Drugs

Opioid manufacturers named in lawsuit

Union County State’s Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds on June 26 filed a lawsuit against five prescription opioid manufacturers and their related companies. Edmonds said in a news release that the lawsuit is brought on behalf of the People of the State of Illinois, the People of Union County and Union...

Jonesboro woman sentenced for drug charges

Union County State’s Attorney Tyler R. Edmonds announced Friday, June 23, that Polly A. Quintana, 51, of Jonesboro, has been sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on one count of participation in methamphetamine manufacturing, a Class 1 felony. Quintana will also serve a...

$33 million settlement over misreprentation of OTC drugs’ quality

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and 42 other attorneys general recently announced they have reached a $33 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary over misrepresentations it made about manufacturing practices of well-known, over-the-counter, OTC, drugs. The practices...

Illinois receives federal grant funds to help fight opioid crisis

The Illinois Department of Human Services, IDHS, has been awarded a federal grant for over $16 million to fight the state’s opioid crisis. The grant is funded through the 21st Century Cures Act which includes an estimated $1 billion to states over the next two years to combat the nation’s opioid...

State police share prom safety message

The Illinois State Police are reminding young drivers to think responsibly as they celebrate during the upcoming prom and graduation season. The primary safety message is in the word PROM, which asks teens to “Please Return On Monday.” Now that prom and graduation season is here, area high...

New K-9 officer Kaiser waited patiently while his handler, Deputy Eric Ralls, answered questions from 3rd graders at Anna Junior High School on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Photo by Amber Skelton.

Sheriff’s new K-9 visits Anna school

Learning came to life for a group of 3rd grade students at Anna Junior High School when they got a visit from the Union County Sheriff Office’s newest officer on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Newly acquired K-9 Kaiser stopped by with his handler, Union County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Eric Ralls, to give the...

Sheriff's office searching for wanted person

The Union County Sheriff’s Office in Jonesboro is asking for the public’s help in locating a wanted person, Jennifer L. Hileman. She is described as a white female, 41 years of age, 5’1” and 125 lbs. Hileman is wanted for Failure to Appear on Possession of Controlled Substance charges. Anyone...

Substance abuse prevention highlighted during October

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, which focuses on the role substance abuse prevention plays in promoting safe and healthy communities. Underage drinking, non-medical use of prescription drugs, and illicit drug use take a devastating toll on our families and in our communities...

Drug take back event set in Marion

The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is participating in the next National Prescription Drug Take Back event. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office, along with hundreds of other local law enforcement agencies, will host drug collection events on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.. The...

Anna police make drug arrest; respond to nearly 240 calls

The Anna Police Department made a drug-related arrest and responded to nearly 240 calls during June. The department's activities were highlighted in a news release, a monthly activity report and an investigative case report issued by Anna Police Chief Mike Hunter. Drug-Related Arrest Hunter...