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Quinn wants city governments to decide on concealed weapons

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff
Sunday, April 28th, 2013, 9:05pm
Steve McNeill says it could be confusing is different counties have different laws.

CARTERVILLE, IL (KFVS)- Illinois lawmakers have until June 9 to pass a new bill allowing concealed carry.

And now, Governor Pat Quinn wants city governments to decide their own standards for gun owners.

"That's ridiculous. I'm almost speechless. It's amazing that he would think that each town would be able to take that responsibility. We don't have that type of capability," said Carbondale Mayor Joel Fritzler. "Look at the sheriff's department having to decide what each municipality rule is, and the state police. This is the responsibility of the Governor and General Assembly. They can't just be dumping this on towns."

Supporters for gun rights say this would only lead to a confusing set of laws, putting the rights of gun owners in jeopardy.

Heartland News reached out to Illinoisans to get their thoughts on the latest development in the state concealed carry laws.

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Quinn encourages entries for Illinois hometown awards

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff
Saturday, April 27th, 2013, 11:44am

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn marked National Volunteer Week on Saturday by encouraging communities to submit entries for the 31st Annual Governor's Hometown Awards.

According to the governor's office, it's a program that recognizes volunteer efforts to improve Illinois communities.

The application deadline is July 15, and communities of any size may submit nominations.

"Local volunteers and organizations are improving communities across Illinois and enhancing the quality of life for everyday people," Governor Quinn said. "The Hometown Awards recognize people who are helping us build a better Illinois for current and future generations."

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SIU adds three area players during Spring signing period

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff
Friday, April 26th, 2013, 4:59pm
Tyler Smithpeters (Source: SIU)

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS)- Southern Illinois men's basketball head coach Barry Hinson announced the addition of three southern Illinois area players who will join the program for the upcoming 2013-14 season.

Harrisburg High School guard Tyler Smithpeters and Rend Lake College forward Bronson Verhines signed letters of intent on Friday to play for the Salukis.

Verhines' younger brother Dawson, will also transfer to SIU from Rend Lake and join the team as a walk-on. Bronson will be a senior at SIU, while Dawson will be a junior.

The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Smithpeters led Harrisburg to the Class 2A state championship last season, averaging 17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.

The first-team All-State selection shot 40 percent from 3-point range for a Bulldogs team that went 33-1 under the direction of his father, Randy.

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College scholarship ceremony April 27 in Marion

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Friday, April 26th, 2013, 2:34pm
College scholarship ceremony April 27 in Marion

MARION, IL (KFVS) - Black Diamond Harley-Davidson is once again giving 45 local students $1,000 scholarships to attend local community colleges Saturday, April 27, at 12 p.m., at the dealership in Marion.

It’s the fifth year the business has offered the scholarships, coordinator Shannon Woodworth said, adding Black Diamond has given nearly a quarter of a million to local students in that time.

Each scholarship goes to one graduating high school senior from all 45 high schools in Southern Illinois. An awards ceremony has been set for noon Saturday, April 27 at noon at the motorcycle shop in Marion.

Black Diamond Harley-Davidson will also honor longtime educator and community college trustee Jacob “Jake” Rendleman during the ceremony for his support of the scholarships and event.

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Illinois State Treasurer reminds victims about flood aid

Submitted by James Long, Digital Content Producer
Friday, April 26th, 2013, 10:38am
Illinois State Treasurer reminds victims about flood aid

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - With the recent flooding throughout the state, Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford is reminding flood victims that aid is available through the treasurer’s Disaster Recovery Linked Deposit Program.

According Rutherford, the program helps residents, businesses and farmers get  low-interest loans to recover from weather-related damage to their property.

After a loan is approved, Rutherford says the state makes a deposit into the financial institution which helps lower the interest rate to the borrower, effectively making the repairs more affordable. 

The maximum interest rate for qualifying borrowers is 2.36 percent for a two-year loan and 2.69 percent for a three-year loan for the month of April 2013.  The rate is locked in for the duration of the period.  The program caps the interest rate at 3 percent for qualified borrowers at participating financial institutions.

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Carbondale Lions Club Pancake Days April 27-28

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer
Friday, April 26th, 2013, 10:00am
Carbondale Lions Club Pancake Days April 27-28

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The Carbondale Lions Club Pancake Days will be Saturday, April 27 from 7 a.m. to 1 .m. and Sunday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will be at the town square freight pavilion in downtown Carbondale near the intersection of Main Street and Illinois Avenue.

You can buy tickets from any Lions Club member or at the door on Pancake Days. Adults are $5 and children under 12 are $3.

Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.

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19-year-old sentenced for robbery, battery in Jackson County

Submitted by KFVS Web Staff
Thursday, April 25th, 2013, 6:49pm
Dionta Bratcher (Source: Jackson County SO)

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS)- A former SIU student convicted of robbery has been sentenced to serve time behind bars.

Dionta Bratcher, 19, of Park Forest, Illinois, was sentenced in Jackson County court on Wednesday on three separate cases, according to Michael C. Carr, Jackson County State's Attorney.

Bratcher was sentenced to seven years for robbery, five years for aggravated battery and 364 days for battery.

"You have come to this community and cut a wide, wide swath," said Judge William G. Schwartz. "You have impacted the entire university community and the reputation of the university."

The first two sentences will run concurrent in the Illinois Department of Corrections. It was recommended to the court that Bratcher be considered for 'boot camp' alternative.

That is where first and second time offenders  who are under 36 years old are offered a 120 day sentence with extra time tacked on for misbehavior.

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