MURPHYSBORO — The man convicted in June of murdering a 19-year-old Southern Illinois University student in February 2014 attempted to fire his lawyer Tuesday, but was denied by the presiding judge

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. — Three people are in custody at the Franklin County Jail, and could face animal cruelty charges, after animal control officers found 91 dogs in a Macedonia home this week.

Here’s a link to the story at WSIL-TV.

INA, Ill. – Jeff Jones, owner and operator of Burton’s Café in Whittington, was temporarily appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees tonight.

Jones, a native of Eldorado, is a product of the Illinois community college system as a graduate of Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg. He also completed a bachelor’s degree in economics at Southern Illinois University before relocating to Whittington to take over the family business in 1995. Jones’ son is an RLC alum.

Jeff Jones

When asked about why he chose to fill the vacant seat, Jones expressed his excitement to do his part in his community.

“Rend Lake College is a very important asset for our community and I wanted to be a part of that,” he said. “I want to make sure it’s going to be around for a long time, and I want to be a part of that. I’m excited and I feel very honored.”

Jones fills the seat left empty by the resignation of Eric Black of Mt. Vernon who cited his desire to concentrate on his family and business to step down from the board. Black was elected to a six-year term in 2015.

RLC President Terry Wilkerson said he looks forward to working with Jones in the coming months.

“Jeff has always played an active role in the community, and we are looking forward to his insight and leadership for the college. He understands the important role the college plays in the district and across the region,” said Wilkerson.