Jefferson County News

By RORYE O'CONNOR rorye.oconnor@register-news.com MT. VERNON - Local leaders of the community are searching for a way to break the chain of recidivism.

Additional H1N1 flu vaccination clinics have been scheduled in the area. Additional clinics are set for Bethel Grade School from 12:30 to 23:30 p.m. on Nov.

Staff Report Toys for Kids of Jefferson County has updated its hours for registration and donation drop-off. Available dates will be: 1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov.

By KANDACE MCCOY kandace.mccoy@register-news.com MT. VERNON - The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson County has been awarded national certification by the National CASA Association.

By TESA CULLI tesa.culli@register-news.com MT. VERNON - An inmate of Illinois River Correctional Center has filed a federal lawsuit against unknown assistant circuit clerks in Jefferson and Champaign counties as well as former State's Attorney Gary Duncan and unknown assistants with the Secretary of State's office.

Jefferson County Sheriffs Department Arrests Matthew A. Reed, 43, of the 1400 block of North 11th Street, was arrested Tuesday at 3:07 a.m. on a charge of domestic battery.

Mt. Vernon Police Department Arrests Michelle L. Morales, 41, of Wayne City, was arrested Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on charges of contempt of court and retail theft.

By TESA CULLI tesa.culli@register-news.com MT. VERNON - Judge Mark Shaner is deciding whether to make a summary decision on the validity of votes from the 2008 Jefferson County State's Attorney's election after a motion hearing on Thursday.

Local dignitaries and members of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce gather to officially cut the ribbon to open the 2009 Business Expo at Times Square Mall on Friday.

The H1N1 vaccine has finally arrived in Jefferson County. Health Department officials warn that only a "small amount" of vaccine has been received at this time, while allaying fears of a shortage.

By TESA CULLI tesa.culli@register-news.com MT. VERNON - There will be opportunities throughout Jefferson County on Nov.

Tuesday the official ribbon cutting for the new Interstates 57/64 overpass/interchange was held, opening Veterans Memorial Drive and 42nd Street again.

The Illinois State Police and Wayne County Sheriff's Office are investigating the death of a former Bluford resident.

Authorities in Mount Vernon have exhumed the body of a man shot to death earlier this month, thinking it may yield additional evidence against the accused suspect.

By TESA CULLI tesa.culli@register-news.com MT. VERNON - A limited shipment of H1N1 vaccine has been received in Jefferson County, according to Jefferson County Health Department Administrator Mark Stevens.

Mt. Vernon Police Department Arrests Jesse L. Williams, 31, of the 1200 block of Wescott, was arrested Tuesday at 12:29 a.m. on a charge of domestic battery.

By RORYE O'CONNOR rorye.oconnor@register-news.com MT. VERNON - Everybody knows Mt.

Editor's Note: This is the second installment of a series of stories outlining information recently released as part of the Community Report Card.

By RORYE O'CONNOR rorye.oconnor@register-news.com MT. VERNON - The Jefferson County Highway Committee wants to work with the Jefferson County Fiscal Committee to discuss better ways to gather interest on motor fuel tax funds.

By TESA CULLI tesa.culli@register-news.com WOODLAWN - Classes at Woodlawn Grade School have been canceled for the remainder of the week due to the number of students who are sick.