Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Home health-care workers in Illinois seeking reimbursement of union dues taken from them in recent years without their permission are asking a court to reconsider their case, opening up the union to potentially tens of millions of dollars in refunds.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
In the latest fallout stemming from the criminal charge against powerful Ald. Edward Burke, Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Sunday ordered an outside audit of the city’s $100 million-per-year workers’ compensation program previously handled by the city’s longest-serving alderman.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
No way. There’s just no way. There’s no possible way Sunday’s playoff game at Soldier Field ended the way it did. There’s no way the Bears’ magical season and an electric afternoon by Lake Michigan ended with a struggling kicker trotting out to either salvage or torpedo a city’s Super Bowl hopes.
Here’s a link to the column at the Chicago Tribune.
The criminal complaint targeting Chicago Ald. Ed Burke reads like a cliched crime novel: Influential alderman squeezes restaurant executives to benefit his law business, delicately at first, over lunch at a private wood-paneled country club. Federal agents locate the alderman via a black Crown Victoria, his riding-around car, in the parking lot.
Here’s a link to the editorial at the Chicago Tribune.
Kellie Lynn Owens, 41, of Benton, passed away peacefully at 3:08 a.m., on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on July 19, 1977, to Freddie D. and Katherine L. (Shaw) Higgerson in Pinckneyville, IL. Kellie worked as a Supervisor for Abbott EMS. On February 26, 2000, she married John Dean Owens, and they resided in Benton, IL.
Kellie started her career as a first responder in 1999, as an EMT, which she very much loved. She would then go on to further her education and career, and became a Paramedic. After many years of experience, she started her career in law enforcement as a Benton Police Officer, after several years she made the decision to return to her true love and passion of being a Paramedic for Abbott EMS as a Supervisor, and a part time Buckner Police Officer. Kellie deep down was a teddy bear at heart, fun and lovable. She enjoyed spending time with her husband, her two spoiled cats Johnny and June, and baking and cooking for family and friends.
Kellie is survived by her loving spouse of 19 years, John Dean Ownes; her mother, Katherine L. (Shaw) Higgerson; one brother, Michael Higgerson and wife Stacy.
She was preceded in death by her father, Freddie D. Higgerson; and one brother, Chris Higgerson.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Burial will take place at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, Illinois.
Memorials contributions may be made to Abbott EMS of Franklin County Stuff the Truck Fund, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Mitt Romney is just like Hillary Clinton. Six years later, he’s still upset that he’s not president. So, instead of coming to Washington as a problem solver like he campaigned, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney chose to start his tenure as Utah’s junior United States Senator as part of the problem.
Here’s a link to the column at Fox News.
HARRISBURG — Judge Walden Morris for a second time has denied extended media coverage of the trial of Brian Burns, the former Harrisburg physician accused of murdering his wife in 2016.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
CARBONDALE — Randy Dunn, controversial ex-president of the Southern Illinois University System, will not be teaching at the Edwardsville campus during the spring semester, as had been planned in his separation agreement, according to SIUE spokesman Doug McIlhagga.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
In a television ad scheduled to roll out this week, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan tells viewers that Democrats “are on your side” and references the party’s support for affordable health care against the ominous backdrop of President Donald Trump.
Here’s a link to the editorial at the Chicago Tribune.
Mark Loretta, a two-time All-Star second baseman who starred at Northwestern, will be the Cubs’ new bench coach, the team announced Wednesday.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
