On October 10, 2018 at approximately 12:50 p.m. Benton Police responded to the Public Square in reference to a hit and run.

Upon investigating, police arrested Nicholas J. Johnson, age 38, of Herrin for driving under the influence.  Johnson was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 10, 2018 at approximately 12 p.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North Main and Martin Street.  Upon investigating, police arrested Stacy K. Manning, age 33, of Benton for driving while license suspended.  Manning was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 12, 2018 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Washington Street in reference to a suspicious person.  Upon investigating, police arrested  Joshua W. Bryant, age 27, of Sesser for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia subsequent to a vehicle search after  Benton Police K9 “Ranger” alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle .  Police also arrested Joshua C. Sims, age 26 ,of Benton on an active Williamson County warrant for failure to appear.  Both Bryant and Sims were transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

Illinois ranked dead last in terms of fiscal stability using the most recent data that marks the first year lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner failed to agree on a budget. The author of the report notes that the state also had lower taxes at the time.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

BENTON — A former Southern Illinois Healthcare employee has been sentenced to serve more than a year in federal prison for defrauding the company while he worked there.

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

BUCKNER — A Buckner woman is in jail without bond after a domestic dispute during which she stabbed a man, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

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

Gov. Bruce Rauner and challenger J.B. Pritzker clashed over immigration and Chicago violence Tuesday with the Republican chief executive alleging immigrants living illegally in the state are a factor in the city’s crime problem while the Democrat said they contribute to Illinois’ economy.

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

A new survey of Illinois manufacturers shows overwhelming opposition to a possible gas tax hike.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

A new report highlights waste and pork in Illinois’ budget and its author says it just highlights the slap in the face to Illinois taxpayers.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

CHICAGO — After accusing each other of criminal activity in a debate and dueling news conferences last week, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker are going to be seeing more of each other this week.

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

Illinois Republicans are not going to let Democrat J.B. Pritzker’s troubles concerning a potentially illegal property tax break go away.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

The nation’s largest online professional network tracks where in the country workers are moving to and from.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.