CARBONDALE — The SIU Coaches Caravan makes its second stop of a four-date tour of the region Tuesday night in Harrisburg.
School funding reform measure passes Senate; fate in House uncertain
May 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment
A school funding reform bill intended to direct more money to the state’s neediest school districts narrowly won approval in the Illinois Senate Tuesday.
Another election year … another coal bill
May 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment
There is an old adage that states: ‘Fool me once, shame on you … fool me twice, shame on me.’
That sage piece of advice crossed my mind when I read a story this week that Illinois lawmakers are proposing what is being labeled as “an innovative investment plan for Illinois’ coal industry.’
The story related that the bill was introduced by Democratic lawmakers exactly six months prior to the general election.
The story had only one voice detailing the new legislation. Interestingly, that voice was not an elected official. A gentleman by the name of Ryan Keith, who was listed as a “PR Specialist” in the story offered some quotes. Keith said the new legislation is “a creative plan to get some life into the coal industry, and hopefully do it in a more friendly way than it has been done before.”
He went on to say: “Financial well-being is tied to the success in the coal industry. Different mine closures and other challenges puts people in a real state of hardship, so this legislation is hoping to offer some incentive for the industry to get on its feet.”
Let me enlighten you about this ‘spin’ story and also establish a cold, hard fact – this legislation has nothing to do with coal. It has nothing to do with the coal industry. It has nothing to do with correcting the hardships the coal industry has suffered. It has nothing to do with innovation or an investment plan. It has nothing to do with incentives for the coal industry. It has nothing to do with getting the coal industry on its feet.
Instead, this same old tired song has everything to do with getting re-elected, period. It has to do with spouting off platitudes during stump speeches about fighting for the coal industry. It has to do with color glossy mailers that will soon be appearing in our mailboxes detailing this bogus legislation. It has to do with November 8, 2016 – Election Day!
In short, it’s another election year and so it’s time to trot out yet another feel-good coal story.
Isn’t it interesting that we have Democratic state lawmakers introducing legislation they claim will offer incentives for the Illinois coal industry while at the federal level President Obama continues to work feverishly to keep his 2008 campaign promise to bankrupt the coal industry? By the way, that word ‘bankrupt’ is Obama’s word, not mine. It’s the word he used when detailing his plans for the coal industry while being interviewed eight years ago by the editorial board of the San Francisco Chronicle. Never let it be said that Obama never kept a campaign promise, because he made good on that one. And if elected, the presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton has stated clearly and unequivocally that she will continue Obama’s legacy to kill the coal industry.
Just for the record the list of coal companies that have filed bankruptcy during Obama’s fight against coal includes Peabody Coal Company (the largest privately-owned coal company in the world), Arch Coal, Patriot Coal, Alpha Natural Resources, James River Coal and Walter Energy. The common denominator in all these bankruptcies boils down to one thing: federal regulations. And it should be pointed out that most of these over-reaching regulations were implemented through executive orders handed down by Obama. Interestingly, the same lawmakers who are touting all they’ve done for coal are the same ones who endorsed Obama eight years ago.
On the same day that I read the ‘vote-for-me/coal story’ I read another story that documented that the state of Illinois has had no job growth in the private sector during the 21st Century. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Illinois has actually lost approximately 1,000 jobs in the private sector between January 2000 and March 2016. That’s zero job growth during the past 16 years. Zero. Nada. Nothing. Zilch. The only state with worse numbers in this category than Illinois is Mississippi.
So, pardon me for being cynical about this new sure-fire legislation to revitalize the coal industry, but you see I’ve been fooled before. But, I won’t be fooled again.
Jim Muir has been a journalist in Southern Illinois for 24 years working in newspaper, radio and magazine. Follow Jim Muir on Facebook or on Twitter @jmuir1153. He can be reached at jmuir@frontier.com or at 618-525-4744.
Ex-House Speaker Dennis Hastert won’t appeal 15-month prison sentence
May 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert will not appeal his 15-month sentence on his conviction on bank violations stemming from hush money payments to cover up sexual abuse, his lawyers confirmed Thursday.
Dolores June Doherty – formerly of Whittington
May 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Dolores June Doherty, 84, passed away peacefully, May 9, 2016, in Tampa, Florida.
Mrs. Doherty was born July 7, 1931 in Whittington, Illinois to Elmer and Lena (Beaty) Moss.
She was a court reporter for the United States Air Force for over 31 years. Her career allowed her to travel abroad and live in many places such as, Turkey, Germany, England and Panama. She retired May 3, 2003.
Dolores is survived by daughter Barbara Rich of Illinois, daughter Marla Carty of Wedgefield, South Carolina, son Mark Gunter of Bradenton, Florida and sister, Shirley Rochford Boetsch of Cary, Illinois. She has loved 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tech Sergeant Gerald Doherty, daughter Linda Gunter, daughter Donna Gunter, and daughter Norma Gunter.
A graveside ceremony will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery, Thompsonville, Illinois, on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at 10 am with Rev. John West officiating.
Funeral arrangements provided by Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois.
