Franklin County, IL

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - Officials confirmed a bear sighting in the southwest area of Rend Lake on Thursday, June 17. Officials from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Rend Lake Army Corps of Engineers, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Emergency Management Agency are monitoring the bear as it moves through the area.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL– The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is reporting a bear sighting at Rend Lake. Officials from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Rend Lake Army Corps of Engineers, Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Franklin County Emergency Management Agency are currently monitoring the bears movement. They are currently reporting a minimal threat to life or property.

FRANKLIN COUNTY (WSIL) — The Franklin County Emergency Agency has confirmed that a bear has been sighted and is roaming in the southwest area of Rend Lake. Multiple agencies, including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Rend Lake Army Corps of Engineers, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Emergency Management Agency are currently monitoring the bear as it moves through the area.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - 4-H youth are excited for in-person events at the Franklin County Fair. While displaying their projects, they will demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their time in 4-H. 4-H youth who raised beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy and poultry for their annual...

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL– The Illinois Department of Transportation will be closing Illinois 14 near the Franklin-Hamilton County line beginning this Friday at 6 p.m. Illinois 14 will be closed between Ewing Road and Meadows Lane to replace a drainage structure. The road is expected to open by 6 a.m on Monday, June 21.

The southwestern Illinois black bear is not staying put. Illinois Conservation Police Officer Don Schachner confirmed Thursday afternoon a young male was spotted in Franklin County near the south end of Rend Lake. “I would say that it’s the same bear,” Schachner said. “We haven’t had a confirmed bear sighting...

On June 10th, 2021 at approximately 12:21 a.m. Benton Police observed a suspicious male suspect in the 1100 block of North Main Street. Upon investigation, police arrested Grey Abbott, age 43, of Benton for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and resisting a peace officer. Abbott also had an active White County warrant for domestic battery. Abbott was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - The Bi-County Health Department reported one new COVID-19 case on Sunday, June 13.

William S. Richardson, 90, passed away on June 12, 2021, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon, IL, surrounded by his family. William was born to Frank and Ethel (Bolen) Bain Richardson on October 19, 1930, on Terrapin Hill in rural Franklin County, Illinois. He was a second-generation lifelong farmer and resident of Northern Township in rural Franklin County, and often marveled at the fact when the leaves were off the trees, he could look out his back window and see the home place where he was born. After he retired from farming and even later after he and his wife moved into Benton, his favorite pastime was driving around to look at the crops and other happenings in all, of Northern Township.

A Benton man received fatal injuries from a motorcycle-Jeep accident Friday night on the Rend Lake Dam. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office says 44-year-old Chad Robertson had not observed the eastbound Jeep in front of him slowing down. Robertson rear-ended the Jeep and was ejected from his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

BENTON, Ill. (KFVS) - The Franklin County Sheriff’s office said in a statement they are experiencing more scams revolving around Facebook Marketplace. The statement said often the seller will often include a sad story about why they are selling the item for so low. The service will send a fraudulent...

FRANKLIN COUNTY - This is a report about a one-vehicle traffic crash with injuries from Franklin County. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 13 WHAT: One Vehicle Traffic Crash with Injuries WHERE: Interstate 57 northbound at milepost 64.5, Franklin County WHEN: June 8, 2021 at approximately 10:23 a.m. VEHICLE: Unit 1 – 2016 Tan Venta RV towing a 2013 Ford Flex DRIVER : Unit 1 – Omar L. Robinson, 83-year-old Continue Reading

WEST FRANKFORT – A Tuesday morning crash on I-57 in Franklin County sends two people to the hospital with injuries. According to Illinois State Police, 83-year-old Omar L. Robinson of Livingston, TX was driving a RV towing a vehicle north on I-57 in the passing lane in the construction zone near West Frankfort when his driver’s side tire blew causing him to lose control and run off the roadway to the left.