SIU Carbondale chancellor to be buried at Mound City military cemetery

MOUND CITY — Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Carlo Montemagno will be laid to rest with full military honors at Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City, Illinois, at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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

Frustrated with health insurance costs, some turn to religious plans: ‘For us it’s been a godsend’

Sarah Barazza doesn’t have health insurance, but money was the last thing on her mind as she and her 15-month-old son raced to the hospital in an ambulance last year. The toddler’s airway had become swollen from croup, and he struggled to breathe.

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

Rauner skeptical about value of ACA-funded Medicaid expansion to Illinois taxpayers

Gov. Bruce Rauner says his administration has put into place a managed-care program to make Illinois’ Medicaid program more efficient for taxpayers and improve services for “our most vulnerable families.”

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

Thousands march in Chicago to encourage voting in midterms

CHICAGO (AP) — Thousands of people have marched through downtown Chicago to express their displeasure at President Donald Trump and encourage voters to go to the polls for next month’s midterm election.

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

Christmas cards given to troops a way to give back

Some people complain about commercials. Bradley resident Connie Wietrzykowski gets things done.

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

Hurricane Michael’s death toll may rise, as rescuers comb through rubble

As search and rescue efforts intensify on Sunday in the beachside communities that Hurricane Michael turned into a debris-filled wasteland, authorities believe it’s a matter of time until the death toll will rise.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

John Paris Fields – Mt. Carmel, IL

John Paris Fields, 59, of Mount Carmel, IL., passed away at 10:15 a.m., on Friday, October 12, 2018, at the Wabash Christian Village in Carmi, IL.

Paris was born on April 16, 1959, to Karl and Myrtis (Rose) Fields in Carmi, IL.

He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Eagles and V.F.W.  Paris enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

Paris is survived by one brother, Scott Fields and wife Melissa of Elk Run Heights, IA; three nieces, Laura Reker, Caitlin Fields and Megan Fields; and one nephew, Ethan Fields and wife Rachael.

He was preceded in death by parents, Karl W. and Myrtis P. Fields, and a brother, Doug Fields.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Mary “Peggy” Sidwell — Benton, IL

Mary “Peggy” M. Sidwell, 102, of Benton, passed away at 3:55 p.m., on Friday, October 12, 2018, at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Benton, IL.

She was born on August 19, 1916, to Floyd and Lola (Fuel) Long in Indiana. Mary retired from Franklin Hospital as a LPN after many years of service.  On July 10, 1940, she married Frank Cima and he preceded her in death on May 9, 1973.  On December 12,1992, Peggy married Lawrence O. Sidwell and he preceded her in death on December 14, 2007.

Peggy was a member of the First Christian Church in Benton.  She enjoyed needle point, crocheting, knitting, painting and reading.

She is survived by her son, Greg Cima and wife Denise of Benton, IL; two grandsons, Quintin Cima and wife Kim of Benton, IL, Jarrid Cima and wife Michelle, Newburg, IN; a granddaughter, Julie McReynolds and husband Jimmy of Johnston City, IL; eight great-grandchildren, Autuam, Drew, Jordan, Kristen, Michael, Chase, Alex and Colton; six great-great grandchildren, Ryder, Ryvan, Lily, Kayson, Freya and Elie; two nephews, Carel Lee Long and Phillip Long; three nieces, Sharon Stull, Jan Seymour and Jenetta Trussel.

Peggy was preceded in death by parents, Floyd and Lola (Fuel) Long; her first husband, Frank Cima; her second husband, Larence O. Sidwell; and two brothers, Carel and Vernon Long.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018, 11:30 a.m., at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions can be made to Benton Ministerial Alliance or First Christian Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Benton police make arrests

On October 10, 2018 at approximately 12:50 p.m. Benton Police responded to the Public Square in reference to a hit and run.

Upon investigating, police arrested Nicholas J. Johnson, age 38, of Herrin for driving under the influence.  Johnson was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 10, 2018 at approximately 12 p.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North Main and Martin Street.  Upon investigating, police arrested Stacy K. Manning, age 33, of Benton for driving while license suspended.  Manning was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 12th, 2018 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Washington Street in reference to a suspicious person.  Upon investigating, police arrested  Joshua W. Bryant, age 27, of Sesser for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia subsequent to a vehicle search after  Benton Police K9 “Ranger” alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle .  Police also arrested Joshua C. Sims, age 26 ,of Benton on an active Williamson County warrant for failure to appear.  Both Bryant and Sims were transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

Column: Democrats shame Kanye West to protect themselves

When Kanye West condemned a Republican president after Hurricane Katrina smashed New Orleans, Democrats and their media biscuit eaters weren’t all that upset.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News