A Carterville man who pleaded guilty to a meth making charge was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.

Eric T. Shafer, 36, of Carterville pleaded guilty to possession of a listed chemical (Pseudoephedrine) knowing it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance (methamphetamine) on February 21.

He was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in federal prison, a $500 fine, and three years of supervised release after his prison time.

The violations took place from September 2007 through October 2010 in Jefferson and Franklin counties, according to United States Attorney Stephen R. Wigginton, Southern District of Illinois.

Shafer admitted to the court that he would get pseudoephedrine pills to manufacture meth.  The meth was used by him or sold to others in southern Illinois.  Records from several merchants throughout southern Illinois show numerous purchases of pseudoephedrine by Shafer from September 2007 to October 2010.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Centers for Disease Control has released a tip sheet to help parents who are coping with disasters.

The CDC says if you are prepared for possible disasters, you are more likely to be confident in your ability to keep your family safe, and your children are more likely to handle the situation better.

Because it is hard to predict how children will react with disasters, the CDC has provided some things to look for in their emotions and behavior.

Common emotions:

• Shock and surprise
• Anxiety and tension
• Confusing
• Fear or worry
• Grief
• Anger
• Guilt and shame
• Helplessness
• Isolation
• Despair and sadness
• Numbness
• Fear of being alone

Behavioral changes:

• Crying
• Eating patterns
• Sleeping patterns
• Anger or short temper
• Fatigue
• Hyperactivit

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), several state sites in southern Illinois that had been closed because of flooding are now open for in time for Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer.

"IDNR staff worked long and hard to get these sites back open after unprecedented flooding this spring," said IDNR Director Marc Miller. "I would like to commend them for all their hard work and invite visitors to come out and enjoy Ill. state parks this Memorial Day weekend."

Portions of Fort Massac State Park (Massac Co.) is reopened to the public, including the visitor center, museum and the 1802 fort.

Facilities at Wayne Fitzgerrll State Recreation Area (Franklin Co.) are open, except for the primitive tent camping area which remains closed.