News

IDPH acting director shares his vision for future of public health

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012, 11:59am

IDPH acting director shares his vision for future of public health

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Acting Director shared with local Murphysboro officials his vision for the future of public health, eliminating health disparities and chronic disease, and providing greater access to healthcare in Illinois.

Acting Director LaMar Hasbrouck also mentioned Gov. Pat Quinn's $1-per-pack increase in the state cigarette tax as an effective way to close the $2.7 billion Medicaid deficit and improve health benefits statewide by curbing the number of smokers.

“Local health departments are the front lines of public health and are our strongest allies in the effort to address and eliminate health disparities, provide access to quality health care and improve the overall health of Illinois residents,” said Dr. Hasbrouck.

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I-57 to be reduced for construction

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Monday, May 14th, 2012, 12:33pm

INA, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation says Interstate 57 will be reduced to one lane north of Exit 83 at Ina.

The lane will be closed Monday, May 14 through Wednesday, May 16.

According to IDOT, maintenance crews will be repairing the structure carrying northbound I-57 over Atchison Creek. They say emergency crews will be allowed through the construction site as quickly as possible.

Through traffic is encouraged to seek alternate routes while work is underway.

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Teen pleads guilty to murder of taxi cab driver

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Thursday, May 10th, 2012, 11:37am

MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS)- A Mt. Vernon teen entered an open guilty plea to first degree murder.

Christopher A. Wells, 16, of Mt. Vernon, IL, entered an open pleas of guilty to first degree murder stemming from his involvement in the shooting death of Charles Ellis on May 31, 2011.

Charles Ellis was a taxi cab driver for American Cab Company in Mt. Vernon. He was found dead in his cab after being shot in the back in what police suspected was an attempted robbery.

Wells was charged as an adult.

He will be sentenced to a term between 20 and 60 years in prison. His sentencing date has not been set. The law requires he serve 100 percent of his sentence.

Wells was found fit to stand trial after previously being found unfit to stand trial. This changed after a treatment provider submitted a report indicating Wells was now fit to stand trial.

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Heartland sports scores 5/9.

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Thursday, May 10th, 2012, 8:51am

Here are a look at your Heartland sports scores from 5/9.

H.S. Baseball

Jackson---7
Hillsboro---3

Cape Central---11
Charleston---1

Saxony Lutheran---6
Century---2

Woodlawn---13
Goreville---1

Notre Dame---1
St. Vincent---3

H.S. Soccer (Girls)

Carbondale---3
Jackson---0

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Weekend ramp closure on IL Route 37 at I-64 westbound ramp

Submitted by Steve Pobst on Thursday, May 10th, 7:00 am

MOUNT VERNON (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation would like to alert motorists traveling in the vicinity of IL Route 37 and I-64 Westbound of an intermittent ramp closure.

Due to reconstruction of I-57, and heavier traffic volumes during the weekend hours, the ramp from IL Route 37 to access I-64 Westbound will be closed on Fridays and remain closed until Monday morning each week.

This closure will continue on weekends only until further notice.

Drivers wanting to access I-57 should use IL Route 37 North to Dix and access I-57 via the ramps at Dix.

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Jefferson County woman killed in ATV crash

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012, 8:27pm

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS)- A Texico, Illinois woman was killed Wednesday in an ATV crash in rural Jefferson County.

It happened on Middle Road, 1/2 mile west of Mayflower Lane.

The sheriff's office says deputies got a call saying someone was lying in the center of the road.

When deputies arrived at the scene they found the coroner was notified.

Investigators say Rebecca E. Hanes, 35, of Texico was westbound on a 4-wheel ATV. They say evidence shows a deer ran into the path of Hanes' ATV. Hanes applied the brakes which caused the ATV to go sideways, throwing her from the vehicle.

Investigators say Hanes hit her head on the pavement causing blunt force trauma, resulting in her death. Hanes was not wearing a helmet, according to authorities.

No foul play is suspected.

The investigation is continuing.

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$500 reward offered for tips after property damage at churches, field

Submitted by Christy Hendricks

Monday, May 7th, 2012, 3:40pm

$500 reward offered for tips after property damage at churches, field

MT VERNON, IL (KFVS) - Jefferson County Crime Stoppers is offering a $500 reward for any tip resulting in an arrest for the person or people responsible for criminal damage to property and criminal defacement at three locations in Mt. Vernon.

It happened on May 6 at:

KLEIN FIELD, 3400 Veterans Memorial Drive
Spray painted numerous paint tags at Klein Field
FIRST CHURCH OF GOD, 1000 N. 42ND
Spray painted graffiti on the First Church of God's church bus
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 14769 N. Illinois Highway 37
Spray painted graffiti

Contact Jefferson County Crime Stoppers at 618/242-8477(TIPS) or the Mt.

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