Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
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.
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.
Some people complain about commercials. Bradley resident Connie Wietrzykowski gets things done.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
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, 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” 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.
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.
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.
Journalists spent last week rewriting history as it happened and denying the thuggery of left-wing protests. It was like watching a reality TV version of “1984.”
Here’s a link to the editorial at Fox News.
A Prayer from Psalm 91
By: Debbie McDaniel
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
We trudged slowly back to the car through a crowded parking lot in the Texas summer heat. Hot, humid, full sun bearing down. I noticed my daughter matching my steps, walking close by my side the entire way back. Little legs stretching out as far as they could to match my stride. She smiled up at me and said, “Mom, look, I’m walking in your shade.” She’d found the shadow, the safe place to walk. I loved that my side was her shield, giving her protection from the heat.
We may not always see it, or feel it, we might forget it’s there at times, or even wonder if God has left us to fend for ourselves in the heat of hard situations of life. But His protection is real. He doesn’t, He can’t, forget us or ignore us. If we belong to Him, His love is too great to leave us on our own.
In whatever troubles we face today, God is the place of refuge we can run to, He is our safe place.
A reminder for us, especially in the tough stuff, that we never walk alone. Full heat of troubles bearing down hard, heavy, it’s a struggle at times to keep trudging through it all. Pressure and stress can seem as stifling as a hot afternoon summer sun. Yet God whispers truth, strong and sure, “Walk in my shadow, up close to my side. It’s in the safe place that brings confidence; for when we are resting in God’s shadow, we will never face the full heat of our difficulties. He shelters from that pain. His shade, His shadow, diminishes what is actually felt in the intensity of all the heat. Rest, peace, and calm rise up strong, right in the struggling mess of life, and we’re assured, He’s in control.
Don’t ever doubt it. God works on behalf of those who love Him and honor His name. He is so good to us. We may never fully know, this side of heaven, how very much He has sheltered us from in this life.
A Prayer from Psalm 91:
Dear God, Thank you for your presence with us, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before us, and cover us from behind. Thank you that you are in our midst, and that our future is secure in the place you’re preparing for us.
Your words bring such hope and comfort. Remind us of your strength today, may we see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as we seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
