Press Release From Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones

The following individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty by a court of law.

9-1-17 at 11:39 am a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Andrew D. Ramsay age 43 of Ewing for driving whiles license suspended.

9-1-17 at 3:50 pm Deputies arrested Blake M. Vosbein age 21 of West Frankfort for possession of stolen firearms and obstructing justice. This was part of the ongoing theft investigation in which two 15 year old male juveniles had previously been arrested. The stolen guns were recovered.

9-1-17 at 2:48 pm a traffic stop in rural West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Collin D. Batts age 23 of West Frankfort for driving while license suspended and speeding.

9-2-17 at 2:20 am a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Jeremy W. Hughes age 27 of West Frankfort for speeding (78 MPH in a 30 MPH zone) reckless driving, no motorcycle endorsement and fleeing and attempting to elude.

9-2-17 at 2:45 pm a traffic stop in rural Benton resulted in the arrest of Marcella L. Akin age 39 of Benton for driving while license suspended.

9-2-17 at 4:00 pm a traffic stop in West Frankfort led to the arrest of Angel M. Avery age 27 of Creal Spring for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, two outstanding arrest warrants in Williamson County and driving while license suspended. Also arrested was a passenger, Robert L. Shreve Jr. age 28 of Creal Springs for failing to appear on a criminal felony in Johnson County. Both were transported to the Franklin County Jail.

9-3-17 at 5:31 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash on ll. Rt. 148 at Peach Orchard Road. A 2007 Honda Civic driven by Alexis N. Hacker age 19 of Flora was south bound on Rt. 148 when a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Gregory A. Sample age 52 of Sesser, was west bound on Peach Orchard Road, failed to yield and struck the Honda. Alexis Hacker was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Gregory Sample was not injured and was ticketed for failing to yield right of way.

9-4-17 at 2:24 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on Main St. in Coello. A 2016 Ford Pick-Up driven by Chris I . Drysdale age 48 of Mcleansboro struck a guardrail and culvert near Speed St. The driver fled the scene south bound. The damaged vehicle was located abandoned on the parking lot of the Italian Club parking lot. Drysdale was located on September 7th and ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, leaving the scene of a property damage incident, failure to give information and illegal transportation of alcohol.

9-4-17 at 3:34 am the investigation of a reported suspicious vehicle at Coy & Wilma’s Campground resulted in the arrests of William A. Rogers age 31 of Murphysboro and Chelsa J. Beasley age 24 of Murphysboro for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

9-4-17 at 5:40 pm Deputies investigated an incident at North Marcum Beach, Rend Lake. The investigation is continuing and has resulted in a 16 year old West Frankfort female being charged with unlawful consumption of alcohol and James S. Munyon age 25 of Woodlawn being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The investigation is continuing and more arrests and charges are anticipated.

9-5-17 at 2:30 pm a traffic stop in Benton resulted in the arrest of Ashley D. McNeal age 28 of Akin for driving while license suspended.

9-5-17 at 8:20 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton. The investigation led to the arrest of Dustin M. Odaniel age 24 of Benton for domestic battery.

9-6-17 at 7:28 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on Sesser Lake Road. A 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster Motorcycle was south bound and struck a deer. The driver, Russell G. Montgomery age 46 of Sesser received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS.

9-7-17 at 12:26 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash in Christopher at IL. Rt. 14 and Coello Road. A 1992 Ford Ranger Pick-Up driven by Ricky K. Rogers age 35 of Desoto was eat bound on Rt. 14 when a FedEx Truck driven by Dennis M. Kinkade age 42 of Benton pulled onto Rt. 14 from Coello Hill Road colliding with the Ford Ranger. Ricky Rogers and a passenger, Jerry D. Gass age 47 of West Frankfort both received major injuries and were transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Dennis Kinkade was not injured and was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.