Online Condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Ronnie Neal Greenwood – Benton, IL
May 9, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Ronnie Neal Greenwood, 75, of Benton, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at Benton Rehab and Healthcare Center surrounded by family. Ronnie was born, at home, in Mulkeytown, Illinois to Henry and Edith (Bauman) Greenwood on October 31, 1940. Ronnie married Alice Wiggs on June 4, 1960, she survives.
Ronnie was very involved with his family and enjoyed fishing and farming. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, local 702 and the Akin Missionary Baptist Church. Ronnie was a resident at both Mt Vernon Health Care and Benton Rehab and Healthcare Center over the last four years. Both facilities were family to he and his loved ones; they were very supportive and were wonderful throughout his stay.
Ronnie leaves behind his wife, Alice Greenwood, one daughter, Robyn Snow (Mark) and son-in-law, Steven Sniderwin, all of Benton. Two sisters, Phyllis Payne of West Frankfort an Judy Huggins (Wayne) of Marissa and a brother, Lennoth Greenwood (Harriet) of Anabel, Missouri. Ronnie had four grandchildren, Mary Beth Sniderwin of Marion, Andrew Sniderwin (Heidi) of Thompsonville, Matthew Snow (Kirsten) of St. Louis, Missouri and Andrea Snow (Dustin) of Carbondale and four great-grandchildren, Griffin, Caroline, Holland and Harper. He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Cindy Sniderwin.
Per Ronnie’s request, graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Alan Newman and Rev. Howard Johnson officiating. Friends should go directly to the cemetery for the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Akin Missionary Baptist Church or a charity of your preference; sympathy cards may also be mailed to Mrs. Greenwood’s residence.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Ronnie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Leonard L. Riggs – Christopher, IL
May 9, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Leonard L Riggs Sr. 90, of Christopher, IL passed away on Saturday May 7, 2016 at 6:50 A.M. at Helia Healthcare in Benton.
Born to Jack Riggs and Jeannie Alice (Naylor) Pearson on August 14, 1925 in Christopher.
Married Anna Mae Qualls on November 23, 1957, and she survives.
Survived by three daughters Loretta (Tom) Mitchell of Sikeston, MO, Kimberly (Chuck) Diuguid of Royalton, IL, Lucinda (Rodney) Hill of Christopher and one son, Leonard Riggs Jr of Christopher. Also survived by grandchildren: Eric Redding, Randy Redding Jr, Natalie Elam, John Mitchell, Jason Mitchell, Daniel Tolley, Donald Basenberg. Jr, Josh Basenberg, Melissa Leedle and Jared Diuguid.
Mr. Riggs is also survived by 22 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Ervon Good, Clyde Riggs, Cecil Riggs, Velma Mae Riggs, Ruby Sisney, Helen Smith and daughter Consuela Redding Ward and one great-grandchild Ashley Dawn Redding. He served in the United States Army during WWII and was a coal miner, railroad worker, mechanical draftsman at Carmet in Christopher and finally worked at Tower’s Mine Tool in Christopher. Excelled in track and was a pitcher for softball leagues in Christopher area. He was also an artist and a musician.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday May 11, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Wednesday May 11, 2016 from 11 a.m.. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in the Mulkeytown Cemetery.
For more information go to our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
Jerry M. Winemiller – Benton, IL
May 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment
BENTON — Jerry M. Winemiller, 77, passed away Friday morning, May 6, 2016, in St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Louis.
He was born Oct. 24, 1938, in Franklin County, the son of Harold M. and LaVerne (Spencer) Winemiller.
He married Barbara (Burton) Winemiller and she preceded him in death.
Jerry always put others before himself.
He is survived by his three children, Mark and Amy Winemiller of Carthage, Missouri, Debra Ann Winemiller of Benton, and Mike Winemiller of Crane, Texas; and two grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and three grandchildren, Jacob, Curtis and Eric.
Graveside funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 9, at Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington, with the Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will follow. There will be no visitation. Those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
The family requests no flowers.
For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.
Catherine Ferrera – Harrisburg, IL
May 5, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Harrisburg — Catherine Leanor Ferrera, age 50 of Harrisburg, passed away at 2:35 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2016, at her home.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. There will be no visitation.
Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Catherine was born on April 20, 1966 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of James Lee Stalcup and Janet L. (Drone) Stalcup. She married Robert L. Ferrera on November 7, 1993, and he survives.
Catherine was a Licensed Practical Nurse with Addus Home Health Care.
She enjoyed horseback riding, flower gardening, traveling, and most enjoyed spending time with her family.
Catherine is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Robert L. Ferrera of Harrisburg; a son Roberto L. Ferrera of Harrisburg; a daughter Stephanie M. Ferrera of Harrisburg; her parents James and Janet Stalcup of Harrisburg; a brother James Michael Stalcup and wife Lisa of West Frankfort; a sister Tiffany L. Baird and husband Brian of Harco; several nieces, nephews, and her best friend Susan Taylor Gesell and husband Brad of Benton.
Catherine was excited about the upcoming birth of her first grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be collected on behalf of the family to be determined to be distributed at their discretion.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Catherine, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
