Illinois’ fiscal stability was recently ranked by U.S. News and World as the worst of all states in the nation, but Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to change the narrative about the state.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to changes Illinois’ negative narrative
November 21, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Former Illinois employee seeking refund of forced union dues asks entire appeals court to hear his case
November 21, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Lawyers for a former Illinois state employee are asking an appellate court for all of its judges to hear a case on a demand for a refund of union fees the U.S. Supreme Court said the employee was unconstitutionally forced to pay.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Harvest 2019 plods on after another tough week for farmers
November 21, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Illinois farmers are still trying to fight the weather to get their crops out of the ground in what’s looking to be one of the most challenging years in recent memory.
Here’s the link to the story at Illinois News Network.
James Lee Hart – Benton, IL
November 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment
James Lee Hart, age 65, of Benton, passed away at 10:35 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at the Helia Healthcare of Benton.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be planned for a future date.
Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
James Lee Hart was born on June 10, 1954 in Christopher, the son of James O. Hart and Loudene (Summers) Hart. He married the former Jayna De Sett on June 25, 1983, and she survives.
Jim was a retired coal miner, a member of the U.M.W.A., and a member of the SIU Alumni Association. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry in 1977, from SIU Carbondale.
He formerly attended the First Christian Church in Benton.
Jim loved to watch football. He was a St. Louis Cardinal football fan and when the Cardinals left St. Louis, he became a St. Louis Rams fan. He enjoyed going to air shows at Scott Air Force Base; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his three grand kids.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Jayna Hart of Benton; his two children Jenna Kirkpatrick and husband Ben of Benton, Jonathan Hart of Benton; his three grandchildren: Kaylee, Max and Elijah; a sister Janice Legendre and husband Roger of Johnston City; a niece Tina Miller and husband Kevin of Johnston City; and a nephew Mathew Legendre of Johnston City.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; maternal and paternal grandparents.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of James Lee Hart, to the family or to Second Chance Rescue, and may 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 Jim, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
As Ozuna declines qualifying offer, Cardinals focus on improving their outfield
November 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — When it comes to the Cardinals’ description of an early-offseason approach that is not as singularly focused as previous winters — straight talk, no chaser — the annual General Manager Meetings offered a chance to do some comparative shopping because of the one thing agents and teams all shared for a few days.
Here’s a link to the story at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Man arrested in connection to armed carjacking in West Frankfort
November 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment
A Benton man was arrested Friday after he allegedly fled police in a stolen car.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Colin Kaepernick’s NFL workout – Top takeaways (and the truth) about Saturday’s tryout
November 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment
I still remember watching Colin Kaepernick play in the Kraft Bowl which solidified him as the greatest player in the history of the University of Nevada football. His playing style was captivating, as he became the only player in NCAA history to pass for over 10,000 yards and rush for over 4,000 yards in their college career
Here’s a link to the column at Fox News.
Impeachment effort motivated by Dem fears that strong Trump economy will hurt them in elections
November 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment
If you are in need of more evidence as to why so many Americans are cynical about politics in general and Washington in particular (and isn’t current evidence sufficient?), you need look no further than the etymological shift taken by Democrats during the House impeachment hearings.
Here’s a link to the editorial at Fox News.
Marion High School cancels class Wednesday to inspect school for bedbugs
November 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment
MARION — Wednesday classes were canceled at Marion High School so that the facility can be professionally inspected for bedbugs, indicated Marion Community Unit School District No. 2 in a message to parents posted to its Facebook page Tuesday evening.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Pastor Rick Warren: To Find Joy, Give Your Life Away
November 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT).
You’ll never find happiness in pleasure, power, possessions, positions, or prestige.
You also won’t find it in success, sex, salary, or status. Those are all temporary.
Permanent, ongoing happiness only comes when you give your life away in service. God wired you to give your life away. Why?
Because God wants you to be like him.
Most people don’t know this, but there are secrets to joy. And you can find both of these secret pathways to joy through service.
Here’s the way to find joy:
First, get your mind off of yourself. The more you focus on yourself, the more miserable you will become. To find real joy, you must shift from an inward focus—“It’s all about me”—to an outward focus—“It’s all about God and serving others.”
Of course, this is countercultural. Our society screams that it’s all about you. But the Bible says, “I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy” (Philippians 2:17 NLT).
The truth is, the most helpful people are the happiest people.
Second, use your gifts to help others. It feels good to use your gifts to help others.
The Bible says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10 NLT).
God blesses you so you can bless others. When you bless others, God will bless you.
If you’re struggling through a lack of joy in your life, try serving people in your community and in your church.
Then watch God change your perspective.
