(The Center Square) – The temporary restraining order against Illinois’ gun ban issued by an Effingham County judge has been upheld by the Fifth District Appellate Court of Illinois.
BREAKING: Temporary restraining order against Illinois’ gun ban upheld by appellate court
January 31, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Gas prices are up 40 cents this month, an unusual jump for January. Here’s what to expect in the months ahead.
January 27, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Normally, prices at the gas pump drift lower during the dead of winter as lousy weather keeps Americans off the roads. But something unusual is happening this year: Gas prices are rocketing higher.
Republicans seek broader TikTok ban
January 27, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center square) – A bill introduced by a pair of Republican lawmakers seeks a broader ban on the use of the social media platform TikTok in the U.S.
More sheriffs speak out against Illinois’ gun ban
January 27, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – More downstate Illinois sheriffs stand by their statements that they will not enforce the state’s gun and magazine ban.
Illinois Democrats urging county sheriff to enforce gun ban
January 26, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – While dozens of sheriffs have said they won’t enforce Illinois’ gun ban, Democrats in DuPage County placed their focus on one.
Separate challenges against Illinois’ gun ban progressing
January 26, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – Lawsuits brought against Illinois’ new gun ban are working their way through the judicial process.
Pritzker flips on support of local control over wind farm siting decisions
January 26, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – A bill that strips local control from county governments regarding zoning matters on wind and solar energy appears to be close to becoming law.
With ruling in Illinois gun ban challenge expected, both sides express confidence
January 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – With a ruling on a temporary restraining order against Illinois’ gun ban expected before the end of the day Friday, each side of the issue says they’re confident they’ll prevail.
Garth Coonce, founder of Marion-based TCT, dies
January 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Garth W. Coonce, founder and president of Marion-based Tri-State Christian Television Network died Monday. He was 86.
West Frankfort man sentenced to 48 years in prison for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child
January 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Staff Report
A 63-year-old West Frankfort man was sentenced in Franklin County Circuit Court on Thursday to 48 years in prison for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.
Steven D. Sneed
Steven D. Sneed was found guilty August 24, 2022 during a jury trial in Franklin County Circuit Court. Sneed was found guilty of committing an act of sexual contact with a 10-year-old child for the purposes of sexual gratification. The case was prosecuted by Franklin County State’s Attorney Abby Dinn and was investigated by the West Frankfort Police Department and the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center.
The charge against Sneed is a Class X felony, punishable by a sentencing range of 6 to 60 years. By statute, Sneed will be required to serve 85 percent of the sentence that was handed down by Judge Thomas Tedeschi. In issuing the 48-year sentence, Judge Tedeschi virtually handed down a life sentence, guaranteeing that the 63-year-old Sneed, who had been convicted of a prior charge of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, will never leave prison.
Also sentenced on Thursday by Judge Tedeschi in Franklin County Circuit Court:
William J. Franklin, 28, of Benton, was sentenced to six years in the IDOC for possession of a weapon by a felon.
Charles E. Williams, of West Frankfort, was sentenced to seven years in IDOC for possession of 15-100 grams of methamphetamine and two years in IDOC for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
Roy B. Samel, 48, of West Frankfort, was sentenced to four years in IDOC for delivery of 5-15 grams of methamphetamine.
These cases were investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, West Frankfort Police Department and the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, and prosecuted by State’s Attorney Abby Dinn.
