Briefs: Driver hits Grand Theatre; 2-car crash at Route 51 overpass; Indianettes miss IHSA finals

<b>Car crashes into Grand Theatre</b>

A 26-year-old Du Quoin man was taken to Marshall Browning Hospital and then flown to SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, after the vehicle he was driving crashed through the east wall of the historic Grand Theatre in Du Quoin, in the early hours of Jan. 27, according to police. The driver was identified as Juan Vertiz of Du Quoin. His condition is not known. As well, the police report was not available Thursday, so details on how the accident happened or any possible charges are also not known. Fire chief David Durkota said there was not a serious building issue beyond the hole in the wall. The Grand, is currently undergoing renovation into an events center.

<b>Two-car accident at Route 51 overpass</b>

A two-car accident at the east end of the Route 51 overpass in Du Quoin blocked traffic for a time on Tuesday evening, but no one was apparently seriously hurt. Police say a 17-year-old driver in a 1997 Ford pickup pulled into the intersection northbound on Division Street at 5:44 p.m., right in front of a 2017 Dodge van heading west on Poplar. The Dodge hit the Ford's back passenger side, police said. Cody G. Jones of Du Quoin was cited with failure to yield, police said. The other driver was identified as Roberta C. Jaimet, 61, of Percy. According to the Pinckneyville Ambulance Service, an ambulance came to the scene but no one was taken to the hospital. Jones was also cited with failure to yield, operating an uninsured vehicle and no valid driver's license, police said.

<b>Du Quoin Indianettes miss IHSA finals</b>

The Du Quoin High school Indianettes failed to make the IHSA Competitive Dance state finals this weekend after finishing eighth out of 15 teams in the Class 1A sectionals held in Effingham. The six top scoring teams advanced to the state finals - including Marion and Murphysboro. Locally, teams from Pinckneyville, Johnston City, Herrin, Nashville, Chester and Carterville also did not make the cut. However, the Indianettes will be represented to the max at the Illinois Drill Team Association finals on Feb. 15 in Springfield - as they have qualified in all three events. pom dance, hip-hop and jazz.