Mike Shildt calls himself socially challenged.
Here’s a link to the column at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Column: Shildt building strong case for staying on as Cardinals manager
August 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Rauner signs bill to change state liquor control act, gives back local control
August 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
It will now be up to local officials as to whether they want a bar next to a church, school, military facility or hospital, and Gov. Bruce Rauner says it’s a step in the right direction.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
Investigation continues into hit-and-run death of Franklin County man
August 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
A West Frankfort man is dead after a fatal hit-and-run crash in Franklin County Saturday morning, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Here’s a link to the story in the Southern Illinoisan.
Flaherty, four relievers beat Pirates 2-1
August 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Cardinals rookie Jack Flaherty, lamenting that he hadn’t been more efficient in his recent starts, threw exactly two-thirds of his modest total of 84 pitches for strikes Sunday and four relievers held off the Pittsburgh Pirates for a 2-1 Cardinals triumph.
Here’s a link to the story at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
David “Mossy” Gordon Moss – West Frankfort, IL
August 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment
David “Mossy” Gordon Moss, 59, of West Frankfort, passed away at 5:08 p.m., on Friday, August 3, 2018, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on April 7, 1959, to George and Darlene (Ponder) Moss in Kankakee, IL. On September 25, 1981, he married the former Debra Kay Montgomery at Valier Baptist Church, Valier, IL. David started his career working at Barton and Colins Furniture in Benton for over 15 years as a delivery and repairman. He then worked for T & T Carbide in Logan for 10 years as a welder. David most recently had been working at Aisin Manufacturing, where he had been employed for 13 years in the shipping and receiving department. David fought a courageous two year battle of cancer, and had a very strong support team.
“Mossy” was an avid sports fan, supporting Benton Rangers Football, Southern Illinois University Salukis Basketball and NASCAR. He was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather. His grandchildren will always cherish the afternoons they spent with him eating ice cream over the summer. David’s since of humor and personality would light up a room.
David is survived by his loving spouse of 36 years, Debra Kay Moss, two children, Stefanie Nicole Moss and companion Darrell Paulson and Dustin Cole Moss and wife Destaney; four brothers, Lonie Moss and wife Tracy, Stephen Moss and wife Kathie, Rich Moss and Darrin Moss and wife Dawn; his five grandchildren, Hunter Moss, Isabella Moss, Jayden Moss, Gianna Moss and Kay Moss; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 7, 2018, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, 10:30 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Roger Webb, officiating.
Graveside services will be private for family at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.
Memorials contributions may be made to Pate Funeral Home in care of funeral expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
Robert (Bob) Maurice Drennan – Ina, IL
August 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Robert (Bob) Maurice Drennan passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Born on April 21, 1935, to Byford and Juandola (Dot) Drennan, Robert has two sisters Carole Lewis and Gloria Richardson, and one brother Wayne Drennan, all who survive.
Robert married his high school love, Frances Evelyn Kirk, on May 29, 1955, who survives. They have two children, Mark who married Susan Bond, and Anne who married Edward Hale, and one granddaughter Hallie Drennan, who married Randy Pollard.
Robert was a lifetime member and deacon at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church.
He farmed most of his life and also worked at General Radiator, the Mt. Vernon Police Department, and the Mt. Vernon Water Department. Through the years Robert was active in many Jefferson County programs. He also served on the Tri-County Electric board for 12 years. Robert was active in the Masonic Lodge, holding many positions over the years and obtaining the Certified Lodge Instructor.
Robert enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, and bird watching. He and Evelyn toured all of the North American states, with the exception of Hawaii, electing instead to return to Alaska by automobile. They also loved the Canadian Maritime Provinces.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the upcoming August 26th benefit for the family of Robert and McClain Lea. Donations can be made at the church.
A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 P.M. Sunday, August 5th at the New Hope Free Will Baptist Church with Bro. Craig Smith & Bro. Dale Burzynski officiating.
For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com
Ernest Wayne Upchurch – Downers Grove, IL (formerly of Franklin County)
August 2, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Ernest Wayne Upchurch, 80, passed away on January 22, 2018 at his daughter’s home in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he had been living the last three years.
Ernest was born May 13, 1937 in Franklin County, Illinois, the son of Charles Omer & Ila (Spencer) Upchurch. He is survived by his only child, daughter Donna Kaye (Todd) Chapin; grandchildren, Ethan Chapin and Kyle Chapin; and sister, Ruth Ila Morgan.
Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside service at Shiloh Cemetery, Whittington, Illinois on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 3 p.m. Services provided by Morton & Johnston Funeral Home.
For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Chris Meinert-Christopher, IL
August 2, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Chris Meinert, 69, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday July 31, 2018.
He was born on June 6, 1949 in DuQuoin, IL to Warren and Marie (Marlo) Meinert. He married Paula (Palmer) Meinert on February 8, 1992 and she survives of Christopher.
Survivors include his wife Paula, one son Michael (Vanessa) Meinert of Valier; one daughter-in-law Autumn Meinert of Trophy Club, TX; four grandchildren Oliver Patrick, Ella Rose, Henry Coy, and Veda Marie; one brother David (Gay) Meinert of Decatur, AL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Matthew Meinert.
Chris graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree and had worked in research at Argon National Laboratories in Joliet, IL. After moving back to Christopher he worked in sales at Taylor Motor Company in Benton and won numerous sales awards. He had a love for music and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He was a member of the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher.
Funeral Mass for Chris will be on Saturday August 4, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher. Visitation will be on Friday August 3, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.
In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the St. Francis Humane Society or to the Perry County Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Saluki Football camp notebook — Day One
August 2, 2018 By Leave a Comment
By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com
“I’m excited to get training camp rolling and get in that rhythm and routine of football 24/7,” said third-year head coach Nick Hill. “As a football coach, that’s your time of year and you love it.”
Senior quarterback Sam Straub looked in mid-season form during 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 passing drills. On his first throw of the day, he completed a laser down the middle of the field to tight end Jacob Varble, who reached high to snag the ball in front of oncoming safety Jeremy Chinn. Straub then connected on a perfectly thrown deep ball down the right sideline to wide receiver Darrell James. James was tightly covered on the play by cornerback Madre Harper. Straub completed his first seven passes on the day.
“It’s my last year, so it’s kind of a do-or-die type of attitude,” Straub said. “We have a load of talent in (the wide receiver) room, more talent than in the five years I’ve been here, so building that timing and camaraderie with them over the summer was big and will hopefully pay off this season.”
Without question, the star of the day on offense was wide receiver Raphael Leonard. Short, medium or deep, he caught passes in every zone and could not be stopped, several times out-muscling defenders to make acrobatic catches. He caught a 50-yard touchdown over his shoulder in the right corner of the end zone on one nicely thrown ball by Straub.
“Ralph had probably the best overall off-season, starting in the winter,” said wide receivers coach Nick Williams. “His catch radius is out of this world. With his size, he can go up and get it. Once he opens up his stride, he’s a vertical threat as well.”
The defense responded toward the end of practice. Chinn, linebacker Cody Crider and safety Michael Elbert had pass breakups, and Torian Lewis picked up a sack on the corner blitz. The last five passes by the offense fell incomplete.
There was a buzz among spectators asking about No. 13, who stands out in a crowd. That would be tight end Nigel Kilby, in his first practice at SIU after transferring from Garden City Community College. At 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, he’s hard to miss. There are high expectations for Kilby, who was ranked the No. 3 junior college tight end according to 247sports.com. He signed with Louisville but didn’t make it into school there.
“That’s a nightmare matchup — a 6-8 guy who can run and catch, can play inside the box, outside the box, on the edge, move him around,” said tight ends coach Pat Poore. “His big thing is learning the offense in a short amount of time.”
One of the highlights from the morning practice was a long touchdown toss from true freshman quarterback Javon Williams Jr. to wide receiver Dyllan Conway. Williams played at nearby Centralia and has a sturdy 6-foot-2 and 237-pound frame.
“Javon Williams is like a (Matt) DeSomer or a (Mark) Iannotti in that there’s a lot of different ways you can use him,” said quarterbacks coach Michael Williamson. “He can drop back and throw it, but you can also bring people in motion and create run plays for a guy like him. Physically, we’re having to fight (defensive coordinator) Coach (Kraig) Paulson off, because he looks like a big, strong linebacker.”
Cole Hamels whiffs 9 in Cubs’ debut and coasts to 9-2 victory over Pirates
August 2, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Had it not been for three errors, Cole Hamels might have been allowed to provide quantity as well as quality Wednesday night in his Cubs debut.
Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.
