Frankfort High School principal arrested, district places administrator on paid leave

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill., (KBSI) — Frankfort CUSD 168 officials said they learned through public sources that Aaron Hill, principal of Frankfort Community High School, was arrested and booked into the Franklin County Jail in connection with an incident that occurred outside of school. District officials said Hill was placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, as previously announced….

McCracken County Jail warns public of scam calls offering inmate release

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — The McCracken County Jail is warning the public about a phone scam involving false claims of inmate release. Officials said they have received multiple reports from individuals who were contacted by someone claiming to be employed by McCracken County. The caller allegedly offered to release a loved one from jail on an ankle monitor in…

Second annual Senior Resource Expo set for Aug. 4 in Perryville

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — The second annual Senior Resource Expo, “Slice of the Good Life,” will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 4 at the Perryville Elks Lodge. The free event will feature vendor booths, bingo and complimentary watermelon slices. Organizers said the expo is designed to connect seniors with local resources and services in a relaxed,…

Vienna High School cheerleaders advance to IHSA state after historic sectional win

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

VIENNA, Ill., (KBSI) — The Vienna High School cheerleading team is headed to state after winning an IHSA sectional championship and making school history. The Eagles captured first place at the IHSA Sectional Competition held at Edwardsville High School, finishing atop a field of 16 teams. The win secured Vienna a spot in the IHSA State Cheerleading Competition in Bloomington,…

Man arrested in connection with multiple catalytic converter thefts in Paducah

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — A man has been arrested in connection with multiple catalytic converter thefts following a joint investigation by Paducah police and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, authorities said. On Jan. 28, Officer Taylor Cissell responded to the Easter Seals Adult Center in the 1900 block of North 14th Street for a report of a stolen catalytic converter…

Community honors fallen officer, donations accepted for family in Weakley County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

GREENFIELD, Tenn., (KBSI) — Weakley County Sheriff Terry McDade and other city leaders held a press conference at Greenfield Banking Company to honor the life and service of a fallen law enforcement officer. During the briefing, officials reflected on the officer’s dedication and contributions to the community and expressed support for the officer’s family. Community members who wish to assist…

Carbondale man sentenced to 26 years for aggravated battery, drug distribution

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — A Carbondale man has been sentenced to 26 years in prison after being convicted in two separate jury trials of aggravated battery and unlawful delivery of cocaine, according to the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office. State’s Attorney Marsha L. Cascio-Hale said Brandon O. Brown, 39, was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections following jury trials…

Former Farmington kindergarten teacher pleads guilty to child pornography charge

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A former Farmington kindergarten teacher has pleaded guilty to possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material, federal prosecutors said. Erika L. Morton, 37, pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of possession of child pornography. According to court records, Morton admitted sending child sexual abuse material through the Kik…

Carbondale “At the Table” series to mark Black History Month Feb. 3

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The City of Carbondale and the Carbondale Branch NAACP will celebrate Black History Month during the Carbondale “At the Table” Dinner & Dialogue series on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Carbondale Civic Center. The “At the Table” Dinner & Dialogue series is held on the first Tuesday of each month through June. The series brings together…

Rural Health Inc. offers scholarships to area high school seniors pursuing healthcare careers

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) – Rural Health Inc. is funding and administering eight $1,000 healthcare scholarships for qualifying high school seniors in Johnson, Massac and Union counties. Rural Health Inc. said one scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from each of the following schools: Anna-Jonesboro, Cobden, Dongola, Goreville, Joppa, Massac County, Shawnee and Vienna high schools. The scholarships are…

Benton police seek help identifying suspect in charity donation theft

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BENTON, Ky., (KBSI) — The Benton Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a person suspected of stealing a charity donation box from a local convenience store. Police said the individual was captured on video taking a donation box containing money from the store. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Benton…

Rescued pregnant dog gives birth to nine puppies after southeast Missouri rescue

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

DONIPHAN, Mo., (KBSI) — A pregnant dog rescued from a rural property in southeast Missouri has safely given birth to a litter of nine puppies, officials with Animal Rescue Corps said. The mother dog is recovering and regaining strength after delivering the puppies while in the care of Animal Rescue Corps’ team at the organization’s rescue center near Nashville, Tennessee….

