Shimkus seeks input from VA employees, vets

Maryville, Illinois — Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is reiterating his open-door policy for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employees and veterans in his district to contact his office to report any irregularities in VA scheduling procedures they have witnessed.

Congressman John Shimkus

Congressman John Shimkus

“Today’s release of the VA’s Access Audit confirms that the problems with veterans getting timely service are even more widespread than previously revealed,” Shimkus said. “My office has aided numerous veterans through the years who have experienced similar issues, and I encourage anyone currently in that situation – as well as VA employees – to share with me any knowledge of irregularities at the VA.”

The Access Audit revealed 57,436 veterans waiting for appointments more than 90 days after requesting them, as well as confusing scheduling practices and more efforts to conceal the long wait times. The audit flagged 112 VA facilities for further review and investigation, including the Illiana Health Care System in Danville and the Marion Medical Center, located in or near the 15th Congressional District.

“I will be returning to VA facilities that serve my constituents to seek answers, and I have asked to talk to veterans and employees without administrators present,” Shimkus added. “Anyone who seeks anonymity in fear of reprisal can also call my office at 618-288-7190.”

Prairie Heart Institute/SIH present ‘Heart Failure University’

CARTERVILLE, IL)  Patients with congestive heart failure and their families are invited to attend the next session of Heart Failure University, an education program offered in collaboration from Prairie Heart Institute/Southern Illinois Healthcare.

phiCongestive Heart Failure (CHF) is one of the most prevalent conditions in clinical medicine. While it is a lifelong condition, modifying lifestyle and receiving encouragement and support, patients can live a longer, more comfortable life.

The program runs from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm on Wednesday, June 11, at John A. Logan College Room F-119. Attendees will hear from a cardiologist and cardiac nursing professioonals in ways to best manage their symptoms, including tips on diet, medications, and exercise programs.

Pre-registration is required by phoning 866-744-2468.

State Rep. Smith guilty, says ‘jury just didn’t see what God saw’

State Rep. Derrick Smith was found guilty Tuesday of bribery and attempted extortion by a federal jury.

The West Side Democrat became the latest in a depressingly long line of Chicago politicians to be convicted of public corruption.

 

Here’s a link to the story in the Chicago Sun-Times.

State Rep. Derrick Smith found guilty of bribery and attempted extortion

State Rep. Derrick Smith was found guilty Tuesday of bribery and attempted extortion by a federal jury.

The West Side Democrat became the latest in a depressingly long line of Chicago politicians to be convicted of public corruption.

Here’s a link to the story in the Chicago Sun-Times.

 

derrick smith 611

Dennis James Stewart – Du Quoin, IL

Dennis James Stewart, 57, of Du Quoin, IL, passed away at 4:07 a.m. on June 9, 2014 at Marshall Browning Hospital, in Du Quoin, IL.

Dennis was born May 30, 1957 in Lorain, OH, to Lorain, OH to Carol Kennedy, of Louisville, KY.  His parents were Jim and Ann (McDowell) Stewart and they preceded him in death.

He was married to Kathy (Fred) Stewart of Du Quoin and she survives.  In addition he is survived by one son, Robert Brown, of Du Quoin and one brother, Matt Stewart, of Louisville, KY.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Dennis worked as a truck driver for PTI Trucking.

His wishes were to be cremated with no funeral service.  Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements.  For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

 

Gerald “Harry” Archie Alexander – Coello, IL

Gerald “Harry” Archie Alexander was born April 12, 1962 and passed away on June 9, 2014 at his home in Coello surrounded by his family and friends.

gerald alexander 001He was preceded in death by his father James Arthur Alexander Sr. and his mother Frances (Oshier) Alexander, youngest brother Thomas Alexander, older sister Rita Davis, Nephew James Hinton, and sister-in-law Judy Alexander.

Left to carry on his memory wife Wilma Roberts and step children; Michelle Irvin and partner Dave and their children Sidney, Alex, Julien, Emilee and Devon, Johnny Baxter and his wife Courtney and their children John Mathew and Tyler Baxter, Wanda Baxter and partner Kevin and her children Nathan, Jacob, Fatima, and Della.  His sister Geneva Harmon and her children Joseph Alexander and Geneva Alexander and her two daughters Mackenzie and Katlynn.  Brother James Alexander Jr. and his two Sons Chris Shurtz and his wife and children and Kenny Shurtz.  Sister and brother-in-law Mary Denise and Randall Gobtop and their children Doug Suhr and his wife and children, Starr Alexander and her children Charles and James, Jawn Jewel Warren and her husband Dwaine Warren and their children Laura Suarez and husband Carlos Suarez and their sons Ronnie and Carlos, Brother John Alexander and partner Debbie Winemiller and his three sons Eric Powell and his wife and children, Thomas Alexander and his wife and children, Michael Alexander and his wife and children, and one niece Jenny Chin and her husband Richard and their children.  And many many loyal friends

Funeral services for Mr. Alexander will be on Friday June 13, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Doug Burkhamer officiating.  Burial will be at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.  Visitation will be on Thursday June 12, 2014 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

This battle I did not lose, I simply went home.

