Doris Faye Bullock – Herrin, IL

May 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Doris Faye Bullock , 57, of Herrin, IL passed away May 27, 2015 at Herrin Hospital.

doris

She was born June 16, 1957 in Pinckneyville, IL, the daughter of Noel Brayfield and Mary (Phillips) Brayfield.

Doris was a member of West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin where she loved to praise the Lord. She was a volunteer waitress at the House of Hope in Herrin where she was every time the door were open, when she was able. She had a big heart and a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor and full of spunk. She loved her grandchildren to the moon and back.

She is survived by her children, Suzanne and Charles Stein, Royalton, Il and Robert Bullock, West Frankfort, IL; grandchildren Christopher Smith, Jessica Stein, Cheyanne Morris, Austin Perjenski, Emma Morris, Kara Jo Stein; brother Noel (Vicky) Brayfield, West Frankfort; niece Crysta Brayfield; two great nephews Hunter and Stetson Brayfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Debbie Deuschler, Tina Lawrence and Julie Ann Brayfield.

There will be a memorial service conducted at a later date.

Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher IL in in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Muir’s Musings May 28, 2015

May 28, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Rand Paul in Chicago: Crime ‘not a racial thing, it’s a spiritual problem.’

More Texas towns brace for high water; death toll climbs

Senate rejects Bruce Rauner agenda; see how you state senator voted

See how your state rep voted on budget that overspends by $4 billion

Baltimore residents fearful amid rash of homicides

‘I’m not crazy’: 62 animals found inside Creal Springs’ woman’s home

Is ‘Charlie Charlie’ a harmless game? Exorcist says ‘absolutely not’

The other ‘showdown’ in Springfield

Muir’s Morning Motivational Minute

‘Every test in life makes us bitter or better, every problem comes to make us or break us. In the end the choice is ours whether we become victim or victor.’

It’s funny how one quote will sometimes cause me to think of another quote. I recently found one that parallels this one. It states: ‘The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s not about circumstances but what we’re made of.’

With God’s grace and strength and a healthy dose of our own determination and common sense we have the ability to face any ‘test’ and be better and not let any ‘problem’ break us. And in the end we be a victor and not a victim.
God’s blessings to you on this day! Have a great Thursday and a blessed day!

Filed Under: More Featured Articles, Muir's Musings

Muir’s Musings – May 27, 2015

May 27, 2015 By Leave a Comment

‘Today is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.’

I read this quote and I thought about a comment made by a minister years ago. He said most people he counsels that are going through a tough time want to continually look back and dwell in the past – rehashing all the bad things that happened. He said he always encouraged them to remember how they feel today but to look ahead exactly one year and then strive to be better, healthier, stronger, etc. 365 days later. His comments really made sense to me. And just like today’s quote says, we all have a blank 365-page book in front of us and today is the first chapter. The key thing is that you are the author of that book and you can write the story anyway you choose. And remember, don’t look back … you’re not going that direction!

God’s blessings to you on this day! Have a wonderful Wednesday and a blessed day!

Filed Under: Muir's Musings

Obituary – Kevin Bush – Benton, IL

May 25, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Kevin Bush, 51, of Benton, IL passed away Saturday morning, May 23, 2015 at Franklin Hospital, in Benton, IL.

Kevin was born in Benton on August 18, 1963, the son of Floyd and Geraldine “Geri” (Cantrell) Bush.

He married Rhonda Williams on July 5, 2004 and she survives.

Kevin worked for Maytag for 20 years and was currently employed at Franklin Hospital, in Benton.

Kevin was a St. Louis Cardinals’ fan, a NASCAR fan and was an accomplished bowler.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Bush, of Benton, two children Nathan Malec, Benton, and Patricia Malec, Benton; grandchildren Ethan, Peyton and Paisley Malec; one brother, Kim Bush, of Herrin, IL; mother-in-law and father-in-law Joyce and Art Duchene, Mulkeytown, IL; two brothers-in-law, Ron Williams and wife Lisa, of Benton and Steven Chirch and wife Brittany, of Benton; sister-in-law Lisa Rodriguez and husband Tony, of West Frankfort, IL; nephews Blake Bush and wife Lindsey, of Herrin and Dalton Bush, of Herrin; niece Rachel Stacey and husband David, of Herrin. He is also survived by other nieces and nephews.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Fitzpatrick officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Obituary – Robert (Bob) Swisher – Coello, IL

May 25, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Robert (Bob)Eugene Swisher, 74, Coello, IL passed away May 24, 2015 at Herrin Hospital, in Herrin, IL.

