Rangers pick up huge SIRR-Ohio win at Murphy last night

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Benton coaches Wade Thomas and Ron Winemiller drawing up a play during a time out at last night’s win at Murphysboro. (Thank you Cindy Page.)

MURPHYSBORO –  The Benton Rangers, coming off of a split of the BIT crown with Pinckneyville, take command of the SIRR-Ohio race last night picking up a huge 41-37 road win against the Murphysboro Red Devils.

Parker Williams and Carson Lewis were the two Rangers in double figures with eleven points.

Benton coach Ron Winemiller said this to Geary Dentison of the Southern Illinoisan after last night’s win.  “We traded blow for blow, we’d make a play and they would make a play, but luckily we were able to make our free throws down the stretch and hold them off.  Gehrig Wynn was able to make the last two to get it to a two-possession game after we forced them into taking a tough shot and rebounding the miss.”

The Rangers improve to (18-3) on the season and (5-0) in the River-to-River.  The travel to Herrin tomorrow night.

The Red Devils fall to (15-5) on the year and (3-2) in the conference.   They travel to Massac County tomorrow night.

Link to the full story from The Southern

http://thesouthern.com/sports/high-school/basketball/boys/boys-basketball-benton-downs-murphysboro-in-defensive-battle/article_b4300b72-0cb2-5ea3-81de-3f2ef81a4741.html

Link to the conference standings

http://abaselineview.com/abvstandingssirr.html

 

Filed Under: Featured, High School Sports, Sports

Lady Devils win their fifth straight BDC West title

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

The Sesser-Valier-Waltonville Lady Devils won their 61st straight Black Diamond Conference game Wednesday night and won their fifth consecutive conference title with a 75-29 victory on the road at Chester.

S-V-W made short work of the Lady Yellowjackets, jumping out to a 20-8 first quarter lead and extended the advantage to 35-16 at the intermission.

“Our defense was outstanding again tonight,” said SVW Coach Rick Metcalf, who has guided the incredible run during the ‘five-peat.’ “Tucker (Paige) had a huge game for us on the offensive end.”

Tucker took game scoring honors with 30 points, including 12 in the opening stanza.

The victory moved the Lady Devils to 21-2 overall and 10-0 in BDC West play. The Lady Devils have two conference games remaining – January 29 at Goreville and Feb. 1 at home versus Zeigler-Royalton.

Along with Tucker’s 30-point performance the Lady Devils also got double figure scoring from Sami McCowen who tallied 14 points. Rounding out the scoring Jada Hale had seven points, Ella Zahm scored six points, Carlie Page had four points and Paolina Marlo, Rylee Breeze and Adrianna Fedderke all scored two points each.

SVW will jump out of conference action on Saturday (Jan. 27) hosting Anna-Jonesboro. Game time is at 11 a.m.

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

Bost, Bergman Demand Changes in Marion VA Leadership

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) called on U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Secretary David Shulkin to make changes in the Human Resources department at the Marion VA Medical Center.

“Our heroes deserve the best care possible, and unqualified leadership in the HR department at Marion prevents that from happening,” said Bost. “That’s why I have appealed directly to the VA Secretary to get an HR team in place at Marion that can clean up the mess. We’ve heard stories of grossly inconsistent salaries among staff, low morale, and a lack of proper training and discipline. Serious HR changes need to be made, and fast. Our veterans deserve better than this.”

 “Effective leadership can only be achieved by assembling a qualified team with a defined objective,” said Bergman. “After months of investigations conducted by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, it has become clear that the Marion VA Medical Center’s HR department has failed to meet its core missions. Secretary Shulkin has begun the important task of changing the culture within VA, which is why Congressman Bost and I have appealed to him directly seeking immediate change in the facility’s HR department. By putting in place a highly motivated and effectively led HR department, the Marion VA will be able to provide Veterans with the quality and timely care they have earned.”

 The full text of the letter is available here.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, National News

Aaron Cook’s career-high 25 points lifts Saluki Men’s Basketball past Indiana State, 82-77

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Tom Weber – SIU Media Services 

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Aaron Cook poured in a career-high 25 points and Southern Illinois held off a late rally by Indiana State to win, 82-77, on Wednesday night at SIU Arena.

The Salukis (13-9, 5-4) have won back-to-back games for the first time since December and, at the halfway point of the conference season, are locked in a four-way tie for third place in the MVC standings with Indiana State, Bradley and Missouri State.

Aaron Cook (Madison CaseSIU Media Services)

Cook was on fire early, scoring 18 first-half points on four driving layups, a pair of 3-pointers and four free throws. He frequently blew past defenders on high ball screens and made acrobatic finishes off the glass.

“He’d get a head of steam and turn the corner on it,” said Indiana State head coach Greg Lansing. “We did not guard it very well in the first half.”

The Sycamores (10-11, 5-4) dug a 12-point halftime hole, surrendering a pair of 3-pointers in the final minute of the half to Armon Fletcher and Tyler Smithpeters. They played much of the half with their point guard and leading scorer Jordan Barnes on the bench with foul trouble. Barnes eventually caught fire in the second half for 18 of his team-high 23 points.

“It was just an epic guard-guard battle in the Missouri Valley Conference,” noted SIU head coach Barry Hinson.

Indiana State scored the first five points of the second half and then cut the deficit to 44-39 on a 3-pointer by Barnes with 16:55 to go. Cook promptly answered with a 3-ball for the Salukis.

“The biggest mistake we made tonight was we took the lead at halftime by 12 and our crowd decided we were going to win the game by 20,” Hinson said. “I had no visions of grandeur in my head whatsoever, none. Every game we play in this building is going down to the wire. There will be no, zero, Russian nyet, blowouts.”

SIU led, 57-52, with 9:10 remaining before going on a critical 7-0 run that started with a 3-pointer by Sean Lloyd and included free throws by Armon Fletcher and a post-up bucket by Kavion Pippen.

Every time Southern extended its lead, however, the Sycamores had an answer during a wild second half. A Barnes 3-pointer capped a 7-0 run for Indiana State that cut the deficit to 71-66 with 2:45 remaining. Fletcher then drove baseline for SIU and threw down a tomahawk jam over Brandon Murphy for a conventional three-point play to push the lead back to seven.

Marcus Bartley (Madison Case SIU Media Services)

It didn’t last. Brenton Scott made a 3-pointer and Brandon Murphy flushed home a dunk to cut Southern’s lead to 75-73 with a minute to go. Needing a bucket, the Salukis went to Fletcher in the post, where he scored over Tyreke Key to make it 77-73. A pair of free throws by Barnes trimmed it to 77-75 with 22 seconds, but Marcus Bartley made two free throws and Fletcher drew a charge on Scott to seal the victory.

Fletcher had 17 points and four assists and was 2-of-3 from 3-point. As a team, the Salukis were 8-of-17 from long range, compared to 5-of-21 for Indiana State. The Sycamores controlled the glass, though, pulling down 13 offensive rebounds.

Both teams shot better than 50 percent in the second half, but the difference in the game was at the free throw line where the Salukis were 22-of-31, compared to 10-of-13 for ISU.

“They were a lot more aggressive and in attack mode more than we were,” Lansing said. “We were more of a jump-shooting team.”

Hinson wasn’t pleased that his defense surrendered 48 second-half points, though he noted he used the same speech to his club both before the game and at halftime.

“We absolutely just checked it in defensively in the second half,” he said. “It’s the most catatonic group I’ve been around in my life. I’ve done Vince Lombardi, I’ve done Bo Schembechler, I’ve done Bill Self, I’ve done it all. Our guys just look at me like they’re watching the last 15 minutes of Marley & Me.”

Filed Under: College Sports, Sports

GEC TOURNAMENT UPDATED PARINGS

January 25, 2018 By Leave a Comment

FIRST ROUND

(5)  THOMPSONVILLE  48  (4)  Pope County 40

(1)  Gallatin County  61  (8)  Carrier  Milla 36

(3)  Crab Orchard 69  (6)  Galatia 63

(2)  Hardin County 58  (7)  Norris City 47

CONSONLATION BRACKET, THURSDAY, JAUNUARY 25th

NCOE (3-12)(1-4)  vs. Galatia (4-3)(7-11)  6:30 p.m.

Carrier Mills (1-15)(0-6) vs. Pope County  (10-8)(3-3)  8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY  26th  7th PLACE/SEMI FINALS

7th Place Game  5:30 p.m.

SEMI-FINALS

7:00 p.m.  Hardin County (6-8)(3-1)  vs. Crab Orchard (12-5)(3-3)

8:30 p.m.  Gallatin County (10-7)(4-0) vs. THOMPSONVILLE  (12-7)(4-2)

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND, SATURDAY, JANUARY 27th

5:30 p.m.  Consolation Championship

7:00 p.m.  Third Place

8:30 p.m.  CHAMPIONSHIP

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

Linda Kraft – Benton

January 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

It is with great sadness that the family of Linda Ann (Haney) Kraft announce her passing. She fought a long hard battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 22, 2018.

Linda was born May 25, 1959, the daughter of Willie and Thelma (Burton) Haney. She was a lifelong resident of Benton, who over the years volunteered for many different organizations in the community, including the Ministerial Alliance and Food Pantry.

She married Sammy Gene Kraft, of Benton, on January 10, 1976, and had one daughter, Jennifer Ann Kraft.

Linda attended Rend Lake Cosmetology school and ran her own beauty shop at her home, Linda’s Kut & Kurl for 15+ years. She loved being a beautician and especially loved being self-employed, as she could set her own schedule.

This allowed her to attend her daughter’s activities, which included volunteering as the leader of her Girl Scout Brownie group and coach her daughter’s softball teams with her husband Sam for many years.

