An aide to Gov. Bruce Rauner said Wednesday that the governor would sign a standalone bill to extend the required wait time before buying firearms in Illinois.

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

5-18-18 at 12:59 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Mine 25 Road just west of Logan Road.  A 2001 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Larry W. Carter age 53 of Thompsonville was west bound and lost control, traveling off the north side of the road and going into a ditch.  The driver suffered undetermined injuries and was transported to a local hospital by West Frankfort E.M.S.

5-19-18 at 10:08 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Lincoln Road near Grammer Hill Road.  A 2015 Honda CBR driven by Eric M. Young age 21 of Christopher was northbound when he lost control of his motorcycle and went into a ditch.  The driver was wearing a helmet, but suffered major injuries.  He was transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S.  Sesser Fire First Responders also responded to the scene.

5-20-18 at 10:39 am Deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in Macedonia.  The investigation led to the arrest of Terry L. Norris age 56 of Benton for criminal trespass, criminal damage to property and obstructing a peace officer.

5-20-18 at 1:46 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton.  The investigation led to the arrest of Nicolas R.J. Korolenko age 24 of West Frankfort for domestic battery.

5-21-18 at 4:29 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Coello.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kendra L. Key age 47 of Coello for domestic battery.

5-21-18 at 8:28 am Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on East Main St. and Goldheimer St. in Benton.  A 2010 Hyundai Sonata driven by Linda L. Joplin age 70 of Benton, was eastbound on Main St., when a 2003 Ford Escort, driven by Donna L. Berendt age 52 of Benton, failed to stop at the stop sign on Goldheimer St. and East Main, pulling out onto East Main St. into the path of the Hyundai.  Both drivers received major injuries and were transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S.  Donna Berendt was ticketed for disobeying a stop sign, failure to reduce speed to avoid a traffic crash and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

5-22-18 at 11:54 am Deputies responded to a hit and run crash that occurred on Il. Rt. 37 south of the Yellow Banks Road.  A 2012 Nissan Altima driven by Van E. Quick age 63 of Benton was southbound on Rt. 37 when a northbound 2008 Mini-Cooper, driven by Steven A. Burberry age 62 of Benton, was northbound, crossed into the southbound lane sideswiping the Nissan.  The Mini-Cooper continued northbound and was stopped by responding Deputies on west Main St. in Benton.  There were no injuries and Steven A. Burberry was arrested for leaving the scene of a property damage crash and for driving under the influence of alcohol.

5-23-18 at 6:47 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Mulkeytown.  The investigation led to the arrest of Seth A. Phillips age 27 of Mulkeytown for domestic battery.

5-24-18 at 8:49 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Coal St. in Freeman Spur.  A 2015 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Stephen T. Vaughn age 25 of Freeman Spur stated he served to miss a dog, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.  There were no injuries and the driver was arrested for driving while license suspended.

5-24-18 Deputies arrested Daniel R. Wallace Jr. age 38 of West Frankfort for residential burglary and felony theft.  The burglary had been reported on 5-21-18 from a residence in rural Benton.  The investigation first led to a residence in Coello where some of the stolen items were recovered and some other items were recovered from the suspect’s pick-up truck.  Wallace was arrested at a residence in Benton.  He is being held in the County Jail without bond pending review by the State’s Attorney’s Office and the sitting of bond by the Circuit Court.

Warrant Arrests

5-1-18 Michelle Palmer age 33 of Johnston City.  Failure to appear on traffic charges

5-8-18 Joshua B. Steely age 32 of Mulkeytown.  Failure to appear for burglary

5-8-18 Kayin C. Jeter age 18 of Herrin.  Failure to appear for theft

5-8-18 Jacob R. Diefenbach age 30 of Pittsburg.  Delivery of methamphetamine

5-10-18 Tara L. Motsinger age 58 of Mulkeytown.  Failure to appear for aggravated assault

5-11-18 Aspin M. Walta age 22 of O’Fallon.  Violation of probation

5-17-18 Jessica K. Evans age 20 of Marion.  Unlawful delivery of methamphetamine

5-20-18 Jaryan D. Brock-Brantley age 29 of Marion.  Warrant to revoke probation

5-20-18 Tony W. Fricke age 49 of Campbell Hill.  Failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine

5-21-18 John A.B. Sutton age 29 of Christopher.  Failure to appear for theft

5-21-18 Donald L. Singleton age 41 of Logan.  Failure to appear for criminal trespass to property

5-22-18 Christopher K. Martin age 21 of Zeigler.  Failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine

5-22-18 Samuel L. Lusby age 60 of Woodlawn.  Failure to appear for theft

5-25-18 Ronelle Kondoudis age 47 of Florida.  Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.