9-7-17 at 5:22 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle crash on ll. Rt. 14 at Rend City Road. A 1995 Jeep Wrangler driven by Marcus D. Allen age 43 of Buckner was east bound on Rt. 14. The Jeep slowed down in traffic and was struck from behind by a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero driven by Luke S. Garver age 18 of Buckner. Allen received minor injuries but refused medical treatment. Garver was not injured and was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

9-8-17 at 1:36 am Deputies investigated a reported suspicions vehicle in rural West Frankfort. The investigation resulted in the arrest of McKenzie E. Jarvis age 22 of West Frankfort for possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

WARRANTS

9-2-17 Corey D. Vansbuskirk age 23 of Thompsonville. Failure to appear on theft charges.
9-3-17 James D. Smith age 40 of Benton. Failure to appear on a charge of selling alcohol to a minor.
9-5-17 Shane M. Daugherty age 35 of Coello. Failure to appear on driving under the influence.
9-6-17 William J. Franklin age 22 of Benton. Failure to appear in a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
9-6-17 Joshua W. Bryant age 26 of Christopher. Failure to appear on a criminal damage to property charge.
9-6-17 Paul L. Barnfield age 41 of Benton. Failure to appear for possession of cannabis.
9-7-17 Byron E. Olson age 24 of Benton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
9-7-17 Cheryl L. Cali age 48 of Benton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
9-7-17 Shawn M. Himich age 20 of Marion. Retail theft
9-7-17 Cameron L. Dean age 25 of Perryville Arkansas. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
9-8-17 Justin B. Osborne age 27 of Benton. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
9-8-17 Richard A. Shively age 40 of Zeigler. Aggravated assault.
9-8-17 Jeremy O. Downard age 31 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on drug charges.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36316567/liuna-local-773-placed-under-emergency-trusteeship

MARION, IL – (Andrew Feather, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link above fore the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)

A notice posted on the front door of Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 773 in Marion says the local has come under “emergency trusteeship,” meaning the national office has taken control of the local’s day-to-day operations.

The notice, signed by the union’s national president Terry O’Sullivan, outlines multiple charges of mismanagement by the branch’s leadership.

It cites multiple reports of business manager Kevin Starr carrying firearms in a threatening manner at the union hall, union staff being “fearful” and “intimidated” and improper financial conduct from the local’s board.

http://nash-news.com/news-lead/emotional-statements-heard-no-action-taken-nchs-board-regarding-fowler/

NASHVILLE, IL (Alex Haugland, Nashville News.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.

Following the publication of the “Volleyball” column by Nashville Community High School Superintendent Ernie Fowler and the ensuing fallout from it, the NCHS board called a special meeting which was held at starting at 6 p.m. on the evening of Wednesday, September 6.

Along with the members of the board (all members were present except for John Hallock), there were numerous NCHS faculty members present at the meeting, as well as a handful of members of the community.

The only item on the agenda was a closed session, and board president Shawn Cook told those present that due to it being a special meeting, the board would not be able to take any action or make a vote until a regular meeting (The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18). The special meeting was called because without an official meeting, the board is prohibited by the open meetings act from even discussing the matter as a group.

by ReAnne Palmer, RLC Public Information

INA, IL – Join Rend Lake College on the trip of a lifetime. RLC has partnered with Collette Vacations to offer two unique travel opportunities in 2018. Sightsee through the United Kingdom (UK) by rail in March or tour the “old west” through the Colorado Rocky Mountains in July.

The UK by Rail trip is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2018, through Monday, March 26, 2018, with stops in three of the UK’s most iconic destinations: Edinburgh, York, and London. Begin the adventure in Edinburgh, touring the city’s castle and the nearby town of St. Andrews.

Participants will then take the train to York and spend two days exploring England’s medieval capital at Castle Howard and the market town of Helmsley. End the trip with a train ride to London and receive a tour from a local expert, including a stop at Windsor Castle.
The UK by Rail trip costs $4,099 per person, double occupancy. The costs include 10 days of stay and travel, and 12 meals.

Enjoy a scenic tour of Colorado and Utah with the Colorado Rockies trip, set for Friday, July 20, 2018, through Saturday, July 28, 2018. The tour begins in the “Mile High City” of Denver and consists of many stops on the nine-day journey, including four national parks.

Attendees will visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado’s wine country, and will experience traditional cowboy entertainment and food. One highlight of the tour will be a visit to the historic Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
The Colorado Rockies trip costs $2,999 per person, double occupancy. The costs include nine days of stay and travel, and 12 meals.

Early booking discounts may apply to both trips, and single and triple rates available upon request.

