Farmers concerned about possible trade war

March 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Larry Miller – FCN File Photo

THOMPSONVILLE — The possibility of a trade war between the United States and other countries concerns Southern Illinois farmers.

“Well, my first thought is it scares me to death,” said Larry Miller, a Thompsonville farmer.

Increased competition from Argentina and Brazil, rising expenses and lower commodity prices have already made their jobs harder in recent years.

“There’s a lot of challenges out here in agriculture right now and so you really don’t want to see anything else to cause you to stay awake at night,” said Miller.

Click to read the full story from Brandon Richard of WSIL-TV.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37673372/farmers-concerned-about-possible-trade-war

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

2018 Nominations for Old King Coal

March 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Marcia Raubach 

WEST FRANKFORT –  Steve Sawalich, President of the Southern Illinois Old King Coal festival, announced today that the deadline for nominations for 2018 Old King Coal is Friday, March 30th. The honor is bestowed annually to a deserving coal miner. Old King Coal will be crowned during the Princess Flame Scholarship Pageant on Sasturday, April 21 at the West Frankfort High School Auditorium  and will  reign over this year’s festival to be held May 10th thru the13th in downtown West Frankfort. This year’s festival theme is “Old King Coal Salutes America” .

Old King Coal President Steve Sawalich (left) is shown congratulating 2017 Old King Coal of West Frankfort, Charles A. Bartoni, Jr, in front of the Coal Miners Memorial monument at Coal Miners Memorial Park

All Southern Illinois coal miners are eligible, regardless of age or number of years they have worked in the mines. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the festival website at www.oldkingcoalfestival.org. Forms are also available at the West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, West Frankfort city hall water office or at Advanced Hearing in the West Frankfort Outlet Mall. Nominations are to be mailed to Old King Coal Festival, P.O. Box 242, West Frankfort, Illinois 62896 by March 30th, 2018.

This year’s festival kicks off Thursday, May 10th with Family Night on the midway and “Cadillac Jones Band” on the main stage beginning at 6PM. Other free entertainment on the main stage each evening include “We Got It Covered” and “Brat Pack” on Friday,  “Jake Hoult Band” and Ronnie McDowell on Saturday and “ Cassie Andrews & Calico Creek” on Sunday afternoon. Other events include the annual Coal Miners Memorial Service at Coal Miners Memorial Park at 10AM Saturday. Grand Parade at 1 PM featuring the patriotic theme, “Wave On Old Glory” and a celebrity auction on Saturday evening on the main stage.

For a complete schedule of events or to download entry forms for Old King Coal nominations, Princess Flame Scholarship Pageant, Old King Coal parade or booth space information go to www.woldkingcoalfestivl.org.

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, West Frankfort News

RLC’s Active Shooter training in demand for local schools, businesses

March 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information 

INA, Ill. – One training program at Rend Lake College is preparing locals for what to do in the case of an active shooter. These 2-, 4- or 8-hour training courses are designed for school or business professionals to learn how to proactively handle an attack or intruder.

Going into its second year, this unique training program is taught by three RLC ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) certified instructors with a combined 60 years of law enforcement experience: Ron Meek, RLC Criminal Justice Professor; Scott Peeples, RLC Criminal Justice Instructor; and Jeff Bullard, Detective Captain of the Mt. Vernon Police Department.

During the course, these instructors focus on tactics professionals can utilize in the workplace, such as learning to identify the offender, profiling the individual, and understanding and implementing a plan for dealing with an attack. These are all in place of the traditional and outdated lockdown-only approach.

The trainings can take place on RLC’s campus, or can be scheduled off-campus at schools or businesses to focus on specific building layouts. The trainings can also be broken down into shorter pieces to accommodate any time restraint.

Specifically, the 2-hour program will focus on the history and lessons learned from school shootings, as well as look to the future of school shootings. Participants will then discuss the options for preparation and defense during an attack.

The 4-hour training will expand on those lessons and includes brief scenario-based training. The 8-hour class is the preferred training which expands on scenario-based training and includes a safety briefing.

As part of the ALICE certification training, RLC’s instructors learned how to address various situations and challenges unique to police forces, schools, healthcare facilities, higher education institutions, businesses, government, places of worship, and much more.

In the coming months, RLC will host Active Shooter Trainings at two local schools – Woodlawn High School and Opdyke Grade School – and two business, one at the RLC MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon and another in Sullivan, Illinois. Since the implementation of the trainings in January of 2016, RLC has hosted eight presentations for local schools, businesses, and higher education institutions in addition to churches and places of worship.

For more information, to schedule a training, or to inquire about training costs, contact Margo Wagner, Director of Community and Corporate Education, at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1367 or wagnerm@rlc.edu.

Filed Under: Featured

Bost, Committee Members Introduce Bill to Prevent VA Purchase Card Misuse

March 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), along with a bipartisan group of House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs members introduced legislation to prevent misuse of VA’s purchase cards.

