Annual Southern Hunting and Fishing Days set for Sept. 22 & 23 at JALC

July 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment
By Don Gasaway
For the past 31 years individuals and families traveled to the campus of John A. Logan College on the fourth Saturday of September. They are attending the Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days, an event designed to teach hunting and fishing skills, as well as ethics, safety and conservations associated with outdoor recreation.
Upwards of 30,000 people attend this event in Carterville, IL This year’s title sponsor is Black Diamond RV Superstore in Marion, IL. The fun is schedule for September 22 and 23, 2018. Admission and parking are free.
In addition, Black Diamond RV will present “The Turtleman” from Animal Planet TV and Layla Spring from American Idol Contest on Saturday to entertain and sign autographs.
Also, on Saturday local high school teams will compete in the Crab orchard High School Bass Classic. The school with the heaviest weight of bass wins a trophy. Each team will have an adult coach in the boat who cannot fish but rides along.
This year the 1 millionth visitor to the event will receive $1,000.00 in a giveaway on Sunday. The winner must be present to win. Also, on Sunday “Abe Lincoln” will be at the college’s 200-year old log cabin for pictures and to celebrate Illinois’ Bicentennial. Buckskinners will be on the campus for both days to reenact the lifestyle of Illinois’ early settlers.
Among the activities scheduled are youth waterfowl calling contests on Saturday morning, as well as instruction in archery, the shooting sports and fishing. Local sponsors and vendors provide the events and volunteers will provide instruction and safe supervision.
Dogs and waterfowl activities figure prominently in the festivities. Demonstrations by Splash Dog, agility dogs, retrievers, search and rescue dogs, police dogs as well hunting breeds. Another component involves training and nutrition for dogs.
Tents are erected on the campus grounds to house the vendors of equipment for outdoor recreation enjoyment. Food is available from other vendors at nominal prices.
Housed in the college gymnasium, Skylight Lounge and front lobby is the Outdoor Art & Heritage Show. It promotes participation in outdoor recreation through artistic, cultural, natural history, entertainment and taxidermy displays.
To the casual observer watching a child fishing with his family at the fishing pond is nice. More importantly, it is the future of conservation. Hunting and Fishing Days is an introduction to the wild and the ethics involved. These children are the consumers of the future who, with their taxes paid on equipment and licenses will be the stewards of the wild and protectors or wildlife. For more information about the event and schedule of activities check the website at www.sihfd.org.
Prospective vendors can obtain applications on the website at www.sihfd.org. or by calling Shannon Woodworth at 618-218-1858. The email address is sihuntingfishingdays@outlook.com.
For more information on lodging accommodations as well as outdoor activities in Williamson County, or to receive a free color Visitors Guide, contact VisitSI at 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, IL 62959.  Call 800-GEESE-99 or email info@VisitSI.com.  Current information is also available online at www.VisitSI.com.
Filed Under: Sports

Saluki Football picked eighth in MVFC preseason poll

July 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Southern Illinois was picked to finish eighth in the preseason poll of Missouri Valley Football Conference coaches, media and sports information directors, the league announced on Monday. The MVFC is traditionally one of the top 1-2 conferences in FCS football and sent five teams to the playoffs in 2017. North Dakota State was tabbed as the unanimous favorite of all 39 voters. The Bison, who have won the league title for seven-straight years, have also been picked first in the pre-season poll for seven-straight seasons. 

19671The Salukis finished tied for eighth place last season, but return 17 starters, including nine starters on defense. Guiding the offense will be fifth-year senior quarterback Sam Straub, who passed for 20 touchdowns and had a quarterback rating of 134.6 before a season-ending injury in game eight last year. He has a strong supporting cast at the skill positions, including wide receivers Darrell James and Raphael Leonard, plus running back D.J. Davis. The defense is headlined by safety Jeremy Chinn, an All-Conference performer last season as a sophomore.

“When you’re trying to grind out a win in the MVFC in November, nobody is going to remember where they picked us,” said third-year SIU head coach Nick Hill. “The score and the record will take of themselves. We have to commit to becoming a team in training camp, and then we can be as good as we want to be.”

South Dakota State earned the second spot in the poll, finishing with 340 total points, followed by UNI (270), Youngstown State (258), Illinois State (248) and South Dakota (206).

The league is coming off a season in which five teams represented the conference in the playoffs. The MVFC has had four or more playoff teams in four-straight seasons (earning five each in 2014, 2015 and last year). Western Illinois was one of the league’s five playoff teams a year ago, and the Leathernecks — with new head coach Jared Elliott at the helm — are picked seventh with 163 total points.

A pre-season favorite has claimed the league crown 20 times (in 32 previous polls). North Dakota State was picked to win the league last season, and the Bison earned both the league title and the national title (following a 17-13 win over previously unbeaten James Madison in the NCAA Division I Football Championship game in Frisco, Texas).

