Authorities respond to third drowning in 3 weeks

Sunday, July 17th, 2011, 2:09pm

Authorities in Franklin County respond to the third drowning in Franklin County in less than three weeks and the fourth drowning since May.

According to Franklin County Coroner Marty Leffler, 41-year-old Randy Williams of Johnston City was swimming in a private farm pond near the intersection of Garrett's Prairie and Neilson Roads in West Frankfort.

Witnesses told police that Mr. Williams was swimming with a 13-old- male, whose parents were watching from shore. The thirteen year olds mother reportedly told the child it was time to get out of the pond.

The mother told police she saw Williams go under water and after several minutes he did not resurface.

West Frankfort Fire and Ambulance were called to the pond at 11:36 p.m. Saturday. Leffler says at 11:54 p.m. Williams' body was recovered from the pond and paramedics started CPR.

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A fun day for special people in Southern Illinois

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Sunday, July 17th, 2011, 11:13am

When it comes to having fun, the Kiwanis Clubs of Division 33 in Southern Illinois know how to make it happen.

And on Saturday afternoon they did just that for more than 300 physically challenged people from across Southern Illinois.

The 24th annual Dave Webster Kiwanis Fun Day Picnic kicked off at the Wayne Fitzgerald State Park, Harbor Oaks picnic area on Rend Lake.

"It's my first time going here and I have fun, and I love it," said April Motsinger.

"We're playing the games and eating, and go on boat rides."

The music filled the air from the Rebel Country Band, as some danced the afternoon away.

Others spent their time challenging one another to a game of horseshoes or sand-bag toss.

"I like to work, I do papers. I have fun out here," said Roberta Dillion.

"I learned about the pontoon boat, it was fun. What else I like, I like the clowns."

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SBA: Over $2,300,000 approved for homes, businesses in Southern Ill.

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Sunday, July 17th, 2011, 10:15am

SBA: Over $2,300,000 approved for homes, businesses in Southern Ill.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The U.S. Small Business Administration is encouraging anyone in Southern Illinois who has not filled out a disaster loan application to do so before the August 8 deadline.

More than $2.3 million in disaster assistance loans have been approved for Illinois residents affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred from April 19 through June 14.

According to the SBA, there are currently 37 home and business low-interest disaster loans that have been approved. These loans equal about $2,303,600.

“There is a tendency for survivors to discard SBA disaster loan applications because they may not want a loan. However, homeowners and renters may risk missing out on grants by not returning completed applications to SBA,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta. Those who received SBA applications are encouraged to return them even if they do not want a loan.

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Fun Day Picnic held for the physically challenged

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Saturday, July 16th, 2011, 12:38pm

Fun Day Picnic held for the physically challenged

BENTON, IL (KFVS) - Saturday is the 24rd annual Dave Webster Kiwanis Fun Day Picnic for the physically challenged of southern Illinois. According to a press release, it is hosted by the Kiwanis Clubs of Div. 33.

The event is at the Wayne Fitzgerald State Park, Harbor Oaks picnic area of Rend Lake.

Organizers say the event from 9:30 to 2 p.m. is open t individuals or groups that are physically challenged.

47 agencies over southern Ill. with over 500 guests are expected.

There are games, a band and boat rides available.

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Need information about Franklin Hospital? Interactive map available

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Saturday, July 16th, 2011, 10:00am

Need information about Franklin Hospital? Interactive map available

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health has an interactive map available with hospitals throughout Illinois, including Southern Illinois.

To see reviews and information on the hospital in Franklin County, click here.

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Movie day in West Frankfort

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Saturday, July 16th, 2011, 10:00am

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (KFVS) - The Friends of the Library will host a movie day on Monday, July 18.

The movie, "Sword and the Stone," will be shown at 1 p.m.

For more information, you can call the West Frankfort Public Library at 618-932-3313.

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IDHS provides almost $1 million in disaster food relief

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, July 15th, 2011, 2:17pm

IDHS provides almost $1 million in disaster food relief

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Human Services announced Friday they have finished processing applications for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for Southern Illinois flood victims.

The department distributed $970,451 in federally-funded Disaster SNAP benefits to 3,314 households with 7,775 residents in 15 counties affected by the flooding.

“The unprecedented flooding in southern Illinois had a devastating effect for many families and businesses,” said IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B.

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