Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Rep. Aaron Schock is resigning his seat in Congress, saying in a statement issued Tuesday that “constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction” and have made it “too difficult for me to serve the people of the 18th District.”
Here’s a link to the story in the Chicago Tribune.
Rep. Aaron Schock is resigning his seat in Congress, saying in a statement issued Tuesday that “constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction” and have made it “too difficult for me to serve the people of the 18th District.”
Here’s the link to the story in the Chicago Tribune.
Staff Report
Matt Witkewiz takes his job very seriously.
Witkewiz, service manager at Weeks Chrysler Dodge Ram location in West Frankfort, said some dealerships believe when a customer drives off the lot the transaction is complete. But with Witkewiz (affectionately known as ‘Wiz’ to his fellow employees) he believes the car-buying experience is just getting started.
Matt Witkewiz, service manager at Weeks
“My title is service manager and that is exactly what I strive to do, manage the service that you get,” said Witkewiz. “And we really, really strive to take care of our customers and go the extra mile. We know that having satisfied customers is the greatest advertisement we can have.”
Witkewiz said problems arise occasionally with the purchase of new or used vehicles. He said some of the areas his department handles on a regular basis includes parts, mechanical problems, oil changes, blue tooth and other technology-related issues and providing another means of transportation if needed.
“There are going to be some minor problems along the way, that just goes without saying,” said Witkewiz said. “But, it’s how a service department handles those problems, courteously, efficiently and timely that makes the difference to our customers.”
Witkewiz said he sees his role in the service department as being a key part of the entire car-buying experience. The West Frankfort Weeks facility has four full-time technicians and one part-time.
“What we do in the service department is a direct reflection on the entire purchase and a lot of times on whether they come back,” said Witkewiz. “We understand that sometimes people are nervous and we really strive to take care of them. We go the extra mile.”
Your phone rings.
You look at the screen. It has a number you don’t recognize, but the caller ID appears as “IRS.” Your heart leaps into your throat. What could be wrong? You answer.
The person on the phone tells you they’re with the IRS, they may even give a badge number. They begin to tell you that you owe back taxes. They may even say, “you need to pay immediately” or “The police will arrest you for not paying.”
It’s scary, and understandably confusing. But above all else it is a scam.
According to the IRS, they will never:
There are similar scams targeted at email. These are called “phishing” schemes. You may get an email that appears to be from the IRS that asks you to “update your IRS e-file.” It may mention USA.gov and IRSgov. These emails are not from the IRS. They link to websites that look like the IRS site but are solely designed to capture your personal information for scammers to use illegally. The IRS will not initiate contact with you by email to request personal or financial information.
Forward any email you believe to be a scam to phishing@irs.gov.
These are two of the most prevalent scams reported by the IRS, but every year the agency also releases a list of the top 12 or “dirty dozen” tax scams. These include false promises of free money from inflated refunds and impersonation of charitable organizations. You can see them all here.
We also have some guidance on how to protect yourself from becoming the victim of a tax scam.
In virtually every aspect of life, experience is important . But, when it comes to income tax preparation experience goes far beyond important – it’s imperative, a must.
That’s why choosing H & R Block in Benton is also a must, because the experience the entire staff brings could result in extra money in your pocket. All total, owners Terri Page and Pat Wilson and their staff have more than 140 years combined experience in tax preparation.
H & R Block has been a fixture on West Main Street (just one-half block west off the Benton Public Square) for more than 20 years and is ready to help you with your tax returns.
Here are some important questions that H & R Block in Benton can help you answer. Call the office at 618-439-4641 or stop by and visit at 101 West Main Street.
Johnny Ray Willett, 51, of Carterville and formerly of Royalton, passed away March 11, 2015 at his home.
He was born in Benton, IL on Nov. 5, 1963.
He was married to Mary “Buffy” Willett and she survives.
As per Mr. Willett’s request there will be no funeral services.
Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Helen F. Bennett, 92, of Benton, passed away Monday, March 16, 2015 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center, in Benton.
She was born in Benton, IL on Dec. 27, 1922, the daughter of Peter and Antonio Zelinicki.
Helen was married to Lloyd Lee Bennett, and he preceded her in death. They were married June 27, 1945 and he preceded her in death on March 14, 2004.
Helen was of the Catholic faith.
Helen is survived by two sons, Rod Bennett, of Benton, and Mark Bennett, of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren Jason Bennett and wife Shannon, of Akin, IL, Amanda Miller and husband Chris of Smithville, MO, Brandon Bennett and wife Kelly of California; great-grandchildren Tanner and Clayton Bennett and Conner, Makenna and Charlotte Miller; a brother John Zelnicki and wife Mary, of Crystal Lake, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four sisters, Mary, Stella, Leona and Josephine and by one brother, Joey.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, with Father Joseph Trapp officiating. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery, in Whittington, IL. Visitation will be after 9 a.m. and until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, are in charge of arrangements.
