Lady Redbirds snap skid

December 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

The West Frankfort Lady Redbirds snapped a two game losing streak with a Saturday afternoon win over visiting Murphysboro, 56-42.

The game saw the Lady Devils jump out to a lead after one quarter of 11-10.  In the second quarter, Matt Hampleman’s team outscored the Lady Red Devils 19-9 for a 29-20 intermission lead.

In the third quarter. the home team continued their pace adding four more points to their lead. And, in the fourth quarter, the Lady Birds finished strong with a 19-10 run.
Scoring for West Frankfort included another mammoth performance for Kiarha Wilce who poured in 31 points to lead the Redbirds. Williams had 8, Calvert added 4, Stewart 3, Cunningham 3, and Sailiez with 2.
With the win, the Lady Birds are now 12-13 for the year, returning to action next week
Filed Under: High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Tigers hand Redbirds big loss

December 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By BRUCE A. FASOL

General George Custer got a warmer reception at Little Bighorn than the Redbirds received Friday night at Herrin. Entering the game, both teams had won only once. Pre-game talk among the fans was a close game was expected. Then, reality set in. Final score: Herrin 73-West Frankfort 35.

A relentless trapping zone defense forced the Redbirds into three consecutive turnovers to begin the game. Still, early, the Redbirds held it close as Herrin struggled offensively. In fact, Nick Korolenko’s jumper tied the game at a bucket apiece three minutes into the contest.

However, Herrin corrected their offensive mistakes – and the ‘Birds never did. At the end of the first quarter Herrin held a commanding 17-2 lead. Still, there was hope. A week ago, Irvin Lukens’ club held a huge lead over Benton. But, the Rangers came back to win that game in overtime. The Redbirds would not be as lucky. Mistakes continued to haunt the “Birds into the second quarter and by half Herrin’s lead had ballooned to 38-8 .

In the second quarter, the ‘Birds offense did show some signs of a slight pulse. That continued in the third quarter.  Quarter Three was the most productive quarter of basketball for West Frankfort  Friday night. The Redbirds put 17 points on the Memorial Gym scoreboard in that frame. This was in part aided by two three-point shots from sophomore Braxton Koehl and a pair of buckets by sophomore Christian Dunning.

But, by then, the Redbirds also had quit defending the lane,and were giving up easy buckets off drives and entry passes. Herrin’s Jeril Pirtle used that quarter to knife his way through the porous defense for 9 third quarter points. teammate Justin Lukens had 8 in the quarter as Herrin substituted freely. Both teams finished the long ago decided game with bench personnel.

Herrin was led by the 26 points from Justin Lukens, son of the Herrin varsity basketball coach, Irv Lukens. Justin Lukens had quarters of 9,9 and 7 points, sitting out much of the fourth quarter. Pirtle ended up with 15 points for the game. No other Tiger scored more than 6 points.

Christian Dunning was the lone Redbird in double figures with 14 points. Korolenko had 7 points. Koehl had the two three-point shots mentioned earlier for a total of 6, senior Trenton Easley had 3 points, Drew Maller and Zack Fort had 2 points apiece and Gage Williams had a free throw for a single point.

The major statistic in the game was turnovers. Herrin committed 8 for the game. West Frankfort had 23 turnovers, as they were helpless against Herrin zone defenses and extended court pressure. The inability to even get shots attempted negated any hope of a comeback  for Dan Dewerff’s team.

The win improves Herrin to 2-5, 1-1 in conference play for the season. And, the Redbirds fell to 1-5, 0-2 in the Ohio Division of the River-to-River Conference. If there is any good news for the ‘Birds it is that they have time to regroup. Saturday night is an idle night for the Redbirds- a chance to forget one of those inevitable nights in the gym when nothing seems to go right – which happens to most every team.
Herrin easily won the junior-varsity contest, keeping the JVs winless with a 54-26 victory.
Next up for the Redbirds is a visit from Carmi-White County. That game will be Tuesday night, with the JV game set to begin at 6 p.m.
Filed Under: High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A picture is worth a thousand words …

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Franklin County Courthouse adorned in Christmas lights in 1947.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, Uncategorized

Benton Police arrest two

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

STAFF REPORT

Benton Police have arrested two people in unrelated incidents.

