Illlinois police find $1.5 million worth of cocaine

UNION COUNTY, Ill. -- Illinois State Police put a $1.5 million dent into cocaine traffic passing through Union County, on Wednesday. During a safety check of a tractor-trailer on Interstate 57, a state trooper discovered 15 bricks of cocaine, with a gross weight of 37 pounds, in the cab of the truck. Troopers arrested driver Paul Green, 44, and Michael Stennis, 39, both of Houston, Texas. Union County State's Attorney Allen W. James charged both suspects with one felony count each of controlled substance trafficking, unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. They are being held on a $500,000 bond, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 20. If convicted, Green and Stennis face a minimum of 30 years in prison for trafficking, 15 to 60 years for delivery and a maximum $500,000 fine for possession.

Scott City Christmas parade to be held at dusk

Scott City will hold its annual Christmas parade at dusk this year, instead of during the afternoon. The parade will take place Sunday at approximately 4:30 p.m., beginning at Bob's Foodliner on Main Street, heading east down Main Street to Ruth Street and ending at the city pool. Line-up begins at 3:30 p.m. at Bob's Foodliner. About 20 floats from local organizations and businesses will be in the parade, and the Scott City High School marching band will provide music. Following the parade Santa will be available for photos in the city park.

Perryville man charged with child molestation

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Robert J. Oswald was charged on Friday for allegedly molesting a 4-year-old girl. Perry County prosecutors charged Oswald, 40, of 5201 N. U.S. 61, with one count each of felony statutory sodomy and class B felony child molestation. He is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of molestation. According to a sworn affidavit by Perryville officer Brian McCain, the victim told her mother that the incident occurred on Nov. 20. The victim said during interviewing that Oswald inappropriately touched her, McCain wrote.

-- From staff reports