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Mt. Vernon man sentenced to 12 years for shooting incident

MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS)- A Mount Vernon man will
spend the next 12 years in prison.

That's the sentence handed
down by a judge Friday in connection with a shooting that happened near Casey
Middle School in January 2012.

Prosecutors say in January 22-year-old Tylon Hawthorne fired several shots toward his brother. The
shooting took place just 250 feet from the middle school.

A jury convicted Hawthorne
following a three-day jury trial in May.

Copyright 2012 KFVS. All rights reserved.

Man sentenced for shooting near middle school in Mt. Vernon

MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS)- A Mt. Vernon man was sentenced to several years in prison after a shooting near Casey Middle School in January.

Tylon L. Hawthorne, 22, of Mt. Vernon was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by three years of parole on one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm and 10 years in prison on one count of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon.

On January 19, Hawthorne fired a gun at his brother, Jacquez Gardner, about 250 feet from a middle school that was in session.

Copyright 2012 KFVS. All rights reserved.

IDPH releases 4th of July, summer safety health tips

IDPH releases 4th of July, summer safety health tips

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health is offering Fourth of July and summer safety health tips to help avoid injury and illness.

Food Safety - for cookouts and picnics, temperature is key to avoiding food-borne illness.

  • Use a meat thermometer to make sure all meat and poultry are properly cooked. Ground beef hamburgers to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and hot dogs to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Use a clean plate when taking food off the grill
  • Keep hot food hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit or above), and cold food cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or below)
  • Refrigerate leftovers within two hours

IDPH says the symptoms of most food poisoning include severe cramps, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and blood diarrhea. Symptoms can begin from 30 minutes to three or more days after eating contaminated food. If food symptoms are severe or last longer than two days, contact a doctor or health care provider.

Crime Stoppers offering reward for information in beating, robbery of man

Crime Stoppers offering reward for information in beating, robbery of man

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Jefferson County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information about the identification of suspects involved in a battery and robbery.

Crime Stoppers says the incident occurred at the 1000 block of South 21st Street on June 21 around 4:40 a.m. They say a black male had been beat and was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

According to Crime Stoppers the victim was walking home when three black males walked towards him. They struck from behind with a pipe, he lost consciousness and his wallet was stolen from him while he was out.

The suspects are described as being about 20 years old. One was about 6 feet, 1 inch tall with a skinny build and another had braided hair.

If you have any information about the names of the people invovled, please contact Jefferson County Crime Stoppers at 618-242-8477 or the Mt. Vernon Police Department at 242-2131 or 242-0215.

Illinois state troopers talk holiday highway safety

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KVFS)- Traveling for the July 4th
holiday is just around the corner, and safety is on the minds of Illinois state
troopers. 

In one week, five have
died on southern Illinois roads alone.

Before heading out
authorities want motorists to be alert and to buckle up.

"When you get on the
road get the checklist out, it's four little simple things," said Trooper
David Sneed. "Do I have my seat belt on? Am I impaired? Am I distracted? Am
I obeying the speed limit? So, if we can keep that in check - that will be a big
thing right there."

Also, during the holiday
weekend police say they will be out in force conducting seatbelt and drunken
driving checkpoints.

Copyright 2012 KFVS. All
rights reserved.

Cooling Centers available in Jefferson Co., throughout Southern Ill.

Cooling Centers available in Jefferson Co., throughout Southern Ill.

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Governor Pat Quinn announced Monday there will be services available throughout the state to protect people from the heat.

The Governor also encouraged residents to check on family members and neighbors who are vulnerable to hot weather, including the elderly and children. 

“Rising temperatures like those we’re expecting in the days ahead can be extremely dangerous, especially for elderly residents and children,” Governor Quinn said. “I urge people to take steps to stay safe and cool. If you have children, or elderly neighbors or relatives, please check on them regularly to make sure they are safe.”

Red Cross has some safety tips to keep in mind for the 4th of July holiday

Red Cross has some safety tips to keep in mind for the 4th of July holiday

(KFVS) - The American Red Cross is sharing some safety tips for Independence Day.

The holiday is just around the corner and many people will visit the lake, enjoy fireworks or fire up the grill for a backyard barbecue.

“The American Red Cross wants everyone to have a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday, and taking a few simple steps to stay safe can help ensure that this will be an enjoyable holiday for all,” said Nigel Holderby, Red Cross Chief Communications Officer.

LAKE SAFETY: If swimming in the lake is part of someone’s holiday plans, they should check the weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day, swim only within the designated swimming area and obey all safety rules. Avoid alcohol before and during any water activities and make sure to never swim alone.

Other tips to keep in mind: