A new poll conducted just days before Tuesday’s election shows the race between Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican challenger Bruce Rauner is “too close to call.”
Here’s a link to the story in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Is high school football an endangered sport?
November 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment
October was a bad month for high school football.
Lies, damn lies and politics
November 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Mark Twain once said there are ‘lies, damned lies and statistics.’ After watching yet another election cycle where the politics of personal destruction is more important than the truth, maybe we should update Twain’s words to ‘lies, damn lies and politics.’
Certainly, we are all election-weary.
We’re tired of robo-calls, umpteen signs dotting the landscape and vicious attack ads, chocked full of lies, interrupting our nightly television viewing. Heck, it’s gotten so bad that you can’t even listen to a song on YouTube without first having to hear yet another negative, throw-some-manure-against-the-wall-and-see-if-it-will-stick advertisement. Sadly, it appears that the election cycle where a candidate actually tells us what they have done and why they should be re-elected are long gone.
The single issue that I find most irritating and dead-wrong is the belief by many folks that one party holds all the answers and has all the qualified candidates. And it’s my belief that this type of flawed thinking is the single factor that makes election campaigns interminable and makes voters feel like their head is about to explode. This line of reasoning also plays into a belief that I have that our elected officials count on two things from voters to remain in office – ignorance and apathy. In short, some people vote for any candidate just because they belong to a particular political party while others are so sick and tired of the system that they don’t bother to vote at all.
Let me state unequivocally that I’m an independent voter and I’ve voted for many Democrats and many Republicans. I try to learn about candidates, read how they vote and what they believe and certainly if they toe-the-line for the party bosses and not their constituents. Without exception I believe there are good Democrats and bad Democrats and good Republicans and bad Republicans. No political party has a lock on good candidates. And while it may sound harsh, I also believe that anybody that votes a straight party ticket – either way – is a fool.
This point was driven home recently when I trudged off for my daily visit to the post office – another location that is not safe during an election. In the mail that day I received a letter and a sample ballot from Kevin Acosta, who is a Democrat precinct committeeman on the west side of Franklin County.
Before I talk about the letter, let me say that I don’t have a problem getting a letter from a precinct committeman, in fact, I understand that rallying voters is a big part of what they do. But, it was the content of the letter that I found troubling and untrue.
Let me explain.
The letter began by encouraging folks to go vote on Nov. 4 and talked about the importance of this particular election. No problem with that as far as I am concerned. But, it was the second paragraph that was head-scratcher. Here’s how it reads:
“The Republicans have gotten us in this mess and they have no plan to get us out. If they get in they will cut programs to our most vulnerable citizens and destroy what’s left of the middle class. We (Democrats) are the only hope for schools (children), hospitals (the sick), nursing homes (the elderly), organized labor and our veterans.”
Seriously? While I do agree we are in a mess, I have a different view about who got us there.
Let’s take that paragraph and dissect it line-by-line.
First, in Illinois and in Franklin County, Republicans are endangered species. Illinois has a Democrat governor and a veto-proof Senate and House that is controlled by Democrats. In Franklin County, where unemployment is worst in the state, Democrats hold all elected positions, every single one. In fact, there has not been a Republican elected to an office-holder position since 1960 when Bob Ice was elected sheriff. And for the past 25 years I can remember two Republican county board members. Currently, all nine county board seats are Democrats.
So, to say that ‘Republicans have gotten us in this mess’ is pure nonsense. It would take somebody completely uninformed or with partisan political blinders on (or both) to believe that.
The first thought that came to my mind when I read the line that Republicans would ‘destroy the middle class’ was the 67 percent income tax hike in Illinois that was inflicted on us by Gov. Pat Quinn and Democrats. Think about this — is there a more damaging way to attack the middle class than to go straight to their paycheck and help yourself to an additional 67 percent in income tax?
The final line in that paragraph is the most egregious. That line reads: We (Democrats) are the only hope for schools (children), hospitals (the sick), nursing homes (the elderly), organized labor and our veterans.”
Keep in mind again, Illinois has a governor and veto-proof House and Senate controlled by Democrats. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, since 2009 there has been a $2.7 billion cut in education in Illinois – cuts that have led to the loss of teachers and aides, an increase in class sizes and the elimination of music, art, sports and other educational programs.
Additionally, massive cuts in health-related matters in Illinois have hurt the most vulnerable. In recent months I have interviewed a mental health employee with the Illinois Department of Human Services who told me that her department has been decimated by budget cuts.
“I sit across the table from people asking for help and I know that they are going to die before I can get them the help they need,” she told me. Sad, huh?
