"All I ever wanted to do was fly for airlines," said Capt. Julie Clark.

Williamson County Sheriff's deputy Shaunn Curry received a stiffer-than-normal punishment for first-time DUI offenders Thursday morning.

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.

When news broke in early May that Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Southern Illinois would phase out its mentoring services over the summer, a needed service looked like it would disappear.

Gravel roads dotted by giant hills disguise the beauty of a farm's reincarnation. Well off noisy Route 13 somewhere between Carterville and Carbondale is Walker's Bluff, a multifaceted winery that opens this weekend.

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.