Withers Broadcasting News – Local News For Southern Illinois

LEOs conduct training exercise today at Herrin Jr High

Residents near Herrin Junior High School may hear simulated gunfire and emergency sirens today during an active shooter training exercise. The main drill is scheduled from about 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with emergency personnel on campus throughout the day. Police stress there is no actual threat and ask residents to avoid the area and […]

JeffCo Sheriff warns businesses of scammers posting at LEOs

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is warning businesses about a scam involving callers pretending to be law enforcement officers. The scammers claim a business accepted counterfeit money, then demand payment through gift cards, prepaid cards or bar codes. Authorities say legitimate officers will never require payment to resolve a counterfeit investigation. Businesses should verify suspicious […]

One dead in Union County crash

One person was killed in a 2-vehicle crash Saturday night on U.S. 51 at Nimmo Road in Union County. Illinois State Police say the crash happened around 8:48 p.m. south of Anna and led to an extended closure while investigators worked. The victim’s identity and the cause of the crash have not yet been released.

Postal Service issues for Carbondale apartment residents

Carbondale residents at several apartment complexes are reporting mail delivery problems after the U.S. Postal Service reclassified some properties as dormitories or residence halls. At Aspen Court, residents are now picking up mail at the post office because management says it cannot sort and distribute mail for nearly 700 residents. USPS says temporary pickup will […]

Public hearing Oct 21 on future of Du Quoin Impact facility

A public hearing on the proposed closure of the Du Quoin Impact Program is set for October 21 at the State Fairgrounds. The minimum-security boot camp has not housed inmates since 2020. Local officials are urging the state to either restore the program or find another use for the facility, which previously provided work crews […]

Illinois gambling revenue hit a record while players lose billions

Illinois gambling revenue hit a record 2-point-7 billion dollars last year, while bettors lost nearly 8 billion. A new state report says video gambling machines generated more than 1 billion dollars in state and local taxes, surpassing the lottery for a second year. Sports betting also continued to surge, with more than 15 billion dollars […]

I-57 ramp closed, Salem begins road work

Road construction begins Monday in Salem on Westgate Avenue from Main Street to Mitchell Street and on Whittaker Street from Westgate Avenue to Delmar Avenue. Drivers should expect temporary road closures, lane restrictions and possible delays while crews are working. The city is encouraging motorists to use alternate routes when possible and to slow down […]

Boil advisory in Mt Vernon

Mount Vernon has issued a precautionary boil water order for customers at 200 and 600 Aviation Drive and 500 Firebaugh Drive. The order took effect Saturday afternoon and is expected to last about 48 hours while testing is completed. City officials say the advisory follows maintenance on the water distribution system and there is no […]

Illinois gambling revenue hit a record while players lose billions

Leaf burning week begins in Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon’s first fall leaf-burning period begins today and runs through Sunday, October 18. Burning is allowed only from sunrise to sunset, and fires must be attended by someone 18 or older. Burning is not allowed on public streets, sidewalks or drainage ditches, and the fire chief may temporarily suspend burning if conditions become unsafe.