Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Sunday’s Super Bowl was the lowest-scoring one in the event’s 53-year history and struggled in the television ratings, too — especially in Los Angeles, where it had near-record low viewership.
Here’s a link to the story at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
While championship sports teams making a visit to the White House has become an annual tradition, a newer one has emerged since President Donald Trump took office: athletes following up a title-winning performance by declaring that they’ll skip the trip.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
A series of emails obtained and published by Splinter News on Monday appears to show Joe Ricketts, the patriarch of the family that owns the Cubs, sharing and endorsing racist jokes and conspiracy theories.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
ST. LOUIS – Southern Illinois men’s basketball senior guard Armon Fletcher has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, the league announced Monday. Fletcher’s 34 points on Wednesday against Indiana State marked the top scoring game by any MVC player this season.
Fletcher averaged 24 points on 70 percent shooting in leading Southern Illinois to a 2-0 week. He scored 34 points in the win over Indiana State, the most by a Missouri Valley Conference player this season. Fletcher’s 34-point outburst was the most for a Saluki in an MVC game in 23 years, when Troy Hudson dropped 39 on Indiana State in 1996. Fletcher went 11-for-14 from the field and 6-for-8 from the 3-point line in the game. He followed that up with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting in the win at Bradley.
In MVC games, Fletcher is the league’s fourth-leading scorer at 16 points per game. Is is also averaging 1.6 steals per game, which ranks fourth in the MVC in league play.
Fletcher earned the honor for the first time in his career. He is the third Saluki to earn MVC weekly honors this season; Sean Lloyd Jr. was named MVC Player of the Week on December 10, and Eric McGill was named MVC Newcomer of the Week on November 26.
The Salukis travel to Missouri State on Wednesday, January 6 for a 7 p.m. game. SIU returns home to face Evansville on Saturday, February 9 at 7 p.m. in SIU Arena.
June Deloris “Priddy” Pritchard, age 89, of Benton, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Herrin Hospital.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jeff Mandrell officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Tuesday at the funeral home.
June was born on August 10, 1929 in Herrin, Illinois, the daughter of John Priddy and Mary (Trull) Priddy. She married James Louis Pritchard on May 19, 1950, and he preceded her in death on January 29, 1979.
Mrs. Pritchard worked as a bookkeeper for many years with Franklin Auto of Benton. She also worked for Zeigler Coal Company as a payroll clerk.
She was a member of the First Christian Church of Benton.
June enjoyed sewing, quilting, reading, and traveling. But her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are two daughters: Pamela L. Cross of Benton, Patti Fitzpatrick and husband Brian of Benton; six grandchildren: Michael Cross and wife Ignacia, Tara Levque and husband Rich, James C. Pritchard and wife Ashley, Keisha Pritchard, Trisha Fitzpatrick-Gladden, Jennifer Fitzpatrick; thirteen great-grandchildren: Daniel Cross and wife Savanah, JL Jacob Cross, Dylan Cross, Tessa Cross, Adelyn Levque, Mikaela Levque, James Isaac Pritchard, Annalise Pritchard, Haven Wilkerson, Gaven Wilkerson, Taven Wilkerson, Jayden Gladden, Jordyn Gladden; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son James Steven Pritchard, a daughter-in-law Julee Ann Ramsey Pritchard, four sisters: Myrtle, Helen, Ruth, Naomi, and Mildred.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church building fund, or to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Pritchard, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Lillian G. Newman, age 88, of Benton, went home to be with The Lord Jesus, her Savior, on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher with Rev. Alan Newman officiating. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery of Du Quoin. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.
Funeral arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Lillian was born on September 18, 1930 in Du Quoin, Illinois, the second of four children of George R. Cavins and Gladys Fern (Isaacs) Cavins.
She along with her sisters and brother developed a passion for all styles of dancing and sometimes singing. She learned the disciplines and the rewards of hard work, as well as the value of a nickel.
She married Vernon Newman on August 11, 1947. Together they had four sons. Vernon preceded her in death on September 11, 1997.
She was a homemaker first and foremost, who cooked daily meals, kept a neat and spotless home, help raise four sons, and did the books for the family business.
She was a faithful wife, a loving mom and grandma that provided her family with tremendous care, but had no problem lowering the boom (taking a switch or a paddle) to any of the previous mentioned, to help them see the path of Lill more clearly.
She had great talent with art and design, often making clothing or costumes for her children, grandchildren, as well as for herself, for all types of occasions. Her drawings and paintings were inspiring as well as winning some unique awards for her talent.
She enjoyed being outside working in her flower gardens, a true green thumb.
She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would light up anytime they came to visit.
She was not an avid fisherman but, did enjoy fishing with a pole and bobber.
She enjoyed singing and teaching long forgotten “Silly Songs” and Nursery Rhymes to her grandchildren. And she loved listening and singing the old church hymns.