5-24-18 Matthew J. Harris age 40 of Mulkeytown.  Failure to appear for possession of cannabis

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Is it justice or revenge or politics? Opponents and proponents of bringing back the death penalty in Illinois for cop killers and mass murderers said their piece Monday in committee.

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

Brian Pheasant was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder in the 2016 shooting death of his wife, Beth Pheasant.

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

Some students in Illinois could soon get to use cannabis-based medicines in public schools. 

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

An Illinois House hearing Monday afternoon in Springfield will tackle reinstating the death penalty for cop killers and mass murderers, and other issues that are part of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s latest public safety push.

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

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner announced today Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs IDVA) Director Erica Jeffries will be leaving IDVA after leading the agency for more than threeyears. Jeffries is returning to the private sector where she will serve as an executive in a large multinational, Fortune 100 company. Elisabeth Pennix, the current General Counsel at IDVA and Navy veteran will serve as the interim director of the agency until a permanent director is announced.  

“Director Jeffries has done remarkable work for the veterans of Illinois during her tenure as director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs,” Rauner said. “She has been a steadfast leader in providing the crucial services our heroes need and deserve. We are deeply grateful for her service, and are confident Elisabeth Pennix will lead the department and serve Illinois’ veterans tremendously until a permanent director is selected.”

Jeffries, who is an Army veteran and former Blackhawk helicopter pilot, says leading the IDVA has been both a rewarding and challenging experience.

“It has been an honor to serve as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs alongside the outstanding men and women who make up this Agency and in collaboration with our many partners throughout the veteran community,” Jeffries said.  “Our mission at the IDVA is one of the most critical in the state – serving the most deserving population across Illinois – and throughout our nation.  This experience has truly challenged and strengthened my leadership.”

Under Director Jeffries’ leadership, IDVA provided quality skilled nursing care to over 900 aging veterans annually; helped thousands of veterans file claims to obtain benefits and compensation totaling more than $208M; and hosted dozens of workshops and events for women veterans, veteran job-seekers, employers seeking to hire veterans, veteran entrepreneurs, and Gold Star families.

Before serving as General Counsel at IDVA, Pennix served as Senior Program Manager for the Women Veterans Program, Gold Star Family Program, and Illinois Joining Forces.

During her military service, Pennix served seven years on active duty as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the U.S. Navy, and also deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007 where she conducted Geneva Convention legal reviews for Iraqi detainees. Pennix continues to serve part-time as a commander in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps Reserves. 

“I’m honored to continue the work of Director Jeffries and the entire IDVA as we continue to strive to provide the best possible care for Illinois’ veterans today and in the future,” Pennix said.

Pennix is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and the Chicago-Kent College of Law. She lives in Chicago with her husband, a retired U.S. Army officer and active duty Chicago Police Sergeant, and their children.

Amid calls for his resignation, Randy Dunn said Friday that he has no plans to step down from his role as president of the Southern Illinois University system.

Here’s the link to the story in the Southern Illinoisan.

Rend Lake – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake is now receiving water from the Rend Lake Conservancy District Water Plant.  All water-borne facilities at Rend Lake managed by the Corps of Engineers, such as restrooms and shower houses, are now open.  Please conserve water while the system recharges. The facilities will remain under a “Boil Water Order” until further notice. The total burn ban will remain in effect on all Rend Lake project lands until further notice. All outdoor fires, including campfires and grills, are not allowed until the burn ban is lifted.

The openings include all the restrooms and shower houses in the four Corps managed campgrounds including South Marcum, Gun Creek, North Sandusky, and South Sandusky.   Water and sewer will now be available at the dump stations, full-hookup sites, or hydrants. It is suggested that campers bring drinking water with them until the boil water order is lifted. Portable toilets and hand-washing stations will remain in the areas through the weekend in case of any water fluctuations.  Full fees will be re-instated beginning Friday, May 18, 2018.

All areas, including South Sandusky Day Use/Beach and North Marcum Day Use, planned to open on Friday, May 18, 2018, are now open.  These areas will have restrooms available. It is suggested that visitors bring drinking water with them until the boil water order is lifted.