Bobcat hunters and trappers have a week left to apply for permits for the upcoming season.

Rural Pope County Fire Protection District responded to 28 calls in 2016, according to data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System obtained by the SE Illinois News.

Girard Fire Protection District responded to 24 calls in 2016, according to data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System obtained by the SE Illinois News.

Vienna Fire Department responded to 16 calls in 2016, according to data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System obtained by the SE Illinois News.

Rosiclare Fire Department responded to nine calls in 2016, according to data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System obtained by the SE Illinois News.

One offender released on parole in May lives in Illinois zip code 62859, according to Illinois Department of Corrections data obtained by SE Illinois News.

One offender released on parole in May lives in Illinois zip code 62910, according to Illinois Department of Corrections data obtained by SE Illinois News.

Former Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) isn't House Speaker Michael Madigan, but his resignation might make it a little easier to see Madigan do the same, according to Massac County State’s Attorney Patrick Windhorst.

Hamilton County residents will pay an additional $1,815,622 in state income taxes this year, according to an analysis by Local Government Information Services (LGIS).

Legence Bank recently opened eight new branches throughout Southern Illinois with combined deposits of $146 million, bringing the bank’s assets to $450 million, according to a press release.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce is calling on local businesses to get their names front and center in residents' minds with a new display in the chamber's lobby, according to a press release.

Southern Illinois citizens will see their first scenic mountain bike trails if Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) gets his way.

Marion-area residents looking to boost their leadership skills are being invited to a Live2Lead training session meant to provide new perspectives and tools for managers, according to the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

June 10 became "Farm City Days" this year throughout Illinois thanks to Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton), who got the Illinois House to pass a resolution celebrating Benton's first Farm City Days in 21 years, according to a press release.

Waterfowl hunting season is within sight in Illinois, with an opening day of Sept. 1 for a 15-day statewide Canada goose season, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which recently posted the latest information on duck, Canada geese, snow geese, white-fronted geese and teal seasons.

On a tour of the area on Tuesday, Ben Carson vowed that "by the grace of God” the rural Southern Illinois town of Cairo will be resurrected.

Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) is opening his doors for Carterville-area residents to offer concerns, complaints and compliments on local and statewide issues on Aug. 8.

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Using its Smart Work Zones system, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is offering Southern Illinois commuters up-to-the-minute traffic updates for areas affected by the Interstate 57 work near Marion, according to a press release.

White County residents will pay an additional $3,778,891 in state income taxes this year, according to an analysis by Local Government Information Services (LGIS).