The word that Southern Illinois has been waiting for came through Thursday night. The office of Gov. Pat Quinn announced that the state's request for federal assistance to local governments and electrical cooperatives has been approved.

The federal disaster declaration will enable governments in Williamson, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Randolph and Saline Counties to recover 75 percent of their costs related to storm response and recovery from the May 8 wind storm.

Federal prosecutors report that on June 16, James S. Hubbard Jr., aka “Bo,” age 33 of Colp,  was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in East St. Louis in a one-countindictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Illinois Centre Mall will be host for the Cycle4Hope on Saturday, July 25. Everyone who participates will receive a T-Shirt, beverages, snacks, a goodie bag from corporate sponsors and tickets to a concert which will wrap up the event.

Some members of an older generation might remember the days when you could receive a paddle, razor strap or belt for an offense at school. Today's Marion High School students can also receive a belt for breaking one of the school codes. These days, though, it's a belt to be worn, not felt.

An investigation into the death of 3-year-old Gabrial Mandrell-Sauerhage has found no fault with the adults in the house at the time the child was mauled by family dogs.

The three family dogs apparently involved in the death 3-year-old Gabrial Mandrell-Sauerhage were destroyed by Williamson County Animal Control on Tuesday morning.