Fire damages vacant home in Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Firefighters responded to a residential structure fire early Wednesday at a vacant home in Cape Girardeau, officials said. The Cape Girardeau Fire Department was dispatched at 6:22 a.m. Jan. 28 to a reported fire at 256 S. Benton Ave. Initial reports indicated flames and heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the two-story structure….

Benton police reopen Main Street following accident

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BENTON, Ky., (KBSI)— The Benton Police Department said the roadway in the 2600 block of Main Street has reopened. Police had earlier advised drivers to seek alternate routes while the area was closed. No additional details were immediately released. Categories: News Tags: benton, Benton Police Department, Kentucky, Main Street, Pepsi, Pepsi Truck, Road Open

Snow causes awning collapse at Scott City gas station; no injuries reported

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SCOTT CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — An awning collapsed at the Phillips 66 gas station in Scott City due to the weight of snow, officials said. Both the Scott City Fire Department and Scott City Police Department responded to the scene. Fire Chief Shawn Jackson said no one was injured and nothing was beneath the awning at the time it collapsed. Jackson…

Missing horse located in Scott County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — A horse reported missing in Scott County has been located and safely returned home, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office said. The horse was found along Highway 77 near County Road 331 and was sheltered while officials worked to locate its owner. Authorities later confirmed the animal was returned home. Sheriff Derick Wheetley released the update…

Paducah Chamber February breakfast to feature SaMee Burrage Harden

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce will host Paducah native SaMee Burrage Harden as the featured speaker for its Feb. 5 Power in Partnership Breakfast. The event, which honors Black History Month, is sponsored by the McCracken County Chapter of the NAACP and the McCracken County Community Career Endowment. The breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. at…

I-57 Southbound closed after multiple crashes in Southern Illinois

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) – Several crashes on southbound Interstate 57 in Jefferson and Franklin counties caused traffic to come to a standstill Wednesday afternoon amid freezing temperatures and light snowfall. No injuries were immediately reported. Motorists experienced significant delays as emergency crews responded to multiple accidents in the area. Photos of the crashes were provided by WFCN News: Swinford…

Benton police urge residents to stay off roads as slick conditions persist

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BENTON, Ky. (KBSI) — Benton Police Department is urging residents to remain at home unless an emergency arises as slick and snow-covered roads persist in parts of the city. Police said officers will continue patrolling and maintaining public safety but warned that unnecessary travel increases the risk of crashes and injuries. Motorists are encouraged to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary…

Three-vehicle crash on Clarks River Road sends two to hospital

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — McCracken County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded Friday afternoon to a three-vehicle crash near the 5-Star Gas Station on Clarks River Road. Deputies said the crash was reported at about 4:48 p.m., with initial reports indicating one vehicle had overturned and come to rest on top of another vehicle. Investigators determined that Terry Britton, of Benton,…

Rural Health Inc. promotes heart health during American Heart Month

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

ILLINOIS (KBSI) — While deaths from heart disease have declined in recent decades, the condition remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to health officials. February is American Heart Month, and Rural Health Inc. is encouraging residents to speak with a health care provider about heart health and preventive care. According to the Illinois Department of…

AAA: Winter weather makes half-full gas tanks critical for Missouri drivers

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MISSOURI (KBSI) — AAA Missouri is reminding drivers to keep their gas tanks at least half full as winter storms impact parts of the state, noting that fuel can be critical if motorists become stranded in cold conditions. The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Missouri is $2.49, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas…

Ameren Illinois provides $50,000 to help Herrin transition to electric vehicles

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

HERRIN, Ill., (KBSI) — Ameren Illinois and the City of Herrin are partnering to transition the city’s municipal fleet to electric vehicles. Through its Community Engagement and Consultation program, Ameren Illinois is providing $50,000, along with technical support and strategic planning assistance, to help Herrin develop and implement a comprehensive transportation electrification plan. The program is part of Ameren Illinois’…

SEMO Food Bank receives major donation from Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (KBSI) — The SEMO Food Bank announced it received a donation of more than 31,000 pounds of food and household items from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help address hunger across the region. Food bank officials said the donation will support residents across its 16-county service area, where an estimated one in six people…