Marva Lee Westerfield-Paxton, IL (formerly of Sesser, IL)

February 7, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Marva Lee Westerfield, 78, of Paxton, IL formerly of Sesser, IL, passed away on Tuesday February 4, 2020 at her home.

She was born on April l7, 194 1in Vincennes, IN to James and Sara (Biddle) Hankins. She married James Westerfield on July 2, 1960 in Canton, IL and he preceded her in death on July 28, 2002.

She is survived by her children Lori (Joe) Rodely of Raleigh, NC, James (Lisa) Westerfield of Joliet, IL and Mark Westerfield of Illinois; grandchildren Tim Rodely, Justin Rodely, Taylor Rodely, Courtney DeMott and Jessica Westerfield; great grandson Lukas DeMott; two sisters Carol Fitch of Canton and Mary Beth Powell of Canton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters Becky Wilcoxen and Ruth Ann Trigg.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday February 11, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Geneva Hall – Peoria, IL (formerly of Benton, IL)

February 7, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Geneva Hall, 95, of Peoria, IL, formerly of Benton, IL, passed away at 10:46 a.m., on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

She was born on July 12, 1924, to Walter and Idella (Curry) Hubbard in Coleman, TX. Geneva worked as a School Attendant for Grant Grade School. On August 12, 1944, in San Angelo, TX, she married Oris Ray Hall, and he proceeded her in death on May 21, 1992.

Geneva was a former member of North Benton Baptist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Geneva enjoyed fishing, dancing and gardening.

Geneva is survived by her two children, Sharon Rae Gulley and husband Dr. Roy Michael Gulley, of Peoria, IL., and Brett Hubbard Hall and wife Lisa Mitchler Hall, of West Frankfort, IL; three grandchildren, Dr. Joshua Gulley and wife Patricia Gulley, Tessa (Gulley) Hunt and husband Jake Hunt, and Danielle Hall; five great-grandchildren, Olivia Gulley, Ethan Gulley, Elliot Gulley, Brayden Hunt, and Sydney Hunt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Idella Hubbard; husband, Oris Ray Hall; two brothers, Lavert Hubbard and James Hubbard; three sisters, Ozell Foster, Gertrude Boyd and Marcella Walker.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating.

Burial will follow services at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Foundation for Fighting Blindness and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Betty Noraine Dial-Christopher, IL

February 5, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Betty Noraine Dial, 86, of Christopher, went to be with Jesus on February 3, 2020 at 11:52 AM at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 12, 1933 in Christopher.

Betty is survived by her children Robin Lenard of Christopher, Tamela and her husband Rick Grammer of Christopher and Carlo and his wife Carrie Dial of Christopher; 76 total grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Cook, husband John Connor Sr, husband Carlo Dial Sr., four sons Rocky Connor, John Connor Jr., Delmar Tindall Sr. and Edward Connor, one grandson Blake Anthony Holland and two brothers Ronald Tindall and Robert Tindall.

Betty was a member of the First Apostolic Church of Zeigler for many years. She loved being with family and going to church. She had worked at the Benton Evening News for over 20 years.

Funeral services will be on Saturday February 8, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the First Apostolic Church of Zeigler with Rev. Cecil Sullivan and Pastor Jason Todd officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family to help with expenses. Envelopes will be available at the church.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Thomas E. Baine Jr. – Mulkeytown, IL

February 2, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Thomas E. Baine Jr., 80, of Mulkeytown, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 1, 2020.

He was born on February 20, 1939 in Jonesboro, AR to Thomas Elbert and Thelma (Yopp) Baine SR. He married Phyllis Carol (Cole) on July 29, 1959 and she survives of Mulkeytown.
He is also survived by his children Thomas E. (Deborah Ann) Baine III of Valier, Donald (Shelly) Baine of Mulkeytown and Bobby (Jennifer Marie) Baine of St Louis, MO; Grandchildren Thomas E. (Lori) Baine IV, Christina C. (Jason) Snyder, Jaramie R. Pinkham, Heather G. (Michael) Abercrombie, Katelynn L. Baine, Madison M. Baine, Shalisha A. (Sam) Baine and Celestia N. Baine; Great Grandchildren Mackensie, Catrina, Luke, Hannah, Paul, and Mia; Siblings John T. Baine of Sesser, Ray (Carol) Baine of West Frankfort, Bennie Baine of Plumfield and Carolyn Thompson who Thomas thought of as his sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister-in-law Jane Baine.

Thomas was a graduate of West Frankfort High School where he was a cross country runner on the Field and Track Team, and he also served in the National Guard, and worked as a tire builder at General Tire, but his love and passion was working the land and farming. He was a member and Deacon of the Mulkeytown Baptist Church where he loved to sing hymns with his wife, he also loved Butter Pecan ice cream and Dr. Pepper.

With each healthcare stay, the continuing stream of visitors evidenced Tom’s love and influence. The norm was switching to larger rooms to accommodate the vast amount of visitors.

Tom was a loving husband and father who believed in hard work and dedication. Together with Phyllis, Tom raised three sons to love and respect their family and community.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday February 5, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Bill Bowers, Brother Jerry King and Brother Ernie Clifford officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday February 4, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and on Wednesday from 8:00 AM until the time of the funeral at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.
In lieu of flowers donations can be given to Phyllis Baine and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Linda Sue Worley – Benton, IL

February 2, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Linda Sue Worley, age 68, of Benton,IL passed away at 2:32 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room of Benton.

Linda Sue was born on August 31, 1951 in Golconda, IL, the daughter of William Bransfor McCormick and Alma (Smothers) McCormick.

She was a homemaker, having raised nine children.

Linda enjoyed spending time with her grandkids.

Surviving are her nine children: Shwana Hart and husband David of Makanda, IL, Helen Braden and significant other James Booker of Benton, Elwyn Worley, Jr and wife Melony of Benton, Bonnie Cluck and husband Cody of Mt. Vernon, IL, Angie Miller and husband Christopher of Christopher, Michael Worley of Benton, Donald Worley and wife Ericia of Benton, Ronald Worley of Hillsboro, IL, and Jesse Davis of Benton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings: Delbert McCormick, Dianna Booker of Benton, Paula Hill of Mt. Vernon, IL, Mary Turner of Golconda, Paul McCormick of Mt. Vernon, IL, Dwight McCormick of Mt. Vernon, IL.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: David Lee McCormick and Donald McCormick; and a great-granddaughter: Payton Joplin.

Cremation services have been entrusted to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with the cremation services; and can be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Linda Sue Worley, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Julia Ruth Havener – Benton, IL

February 2, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Julia Ruth Havener, 60, of Benton, IL passed away at 5:52 p.m., on Friday, January 31, 2020, at Stonebridge Senior Living Center, Benton, IL.

She was born on January 13, 1960, to Lester and Virginia (Young) Havener in Springfield, IL. Julia was a Cosmetologist and truly loved her job.

Julia loved singing and was a great cook.

She is survived by her daughter, Chelsea Lorraine Campbell of Herrin, IL; a granddaughter, Haven; one sister, Leslie Ann Cox and husband Courtney of Benton, IL; and one brother, Joseph Lester Havener and wife Pamela of Benton, IL.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Lester Merle and Virginia Ruth Havener.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Per Julia’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private memorial service was held.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Danny L. Wiggins – West City, IL

February 1, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Danny L. Wiggins, 55, of West City, IL passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at his home.
He was born in Benton, IL on July 21, 1964 the son of Robert and Ramona (Wells) Wiggins.

Mr. Wiggins is survived by two brothers, Jack Wiggins, of West City and Robert Wiggins, of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Donna Kay Wiggins and by a brother, John Allen Wiggins.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2020 at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. There will be no visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Update on Franklin County Courthouse/Campbell Building – January 31, 2020

January 31, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Update on Franklin County Courthouse/Campbell Building – January 31, 2020

Two more Franklin County offices have moved to the Campbell Building, located on the south side of the Benton Public Square, and the court system and circuit clerk’s office will be following suit very quickly.

The Franklin County Clerk and Franklin County Treasurer’s offices have relocated to the south end of the Campbell Building and were opened for business on January 22, 2020. Both offices will permanently remain at their new location after the new courthouse is constructed.

The Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s office is still open at the old courthouse and will remain open through Feb. 7, 2020. There are no court dates scheduled for Feb. 3 through Feb. 7, 2020 (except for emergencies). The first scheduled court hearings are slated to be held at the Campbell Building on Feb. 10, 2020. The circuit clerk’s office, women’s advocate office, three court rooms and court reporters’ office and judges chambers are located on the lower level of the Campbell Building. The entrance to go to the lower level is located on the east side of the Campbell Building through the newly-constructed 40-feet-by-24 feet addition. Security will be located in the new addition along with an elevator and stairs to gain access to the lower level or to stay on the ground-level floor.

