| The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? |
| Psalm 27:1 (Read all of Psalm 27:1) New International Version |
FCN Daily Bible Verse
May 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Rauner celebrates history education
May 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment
On Illinois History Day, governor bestows award on Carlyle history teacher
SPRINGFIELD – As hundreds of the state’s best students competed in Illinois History Day, Gov. Bruce Rauner honored one of the state’s best teachers by presenting the Governor’s Award to K.G. Yaunches of Carlyle Junior High School.
The annual award recognizes a teacher and school that display exceptional dedication not only to Illinois History Day but also to instilling a love of history and learning in students. Yaunches has done that for years, patiently showing his students how to delve into history, learn its lessons and share them with others.
Carlyle Junior High students consistently perform well in the Illinois History Day program, competing at the regional and state level in writing papers, creating exhibits, building websites, directing documentaries and giving performances.
“I am inspired by teachers like K.G. Yaunches, who invest countless hours into educating our future leaders,” Rauner said. “His dedication is proof that students do well when they have teachers who care.”
Yaunches has taught history, constitution and political science for 21 years. “He captivates students with his historical story-telling and prompts them to think deeply about political issues that influence our country today,” said Dustin Bilbruck, the Carlyle Junior High principal.
His involvement goes beyond the classroom. Yaunches also leads the Pledge of Allegiance over the intercom each day, teaches students to raise, lower and properly fold the flag and organizes the annual Veterans’ Day Program in which nearly 100 local veterans visit the school.
Gov. Rauner presented the award at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which coordinates the program in partnership with the Chicago Metro History Fair, a program of the Chicago History Museum.
Roughly 850 students reached the state finals. The winners there will go on to compete at National History Day in Washington.
The student history contest began about 60 years ago in Illinois, with students submitting research papers to draw a top prize. Exhibits were added to the contest about 10 years later and now it includes a broad array of student activities.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (located at 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield) is dedicated to telling the story of America’s 16th president through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology.
The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art. The museum uses traditional exhibits, eye-catching special effects and innovative story-telling techniques to educate visitors.
It also has some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history, making the library one of the nation’s leading institutions for genealogy and history research.
For more information, visit www.presidentlincoln.illinois.gov or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Two Benton men arrested
May 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment
On May 2, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the 600 block of Fairland Street in reference to disturbance complaint. Upon investigating, police arrested Joshua C. Sims, age 25 and Patrick S. McClerren, age 23, both of Benton for unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
Sims also had an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear. Both Sims and McClerren were transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
Pastor Rick Warren: Two Steps to Knowing God’s Will
May 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Two Steps to Knowing God’s Will
By Rick Warren
“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him” (James 1:5 TLB).
If you want to know God’s will, you need to do a couple of things:
1. Admit that you need guidance.
We don’t really like to admit when we’re confused. Men especially don’t like to do this! It’s not in my nature to say, “Hey! I’m lost!” and stop and ask for directions. That’s why, when it comes to knowing God’s will, it takes some real courage to admit that we’re confused and need direction.
Psalm 25:9 says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (NIV). If you’re arrogant and think you’ve got it all figured out, God’s going to say, “Be my guest. Go for it!” I’ve had people tell me, “I’ve been a Christian for 20 years, and I’ve never felt God guiding me.” My response? Maybe it’s because you’ve never admitted that you need it. You go to work assuming that you know what to do without praying about it. You make financial decisions all the time without praying about them. You make vacation plans without praying about them. You make career decisions without praying about them. If you’re single, you go out on a date without praying about it.
You think you know, but you might want to stop and admit that you need guidance, because it’s the first step in getting God’s will for your life.
2. Ask God in faith for directions.
The Bible says in James 1:5-6, “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (TLB).
Notice there are two keys to knowing God’s wisdom. First, you’ve got to ask the right person: God. You don’t ask your manicurist, your bartender, or some other “reliable” authority like a radio talk show host. You have to ask the right person! Then you ask with the right attitude: expecting God to answer. Have you ever asked God to lead you, but you didn’t really expect him to? Sure you have. That’s why you never got anything from it. You must ask with the expectation of an answer. God honors faith, and he promises wisdom for the next step of your life.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
- What big decisions have you made about your life recently? How did you know it was God’s will? How did prayer affect your decision?
- Whom do you go to when you need help discerning God’s will? How does that person point you back to God’s Word and prayer?
