BENTON, IL- Franklin County Government officials will hold a ceremony on Monday, December 4th, 2017 at 12:00 PM at the Franklin County Courthouse to honor the Illinois Bicentennial as well as the Bicentennial of the County of Franklin. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event on the south lawn of the Courthouse. The event schedule will include guest speakers, presentation of proclamations, and a flag raising ceremony.
Franklin County to hold Bicentennial ceremony for County and State
December 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment
GOP lawmakers, pro-life groups sue state over taxpayer-funded abortion measure
November 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment
SPRINGFIELD – A group of Republican Illinois lawmakers and pro-life organizations are suing the state of Illinois in an attempt to block controversial new legislation that would allow taxpayer dollars to be used to pay for elective abortions in the state.
The Thomas More Society said it filed the lawsuit on behalf of the plaintiffs and taxpayers across the state today in Sangamon County Circuit Court to halt implementation of House Bill 40.
“The people of Illinois totally reject taxpayer-funded abortions,” Thomas More Society Special Counsel Peter Breen, who drafted the lawsuit, said in a statement. Breen also is a Republican state representative from Lombard.
Please click on the link below for the full story from Illinois News Radio Network.
https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/gop-lawmakers-pro-life-groups-sue-state-over-taxpayer-funded/article_cb6106c0-d5f7-11e7-9ecf-0bbd0fbfaf53.html
Sen. Fowler hosts first Veterans Advisory Committee
November 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment
MARION, IL – On November 27th, Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) hosted his first-ever Veterans Advisory Committee at the Carnegie Library in Marion, inviting local veterans and veteran service providers throughout the region to join him for a discussion about the issues important to the veterans in the 59th Senate District.
“Our veterans give so much to our nation and ask for so little in return. We have a responsibility to ensure that their voice is heard and their needs are represented,” said Sen. Fowler. “Yesterday’s event was about giving our veterans a platform to openly discuss the issues that matter to them and provide me with feedback on the needs of our veterans.”
Almost 30 veterans and veteran service providers joined Senator Fowler for his first meeting, discussing issues including housing for veterans, healthcare access, available services provided by the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the need for skilled and basic care providers, honor flights and concealed carry issues.
“I’m excited about taking what I heard from our discussion, moving forward and doing more to ensure that we’re taking care of the brave men and women who have already sacrificed so much so that we can have the opportunities and freedoms we enjoy today,” said Sen. Fowler. “This is just the first of what I hope is many conversations, and I’m excited to take what I heard in our meeting and work to better represent the interests of our veterans in state government.”
Donald Marlo- St.Louis, MO and Formerly of Sesser
November 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Donald J. Marlo passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Barnes Jewish Hospital.
He was a beloved husband of 37 years to Belinda (nee Johnson) Marlo. He was a dear father to Christopher Don (Cindy) Marlo, Steven Don (Rhonda) Marlo and Paige Marlo. Beloved grandfather to Ashley, Corey, Juliet, Heather, Krystyan, and Katelyn. Brother to Ron (Gayla), Dale, David (Cathy), and Randy (Linda) Marlo. He was also a dear uncle and cousin to many.
Don lived in The Hill area of St. Louis for over 40 years, as well as a dedicated employee to Barnes-Jewish Hospital over that time.
Don was in charge of youth Bocce at the Italia-America Bocce Club, an active member of the Crusaders, and member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree. He loved fishing and spending time with his family.
Visitation in St. Louis will be on Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Michel Funeral Home. Visitation in Sesser will be on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home 102 W. Callie Street, Sesser, IL 62884 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM.
Funeral services will be on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 101 N. Poplar Street, Sesser, IL 62884. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the Sick and Elderly Program of The Hill, 2315 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.
For a full obituary go to our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Bost Supports Anti-Sexual Harassment Training for Congress
November 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) released the following statement after the House adopted a resolution requiring all members and staff to complete mandatory training on anti-harassment policies and workplace rights:
“From Hollywood to the newsrooms to the boardrooms, many American workplaces have been shaken in recent weeks by reports of sexual harassment. Congress, sadly, is no different. As a husband, a father and a grandfather, I would be furious to hear one of my children or grandchildren were made to feel unsafe or intimidated in their work environment. This type of conduct is simply unacceptable, and I’m pleased the House is taking steps to decrease the chances it ever happens again.”
Saluki Men’s Basketball overwhelms SIUE, 86-59
November 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment
By Tom Weber, siusalukis.com
CARBONDALE, IL — Southern Illinois used a suffocating defense to overwhelm sister school SIUE, 86-59, in a battle of in-state rivals on Wednesday night at SIU Arena.
The Salukis (3-2) improved to 9-1 all-time against the Cougars (1-5), and the 27-point landslide was the largest margin of victory in the history of the series. All five starters scored in double figures for SIU, led by Sean Lloyd’s 19 points, which matched a career high.
The outcome was never in doubt as SIU staggered the visitors with a 23-3 run to start the game. SIUE missed its first 11 shots and trailed, 30-8, after Salukis guard Eric McGill sank a 3-pointer with 5:36 left before halftime. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak and improved SIU’s record to 2-0 at home.