Valley Football is celebrating its 34th season in 2018. In its first 33 seasons the league owns eight national crowns. MVFC teams combined for an 8-4 record in last year’s playoffs, while North Dakota State and South Dakota State both reached the semifinals. That marks the third time in the past four years in which two league teams played in the semis. North Dakota State, meanwhile, represented the league in the title game, marking the 7th-straight year at least one MVFC team has reached the championship game — an FCS record. Notably, MVFC teams have combined for a 52-23 record in the playoffs this decade. Only one other league has as many as 20 wins since 2010 (CAA Football is next best with 37.)

The 2018 season begins Thursday, Aug. 30, with four league teams in action. Nine non-conference games feature road matchups against FBS opponents. An MVFC school has recorded a win against an FBS school in each of the past eight seasons, setting a league record in 2016 with four that year. Conference play begins Thursday, Sept. 27, as Indiana State hosts UNI in the first league tilt of the season.

The MVFC will announce its pre-season all-conference teams this week (Tuesday-Offense; Wednesday-Defense). North Dakota State tops the league with 11 total selections, including a league-best eight on the first-team unit. South Dakota State, meanwhile, has the second-most selections, with eight total honorees. Youngstown State has five first-team selections, meanwhile, which is second-best to NDSU.

Filed Under: Sports

Editorial: Trump’s demise has been greatly exaggerated

July 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

This time they’ve surely got him. Pack your bags, Mr. President. The game is up. Because this week we learned that . . . that . . . well, there’s this tape, see, recorded by Donald Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen in September of 2016, during which the then-presidential candidate discussed setting up a company for the purpose of paying off alleged former paramour Karen McDougal to make her go away.

Here’s a link to the editorial at FOX News.

Filed Under: Columns

A Word for Today: True Treasure

July 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

TRUE TREASURE

READ PSALMS 73:1 THROUGH 74:23; ACTS 23:1–22

Believers might react with envious hearts toward riches of the corrupt or with arrogant pride toward immorality. All of these are unhealthy attitudes for Christians. How does God want believers to view unbelievers, whether they are rich or poor?

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds (Psalm 73:28).

Just as Asaph, the author of this psalm, realized that he needed to focus on God, Christians should seek the Lord’s perspective toward the lost. Then hearts of compassion will replace wrong attitudes. God loves all people and desires that they be forgiven for their sins and receive Jesus as Lord. Like Asaph, believers can tell of a treasure that goes beyond earthly riches and provides hope, peace with God, and help in times of trouble.

As we look at people through the lens of God’s love, let’s pray for opportunities to humbly talk about what Jesus has done for us.

Challenge for Today: Share your story so others can learn of everlasting riches.

Filed Under: Columns

Bays reportedly admits to bank robbery, released on bond

July 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Photo of Arthur W. Bays while the robbery was in progress at State Bank of Whittington.

Filed Under: Slider

Elderly man arrested in Benton bank robbery reportedly admits to crime

July 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BENTON — According to a complaint filed in federal court Friday, the elderly man arrested in last week’s Benton bank robbery admitted to the crime in an interview with authorities.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Filed Under: Featured

New survey ranks Illinois schools below average in reading, math scores

July 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Illinois’ exceptionally high SAT scores saved the state from a bottom-tier ranking in the latest school quality survey. 

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Filed Under: Featured

New Illinois Lottery game to benefit families of fallen police officers

July 31, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CHICAGO — Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed a bill to create a new Illinois Lottery scratch-off game from which proceeds will fund police memorials, support for the families of officers killed or severely injured in the line of duty, and protective vest replacements for officers.

“Our police officers stand in the face of danger every day to keep us safe. We are proud to stand with them and support their families when they are faced with a devastating loss,” Rauner said. “This new ticket will help fund scholarships for their children and honor their bravery at memorial parks across the state.”

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, along with prominent police memorial funds, pushed forward House Bill 5513, which creates the police memorial instant ticket and requires that net proceeds go to the Criminal Justice Information Projects Fund. The funds are then to be divided equally among the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Fund, the Police Memorial Committee Fund, and the Illinois State Police Memorial Fund.

The three designated police memorial funds provide support to families of officers who have been killed or severely injured in the line of duty.

“Our police officers wake up every day and put their lives on the line to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and communities,” Durkin said. “It is our duty to help them and their families when they are catastrophically hurt protecting Illinoisans, and this legislation ensures more money will be available without relying on additional state funding.”

“The Illinois Lottery welcomes the police memorial instant ticket to our specialty ticket portfolio,” Illinois Lottery Interim Acting Director Harold Mays said. “Since 2006, sales of specialty tickets have raised nearly $50 million for various good causes in Illinois. The police memorial ticket will add to that legacy.”

