FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. — Former Illinois State Senator and the former mayor of Sesser, Ned Mitchell, is jailed in Franklin County tonight.
Here’s a link to the story at WSIL-TV.
More allegations surface in arrest of Ewing man on grooming charges
January 16, 2019 By Leave a Comment
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. — Just hours before a Nicholas Price was arrested and charged with grooming and distributing harmful material to minors, he was substitute teaching at Ewing Grade School.
Here’s a link to the story at WSIL-TV.
Paul Austin – Benton, IL
January 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Paul Austin 85, of Benton passed away Friday morning, Jan. 11, 2019 at his son’s home in Arizona.
He was born on Feb. 14, 1933 in Zalma, MO, the son of Earl & Edith Austin. He married Doris June (Neal) on April 11, 1953, and she preceded him in death on March 28, 2017. Mr. Austin was a Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy.
He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, where he served for many years as a Deacon. He was a faithful servant of the Lord. Mr. Austin enjoyed gardening, and was an avid fisherman. After his retirement he spent a lot of time on Rend Lake, skillfully reeling in his catch that provided many fish dinners for his church family.
Mr. Austin is survived by his daughter Carol Austin-Dornhecker, and husband Bobby Dornhecker of Portage, MI; son Danny Austin, and wife Christine, of Benson, AZ; three grandchildren Jordan Austin, and wife Dominique, Staci Santefort, and husband Matthew and Stephen Lowe; great-granddaughter Grace Santefort; sister Susie Downs, of Beaumont, TX.
Mr. Austin was preceded in death by his Parents, by his wife-Doris June Austin, by a Granddaughter-Naomi Ruth Austin, and by his siblings-Harry Austin, Addie Market & Virgil Austin.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday Jan. 21 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.
For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Charles “Charlie” M. Johnson-Coello
January 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment
Charles “Charlie” M. Johnson, 76, of Royalton formerly of Coello passed away on January 13, 2019.
He was born on January 7, 1943 in Louisiana, MO to Mathias and Alice Marie Johnson. He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Edna and Leonard Cook.
He is survived by his children Marshall (Beth) Johnson of Christopher and Melissa (Doug) Reese of Royalton; 7 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren. He was a meat cutter and was an auctioneer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt and uncle. His wishes were to be cremated with no services. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Rauner makes another plea for reform as Democrats take over Illinois
January 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment
On his way out, the Republican governor made another push for reducing property taxes and other reforms.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
SNAP benefits will continue through February for Illinois users, despite shutdown
January 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment
State officials announced Friday that Illinois residents who rely on federal food assistance will continue to get those benefits through February despite the partial government shutdown.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
February brings new personal enrichment classes from Community and Corporate Ed
January 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment
INA, Ill. – February might be short on days, but it’s not short on options when it comes to learning opportunities provided by the Rend Lake College Community and Corporate Education Department.
Classes kick off with Wooden Door Décor. This class offers multiple opportunities to gather friends for an evening of creative fun as participants make seasonal wooden door hangers for their home or office. Those enrolled in the class will learn painting techniques and will create a custom piece of art. No skills required, just come and have fun. The class will be led by Courtney Overturf. There will be three sessions of the class, each focusing on something different. The cost of the class is $15 per session plus a $20 supply fee per session.
Valentine design: Monday, Feb. 4, 5-8 p.m. at the Main Campus, Learning Resource Center, room 103
Spring design: Monday, March 25, 5-8 p.m. at the Main Campus, Learning Resource Center, room 103
Summer design: Monday, April 29, 5-8 p.m. at the Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus, room 101
For the younger learners (Ages 8-14) Cake Decorating for Kids lets kids step into the RLC Culinary Kitchen and learn the art of cake decorating. Participants will learn basic cake decorating steps like leveling a cake, icing a cake, and using tips and bags to make springtime decorations. Participants will need to bring two baked cakes (1-8” round and 1-8” square) with them to class in order to create a heart cake. Bags, tips, icing, and coloring will be provided by the instructor for a small fee.
The cost of the class is $10 plus a $10 supply fee. Instructor Beth Mandrell will teach the class from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Main Campus, Student Center, room 103
The 12 Sprays of Spring will welcome the fresh scents of spring all year with essential oils. The sprays are a simple and inexpensive way for new users to experience essential oils firsthand. Participants will create sprays to take home during this class. The cost of the class is $10 with a $6 supply fee to instructor Katrina Cerutti per spray. The class will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11 at the Main Campus, Student Center, room 110.
Basic Reloading 101 will offer a beginner-friendly class that will focus on learning how to reload ammunition for a handgun. During this class participants will learn how to utilize the various equipment needed for reloading. Those taking part will also receive hands on training and step by step instruction about the reloading process. No live primers or gun powder will be used in this class. Alternatives will be used to ensure safety. No live ammunition will be created during this class. The class will be open to ages 16 and up. The cost of the class is $15 plus $5 for cost of supplies and will be taught by instructor Michael Dollins.
Classes will be held from: 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 11, March 18, April 8 and May 13 all at the Main Campus, Historic Schoolhouse.
Spice up cooking with Growing, Preserving and Cooking with Herbs. Participants will learn the basics of how to grow herbs in beds and containers, and how to identify, harvest and preserve your fresh herbs. Those taking the class will discuss the classifications of culinary herbs as either robust or fine (mild) herbs, and extend their culinary experience by interacting with a Rend Lake College chef as he prepares items using fresh and dried herbs that are local to Southern Illinois. At the end of the class, participants will get a chance to taste test all the delicious items. Bring a friend or come alone to enjoy a unique night out. The cost of the class is $15 plus a $5 supply fee and will be led by Instructors Chef Fairbanks and the Illinois Extension Master Gardener. The class will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Main Campus, Student Center, room 103.
Close out the month by making good on that New Year’s resolution with some Yoga. Regardless of fitness level or yoga experience, these classes will benefit everyone. Yoga improves blood flow, flexibility, muscle strength, posture, bone health, your immune system, blood pressure, focus, balance, and much more. No experience necessary. Students of all fitness levels are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat and something to drink. The cost of the class is $90 and will be led by instructor Carol Ann Baker. The class will be held from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 26 until April 30 at the Main Campus, Gym.
To register or learn more about the hobby classes, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714, or email commcorped@rlc.edu.
Gunman gets 84-year term in Chicago honor student’s killing
January 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment
CHICAGO (AP) — A judge has imposed an 84-year prison sentence on a Chicago man who fatally shot a 15-year-old honor student a week after she performed at President Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration festivities.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
RLC softball pre-season clinic sign-ups start
January 15, 2019 By Leave a Comment
INA, Ill. – High school athletes can sign up now for a spot at Rend Lake College’s Fourth Annual Softball Pre-Season Prospect Clinic at the Rec Center. The clinic will begin with registration at 7 a.m. and instruction at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2019.
During the four-hour clinic, athletes will be coached by RLC Softball staff and athletes in a number of topics and drills to prepare them for college-level play. This unique scouting opportunity gives local athletes the chance to been seen before the spring high school season begins.
The cost of the clinic is $35 for individuals or $30 per athlete when registering a team of more than six players. A T-shirt is included in the registration costs.
For more information about the Rec Center, contact Rec Center Director Tyler O’Daniel at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1279, or odanielt@rlc.edu. Spots are limited for the clinic, so those interested should contact O’Daniel to reserve a spot.
The RLC Rec Center provides the community, athletes, and staff with a great place to train and improve their lifestyles. Information about the Rec Center can be found online at www.rlc.edu/rec or on the Rec Center Facebook page