On Dec. 12, police were called to the 800 block of North Fairland Street to investigate a disturbance. Darren D. Braggs, 43, of West Frankfort. He is charged with criminal trespass and obstructing a peace officer.

On Dec. 13, police stopped a car at East Main and North Commercial Street. Kandis J. Buckingham, 23, of Granite City was arrested and charged with driving while license suspended and no valid insurance.

Filed Under: Benton News, Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles Tagged With: , , , ,

West Frankfort settles union grievances

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By LEIGH M. CALDWELL

City officials have announced that four grievances filed by Laborers Local 773, which represents West Frankfort’s Street Department workers, have been settled.

Street Commissioner Tara Fasol-Chambers detailed the settlements at the conclusion of this week’s West Frankfort City Council meeting.

In the first grievance, union workers said they were required to use their personal cell phones for work purposes, and requested $40 per month reimbursement from the city for the use of their phones. The union also requested 16 months of back pay for the phone use. In the settlement, the city will pay for eight months in arrears – $320 each for four street department employees. The city has purchased prepaid phones for the workers to be used for work purposes going forward. In addition, street department employees have been instructed to limit personal cell phone use to emergencies only while on the clock. The city was already paying for cell phones for the Street Department superintendent and foreman.

The second grievance related to a change in the time the lunch hour is given. Fasol-Chambers said employees had typically taken lunch at 9 a.m. The workers’ shift starts at 7 a.m., and by the time equipment is started and moved to a particular work site, it is often 7:30 or 7: 45, which does not allow much time for morning work projects before lunch, so the lunch hour had been moved to 11 a.m. The union dropped the grievance, and employees will take lunch at 11 a.m.

The third and fourth grievances were related to disciplinary actions taken with a particular street department employee. The city has agreed that a written record of verbal warnings regarding threatening language used and tardiness would be removed from the employee’s file. The city will issue a memo to all city employees reminding them that they are required to arrive prior to their scheduled start time and call in to their supervisor if an emergency warrants a late arrival.

Fasol-Chambers said that the city had also agreed with the union on a more open policy of communication.

“Everyone trying to work better together in the future might resolve some of these issues before they get to the grievance stage,” she said.

 

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Benton wrestlers picks up impressive wins in dual meet

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Benton Rangers wrestling team improved to 7-2 overall with a solid showing in the Benton Dual Meet held at Rich Herrin Gymnasium. Benton picked up victories over Sparta, Pinckneyville and Fairfield in the eight-team meet.

Benton results are listed below:

2012 BENTON DUALS

BENTON – 60

SPARTA – 15

106 – Jarred Burnett won by pin in :47 over Triston Loucks(S).

113 – Nathan Flatt won by forfeit.

120 – Chase Worthey won by forfeit.

126 – Chris Worthey won by forfeit.

132 – Peyton Smith won by pin in 1:10 over Anthony Carter(S).

138 – Daniel Krug won bypin over Greg Scheibol(S) in 3:29.

145 – Alex Yates won 13-7 over Charles Rogers(S)

152 – Jarron Bennett won by pin in 2:24 over Deon Baker(S).

160 – Luke Blackman won by forfeit.

170 – Benton forfeitedto Jay Baue(S).

182 – Zach Mocoby won 7-2 over Dylan Hatley(S).

195 – Benton forfeited to Cedric Briscoe(S).

220 – Devon Siveking won by pin in 3:35 over Tyler Adams(S).

HVY – Tyler Williams lost 14-8 to Jerrod Penny(S)

——————————

BENTON – 52

PINCKNEYVILLE – 17

106 – Jarred Burnett won by forfeit.

113 – Nathan Flatt won by forfeit.

120 – Chase Worthey won by forfeit.

126 – Chris Worthey won 12-3 over Chris Hagan(P)

132 – Peyton Smith won by pin in :49 over Hunter Olive(P).

138 – Daniel Krug won byforfeit.

145 – Nick Goffinet won by forfeit.

152 – Jarron Bennett lost 20-4 to Chris Ward(H).

160 – Luke Blackman lost by pin in 2:16 to Jerod Winkleman(P).

170 – Benton forfeitedto Quinin Baker.

182 – Zach Mocoby won by pin in 1:21 over Michael Jones(P).

195 – Double forfeit.

220 – Double forfeit.

