Appeal denied in 1993 Knox County murder case
A man convicted of a murder in Galesburg 30 years ago will not get a new sentence.
Robert Clark was 24 in 1993 when he robbed and killed Nona Catlin, 89. He pleaded guilty but mentally ill.
The judge sentenced Clark to 90 years for murder and 15 years for robbery, to be served consecutively.
Clark's attorney asked for a reduced sentence or new hearing, arguing the trial court did not give enough consideration to his background and possible rehabilitation.
But the state's high court agreed with the appellate court and denied Clark's request on Thursday.
Augusta man arrested for child sex crimes
An Augusta man was arrested on sex charges following an investigation by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.
Marcus Hiland, 26, is charged with two counts of child pornography and seven counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Hiland turned himself in to the sheriff’s office and then posted bond.
Juveniles charged in Casey’s armed robbery
A 15-year-old boy is charged with armed robbery of the Casey’s General Store in Hamilton.
Police say a 14-year-old boy has been identified as a second subject and armed robbery charges are pending against him.
The firearm used in the robbery has been recovered. Additional charges and arrests are possible.
Burlington man sentenced for drug trafficking
A Burlington man was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for drug trafficking.
Shawn Henry Lewis, 37, was found in possession of nearly 400 grams of cocaine and more than 2200 grams of marijuana, and had several prior felony convictions for drug trafficking.
Lewis’ sentence includes seven years of supervised release after the prison sentence.
The Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, the Burlington Police Department, and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office assisted the FBI and DEA with the investigation.
Memorial donates equipment to WIU
When Memorial Hospital in Carthage closed its birth and delivery unit on Dec. 1, the facility was left with obstetrics equipment it no longer needed.
Some of that equipment now has a new home.
The hospital donated a newborn radiant infant warmer and newborn nursing supplies to Western Illinois University’s School of Nursing.
Western said a simulated infant warmer typically costs about $5,000.
The university said the donation will help fill a gap in maternal/newborn nursing education. It will also help the program simulate more high-risk newborn scenarios, which will better prepare nursing students for their careers.
Memorial Hospital’s birthing services were moved to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, though patients have the option to deliver elsewhere.
Out-patient prenatal, post-partum, women’s health, and pediatric services remain available at Memorial Medical Clinics in Carthage.
Sandburg President’s contract renewed
The Carl Sandburg College Board of Trustees approved a four-year contract renewal for President Dr. Seamus Reilly.
Reilly came to Sandburg in 2018 from Parkland College in Champaign, where he was a vice president.
The contract renewal is the second extension for Reilly and is in effect from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2027.
The board also approved a continuation of a strategic plan for Sandburg that outlines goals and strategies in areas of student access and success; teaching and learning; community collaboration; sustainability and excellence; and a culture of continuous learning and development.
Quincy woman sentenced in meth case
A western Illinois woman was sentenced to four years in prison for distributing methamphetamine in Quincy.
Kristin Washington, 37, of Quincy will also have four years of supervised release after she serves the prison sentence.
Washington was indicted in October 2021, arrested in June 2022, and pleaded guilty in September 2022.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois said the case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Division, Illinois State Police, and Quincy Police Department investigated the case.
Museums return to regular operating hours
Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown and the Illinois State Museum in Springfield have returned to the operating hours used prior to the pandemic.
· Dickson Mounds: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. seven days a week
· Illinois State Museum: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Noon – 4:30 p.m. on Sundays
Admission is free at both facilities.
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