SPRINGFIELD — Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s second-term legislative agenda will kick off in earnest next week as he proposes his fifth annual state budget to lawmakers in the General Assembly.
Nurses at Illinois facility forced patients to dig through their own feces, new report says
February 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Newly released reports from the Illinois Department of Human Services’ watchdog office reveal shocking instances of cruelty, abuse and poor care of patients who have mental illnesses and developmental disabilities at a state-run facility in rural southern Illinois.
Illinois lawmaker: Property taxes will ‘go to Mars’ if teacher pensions aren’t addressed
February 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is warning of even higher property taxes if costs surrounding the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System are not addressed.
Three restraining orders in four weeks of Illinois’ gun ban with more cases pending
February 10, 2023 By Leave a Comment
(The Center Square) – One month since Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted a ban on certain semi-automatic firearms and magazines in Illinois, the stack of federal and state challenges continues.
David Lee Payne Benton, IL
February 9, 2023 By Leave a Comment
David Lee Payne, age 62, of Benton, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023, in Canton, Mississippi.
His wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is assisting the family with local arrangements.
David was born on November 1, 1960, in Benton, the son of Francis Payne and Veneta Ruth (Whetstone) Payne. He married the former Paula Swisher on May 25, 1988; and she survives.
He was the owner/operator of Bulk Transport; and he had many over the road truck driving buddies across the United States.
David enjoyed his job, working outdoors, and he was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.
Surviving is his loving wife of 34 years, Paula Payne of Benton; a son Cory Payne of Olympia, Washington; two nephews: Brian and Terry Steinmetz of West Frankfort, his four-legged-buddy Shady; and his over the road trucking buddies.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Francis and Veneta Payne; and a sister Roberta Eldridge.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of David, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Frances Lenore Summers (Avery) – Benton, IL
February 7, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Frances Lenore Summers (Avery), 86, of Benton passed away Monday morning, February 6, 2023 at her home.
She was born in Meeteetse, Wyoming on October 21, 1936, the daughter of Freeman & Ruth (Sadler) Summers.
Frances was a Beautician, and a retired Illinois Corrections Officer.
Frances is survived by her:
4 Children:
Rowdy Young & wife Amy of Goreville
Laurie Sheppard of Valier
Lisa Bell
Michael Young & wife Christal of Brownsboro, AL
Grandchildren:
Harrison Young
Amelia Young
Brittany Bell
Jacob Young & wife Johanna
Zachary Young
Sydney Young
1 Brother: Ron Summers & wife Kay of Thompsonville
Sister-in-law: Cindy Summers of Missouri
Frances was preceded in death by her Parents and by 1 Brother-Roger.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 9th at the Morton & Johnston Funerla Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Jacob Wesley Sanchez – Peoria, IL
February 7, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Jacob Wesley Sanchez, 28, of Peoria, IL, passed away on January 30, 2023, in Nashville, TN. He was born October 11, 1994, in Carbondale, IL, to Rodrigo and Christy (Cockrum) Sanchez. He graduated from Dunlap High School in 2013 and worked in IT at Genesco, Inc. in Nashville.
Jacob is survived by his girlfriend, Nikki Lepretre and their son, Jayce Hunter Sanchez, both of Metamora, IL; his parents, Rodrigo and Christy Sanchez of Peoria, IL; his sister Ashley, brother Tristen, and paternal grandmother DeEtta Sanchez.
He is survived by his aunts and uncles – Staci (Jim) Hood, Valier, IL; Wendy (John) Kirkpatrick, Madison, AL; Annette (Alexander) Loya, Cancun, Mexico; Rafael (Rocio) Sanchez, Mexico City, Mexico; as well as cousins, Derek and Courtney Hood, Kensi, Kade, and Kylie Kirkpatrick, Alejandra and Rodrigo Loya, DeEtta, Christian, and Andrea Sanchez, and Nichole and Ian Langevin.
Jacob was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Billy and Linda Cockrum, and his paternal grandfather, Rafael Sanchez.
Being loved by Jacob was an amazing gift. His infectious laugh, uncanny sense of humor, tender heart, and presence will be missed greatly by all who loved and knew him. He treasured the time spent with his two-year-old son. He referred to Jayce as, “the best thing he ever did,” and often bragged that his son was, “the epitome of perfection.”
Visitation will be held at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL, on Saturday, February 11th from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 PM with Brother Larry Cook officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association (HOIDSA). Please designate in the notes section that your donation is “In Memory of Jacob Sanchez.” HOIDSA Donation Link
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Melody Lynn Hays-Christopher, IL
February 5, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Melody Lynn Hays, 64, of Christopher, passed away on Friday February 3, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.
She was born on February 25, 1958 in Melrose Park, IL to Arthur and Dimple (Overturf) Kerley. She married Rick Hays on June 15, 1974 and he survives of Christopher.
She is also survived by her children Rick (Sara) Hays of Opdyke, Nik Hays of St Louis and Amanda (Ryan) Petrea of Salem; Grandchildren Brylin Hays, Ahnalynn Hays, Kirstie (Michael) Allison, Mataya Petrea, Zyan Petrea, Kollyn Petrea and Mak Petrea; one sister Debi (Joe) Shovan of Valier and one brother Lindell Kerley of Christopher.
Melody was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws and grandson, Jaxon. Melody was a loving Christian wife, mother, and grandma. She had a talent for singing and she loved to use that talent to worship her Lord and Savior. She opened her arms and home to many people throughout the years and was always willing to give love, hugs, and an open ear to anyone in need. Melody‘s pride and joy were her three children and her grandchildren. She loved supporting them in all they did. She was an example for all in what living a Christian life meant. She and Rick were meant to be and were each other‘s best friends and soulmates, having been married for 48 years. Melody will be greatly missed here on earth, but we know she is rejoicing in heaven with her loved ones, and we will see her again.
Funeral services will be on Thursday February 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with her son Pastor Rick Hays officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday February 8, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Demealia Francine Mason Dober-Coello, IL
February 5, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Demealia Francine Mason Dober, 100, of Coello, passed away on Friday February 3, 2023 at Fairview Nursing Home in DuQuoin.
She was born on April 5, 1922 in Mississippi County, MO to Lewis and Ruth Mae (Schneider) Branam. She married David Mason and he preceded her in death, she then married Clearance Dober and he preceded her in death.
She is survived by her children Benjamin Mason of Sherman, Il, Carolyn (James) Clark of Chillicothe, IL and Gary Mason of Christopher; 15 Grandchildren; 29 Great Grandchildren; 22 Great Great Grandchildren; one sister Georgia Furlow of Tamaroa and one brother Anthony Branam of East Prairie, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, one daughter Linda Joan Baum, two sons Lynn Edward Mason and Albert Eugene Mason, one grandson Benjamin Mason and 8 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday February 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Perry Musgrave officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Mulkeytown.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
Tina Sue Young-Christopher
February 5, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Tina Sue Young, 58, of Christopher, passed away on Friday February 3, 2023 at the Herrin Hospital.
She was born on September 28, 1964 in Christopher to Frank and Dorothy (Destefano) Burnam. She married Anthony Young and he survives of Christopher.
She is also survived by her children Richard (Lindsey) Eickelman of Valier, Eric Young of Goreville and Bradley Young of Christopher.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Stephanie Eickelman and one sister Gloria Bennett.
Her wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com
