Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Back in August, protestors at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill took it upon themselves to pull down a Confederate statue. The “Silent Sam” statue honored UNC students who had fought for the Confederacy in the civil war.
Here’s a link to the editorial at Fox News.
Football 12/03/2018 | 3:16:00 By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com
Wisconsin Republicans pushed through protests, internal disagreement and Democratic opposition Wednesday to pass far-reaching legislation that would shift power to the GOP-controlled Legislature and weaken the Democrat who defeated Republican Gov. Scott Walker last month.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
A truck driver and school bus passenger were killed Monday night when their vehicles collided on I-74 in McLean County, according to Illinois State Police.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
By Rick Warren
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV).
You can only avoid arguments when you know what leads to them in the first place. Here are three causes of arguments:
If you want to be wise in your relationships, don’t antagonize others’ anger. “A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes” (Proverbs 14:29 TLB).
A Prayer to Put Jesus First this Christmas Season
By Debbie McDaniel
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
No room for them. No vacancy. No place. Words that still seem to hang close, even today.
In a world that seeks to crowd Jesus out, where busyness abounds, and hearts are stirred to focus on other things, it can be hard sometimes to choose to keep Him first. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the whole hurried dash of the holidays, and to give our attention to what seems more urgent. Our focus gets blurred; and the most important gets pushed aside.
It takes an active and daily choice to put Christ first, especially in a culture that says you’re too busy to focus there. Or that life is too full. And there’s no more room.
May God help us to choose wisely, what voices we listen to, and where we give our attention today.
He is the One who brings true meaning to Christmas.
He is the One who brings real peace in this all-too-often hectic season.
He is the only One worthy of our time and attention as we slow down the maddening rush around our lives.
We can know all of this in our heads, but may He help us to really believe it in our hearts…and choose to live it out this season.
Renewed.
Refreshed.
Making room for Him, first.
Dear God,
Help us to keep our focus first on Christ this season. Please forgive us for giving too much time and attention on other things. Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Thank you that you came to give new life, peace, hope, and joy. Thank you that your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to remember that the gift of Christ, Immanuel, is our greatest treasure, not just at Christmas, but for the whole year through. Fill us with your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. Thank you for your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, you’re still with us. For you never leave us. Thank you for your daily powerful Presence in our lives, that we can be assured your heart is towards us, your eyes are over us, and your ears are open to our prayers. Thank you that you surround us with favor as with a shield, and we are safe in your care. We choose to press in close to you today…and keep you first in our hearts and lives.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
On November 30, 2018 at approximately 1 a.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Bond and North Main Street.
During the stop, Benton Police K9 “ Ranger” alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.
Upon investigating, police arrested Joey A. Cesar, age 38, of Benton for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.
Cesar was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On December 2, 2018 at approximately 4:45 p.m. Benton Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Bailey Lane in reference to illegal contraband.
Through investigating, police arrested Tammi A. Nowak, age 48, of Benton for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and bringing contraband into a penal institution.
Nowak was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
When Michigan legalizes possession of marijuana Thursday, the drug will join craft beers, perfect summers and the Upper Peninsula as tourist attractions for out-of-staters.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky stepped to the microphone Wednesday afternoon at Halas Hall and flashed a wide grin when a reporter welcomed him back to his weekly news conference.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