“This vitally important legislation not only punishes bad actors at the VA who misuse funds, but also will prevent future misuse of taxpayer dollars,” said Bost. “We can’t always predict bad behavior, but we can put in place systems that lessen taxpayer exposure to it.”

The Veterans Affairs Purchase Card Misuse Mitigation Act

The Veterans Affairs Purchase Card Misuse Mitigation Act would prevent misuse of purchase card spending by requiring the VA Secretary to revoke the purchase card from any employee who is found to have knowingly misused their card or approval authority. This safeguard would prevent further misuse of government funds while existing penalties, ranging from suspension to demotion to removal, are considered for the wrongdoer. Click here for more information. Read the bill here.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Danny ‘Pops’ Joe DeLaval – New Caney, TX

March 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Danny “Pops” Joe DeLaval, 63, of New Caney, Texas went to be with his Lord Sunday, March 4, 2018.

He was born Monday, August 2, 1954 to Joseph and Nona DeLaval. Danny is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Deronda Kay DeLaval.

He is survived by his wife, Jan DeLaval; children, Jesse Henley, Kim Garza and husband David, Joseph DeLaval, Candice Sutton and husband Clint, Jerry Hughes and wife Britney, Brandon DeLaval, Danielle Marksberry and husband James, Annie DeLaval; grandchildren; Angela, Ariella, Shayla, Payton, Landen, Cameron and Hunter; and many other family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Rosewood Funeral Home in Porter, Texas. In lieu of flowers, ‘Pops’ family request donations to be made in his name to the American Liver Foundation. https://www.liverfoundation.org.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Webb, Taylor, Parr, Attebury, Saulsberry, and Jausel AP all staters..

March 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment

.. Sesser-Valier’s Tyler Winchester Honorable Mention

From the Illinois High School Association 

CLASS 1A FIRST TEAM
Jake Wolfe, Aurora Christian (6-4, Sr., G) 95
Owen Landwehr, Annawan (6-3, Sr., G) 81
Devon House, Sterling Newman (6-7, Soph., PF) 62
Braden Webb, Goreville (5-11, Sr., G) 57
Damarius Taylor, Cairo (6-0, Sr., G) 54

CLASS 1A SECOND TEAM
Justin Myers, Colfax Ridgeview (6-0, Sr., G) 53
Kyle Ottens, Milledgeville (6-2, Sr., G/F) 47
Dylan Patrick, Newark (6-1, Sr., G) 37
Trevor Voss, Payson Seymour (6-5, Sr., G/F) 31
Deion Jackson, Providence-St. Mel (6-3, Jr., G) 28

Sesser Valier’s Tyler Winchester

CLASS 1A HONORABLE MENTION
Noah Blue, Urbana University (6-2, Sr., G) 21; Connor Heaton, Moweaqua Central A&M (6-4, Soph., PG) 20; Devin Yocum, Bushnell-Praire City (6-4, Sr., G/F) 19; Cade Chitty, Champaign Judah Christian (6-6, Sr., F) 17; Ben Buresh, Annawan (6-3, Sr., F) 15; Mitchell Stevenson, Altamont (5-11, Sr., G) 14; Darian Drake, Mt. Sterling Brown County (5-10, Sr., G) 13; Rahim McKee-Strong, DePue (6-6, Sr., C) 13; Carter Sabol, Nokomis (6-8, Soph., F) 13; Peyton Taylor, Mount Pulaski (6-8, Sr., F-C) 13; Jacob Thompson, Milford (6-8, Sr., F) 12; Cade Schave, Milledgeville (6-3, Sr., G/F) 10; Avierre Ross, Peoria Quest (6-3, Sr., F) 9; Jacob Schwerbrock, Kewanee Wethersfield (6-8, Sr., F) 9; Jonah Hopper, White Hall North Greene (6-4, Sr., F) 8; Layne Boyer, East Dubuque (6-3, Jr., G) 6; Jacob Donaldson, Colfax Ridgeview (6-2, Sr., F) 6; Briar Greenman, Ridgewood (6-4, Sr., F) 6; Luke Hensler, Okawville (6-7, Sr., F) 6; Eddie Moreno, DePue (6-0, Sr., G) 6; Ryan Radloff, Dieterich (6-1, Sr., G) 6; Terrell Walker, Peoria Quest (6-2, Sr., PG) 6; Tyler Winchester, Sesser-Valier (Jr.) 6; Manny Winfert, DePue (6-0, Sr., F) 6.

