Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
PINCKNEYVILLE — During a special meeting Monday, the Perry County Board voted to replace its amended budget with a budget recommended by Bruce Delashmit of Bellwether LLC, a consultant hired to help with the county budget.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
ATLANTA, Ga. — St. Louis hit four home runs, including three-run shots by Marcell Ozuna, Yadier Molina and Kolten Wong, and the Cardinals beat struggling right-hander Mike Foltynewicz and the Atlanta Braves 14-3 on Tuesday night.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
CINCINNATI — Kyle Hendricks had as many hits as he allowed in his latest gem.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined with state lawmakers on Tuesday to promote legislation that would increase penalties for drivers who don’t slow or change lanes to avoid vehicles on the side of the road.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ capital-city newspaper, a 188-year-old institution tied intimately to Abraham Lincoln, is without a news chief after its editor resigned in hopes of sparing more layoffs, according to a staff writer.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
An expert says Lyme disease cases in Illinois will likely continue to rise this year after having shown a gradual increase in recent years.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
On this Earth Day, the Illinois Department of Transportation is getting in on the good-for-the-planet action.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Illinois’ governor said the flooding in Illinois is worse and more frequent than in the past.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Lana Jean Wilson, 77, of Sesser, passed away on May 14, 2019.
She was born on June 18, 1941 in Benton, IL to Delmont “Dink” and Marcella (Coffel) Rone.
She is survived by her children Richard Wright of Sesser, Paula Jones of Arizona and Michael (Christy) Wilson of Mt.Carmel, IL; grandchildren Ryan Wright, Deanna Tucker, Katie Cross, Natasha Harmon, Shawn Wright, Micah Wilson, Jade Jones, Hannah Wilson and Piper Wilson; 10 great grandchildren; one sister Barb (Jerry) Wilderman of DuQuoin; one brother Pete (Linda) Rone of Sesser; one sister-in-law Rhonda Rone.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son David Wright and one brother Butch Rone.
Private graveside services will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottenson officiating.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Donald Marshall Aiken, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 4:56 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019 at the First Christian Church of Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at the First Christian Church. Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Don was born on November 11, 1932 in Belvidere, Illinois, the son of James Marshall Aiken and Mary Elizabeth (O’Malley) Aiken. He married the former Betty Lee George on September 30, 1960, and she survives.
He was a Benton High School Graduate of the Class of 1950.
Don served his Country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He would later receive a bachelor’s degree from SIU-Carbondale in 1960.
Don worked for 35 years as a Regional Sales Representative for Portland Cement.
He was Past Master at Benton Masonic Lodge A.F. and A.M. #64, Past Exalted Ruler of B.P.O.E. #1234, member of the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and he was a past member of the Boneyard Boccie Club.
Don was a 50+ year member of the First Christian Church Choir.
Surviving is his loving wife of 58 years, Betty L. Aiken of Benton; his children Dan Aiken and wife Christy of Wood Dale, IL, Paula Fuller and husband Rick of Benton, IL, Joel Aiken and wife Missy of Mulkeytown, IL; six grandchildren: Nicci Miller of Benton, Megan Eastwood and husband Travis of West Frankfort, IL, Leah Sullivan and husband Travis of Harrisburg, IL, Michael Basso of Mulkeytown, IL, Drake and Natalie Aiken both of Wood Dale, IL; four great-grandchildren: Ryder Eastwood and Rhett Eastwood both of West Frankfort, IL, Brantlee Miller of Benton, Gunter Sullivan of Harrisburg, IL; a sister-in-law Suzanne Baker of Benton; a brother and sister-in-law Wallie and Peggy George of Pickerington, OH; special niece Alison Myers and husband Rick; special nephew Dale Baker and wife Janetta; nephew Jason George and wife Shari; niece Megan George; close friends Paul and Judy Rose of Benton “whom they were traveling companions and card playing buddies with”.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Charles “Red” Aiken; a stepbrother Andrew Dunning; and a brother-in-law Arthur Ford Baker.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall Fund or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the church on Friday.
To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Don, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