He was born July 20, 1940 in Mulkeytown, IL, the son of Emmett Swisher and Verble (Hill) Swisher.

Bob was an Army veteran.

He worked at Freeman No. 3 and Kerr-McGhee before retiring.

Bob was a member of the UMWA, Christopher American Legion and the Italian Club, in Coello. He was also a member of the First Christian Church, in Mulkeytown.

Bob married Evelyn (Pinkham) Swisher on June 19, 1965 and she survives.

He is survived by his children Carrie and Dennis Estes, Christopher, IL and Jeff Thies, of Illinois; granchildren Adam and Joshua Estes, of Christopher, Preston and Ryan Thies, Illinois, Lynn and Kendra Swisher, Queensbury, New York, Clinton Swisher, St. Louis; step grandchildren Jason Estes, Du Quoin, IL and Brandi Estes, Las Vegas; great-grandchildren Kayah Nicole Swisher, Queensbury, NY; step-great-grandchildren Paige Adams, Brook Adams, Plano, Texas; sisters and brothers Charles (Dobber) and Judy Swisher, Mulkeytown, Janice and Norm Tilley, Du Quoin, IL, Debbie and Jerry Stanley, Mulkeytown; daughter-in-law Karen Swisher, Queensbury, NY, brother-in-law Raymond Flannigan, Mulkeytown; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marion and Karen Pinkham, Galesburg, IL, Allen and Heather Pinkham, Mulkeytown, Wilma and Larry Hammel, Du Quoin, Jane and Lou Pivarski, Christopher; two aunts Geraldine Kozan and Pauline Anheuser, both of Du Quoin and Dean Hill, Steelville, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Leonard Leroy Swisher and one sister Linda Flannigan.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, is in charge of arrangements.  For more information got to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Obituary – Dwight Vernell Bailor – Valier, IL

May 21, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Dwight Vernell Bailor, 88, of Valier, IL, passed away May 20, 2015 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center, in Herrin, IL.

bailorDwight was born October 25, 1926 in Rend City, IL the son of George Bailor and Lela (Quillman) Bailor.

He served in the United States Navy during World War II.

Dwight was a coal miner, a member of the WMWA and the Valier United Methodist Church.

Dwight was married to Dorothy Mae (Kidd) Bailor and she preceded him in death on Dec. 25, 2009.

He is survived by his children, Trudy and Gary Crocker, of Valier and Jim and Renea Bailor, of Valier; grandchildren Lisa and Shannon Gamble, Louisville, KY, Britaney Bailor and husband Brent Oberlink, Highland, IL, Bridgette and Bobby Finley, Lexington, KY; great-grandchildren Garrett Gamble, Jordan Gamble, McKenzi Finley and Addison Finley. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 22, 2015 at 3 p.mm. at Valier United Methodist Church with minister Zach Waldis officiating. Visitation will be Friday, May 22, 2015 from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 3 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, in Valier.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Il is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Obituary – Remington James Cambron – Mulkeytown, IL

May 21, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Remington James Cambron, infant son of John R. and Jamie Cambron, of Mulkeytown, IL was stillborn May 19, 2015 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

He is survived by his parents, grandparents James and Donna Jones, of Mulkeytown and Don and Dawn Wilkins, Buckner and John Cambron, Sr. of Benton; one sister, Alexis Cambron, Mulkeytown, IL.

Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday May 22 at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Zettler stresses Weeks’ customer service philosophy: ‘Whatever needs to be done’

May 15, 2015 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

Will Zettler is the general sales manager at Weeks in Benton – one of three Weeks dealerships in Franklin County.

When asked about his job duties, Zettler gave a five-word answer that sums up the overall customer service philosophy that has kept Weeks locations thriving despite tough economic times in the region.

“Whatever needs to be done,” Zettler said about his daily role at the location located on Route 37, just north of Benton. “I make sure we sell cars, oversee the clean-up department, the service department and oversee the day-to-day operations. We’re a small place so I try to tend to lots of different things.”

Will Zettler is general sales manager at Weeks in Benton.

Will Zettler is general sales manager at Weeks in Benton.

Zettler said he also oversees internet sales and keeps a close eye on the Weeks’ website, a point that he says has changed the car industry during the past decade.

“When I started 14 years ago I didn’t take internet sales very seriously, it was something new and kind of in its infancy,” Zettler said. “But now, it’s our virtual lot where people can actually shop for a car.”

Despite high-tech car shopping that is now available, Zettler said the vast majority of business comes from repeat customers who shop for a new or used vehicle the old-fashioned way.

