News

Man on prison leave accused of abducting woman, 2 kids

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013, 12:50pm

MOUNT VERNON, IL (KFVS)- Mount Vernon police say a man who was on furlough from a southern Illinois prison is accused of committing two separate car-jackings on Tuesday afternoon.

David Pederson, who was on furlough from Marion federal prison, was taken to the Jefferson County Jail until his first court appearance.

Police say on Tuesday, shortly after 2:30 p.m. officers responded to the BP gas station at 44th and Broadway after a woman reported that she had just been car-jacked at gunpoint.

The first victim was reportedly abducted in her car at the McDonalds restaurant on Potomac Boulevard.

The suspect then bound her hands and they eventually went to the BP gas station, where she was able to get free and escape, according to investigators.

Police say the suspect then went to a van and abducted a woman with her two children inside.

The suspect reportedly dropped them off by the NAPA distribution center on Wells Bypass.

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Illinois college students eligible for over $1.1 billion in Pell Grants

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013, 12:00pm

DEERFIELD, IL (KFVS) - Illinois students filing for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) have already qualified for nearly $1.1 billion in federal Pell Grants for the 2013-14 school year, according to the Illinois Student
Assistance Commission.

"Students should be aware that even with projected funding for the state's Monetary Award Program exhausted, those who are MAP-eligible will likely also qualify for a Pell Grant, which can provide up to $5,645 annually when attending an eligible institution full time," said Illinois Student Assistance Commission Executive Director Eric Zarnikow.

Zarnikow adds that last year, students in Illinois received more than $1.7 billion in Pell Grants and MAP financial assistance combined.

For more information
about MAP, the FAFSA and Pell Grants, visit ISAC's website at www.isac.org.

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IDOT announces 'Gear Up-Ride Smart' motorcycle safety campaign

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013, 3:54pm

IDOT announces 'Gear Up-Ride Smart' motorcycle safety campaign

MARION, IL (KFVS) - (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and motorcycle advocacy groups partner to promote motorcycle safety and drive down motorcycle fatalities.

The campaign will be Wednesday, March 27 at 1:30 p.m. at Black Diamond Harley Davidson.

As a part of the “Gear Up - Ride Smart” campaign, IDOT is also introducing a new theme to bring awareness to all motorcyclists and encourage preparedness through training and wearing proper gear.

Those speaking at the event include:

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Pinckneyville woman to direct regional tourism development office

Submitted by Steve Pobst on Tuesday, March 19th, 11:06 am

MARION, IL (KFVS) - A new opportunity for tourism development has arrived in Illinois.

Recently, the Trails to Adventure Regional Tourism Development Office (RTDO) opened at 3000 West DeYoung St., Suite 800B , Marion, Illinois.

Tibretta Reiman, from Pinckneyville, Illinois, is the Development Director.

Reiman was Executive Director of the Foundation for Pinckneyville and has been involved with tourism for five years.

The Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) has designated four regions for tourism development.

The regional offices were formed to work with local Tourism Bureaus and Convention and Visitors Bureaus to bring visitors to Illinois.

The regional offices also market counties that are not covered by a bureau.

The regions are: Chicago and Beyond in the north; Great Rivers Country on the western side; Land of Lincoln in the central part of the state; and Trails to Adventure in southern and eastern Illinois.

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2 men arrested in connection with beating in Nason

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer

Monday, March 18th, 2013, 3:41pm

2 men arrested in connection with beating in Nason

NASON, IL (KFVS) - The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office arrested two men Monday, March 18 in connection with a beating.

Jacob D. West, 21, and Dustin W. Mannen, 27, were charged with home invasion with a gun, armed robbery with a gun, armed violence, aggravated battery - great bodily harm.

Deputies say on March 17 around 8:50 p.m. dispatch received a 911 call from Franklin County Sheriff's Office Dispatch about a male that had called saying someone was being beaten.

Franklin County supplied contact information to Jefferson County and they say they were able to reach the caller. Information was collected and Jefferson County deputies were dispatched to a rural Jefferson County home in Nason.

When officers arrived at the scene at Cowling Avenue in Nason, they found no one at home. Deputies say they were able to gather more information about a man seen walking on East Saddle Club Road near the area.

Jacob D. West (Source: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office)

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2 suspects sought in early morning armed robbery

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Friday, March 15th, 2013, 11:59am

MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS)- Police are looking for two suspects after someone was hit on the head and robbed early Friday morning in Mt. Vernon.

Police say the battery and armed robbery happened in the 1400 block of South 10th Street around 3:30 a.m.

Investigators ay the victim was jumped while out walking their dog. The victim was hit on the head and money was taken.

According to police the suspects were two black males, around 6-feet tall, and wearing hooded sweatshirts.

Anyone with information is asked to call Jefferson County Crime Stoppers tip line at 618/242-8477(TIPS) or call the Mt. Vernon Police Department at 242-2131 or 242-0215.

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