Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Sears Holdings Corp., parent of the Sears and Kmart retail chains, has filed for bankruptcy protection — a last-ditch effort to save an American icon that shaped shopping habits for more than a century
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
The largest state employee’s union is demanding state employees get paid raises from the past three years despite questions about the union’s contract.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Races up and down the state will determine who will be in the Illinois statehouse and could shape how the state addresses its massive pension debt.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
By Rick Warren
”The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me—to tell people the Good News about God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NCV).
God put you on Earth for a purpose. He has a mission that only you can fulfill. Part of that mission is to tell other people the Good News of God’s grace. You know Christ because somebody told you about him. Who will you tell?
If somebody died for you, wouldn’t you want to know about it? Jesus died for every single person in the world. This weekend, the typical American will sit at home watching TV, with a soda or beer, maybe reading the newspaper, kicked back and relaxed—and totally unaware that Jesus Christ died for them and unaware of the grace that is available to them.
The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. God wants everybody in his family, and because God cares, we must care.
The way we show our gratitude for the grace of God is by making our own lives count, by living a life of extravagant generosity, and by telling as many people as we can about the Good News.
NASHVILLE — It started with a speech, made 364 days ago by Nashville coach Stephen Kozuszek. His team was down 35-0 at halftime in Du Quoin, and Kozuszek had some things he wanted to get off his chest.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
It was a great night for football in Southern Illinois.
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 12, 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.
INA, Ill. – Administrators, trustees, and representatives from four Southern Illinois colleges gathered last night in an effort to talk about current events and learn more about a growing program at Rend Lake College. The Southeast Region Trustees Meeting was held in the RLC Student Center’s Pat Kern Private Dining Area.
The evening began with a welcome from RLC President Terry Wilkerson and opening remarks from RLC Trustee Larry Manning, Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) Representative.
After dinner, a presentation from two RLC students and Corey Phillips, Director of the RLC MarketPlace, highlighted the Jefferson County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program. Phillips, the program’s facilitator, spoke to the specifics of the program, including what is expected of the high school students enrolled, the college-level classes they take, and future plans. The students – Madison Bock of Ashley and Raquel Minor of Mt. Vernon – shared their experiences in the program during the 2017-18 academic year with guest speakers, tours of local businesses, and the annual trade show.
“The Southeast Region Trustees meeting is an opportunity for us and our neighboring institutions to get together and talk about what changes are happening in higher education and share information to help all of our students,” said Wilkerson. “To illustrate this, Rend Lake College students had the chance to share some great news about a program they’re excited about, Jefferson County CEO. They received questions and comments from representatives from the other schools, and we couldn’t be more proud of their hard work.”
RLC students Madison Bock, LEFT, and Raquel Minor discuss the annual Jefferson County Trade Show. This year-end event gives the students enrolled in the program the chance to showcase their businesses. Both Bock and Minor also had the opportunity to attend the national Trade Show last year in Effingham.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
The CEO program is open to seniors in Jefferson County’s four high schools – Mt. Vernon Township, Waltonville, Webber Township, and Woodlawn. Interested students are required to go through an application process in the spring semester of their junior year. Jefferson County CEO currently has 21 students enrolled in the 2018-19 class. To learn more about the Jefferson County CEO program, visit their website at www.jeffersoncountyceo.org.
After the presentation, Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham provided a short update on the educational outlook in Illinois, focusing on trends and enrollment. ICCTA Executive Director Mike Monaghan also spoke about statewide legislative issues. The Southeast Region Trustees Meeting featured representatives from RLC, John A. Logan College, Shawnee Community College, and Southeastern Illinois College.
9-30-18 at 5:34 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on South Mcleansboro Street ¼ mile west of Deering Road. A 2013 Jeep Carryall driven by Justus J.M. Poole age 17 of West Frankfort lost control and ran off the roadway into a small creek striking a tree. The driver, nor a one year old passenger were injured. The driver was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, unlicensed driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and for not properly restraining a child under four years of age.
10-6-18 at 12:17 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Deering Road ½ mile north of Reumbler Crossing. A 2006 Harley Davidson Motorcycle was south bound on Deering Road and failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the roadway into a ditch where the driver was ejected. The driver, Danny R. Clark age 66 of Benton, received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S. The driver was ticketed for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.
