Southern Illinois lawmakers on Pritzker inauguration: ‘We all owe him an open mind’

CARBONDALE — Midway through his inaugural address, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker repeated a sentiment that Southern Illinois lawmakers have long expressed.

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

Woman found near death in Franklin County Saturday identified as 30-year-old from Zeigler

ZEIGLER — Brandy Hughes, 30, of Zeigler, has been identified as the woman who died Saturday after being discovered near death at Desel’s Mud Ranch west of Zeigler.

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

Ronald Boman Rhine – Benton, IL

Ronald Boman Rhine, 69, of Benton, IL, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL.

He was born in Christopher, IL on June 15, 1949, the son of Boman Freeman & Eva (Jones) Rhine.

Mr. Rhine served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked in the Coal Mines, in construction and was a Pipefitter.

He enjoyed going to sporting events and car races with his son. They loved spending time together.

Mr. Rhine is survived by his son, Casey Rhine, Benton; sister Glenda Drew, and husband Paul, of Benton and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Rhine was preceded in death by his parents, by two sisters, Lodean Lemons and Marilyn Neal and by his brother, Donald Rhine.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 15th at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts and the National Guard Honor Squad. There will be no visitation, those attending the funeral are requested to meet at the cemetery.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Pritzker’s move to match state salary for top staff with his own money raises eyebrows, ethical questions

Illinois’ next governor plans to match the state salaries of his top employees with his own money, a practice that one Republican lawmaker said raises enough ethical questions that he’s considering filing legislation to prohibit it.

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

Rauner makes a another plea for reform as Democrats take over Illinois

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.

Franklin County authorities seek help in investigation into death of woman found near Zeigler

Franklin County authorities have identified the body of a white female discovered Saturday in a rural area near Zeigler.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s office is investigating the death and said the name of the deceased woman will be released pending the notification of family members. Unconfirmed reports are that the woman is in her early 20s and is a local resident. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is heading up the investigation and said the woman’s name will be released as soon as family members are notified.

Authorities also emphasized that the woman is not Lauren Pree, a missing West Frankfort woman who has been missing since September 2018.

The body of the unknown white female was discovered in a rural area west of Zeigler IL. She was reportedly alive by unresponsive when authorities arrived on the scene. The female was located by individuals operating an all-terrain vehicle. Authorities were notified and the female was transported to the Herrin Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

If anyone has any additional information please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s office at 618-438-4841.

Body of woman found near Zeigler is identified

Franklin County authorities have identified the body of a white female discovered Saturday in a rural area near Zeigler.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s office is investigating the death and said the name of the deceased woman will be released pending the notification of family members. Unconfirmed reports are that the woman is in her early 20s and is a local resident. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is heading up the investigation and said the woman’s name will be released as soon as family members are notified.

Authorities also emphasized that the woman is not Lauren Pree, a missing West Frankfort woman who has been missing since September 2018.

The body of the unknown white female was discovered in a rural area west of Zeigler IL. She was reportedly alive by unresponsive when authorities arrived on the scene. The female was located by individuals operating an all-terrain vehicle. Authorities were notified and the female was transported to the Herrin Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

If anyone has any additional information please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s office at 618-438-4841.

Boy, 11, rescued after falling through frozen Naperville retention pond

An 11-year-old boy who fell through the ice on a Naperville retention pond was rescued Sunday afternoon by the Naperville fire and police departments, authorities said.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Sony Michel scores 3 TDs as Patriots roll past Chargers 41-28

Tom Brady recognizes that there are some who believe the Patriots are nearing the end of their run of unprecedented playoff success.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Saints rally past Eagles 20-14, will host NFC title game

When the New Orleans Saints finally found their rhythm, they marched one step closer to the Super Bowl.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News