Illinois Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday that dealing with the state’s financial problems will be a top priority.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Rad Tech students celebrate National Week
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
INA, Ill. – Rend Lake College Radiologic Technology students celebrate National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW) by delivering cookie cakes to area hospitals. The sweet treats are a thank you from the students to their clinical sites for the hands-on training they receive throughout the semester.
NRTW is celebrated annually during the week of Nov. 8 to commemorate the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on that date in 1895. The week-long celebration calls attention to the important role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in patient care and health care safety.
Pictured are second-year Rad Tech students. They are, FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT, Rachel Buretta (Bluford), Madalyn Toombs (Energy), Jessie Chandler (Marion), Jade Garner (West Frankfort), Brooke Akers (Christopher), and Cathy Graves (Galatia); BACK ROW, Hayden Jones (Mt. Vernon), Blake Johnson (Marion), Jessica Roberts (Opdyke), Claudia Spotanski (Ashley), Jayme McDonald (Murphysboro), Paige Rich (Johnston City), Megan Purdie (Benton), Hillary Ingram (McLeansboro), Charles Adelsberger (Herrin), Jamie Droge (Murphysboro), Jamie Veach (Carbondale), Justin Restoff (Pinckneyville), Dustin Engelhardt (Pinckneyville), and Brady Louis (Pinckneyville).
(RLC Public Information)
Jack W. Davis – Benton, IL
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Jack W. Davis, 66, of Benton passed away Monday afternoon, November 5, 2018 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
He was born in Christopher, IL on September 14, 1952, the son of Robert and Rosie (Gostowski) Davis.
Mr. Davis worked at Taylor Motors for several years, then for Redi-Mix for several years. He was a member of the Benton Eagles & Boccie Ball Club.
Mr. Davis is survived by one son, a brother Robert “Bob” Davis, of Texas and a special friend, Carol Scott, Benton, IL.
Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Sharon Davis.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Jackson Grove Cemetery in Akin. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
David S. Colliton — Cincinnati, OH
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
David S. Colliton, age 67, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the First Christian Church, 302 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will take place in the Mt. Etna Cemetery near Akin.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is assisting the family with local services and arrangements.
David was born on August 13, 1951 in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Edward F. Colliton, Sr. and Barbara J. (Sheely) Colliton.
He was a retired Kids Program Director, having worked at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum.
David loved his children and grandchildren. He was an accomplished artist and musician, and he loved the outdoors.
He is survived by three children: Mark Colliton, Michayla Colliton, and Sean Colliton, all three of Cincinnati, Ohio; six grandchildren; three sisters: Connie Colliton of Fayetteville, NC, Kathy Summers and husband Les of Thompsonville, IL, Edith Gostowski and husband Paul of Benton, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Edward F. Colliton, Jr.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church building Fund.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of David, visit www.lpfuneralhome.
Ronald Lee Dollins — Benton, IL
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Ronald Lee Dollins, age 85, of Benton, went to his reward in Heaven at 10:48 p.m. Monday, November 5, 2018.
Visitation services for Mr. Dollins will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Private graveside services will follow the visitation.
Mr. Dollins was born on November 17, 1932 in Benton, the son of Paul Virgil Dollins and Mary Madeline (Rone) Dollins. He married the former Marilyn Jane (Harvey) Dollins on December 24, 1958. They would spend 54 years in marriage, until her death in March of 2013.
Ron would proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he was an Aircraft and Engine Mechanic with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. While serving his country, his father would tragically die in the Orient 2 Mine explosion on December 21, 1951, therefore Ron would be discharged in March of 1952 to come home to Benton and support his mother.
Mr. Dollins earned a master’s degree in Political Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He retired from the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services.
Ron is survived by three sons: David Dollins of Paducah, KY, Michael Dollins and wife Amy of Benton, IL, Stephen Dollins and wife April of Marion, IL; eight grandchildren: Nathan of Pasadena, CA, Abigail and Jared of Paducah, KY, Michaela and MacKenzie of Benton, IL, Jessica, Victoria, and Ava of Marion, IL.