And I recently talked with a nursing home administrator who told me that every month she spends money out of her own pocket for necessities such as toilet paper, paper towels, kleenexes and cleaning supplies because the state is running so far behind with payments.
It also seems to me if Gov. Quinn is the ‘only hope’ for organized labor they might be in serious trouble. Despite the truckloads of money that unions are spending to try and get him re-elected, there has not been another Illinois governor in memory (Democrat or Republican) who has been more anti-union that Quinn. AFSCME, the state’s largest public employees’ union, had to take Quinn to court to get a pay raise that had been gained through collective bargaining. Here’s a link to the AFSCME website from 18 months ago.
As far as veterans – both Democrats and Republicans have done a poor job of meeting the needs of a group that should be near the top of the priority list, but it clearly does not fall on one party.
Regarding the letter I received, let me remind you again of my slightly altered version of Twain’s words one more time. There are lies, damn lies and politics. And the letter I received was pure politics. Look around on Nov. 4 and ask yourself if you are proud and satisfied with what you see in Illinois and your particular county. Ask yourself if Illinois or your particular neck of the woods is better or worse than it was two years ago? Four years ago? Six years ago? And then vote your conscience … regardless of political party.
Obituary – Pamela Kay (Furlow) Dunmyer – Mulkeytown
October 29, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Pamela Kay (Furlow) Dunmyer, 51, of Mulkeytown, passed away October 28, 2014 at Herrin Hospital, in Herrin, IL.
Pamela was born August 30, 1963 in Alton, IL, the daughter of Bill Furlow and Evelyn Jean (Herbert) Furlow, both of Christopher, IL.
She worked at Furlow’s Market, in Zeigler, IL and was a member of the United Methodist Church, in Benton, IL.
Pamela was married to Frank Dunmyer, of Mulkeytown, and he survives.
She is survived by her children, Brittney Boner, and Alexandra Boner, both of Christopher, IL; grandson, Nathaniel Hayes, of Christopher and brother Rodney (Karen) Furlow, of Mulkeytown, IL.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, with Brother Barry King and Brother Shane Smith officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery, in Buckner, IL.
In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the United Methodist Church in Benton, IL and will be accepted at the funeral home
Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher IL, is in charge of arrangements.
For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
Obituary – Gary Gullett – Benton
October 28, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Gary L. Gullett, 75, of Benton passed away Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26, 2014 at Franklin Hospital in Benton.
Gary was born in Harrisburg, IL on Jan. 28, 1939, the son of Herbert and Sybil (Ward) Gullett.
Gary married Carole (Rodgers) on August 10, 1975 and she survives.
Gary was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church. He was the former owner and operator of Immediate Cleaners in Benton. Gary was a member of the Liars’ Club and was a Mason.
Gary is survived by his wife, Carole, of Benton, four children, Randy Gullett and wife Martha, of Kissimmee, FL, Robin Rister and husband Darrell, of Harrisburg, IL, Jami Roe and husband Brian of Harrisburg, IL, Matt Fritch and wife Rena of Metropolis; two grandchildren, Olivia and Alex and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with the Rev. Sammy Simmons, the Rev. Eddie Paul Davis and the Rev. Bill Carter officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg, IL. Visitation will be after 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church.
The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary – Frances Vancil – Mulkeytown
October 28, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Frances Vancil, 73, of Mulkeytown, passed away October 24, 2014 at her home.
Frances was born December 13, 1940 in West Frankfort, IL, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Cable) Murphy.
She was married to Donald Vancil, of Mulkeytown, IL and he survives.
Frances is survived by her children, Tina Johnson and Greg Mosley; step-children David (Chrissy) Vancil and Deanna Cornell; grandchildren Tara Johnson, Samantha (Phillip) McLaughlin, Deanna (Chris) Shreder, Brian (Julie) Mosley; great-grandchildren Brooklyn Bauer, Landyn Bauer, James Mattingly, Ava Shreder, Jacob Shreder, Mason Shreder; step grandchildren Lindsey, Trenton, Kayla and Joshua.
She is also survived by sisters and brothers, Ruth Smith, Janet Bird, Margaret Dunham, Leonard Murphy, Don Murphy; sisters-in-law Linda McVey and Connie Cox.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Thomas Murphy, nine brothers and sisters, Lawrence Murphy, “Chick” Murphy, Dan Murphy, Tim Murphy, Pat Murphy, Marilyn Murphy, Bonnie Murphy, Shirley Johnson, and Boyd Murphy
Frances was the best mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and neighbor. She worked tirelessly to make her family and friends happy. She was the most selfless person, giving and forgiving, and had nothing but love to give.