CLASS 2A FIRST TEAM
George Conditt, Chicago Corliss (6-10, Sr., PF) 95
Andrew Morrissey, Winnebago (6-9, Sr., C) 80
Raekwon Drake, Chicago Orr (6-5, Sr., F) 74
Lamar Lillard, Momence (6-4, Sr., F) 64
Fred Cleveland, Chicago Leo Catholic (5-8, Jr., PG) 54
Jake Parr, Anna-Jonesboro (6-2, Sr., F) 54

CLASS 2A SECOND TEAM
Braden Attebury, Eldorado (6-5, Sr., F) 44
Dannie Smith, Chicago Orr (6-5, Sr., F) 38
Isaiah Saulsberry, Harrisburg (6-3, Sr., G) 34
Grant Jausel, Pinckneyville (6-2, Sr., G) 29
Malcolm Miller, Shelbyville (6-4, Jr., G) 28

CLASS 2A HONORABLE MENTION
Tyson Magee, Cumberland (6-3, Sr., G) 27; Austin Rager, Mount Carmel (6-4, Jr., G) 27; Logan Dorethy, West Hancock (6-7, Sr., F) 24; Jack Gilmore, Bloomington Central Catholic (6-3, Sr., F) 21; Calvin Fisher, Monticello (6-6, Sr., F) 18; Chase Adams, Chicago Orr (5-8, Sr., G) 15; Alex Deters, Effingham St. Anthony (6-2, Sr., G) 15; Lamarius Lillard, Momence (6-8, Jr., F) 15; Nick Cohorst, Newton (6-5, Sr., F) 14; James Morris, Bloomington Central Catholic (6-3, Sr., F) 10; Jordan Brooks, St. Joseph-Ogden (6-0, Sr., PG) 9; Lee Hardiek, Teutopolis (6-2, Sr., G) 9; J.C. Moll, Pinckneyville (5-10, Sr., G) 8; Ty Waller, Winnebago (6-2, Sr., PG) 8; Kale Barnett, Bureau Valley (6-0, Jr., G) 6; Luke Richards, Casey-Westfield (6-6, Jr., C) 6; Kavon Russell, Kewanee (6-2, Soph., G) 6; Walker Sandschafer, Robinson (6-5, Sr., F) 6; Levi Scheuermann, Deer Creek-Mackinaw (6-2, Jr., G) 6.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports

GEC Boys Basketball All Conference Team Released

March 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

FIRST TEAM 

Audie Gobel – Gallatin County (MVP)

Corbin Fitch – Thompsonville 

Austin Stevens – Galatia (Captain)

Levi Vinson – Crab Orchard

Jamison Hicks – Hardin County

SECOND TEAM 

Cameron Stevens – Crab Orchard

Robbie Prince – Gallatin County

Tyson Kessler – Thompsonville 

Anthony Darge – Thompsonville 

Brandon Skaggs – NCOE

SPECIAL MENTION

 

Jaron Austin – Hardin County

Sabastian Fasolo – Pope County

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports

Four car accident at the I 57/Route 14 overpass in West City

March 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Thank you to William McPherson of The Benton Gazette for sharing.

WEST CITY-  A four car motor vehicle accident happened just after 4:00 p.m Wednesday.

Traffic was backed up, but West City Fire in the last few minutes said the road has been cleared.

It is unsure if there were any injuries.

Filed Under: Slider

Jimmy “The Cat” Hayes enters local politics

March 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Cardinal Pitcher Adam Wainwright being interviewed by “The Cat” St, Louis insider photo.

CRYSTAL LAKE PARK, MO – Looks like Cardinal sportscaster Jim Hayes plans to add some color commentary to a Crystal Lake Park alderman race.

The 55-year-old Fox Sports Midwest reporter, best known for his dispatches during Cardinals baseball games, is running for First Ward alderman in the small West County municipality, according to information Hayes filed with the Post-Dispatch voters guide.

Crystal Park Lake is between Frontenac, Town and County and Des Peres. It has about 470 residents.

Please Click on the link from Joe Holleman of the St. Louis Post Dispatch

http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/columns/joe-holleman/fox-sportscaster-jim-hayes-running-for-aldermanic-seat/article_a86fe6f5-f036-5d20-83e7-3b6576297d1b.html

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News

Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward: Creating Opportunity for Female- and Minority-Owned Businesses

March 7, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Conference helps small firms grow through skill-building, networking

 

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation will host Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward on March 19 and 20 at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield Hotel and Bank of Springfield Center. The two-day conference provides female- and minority-owned businesses with opportunities to make connections and develop skills to increase their competitiveness.

“Building a high-quality, diverse workforce strengthens the Illinois economy and promotes more competition on state projects,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner. “Getting our small business owners the tools they need to succeed is a small investment that pays off for years to come.”

The annual conference, presented by IDOT’s Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, offers workshops, seminars on best practices, and networking opportunities for firms and contractors wanting to do business with the state through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

Topics covered will include: advanced financing, work category expansion, the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, erosion control, small businesses and tax plan changes, subcontractor payment tracking, changes to the supportive services program, labor agreements, marketing strategies and more. A special awards presentation will conclude the conference.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation is committed to making diversity a priority,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward  was designed to foster a more inclusive business environment by helping disadvantaged businesses grow through networking and skill-building sessions, enabling them to more effectively compete for state projects.”

The event is well attended by subcontractors and prime contractors in construction, trucking, engineering and other consulting services. Click here for registration information and other event details.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News
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