Mr. Dollins was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant brother; and a brother Paul Dollins.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Ronald Dollins, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
CNN’s Jim Acosta has press pass suspended by White House, Sarah Sanders announces
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta’s press pass to access the White House was suspended “until further notice” Wednesday, hours after he engaged in a contentious back-and-forth with President Trump.
Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.
At least 11 injured in shooting at Thousand Oaks nightclub, gunman dead, police say
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Authorities in Thousand Oaks, Calif., responded Wednesday to reports of a mass shooting just before midnight at a nightclub hosting a college night.
Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.
Football notes & links versus South Dakota State
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
| Southern Illinois (2-7, 1-5 MVFC) vs. #6/#6 South Dakota State (6-2, 4-2 MVFC) | |
| Tickets | Buy Tickets |
| Date & Time | Nov. 10, 2018 | 1 p.m. CT |
| Location | Carbondale, Illinois • Saluki Stadium (15,000) |
| TV/Video Stream | ESPN+ Darren Kinnard, Mike Trude, Connor Onion |
| Live Stats | Provided by SIU |
| Radio | Saluki Radio Network Mike Reis, Gene Green, Connor James |
| Radio Stream | TuneIn (free) |
| Southern Illinois | Game Notes (PDF) | Stats | Media Guide (PDF) |
| SDSU | Game Notes | Stats | Media Guide |
| MVFC | Weekly Notes | Stats |
| All-Time Series | Salukis trail, 3-5 (H: 1-3, A: 2-2) |
| Social Media | @SIU_Football  | @SIUSalukis  | Saluki Football  |
Game Promotions
- Military Appreciation Day: All military, both veterans and those in active duty, will receive a free ticket to the game by presenting their military ID. Military members may also purchase additional tickets for family for $8.
- Hawgs & Dawgs: This $25 Package includes a game ticket on the 50 yard line, a Hawgs & Dawgs commemorative t-shirt, a concessions voucher, and you get to ride onto the field before the game! Participants can meet at Black Diamond in Marion at to pick items up and ride over together at 10:00 a.m. Items that are not picked up at Black Diamond will be available at Will Call at the Cook Portable Warehouse outside the stadium at 11:30 a.m. Registration ends November 7th. Use Promo Code HAWGSNDAWGS.
- Senior Day: On field recognition of our seniors — Ben Bailey, Matt DeSomer, Jaylon Graham, Aaron Harris, Julian Hylton, Darrell James, C.J. Jennings, Raphael Leonard, Jonathan Mixon, Josh Podzielinski, Matt Quarells, Withney Simon, Sam Straub, Bryce Wagner
Series versus South Dakota State
The teams have met eight times since the series began in 2008. After winning the first two meetings, the Salukis have lost five of the last six to the Jackrabbits. They are 1-3 at home against South Dakota State, winning in 2008, 38-35, on a Kyle Dougherty 28-yard field goal with 2:59 to play, followed by an interception by James Wheeler that helped seal the victory.
Five Saluki losses by an average of four points
The Salukis have lost five games by an average margin of four points. They held second-half leads of a touchdown or more in four of those losses. Last week versus Western Illinois, SIU led by 17 points heading into the fourth quarter before losing by three points on a field goal with 12 seconds remaining.
Salukis on record pace for first downs
SIU’s offense averages 25.2 first downs per game, which is on pace to break the school record of 24.8 first downs set by the 2015 team. Southern recorded 70 first downs in Weeks 3-4. The 37 versus SEMO was a school record and the 33 versus South Dakota ranked fourth all-time.
WR Raphael Leonard — MVFC Receptions leader
WR Raphael Leonard (6-2, 193, Sr.) leads the MVFC with 52 receptions, which ranks eighth all-time in school history and is the most by a Saluki wide receiver since Billy Reed caught 56 passes in 2015. He has caught at least one pass in all 20 games he has played at Southern. Prior to SIU, Leonard played at East Mississippi Community College in 2016, where he was part of Season 2 of the popular Netflix documentary Last Chance U.