10-6-18 at 9:31 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. Rt. 14 at the intersection with north Thompsonville Road. A 2008 Volkswagon Jetta driven by Whitney L. Sanders age 24 of Galatia, pulled onto Rt. 14 from North Thompsonville Road into the path of an east bound 1999 Honda Civic driven by Logan R. Billington age 23 of Benton. There were no injuries and Sanders was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.
10-7-18 at 10:10 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Ewing. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Joshua K. Brooks age 29 of Ewing for domestic battery.
10-8-18 at 9:00 am deputies responded to a theft complaint at Drew Rock and Material in rural West Frankfort. The investigation led to the arrest of Steven C. Melville age 35 of West Frankfort for the theft of decorative landscape rock.
10-10-18 at 3:26 pm deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute in Buckner that involved a stabbing injury. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Crystal L. Sutton age 27 of Buckner for aggravated battery. The 29 year old male victim was transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S. with a serious stab wound to his back. Sutton is being held without bail in the Franklin County Jail pending review by the States Attorney’s Office and filing of formal charges.
10-10-18 at 6:23 pm Deputies responded to a dispute in Akin. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Jeremiah L. Phillips age 29 of Akin for criminal damage to property.
WARRANT ARRESTS
10-5-18 Joseph E. Shepard age 31 of Benton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
10-5-18 Kendra S. Dent age 32 of Benton. Failure to appear on resisting arrest charges and for unlawful violation of an order of protection.
10-7-18 Micki J. Cox age 39 of Centralia. Failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine.
10-8-18 Christian T. Vojvodich age 23 of Zeigler. Violation of probation.
10-10-18 Adam S. Dills age 35 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges.
The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
INA, Ill. – Two new community members have made a commitment to the students of Rend Lake College by stepping up to become members of the Rend Lake College Foundation Board of Directors.
Amanda Basso is the Chief Executive Officer of Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Basso is a Sesser native and Rend Lake College graduate, receiving her nursing degree from RLC. She went on to complete a Master’s in Business Administration and in Nursing from McKendree University. Prior to coming to Crossroads Hospital, Basso owned C-Suite Consulting, a leadership firm that provided consultation and she served as the CEO of Clay County Hospital in Flora.
Amanda Basso
“I am honored to serve on the Rend Lake College Foundation because RLC is where my collegiate roots began. I am extremely proud of the exceptional programs offered by Rend Lake College,” Basso said.
“I have been privileged to work alongside and ultimately hire many exceptional health care professionals who have graduated or received certificates from RLC over the past 20 years. Southern Illinois employers benefit every day from the great scholars who pass through the halls of RLC.”
Basso is joined by Tony Wielt, a local State Farm Insurance Agent out of Mt. Vernon.
Wielt attended Rend Lake College his freshman year in college as a recipient of a RLC Foundation Scholarship. Wielt currently serves as the President of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and has been active in several community and non-profit organizations. Wielt and his wife Julie (Van Horn) live in Whittington and have been supporters of the Foundation for several years including funding an endowed RLCF scholarship.
Tony Wielt
“My connection to Rend Lake College has taken a lot of different facets over the years, including: camp participant, college student, Advisory Board Member, Foundation Golf Outing participant and sponsor, and now parent of a RLC student,” Wielt explained.
“In my work with the Chamber of Commerce and as a small business owner myself, I can see first-hand the value of the education RLC provides to the workforce. Becoming involved in the RLC Foundation as a Board Member will provide me the opportunity to give back to the next generation of students who are looking to continue their journey at RLC.”
“Given their active involvement in the community, their strong passion for helping others and their deep ties to RLC, I have no doubt that Amanda and Tony will be great assets to the Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation is privileged to have such a dynamic group of individuals on our board of directors who are actively involved in ensuring the success of Rend Lake College and our students,” said RLCF CEO Kay Zibby-Damron.
The Rend Lake College Foundation represents a partnership between public and private interests for the benefit of Rend Lake College students. We invite and encourage your participation, interest, and support. Please join the many generous individuals, corporations, and foundations who have given their support to the Foundation and the mission of Rend Lake College.
Last year, the Foundation provided $200,000 to 255 students to complete their dream of earning a college degree.
To learn more about the RLCF, or to donate, visit rlc.edu/foundation, call 618-437-5321 Ext. 1214 or email foundation@rlc.edu.