- Why does God want you to pray expectantly?
Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.
Saluki Men’s Basketball to play at Colorado State in MVC-Mountain West Challenge
May 4, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Story Links
Southern Illinois will play at Colorado State on Nov. 27 as part of the Missouri Valley Conference-Mountain West Challenge series, the leagues announced on Thursday. The Challenge Series features head-to-head competition between 10 Mountain West and 10 Missouri Valley teams annually, with each conference hosting five games apiece each season.
Southern Illinois returns all five starters from last year’s team that finished 20-13, 11-7 and in second place in the MVC. Colorado State returns three starters from last year’s team that finished 11-21, 4-14 and in 10th place in the MWC. Niko Medved, the former head coach at Drake, was hired as CSU’s head coach on March 26.
The Salukis are 3-3 in Challenge games dating back to the series inception in 2009. Southern has beaten Fresno State, Air Force and San Jose State, and has lost to New Mexico and UNLV twice.
In its history, SIU has played all of the current members of the Mountain West Conference and has a combined record of 22-9 against MWC teams. Last year, Southern split with the MWC, beating San Jose State at home and losing to Nevada at a neutral site. Southern is 2-1 all-time against Colorado State. The teams last met in Carbondale on Nov. 27, 2002 — an 83-71 Saluki win.
| Date | Matchup | Location |
| Tues., Nov. 27 | Nevada at Loyola Chicago | Chicago, Ill. |
| Boise State at Drake | Des Moines, Iowa | |
| Southern Illinois at Colorado State | Fort Collins, Colo. | |
| Wed., Nov. 28 | Valparaiso at UNLV | Las Vegas, Nev. |
| UNI at Utah State | Logan, Utah | |
| Indiana State at San Jose State | San Jose, Calif. | |
| Missouri State at Air Force | Colorado Springs, Colo. | |
| Wyoming at Evansville | Evansville, Ind. | |
| Sat., Dec. 1 | New Mexico at Bradley | Peoria, Ill. |
| San Diego State at Illinois State | Normal, Ill. |
Bonnie Kerkemeyer – Christopher, IL
May 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment
CHRISTOPHER — Bonnie Kerkemeyer, 73, died at 8:02 a.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at home.
Bonnie was born September 13, 1944, in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Stanley and Bette (Camden) Johnson.
She married Richard Kerkemeyer on September 12, 1966 and he preceded her in death in 1996.
Bonnie attended First Baptist Church of Christopher, was a homemaker, child care provider and with her husband, owner of the S&S Tavern in Christopher. She was a courageous victor over breast cancer and was known for her infectious smile and caring soul.
Bonnie is survived by her sons Randy and wife, Terra Kerkemeyer; Craig and wife, Kelly Kerkemeyer, all of Christopher; one daughter, Lisa Jones and husband, Eric, of Valier; Grandchildren, Kara Stark, Michael Stark, Kailey Kerkemeyer, Khortnee Kerkemeyer, Cadi Kerkemeyer, Bailee Jones, Beau Jones, Bryce Jones, Charlie Swisher and Megan Wilson; sisters: Judi and husband, Bruce Anderson of Greenville, SC; Pamela Bloustine of Edmond, OK; Wendy and husband Jerry Harrison of Chicago, IL; Kim and husband Ricky Johnson of Oak Lawn, IL; Laurie and husband Tom Gotsis of Chesterfield, MO; Laurel and husband Dave of McKinney, TX; brothers: Ken and wife, Kathy Johnson of Rockford, IL; Jim and wife, LaDonna of Minooka, IL; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Also some of her very special kids: Schuyler, Simon, Sidney and Kane Stephens and Kelsey “ Jeano” Clark whom she cared for when they were young. They and their parents were very special to her.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, husband and son Richard “Rick” Kerkemeyer, II.
Services will be on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Matt Crain officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 6, 2018 and 9 a.m. until time of service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rick Kerkemeyer Memorial Scholarship fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information or to sign the online guest register, please visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Rend Lake Fishing Report
May 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment
REND LAKE FISHING REPORTMay1,2018U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
MAIN LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES |
| SPECIES | RATING | BAIT OF CHOICE | SUGGESTED LOCATIONS | REGULATIONS |
|
LARGEMOUTH BASS |
Good |
Minnows spinner baits, worms, and black and blue jigs. | Reports of fish being caught around Jackie Branch, Sandusky Cove, and below the dam. Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. Fish around bridges and along the rocks. | 14” minimum length limit, 6 daily creel limit.