QB Matt DeSomer takes over at QB
QB Matt DeSomer (6-0, 215, Sr.) took over the starting spot for the Salukis during Weeks 7-8 (He also started Week 5 at Youngstown State when Sam Straub was injured). He is 1-4 as a starting quarterback. In the last two weeks, DeSomer has completed 33-of-49 passes for 414 yards, setting new career passing highs in both games. He rallied SIU with four-unanswered touchdowns in a 49-35 win over Missouri State and also ran the ball 14 times for 92 yards. DeSomer has played quarterback, wide receiver, safety and special teams during his 39-game career at SIU. His career stats include 892 rushing yards, 1,004 passing yards, 110 receiving yards, eight rushing touchdowns, nine passing touchdowns and seven tackles.
S Jeremy Chinn steps in at cornerback
Due to injuries in the secondary, S Jeremy Chinn (6-2, 211, Jr.) has started the last two games at cornerback, as the Salukis have played without their top four corners. In the last 21 games, Chinn has seven interceptions and six forced fumbles. A preseason All-MVFC pick, he is tied for second all-time at Southern in forced fumbles (6), trailing only Tyler Williamson (8, 2012-14).
RB D.J. Davis — second in MVFC All-Purpose Yardage
RB D.J. Davis (5-8, 168, Jr.) is a prolific rusher, receiver and return man, who is second in the league in All-Purpose yardage per game (136.3). He is fifth all-time at SIU with 3,828 career all-purpose yards (1,419 rushing, 709 receiving, 1,683 return). He opened the season with four-straight 100-yard rushing games and has five on the season. The last Saluki with five 100-yard games in a season was Malcolm Agnew in 2014.
Dawg Bites
- The last time SIU beat an FCS team ranked No. 6 or higher was on Oct. 12, 2013 when it won at No. 4 Northern Iowa, 24-17.
- QB Matt DeSomer needs 108 yards to become the second quarterback in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in his career. Joel Sambursky (2001-05) rushed for 1,100 yards.
- LB Bryce Notree (6-2, 235, So.) leads the team with 66 tackles. He had 11 as a freshman last year. Notree also has 5.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, and two interceptions
- QB Matt DeSomer has rushed for 100 yards twice this year and three times in his career, tying the school record for career 100-yard rushing games by a QB, set by Fred Gibson in 1987-88.
DE Anthony Knighton — team sacks leader
DE Anthony Knighton (6-4, 253, So.) leads the team in sacks (6.5) and is the active team leader in career sacks (13.0) and tackles for loss (21.0). He has started all 20 games in his career and also has two forced fumbles, six pass breakups and one blocked kick. In 2017, he was runner-up for MVFC Freshman of the Year after recording 6.5 sacks.
TE Nigel Kilby second in the MVFC in Receiving TDs
TE Nigel Kilby (6-8, 250, Jr.) is second in the MVFC in receiving touchdowns with six, trailing only South Dakota State’s Cade Johnson (11). Kilby also missed two games with a hamstring injury. For the season, he has 15 catches for 214 yards (14.3 average). Kilby transferred from Garden City Community College and was ranked the No. 3 juco tight end prospect in the nation. He originally played for Eastern Michigan.
WR Landon Lenoir with breakout season
Entering the year with nine catches, slot receiver Landon Lenoir (5-11, 190, So.) has already caught 39 passes this season, is second on the team in catches and has caught at least two balls in every game. Lenoir has two relatives currently in the NFL. Brother Lance Lenoir (age 23), who holds the Western Illinois school record for career touchdown catches (28), is currently a member the Dallas Cowboys. Cousin Laquon Treadwell (age 23) is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.
Dawg Bites II
- With 866 rushing yards this year, D.J. Davis has more yards on the ground than any SIU running back since Jewel Hampton had 1,121 yards in 2011.
