastewater treatment plant debt reduction and infrastructure at Tuesday night’s meeting. According to City Clerk Brook Craig, in the past, the surcharge was set to only cover debt reduction and now it will be

Temporary Area Closings during Firearm Deer Seasons at Rend Lake

14November

BENTON, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake reminds visitors that many locations on Rend Lake will be closed during the state firearm deer hunting seasons. The following recreation areas will be temporarily closed to all vehicle and foot traffic during the first firearm deer season, November 22-24, 2019. Areas affected

Smith Announces Run for Illinois’ 115th District House Seat

14November

ASHLEY – Johnnie R. Smith II of Ashley, IL would like to formally announce his intention to run for the Republican candidacy for Illinois’ 115th Representative District in the state legislature. That seat is being vacated by Terri Bryant. Smith is a lieutenant through the Illinois Department of Corrections, a current Trustee Officer of Blissville

Cates Announces Candidacy for Retiring Karmeier’s Seat on Illinois Supreme Court

14November

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – Justice Judy Cates has announced she is running for the Supreme Court – an opening created by the retirement of Justice Loyd Karmeier. “My family and friends have encouraged me to enter this race, and I have been honored by the outpouring of support I have received from so many people throughout

Carrier Mills to Hold Last E-Recycling Event of the Year Saturday

14November

CARRIER MILLS – The last monthly electronic recycling event of the year in Carrier Mills happens Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the trailer is full, at the Carrier Mills Municipal Building parking lot on North Mill Street. Anything that can be plugged in is required to be recycled. You can no longer

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Report – Thursday, November 14

14November

MT. VERNON – On Thursday, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests to Withers Broadcasting and Dana Communications News. Twenty-six-year-old Myles Bush-King of Flora was arrested by Mt. Vernon Police Wednesday for possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license. Twenty-four-year-old Sarah Chwarczinski of Mt. Vernon was arrested by Mt.