Benton Police Chief Lance Charleson has resigned from his post.

The city council accepted the chief's resignation Friday morning, effective immediately.

Charleson says it was for medical reasons and he is very disappointed to have to call it quits.

Charleson was Benton's chief for a year and two months.

Benton Mayor Gary Kraft says Detective Mike Andrews has been appointed interim chief.

The city will begin taking resumes in the next month to begin the search for a new chief.

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Spring rains have brought mosquito breeding to many southern Illinois backyards, and with it the risk of West Nile Virus, according to the University of Illinois Extension.

"The first step to fighting mosquitos begins in your backyard," according to Rhonda Feree, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.

West Nile Virus is most frequently transmitted through the house mosquito, according the extension. They state the insect can only fly about 1 and one-half miles, and the mosquito usually breeds and lives in  backyards.

Mosquito eggs and larvae must have water to live. Water sources have to be removed as soon as possible from residential yards and communities, according to the extension.

The Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department warns families of the dangers of childhood drowning.

Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed May as Childhood Drowning Prevention month in Illinois.

It is important to actively supervise children when they are in or near water to prevent accidental tragedies from drowning, according to Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department.

In Illinois, 19 children lost their lives due to accidental drowning in 2009. Drowning is the leading cause of deaths in children ages 1 to 4.

The American Red Cross identifies four crucial elements to childhood water safety: