FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold announced Thursday hospitals in Illinois have reported fewer health care-associated infections in 2010 compared to 2009.

The IDPH analyzed central line-associated bloodstream infection data as part of the Illinois Hospital Report Card, and found more than 75 percent of Illinois hospitals had the same number or fewer infection cases in 2010 than in 2009.

They say in 2009, 383 bloodstream infections were reported in adult intensive care units in Illinois and 282 were reported in 2010.

“Although results are only for two years, they indicate a significant step forward in the prevention of infection and protection of Illinois patients,” said Dr. Arnold. “Hospital surveillance of infections and public reporting on the Illinois Hospital Report Card Web site play key roles in prevention efforts.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The United Way of Southern Illinois' "Stuff the Bus" program will be collecting school supplies for Franklin and Williamson County schools, along with snacks for Gum Drops, throughout July.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Rent One Park - school bus on site at the game on July 17
• The Bank of Marion - all branches
• Carterville Water Department
• Carterville Chamber of Commerce
• RSP Heating & Cooling - Carterville
• Love & Truth Church - Crainville
• Herrin Security Bank - Herrin
• Regions Bank - Marion
• Dollar General Stores - Marion, Herrin and Benton
• JALC-Community Health Education Complex
• United Way of Southern Illinois - 1301 Enterprise Way, Marion (next to Rural King)

The group will be collecting several supplies such as:

Supplies needed:

• School boxes
• Glue (

The fate of Afton Ferris is now in the hands of the jury.  Closing arguments wrapped up around 11 a.m. Tuesday. 

The jury got the case just after 11:30 a.m., but Tuesday afternoon things in the court room heated up.  The temperature reached around 82.  Apparently, there was a problem with the air conditioner at the courthouse.  So just before 4 p.m. the judge let the jury go home for the night.

The jury of nine women and three men are expected back Wednesday morning to take up deliberations.

Ferris faces six changes including murder, home invasion and armed robbery. She has pleaded not guilty.

The Franklin County jury heard from the 21-year-old woman accused of murder on Monday.

Afton Ferris allegedly shot Kandis Majors and Terri Seibeck to death in their West Frankfort home in October 2009.