BENTON — Marilyn Neal, 77, left this world for a better one in Heaven on Saturday morning, March 14, 2015, from Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton.
Marilyn was born Dec. 3, 1937, in Benton, the daughter of Boman and Eva (Jones) Rhine.
She married James (Jim) Deon Neal on Dec. 24, 1953, and he preceded her in death Sept. 18, 2012.
Marilyn is survived by her three sons, Steve Neal and wife, Dawn of Benton, Scott Neal of Benton, Stacy Neal and wife, Nikki, of Benton; eight grandchildren, Ashley Kearney of Virginia, Brittany Neal of Benton, Linsey Toms and husband, Joey, of St. Louis, Alicia Pond and husband, Chris, of Benton, Kyle Neal and fiancée, Ashlee Summers of Benton, Micah Neal of Benton, Jarron Bennett of Benton, and Malaynia Bennett of Benton; five great-grandchildren, Preston and Analia Pond of Benton, Julian and Juno Toms of St. Louis, and Treyton Scott Neal of Benton; one sister, Glenda Drew and husband, Paul of Benton; one brother, Ronald Rhine of Benton; brothers-in-law, Dick Lemons, and Ronnie (Paula) Gossman; sisters-in-law, MaryAnn (Jack) Burton, Brenda (Dennis) Thomas, and JoNeta and Charlie Thornbrew; and special friends, Roger and Bernie Edwards.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, David in infancy; one brother, Donald Rhine; one sister, Lodean Lemons; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe Neal and Daisy (Cull) Neal; and stepmother-in-law, Juanita Neal.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Dr. Sammy Simmons and the Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in Masonic and Odfellows Cemetery in Benton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance or to the Elks Crippled Children.
For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit
Raymond “Dale” Dublo, 77, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away March 13, 2015 at his home.
Dale was born November 11, 1937, in Scheller, the son of Thomas and Vivian (Duckworth) Dublo.
Dale married Clara (Schafer) Dublo on August 27, 1960 in DuQuoin, IL and she survives of Mulkeytown.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of B Company 26th Signal Corp. Dale worked for Blue Bell Packing, Old Ben 26 and was also a farmer. He was a member of the UMWA and the Illinois Horse Pullers Association. Dale loved his horses.
Dale is survived by his children, John and Angela Dublo, of Mulkeytown, Vance and Allison Dublo, of Mulkeytown and Sandy Dublo, of Energy, IL; grandchildren Fallon Dublo, Amber Dublo, Knox Dublo and Kollyns Dublo; one brother, Ralph and Donna Dublo, of Sesser, IL and Maxine Martin, of Bonnie, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law Clifford Martin.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 17, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Visitation will be Monday, March 16, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home
Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, IL, is in charge of arrangements.
For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
Dan “Danny” S. Romani, 67, of Sesser, IL, passed away on March 13, 2015 at 9:45 p.m. at Marshall Browning Hospital, in Du Quoin, IL.
Danny was born June 10, 1947 in Herrin, IL to Bruno Romani and Edna (Basso) Romani.
He was a graduate of Sesser-Valier High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Danny was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing with family and friends.
Danny married Karen (Allen) Romani on September 10, 1966 and she survives of Sesser.
He was an inspector with the Department of Agriculture and the Romani family also founded Bruno’s Restaurant and Lounge in Sesser in 1976.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser and also a member of the American Legion.
Danny is also survived his children, Valerie and Chad Miller, of Sesser and Kendra Romani and fiance Chris Iannotti, of Marion; brother Frank Romani and Kim, of Sesser; grandchildren Wade Romani, Elaina Romani, Caroline Romani, Lucca Iannotti and Zane Hardesty
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Michael Romani.
A memorial service will be held at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 with Father Dan Jurek, officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 17, 2015 from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an educational fund for Danny’s grandchildren and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www. gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
Thomas Pickering, 82, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away March 10, 2015 at Heartland Regional Hospital in Marion, IL.
He was born, May 31, 1932 in West Frankfort, IL, the son of George Pickering and Olive (Liddle) Pickering.
Thomas was married to Loretta (Stalcup) Pickering and she preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 2006.
He was a a veteran of World War II, Korean and the Vietnam wars and retired after 22 years in the U.S. Army.
He attended Bear Point Church, in Sesser.
Thomas is survived by his children, Laura and Cary Hammonds, of Mulkeytown and David Pickering, of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Adrea Barnes and fiance Ryan Petro, of Christopher, Kyle Hammonds and fiance Abigail Presswood of Du Quoin and Kaylee and Derek Smith, of Pinckneyville; great-grandchildren Sawyer Smith and Lorelai Hammonds.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Richard and George Pickering and a grandson Brandon Pickering who died April 10, 2010 in Afghanistan.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with Brother Larry Cook, officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, in Mulkeytown.
In lieu of flowers Memorials can be Wounded Warriors Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home
Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, is in charge of arrangements.
For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