- D.J. Davis is the school record holder in career kickoff return yards with 1,683. He has the second-longest kickoff return in school history — 98 yards versus Murray State as a freshman in 2016.
- With a rushing TD against Western Illinois, RB Jonathan Mixon (5-11, 230, Sr.) moved into ninth place all-time at SIU in that category, tying Brandon Jacobs. He is the team’s active scoring leader with 19 career touchdowns (114 points).
- SIU’s defense ranks 24th in the nation in sacks per game (2.67). The team’s 24 sacks has already topped last year’s mark of 23 sacks.
- WR Je’Quan Burton (5-9, 168, Fr.) has impacted all three phases of the game. He has 87 yards rushing, eight catches for 127 yards, and 200 return yards. He is also an emergency cornerback.
- K Griffin Cerra (6-0, 157, Fr.) made his debut two weeks ago at Missouri State and is 11-for-11 on PATs. He is 1-for-1 on field goals, converting a 42-yarder against Western Illinois.
- The Salukis are -4 in the turnover battle for the season (+1 in interceptions, -5 in fumbles).
- The Salukis blocked two field goal attempts versus Indiana State — one by S Jeremy Chinn and one by CB Terrance Henley. The last time SIU blocked two field goals in a game was in 2007 at Arkansas Pine Bluff. CB Craig Turner blocked them both
Glo Bingo event to support RLC Library
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
INA, Ill. – Reserve your seat today for Rend Lake College’s third Glo Bingo event. Locals are invited to play at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 at the RLC Rec, located on the Ina campus, to raise funds for the campus’ Learning Resource Center (LRC).
When doors open at 5:30 p.m., Glo Bingo tickets will cost $25, which includes six bingo cards, a glow hat, and a glow dabber. Additional bingo cards are available for purchase for $5 per six cards. Attendees who purchase tickets early can do so for a discounted rate of $20. Discounted tickets are on sale until 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15.
Competitors will have the chance to win over $1,000 in cash prizes. Additionally, there will be a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and early bird and middle bird raffle game cards available at the door. Concessions will also be sold throughout the evening.
Seats for the event are limited. Glo Bingo participants must be over the age of 18. No outside food or beverages are allowed. The LRC will also be selling 2019 St. Louis Cardinals calendars as presale items.
For more information or to purchase advance tickets, contact the LRC at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1308. For groups interested in participating, tables can be reserved by calling ahead for advance ticket purchases. The event is sponsored by the RLC Foundation.
Temporary Area Closings during Deer Seasons at Rend Lake
November 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Benton, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake reminds visitors that the following recreation areas will be closed to all vehicle and foot traffic during the first firearm deer season.
Dates for the closures are November 16-18, 2018. Areas affected by the closure include the North Sandusky picnic area and campground; South Sandusky picnic area, campground, beach and boat ramp; South Marcum picnic area and campground; North Marcum picnic area and old campground; and the Blackberry Nature Trail. These areas will be utilized by persons involved in the annual Rend Lake Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities and will remain closed as a safety precaution.
In addition, the Corps of Engineers will temporarily close all sections of the Rend Lake Bike Trail, which are under the management of the Corps of Engineers, to persons not actively involved in the sport of deer hunting during all state firearm deer hunting seasons. These closures include bike trail sections beginning west of the Franklin Cemetery and continuing to the North Marcum day use area, and trail sections beginning in the North Sandusky day use area and continuing to the South Marcum campground.
All persons not involved in the sport of deer hunting are prohibited from utilizing these trails during the periods of November 16-18, November 29-30, December 1-2, and December 7-9. Persons wishing to access hunting spots should remember that Federal law prohibits the use of motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), on all government-managed properties.
For more information on these temporary area closings, feel free to contact the Rend Lake Project Office by phone at 618-724-2493. For updates, follow us on Facebook@Rend Lake Project Office / Visitor Center.
