Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s campaign for a pardon got fresh attention Sunday from President Donald Trump.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Trump again offers sympathy for Blagojevich, whispers of pardon resume
December 19, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Patrick Lynch – Christopher, IL
December 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Patrick Lynch, 88, passed away on Sunday December 16, 2018 at his home.
He was born on February 23, 1930 in Chicago, IL to Owen and Mary Ellen (Marrinan) Lynch. He married Dimple (Carpenter) Lynch on August 24, 1952 and she preceded him in death on August 29, 2017
He lived in Chicago and worked as a union carpenter Local # 10, until retiring and then moved to Christopher in 2000.
He is survived by his three children Matt (Liz) Lynch, Patsy (Steve) Leo, and Phillip (Jeanne) Lynch; daughter-in-law Christine Lynch; grandchildren Christopher (Renee) Lynch, Nicole (Ryan) Whitmer, Patrick “PJ” Lynch, Dusta (Tom) Wheatly, Phillip (Suzanne) Lynch, Andrew Lynch, Ian Lynch, and Daniel Lynch; great grandchildren Alyssia Betsinger, Hannah Betsinger, Evan Whitmer, Katelynn Lynch, Braedan Lynch, Alex Peyton, Lillian Lynch, Brycen Lynch, Erika Lynch, Claire Wheatly, Benjamin Lynch; two brothers Matt Lynch and Jim (Sandy) Lynch.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one son Owen Lynch, one grandson Michael Lynch, one sister Mary Carrol, two brothers Larry Lynch and Jack Lynch.
Funeral services will be on Friday December 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Mulkeytown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Mulkeytown Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Bonnie B. (Pritchett) Hopkins – Benton, IL
December 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Bonnie B.(Pritchett) Hopkins, 62, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 2:11 a.m. on Sunday December 9, 2018 at Franklin Hospital. Bonnie’s final act ofkindness was to give the gift of life through organ donation.
Bonnie was born in Cicero, Illinois on August 7, 1956. She was the daughter ofthe late Russell and Agnes Pritchett of Benton, Illinois. She graduated fromBenton Consolidated High School and Northeast Louisiana University. She earneda Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1979 and worked as a Registered Pharmacist throughout her career until establishing a contracting business later in lifewith her surviving husband.
Sheis survived by her husband of 13 years, Brad Tucker; two children from her former marriage, Leslie Hopkins (Sandy White) of Benton, Illinois, and Mark Hopkins (Heather Murphy) of West Frankfort, Illinois; a step-son, Austin (Tammy) Tucker of Stone Lake, Wisconsin; one grandson, Tony Hopkins of Marion,Illinois; one step-grandson Andrew Tucker of Stone Lake, Wisconsin;parents-in-law Nadine and the late Gene Tucker of Benton, Illinois; twosisters, Irene Poyner of Martin, Tennessee, and Judy (Danny) Lampkins ofHardin, Kentucky; one sister-in-law, Brenda (Tony) Crawford of Portage,Wisconsin; and her beloved extended family.
Because of her delightful personality, Bonnie never met a stranger. She loved her family and friends with all her heart. She loved watching her children’s sporting events when they were young. She enjoyed music, her TV shows, and her pets. She also enjoyed playing Scrabble with one of her very best friends, the late Joni Sims.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents; and father-in-law.
A luncheon will take place from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16th at the St Paul’s Lutheran Church at 1 W Frankfort Plaza, West Frankfort, Illinois 62896, (618) 932-3450, with a Memorial Celebration of Life Service, officiated by Pastor Alan Janneke following the luncheon. All who knew her are welcome.
A private family interment of ashes will be held at a later date in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leffler Funeral Home to assist with the cremation expenses, and will be accepted at the church on Sunday, or may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 E Main St, Benton, Illinois 62812. (618) 438-0021.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Bonnie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Cubs’ Kris Bryant training without restrictions in wake of shoulder injury
December 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Chatting with a healthy Kris Bryant and addressing some changes to a few struggling pitchers will have to be the consolation prizes as the Cubs are unlikely to make a move before the winter meetings end on Thursday.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
As White Sox pursue Bryce Harper, agent Scott Boras says prized free agent is ‘looking … in the long term’
December 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The White Sox might be the exception to agent Scott Boras’ post-negotiation forecast involving marquee free agent Bryce Harper.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
Commentary: Santa Claus vs. Amazon — a modern Christmas story
December 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The old man with the red suit and white beard trudged dejectedly into the psychiatrist’s office. The psychiatrist motioned him to lie down on the couch.
Here’s a link to the editorial at the Chicago Tribune.
Saline County Clerk Roger Craig dies two weeks into term
December 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
HARRISBURG — Saline County Clerk Roger Craig died Wednesday morning, less than two weeks into his term.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Op-Ed: Happy birthday: The solution that never was to Illinois’ pension crisis
December 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Illinois was born 200 years ago this week. But another significant birthday should provoke pause, because it points the way forward for our struggling state.
Here’s a link to the editorial at Illinois News Network.
New Franklin County sheriff ready to face county’s challenges
December 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
BENTON — Franklin County’s newest sheriff, David Bartoni, has inherited no shortage of problems.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Auditions dates set for RLC Spring Musical, “9 to 5”
December 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
INA, Ill. – Get down to business this year by auditioning for the Rend Lake College Spring 2019 Musical “9 to 5.” Auditions for the show will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2019 with callbacks set for 6 p.m. Jan. 24. The musical is presented at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 11-13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14, in the RLC Theatre.
Actors over the age of 16 are invited to audition in the RLC Theatre. Actors should dress professionally and bring an extra set of comfortable clothes to learn dance numbers.
Auditions will be a two-step process. Those interested will sing a portion of a song and then learn a dance combination. Actors are asked to have prepared 32 bars or a minute of a song that best shows off their personality and vocal ability, but should not be from the show “9 to 5.” Participants are asked to bring sheet music with them to the audition. An accompanist will be provided.
Callbacks are also scheduled for 6 p.m. in the RLC Theatre where potential actors will be required to do a cold reading and perform portions of songs from “9 to 5.” There may also be an additional dance callback.
After the cast announcement, rehearsals will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28 in the RLC Theatre and will be held at the same time and location Mondays through Thursdays, with some exceptions.
For more information about auditions, contact Alstat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1817 or alstats@rlc.edu.
Based on characters created by Patricia Resnick with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, “9 to 5” revolves around a three female coworkers pushed to the boiling point by a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. This show is rated PG-13.
Tickets will cost $12 and will be available for purchase on March 25. Contact the RLC Box Office for additional information at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467.
