WFCN News - Swinford Media Group

12/10/2024

Check out the beautiful view tonight from just outside our offices on Tower Square!

📸 Reporter Aaron Price

12/09/2024

NEW TONIGHT: The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge says they are waiting to drain the lake and conduct an alternative analysis before emergency repairs can begin on Little Grassy Dam. The Refuge says it will likely be a “several year” process.

12/09/2024

: The USGS confirms a series of seven small earthquakes have been reported on the New Madrid Fault in the past 24 hours. The public is encouraged to be aware of earthquake risk and protection protocol should one impact our region.

MORE INFO: https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes

12/09/2024

NEW: Emergency crews in Johnston City were recognized for saving a patient’s life who had made a suicidal attempt last month.

On November 12, 2024, a call to the Johnston City fire department’s non-emergency line reported a potential su***de attempt, with the caller providing their location and instructions.

Acting swiftly, Interim Fire Chief Wayne Rice dispatched Interim Assistant Chief Michael Garland and Firefighter Baylee Garland to the scene.

Upon arrival, the firefighters quickly administered life-saving measures. Their efforts successfully revived the patient, who regained a pulse by the time additional medical responders arrived.

“The heroic actions of Michael and Baylee Garland highlight the bravery and dedication of first responders. What makes firefighters courageous isn’t what they do day in and day out—it’s what they are willing to do at any given moment,” said Fire Chief Tom Burton.

12/09/2024

🎉 Swinford Media Group is thrilled to team up with Dan Cross and the Illinois Get Down for the Carbondale Holiday Showcase! 🏀 We’ll be live-streaming all games this Friday and Saturday, featuring top talent from southern Illinois and six other states. 🔥 Don’t miss live score updates, expert commentary, replays, and the same high-quality coverage you’ve come to expect from Swinford Media Group’s digital livestream team! 📺📊

12/09/2024

It’s quite a rainy evening out there tonight. How are you staying dry?

12/08/2024

CRIME WATCH: Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Anthony C. Thompson twice in less than a week for stealing two vehicles in the Marion area.

On December 3, 2024, deputies located a stolen 2010 Buick Enclave near Skyline Drive and West Main Street. Following surveillance, an undercover unit conducted a felony traffic stop at Third and Main Streets in Marion, taking Thompson into custody without incident. A search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine, and Thompson was charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of methamphetamine. He was released the next day under pretrial conditions of the SAFE-T Act.

On December 8, 2024, deputies found another stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Comfort Inn Hotel in Marion, again driven by Thompson. He was arrested on a newly issued Illinois Department of Corrections warrant and cited for additional charges, including possession of a stolen motor vehicle and violation of pretrial release conditions.

He was again remanded into the custody of the Williamson County Jail.

12/08/2024

HAPPENING NOW: Crews are on scene of a structure fire along IL-34 just outside of Thompsonville. No injuries have been reported at this time. Use caution in the area.

📸 Reporter Aaron Price

12/07/2024

Keep it cool on Day 5 of Thrillville’s 12 Days of Giveaways! We’re giving away a stylish and durable Harley-Davidson® Retro Metal Cooler. With a 26-quart capacity, it’s perfect for tailgates, picnics, and road trips. Featuring the classic Harley-Davidson Motor Co. graphic, a Winged Wheel logo on the lid, a built-in bottle opener, and a convenient drain port, this cooler combines practicality with iconic design. Don’t miss your chance to win!

Visit any select Thrillville location now through December 7th to enter for your chance to win! The drawing will be carried LIVE at each location. Can’t make it? No problem! But if you’re there when your name is called, you’ll win an extra $500 cash!*

Participating Locations

Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, 2400 Williamson County Pkwy A, Marion
Black Diamond RV Superstore, 2405 Black Diamond Dr, Marion
Krispy Kreme, 1307 Halfway Rd, Marion
Oasis Home Center, 3119 Civic Cir Blvd, Marion
Oasis Lawn and Garden, 3000 W Deyoung St, Suite A, Marion
Oasis Powersports, 2904 W Deyoung St, Marion
Oasis RV, 3000 W Deyoung St, Suite B, Marion

*Entry deadline DAY BEFORE DRAWING DATE at 6:00 PM.

12/07/2024

12/07/2024

UPDATE: A driver has been cited for DUI after a crash involving multiple vehicles and a school bus on Illinois Route 37 near Maxine Lane today.

Sheriff’s deputies say Joshua K. Jessie was driving northbound when he crossed into oncoming traffic, sideswiped a school bus carrying 27 students, and then collided head-on with another vehicle.

Both passenger vehicle drivers were seriously injured but are now in stable condition. No injuries were reported among the students, who were safely transferred to Marion Junior High School for pickup by parents.

Jessie faces several charges, including aggravated DUI, possession of cannabis in a vehicle, and multiple traffic violations. He remains hospitalized due to his injuries. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation and urges anyone with information to contact their office or submit a tip through their mobile app.

