Saluki Athletics announces New Year’s Day Saluki Bash vs. Belmont with tickets starting at $1 The game will feature the largest balloon drop in Southern Illinois history during halftime.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Athletics is throwing a party at the Banterra Center on New Year’s Day, and everyone’s invited!

SIU will host the first-ever New Year’s Day Saluki Bash, when its men’s basketball program hosts Belmont in a nationally televised game on Jan. 1, at 4 p.m.

Purchase tickets today starting at $1 (enter promo code “ONE”).

The game will feature the largest balloon drop in Southern Illinois history during halftime, as well as festive New Year’s concession items, such as champagne, sparkling wine, holiday punch, winter sangria, cranberry mimosas and mini-bundt cakes. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans to enter the Banterra Center will receive a free, Grey Dawg bobblehead.

Fans are encouraged to wear white, as the game is billed as SIU’s annual White Out contest.

A key, early-season showdown between two teams projected to be Missouri Valley Conference title contenders, the game was recently selected for a nationwide audience on either ESPN2 or ESPNU.

To help pack the arena, Saluki Athletics will offer daily ticket specials. A limited number of tickets in bleacher-seating sections will be released to the public at ultra-discounted pricing. Fans must purchase the tickets on-line at SIUSalukis.com/promo by entering the designated promo code. Promo codes will be activated at 7 a.m. CT each day, and will last until all are sold.

Discounted tickets are only available on-line at SIUSalukis.com/promo. There is an eight-ticket limit per order, and a $4 service charge will be added to each order.

Monday, Dec. 19: $1 tickets (enter promo code “ONE”)
Tuesday, Dec. 20: $2 tickets (enter promo code “TWO”)
Wednesday, Dec. 21-: 50% off select lower bowl seats + specialty drink coupon (enter promo code “FIFTY”)
Monday, Dec. 26: $3 tickets (enter promo code “THREE”)
Tuesday, Dec. 27: $4 tickets (enter promo code “FOUR”)
Wednesday, Dec. 28: $5 tickets (enter promo code “FIVE”)
Thursday, Dec. 29: $6 tickets (enter promo code “SIX”)

Warming Centers prepare for influx of guests as temps drop

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https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2022/12/20/41625/

Shannon Ray Morris – Benton, IL

Shannon Ray Morris, 56, of Benton passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He was born in Kankakee, IL on December 6, 1966 the son of Ray & Connie (Dempsey) Morris.
He married Gloria (Gulley) on March 20, 2021.

Mr. Morris spent his free time building his Camaro and spending time with his grandkids, and days with his wife. He loved his family.

Mr. Morris is survived by:
Wife: Gloria Morris of Benton
2 Sons:
Mathew Morris of West Frankfort
Tyler Morris & wife Erica of West Frankfort
Parents: Ray & Connie Morris of Benton
2 Stepsons:
Josh Bryant of Benton
Andrew Irvin of West Frankfort
2 Step Daughters:
Brianna Irvin of West Frankfort
Bobbi Clark & husband Preston of Marion
6 Grandchildren:
Abbigail & Jaxton
Amelia, Joshua & Lillian
Camille
Sister: Rachel Bennet & husband Mark of Benton
2 Nieces: Kyndall & Chloe
Several Aunts, Uncles & Cousins and touched the lives of many others.

He was preceded in death by his Cousin-Lucas Morris, Grandparents-Syble & Kenneth Dempsey, Ray Emerson Morris & Virginia and Great-Grandmother: Ruby Milburn Bartlett.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 21st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Daily Hope: The Greatest Gift Ever

The greatest gift you’ve ever been given wasn’t bought in a store. No cash exchanged hands. It wasn’t even wrapped.

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Holly jolly traffic stop: Carmi Police surprise drivers with Operation Christmas Spirit

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Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News