An informational meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 at the RLC Historic Schoolhouse on the Ina campus to discuss the trips. Details on early booking discounts will also be available. To RSVP to the meeting, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714.

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/36129252/son-indicted-for-murder-in-connection-to-murphysboro-il-couples-death

Keith Ritcherson, provided to KFVS by Jackson County Sheriff’s department

MURPHYSBORO, IL – (Alicia Dombrick, KFVS-TV. Please click for the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

A Grand Jury in Jackson County, Illinois has indicted a Murphysboro man on four counts of First Degree Murder in connection to the shooting deaths of his parents.

Keith R. Ritcheson, 40, is being held at the Jackson County Jail on $1 million bond. Court documents show that Ritcheson is accused of shooting his parents, Brenda and Burl Ritcheson in their rural Murphysboro home overnight between Sunday, Aug. 13 and Monday, Aug. 14.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued for Keith Ritcheson on Thursday, Aug. 17 and he was arrested at 11 p.m.

Press release from the office of Governor Bruce Rauner

CHICAGO IL– Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed Executive Order 17-05, creating the governor’s Opioid Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force.

The task force will be co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti and Dr. Nirav D. Shah, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. The task force will look at strategies to prevent expansion of the opioid crisis, treat and promote the recovery of individuals with opioid-use disorder, and reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths.

“The opioid crisis in Illinois affects people from all walks of life ─ small towns and big cities, the wealthy and the poor, young and old. Without treatment, people suffering from opioid-use disorder risk dropping out of school, losing their job, becoming homeless, losing custody of their children, or getting arrested,” Gov. Rauner said.  “This is not a problem that government, health care, police, schools, communities or others can solve on their own. We must all work together. Today, I am creating and charging the Opioid Overdose Prevention and Intervention Task Force to develop a comprehensive strategy to stem the tide of the opioid crisis in Illinois.”

Since 2013, the number of heroin overdose deaths in Illinois has doubled, and the number of opioid overdose deaths has quadrupled. More than 1,900 people in Illinois are expected to die of opioid overdoses this year ─ more than one-and-a-half times the number of homicides and almost twice the number of fatal motor vehicle crashes. Between 2013 and 2016 in Illinois, total drug overdose deaths increased by almost 50 percent, overdose deaths involving opioids increased 76 percent, and overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (such as fentanyl) increased 258 percent.

“The opioid epidemic knows no neighborhood, no color, and no class.  It is not confined to alleys in urban settings, nor isolated in rural communities,” Lt. Gov. Sanguinetti said. “Illinois needs a comprehensive opioid strategy that destigmatizes addiction and appropriately aligns resources across state agencies in partnership with community priorities.”

“The opioid crisis in Illinois is not something that we can arrest or even treat our way out of,” IDPH Director Shah said. “Active collaboration and engagement with state agencies, elected officials, the medical community, providers, insurers, educators, law enforcement, patient advocacy organizations, and the public will be critical to our success.”

The Task Force will look at how to increase the number of providers that use the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program; reduce high-risk opioid prescribing; make information and resources more accessible to the public; strengthen data collection, analysis, and sharing; reduce the number of overdose deaths of individuals recently released from an institutional facility; and increase naloxone availability and training.

“It is time we understand and treat substance-use disorder as a chronic disease and eliminate the stigma that prevents individuals struggling with opioid use from seeking care,” Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary James Dimas said. “This epidemic impacts every community, every neighborhood, and, as a result, every home. With evidence from years of scientific research to support us, Illinois is ready to shatter the image of substance use disorder as a ‘moral failing’ and treat it as any other chronic illness.”

“As a family doctor at Lawndale Christian Health Center on the west side of Chicago, I am privileged and blessed to be on a team that tries to respond to the needs of our community. One of the greatest needs we see right now is preventing deaths from opioid overdose,” Dr. Thomas D. Huggett said.  “Medication assisted treatment, behavioral health counseling, and social support are vitally needed as we walk beside our patients who want to leave opioid-use disorder and heroin behind. We have already seen many success stories of those who are now feeling much better, working a job, and are reunited with their families, but there is much work left to do.”

Members of the Task Force will include officials from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Illinois State Police, and from Illinois Departments of: Financial and Professional Regulation, Human Services, Public Health, Juvenile Justice, Insurance, Corrections, and Healthcare and Family Services.