Education Services Employee Placed on House Arrest
A judge has released 37 year old Autumn Watson of Marion on house arrest while she awaits trial. The Williamson County Education Services employee faces one count of criminal sexual assault and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a minor in her care. Watson must wear a GPS monitor and have no contact […]
Read MoreChoate Workers Receive Plea Deals in Patient Abuse Cases
Two workers caught on camera abusing patients at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna received plea deals with no jail time. Capitol News Illinois reports Union County State’s Attorney Tyler Tripp reduced felony charges against John Curtis Spaulding and Joseph Clark to misdemeanors. Tripp later sued to block state plans to cut services […]
Read MoreMarion Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Project
Marion has broken ground on a seventeen point six million dollar affordable housing project on the city’s west side. Plans call for 27 houses and seven duplexes along Concord and Hendrickson streets. The homes will be available for rent, with state housing tax credits helping keep rents lower. Contractors expect construction to begin in about […]
Read MoreMarion High School Employee Arrested
An employee assigned to Marion High School has been arrested over allegations involving events outside the school. Marion Unit Two Superintendent Becky Moss says the allegations have no connection to students or staff, and there is no threat to school safety. The district released a statement Tuesday evening but did not identify the employee, their […]
Read MoreState Police Plan October Nighttime Traffic Patrols
Illinois State Police will conduct nighttime traffic patrols during October. Troopers will focus on impaired driving and seat belt violations, especially between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. They’ll also watch for speeding, distracted driving and improper child restraints. The patrols are funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Read MoreFire Destroys Orient Home and Damages Another
A house fire in Orient destroyed one home and seriously damaged the house next door Tuesday. The fire broke out on Wilmington Avenue in the Franklin County community. West Frankfort firefighters responded. A resident of the damaged house told Heartland News the home where the fire started was abandoned and had caught fire before. Investigators […]
Read MoreState Police Plan Seat Belt Patrols in October
Illinois State Police will conduct seat belt and child safety seat patrols during October. Troopers will focus on drivers and passengers in both the front and back seats. State law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up. Police say the patrols will also include education and child safety seat inspections.
Read MoreLittle Egypt Festival Parade to Feature More Than 90 Entries
More than 90 entries, including floats and bands, will take part in Salem’s Little Egypt Festival Parade Saturday at 2 p.m. Participants should be lined up by 1. Festival activities begin at 8 a.m. with crafts around the courthouse. Car show registration opens at 9 in Bryan Memorial Park. A children’s big wheel competition starts […]
Read MoreFire Destroys Orient Home and Damages Another
A house fire in Orient destroyed one home and seriously damaged the house next door Tuesday. The fire broke out on Wilmington Avenue in the Franklin County community. West Frankfort firefighters responded. A resident of the damaged house told Heartland News the home where the fire started was abandoned and had caught fire before. Investigators […]
Read MoreThree Centralia Residents Sentenced to Prison
Three Centralia residents are headed to prison after pleading guilty in Marion County Court. 28 year old Sharesa Houser received three years for aggravated battery after admitting she interfered with another woman’s breathing. 25 year old Aryana Morgan received two-year prison terms for felony domestic battery and retail theft. She admitted hitting a family member. […]
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