“When you get your butt beat two times in a row, if you don’t come out with a little bit of fire, you have a problem,” said SIU head coach Barry Hinson.
Kavion Pippen (siusalukis.com)
The Salukis held SIUE to 19.4 percent shooting in the first half (6-for-31), which ranks as the third-best defensive field goal percentage in a half in school history, and 29.3 percent for the game. The Cougars did end the first half on a 14-3 run to cut the deficit to 35-22 at halftime, but after trading baskets to start the second half, never came closer than 13.
SIU’s front-court tandem of Kavion Pippen (13 points, 13 rebounds) and Jonathan Wiley (12 points, 10 rebounds) helped Southern compile an overwhelming 44-22 advantage in points in the paint.
“Both big guys get double-doubles tonight — that’s pretty impressive — especially when Jonathan is so efficient on seven shots,” Hinson said.
The success of the bigs inside opened up the perimeter for shooters, as Southern connected on 8-of-15 tries from outside the arc. Five different players made treys and SIU shot 53 percent from both the field and from three.
“They were the aggressors and we were on our heels,” said SIUE coach Jon Harris. “We were reacting to them.”
The margin of victory could have been larger if not for big runs by SIUE at the end of both halves. The Salukis led by as many as 41 points with less than five minutes to go in the second half, before the Cougars closed the game on a 13-0 run.
“I’ll tell you another thing that motivated us — what happened to our women the other night (losing to SIUE) — we take all of that in and know how big a game this is,” Hinson said. “We have to represent our region.”
Armon Fletcher (siusalukis.com)
Saluki guards Aaron Cook (13 points, four assists) and Armon Fletcher (11 points, five assists) also had solid performances. Fletcher was 4-for-5 from the field and showed signs of breaking out of a recent shooting slump.
“Armon needs to defend, rebound and make uncontested open shots,” Hinson said. “Tonight was a big game — I challenged Armon personally. Me and him met one-on-one.”
The Salukis will play five of their next six games at home, beginning with Saturday’s game versus San Jose State at 3 p.m.
Charles Chalon Towle
November 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment
BENTON — Charles Chalon Towle, 90, passed away Nov. 29, 2017.
Services will be Friday, Dec. 1 in First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Visitation will begin at noon with services starting at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton.
Charles was born May 30, 1927, to Chalon Towle and Carrie (Booten) Towle. He graduated from Benton Township High School in 1946. After graduating from high school, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served with Occupation Forces in Japan. In 1948 he moved to Davenport, Iowa where he worked for J. I. Case until his retirement in 1978. While living in Davenport he was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School classes.
After his retirement, he returned to Benton and worked at Ted’s clothing store and then became a realtor for McCollum Real Estate. He was a long time member of the Benton Lions Club, serving several terms as president and secretary. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee and was on the Church Relations Committee.
He is survived by his wife Pat (Rice) Towle, and sister, Julia Gostowski; daughters, Kathy Meier, Marcia (Jerry) Ludden, Davenport, Iowa, Pam (Dale) Irvin, Benton; sons, David (Karla) Towle, Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Mike (Elaine) Prowell, Monroe, Georgia; grandchildren, Michelle (Matt) Cowell, Cory Meier, Josef (Berkleigh) Lawler, Ryan (Emily) Unger, and Alison (Brandon) Anthis, John Greer, Breen (Dillon) Greer, and Ian Greer; and great-grandchildren, Graden and Liam Cowell, Mason and Vada Unger, Payton and Alaina Anthis, and Ava and Jonas Lawler. He also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Virginia Walker and Annis Bliss along with son-in-law, Dick Meier.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Benton, or the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.
S-V-W Lady Devils improve to 7-0 with road win at Woodlawn
November 29, 2017 By Leave a Comment
By Jim Muir
WOODLAWN – The Sesser-Valier-Waltonville Lady Devils improved to 7-0 Wednesday night with a close 34-31 victory at Woodlawn.
Both teams got off to a slow start offensively with S-V-W trailing 6-3 at the end of the opening quarter.
“Our offense was stagnant all night,” said S-V-W Coach Rick Metcalf. “Our defense was really good all night that’s what got us by and got us the win.”
The Lady Devils put together a good second quarter outscoring Woodlawn by double digits 14-4 to take a 17-10 halftime advantage. The second frame actually was the difference in the game as Woodlawn outscored S-V-W 21-17 in the second half but still fell short.
“We hit some clutch free throws down the stretch that really contributed to the win,” Metcalf said. “I thought Sami McCowen and Paige Tucker both had outstanding games for us tonight.”
Tucker and McCowen led the Lady Devils in scoring with 14 and 8 points respectively. Sophomore Carlie Page added seven points, Jada Hale and Jaycee Garner scored two each and Jaice McCowen added one point.
Metcalf said he is pleasantly surprised to be heading into December with an unblemished mark.
“We have played really well as a team, “said the longtime coach. “We have had six different leading scorers in seven games and that is great balance.”
The Lady Devils are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they will host Chester in a Black Diamond Conference West matchup. The JV game will begin at 1 p.m.