However, her greatest decision in life was to put her faith in Jesus as the Son of God and take Him into her heart. This took place as a young girl at the First Christian Church in Du Quoin. She later, along with her husband, followed in baptism and joined East Benton Baptist Church in 1951. She served the Lord through different ministries in the church ranging from cooking and providing meals, VBS worker, nursery worker, getting folks to and from church and on occasion quieting down rowdy young boys. In more recent years, when her health allowed, she would attend Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher. This is what helped her to make those very important decisions to say good job or bend over and hold still, to teach her family that everyone regardless of color or wealth has the same equal chance at them. To not be bad, but good and treat others the way you would want to be treated. That decision for Christ, has also guaranteed Heaven as her home.
She was a grand woman of great determination, strength and purpose and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Surviving are her four sons: Larry Newman and wife Debbie of Zeigler, Gary Newman and wife Deanne of Thompsonville, Alan Newman and Craig Newman both of Benton; four grandchildren: Shelley and husband Dave Webb, Travis Newman and wife Katlyn, Brandon Newman and fiancee Cortney, Nicole Newman; five great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Aiden, Clayton, Bentley, Caisey Jo, and a great-grandchild expected to be born this year; and a great-great-grandchild also expected to be born this year; one brother Bruce Cavins and wife Diane of Du Quoin, and several nieces and nephews.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sisters: Elaine Provenzano, and Georgia Zabel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher, or to the Franklin County Animal Shelter.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Newman, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Helen J. Crowell, 89, of Benton, IL passed away at 7:25 p.m., on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the Heartland Regional Medical Center, Marion, IL.
She was born on December 2, 1929, to Lloyd and Lesta (Marks) Finney in Marion, IL. On October 6, 1950, she would marry Harvey “Roscoe” Crowell.
Helen was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends and shopping.
Helen is survived by her two daughters, Patricia “Patty” (Richard) Melcher of Benton, IL, and Kimberly Jo (John) Renik of West Frankfort, IL; three grandchildren, Lori (Eric) Davis, Steven (Sarah) Melcher and Rachel Renik; four great-grandchildren, Lydia Davis, Bryant Davis, Scarlett Melcher, Declan Davis and a fifth great-grandchild on the way; and a sister, Betty Stephens.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey “Roscoe” Crowell; and parents, Lloyd and Lesta (Marks) Finney.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 9, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., following visitation at the funeral home, with Rev. Sammy Simmons, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Shirley M. Clayton, 82, of Benton passed away Sunday morning, February 3, 2019 at her home.
She was born in Benton, IL on November 22, 1936, the daughter of Alvis & Fay (Walker) Lampley.
She worked at Turco for 10 years, and also garment factories in Benton & Du Quoin.
Mrs. Clayton is survived by four sons, Jerry Clayton and wife Carla, of Helena, MT, David Clayton and wife Michelle “Shelly,” of Whittington, Marvin Clayton, of Lawrenceville, GA and Jason Clayton, of Benton, IL; grandchildren Jerry Clayton, Jr., Sydney Renee Clayton and Keri Clayton; great-granddaughter Lacey; sisters Kay Donovan, of Maple Park, IL and Sue Ronchetto and husband Jody, of Benton, IL; one brother, Richard Lampley, of Benton, IL.
Mrs. Clayton was preceded in death by her parents, by her ex-husband-Herman “Pete” Clayton, by two brothers, Kenneth Lampley and Carroll Lampley, and by an infant daughter, Tammy Sue Clayton.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 10th at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Visitation will be after 12 noon on Sunday at the funeral home.
It was Mrs. Clayton’s wishes to be cremated and to be buried at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.
For more information of to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Would you be better off without Facebook? Would society benefit too?
Here’s a link to the editorial at the Chicago Tribune.
God’s Path to Blessing: Study His Word
by Rick Warren
“Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).
The Bible is more than just a book you put on your shelf. It’s a pathway to God’s blessing.
Over and over in God’s Word, we’re told that studying and applying the Bible leads to blessing.
For example, the Bible says, “Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3 NIV).
What does it mean to meditate? Some people think it means to put your mind in neutral and contemplate the lint on your navel as you say, “Ommmmmm.”
But that’s not what meditation is!
Meditation is seriously thinking about something. You meditate on God’s Word when you read a verse, think about what it means, and ask yourself how you could apply it to your life.
Doing this, Psalm 1:1-3 says, is like planting deep roots into the ground. It means you won’t get blown over when troubles come.
God won’t bless you if you’re not digging in and studying the Bible.
I want whatever you do to prosper. I want your life to be filled with meaning and purpose. But for God’s blessing, the Bible says you must not only read God’s Word but also study it.
I want whatever you do to prosper in the years ahead. But God makes the condition clear. If you want his blessing, you must study his Word.
James 1:25 tells us how: “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (NIV).
If you want God to bless you, commit to looking intently at the Word, continuing to examine Scripture, remembering what you’ve read, and obeying what it teaches you to do.
It’s not complicated.
But it’ll change your life.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
Talk It Over
How would you evaluate your current Bible study habits?
What’s the difference between quickly reading the Bible on a regular basis and intently studying it?
What can keep you from making Bible study a bigger part of your life? What can you do to rectify that?
Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.
