Illinois Briefs - 2/18/12

Former Belleville West Teacher Charged

(Belleville, IL)  --  A former teacher at Belleville West High School is being held on a 250-thousand dollar bond, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.  Shiloh resident Ryan D. Endsley is charged with criminal sexual assault, for a suspected sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl.  Police are concerned there may be other victims and ask parents to call the police department if their child may have had contact with Endsley.  

Alma Mater Statute To Undergo Makeover

(Champaign, IL)  --  The famous Alma Mater statue on the UI-Champaign campus will disappear soon.  That's because the iconic statue is in desperate need of some repairs and maintenance.  The cost of Alma Mater's makeover will be

around 100-thousand-dollars.  It'll be taken down for repairs as soon as graduation is over.

IL Supreme Court: Lying To Cops Is Okay

(Springfield, IL)  --  The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled it's okay to lie to a police officer under certain situations.  In a 6-1 decision today, justices say it's okay to give a false statement if it doesn't impede or hinder the officer from performing their authorized duties.  The case has to do with a La Salle County man accused of trying to cover up for his wife who was driving on a suspended license.  Joseph Baskerville was found guilty of obstruction for telling an officer it was he behind the wheel and not his wife.

State Troopers Investigating Downed Power Lines

(Madison County, IL)  --  Illinois State Police are trying to figure out how electric wires got knocked off poles along Illinios Route 4 last night.  Officials say thousands of residents experienced power outages caused by downed lines, but they have not idea what caused it.  Power was restored around midnight.

Date Set For Men's Health Conference

(Carterville, IL)  --  March 24th is the date for the fourth annual Southern Illinois Men's Health Conference.  This year's event will be held at John A. Logan College and registration is underway.  Football Hall of Famer and former St. Louis Cardinal Jackie Smith is the keynote speaker.  For more information or to register check out w4hw.com\men.