HVY – Jordan Piercy won by forfeit.

BENTON – 59

FAIRFIELD – 24

106 – Jarred Burnett lost by pin in 1:31 to Austin Goodman(F).

113 – Nathan Flatt won by forfeit.

120 – Chase Worthey won by pin in :30 over Aaron Clark(F).

126 – Chris Worthey won by pin in :51 over Don Bielecki(F)

132 – Peyton Smith won by pin in :23 over Derek McInnis(F)

138 – Daniel Krug won bypin in :44 over Colton Crawford(F).

145 – Alex Yates lost by pin in 4:50 to Braden Robertson(F).

152 –Luke Blackman won 16-1 over Mathew Sampio(F).

160 –Jarron Bennett won by pin in :13 over Brock Lewis(F).

170 – Benton forfeitedto Nick Mathews(F).

182 – Zach Mocoby won by pin in :25 over Hunter Clevenger(F).

195 – Benton forfeited to Andrew Garrison(F).

220 – Benton forfeited to Charles Wheeler(F).

HVY – Tyler Williams won by pin in 4:31 over Aaron Cates(F).

Other Team Scores:

Harrisburg 60 – Carterville 24
Harrisburg 42 – Fairfield 42 (Harrisburg wins by criteria)
Sparta 42 – Harrisburg 33
West Frankfort 66 – Anna Jonesboro 0
West Frankfort 48 – Pinckneyville 12
West Frankfort 42 – Fairfield 42 (West Frankfort wins by criteria)
Sparta beat Anna-Jonesboro(No score to report)
Carterville beat Pinckneyville(No score to report)

Benton is 7-2 and 1-0 in the Ohio division of the River to River conference. Next, at Cumberland Invitational Tournament in Toledo on Saturday, December 15.


Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Uncategorized

Bearcats defeat Cobden

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Tom Wheeler

The Christopher Bearcats only led 30-26 at half time but with some deadly outside shooting they outscored the Cobden Appleknockers 21-8 in the third frame to pick up a 68-45 victory.

The win improves Christopher to 6-1 overall.

Senior guard Tyler Atchison had three of four his long range bombs during this spell while running mate Jake Towers added two more.

 

Going into the last quarter leading 51-34 the Cats controlled the ball and knocked down their free throws, in fact they were 9 for 9 on the game. There was only 13 fouls called on Cobden in the game and 10 on the host Cats in a very well-played game by both teams.

Junior three man Eric Young led the scoring for the Cats with 24 points, his high game this season and was joined in double figures by Atchison with 16 and Towers with 14. Other scorers were R.J. Kuh 8, Kevin Mercks 4 and Hunter Wheeler 2.

Cobden was led in scoring by senior point guard J. C. Chapman, an all-tournament selection at this year’s Thanksgiving tournament, with 11 points. 6’2” junior Tyler Lewey was also in double figures with 10 while junior Austin Flamm was close with 9 points. Other Appleknocker scorers were Josh Aspen with 6, Garrett Marks with 4, Nathan Sweitzer with 3 and Jordan Waldrop with a bucket. Cobden also shot free throws well hitting 7 of 8 attempts. With the Cats 9 for 9, and Cobden’s 7 for 8 and a total of 16 of 17 made me wonder, when was the last time you saw a high school basketball game with only one free throw missed.

Coach Jeremy Varnier’s JV team won their fourth game in as many outings 52 -34 to raise their record to 4-0. Christopher will return to action Friday night as they travel north to take on the Sesser-Valier Red Devils in a key Black Diamond Conference match up.

Filed Under: Christopher High School Sports, Christopher News, Franklin Co. News, High School Sports

2013 W.F. City Lake stickers on sale now

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By LEIGH M. CALDWELL

Car stickers to access the West Frankfort City Lake in 2013 are on sale now at city hall.

The stickers, which cost $30, allow access to the lake and its property for boating, hunting and fishing. A second sticker for a family’s second car can be bought for an additional $5.

At Tuesday’s city council meeting. Commissioner Ed Blades pointed out that since the 2012 stickers expire at the end of the year, and the city planned to put new stickers on sale in the New Year, there could be a period of time when people had not obtained a new sticker and would be “illegal” using the lake property.

