Why are the House Democrats out to get Attorney General Barr?

Democrats in Congress are so worried that the American people will find out what is NOT in the Mueller report that they will say and do almost anything.

Here’s a link to the editorial at Fox News.

Anderson chases Bauer after tweet; White Sox rout Indians

CLEVELAND — Tim Anderson chased Trevor Bauer after the All-Star tweeted a playful message to him earlier in the day, Yoán Moncada had a two-run homer and four RBIs, and the Chicago White Sox routed Cleveland Indians 9-1 Monday night to stop a three-game losing streak.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Saluki Men’s Basketball signs Daytona State transfer Harwin Francois

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois men’s basketball program picked up its third signee of the Spring recruiting season on Saturday when it signed 6-foot-5 guard Harwin Francois, a transfer from Daytona State.

As a freshman last season, Francois (pronounced Fran-swah) ranked No. 17 in the nation in 3-point shooting in NJCAA Division I at 47.8 percent. He earned First-Team Mid-Florida All-Conference honors, while averaging 9.8 points and 4.3 rebounds. Francois will have three years of eligibility at SIU.

“Harwin is all about winning and working hard, and he brings a level of toughness and competitiveness to our program,” said SIU head coach Bryan Mullins. “He’s an extremely talented shooter and someone who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.”

Daytona State finished 25-7 and advanced to the NJCAA Region VIII State Tournament in 2019. Francois was one of three First-Team All-Conference players for the school.

“Playing my freshman year at Daytona State was a good experience for me, because every day in practice I was battling against high-major, mid-major guys,” Francois said. “It showed me what competing is really about.”

As a senior at Cape Coral High School in 2018, Francois averaged 18.0 points and led his team to the Class 7A Final Four. After the team started the season 11-6, Francois was moved to point guard and sparked the Seahawks to win 13 of their last 14 games.

“I give credit to my high school coach, Coach (Brandon) Sensor,” Francois said. “He showed me what could happen if I get everybody else involved and we play team basketball. I feel like I’m an all-around basketball player and whatever needs to be done I can do it.

Francois joins incoming freshman Trent Brown of Pinnacle High School (AZ) and Northwestern transfer Barret Benson, who both signed with SIU during the Spring signing period.

“I was looking for a school with a good coach-player relationship, a school that will help me develop and bring my game to the next level, and a good community where I can just be myself,” Francois said.

Cardinals back Mikolas with 3 HRs in shutout win over Phillies

ST. LOUIS — Miles Mikolas marvels when talking about Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Cubs bullpen goes wild, Marlins rally in 9th to win

CHICAGO — Cubs closer Pedro Strop lost his control, and then Kyle Ryan had a brain cramp on a comebacker.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

‘A fallen brother’: Christopher mourns loss of firefighter Kody Vanfossan

CHRISTOPHER — From the time he was in middle school, Kody Vanfossan was fascinated by firefighting.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Southern Illinois loses two icons in Harvey Welch and Seymour Bryson

CARBONDALE — Two pillars of the Carbondale and SIU communities died over the weekend — Harvey Welch and Seymour Bryson.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Illinois lawmakers have short window for approving gambling expansion plans

The city of Rockford is ramping up its efforts to land a new casino.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Kody Michael Vanfossan – Christopher, IL

Kody Michael Vanfossan, 24, of Christopher, died doing what he loved, on May 5, 2019 while battling a 6 alarm commercial fire in Christopher, IL.

Kody idolized his father and followed in his footsteps by becoming a third generation volunteer fire fighter. They trained and fought fires side by side. Kody became a Cadet at the age of 16 and had a total of 9 years of service on a fire department. He worked at Nascote in Nashville.

He was a devoted father and soon to be husband, a beloved son, brother, grandson, and nephew. Kody’s kind heart and willingness to help others earned him countless friends, both in and out of the fire service. He was born in Carbondale to Brent and Mindy Vanfossan on November 15, 1994.

He is survived by his fiancé Casey Garrett, 5 month old son Erik Michael Vanfossan, his parents Brent & Mindy Vanfossan, brother Garrett Vanfossan, and sister Paige Vanfossan all of Christopher. Grandparents Gary and Kathy Bartolotti of Christopher, Lisa Wilkerson of Georgia, Terena Kash of Whittington, and Great Grand Mother Doris Adams of Huntsville, AL. His Uncle Michael (Susie) Bartolotti of Christopher. Several Cousins and Great Aunts and Great Uncles.

He is proceeded in death by his grandparents Libero & Delphine Bartolotti, Mitch Wilkerson, Bob Adams and Tom Vanfossan.

Funeral services will be on Friday May 10, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Christopher High School Gymnasium #1 Bearcat Drive Christopher, IL 62822 with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday May 9, 2019 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Christopher High School Gymnasium with a Firefighter Walkthrough at 7:30 PM. Visitation will also be on Friday from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM with a Firefighter Walkthrough at 10:45 AM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to an educational fund for his son, checks can be made payable to Erik Vanfossan care of Mindy Vanfossan and will be accepted at any State Bank of Whittington Bank, Christopher City Hall or the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Envelopes will also be available at the Christopher High School Gymnasium

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Ardus R. Shepard

Ardus Rosalee Shepard, age 99, of Thompsonville, passed away at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2019 in South Carolina.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will be in the Liberty Cemetery, east of Thompsonville. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to the funeral hour on Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mrs. Shepard was born on July 6, 1919 in Corinth, Illinois, the daughter of John Isaacs and Ethel (Welborn) Isaacs. She was married to Ernest E. Shepard, and he preceded her in death on July 21, 1984.

She worked as an L.P.N. at the Franklin Hospital in Benton where she retired in 1993 at the age of 74.

Mrs. Shepard was a member of the Liberty Methodist Church of Thompsonville. After it closed, she became a member of the Antioch Methodist Church of West Frankfort. Ardus was also a member of the Eastern Star.

She was a foster parent and she loved and was loved as a mother to all.

Mrs. Shepard is survived by a daughter Lynn Metzler of York, SC; two sons: Michael Burke Shepard and wife Jacklyn of Christopher, William F. Shepard and wife Tammy of Benton; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; a brother George Isaacs of Phoenix, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter Rhonda Steed; two brothers: James and Johnny Isaacs; and a sister Naomi Craine.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Cemetery of Thompsonville and will be accepted at the cemetery.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Shepard, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News