WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Friends of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge will host its annual clean up day on Saturday, September 17th.

The clean up will take place from 8 a.m. Until 12 p.m. at the Prairie Creek Recreation Area. That's about a mile and a half west of John A. Logan College on the south side of Route 13.

It's in support of National Public Lands Day.

The first 100 volunteers that register will get a free t-shirt. There are a few canoes available to use to pick up shoreline trash, so if you'd like to do that, you should come early.

Volunteers are encouraged to register for the clean up no later than Monday, September 12th.

A Williamson County man has been sentenced to prison time after being indicted on charges of sending threatening mail.

Samirkumar (Samir, Sam) Hasmukhlal Mody, 45, of Lake of Egypt, Illinois was sentenced  to 5 months in prison, 5 months home confinement and 2 years of supervised release, according to the US Attorney's Office.

Mody was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine and $100 special assessment.

Mody had pleaded guilty to a one-county indictment on charges on sending threatening mail. The charges stem from him sending a threatening letter to the Ramesses Lounge in Marion, according to the attorney.

 The US attorney says in the letter Mody threatened to kill and "blast everybody at [Ramesses] loung[e] by chemical tubes." Another time the attorney's office says he left an envelope with a gun in it and a threatening note at the lounge.

MARION, IL (KFVS) - The Southern Illinois Miners will give thanks to our heroes at the Miners' potential playoff game against the River City Rascals on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

According to the Miners, the game will only be necessary if they do not sweep the best-of-five series. The game is scheduled for Sunday, September 11 at 5:05 p.m.

The Miners will offer free tickets at the gate to past and present military personnel, law enforcement officials, firefighters, EMT workers and first responders, as well as their families.

Miners Executive Vice President Erik Haag said this is a small thank you to the men and women who work every day to protect us and keep us safe.

The Miners first home playoff game of the year is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7:05 p.m.