Press Release from Don Jones, Franklin County Sheriff

7-21-17 at 12:40 pm Deputies investigated a complaint for violation of an order of protection.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of James D. Bowers Age 32 of McLeansboro for a felony charge of unlawful violation of an order of protection.

7-23-17 at 5:14 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Long Prairie Road, 1/4 mile north of Rt. 14.  A 2002 Chrysler Sebring driven by Travis B. Crawford Age 26 of Benton,  was south bound at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control, traveled over the north bound lane, off the roadway, into a ditch and overturned.  The driver was not injured, but was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

7-23-17 at 11:09 pm Deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress at a residence in rural West Frankfort.  The investigation resulted in the following arrests: Victoria L. Barron Age 26 of Creal Springs, Matthew P. Craig Age 33 of Creal Springs, Dennis W. Gill Jr. Age 27 of Carterville and Kenneth J. Marks Age 22 of Creal Springs. All were charged with residential burglary and felony theft.  (mugshots will be at the end)

7-25-17 at 3:24 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 37 south of West Frankfort.  A 2001 Chevrolet Truck. driven by Walter E. Robinson ,Age 84 of Christopher, was south bound on Rt. 37 and failed to stop, rear-ending a south bound 2016 Nissan Maxima driven by Marabeth Clark, Age 54 of West Frankfort.  There were no injuries and Robinson was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

7-26-17 at 8:16 am Deputies investigated a reported driver unresponsive in a vehicle in rural Benton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Ashley M. Eldridge, Age 33 of Christopher for driving while license suspended and possession of 10-30 grams of cannabis.

WARRANTS

7-21-17 Richard L. Moore Age 46 of Johnston City.  Failure to appear for bad checks.

7-21-17 Shane C. Webster Age 33 of Benton.  Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-23-17 David C. Pennell Age 63 of Buckner. Domestic Battery

7-24-17 William J. Frohock Age 34 of Eldroado. Petition to revoke probation for aggravated battery.
7-24-17 Daniel K. Harkins Age 35 of Johnston City.  Failure to appear for resisting arrest.

7-25-17 Shawn M. Isaacs Age 26 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-26-17 Christopher R. Brinkmeier Age 44 of Benton. Failure to appear for criminal damage to property.

7-28-17 Michell N. Wasson Age 40 of Thompsonville. Failure to appear for D.U.I. and criminal trespass to property.

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

Sheriff Don Jones

Victoria Barron (All Photos by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Dennis Gill

Kenneth Marks

Matthew Craig

If estimates are accurate, prepare for inconveniences form Friday, August 17th, until Tuesday, August 22nd.

From Rick Linton, Executive Director, Rend Lake Area Tourism

• Have all your vehicles filled up with fuel, to avoid shortages and long lines.
• Stock up on basic grocery items, such as food and water.
• Have extra cash on hand, ATM’s could be overloaded or offline.
• Check your medication supply in advance.
• Plan to limit driving as much as possible during this timeframe.
• Avoid interstate 57 and other state highways, as they may become congested.
• If you must travel, have drinking water in your vehicle.
• Have viewing appropriate eyewear from a reputable source.
• Be sure everyone knows how to view the eclipse, even with protective glasses.
• Have a backup communication plan for family members and work associates in case cell phone service becomes overloaded.
• Internet service can also be very slow.
• Check on the elderly to make sure they have all their needs.
• During the eclipse, supervise children and those who may become frightened.
• Take care of animals and pets, as they may become frightened during the eclipse.
• If you plan to view the eclipse, turn off any automatic lights, as they may spoil the view.