12/06/2024

JUST IN: Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich has provided the following update regarding a school bus involved accident on IL-37 near Marion…

“On December 6, 2024, at approximately 3:45 PM. Williamson County Sheriffs’s Office Deputies responded to the scene of a multi vehicle traffic crash involving a school bus.

Deputies and school officials continue to remain on scene near Illinois Route 37 and Maxine Lane, just south of Marion.

Two vehicles collided head on causing significant damage. The vehicles then came into contact with a school bus which had approximately 27 students aboard. The bus received minor damage and there were no reported student injuries.

Students are being transferred by bus to the Marion Junior High School, per school protocol, where they will be released to parents.

“We are thankful that the involvement of the school bus was secondary to the primary accident and there no reported student injuries at this time”, stated Sheriff Jeff Diederich.

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the driver who caused the accident for impaired driving.

This is an evolving scene and additional information will follow.”

12/06/2024

HAPPENING NOW: IL-37 is closed south of Marion due to an accident involving a school bus. No students were hurt.

12/06/2024

— IL-37 is closed at Kellville Ln south of Marion due to a three vehicle crash with injuries involving a school bus. No students have been hurt. Use alternate routes.

📸 Reporter Aaron Price

12/06/2024

UPDATE: Miner has been located safe!

12/06/2024

JUST IN: The Thrillbillies announced today live on the Swinford Media Group the hiring of new field manager Patrick Morey. Currently serving as the assistant coach at John A. Logan, Morey’s pitching staff consistently ranked among the nation’s best, setting multiple school records, including 532 strikeouts in 2021. Ralph Santana will stay with the organization as the General Manager.

12/06/2024

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on day four of Thrillville’s 12 Days of Giveaways! We’re giving away a Family 4-Pack of 2025 Season Tickets to Mtn Dew Park, your ticket to a year of excitement, thrilling rides, and endless fun for the whole family.

Visit any select Thrillville location now through December 6th to enter for your chance to win! The drawing will be carried LIVE at each location. Can’t make it? No problem! But if you’re there when your name is called, you’ll win an extra $500 cash!*

Participating Locations

Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, 2400 Williamson County Pkwy A, Marion
Black Diamond RV Superstore, 2405 Black Diamond Dr, Marion
Krispy Kreme, 1307 Halfway Rd, Marion
Oasis Home Center, 3119 Civic Cir Blvd, Marion
Oasis Lawn and Garden, 3000 W Deyoung St, Suite A, Marion
Oasis Powersports, 2904 W Deyoung St, Marion
Oasis RV, 3000 W Deyoung St, Suite B, Marion
*Entry deadline DAY BEFORE DRAWING DATE at 6:00 PM.Ross Swinford: Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on dayfour of Thrillville’s 12 Days of Giveaways! We’re giving away a Family 4-Pack of 2025 Season Tickets to Mtn Dew Park, your ticket to a year of excitement, thrilling rides, and endless fun for the whole family.

Visit any select Thrillville location now through December 6th to enter for your chance to win! The drawing will be carried LIVE at each location. Can’t make it? No problem! But if you’re there when your name is called, you’ll win an extra $500 cash!*

Participating Locations

Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, 2400 Williamson County Pkwy A, Marion
Black Diamond RV Superstore, 2405 Black Diamond Dr, Marion
Krispy Kreme, 1307 Halfway Rd, Marion
Oasis Home Center, 3119 Civic Cir Blvd, Marion
Oasis Lawn and Garden, 3000 W Deyoung St, Suite A, Marion
Oasis Powersports, 2904 W Deyoung St, Marion
Oasis RV, 3000 W Deyoung St, Suite B, Marion
*Entry deadline DAY BEFORE DRAWING DATE at 6:00 PM.

12/06/2024

CRIME WATCH: The suspect(s) involved in yesterday’s high-speed pursuit on I-57 southbound in Jefferson and Franklin County have been identified.

It all began around 12:16 p.m., when the Washington County Sheriff‘s Office had a vehicle flee from a felony stop on I-64 near MM-56. The fleeing vehicle was described as a white Nissan Rogue with New York license plates occupied with at least 2 black males.

Deputies near the Ina exit later contact with the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 MPH.

The suspect vehicle struck multiple vehicles south of Benton, went off the west side of the interstate, and crashed. One suspect, the passenger, was taken into custody at the crash site, and the driver fled on foot west into the woods. The passenger was transported to SSM Good Samaritan Hospital for evaluation and treatment for non-life-threatening injuries prior to being taken to the Justice Center. This individual was released at the conclusion of the investigation.

The driver, later identified as 25-year-old Sadarius C. Turner of Atlanta, GA, was apprehended by a Johnston City officer in their jurisdiction at about 2pm. Turner was transported to the Jefferson County Justice Center and arrested on the charges of Reckless Driving and Aggravated Fleeing and Attempting to Elude by the arresting Jefferson County Deputy.

The suspect also had 11 felony fraud warrants out of the state of Virginia. The Illinois State Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, West City Police Department, Washington County Sheriff's Office, and Franklin County EMA responded to assist at the crash site and search for Turner. No one struck by Turner’s vehicle reported being injured.