IDNR reminds snowmobile operators to practice safety this winter

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Friday, December 30th, 2011, 12:35pm

IDNR reminds snowmobile operators to practice safety this winter

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobile operators and riders to be extra cautious this year when the snow starts to fall.

According to the IDNR, every year throughout the state, people are seriously injured or lose their lives on snowmobiles. They say many of these accidents could have been prevented had proper precautions been taken and common sense used.

They say in many instances, being alert, knowing the trail and traveling at a responsible rate of speed for trail conditions can prevent most accidents. In North America, more than 50 percent of snowmobile fatalities involve intoxicated operators.

The IDNR says last season in Illinois, 47 reported snowmobile accidents resulted in one fatality.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Community Sponsors

Bennett Family Dentistry

Our Family Caring for Your Family

Campaign to reduce underage, binge drinking

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer

Friday, December 30th, 2011, 12:09pm

Campaign to reduce underage, binge drinking

(KFVS) - A new campaign is launching to encourage Illinois parents to help reduce underage and binge drinking.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) and more than 50 officials across the state are launching the campaign before New Year's Eve.

The parental responsibility campaign is being used to help stop unwanted behavior that often ends in fatal car crashes, drug addiction and violent behavior, according to ILCC.

Officials say underage drinking can be prevented if parents and guardians take an active role in communicating the dangers to their children at an early age.

According to an Illinois Youth Survey, Three-quarters of young people age 12 and up say they are less likely to drink if their parents disapprove.

Schools, law enforcement and the liquor industry have been fighting to reduce the sale of beer, wine and spirits to underage customers.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Ill. man to spend 9 years behind bars for explosive materials

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Thursday, December 29th, 2011, 7:11pm

BENTON, IL (KFVS)-

A Herrin man will spend the next 9-years behind bars for possessing explosive materials.

Robert Allen Sloat, Jr., 52, of Herrin was sentenced Thursday in Benton to 110 months behind bars on charges of possession of explosive materials by a previously convicted felon and possession of an unregistered destructive device.

The Grand Jury charged Sloat with possession of a combination of parts intended for use to convert to a destructive device. Sloat had been held without bond since initial charges were filed.

Sloat was also sentenced to pay a $400 fine, a special assessment of $200 and to serve three years of supervised release after his term in prison.

Sloat was stopped in a vehicle on March 12, 2011 and documents say he possessed the components to make a pipe bomb: including two lead pipes, gun powder, shotgun shells and fuses.

He told authorities at the time that he planned to do some "hillbilly fishing" with the components.

View Comments | Post a Comment

IEMA offers guide to help renters better understand radon hazards

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, December 29th, 2011, 4:14pm

(KFVS) - The Illinois Emergency Management Agency's radon program is offering guidance to help renters better understand radon hazards and their rights under the law.

The program is under a new law to go into effect Jan. 1 to help people who rent apartments, condominiums or houses access information about radon levels in their home.

“About one-third of all housing in Illinois is rented,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken. “This new law will help renters find out if their landlords have already tested for radon and, if so, what levels were detected. For units where no testing has been done, we hope more renters will be proactive and get their homes tested. Radon is one health risk that can be easily reduced. Testing your home is the important first step.”

View Comments | Post a Comment

West Frankfort senior dance scheduled

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, December 29th, 2011, 12:18pm

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (KFVS) - The West Frankfort Senior Dance will be Monday, Jan. 9 at the Wit and Wisdom Building.

The dance will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and admission is $4 with door prizes, food and drink.

Professional musicians Jim White, on keyboard, George Sisk, on saxophone and special guest musicians Gene Stiman, on the trombone will be playing standards and a variety of ballroom-style music.

The building is located at 225 East Poplar and the dance will be on the second Monday of every month.

For more information, you can contact Joan Levy at 618-937-3070.

View Comments | Post a Comment

Two men arrested after elderly man's wallet stolen

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011, 11:52am

MARION, IL (KFVS)-

Police arrested two men suspected of stealing an elderly man's wallet and trying to use his credit card at several gas stations.

Johnny Layne and Joshua Connors were arrested Dec. 26 in Franklin County, according to the Marion Police Department.

Police say an elderly victim was approached at his house by two men who wanted to trim limbs in the victim's yard for money on Nov. 25.

When the suspects left the victim's house, the victim told police his wallet and credit card was missing.

Police say the suspects tried to use the stolen card at gas stations in Marion, and a hardware store in Energy.

View Comments | Post a Comment

SLIDESHOW: Snowy scenes 12/27

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011, 4:30pm

(KFVS) - Viewers from across the Heartland sent us these pictures of the snow early Tuesday morning.

You can e-mail us pictures from your community to cnews@kfvs12.com or upload them by clicking here. Don't forget to include your name, where you're from and a brief description of the picture.

View Comments | Post a Comment