A new automated phone system was installed at the Campbell Building that will allow callers to access nine different county offices including, treasurer, county clerk, circuit clerk, supervisor of assessments, domestic abuse advocate, regional superintendent of schools, election office, court security, court reporters. The new number is 618-435-9800.

On January 21, 2020 the county board voted unanimously to adopt a budget of $20.8 million for the funding package that will include the cost of the new 46,000 square feet courthouse that is scheduled for construction later this year. The $20.8 million cost is approximately $3 million less than the original proposal submitted. It is very important to note that the $20.8 million budget also includes the $1.6 million to renovate the 21,000-square-feet Campbell Building and another $1.6 million in construction contingency added to offset any cost overrides.

Navigate Building Solutions, of St. Louis, is serving as project manager for the construction phase of the new courthouse. Todd Sweeney, owner of Navigate, was at the meeting and told board members that he fully believes the $1.6 million in construction contingency can be returned to the county. Sweeney said his company recently completed a large project in St. Charles, MO that had a $25 million budget and a construction contingency of $2.5 million. He said all the construction bids in St. Charles came in within the proposed budget and the entire $2.5 million was not used. Subtracting the cost of the Campbell Building renovation ($1.6 million) and the construction contingency ($1.6 million) the cost of the construction (including all professional, architect and other costs) the cost of the actual construction of the new courthouse is projected to be in the range of $17.5 million to $18 million.

Demolition on the Benton Evening News office began on Thursday, January 30 and was expected to be completed in short order. McVicker Excavating & Demolition, the lower bidder on the demolition, projected that it will take only two days to raze the building and then work will begin on making a parking lot for much-needed parking space.

Concerned business owners from the Benton Public Square area have attended recent meetings expressing concerns and seeking input from the county board regarding potential parking problems on the square. The county board has secured permission for the use of part of the parking at First Baptist Church, located on South Main Street. The parking lot west of the church will be available along with parking at the Benton Evening News. The board also recently sent a letter to all employees asking them to refrain from parking on the Public Square and said part of the bid process for construction of the new courthouse will have a provision that no construction workers will be allowed to park on the public square.

Additionally, the city of Benton, as a means to help businesses, is also looking at modifying an ordinance that would prohibit any employee or business owner that works on the square from parking.

Filed Under: Featured

James E. Evans – Loudon, TN (formerly of Benton, IL)

January 30, 2020 By Leave a Comment

James E. Evans, 80, of Loudon, TN., formerly of Benton, IL., passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020 in Loudon, TN.

He was born on December 22, 1939, to William and Dorothy (Wilkerson) Evans in Benton, IL. James retired from the United States Army Corp of Engineers as a Civil Engineer. He married the former Doris Shockley, and she preceded him in death.

James loved his family, friends and enjoyed golfing.

He is survived by his son, Michael Evans and wife Patti of Racine, WI; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Whitsett; and a close personal friend, Lynda Burman.

James was preceded in death by his parents, William Clyde and Dorothy Mae Evans; first wife, Doris Evans; second wife, Carol Evans; two sons, Donald W. Evans and Edward A. Evans; two sisters, Linda Poynor and Norma Jean Myers.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, 3:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Brad Wilson, officiating.

A private graveside service will be held at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

McGill powers SIU to fourth-straight MVC win

January 30, 2020 By Leave a Comment

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Eric McGill scored a career-high 27 points to lead the SIU men’s basketball team to a 68-63 win over league-leading Loyola on Wednesday night at Banterra Center. The Salukis earned their fourth-straight Valley win to finish the first half of league play 6-3.

“I’m incredibly proud of our guys,” SIU head coach Bryan Mullins said. “The effort played with has been incredibly consistent since the beginning of the season. They continue to get better every single day. They have embraced that. Tonight, to fight our way through, to not play well in the first half but keep it close, and then to really step up in the second half and find a way to win — and that’s what these last couple games have been about: finding a way to win — I’m proud about our seniors.”