Women’s Basketball opens road swing at Morehead State on Thursday
November 29, 2017 By Leave a Comment
By Will Becque siusalukis.com
The Southern Illinois women’s basketball team opens a two-game road swing at Morehead State on Thursday, Nov. 30. The Salukis (3-2) have won two-straight over the Eagles, but Morehead State is fresh off a season in which it won the Ohio Valley Conference regular season title and advanced to the WNIT for the first time in program history. Tip-off in Morehead, Ky. is set for 7:15 p.m. (CT)
Series History
Thursday’s matchup will mark the fourth all-time meeting between Morehead State and SIU, with Southern holding a 2-1 series lead. The Salukis have won two-straight in the series including their most recent meeting with the Eagles, a 102-69 win in Carbondale on Dec. 12, 2015 in a game in which SIU broke the school record for points in a game and seven Salukis scored in double figures. Southern also won the last time it played at Morehead St., a 75-66 win over the Eagles on Dec. 30, 2014.
Scouting the Eagles
The Eagles advanced to the WNIT for the first time in program history a year ago and return All-OVC Second Team selection Miranda Crockett, who averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season. Morehead State is 4-3 on the year and comes into Thursday’s contest having won two-straight, with wins over Chicago State (79-40) and Kentucky Christian (115-39) during the streak. Two of Morehead State’s four wins this season have come against NAIA opponents and five Eagles are currently averaging double figures. MSU is led by Tierra McGowan, who is averaging 15.1 points and 14.0 rebounds per game.
SIU vs. the OVC
The Salukis are 2-1 this season against Ohio Valley Conference opponents, and in 180 lifetime meetings against OVC schools sport a .722 winning percentage (130-50).
1,000 career points
Kylie Giebelhausen scored 13 points against SIUE to eclipse the 1,000 career point plateau on Nov. 27. She became the 25th Saluki to reach the career milestone, and the East Peoria, Ill. native joins Valparaiso’s Dani Franklin and Missouri State’s Liza Fruendt as the only active players in the Missouri Valley Conference in the 1,000-point club.
Back-to-Back Newcomer of the Week honors
Abby Brockmeyer was named the MVC’s Newcomer of the Week for the second-straight week after she scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in SIU’s overtime win over SEMO on Nov. 22. The Raymond, Ill. native is just the third player in program history to earn back-to-back Newcomer of the Week honors, joining Stephany Neptune (2009-10) and Cartaesha Macklin (2011-12) as the only Salukis to have done so since the MVC began handing out the award during the 2003-04 season.
Gov. Rauner, Consul General deepen economic ties between Japan, Illinois
November 29, 2017 By Leave a Comment
MARION — Gov. Bruce Rauner traveled today with the Japanese Consul General for the Midwest to meet with key educational and manufacturing leaders in southern Illinois, where the state’s business ties with Japan are paying dividends in jobs.
Today’s schedule included a tour of the Aisin Manufacturing campus in Marion. The company’s footprint has grown from one plant to three since the Japanese firm’s first Illinois groundbreaking in fall 2001.
“Aisin — an esteemed, world-class auto supplier — is among the many examples of Illinois’ strong relationship with Japanese investors,” Rauner said while touring with Consul General Naoki Ito. “We have over 630 Japanese companies at 1,206 locations, employing more than 44,000 Illinoisans.”
“Aisin is very pleased to support the Japan Consulate-Midwest visit to our plant and honored that Gov. Rauner was able to attend,” said Glenn Edwards, executive vice president of Aisin Manufacturing in Marion, where a combined 2,500-plus are employed at the three Aisin Group plants. “This type of interaction and activity is key to a positive, long-term business relationship.”
Before the tour, business, government and educational leaders gathered for a working luncheon at Rend Lake College, a community college in Ina. New Southern Illinois University System Chancellor Carlo Montemagno, Rend Lake College President Terry Wilkerson, state Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, and state Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, were among attendees.
Boosting coordination between colleges, universities and manufacturers to ensure a well-prepared, well-educated workforce is among the Rauner administration’s signature goals.
Jonathon Hallberg, executive director of the Jefferson County Development Corp., said Marion and other southern Illinois communities have benefited greatly from the Illinois-Japan connection, which dates back more than 140 years.
“Illinois has tremendous locational advantages for companies, with major cost advantages in the downstate area in particular,” Hallberg said. “I think that is why you have seen sustained investment by companies like Aisin, the Koito Group, and German-owned firms like Continental Tire the Americas LLC in our area. These international partnerships are the backbone of our local economy.”
Rauner said Japanese companies have driven economic development throughout the state. In smaller communities like Shelbyville, Lawrenceville, Marion and Mattoon, they form the foundation for robust economic development, he added.
Mark Peterson, president and CEO of Intersect Illinois, said Wednesday’s activities were a great follow-up to the governor’s fall trade mission to Japan.
“We are delighted that Consul General Ito is visiting southern Illinois to see the depth of the Illinois-Japan relationship,” Peterson said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the strength of Illinois’ manufacturing sector, workforce and partnership with academia to meet the needs of business.”