“I would say that 80-90 percent of our customers are repeat customers and that’s a great indication that we treat people right when they purchase a vehicle from us,” said Zettler. “We rely on our experienced sales staff to bring in people they know, people that have dealt with them in the past and know that they will be treated right and treated fairly. Out of this location we sell through relationships we have built.”

Zettler said Weeks’ Benton location is smaller and has less traffic than most other dealerships in Southern Illinois, but he sees that as a positive in many ways.

“Being a small dealership is not always a bad thing, it allows us to make decisions quicker, take care of customers in a quicker fashion and to do things without having to cut through a bunch of red tape to get things done, we can get the job done,” Zettler said.

Zettler began his career as a salesman which gives him a unique view of the business and he oversees a team of five sales people.

Like the West Frankfort locations, Zettler said Weeks in Benton also has a close working relationship with sales and service.

“Some places might look at it as two different businesses under one roof but there has to be a close relationship,” said Zettler. “The task of sales and service working together is much easier when the only goal is taking care of the customer.”

Weeks is the only new car dealership in Franklin County and has kept three locations humming along despite rough economic times. Zettler said that fact in itself speaks volumes about customer satisfaction that is preached daily at all the Weeks’ locations.

“All three locations operate independently of each other and Greg (owner Greg Weeks) gives us the freedom to take care of people, whatever it takes, we take care of our customers,” said Zettler. “Whatever lengths we have to go to, our goal is to make the customer happy and keep them satisfied with their purchase. No matter what, we will take care of our customers.”

Filed Under: Featured

School faculty, admin invited to “Technology in the Classroom” workshop

May 14, 2015 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. – Grab your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and come to Rend Lake College for a free “Technology in the Classroom” workshop designed to help school administration and faculty interact with their students through flipped instruction.

Dr. Jeannie Justice, CORD (Center for Occupational Research and Development) Trainer and instructor of Educational Technology and Leadership at Morehead State University in Morehead, Ky., will speak about technology in the classroom from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, in the Academic Building, Room 215, on the Ina campus.

School administrators and faculty are invited to from Justice learn about flipped instruction, a trend in education that is helping prepare students for a deeper understanding of content with increased collaborative and problem-solving skills. Technology plays a key role in flipped instruction due to the amount and quality of tools to help instructors increase interaction and communication.

This hands-on workshop will also feature several tools specifically geared toward function and usability in the classroom, such as recording features for lectures, communication through technology, back channel, interactive classes, and gamification of lessons. Participants will also learn about creativity with technology, collaboration and group projects, cooperative organization, and the positives and negatives of flipping instruction.

Attendees can earn 7 CPDUs or 0.5 credit hours for attending the workshop. Lunch will also be provided. Registration is due for the session by Friday, May 29. To register or for more information, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1267 or 1714, or at sheltonk@rlc.edu.

Filed Under: Breaking News

Logan spiker picks Kentucky State

May 14, 2015 By Leave a Comment

 

BY JOHN D. HOMAN

CARTERVILLE – A second John A. Logan College volleyball player in as many days has announced that she will continue her collegiate career this fall. Sophomore rightside hitter Lauren Person will transfer to Kentucky State University this fall.

Kentucky State is located in Frankfort, near Louisville.

A St. Louis native, Person recorded 89 kills this past fall to help lead the Volunteers to a 24-10 overall mark. She also contributed 43 blocks and 30 digs.

Person said she is excited about signing with Division II Kentucky State.

“It was a hard decision because I was also considering a couple of other schools. I chose Kentucky State because I wanted to be closer to home and because I wanted to go to a historically black college or university for my educational experience these next two years.”

Person was accepted into the school’s animal science program, but has recently changed her major to physical therapy for animals.

“My freshman year here at Logan was all about adjusting to a different environment,” she said. “I didn’t get to play a lot. But I put a lot of work in the off season last year and became a starter this past fall. I got stronger, which helped, and I improved my hitting skills from the right side.”

Person said she will miss her Logan teammates and has made some lifelong friends at the school, some of which are teammates and some aren’t.

“The Logan experience has been good for me. I think I impressed Coach (Bill) Burnside with how much I improved from the first year to the second. Now, I can’t wait to see what I can do at the next level.”

Burnside said Person “is a very good athlete,” who has yet to reach her volleyball potential.

“You have to remember that Lauren was a track athlete in high school. She didn’t really get serious about volleyball until late in her high school career. She’s still developing. I think Kentucky State will be a good fit for her. I think she will help them.”

Filed Under: Breaking News
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