Her philosophy of life was to give to all who were in need and in return God would bless and provide, that was always true in her life. She was known to be a hard worker. She stayed busy from the time she got up to the end of the day. She was a coal miner at Old Ben 21 for 14 years. A job she truly loved and was proud of. She was an avid fisherman, master cook and gardener. She also loved NFL football, the World Series, and March Madness Basketball.
There are not enough words to express how much she will be greatly missed for years to come. This is truly a devastating loss to all that loved her dearly.
Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday October 30, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Cundiff Cemetery, in Blairsville, IL with the Rev. David Sorenson officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.
Gilbert Funeral Home Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements.
For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
Obituary – Linda Rae O’Dell – Christopher
October 28, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Linda Rae O’Dell, 67, of Christopher, passed away October 25, 2014 at Herrin Hospital, in Herrin, IL.
Linda was born April 26, 1947, in Benton, the daughter of Carlos Toney and Bertha (Armstrong) Toney.
She was a homemaker and a member of South Side Baptist Church, in Christopher, IL.
Linda married Willis Jackson O’Dell on Feb. 17, 2003 and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by children Crystal (Terry) Boner, of Herrin, IL; on grandchild, Tabatha Broy, of Freeman Spur, IL; one great-grandchild, Danielle Broy; sisters Sue Martin, of West Frankfort, IL, Ella Mae (Mike) Swanson, Bradenton, FL; nieces and nephews, Tricia (Ohman) Dick, of Christopher, IL, Tony (Rene) Martin, of Seattle, WA, Nancie (David) Klein, of St. Genevieve, MO and Mark (Linda) Mabrey, of Evansville, IN. She is also survived by one great niece and one great nephew.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL. Visitation will be on Tuesday, Octobert 28, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at the funeral home
Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Obituary – Ronald Leon Piper – Mulkeytown
October 25, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Ronald Leon Piper, 77, of Mulkeytown, passed away October 24, 2014 at Helia Healthcare, in Benton, IL.
Ronald was born June 24, 1937 in Christopher, IL, the son of Charles Piper and Alta Mae (Robison) Piper.
He was an electrician all his life with IBEW local 134, he was an avid fisherman, enjoyed hunting, and he was a member of the Eagles and enjoyed dancing.
Ronald was married to Leona (Spann) Piper and she preceded him in death of March 29, 2009.
He is survived by his children, Cindy and Donnie Hammonds, of Christopher, Barry and Cindy Piper, of Athens, Alabama and Peggy Slack, of Sesser.
Also surviving are grandchildren Jason Piper, Tennessee, Barry Piper, Jr. of Benton, IL, Racheal Piper Copeland, Colorado, Michael Hammonds, Royalton, IL, Emma Hammonds, Christopher, IL, Jesse Slack, Sesser, IL; great grandchildren Dylann Piper, Tennessee and Emmitt Copeland, Colorado; brother and sister Bob and Glenna Piper, of Benton, IL and Marjorie Kelly, of Michigan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers, Dwight Piper, Alfred Piper and Charles Piper.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, IL with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewsi officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, October 27, 2014 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.
Funeral Service: Monday October 27, 2014 at 1:00 P.M.
For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Benton police make weekend arrests
October 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment
On October 18, 2014 Benton Police were dispatched to the 1100 block Lickliter Street in reference to a domestic. Through investigation, police arrested Rory S. Serles, age 32, of Benton for obstructing justice.
Police also arrested Kenneth M. Thornton, age 21, of Benton for domestic battery, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and endangering the life of a child.
Both were transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On October 19, 2014 Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at intersection of Bailey and Frisco. Through investigation, police arrested Nathan C. Watkins, age 25, of Benton for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of cannabis, and obstructing justice. Police also arrested Trevor J. Myers, age 24, of Benton for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On October 19, 2014 Benton Police arrested Tommy J. Burton, age 34, and Jesse B. Perkins, age 35, both of Benton, for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On October 20, 2014 Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of North Commercial Street in reference to a domestic in progress. Through investigation, police arrested Kevin N. Johnson, age 37, of Benton for domestic battery. Johnson was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
Obituary – Byford and Wastina Campbell – Ina
October 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Byford and Wastina Campbell, of Ina, passed away Friday, Oct. 17 at their home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014 at the Ina Freewill Baptist Church with Brother Bad Ryan officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church and also after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Mr. & Mrs. Campbell’s memory to the Ina Freewill Baptist Church.
The Johnston Funeral Home in Ina is in charge of arrangements.