1 fish daily creel limit in PONDS 14” minimum length. |
|
CRAPPIE
|
Excellent |
Meal worms. Small & medium minnows. Quarter-ounce pink and white tub jigs. | Shallow Water! (2-5 ft) Fish attractors! From shore, fish near structures, hot spots are Jackie Branch, Sandusky, Sailboat Harbor, Marcum coves, and Ina Boat Ramp. Try the Jackie Branch Breakwater and along Mine 21 Road. Fish the main lake drop off areas. | 25 fish daily creel limit with no more than 10 fish 10 inches or longer |
|
BLUEGILL
|
Fair |
Small jigs, worms, meal worms, wax worms, crickets. | From shore try Sailboat Harbor and Mine 21 Road. Try fishing shallow with crickets, worms or small jigs. Fish in the back of necks and on flat shallow banks and on the rocks. | 10 fish daily creel limit in PONDS. |
|
CHANNEL CATFISH
|
Excellent |
Large minnows, leeches, dip bait, shad, night crawlers, and Sonny’s stink bait. | Try leeches in moving water. Drift fish the flats. Set line 3-4’ from the shore over rocks. Try the Waltonville Dam, Turnip Patch, and Jackie Branch. All creeks and middle-back of coves. | 6 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.
Jugs must be attended at all times while fishing. |
|
WHITE BASS |
Fair |
In-line spinners, jig and curly tail grubs. | Reports of fish being caught around the 154 bridges. Fish around along the rocks and drop-offs Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. | 20 fish creel limit.
No more than 3 fish 17” or longer daily |
| Information as of: 05/01/2018
LAKE LEVEL: 409.63 AVERAGE POOL FOR THIS DATE: 408.65 WATER TEMP: 58°F |
Use of a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting within 1000 yards downstream of the Rend Lake dam and spillway is prohibited.
Maps of the Fish Attractor tree locations along with GPS readings are available at the Rend Lake Corps of Engineers Project Office. Contact Mark Cazier for more information at (618) 724-2493.
Benton police make arrests
May 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment
On April 27, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the Public Square in reference to a report of children left unattended in a vehicle. Upon investigating, police arrested Megan E. Scarlett, age 21, of Cowden, IL for child endangerment. Scarlett was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On April 27, 2018 Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Buchanan and Lawrence Street. Upon investigating, police arrested Justin L. Wagoner, age 20, of Benton for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Wagoner was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
On April 29, 2018 Benton Police arrested Kaylee M. Porter,age 21, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear. Porter was also charged with obstructing a peace officer. Porter was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.
Saluki Men’s Golf lands three on MVC Student-Athlete team
May 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Men’s Golf 05/02/2018 | 4:16:00 By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com
Story Links
Three Southern Illinois University men’s golfers — the most in program history — were selected to the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete team, the league announced Wednesday. MVC Golfer of the Year Peyton Wilhoit earned first-team honors, while teammates Dirk Kuehler and Hunter York picked up honorable mention.
Wilhoit was an eight-time MVC Golfer of the Week and finished in the top 15 in eight out of the 11 tournaments this season. A junior with a 3.373 GPA in marketing, he won two individual tournament titles and posted a team-best 72.4 scoring average. York, a junior with a 3.467 in university studies, earned All-Conference honors after finishing in ninth place at the MVC Championships. He had a 75.8 scoring average through 11 tournaments and three top 10 finishes. Kuehler, a graduate student with a 3.778 in business administration, had a season-best 11th place finish at the MVC Championships. He maintained a 76.3 scoring average this season.
The criteria for the MVC scholar-athlete team parallels the CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) standards for its Academic All-America® program. Nominees must have at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale), while the student-athletes must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at their institutions and must have participated in at least 50 percent of his team’s rounds or played at the MVC Championship.
First Team
Drake Bushong, Bradley
Michael Mounce, Bradley
Zach Jewell, Bradley
David Perkins, Illinois State
Brad Carpenter, Missouri State
Kory Franks, Missouri State
Peyton Wilhoit, Southern Illinois
Michael Doherty, Valparaiso
Honorable Mention
Jack Knoesel, Missouri State
Kyle MacDonald, Drake
Mitchell Whitmann, Valparaiso
Dirk Kuehler, Southern Illinois
Hunter York, Southern Illinois
