Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Illinois ranked dead last in terms of fiscal stability using the most recent data that marks the first year lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner failed to agree on a budget. The author of the report notes that the state also had lower taxes at the time.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
While a couple of state budget analysis groups differ on how much more Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker could spend if he’s elected, they agree Pritzker will cost taxpayers more.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Depending on whom you ask, the fate of a growing economy or continued partisan division is what’s at stake in the midterm election.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Two weeks after clinching their first playoff bid since 2009 and a week removed from wrapping up an undefeated South Seven Conference championship, the Cahokia Comanches continue to move up in the Class 4A football poll.
Here’s a link to the story at the Belleville News-Democrat.
BELLEVILLE
The Republican incumbent governor seeking re-election is putting on a strong face and remaining publicly confident despite recent polls showing him trailing his Democratic opponent by double digits.
Here’s a link to the story at the Belleville News-Democrat.
Three weeks before Election Day, staffers who have worked for J.B. Pritzker’s campaign have filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in their months on the job, accusations the Democratic governor candidate quickly called “just not true.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
James “Jim” A. Smith, 70, of Benton, IL, passed away at 9:20 a.m., on Monday, October 15, 2018, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital, Evansville, IN.
He was born on September 25, 1948, to John and Wilma (Summers) Smith in Christopher, IL.
Jim was a United States Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam Conflict.
He was a member and supporter of the Disabled American Veterans. Jim enjoyed reading, traveling, and tinkering with his cars.
Jim is survived by his son, Jason Smith and wife Narissa; three grandchildren, Jacob Smith, Maddie Smith, and Jonah Smith; two brothers, John K. Smith and wife Kathy and Don Weston and wife Kathy; and one sister, Patricia Wheeler and husband Roger.
He was preceded in death by parents, John and Wilma Smith; and two brothers, David Weston and Bobby Smith.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home.
Funeral procession will leave Pate Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m., for a graveside service at Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery with Pastor Sammy Simmons, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Memorials contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Illinois high school students posted the highest average ACT score in at least nearly three decades, but that achievement is tempered by the tremendous drop in the number of students who took the test.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker’s record $146 million in self-funding of his campaign has been documented in real time, but campaign finance reports filed late Monday show just how much he and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner are spending.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