SIU (12-10, 6-3 MVC) won its ninth-straight game at Banterra Center, matching the program’s longest home court winning streak in more than a decade. Like they have all season, SIU’s fans were electric. During SIU’s active four-game winning streak, the Salukis have taken down both of the MVC’s highest-rated teams, Loyola (14-8, 6-3 MVC) and Northern Iowa — both in rowdy Banterra Center atmospheres.

“I want to thank the fans,” Mullins said. “I’m so appreciative for the atmosphere in the Banterra Center. It’s really been that way since the start of the season. Tonight was another special night, another special memory for our guys. That crowd makes such a difference. It’s hard for other teams to come in here and play when we have the arena like that. It was a great night for the community.”

McGill had the night of his life, scoring his career-high 27 points on 9-of-11 shooting. He added six rebounds, three assists and a steal for good measure. The first time SIU and Loyola played this season, McGill had 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, and he blew those numbers away tonight.

“He looked All-League tonight,” Loyola head coach Porter Moser said of McGill. “He looked All-League last time we played him. He looks All-League on film.”

“Eric had a special performance tonight. He really carried us,” Mullins added. “I’m happy for him because of what he’s invested.”

While Loyola seemed to control the first half, shooting 55% from the field and holding SIU to 41%, SIU seniors Eric McGill and Barret Benson kept SIU within striking distance. McGill and Benson combined to go 7-of-10 for 19 points in the first half; the rest of the Salukis went 4-of-17, but SIU trailed just 33-31 at halftime.

After Loyola scored first out of halftime to take a 35-31 lead, SIU went on a 10-0 run to force a Loyola timeout. SIU never trailed again. The Ramblers make a surge and tied the game 56-56 with a little more than four minutes left, but the crowd came to its feet anyway, and Marcus Domask found Benson for a go-ahead layup. Two minutes later, SIU led by just one late in the shot clock, and Benson hit a clutch 3-pointer to make it a two-possession game. From there, SIU’s defense did the work, limiting Loyola to 2-for-7 from the field down the final 120 seconds.

Benson also played outstanding defense against one of the league’s leading Player of the Year candidates, Cameron Krutwig. The Loyola center had a big first half, but Benson and SIU limited him to two points on 1-of-5 shooting in the second half.

SIU has overcome all odds during this four-game winning streak. The Salukis are a team picked last in the preseason MVC poll. They’re playing without leading scorer Aaron Cook Jr., who is out for the season with a broken hand. Only three of the 14 players on the roster had ever played a game for SIU before this year — one of those being Cook. And prior to this winning streak, SIU had only played two games all year decided by five points or fewer, and had lost both of them. And somehow, these underdog, injured, and newcomer group of Salukis have won three-straight games that were decided in the final minutes.

“We’re really a resilient group,” Benson said, who finished a rebound shy of a double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds. “We’re learning more about one another each game. At Illinois State, we didn’t play well but found a way to win. In this game, we came out and they hit us first. We responded like we’ve been doing. We have to continue to build on that.”

And SIU’s third available senior, Ronnie Suggs Jr., hit two big 3-pointers and finished with 10 points and 4 rebounds. On an SIU team which has gotten 52% of its scoring this season from freshmen and sophomores, tonight, SIU’s three seniors accounted for 50 of the team’s 68 points and 19 of its 30 rebounds to earn the win over the two-time defending MVC champs.

UP NEXT: SIU visits Drake on Saturday for a 5 p.m. game on February 1 in Des Moines.

NOTES: The game was SIU’s annual Black Out Cancer game. SIU wore special black jerseys for the game. Winning bidders were allowed to put the name of their choosing on the backs on the uniforms, with all proceeds going to SIH’s Coach Kill Fund. This year’s jersey’s raised more than $7,000 … SIU won its fourth-straight MVC game and ninth-straight home game … SIU’s ninth-straight home win matched the longest home court winning streak since the 2007-08 season … SIU’s last loss at home was on November 16 vs. San Francisco … SIU improved to 10-1 at Banterra Center this season … SIU’s 6-3 start is its best MVC start through nine games since 2015-16 (7-2) … McGill’s 27 points were a career high and the most points scored by an SIU player this season … SIU’s swimming and diving team attended the game and did its “Saluki Strip.” … Marcus Domask became the sixth player in SIU history to score 300+ points as a freshman (others: Charlie Vaughn, Kent Williams, Darren Brooks, Mike Glenn, and Kevin Dillard).

Filed Under: Breaking News
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