“No dollar amount raised could ever replace a loved one who has paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz. “The funds raised by this new bill will serve as a tribute to these fallen heroes for their sacrifice, and more importantly help future generations of police officers, their families and their children.”

“We are proud to support the State of Illinois’ new scratch-off lottery ticket to benefit the families and preserve the memories of our real-life heroes who lost their lives protecting others,” Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said on behalf of the Chicago Police Memorial Fund. “Nothing can replace the empty seat at the dinner table or fill the aching absence of these heroes. But we can remember their bravery, integrity and selfless service by memorializing their exceptional character through the scholarships and programs that will be assisted by this new lottery game.”

“We’re grateful to the General Assembly and Gov. Rauner for making this day possible,” said Dave Johnson, president of the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee. “This fund will help the children of our fallen officers and will help preserve the Illinois Police Officers Memorial as well as support the annual police officers’ ceremony, which is held the first Thursday in May.”

The funds raised through this new scratch-off ticket will be used to build and maintain police memorials and parks, hold annual memorial commemorations, give scholarships to children of officers killed or severely injured in the line of duty, provide financial assistance to police officers and their families when a police officer is killed or injured in the line of duty, and provide financial assistance to officers to purchase or replace protective gear.

The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Filed Under: Featured

Linda Bradford-West Frankfort, IL (formerly of Christopher)

July 30, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

Linda Bradford, 66, of West Frankfort, formerly of Christopher, passed away on Sunday July 29, 2018.

She was born on November 2, 1951 in Christopher to Arzie Willard Brown and Cora Mae (Alexander) Wilson.  She married Richard Bradford Sr. on July 3, 1968 and he survives of West Frankfort. Survivors include her husband, two sons, Rich (Cindy) Bradford of Christopher and Bobby (Connie Hammons) Bradford of Calvert City, KY; grandchildren Ashley Bradford, Richie Bradford, Cheyenne Bradford and Haylee Bradford. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Gloria Bates, Mary Ann Brown and one brother Willard Brown.

She was a member of the Church of God in Benton and had attended the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in Ledbetter, KY for the past ten years.

Funeral services for Linda will be on Wednesday August 1, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Paul Reynolds officiating.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m.  Burial will be at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.  For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Maria “Bella” Sevilla Li — Marion, IL

July 30, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Maria “Bella” Sevilla Li, age 74, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully with her family by her side at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2018 in Herrin Hospital of Herrin, IL.
She was born on Tuesday, April 4, 1944 in Cebu City, Philippines the daughter of Gaudioso and Matilde (Guanson) Remedio.
She grew up in a loving family with one brother and two sisters.
After graduating from Abiliana High School, she attended San Carlos University and San Jose Recoletes University both in Cebu and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in both Education and in Home Economics. It was in her first year in college she met Augustine Li, a faculty member of both schools.  Their relationship grew and four years later they were married on December 4, 1965 in Cebu City and together they shared over fifty-two happy years of marriage.
She taught English in Cebu City until 1974 when the family came to the US to perform missionary work at the Sioux Indian Mission in St. Francis, South Dakota.  Bella taught English and the Natural Sciences while Gus worked as a Health Services Coordinator between the Sioux Tribe and the government Health Agencies where they immensely enjoyed the people and the wild outdoors.  In 1997, the family moved to Minot, North Dakota where Dr. Li completed his post-graduate training in family practice.  After completing his education they moved to Mandan, North Dakota where Dr. Li opened his health clinic.  In 1984, the US Air Force made an offer: “Join the force and see the world for free.”
The family started moving again from Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, South Korea and Guantanamo.  During these years Sevilla taught Dress Making, Macramé, Ceramics and Quilting.  While in Germany, she also took the job as director of a Child Development Center in Wiesbaden. Their last move was to Marion in 2004.
Bella and Gus take great pleasure in gardening and are both certified Master Gardeners by the University of Illinois Extension Program.
We welcome her to God’s garden and wish her happiness in the Lord’s Paradise.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion and was a member of the Marion Garden Club.  She was a great cook and was an avid fisherman. While in South Dakota she caught an 8 pound 3 ounce trophy Bass and a 14 pound Northern Pike.
She will be missed by all who knew and loved her and they will cherish their many happy memories.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Augustine F. “Gus” Li of Marion; two daughters, Theresa Shively and husband, Mark and Mary Jean Li all of Marion; two grandsons, Jeffrey Shively and his wife, Andrea and Erik Shively all of Marion; other extended family, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Democrito Remedio.
Arrangements for Maria “Bella” Sevilla Li have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at the funeral home.
The funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 600 North Russell Road, Marion, IL with Rev. Father Richard Mohr presiding.
For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “Hospice of Southern Illinois”, and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.
Filed Under: Obituaries
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