The family would like to thank Dr. Morthland and staff, Dr. Pinede and staff, Hospice of Southern Illinois, friends and community members who showed their ongoing support.

Always strong, caring, loyal, tough yet devoted and faithful.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

RLC signs Mykhaela Tolds from Texas

INA, Ill. – Mykhaela Tolds of Houston is the newest member of the Rend Lake College Lady Warriors Basketball team after signing a national letter of intent Friday morning to play next fall on the 2014-15 team. She is the second Texan to play for the team under Head Coach Ward McDaniel.

Mykhaela Tolds

The 5-foot-9 small forward just wrapped up her senior year at Manvel High School by winning the 5A State Championship. As a senior, she docked 65 points for her team with a free-throw percentage of 55 and a field goal percentage of 37. She also put in 45 rebounds, 33 steals, 16 assists and 16 blocks in the 38 games she played.

As for becoming a Lady Warrior, Tolds said she is looking forward to helping the team go where no women’s basketball team has ever gone at RLC. She is also looking forward to taking classes in RLC’s criminal justice program.

“I’m just hoping for a good season and to help the team out and get to Nationals,” said Tolds. “Rend Lake was the best option for me, because I want to do criminal justice. The program looks really good. I want to become a CSI agent.”

McDaniel added, “We’re trying to be the first women’s basketball team to make it to Nationals. I’m glad she got to come up from Houston and see what we have to offer. I don’t think the division is going to disappoint her, because we’ll be playing Division I schools every night. Just talking with her, I think she’ll fit in nicely with the team next year.”

For all things athletic at The Lake, visit www.rlc.edu/warriors.

Power plant rules stoke Illinois fracking debate

ST. LOUIS — — The newly released federal plan to limit carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants triggered a new line of debate Tuesday over whether fracking in coal-rich southern Illinois may be part of the answer.

Here’s the link to the story in the Mt. Vernon Register-News.

Obituary – Mary Alice Page – Ewing

Mary Alice Page, 57, of Ewing, passed away at 6:02 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2014 at her home.

She was born on Feb. 15, 1957 in Benton, IL, the daughter of George and Kathlene (Winemiller) Kays.

She married Gary Page on September 19, 1992, and he survives.

In addition to her husband she is survived by a daughter, Abby Reiger and James Smith, of West Frankfort and a step-son, Josh Page and wife Joni, of Ewing.  She is also survived by four grandchildren, Brett Reiger, Mathew Reiger, Morgan Reiger and Daegen Smith; a sister, Linda Roberts, of Ewing, nephew Chris Roberts and wife Toni, of Ewing, great nephew, Lucas Roberts, great niece McKinley Roberts, sister-in-law Linda Volz and husband Steve, of Benton, mother-in-law Maxine Page, of Benton and nieces and nephews Mike, Stacey and Tristan Stricklin and Josh, Jennifer and Logan Carlton.

Mrs. Page was preceded in death by her parents, by a sister, Brenda Roberts and by her father-in-law, Bill Page.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Bob Pankey officiating.  Burial will be at Phillips Cemetery in Ewing.  Visitation will be after 1 p.m. Sunday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

Fords and Convertibles to be featured at June 6 Cruise Night

MT. VERNON, Ill. – With the start of summer, it’s time to break out the classic car or convertible for the upcoming Cruise Night, hosted by the Kingsmen Auto Club of Mt. Vernon at the Rend Lake College MarketPlace. This month, Fords and convertibles are invited to participate.

The Cruise Night will begin at 6 p.m. Friday with live music by Hot Rod Nights, prizes, a 50/50 drawing, discounts to MarketPlace retailers, and more family fun. All automobile entrants will be given plaques for participation. The event will end at 9 p.m.

The next Cruise Night will be hosted on July 11, featuring Tri-5 Chevys and Rat Rods. To learn more about the Cruise Nights, contact Jim Hutchison at 618-244-7711 or 618-242-6279.

While visiting the Cruise Night, attendees can also stop by the RLC Golf Store to participate in a free fitting day with Callaway and Adams golf. Representatives from the two companies will be present from 3 – 7 p.m. to help patrons demo clubs and receive free fittings. For more information on the fitting day, contact the RLC Golf Store at 618-242-3001.

RLC will also be co-sponsoring the Nostalgic Drag Races this weekend, located at the I-57 Dragstrip south of Benton Saturday. Locals are invited to visit the dragstrip for a day of fun, including time trials, racing, and more.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News