Blades suggested a 30-day grace period when stickers would not be enforced at the beginning of the year. The council instructed Police Chief Jeff Tharp to allow that, but also decided to put the stickers on sale immediately.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, More Featured Articles, West Frankfort News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Rangerettes lose at Nashville, drop to 7-3 overall

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

The Nashville Hornettes raced out to an 11-0 lead and never looked back Thursday night defeating the Benton Rangerettes in convincing fashion 42-18.

With the loss the Rangerettes fall to 7-3 overall while Nashville improves to 10-0.

The Rangerettes were never in the ball game trailing 16-2 at the end of one quarter and 22-7 at the intermission as the stingy Nashville defense took Benton totally out of any offensive rhythm. Benton did not its first field goal until the 3:00 minute mark of the second quarter when Katie Sandusky hit a 3-pointer. It was the only field goal the Rangerettes had in the first half.

Benton coach Andy Sloan saw two distinct reasons for the disappointing and lopsided defeat.

“First, I think you have to give credit to Nashville for the way they played defense which took us completely out of our offense,” Sloan said. “But, we did not play very well and we didn’t we didn’t play hard. We didn’t set a good screen all night long and didn’t do a very good job on defense. We knew what Nashville was going to do on defense but we didn’t handle it very well.”

The Rangerettes managed only two field goals for the first three quarters – a pair of 3-pointers by Sandusky. Benton added three more field goals by Morgan Corn, Mikala Carney and Ashtyn Ward in the fourth quarter when the game had long been decided.

Sandusky led the Rangerettes in scoring with six points followed by Corn with five and Mikala Carney with three, Sami Minor and Ward with two each.

Erica Brown led the balanced Nashville scoring attack with 15 points, followed by Shay Harre with 12 and Shawn Rennegarbe with 10. Also scoring for the Hornettes was Hannah Yung with three, Emily Gill with two and Alli Kellerman with two.

The Rangerettes will not have long to regroup from the loss as they face one of the toughest weeks of the season beginning Monday when undefeated Sesser-Valier visits the East Gym. Then on Tuesday Benton travels to Massac County before finishing up on the road at Massac County on Thursday.

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Franklin Co. News, High School Sports, Uncategorized

Franklin County Farm Bureau News

December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 By J. Larry Miller

It is obvious that the public opinion of farmers is changing but to have the Secretary of Agriculture make negative comments about rural America tells me that we need a new department leader in Washington. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has some harsh words for rural America: It’s “becoming less and less relevant,” he says.

A month after an election that Democrats won even as rural parts of the country voted overwhelmingly Republican, the former Democratic governor of Iowa told farm belt leaders this past week that he’s frustrated with their internecine squabbles and says they need to be more strategic in picking their political fights. “It’s time for us to have an adult conversation with folks in rural America,” Vilsack said in a speech at a forum sponsored by the Farm Journal. “It’s time for a different thought process here, in my view.”

“Why is it that we don’t have a farm bill?” said Vilsack. “It isn’t just the differences of policy. It’s the fact that rural America with a shrinking population is becoming less and less relevant to the politics of this country, and we had better recognize that and we better begin to reverse it.”

Vilsack criticized farmers who have embraced wedge issues such as regulation, citing the uproar over the idea that the Environmental Protection Agency was going to start regulating farm dust after the Obama administration said repeatedly it had no so such intention.

In his Washington speech, he also cited criticism of a proposed Labor Department regulation, later dropped, that was intended to keep younger children away from the most dangerous farm jobs, and criticism of egg producers for dealing with the Humane Society on increasing the space that hens have in their coops. Livestock producers fearing they will be the next target of animal rights advocates have tried to undo that agreement.

“We need a proactive message, not a reactive message,” Vilsack said. “How are you going to encourage young people to want to be involved in rural America or farming if you don’t have a proactive message?”

There is no doubt that farm groups need to be proactive but we must defend our industry against the very things that the Secretary mentioned as frivolous. Regulating dust from combines and animal rights issues are basic to our survival.

What we need is a Secretary of Agriculture that will fight for farmers and is concerned about a safe and abundant supply of food. We may be shrinking in numbers but our value needs to be defended by a pro-farmer Secretary of Agriculture rather than a laid-off politician from the Midwest that needs a job until retirement.

Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.

 

Filed Under: Columns, Franklin Co. News, Opinion, Uncategorized
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