After she closed her shop, she took some time off before going back into the work force at Wal-Mart. In the eight plus years, she was there, she worked as a cashier and during the holidays, loved to dress up as Santa’s Elf and the Easter Bunny for pictures.

She was also a member of the Benton Elks Lodge and elected as Trustee for the Benton Library.

One of the many things people loved about Linda was her passion for animals. She never met a stray animal that she and Sam wouldn’t care for.

Linda loved socializing, being with her friends, dancing, playing cards and had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. Many family and friends lovingly called her “Precious” as she was always sweet and kind to others.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents.

Linda will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 42 years, Sam; daughter, Jennifer of St. Charles, MO; sisters Carole Rice, Earlene Spetter, Brenda (Saffouh) KhanKan, and Sandra Majdich; brothers Ronnie Haney and Bill Haney; many cousins, nieces and nephews and a multitude of dear friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton

A celebration of Linda’s life will be on Friday, January 26th, 2018, at 11:00 a.m,, with the Rev. Gary West officiating. Burial will follow at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m, until 8:00 p,m,. Thursday, January 25th, 2018.

The family would like to extend a very warm thank you to all the staff at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, Crossroads Home Health and to the SSM Hospice team.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Linda’s honor to the Franklin County Animal Shelter. Donations will be accepted at Morton Johnston Funeral Home.

For more information, or to sign the online guest register,  please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Jack Dorris – Benton

January 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Jack F. Dorris went to be with the Lord on January 22, 2018, surrounded by his much loved family. He was born on October 8, 1932. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Rena, sons, Ron (Anne) and Brad (Kathy); one daughter, Renee; seven grandchildren; one brother, Charles (Tomoko); several brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nephews and nieces.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Charlie and Hallie, sister, Maxine; brothers, Bob and Gerald; father and mother-in-law, Joe and Mildred Martoglio; and others who were much loved.

He served in the military and was an army veteran of the Korean War. He was a retired minister and FedEx employee.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held at the Pate Funeral Home on Saturday, January 27, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Funeral services will at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Reverend Rick Fowler officiating. Burial will follow services at Masonic and Odd Fellow Cemetery in Benton, IL. Military rites will be performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the National Guard Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of God World Missions Project #790-1092.

To view the obituary or to express condolences online, visit www.patefh.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Vida Mae Mabry – Valier

January 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Vida Mae Mabry, 103, of Valier passed away on Sunday January 21, 2018 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

She was born on November 16, 1914 in Doniphan, MO, to Rollie and Ida (House) Hastings.  She married Olen Mabry on December 21, 1935 and he preceded her in death on April 20, 1994.

She is survived by her children Ron and Sharon Mabry of Valier and Roger and Beverly Mabry of Valier; three grandchildren Kim and Brent Kried of Leepers Fort, TN, Becky and Mike Barry of Valier and Roger Dean and Melinda Mabry of Benton; nine great grandchildren Maren, Trey, Coby, and Zeb Kreid, Luke, Briley, and Shayne Barry, McCalynn Mabry, Blayne Mabry; and one great great grandson Sailor Alstat.

She was a LPN at the Frankin Hospital for over 30 years.  She was also a member of the Valier First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters Violet Moyers and Virginia Sutton, and two brothers Kenneth Hastings and Charlie Hastings.

Funeral services will be on Friday January 26, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Harl Ray Lewis and Pastor Kevin Bradley officiating.  Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.  Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Vernon Edward Owens – Valier

January 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Vernon Edward Owens, 87, of Valier passed away on Tuesday January 23, 2018 at 8:25 PM at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on May 14, 1930 in Saugas, MA to Franklin and Eva (Glover) Owens.  He married Sue (Eubanks) Owens on August 26, 1956 and she survives of Valier.

He is also survived by his son Keith Jon (Peggy) Owens of Roanoke, VA; one grandson Justin (Britt) Owens of Roanoke, VA; one sister Barbara Smith of Fredericksburg, VA; and one brother Walter (Joyce) Owens of Saugas, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

He was veteran serving in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War.  He also worked at Turco in DuQuoin for many years. He was member of the AMVETS.

Graveside services will be on Sunday January 28, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Maple Hill Cemetery with Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating.  Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the donor’s choice, envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Lena Mae Kirk – Valier

January 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Lena Mae Kirk, 90, of Valier passed away on Tuesday January 23, 2018.

She was born on March 4, 1927 in Valier to Harlend and Edith (McManus) Cook. She married William Kirk on November 19, 1949 and he preceded her in death on September 9, 1990.

She is survived by her niece Sheila Lewandowski of Covington, IN and one nephew Donald Cook Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother Donald Cook.

Funeral services will be on Saturday January 27, 2018 at Noon at the Valier First Baptist Church with Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating.  Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Valier First Baptist Church, envelopes will be available at the church.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

Filed Under: Obituaries
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